Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mercedes-grand-prix-searches-for-drivers-while-dispelling-board/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The new Mercedes GP car rendered - Click above to view in high-resolution

With two manufacturers leaving the series, four new teams joining the grid and a giant game of musical chairs amongst the drivers ensuing, the off-season between the 2009 and 2010 Formula One World Championships is packing in as much action as the racing itself. But few developments have garnered as much attention as the coup orchestrated by Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, withdrawing from McLaren after fifteen years as its active partner in favor of a more conventional engine supplier role, while buying over 75% of the Brawn GP outfit to enter the sport as a full manufacturer team under the Mercedes Grand Prix banner.

The acquisition has drawn public criticism from Erich Klemm, employee representative on the Daimler board and chairman of its Corporate Works Council, who decried the move as an unnecessary cost when money is tight and other automakers are withdrawing from the series. Chairman Dieter Zetsche responded that the acquisition of the Brawn team will give the company more exposure for less cash: The deal reportedly cost the German automaker some $336 million, but its operating costs are expected to drop to about $74 million annually by 2011, analyzed as far less than what Mercedes was contributing annually to the McLaren budget.

Zetsche might have more trouble, however, explaining to the board how their star driver slipped through their fingers and defected to the team they just ditched. McLaren just announced the recruitment of Jenson Button to team up with Lewis Hamilton for a twin-champ "super team," and Rubens Barrichello is off to Williams next season, leaving the new Mercedes GP team looking for new drivers. Considering they're the reigning champions suddenly flush with cash, they shouldn't have much trouble, though.

Zetsche and Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug are reportedly keen to capitalize with an all-German line-up, fueling speculation that Michael Schumacher could rejoin Mercedes (whose junior driving program gave him his start) and Brawn (who orchestrated all seven of his world championships). Nico Rosberg is thought to already have signed on to switch places with Barrichello, while Nick Heidfeld has been linked with a switch from the departing BMW to its arch-rival Mercedes. Toyota's Timo Glock was also reportedly in the running, but the young German driver signed with newcomer Manor GP instead. Haug has indicated an announcement will come within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned.

[Source: F1 Live]

Mercedes Grand Prix searches for drivers while dispelling board's concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barrichellobuttonbutton mclarenButtonMclarendaimlerDieter ZetscheDieterZetscheerich klemmErichKlemmglockhamiltonhaugheidfeldheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjenson buttonJensonButtonlewis hamiltonLewisHamiltonmclarenmercedesmercedes gpmercedes grand prixmercedes-benzMercedesGpMercedesGrandPrixnick heidfeldNickHeidfeldnorbert haugNorbertHaugrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichellotimo glockTimoGlockzetscheWed, 18 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Jenson Button joins Hamilton for twin-champ McLaren "super team"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/breaking-jenson-button-joins-hamilton-for-twin-champ-mclaren-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/breaking-jenson-button-joins-hamilton-for-twin-champ-mclaren-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/breaking-jenson-button-joins-hamilton-for-twin-champ-mclaren-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's not every day that you see two World Champions teamed up together - especially not the two most recent. In fact, that bit has never happened before in Formula One history, but that's exactly what we'll see next year as McLaren has announced the teaming of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton as its drivers for next season and beyond.

Button's move to McLaren has been long rumored, fueled recently by a visit by the World Champion together with his managers to the team's headquarters in Woking. Negotiations had been ongoing with the Brawn team with which he won his championship this year and which he'll now be departing, but even with Mercedes' injection of cash, the small team apparently couldn't afford the rate which the newly crowned champ was commanding on the open market.

The announcement will undoubtedly be greeted enthusiastically by British racing fans, placing two British drivers behind the wheel of an entirely British team - and the first pairing of two British World Champions since 1968 when Graham Hill and Jim Clark drove for Lotus. Less so for the newly-christened Mercedes Grand Prix team, which is losing both the drivers that brought Brawn GP the championship.

The move also leaves Heikki Kovalainen without a ride and further confirms fellow Finn Kimi Raikkonen's lucrative sabbatical. But now that Button's future is settled and McLaren has confirmed its drivers, the rest of the grid should fall into place shortly, so stay tuned. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: McLaren | Image: Paul Gilham/Getty]

Continue reading BREAKING: Jenson Button joins Hamilton for twin-champ McLaren "super team"

BREAKING: Jenson Button joins Hamilton for twin-champ McLaren "super team" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingBreakingNewsbuttonbutton hamiltonbutton mclarenButtonHamiltonButtonMclarenf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnehamilton buttonHamiltonButtonheikki kovalainenHeikkiKovalainenjenson buttonjenson button mclarenJensonButtonJensonButtonMclarenmclarenmclaren-mercedesvodafone mclaren mercedesVodafoneMclarenMercedesWed, 18 Nov 2009 13:27:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Formula 1 season wraps up with a bang at inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/spoiler-alert-2009-formula-1-season-wraps-up-with-a-bang-at-ina/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/spoiler-alert-2009-formula-1-season-wraps-up-with-a-bang-at-ina/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/01/spoiler-alert-2009-formula-1-season-wraps-up-with-a-bang-at-ina/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Les jeux sont faits. The line signifies the last call for bets at a casino, and is all too familiar to racing fans visiting Monte Carlo for the annual Monaco Grand Prix. But these days the Mediterranean principality isn't the only place that features state-of-the-art Formula One race cars speeding past casinos. Nor is it the only exotic locale anymore that stages an F1 grand prix around a marina, for that matter. Over the past couple of years, Valencia and Singapore became two of the newest circuits that incorporate trackside docking for mega-yachts alongside wheel-to-wheel action, and this year Abu Dhabi joined the fold with the much-hyped Yas Marina Circuit. But by the time the F1 circus sailed in to the Gulf emirate for the last round of the 2009 Formula One World Championship, the titles were already settled and the champions already crowned.

With the major plays already made, some might have dismissed the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as insignificant. Indeed, if Bernie Ecclestone had his way with his proposed olympic-style medal system, the race might have been canceled altogether. But if you ask us, removing the title chase from racing boils motorsport competition down to its essence, all eyes focused purely on the checkered flag instead of scoring points in the larger context of the championship. And if anything, the action on Yas Island only proved the point. Follow the jump to read how it unfolded.


Gallery: 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Formula 1 season wraps up with a bang at inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: 2009 Formula 1 season wraps up with a bang at inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 14:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 abu dhabi grand prix2009 formula one world championship2009AbuDhabiGrandPrix2009FormulaOneWorldChampionshipabu dhabiAbu Dhabi GPabu dhabi grand prixAbuDhabiAbuDhabiGpAbuDhabiGrandPrixbrawn gpBrawnGpbuttonemiratesf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegrand prixGrandPrixgulfjenson buttonJensonButtonmark webberMarkWebberpersian gulfPersianGulfred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingsebastian vettelSebastianVetteluaeunited arab emiratesUnitedArabEmiratesvettelwebberyas islandyas island circuityas island marina circuityas marinayas marina circuitYasIslandYasIslandCircuitYasIslandMarinaCircuitYasMarinaYasMarinaCircuitSun, 01 Nov 2009 14:47:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Race of Champions heads to Beijing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2009-race-of-champions-heads-to-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2009-race-of-champions-heads-to-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/2009-race-of-champions-heads-to-beijing/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Race of Champions at Wembley Stadium - Click above for high-res image gallery

Most of this year's major motorsport series are winding to a close. Champions are being crowned. Teams are preparing for next year. You know what that means: it's time for the Race of Champions.

The international event has been held for the past twenty years, and it always offers a real spectacle as some of the world's best drivers compete for top honors. And this year figures to be no different. Held for the first time outside of Europe at the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium in Beijing, the 2009 Race of Champions is set to take place next week, packed with an all-star roster.

Among those taking part this year will be newly-crowned Formula One World Champion Jenson Button, seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher, recently retired F1 stalwart David Coulthard and rising star Sebastian Vettel. Although six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb - who won the RoC last year and twice before that - has apparently opted to sit this one out, perennial runner-up Mikko Hirvonen will be competing, along with Audi's multiple Le Mans winners Tom Kristensen and Emanuele Pirro; touring car champions Andy Priaulx, Mattias Ekstrom, Jamie Whincup and Yvan Muller; Dakar winner Giniel deVilliers, Monegasque single-seat racer Clivio Piccione and Australian bike racer Mick Doohan. And finally, these United States will be represented by two of our very finest showmen, Travis Pastrana and Tanner Foust.

This year, the champions will be competing for bragging rights behind the wheels of such varied machinery as the Ford Focus WRC, Volkswagen Scirocco, KTM X-Bow, Solution F Prototype Opel touring car and three different specially-equipped sprint cars. Tune in on Tuesday, November 3 - just two days after the 2009 Formula One World Championship wraps up in Abu Dhabi - for the results.


Gallery: 2008 Race of Champions


[Source: Race of Champions | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

2009 Race of Champions heads to Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 race of champions2009RaceOfChampionsbeijingbirds nestBirdsNestClivio PiccioneClivioPiccioneDavid CoulthardDavidCoulthardEmanuele PirroEmanuelePirroGiniel deVilliersGinielDevilliersJenson ButtonJensonButtonMichael SchumacherMichaelSchumacherMike DoohanMikeDoohanMikko HirvonenMikkoHirvonenrace of championsRaceOfChampionsrocSebastian VettelSebastianVettelSebastien LoebSebastienLoebTanner FaustTannerFaustTom KristensenTomKristensenTravis PastranaTravisPastranaThu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Tanner Foust headed back to the 2009 Race of Champions, now at Beijing's Bird's Nest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/tanner-foust-headed-back-to-the-2009-race-of-champions-now-at-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/tanner-foust-headed-back-to-the-2009-race-of-champions-now-at-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/tanner-foust-headed-back-to-the-2009-race-of-champions-now-at-b/#commentsFiled under: ,

Michael Schumacher and Tanner Foust at the 2008 Race of Champions

There's our buddy and rally/drift/stunt maestro Tanner Foust (on the right), arm in arm with some guy Michael Schumacher at the 2008 Race of Champions (ROC) held in Wembley Stadium, London. Tanner went as a last minute substitute after Travis Pastrana broke his hip (and ankle) trying to flip a truck. However, in a supposedly backup roll, Foust went on to beat current F1 Champ Jenson Button in front of 80,000 fans before being knocked out of the competition by 2008 ROC runner-up David Coulthard. The 2008 ROC overall winner was none other than Sebastian Loeb.

If you don't know, the Race of Champions was founded in 1988 by former Group B legend Michèle Mouton and is the only race where drivers from different disciplines get the chance to compete against each other in a variety of events utilizing a whole bunch of different cars. The driver skill sets include F1, NASCAR, touring cars, and more recently rally and drift. Last year's cars included everything from a KTM X-Bow to a WRC Ford Focus to special ROC dune buggy. This year should be about the same. 2009 marks a big change for ROC as it leaves jolly old England and heads to China. Bejing specifically and the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium designed by Herzod and de Meuron.

This year both Foust and Pastrana will be representing Old Glory as the sole American competitors. "I'm very honored to receive the re-invite to the Race of Champions," says Foust. "Pastrana will be the perfect teammate. He's good under pressure, undeniably fast and never misses a side bet." In addition to the ROC, Foust will be participating in daily drift events against a "top Chinese drifter." Having done a bit of dorifto with Mr. Foust ourselves, this Chinese cat had better be good. Like, real good. Best of luck to both Tanner and Travis, as they're going to need it against guys like Schumacher and Pirro. The Race of Champions takes place November 3-4.

[Source: Race of Champions]

Tanner Foust headed back to the 2009 Race of Champions, now at Beijing's Bird's Nest originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 Race of Champions2009RaceOfChampionsDavid CoulthardDavidCoulthardFoustJenson ButtonJensonButtonMichael SchumacherMichaelSchumacherMichele MoutonMicheleMoutonRace of ChampionsRace of Champions 2009RaceOfChampionsRaceOfChampions2009ROCTannerTanner FoustTannerFoustTravis PastranaTravisPastranaWed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: The Fat Lady Sings at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/spoiler-alert-the-fat-lady-sings-at-the-2009-brazilian-grand-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/spoiler-alert-the-fat-lady-sings-at-the-2009-brazilian-grand-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/spoiler-alert-the-fat-lady-sings-at-the-2009-brazilian-grand-pr/#commentsFiled under: ,

2009 Brazilian Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

"Everything can change in a New York minute." It's a good thing Don Henley wrote his hit song twenty years before this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix. Because "in an Interlagos minute" just doesn't have the same ring to it. But it does go to show how quickly fortunes can be reversed over the course of a race distance. Especially when the championship is on the line.

With two races to go, the F1 circus rolled in to Sao Paulo with Jenson Button - winner of six grands prix this season - leading his Brawn GP team-mate, hometown hero and chief rival Rubens Barrichello 85 to 71, with Red Bull challenger Sebastian Vettel - fresh from victory in Japan - trailing with 69 points. The most likely scenarios placed Button clinching the title right here at the penultimate championship round, if not at the final race in Abu Dhabi two weeks from now.

But the heavens seemed to have a different plan when torrential downpours put a hamper on Saturday's qualifying session. Once the rain stopped, yesterday's proved to be the longest qualifying session in Formula One history, and the order came out all messed up. Instead of placing up at the front of the grid, Button and Vettel found themselves way down the pecking order in 14th and 16th positions. In their place, their respective wingmen Barrichello and Webber started 1st and 2nd on the grid, with half a field's worth of back-markers separating them. Follow the jump to read how the race unfolded.


Gallery: 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: The Fat Lady Sings at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: The Fat Lady Sings at the 2009 Brazilian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 brazilian grand prix2009 fia formula one world championship2009BrazilianGrandPrix2009FiaFormulaOneWorldChampionshipbrawn gpBrawnGpbrazilbrazilianbrazilian grand prixBrazilianGrandPrixf1fia formula one world championshipFiaFormulaOneWorldChampionshipformula 1formula oneformula one world championshipFormula1FormulaOneFormulaOneWorldChampionshipgrand prixGrandPrixinterlagosjenson buttonJensonButtonmark webberMarkWebberrace resultsRaceResultsred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingsao pauloSaoPauloSun, 18 Oct 2009 16:47:00 EST<![CDATA[End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/08/end-of-year-shuffle-14-formula-one-teams-swap-drivers-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you thought the series of driver changes in the middle of this ongoing Formula One season was something, it's nothing compared to the grand game of musical chairs expected to ensue as the season draws to a close. With BMW closing up shop, several new teams joining the grid and at least a couple of former world champions switching teams for next year's championship, we're shaping up for the biggest jumble the F1 circus has seen in years. Follow the jump to see how it's unfolding so far.

[Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

Continue reading End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010

End of Year Shuffle: 14 Formula One teams swap drivers for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 fia formula one world champion2010 formula one2010FiaFormulaOneWorldChampion2010FormulaOneadian sutilAdianSutilalguersuarialonsobarrichellobrawlBrawn GPBrawnGpbuemibuttoncamposcampos metaCamposMetaf1f1 driversF1Driversfelipe massaFelipeMassafernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoFerrarifisichellaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneGiancarlo FisichellaGiancarloFisichellaglockgrosjeanheidfeldJaime AlguersuariJaimeAlguersuarijarno trulliJarnoTrullijenson buttonJensonButtonkazuki nakajimaKazukiNakajimakimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenkubicaliuzziLotuslotus f1LotusF1manormark webberMarkWebbermassamclarennakajimanick heidfeldNickHeidfeldnico rosbergNicoRosbergraikkonenred bullred bull racingRedBullRedBullRacingrobert kubicaRobertKubicaromain grosjeanRomainGrosjeanrosbergrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichelloscuderia toro rossoScuderiaToroRossosebastian vettelSebastianVettelsebastien buemiSebastienBuemisutiltimo glockTimoGlocktonio liuzziTonioLiuzzitoro rossoToroRossotoyotatoyota f1ToyotaF1trullius f1UsF1vettelvitantonio liuzziVitantonioLiuzziwebberwilliamsThu, 08 Oct 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[2009 Spanish Grand Prix: How the Mighty Have Fallen [SPOILER ALERT]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/10/2009-spanish-grand-prix-how-the-mighty-have-fallen-spoiler-ale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/10/2009-spanish-grand-prix-how-the-mighty-have-fallen-spoiler-ale/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/10/2009-spanish-grand-prix-how-the-mighty-have-fallen-spoiler-ale/#commentsFiled under:

2009 Chinese Grand Prix - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Those who tuned in on Saturday for the qualifying session at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix would not have been surprised by the top three: Brawn's Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello took first and third on the starting grid, respectively, sandwiching Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel in second. No big surprise there - after dominating the first four rounds of the season, these three drivers hold the top three spots in the standings, after all. But coming in right behind them was a daunting wild card in Felipe Massa, who took fourth place on the grid. Of course only in this topsy-turvy season could Ferrari's golden boy, runner-up in last year's championship, be considered a wild card. Call it a sign of the times. But would Massa be able to turn around his dismal fortunes, take on the erstwhile underdogs and restore the Scuderia to its rightful place in the winner's circle? Follow the jump to find out.


Gallery: 2009 Spanish Grand Prix

Continue reading 2009 Spanish Grand Prix: How the Mighty Have Fallen [SPOILER ALERT]

2009 Spanish Grand Prix: How the Mighty Have Fallen [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 May 2009 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barcelonabarrichellobrawnbrawn gpBrawnGpbuttoncatalunyafelipe massaFelipeMassagpgrand prixGrandPrixjenson buttonJensonButtonmark webberMarkWebbermassared bullRedBullrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichellosebastian vettelSebastianVettelspanishspanish gpspanish grand prixSpanishGpSpanishGrandPrixvettelwebberSun, 10 May 2009 13:53:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Spraying the Bubbly at the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/spoiler-alert-spraying-the-bubbly-at-the-2009-bahrain-grand-pri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/spoiler-alert-spraying-the-bubbly-at-the-2009-bahrain-grand-pri/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/spoiler-alert-spraying-the-bubbly-at-the-2009-bahrain-grand-pri/#commentsFiled under: ,


2009 Bahrain Grand Prix - Click above for a high-res image gallery

If you hadn't watched a single grand prix yet this season, hadn't read any F1-related news or even glanced at a headline, and hadn't spoken to a single racing fan for the past couple of months, you'd likely be shocked to find out how this season has unfolded so far, with the back-markers going from checkered pasts to checkered flags over the course of the winter break. But even at the break-neck speeds which modern F1 cars travel, you wouldn't need an elaborate explanation to catch up with the parade. All you'd need would be to look at the expression on the face of this weekend's race winner and you'd be there. Follow the jump to catch a glimpse.


Gallery: 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Spraying the Bubbly at the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: Spraying the Bubbly at the 2009 Bahrain Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 bahrain gp2009 bahrain grand prix2009BahrainGp2009BahrainGrandPrixbahrainbahrain gpbahrain grand prixBahrainGpBahrainGrandPrixbrawnbrawn gpBrawnGpbuttonf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnejarno trulliJarnoTrullijenson buttonJensonButtonmiddle eastMiddleEastred bullred bull f1red bull racingred bull-renaultRedBullRedBull-renaultRedBullF1RedBullRacingsebastian vettelSebastianVetteltoyotatoyota f1ToyotaF1trullivettelSun, 26 Apr 2009 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: Weathering the Storm at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/spoiler-alert-weathering-the-storm-at-the-2009-malaysian-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/spoiler-alert-weathering-the-storm-at-the-2009-malaysian-grand/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/05/spoiler-alert-weathering-the-storm-at-the-2009-malaysian-grand/#commentsFiled under:


2009 Malaysian Grand Prix - Click above for high-res image gallery

After last weekend's Australian Grand Prix resulting in a brand new team claiming a devastating 1-2 victory and the incumbent world champion retroactively disqualified from the race, we knew right off the bat that 2009 would be a stormy season in Formula One. But nobody could predict what would happen next.

The track was dry earlier this morning as the green flag waved over the starting grid at the Sepang circuit on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, but dark clouds loomed ominously in the Malaysian skies as spectators, commentators and teams alike wondered if the notoriously temperate Southeast Asian weather would hold back long enough to complete the race distance. Follow the jump to find out.


Gallery: 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: Weathering the Storm at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix

SPOILER ALERT: Weathering the Storm at the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 malaysian grand prix2009MalaysianGrandPrixjenson buttonJensonButtonmalaysiamalaysian grand prixMalaysianGrandPrixtimo glockTimoGlockSun, 05 Apr 2009 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Your Formula 1 season has officially begun, Brawn GP in the lead]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/28/your-formula-1-season-has-officially-begun-brawn-gp-in-the-lead/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/28/your-formula-1-season-has-officially-begun-brawn-gp-in-the-lead/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/28/your-formula-1-season-has-officially-begun-brawn-gp-in-the-lead/#commentsFiled under: ,



It seems like F1 has been suffering the wrong kind of turmoil for the past few years: big and little teams failing; espionage; driver spats; owner-and-FIA spats; record penalties and fines; sex scandals; and regulations being changed like diapers - just to name a few things. The 2009 season has started off in a bit of turmoil as well, with six teams' car designs protested against.

But all of that has been overshadowed by the right kind of turmoil, which happened during qualifying for the Australian GP. Jensen Button and Rubens Barrichello fought it out for the front row, with Button taking pole position on the last possible lap of qualifying, Vettel in the Red Bull taking third. And Button didn't just get pole, he slapped a leash on it and took it home: Rubens is three tenths behind, Vettel more than a half second.

And the big boys? Massa and Raikkonen are 6th and 8th for Ferrari, Kovaleinen in 12th and Hamilton at the back of the grid because of a gearbox change, where he'll join both Toyota cars, which were disqualified for flexing rear wings. When the lights go out at 3 a.m. EST, we could see the beginning of a most thrilling season.

[Source: F1 Live]

Your Formula 1 season has officially begun, Brawn GP in the lead originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australian grand prixAustralianGrandPrixbrawn gpBrawnGpbreakingf1formula 1Formula1gpgrand prixGrandPrixjenson buttonJensonButtonruben barichelloRubenBarichelloSat, 28 Mar 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ex-Honda team Brawn GP dominates pre-season F1 tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/ex-honda-team-brawn-gp-dominates-pre-season-f1-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/ex-honda-team-brawn-gp-dominates-pre-season-f1-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/12/ex-honda-team-brawn-gp-dominates-pre-season-f1-tests/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for gallery of Brawn GP testing at Catalunya

Normally an off-season Formula One test session wouldn't be worth reporting to anyone but the most hard-core racing fans, but the motorsport press was shocked to see which team has emerged at the front of the pack at this week's official session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. Only a couple of weeks after announcing their new ownership and return to the grid for this season, it was Brawn GP that embarrassed the heavy-hitters and lead the field, running with a plain livery while strategizing sponsorship deals and posting lap times a full second ahead of Ferrari, the next fastest team in testing.

While some postulated that Jenson Button's lap times were nothing more than a publicity stunt, running on a reduced fuel load to lap faster and garner attention, analysts note that the team was up at the front the whole way through their full Grand Prix weekend simulation. Even Fernando Alonso says the former Honda team's performance is for real, while Ross Brawn, the mastermind technical director turned team owner, credits the team's performance to the priority placed on developing the new car last year under the Honda banner.

Meanwhile, returning champions McLaren-Mercedes, which is supplying Brawn's engines in exchange for Honda's severance cash, languished at the back of the field, while Toyota, which is tipped to follow Honda out of the sport if they don't win their first race this year, ran at the front with Ferrari and BMW. With new regulations in place, we knew things would get shaken up, but Brawn GP was probably the last team we expected to seize the reins. Click below to view a new image gallery, and follow the jump for video footage.


Gallery: Brawn GP at Catalunya, March 2009


[Source: F1-Live]

Continue reading Ex-Honda team Brawn GP dominates pre-season F1 tests

Ex-Honda team Brawn GP dominates pre-season F1 tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brawnbrawn grand prixbrawn racingbrawngpbrawngpteamBrawnGrandPrixBrawnRacinghondahonda f1HondaF1jenson buttonJensonButtonross brawnRossBrawnrubens barichellorubens barrichelloRubensBarichelloRubensBarrichelloThu, 12 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially Official: Honda sells F1 team to Ross Brawn, Brawn GP launched]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/officially-official-honda-sells-f1-team-to-ross-brawn-brawn-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/officially-official-honda-sells-f1-team-to-ross-brawn-brawn-gp/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/officially-official-honda-sells-f1-team-to-ross-brawn-brawn-gp/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's official: Honda has turned over their Formula 1 team to former Team Principal Ross Brawn. Although the terms of the transaction haven't been disclosed, Brawn picks up the whole operation in the sale. While there were suggestions the new team might be named Brackley after the team's HQ locale, it will be eponymously named Brawn GP. Considering the cars feature McLaren-Mercedes powerplants, we weren't surprised when we didn't see the word "Honda" in the name.

Along with the new name comes a new website, BrawnGP.com, where you can find a small gallery of the GP cars, drivers and Ross. The cars have already been testing in the UK at Silverstone and are expected to test in Spain as well before the season opener in Melbourne on March 29. Drivers have been confirmed as Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello, assuring some continuity and experience for the new-old team. It will definitely be an interesting F1 season. Press releases from both companies are after the jump.

Continue reading Officially Official: Honda sells F1 team to Ross Brawn, Brawn GP launched

Officially Official: Honda sells F1 team to Ross Brawn, Brawn GP launched originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brawn F1BrawnF1f1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnehonda f1honda f1 racingHondaF1HondaF1Racingjenson buttonJensonButtonross brawnRossBrawnrubens barrichelloRubensBarrichelloFri, 06 Mar 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda F1 SOLD! to a man named Slim]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/honda-f1-sold-to-a-man-named-slim/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/honda-f1-sold-to-a-man-named-slim/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/27/honda-f1-sold-to-a-man-named-slim/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to La Stampa, Honda F1 has a buyer: Mexican telecom billionaire Carlos Slim Helu. Reports claim he paid the single dollar Honda was asking. He trumped Force India F1 owner Vijay Mallya, who was suspected to want the Honda team only for its tech know-how, and Prodrive's Dave Richards.

When Honda announced its immediate departure from F1 on December 4, it gave the outfit 27 days to find a bona fide buyer who would make a credible 3-year commitment to run the team. If the team did find such a purchaser, Honda said it would assist with finances and technical support. Carlos Slim has the finances and the experience: he is reportedly the second richest man in the world, and his companies are already involved in motorsport.

If the transaction proves to be true, and assuming the team gets funded properly, it will mean a few good things for the 2009 F1 season: it will add another privateer team to the grid, it will let Ross Brawn continue creating the team he's been dying to lead since he was at Ferrari, and it will return the name "Senna" to the grid. Bruno, Ayrton Senna's nephew, is sponsored by Embratel, a subsidiary of Slim's Telmex company, and will certainly replace Rubens Barrichello as the one flying the Brazilian flag.

[Source: La Stampa via My Automovil]

Honda F1 SOLD! to a man named Slim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bruno sennaBrunoSennacarlos slimcarlos slim heluCarlosSlimCarlosSlimHeluf1formula 1Formula1honda f1HondaF1jenson buttonJensonButtonmotorsportsSat, 27 Dec 2008 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Peugeot/Citroen to buy Honda F1?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/rumormill-peugeot-citroen-to-buy-honda-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/rumormill-peugeot-citroen-to-buy-honda-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/16/rumormill-peugeot-citroen-to-buy-honda-f1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Back when Alain Prost ran an F1 team, after jettisoning engines supplied by Mugen-Honda, it was Peugeot that left Jordan to sign up with Prost. Things didn't go well, and Peugeot jumped ship three years later. But it's possible that Peugeot feels it has some unfinished business in F1. Rumor has it that among the folks snooping around Honda's F1 operations is PSA, the parent company of Peugeot/Citroen. Supposedly not as hurt by the downturn as its rivals, and with F1 cost cutting in extra strength mode, PSA thinks now is the time to buy Honda's operations, benefit from Honda's promised assistance, and go head-to-head with its French rival Renault. Were such a thing to pass, speculation is that Peugeot would put Sebastien Bourdais and Jenson Button in the cockpits.

[Source: F1-Live]

Rumormill: Peugeot/Citroen to buy Honda F1? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenf1formula 1Formula1hondahonda f1HondaF1jenson buttonJensonButtonmotorsportspeugeotpsasebastien bourdaisSebastienBourdaisTue, 16 Dec 2008 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Jenson Button to take delivery of first two HondaJets]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/jenson-button-to-take-delivery-of-first-two-hondajets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/jenson-button-to-take-delivery-of-first-two-hondajets/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/23/jenson-button-to-take-delivery-of-first-two-hondajets/#commentsFiled under:


Click above to view the HondaJet in hi-res

Although it is being built in North Carolina, it will be another couple of years before the HondaJet will undergo U.S. federal aviation certification. But in the meantime, the aircraft launched this week in Europe at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - held at the same Palexpo that hosts the Geneva Motor Show each year - while the jet undergoes European certification. And who do you think placed the first order? None other than Jenson Button, Honda's star F1 racing driver.

Button - who has (arguably) loyally stood by Honda (formerly known as BAR) for six straight seasons despite the team's dismal performance and in the face of offers from other teams - will take delivery of not one, but two HondaJets when they begin delivery in 2012. In addition to personal use, the scruffy F1 driver will use the jets for his new charter aircraft business. Each new HondaJet can carry five passengers and two crew in groundbreaking (but decidedly un-earth-shaking) silence to 483 mph in all the high-tech luxury expected from the creators of Asimo.

Gallery: HondaJet


[Source: 4Car]

Jenson Button to take delivery of first two HondaJets originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hondahonda jethonda jet jenson buttonHondaJetHondaJetJensonButtonjenson buttonjenson button charter aircraftJensonButtonJensonButtonCharterAircraftFri, 23 May 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Formula One]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/2007-goodwood-festival-of-speed-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/2007-goodwood-festival-of-speed-formula-one/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/2007-goodwood-festival-of-speed-formula-one/#commentsFiled under: ,



Goodwood has been an incredible experience and we hope you have enjoyed the coverage as much as we've enjoyed providing it. One of the numerous highlights for us was undoubtedly the Formula 1 cars; from those outrageous beasts of the '30s and '40s, through the mid-engine revolution, and on up to the technically-packed computers on wheels we have today. Friday and Saturday they had a relatively dry track to play with, and most of them seemed to be taking advantage of the conditions. Sunday's rains meant it was a bit trickier to put together a quick time, but it provided a chance for many drivers to just put on a good show for the fans.

And the drivers themselves were a big part of the show. From Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees, Sir Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill, and Emerson Fittipaldi, to Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Anthony Davidson, it was a pretty impressive list. And sometimes the pairings were just magical, as when Damon Hill found himself behind the wheel of one of his father Graham's old single-seaters. As cool as it was to see the older legends in action, the real thrill comes from having so many current drivers and cars on hand.

Davidson drove the 1987 Williams-Honda FW11B that Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet won the championship with. Ferrari had cars from 1960, '68, '93, '98, 2000 and 2006. Honda brought their latest car, the Earth-decorated RA107, in which Christien Klien took on the driving duties until Jenson Button showed up. McLaren-Mercedes, Red Bull, Toyota, and Williams-Toyota all brought out '06 or '07 cars as well. Because the competition was getting a little beyond the safety measures at the event, these cars weren't timed, but drivers like Coulthard and Hamilton really showed what the cars could do. Long burnouts while waving seemed to warm the hearts of the soaked crowd. Some drivers stayed for autographs, but with a race next week and all that rain still coming down, it was understandable that most could only be there for a short time.

Gallery: Goodwood Festival of Speed: Formula One



All photos (C) 2007 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed: Formula One originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 20:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony DavidsonAnthonyDavidsonDamon HillDamonHillDavid CoulthardDavidCoulthardEmerson FittipaldiEmersonFittipaldiF1featuredFestival of SpeedFestivalOfSpeedFormula 1Formula OneFormula1FormulaOneGoodwoodJenson ButtonJensonButtonLewis HamiltonLewisHamiltonSir Jackie StewartSir Stirling MossSirJackieStewartSirStirlingMossMon, 25 Jun 2007 20:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Marco Andretti gets a second shot at F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/marco-andretti-gets-a-second-shot-at-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/marco-andretti-gets-a-second-shot-at-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/07/marco-andretti-gets-a-second-shot-at-f1/#commentsFiled under: ,



Looks like Honda Racing was pretty impressed with Marco, too. Marco Andretti, the teenage son of former CART champ and one-time F1 pilota Michael, and grandson of former F1 and CART campione, Mario, will be back in the saddle of the Honda RA 106 for a couple of days. Marco had a brief run at Jerez back in December that apparently went well enough for Honda to invite him back for more. Sporting director (and former CART champion himself) Gil de Ferran said that because the RA 106 was still available this week in Jerez, they would love to have the youngest racing Andretti take a few more laps. The IndyCar (IRL) Series 'Rookie of the Year' will be on track in Jerez on 2/7 and 2/8 while Jenson Button and Christian Klien continue to work on the new RA107 chassis.

After an impressive, if somewhat heartbreaking, second place finish in last year's Indy 500, the 19-yr-old Andretti has been seen as a highly visible talent who could potentially draw American fans into Formula 1. While his first test in the Honda RA 106 went well, Marco admitted it was too short to reach any conclusions: "I felt that I did a good job in December but on the first day you spend more time getting used to the car and familiarizing yourself with the circuit," he said. "When I get in the car this time, I am sure I will be able to hit the ground running. I'm looking forward to it."

[Sources: Paddock Talk and Guardian Unlimited]

Marco Andretti gets a second shot at F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Christian KlienChristianKlienF1Formula 1Formula1Gil de FerranGilDeFerranIndy 500Indy500IndyCarIRLJenson ButtonJensonButtonMarco AndrettiMarcoAndrettiMario AndrettiMarioAndrettiMichael AndrettiMichaelAndrettiRA 106RA 107Ra106Ra107Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda Racing F1 unveils '07 rides]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/honda-racing-f1-unveils-07-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/honda-racing-f1-unveils-07-rides/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/25/honda-racing-f1-unveils-07-rides/#commentsFiled under: ,


High-res gallery of pics available by clicking image above

We just told you about Marco Andretti getting a test with Honda's F1 team, making him the third Andretti to take the wheel in a Formula 1 car. That was in a test last month in Jerez. Now the team has had its first full test of the new 2007 RA 107 at Catalunya and has issued a statement saying they are ready for the new season. OK, what did you expect them to say? The team is playing up its collaboration between the Japanese parent company's engineers and the Formula One engineering stronghold in England. They also are looking forward to a great year from drivers Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello.

The car itself was still sporting its black and white test colors, as they're waiting to reveal the new sponsor livery until next month. Improved aerodynamic efficiency, meeting new crash safety regulations, and cutting the overall weight of the car have been the most significant challenges. Honda has also put a lot of work into optimizing the suspension to work better with the Bridgestones. Testing on the RA107 will continue right up to the first race of the season in Melbourne on 18 March.

[Source: Honda Racing]

Gallery: 2007 Honda RA 107 F1 car

Honda Racing F1 unveils '07 rides originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 20:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CatalunyaF1Formula 1Formula1Honda RacingHondaRacingJenson ButtonJensonButtonRA 107Ra107Rubens BarrichelloRubensBarrichelloThu, 25 Jan 2007 20:33:00 EST