FORMULA 1 - 2014

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Crisis struck Red Bull turn to junior team Toro Rosso for help

Red Bull’s pre-season technical crisis is plunging to new depths, with news emerging that the reigning Formula 1 World Champions are calling upon junior team Toro Rosso for help.

Autosprint reports that Red Bull has asked the Faenza based sister team for assistance on the all-new brake by wire technology, which is tied in with the highly-sophisticated ERS systems.

“The fact that Red Bull wants to use someone else’s system says a lot about the size of Red Bull’s other problems,” said veteran correspondent Alberto Antonini.

One of those bigger problems is with extreme turbo lag, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko admits.

“You step on the gas,” he told Austria’s Servus TV, “but the power comes all of a sudden, the wheels spin, the car slides and you lose speed.

“We are working with Renault on the test benches day and night to improve the situation for Melbourne,” added Marko.

World champion Sebastian Vettel, however, is expecting to struggle next weekend.

“If half of the drivers fail to finish, then maybe we could take a few points,” he said. ”At the moment we have bigger problems to solve than just the pace.”

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Ecclestone not ruling out tweaks to V6 turbo engine rules

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is not ruling out tweaking the radical new V6 turbo engine regulations.

The sport’s Chief Executive is unashamedly no fan of the new turbo V6 era, having fought hard against replacing the screaming naturally-aspirated engines with the muted but ‘greener’ power units of the future.

“We have got the new engines. I don’t like them,” he told journalist Christian Sylt, editor of the Formula 1 trade guide Formula Money. ”Maybe we can up the fuel restrictions and they can rev higher. We will have to wait and see.”

Claming that he is not simply opposed to change, the 83-year-old insisted he doesn’t even mind the questionable aesthetics of the new nose sections of 2014′s cars.

“You get used to the looks,” he said. “Whenever there’s a change people say “I don’t like it”. Don’t think you’re going to get used to no noise though.”

Like the noses, Ecclestone also doesn’t mind that the run of dominance enjoyed by Red Bull seems to be over.

“Many fans want to see Vettel lose now,” he told Bild newspaper. “After all, they won the championship not once but for four years.”

“But I’ve never seen the point in changing the engines to save energy,” Ecclestone insisted. “That’s something you can do in street cars, but not in Formula 1.

“We need to be loud and fast,” the Briton added, “and one thing is certain: this whole thing has cost a … mountain of money.”

MIKA: I sure hope they tweak the rules to allow for more fuel. As for the noses, I don't really mind them, they aren't that bad IMO.

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Mercedes V6 turbo produces 580hp reveals Lauda

Niki Lauda has revealed that the new Mercedes V6 turbo power unit produces about 580 horse power.

It is a rare admission in the highly-secretive world of Formula 1, but field-leading Mercedes’ Formula 1 Chairman wasn’t giving the whole game away.

Asked to put a number on the German marque’s early-season superiority, Lauda told Austrian Servus TV: “The fuel engine is about 580 horse power.”

“Then there is the electrical side,” he added, without elaborating.

It is known that the energy-recovery or ‘ERS’ side of the ‘power unit’ adds 160 horse power to the equation, but Lauda’s figures just made fellow Austrian Helmut Marko – of the struggling world champions Red Bull – grin.

“Interesting data,” Marko smiled. “I would be happy if I had 580 hp.”

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Montezemolo: It will be interesting to see how many cars will finish the first race in Australia

With the Formula 1 world focusing on the forthcoming season opening Australian Grand Prix, the big talking point is how the all new V6 turbo power units will fare in the first race of this new era for the sport - Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo wondered out loud how many cars will cross the finish line on 16 March.

“It will be interesting to see how many cars will finish the first race in Australia,” said Montezemolo at the Geneva Motor Show.

Speaking to journalists, the Ferrari boss added, “The design of these new Formula 1 cars is very complicated, with a lot of aspects still to be defined. Some parts of it we have already developed, whereas others still need working on to give their best. The run up to this season is a bit like a puzzle, with the parts slowing fitting together.”

With not long to go to the start of the Formula 1 World Championship, many teams – including world champions Red Bull – have had difficulties during pre-season testing and look like heading to Melbourne less than completely ready.

However, the President was only concerned with his own team, “The testing we have been able to do has been indispensible. I’m not interested in what the others are doing, we are only concentrating on ourselves.”

“It seems to me, that in terms of reliability the work is very complicated for everyone. These difficulties are understandable, because for 2014, Formula 1 has taken on a big challenge, going down a very innovative route.”

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Williams and Force India could win races says Mercedes boss

The Mercedes F1 team with drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg head into next weekend’s season opening Australian Grand Prix as the overwhelming early 2014 favourites, but other teams powered by engines marked with the famous three pointed star are also capable of upsetting the form book.

“Mercedes and Williams look very strong,” agreed German driver Nico Hulkenberg, whose similarly Mercedes-powered Force India team has also impressed in winter testing.

“They’re standing out. McLaren is also fast,” he told Auto Motor und Sport. “At the moment, the Mercedes teams are a bit in front.”

Mercedes’ three customer teams – McLaren, Williams and Force India – appear to have hit the jackpot with clearly the best turbo V6 ‘power unit’ in Formula 1′s new greener era.

“At the moment that’s right,” Hulkenberg admitted, “but we all know how long a Formula 1 season is. Let’s wait and see.

“On the last day [of the test in Bahrain Ferrari did a strong laptime, and [Daniel] Ricciardo has also done a 1.35 in the Red Bull.

“I’m assuming Red Bull will solve the problems sooner or later,” he said.

Williams, ninth of the eleven teams last year, has emerged as the surprise dark horse for 2014, having switched over the winter to Mercedes power.

“[Williams] have never had problems in the tests, have always been fast, although not quite as fast as Mercedes,” Red Bull’s Helmut Marko told Servus TV.

Mercedes Formula 1 Chairman Niki Lauda said it is possible that the German squad’s works team might be pushed by its British customer in 2014.

“It (Williams beating Mercedes) can happen,” said the great triple world champion.

“Our customers are very important for us, and if they can beat us, this is also good motivation and a very constructive competition,” added Lauda.

“We are careful,” Mercedes’ Toto Wolff told the APA news agency, “as some teams have not fully revealed the potential of their cars.

“I have no doubt that Red Bull and Ferrari will be strong contenders. Force India and Williams are also fast enough to win races. It will be interesting!” added Wolff.

MIKA: This is exactly what I was talking about last night to Steve (OZCuban). Williams and Force India WILL win some races this season for sure. It will be good for the sport!

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Ferrari boss still in shock over Schumacher’s accident

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo told journailsts in Geneva that he is still shocked by the events which have led to Michael Schumacher lying in a coma for over two months.

Speaking in Geneva to the media, Montezemolo said, “Michael was and still is a very important person in my life. From 1996 onwards so many things happened in the lives of both of us and, in the difficult times, Michael was always incredibly close to the team.”

“What’s happened to him was a real shock to me, after all the events we shared and a great affection still remains. Michael at the moment needs that affection and support from everyone,” added Montezemolo.

Schumacher has been in an induced coma in the Grenoble University Hospital, in France, since his accident on 29 December.

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Formula 1 boss says Azerbaijan GP likely to happen

Almost a year ago, Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone declared that there are plans afoot for a race in Baku, a place few had heard of in the world of motorsport.

Baku is the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, an oil-rich former soviet state at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, and now, London’s Times has quoted the Formula 1 Chief Executive as saying that the city could be on the annual calendar as soon as next year.

“They are talking about 2015,” said Ecclestone. “That may be a bit soon unless it is the end of the season. That is a possibility but 2016 is more likely.”

The Daily Mail reports that former team boss Flavio Briatore is brokering the deal.

The FIA GT3 Baku World Challenge has been run on a temporary street circuit through the city, in 2012 and 2013.

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Lotus expect to be ready by April

Nick Chester believes Lotus will be back on an even keel with the Formula One pacesetters by the time the Bahrain Grand Prix takes place at the start of April.

The Enstone team goes into the season's opening race in Australia later this month somewhat unprepared for the upcoming season.

After opting out of the season's opening winter testing session at Jerez, Lotus had a number of problems during the following two sessions in Bahrain, with both their E22 car and its Renault power unit proving problematic.

Following the conclusion of the second Bahrain test last week, Chester told ESPN that they weren't able to complete their objectives for the test at Sakhir but are confident of having the car up to speed by the time the season's first race takes place on April at the same circuit.

"It will all depend very much on the progress we have made with Renault Sport," Chester told ESPN when asked about how long it would take for the Enstone outfit to be competitive.

"I don't think it's a lack of understanding [of the Renault engine], it's a lack of running. We understand the power unit, we just need a lot more mileage.

"Renault need more mileage to make sure they understand the power unit will cover everything they want, and we need it to make sure the chassis will be reliable over a race distance."

Despite their struggles during pre-season, Chester remains convinced that the design of the E22 is a good one.

"With the chassis itself the level of grip isn't too bad, even though we've lost a little bit of downforce. The biggest problems are how the chassis works with the power unit and how the energy recovery system works," Chester added.

"So there are some inconsistencies there which are making it very difficult for the driver to predict what he is going to get when he arrives at the corner. The system is not doing exactly the same thing every time and that is disturbing the driver and losing us a lot of time."

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Pirelli better prepared for 2014

Pirelli Director Paul Hembery has admitted that the tyre manufacturer has taken a more cautious approach in developing the rubber that will be used during the 2014 Formula One season.

The Italian manufacturer endured a torrid time in 2013, with several high-profile blow-outs occurring in the first half of the season.

Pirelli also struggled to adapt its tyres during year, but in an exclusive interview withCrash.net, Hembery admitted that the company is taking a more measured approach to the composition of the rubber used because the 2014 cars are likely to change significantly as the season progresses.

"You've got to be slightly more conservative because at one extreme you could end up with some cars going much quicker than others and that in itself is something you need to be aware of," Hembery told Crash.net.

"Particularly the rate of development is something that we're very conscious of this year. Last year it was one of the aspects that we learned during our experiences last year and we need to be much more attentive in terms of speed and rate of development.

"As you can imagine, with new rules there is great potential for improvement in performance throughout the year; what we see [in testing] will be quite different to what we see at the end of the season. Already in terms of lap times if you take in to account 50 kilos - which is two seconds per lap - we are very close to the performance of last year already.

"You can imagine with a normal two second per season improvement we will definitely be quicker than last year, and with the potential that we have for developing the car and the powertrain then you would have to anticipate we will be quicker."

Hembery added, though, that Pirelli has come up with a better method of making changes to the tyres, if and when required.

"[Can make changes] on safety grounds - we've always been able to do that - but there is now a better platform for getting a change made of that nature," Hembery added in his interview with Crash.net.

"You have the strategy group which involves FIA, FOM and six of the main teams, so if there's a need we can go to that group and they can make a decision, whereas in the past we had to get the majority of the teams and that in itself ended up going in to unnecessary politics, unfortunately. So there is a better structure for making change this season."

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Behind The Scenes look At How Formula 1 TV Now Operates Team Radio & Other Functions Remotely

When you watch next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, some of what you see and hear on your screens will be being operated by technicians sitting next to an airfield in Kent, collaborating in real time with colleagues 10,500 miles away.

This is something a little different – the first time we’ve been behind the scenes at F1′s Technical Headquarters in Biggin Hill, in the South of England and we’ve made a video of it with our colleagues from Tata Communications.

As well as much of the equipment needed to put on a Grand Prix at 19 venues around the world, things like the timing systems, communications systems and facilities for race stewards to view incidents on track, Formula 1′s entire TV production facility is based in Biggin Hill; all the cameras, the edits suites, mixing desks and so on. The kit that travels around the world, creating the outside broadcast coverage that you watch at home, is assembled and shipped from Biggin Hill.

But here we get the chance to see the most recent F1 TV innovation – a Remote Operations Centre at the heart of the building from where many functions can be operated remotely, which in the past would have been operated on site. From here they can monitor the programme vision sources and output, many of the formula1.com functions, and even operate robotic track camera heads at the circuit. And for this season all of the Team Radio is going to be managed from here.

“We use a reverse data path to control a trackside robotic camera and this year we intend to migrate the Team Radio operation, the daily news edits and the remote producer’s position into this centre,” says FOM’s Chief Technical Officer John Morrison. “We also provide a number of the website functions here, these include digital still, video edits and data processing.

“(The remote operations centre) allows us to reduce the pressure on travelling staff number and freight.”

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Plenty more to come from Force India - Mallya

Vijay Mallya is confident that Force India will enjoy one of its best seasons yet following an encouraging pre-season test.

The Indian co-owner promises there is more to come from the VJM07 after it topped the times on more than one occasion and completed almost 4,000km over the 12 days of testing.

"We are doing reasonably well," he told the official F1 website.

"Actually I am quite pleased, but largely because of the number of laps (761) that we've managed to achieve.

"We started off being overawed by the technical challenge, but we've come to terms with understanding the car better. We are now able to run it more reliably.

"Now let's talk about the pace: there is more to come. We had a few problems at the last Bahrain test and we still have more performance to get out of the car, so the fact that we are consistently among the top three is something that is very encouraging."

Speaking about what lies ahead, Mallya believes they can score points at the opening race and even suggested a podium could be on the cards in 2014.

"If we manage to ensure reliability - even at the current level of performance - I think when we go racing we will certainly be in the points." He added, when asked about a podium:

"Ha, I don't want to test my luck, but certainly this year is the right year to be optimistic."

MIKA: I can bet anything Force India will get a few podiums and wins this season. And about time! The last decent result they got was back in 2009 European GP finishing second place podium with Giancarlo Fisichella.

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McLaren’s year of transition before Honda reunion

With less than two weeks to the start of the season, questions remain over exactly how McLaren’s F1 team will be set up. But one thing is for sure: steps are being taken to prevent a repeat of their dismal 2013 campaign.

The most significant change is Ron Dennis’s re-assertion of his influence over the Formula One team, which he previously ran until 2008. Work has already begun on a re-formed management structure.

This began with the arrival of Eric Boullier from Lotus as racing director. The team have remained silent on the destiny of Martin Whitmarsh, who served as team principal for the last five seasons.

A further appointment is expected which will see another person occupying a space on McLaren’s organisational chart above Boullier and below Dennis.

McLaren endured win-less seasons in the Dennis era, as recently as 2006. But in 2013 they failed even to finish on the podium, something which hasn’t happened since 1980, the year of Dennis’s original takeover of the team.

Last year’s frustrations didn’t just take place on the track. Ahead of the end of their Vodafone title sponsorship deal McLaren declared a replacement would be announced on December 2nd.

The date came and went without any news, and when the team’s new car was revealed this year the largest logos on the bodywork said ‘MP4-29′. There’s been no sign yet of a new title sponsor.

McLaren over-reached with the MP4-28 last year, believing they needed to be more ambitious than producing a mere evolution of the successful 27. But having their fingers burnt hasn’t discouraged them from taking risks. Their latest driver hiring is a clear sign of that

After failing to find a place for development driver Kevin Magnussen at another team this year (Whitmarsh said an agreement was reached with another team who then nixed the deal) McLaren took the surprising decision to make room for him in their own line-up by jettisoning Sergio Perez after a single season.

Whether that turns out to be an inspired or flawed decision, you can’t deny their bravery. And Magnussen has looked handy in testing so far.

They have also pushed the envelope when it comes to car design. Their flared rear suspension, designed to make up for the loss of the lower beam wing and make the diffuser work more effectively, is one of the most eye-catching developments on any of the new cars.

But whatever the year holds for McLaren it is going to be a transitory campaign. They have a single year left with long-time engine partners Mercedes during which they have to get to grips with a radical new engine configuration before changing over to Honda power next year.

Preparations are already well underway for the historic reunion of one of F1′s great team-and-manufacturer combinations. Even so, the new management will expect considerably better than fifth place in the constructors’ championship.

[MIKA27]

Thank you for all your posts. Love F1 (with WRC being a close second) and really enjoy reading these. Come on March 16th!

You're welcome, thanks for reading!!

I drive past the track every day, here's a small picture of a foot bridge that crosses over from Kings way to Lakeside drive. Already in the F1 mood!! (Track is to the right)

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Williams Martini Racing is born

Martini, the world’s leading vermouth and best-selling Italian sparkling wine, in partnership with Williams, today announced a multi-year agreement that unites two of the most iconic brands in Formula 1 racing, creating Williams Martini Racing. The announcement was made during an event held here, as part of the 2014 team launch.

“We are thrilled to welcome Martini to the Williams family and officially launch Williams Martini Racing,” said Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal, Williams.

“Williams and Martini share a rich history in the world of motorsport, and the values of our two brands and our shared passion for racing make this partnership a natural fit. It will be great to see the distinctive stripes of Martini Racing return to Formula One once again in unison with Williams.”

“The decision to partner with Williams was a natural one for us as it provides an unparalleled opportunity for the Martini brand to connect with consumers through one of their lifestyle passions, Formula One racing,” said Andy Gibson, Chief Marketing Officer of Bacardi and President of Bacardi Global Brands, who oversees marketing for Martini other premium brands in the Bacardi portfolio.

“Martini will give consumers a taste of life in the fast lane, bringing a renewed sense of Italian style and glamour to the track and beyond. Williams Martini Racing provides a powerful, integrated marketing platform and delivers dynamic opportunities that will strengthen the Martini brand.”

The iconic Martini Racing stripes will adorn the new Williams Mercedes FW36 race car that will make its race debut on March 16 in Melbourne, Australia, kicking off the 2014 F1 season. With drivers Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas steering the on-track performance for Williams Martini Racing.

The Martini brand’s longstanding relationship with motorsport and rich history of both sponsorship and participation in worldwide sporting events began in 1968 with the creation of Martini Racing.

With the brand’s return to Formula 1, Martini will give consumers a taste of life in the fast lane, bringing a renewed sense of Italian style and glamour to the track and beyond so that a new generation will fall in love with the gioia di vivere (the Italian “joy of living”) that Martini brings to the world. (Press Release)

MIKA: Simply stunning!!

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Bottas: The Martini partnership is very exciting and I’m a big fan of the new look and feel

The worst kept Formula 1 sponsorship secret was made public when Williams announced their partnership with Martini to form Williams Martini racing, and with it signalling the return of the Italian company’s iconic motorsport livery of which Valtteri Bottas is a big fan.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Bottas said, “2014 feels like a new start for the team. The Martini partnership is very exciting and I’m a big fan of the new look and feel.”

Of the recent testing in Bahrain the Finn said, “Testing has been very productive for us and we have learnt a lot about the FW36 and its characteristics. I have developed a lot as a driver over the past year and with a new car that I’m confident will be a step forward compared to last year, this is a season that I hope to show people my true potential.”

“I also have a highly experienced teammate alongside me in Felipe who I can learn a lot from. We will be pushing each other hard this season, and working together to keep improving the car and secure some good results for Williams Martini Racing,” added Bottas.

In what must go down as a case of perfect timing, Felipe Massa’s arrival at the Williams team has coincided with some massive good fortune for the Grove outfit with advent of not only new sponsors, but also a handy Formula 1 car in the FW36.

Massa said, “2014 is starting on a positive note for Williams Martini Racing and hopefully we can keep that momentum going in Australia. Our car has looked reliable in testing and I have been impressed with how the team operates and how quickly I have settled in.”

The Brazilian also revealed, “I’ve visited the factory many times since the start of the year and seen the passion that everyone has for this team and the sport. Everyone at Grove has worked incredibly hard on the FW36 and I will be looking to unlock the car’s potential and reward everyone for their efforts.”

Williams Martini Racing make their debut as partners at the forthcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

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Dennis: No title sponsor for Melbourne, but one expected at the next few races

McLaren will start the Formula One season without a title sponsor but still expect to have one this year, group chief executive Ron Dennis said on Thursday.

“Our cars will not feature a title sponsor at the first event,” he told reporters at the McLaren factory ahead of the season-opener in Australia next week. ”But they will definitely feature a title sponsor some time at the next few races.”

McLaren were sponsored by mobile telecoms giant Vodafone until the end of last year. They had planned to reveal a new title partner in December but the appointed day came and went without any announcement.

The team had their first season without a podium since 1980 last year, a failure that led to a management restructing with former principal and minority shareholder Dennis reasserting himself.

Dennis, 66, said the formal title of team principal had been scrapped and would not discuss the fate of former incumbent Martin Whitmarsh, although he said they had been in touch and remained friends.

The group chief executive painted a bright financial future for the team, the second most successful in F1 history after Ferrari in terms of race wins and total titles, and compared McLaren to currently ailing Manchester United.

Premier League champions United have been off form since the retirement of Alex Ferguson at the end of last season.

“Inevitably when you have a run of poor results, people try and push the rate card down,” he said of the sponsorship negotiations,” said Dennis.

“I won’t accept that. I know what this company is and what it’s grand prix team can achieve. And that requires the correct recognition when it comes to the commercial relationship with a principal sponsor.

“We are negotiating with several partners at the moment and I think it will happen sooner rather than later.”

Dennis said money was not an issue, with the overall McLaren Group – which includes the sportscar company and applied technology division – having turnover in excess of 900 million pounds ($1.51 billion) and aiming to “sail past a billion and achieve 2.0 billion within five years.”

Applied technology, said Dennis, was showing ‘tremendous growth’ and he would be bitterly disappointed if growth was not “north of 200 million pounds within two or three years” from a current 36 million.

The F1 restructuring, he added, would allow the team to focus on being competitive, with former Lotus principal Eric Boullier joining as Racing Director to deliver results on the track without having to worry about other distractions.

Boullier will report to a McLaren Racing chief executive, who has yet to be appointed, with Dennis in overall control without being active at race weekends.

Dennis, who has been in Formula One since he started as a Cooper mechanic in 1966, explained that he would be present at the season’s early races as an observer and would not wear the team uniform.

“The Formula 1 team has no responsibilities for income,” he said. “So the new model for our Formula One team is that its completely populated by people who have no other objective but winning in Formula 1.

“Effectively the mindset of the Formula 1 team is they provide to the marketing company a car devoid of branding. They have no responsibility for income… it’s a much more focused model,” he added.

McLaren are switching to Honda engines next year after racing this season with Mercedes power but Dennis said the team was not looking for a ‘stopgap’ solution to the title sponsor vacancy.

“We’ve turned away stopgaps,” he said.

[Lotusguy]

Martini Racing - ah, that brings back great memories

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Dennis: In many ways there are similarities between Ayrton and Jenson

McLaren boss Ron Dennis sang the praises of his Formula One driver line-up on Thursday and detected echoes of Ayrton Senna in Jenson Button’s relationship with the team.

“In many ways there are similarities between Ayrton and Jenson,” the 66-year-old group chief executive told reporters at a pre-season briefing at the McLaren factory in southern England.

“He is an incredibly good human being. He has principles and values. And the way that he conducts his life and his relationship with this team is right up there with some of the other great drivers who have been with us.”

Brazilian Senna won his three titles with McLaren before he was killed at the wheel of a Williams in the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. His death remains the last of a driver during a Formula One race weekend.

Button, the 2009 world champion with Brawn GP, is starting his fifth year with McLaren and has a new team mate in Danish rookie Kevin Magnussen following the departure of Mexican Sergio Perez.

The Briton’s contract is up for renewal at the end of the season, when McLaren are switching from Mercedes engines to Honda power.

Dennis said Button, the most experienced driver on the starting grid in a career that dates back to 2000, was as fit as any rival and was also highly intelligent.

“Intelligence is going to become an absolute pre-requisite to cope with the complications drivers have in the car, the fuel management and tyre management…it is going to require brainpower and dedication,” he added.

“And then he’s quick. He is capable of winning races and world championships…I’m extremely optimistic and I think he will be an incredible mentor to Kevin.”

Magnussen is the son of former F1 racer Jan, who had a McLaren debut in 1995 and then moved to the Stewart team where his career stalled. He left after just 25 races with one point to his credit.

Formula One lore relates how Dennis, famously fastidious and with a meticulous attention to detail, mentally wrote off Magnussen senior when they were together at an airport and the driver had packed his passport in his suitcase.

When Magnussen opened it, the contents looked as if they had been thrown in by a petulant teenager.

“I had reservations,” he recalled on Thursday when discussing the decision to sign Kevin. “I’m not a great believer in sons of drivers. Jan was a little bit untidy. He quite did my head in sometimes.”

Magnussen junior, fortunately, is a very different individual.

Dennis said all the feedback from engineers was that he was an exceptional talent.

“He will have an exceptional career, I’m sure of that. He’s got a steely determination. I don’t think he’s going to give when he gets a few knocks. He’s certainly going to keep Jenson honest, that’s for sure.”

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Proud Galleries presents Ayrton Senna exhibition by Keith Sutton

Press Release: To mark the 30th anniversary of his debut and the 20th anniversary of his legacy, Proud Galleries presents the official Ayrton Senna exhibition, an exhilarating celebration of the man considered the world’s greatest racing driver.

Working in partnership with Sutton Images and the Ayrton Senna Institute, this collection of photographs, taken by Keith Sutton, charts Senna’s titanic career. From his beginnings in Formula Ford to his domination of Formula 1 for 10 years until his accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.

Keith Sutton is indisputably Formula 1’s best known photographer. His relationship with Senna began when the young Formula Ford driver approached Keith in 1981 enquiring if he was a professional photographer. “When I said I was, he said he needed photos of him racing sending to Brazil on a regular basis. On that day he won his first race and I got some great photos of him celebrating on the podium late in the evening”.

So began the working relationship and friendship that would see Keith photographing this prodigious Brazilian talent and handling all his public relations. “From the moment I first photographed him…I knew I was witnessing an incredibly charismatic and talented young racing driver who would one day go on to become one of Formula 1’s legends.”

As their friendship blossomed, Keith continued to photograph Senna throughout his career both on the racetrack and in more private moments, creating the largest archive of this intense and forceful personality.

Proud Galleries is honoured to present this stunning collection of photographs commemorating the life and incredible talent of a man who would touch the limit and go boldly beyond.

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Raikkonen and Alonso remain totally committed to the Ferrari cause

It’s either going to be the Formula 1 dream team in 2014 or a disaster for Ferrari, as they have paired Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen to return the legendary Maranello outfit to championship winning ways.

The Alonso-Raikkonen pairing has already been billed as fire and ice, but both are adamant that they are committed to the Ferrari cause

Alonso told AP, “We will follow wherever the team priorities lie and try to do our best to win both championships. We need to work in perfect harmony and follow what the team priority is.”

Speculation among fans and pundits ahead of the forthcoming season is that the teammates who have three world titles between them will clash and the relationship erupt into open conflict.

Raikkonen, who won Ferrari’s last championship back in 2007, disagrees with the negative predictions, “There is a lot of talk outside about problems, but inside the team we have a very good feeling. It doesn’t matter who is your teammate. But for sure we have respect for each other and obviously we both try to come out on top.”

“Everyone is expecting a lot. We need to deliver,” mused Alonso ahead of the season opening Australian Grand Prix weekend starting on 14 March in Melbourne.

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Wolff admits she would quit Formula 1 to start family

Williams Reserve Driver Susie Wolff has revealed that if she ever has children, she will quit motor racing.

The wife of Mercedes boss Toto, 31-year-old Briton Wolff has stepped up her role with the Williams team this year.

She will get two chances to drive the FW36 in the Friday morning practice sessions at grands prix, at Silverstone and Hockenheim in July.

“Competing in a Formula 1 race has always been the ambition,” she told the Telegraph, “and as of last week I’m one big step closer.

“I just need the chance. And I’ll do everything I can to make it happen.”

In the male-dominated world of motor racing, Wolff has struggled at times to be taken seriously.

Some think that her burgeoning role at Williams smacks of little more than marketing.

“There are far more deserving cases, male and female, who would merit the chance to drive in an Formula 1 practice session,” Simon Arron, editor at Motor Sport magazine, is quoted by London’s Times newspaper.

“Whether this is tied into any marketing programme, I don’t know, but she doesn’t have a record which suggests that she should be near Formula 1.”

Ex Formula 1 racer David Coulthard, however, said that Wolff is definitely a top-level driver, having been beaten by her “more than once” in the German touring car series DTM.

“Does she have that last bit of speed to make it as an Formula 1 driver? I absolutely don’t know,” said Coulthard, a fellow Scot.

“She will have her opportunity and if she delivers, she will continue. If she doesn’t she won’t – and we’ll all have the answer.”

How long Wolff will continue her racing career is, however, unclear.

She admits that when the urge to become a mother overtakes her need for speed, she will quit.

“I will never race again once starting a family happens,” said Wolff.

“I want to have kids and I know that when I do have them I have to have finished with this. Because I could never put myself at risk knowing that there is a child at home relying on me.

“At the moment I love my life but I think that there will come a point where the need for a child will be greater than my need to race, so I’m just waiting for that moment,” she admitted.

Meanwhile, the correspondent for the Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat, Heikki Kulta, says he is in London for the launch on Thursday of the new Martini-branded livery of Williams’ 2014 car.

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Senna joins Sky Sports F1 line-up for 2014

Sky Sports award-winning coverage of Formula 1 will be boosted in 2014 as former F1 driver Bruno Senna joins the talent line-up.

Bruno will be part of Sky Sports F1′s coverage at seven races this season: Malaysia, China, Hungary, Singapore, Russia, USA and Brazil. With his invaluable three seasons’ experience as an F1 driverfrom 2010 to 2012, Bruno brings an insider’s view of the paddock as well as an expert eye for technical detail.

Bruno will join David Croft in the commentary box during practice sessions and offer race analysis with the presentation team throughout the grand prix weekend. He will also make guest appearances on The F1 Show and operate the Skypad, analysing key moments of the race with drivers and colleagues past and present in the paddock.

Bruno Senna said: “I’ve worked with Sky Sports F1 from the other side of the microphone, and always been impressed with their dedication and creativity so I’m delighted to be joining the team. I’m particularly excited to get my hands on the touchscreen technology and I hope to reveal a few tricks of the trade but also show just how skilled these drivers are. The 2014 rules and regulations, driver changes and new circuits we’re seeing this year promise for a fascinating season with everything to drive for – I can’t wait to start.”

Martin Turner, Sky Sports Executive Producer of F1, said: “We got to know Bruno in the paddock when he was driving, and I’m thrilled that he’s joining us – he’ll make a brilliant addition to our team. His passion for the intricacies of F1 and knowledge as a recent F1 driver who’s driven these tracks and raced these teams will make for fascinating viewing. With Anthony Davidson and Bruno manning the touchscreen and offering insight this season, we’ll bring our viewers a unique perspective on what it’s like to line up on the grid and race wheel to wheel with Hamilton, Vettel, Raikkonen and co.”

In the 20th year since his uncle Ayrton’s tragic death during the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, Bruno will also appear in upcoming special programming on Sky Sports F1 to celebrate Ayrton Senna’s life and career.

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Marko: Our software guys now slave around the clock on 18 hour shifts

According to Red Bull’s Motorsport Consultant, Helmut Marko, the world champion team is “slaving around the clock” to solve its problems ahead of next weekend’s season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Marko revealed to Bild that Red Bull and Renault are working hard together in the remaining days until Melbourne, “We have so much to do, especially the guys responsible for the software who will now slave around the clock on 18 hour shifts. But whoever can win together, can also work hard together.”

Marko said that the team’s normal development processes are also working well ahead of the new season.

“Our measurements have shown that the new parts we were bringing work as desired, making the car better,” he is quoted by Auto Bild.

“The fact that it did not look good on the track was due to the engine software,” he revealed.

Mercedes is the clear early-season title favourite, but the German squad’s Toto Wolff is not writing off Red Bull.

“I am sure they will come back,” he is quoted by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “The only question is when.

“In our view, hopefully as late as possible,” Wolff is also quoted by APA news agency.

It is emerging that, amid the reigning world champions’ obvious problems with engine partner Renault and the new turbo V6 ‘power unit’, the actual basic design of the Adrian Newey-penned RB10 is solid.

Lewis Hamilton has called the RB10 “stunning”, and McLaren’s Jenson Button also thinks it is fast.

“I was with (Daniel) Ricciardo for several laps and he couldn’t pass me on the straights,” said the Briton at the end of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

“He passed me on the outside of turn 11, which is high speed – I’ve never seen anything like that before,” Button is quoted by Spain’s Marca sports newspaper.

Nevertheless there are those on the outside who are less convinced that Red Bull can recover quickly.

“I think a Mercedes will win the title,” ex Formula 1 driver Timo Glock told T-online.

Formula 1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone is not unhappy that his friend Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull are struggling,

telling Bild newspaper that “the fans need a new winner to make the sport exciting again.”

He added: “Red Bull are not going to run away just because they don’t win everything again.”

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Whitmarsh’s future with McLaren remains unclear

A week before the Formula 1 circus gathers in Melbourne for the 2014 opener, the fate of McLaren Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh is still not clear.

Team supremo Ron Dennis has replaced Whitmarsh as McLaren Group Chief Executive, Eric Boullier is effectively the new Team Principal, and it is believed that 55-year-old Whitmarsh is not in the running to fill the newly-created role as Formula 1 CEO.

Whitmarsh was the Chairman of the now-disbanded teams association FOTA, and he has not been mentioned in any of McLaren’s pre-season press releases in the run into the 2014 season.

Jonathan Neale is currently listed as McLaren’s ‘acting CEO’, and Whitmarsh’s absence is conspicuous as the Woking team lists only Neil Oatley, Tim Goss, Sam Michael, Simon Roberts and David Redding in the management section on its official website.

Still, McLaren is saying nothing about Whitmarsh’s status.

“For the moment there’s nothing to report,” a spokesman said. ”As and when there may be any further developments, we’ll let you know.”

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Nurburgring poised to be saved by investor consortium

An investor group led by buyout firm HIG Capital is poised to acquire the financially troubled Nurburgring race track in Germany, two sources familiar with the transaction have claimed.

The circuit went into administration in 2012 after local politicians loaded it with debt equating to around 50 years worth of profit, and the famed and once-feared track started looking for a new owner in the spring of 2013.

The HIG consortium HIG has already registered the acquisition of substantial parts of Nurburgring’s assets with the German competition authority, the Federal Cartel Authority said on its website.

According to weekly publication Wirtschaftswoche, HIG is paying no more than 60-70 million euros ($82.4-96.2 million)for Nuerburgring. HIG Capital declined to comment on the purchase.

HIG looks to have outmanoeuvred Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who had also submitted an offer for the circuit, which at 20km is the world’s longest race track but has not hosted a Grand Prix since Niki Lauda crashed there in 1976.

The adjacent modern F1 track, which is 5.1km long, first hosted Formula One in 1984.

The assets include the track and adjacent amusement park which features a rollercoaster designed to mimic an F1 car.

With Nurburgring, however, still to be sold off, Germany’s future in Formula One was less assured despite the heavyweight presence of Mercedes in the championship, Ecclestone told Reuters on Wednesday.

Nurburgring currently alternates with Hockenheim as German Grand Prix host and Ecclestone said he was trying to do a deal with the latter circuit to take on the race every year.

“It depends who buys it,” he said when asked about the chances of Formula One returning to the Nurburgring, one of the sport’s historic tracks albeit heavily modified from the fearsome one used from the 1950s to 1970s.

Completed in 1927, the original Ring was built to showcase German auto engineering and racing prowess, and the country’s deep-pocketed carmakers had been cited as potential bidders.

An official for the administrator said that no decision on a buyer has yet been made.