Oh I do like a Red Bull by the seaside!
“I really like that hoody. With the sun and the two bulls coming in like that.” Sometimes a simply innocent sentence can set the tone for the day. It’s not a particularly surprising observation, given that it was made within twenty minutes of entering the Red Bull Speed Jam, but perhaps the reason it epitomises … Continue reading
Half Term Report: Paul di Resta
The Rookie Report: Paul di Resta He follows a long line of distinguished Scottish drivers into Formula One, such as Jim Clark, Sir Jackie Stewart and David Coulthard. While competing in the DTM series for Mercedes throughout 2010, Paul di Resta also spent weekends testing for Force India and he subsequently impressed enough to earn … Continue reading
In which Jenson tames Manchester
Bring on the alarm… It began with a 6am alarm call (which was slightly more bearable that the 4:45am one I had for my jaunt to the Red Bull factory last year) and as I headed towards the train I used the promise of an F1 engine tearing through the streets of Manchester as an … Continue reading
Spa-Francorchamps: Race Report
This. Is. SPA-taaaa!!! Taking a cue from Gerhard Butler’s impassioned cry, the race in Belgium was a out and out battle for supremacy. It’s a tough track where the brave and talented profit, or fall amid the oft uncertain circumstances. When they line up at the bottom of the valley, with the green of the … Continue reading
Spa-Francorchamps: Free Practice 3 & Qualifying
Free Practice 3: Ferrari: Despite saying they’ve shifted focus to 2012, they’ve brought several small front wing upgrades this weekend. Massa has used 2 sets of full wets and so both drivers have done limited running to preserve tyres. Force India: Di Resta had a moment at Eau Rouge and then just leaves the track … Continue reading
Spa-Francorchamps: Free Practice 1 & 2
Free Practice 1 Ferrari: Massa complains of something (possibly his helmet) giving him a lot of push and being heavy, he comes into the pitstop for a new front wing and returns to the track. Lots of flo-vis paints on the rear wing and a closer look at the Ferrari shows a reprofiled windscreen, Massa … Continue reading
Spa Francorchamps: What You Need to Know
Fact File: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium Laps 44 Lap Length 7.004 km (4.352 miles) Race Length 308.052 km (191.415 miles) First Race 1950 Fastest Lap S Vettel 1:47.263 (Red Bull, 2009) 2010 Winner Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) Layout: There is one thing certain about Spa-Francorchamps, it is synonymous with Formula One and forever will be. It’s a drivers … Continue reading
Half Term Report: Sergio Perez
The Rookie Report: Sergio Perez His entry into Formula One may have been a relatively quiet one, but when it was announced the young man from Mexico would be joining the 2010 ‘Rookie of the Year’ Kamui Kobayashi, his racing successes came to light. Highlights include a British Formula Three National title in 2007 and … Continue reading
Half Term Report: Jerome d’Ambrosio
The Rookie Report: Jerome d’Ambrosio When his appointment to a Formula 1 team was announced, a few question marks were raised against Virgin Racing’s decision to bring him onboard. Spending time as a test driver for the team on Friday’s his times came close to now team mate Timo Glock, but it was the higher … Continue reading
Marina’s Random, Disconnected and Mostly General Thoughts on F1… So Far
This is the second time I’ve hosted an author for the Viva F1 Blog Swap, and this time I have the pleasure of hosting Marina Richardson. It’s a perfect partnership as 2010 was her rookie year and now Marina is here to give you her view on the 2011 season so far (with just a … Continue reading
Rookie F1 