“F1: Red Bull cut a lonely pace, ahead of busy race”

On paper, Red Bull’s pace in yesterday’s free practice sessions at Monza looks set to cast the Milton Keynes team into a lonely battle for 5th and 6th. But a range of penalties – due to mechanical maladies – means Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen may have far more interesting races than originally expected. Come … Continue reading “F1: Red Bull cut a lonely pace, ahead of busy race”

“F1: Mercedes dominate Friday sessions at Monza”

Mercedes dominated the free practice time sheets at Monza on Friday, but on hot and fiercely humid day, it was easy to see Ferrari prowl. Instability seemed to be the word of the day for many drivers. For some, it was an issue cured as the day aged; for those with more sensitive machinery, there … Continue reading “F1: Mercedes dominate Friday sessions at Monza”

“Chinese GP: Fog halts FP2 running”

The second practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix elapsed with no running this morning, due to heavy fog. The conditions were such that it was deemed too dangerous for the medical helicopter to land at the designated Shanghai hospital, based 38km from the circuit. As such, FP2 ended with thirteen minutes still on the … Continue reading “Chinese GP: Fog halts FP2 running”

“Chinese GP: Verstappen heads interrupted first practice”

Max Verstappen topped this morning's highly interrupted opening Chinese Grand Prix practice at Shanghai International Circuit. The Dutch racer set a best of 1:50.491s in damp and foggy conditions - the latter of which forced two lengthy red flags. Such was the thickness of the fog, the medical helicopter was unable to land at the … Continue reading “Chinese GP: Verstappen heads interrupted first practice”

“Australian GP: Hamilton makes it two from two”

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton topped the second free practice session at Albert Park in Melbourne this morning. The three-time world champion was as equally dominant on the timesheets as he was in the opening session, with Hamilton setting a best time of 1:23.620 – a half-second clear of nearest rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. Not only … Continue reading “Australian GP: Hamilton makes it two from two”

2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Rd 18, Friday Practice Sessions, Nov 11th, TV Notes)

McLaren got the penultimate Grand Prix of the season off to a perfect start by topping the opening pair of sessions in Abu Dhabi. Jenson Button claimed the morning honours ahead of Mark Webber (Red Bull), while Lewis Hamilton crept to the top of the afternoon standings.

2011 Korean Grand Prix (Rd 16, Free Practice 2, Oct 14th, TV Notes)

Lewis Hamilton topped a greasy second practice for the Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam on Friday. The McLaren ace set his quickest run (1:50.828) in the opening thirty minutes, with only teammate Jenson Button getting close. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel was 3rd, albeit 1.8 seconds slower than Hamilton, with Fernando Alonso (Ferrari, 4th) a further … Continue reading 2011 Korean Grand Prix (Rd 16, Free Practice 2, Oct 14th, TV Notes)