Williams FW34. © Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic
Williams’ drivers Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado revealed their challenger for the 2012 season, the FW34, in Jerez yesterday.
The former World Champions are hoping to recover lost ground following a disastrous season last time out, which left the Grove team lingering a distant 9th in the Constructors’ Championship.
With former-McLaren man Mike Coughlan returning to the sport as Technical Director following a three year ban, Williams will be determined to climb back up the order.
It has brought a change of direction for the Grove squad, who are carrying over only five per cent of the parts designed for last year’s FW33 machine; however by the time the field reaches Melbourne, this number may decrease further.
Chief Operations Engineer, Mark Gillan, is confident Williams can make a significant step forward.
“We are really looking forward to this season and from a personal perspective I can’t wait to get the FW34 on to the race track. The factory has worked extremely hard over the winter to ensure that the car met its design, build and rig test targets and we start testing with the car prepared to a high standard.”
Renault are also returning to the Williams stable as engine suppliers; something Gillan believes may help the squad in the short term; however the Briton is also realistic of the challenges ahead.
“We’ve worked in close co-operation with all of our partners (…) including Renault Sport F1. In the run-up to Australia, we will be working hard to ensure that we maximise and unlock the full potential of the FW34.
“It is imperative that we demonstrate a continuous improvement in our performance and deliver results throughout the season.”
The original partnership spanned from 1989 to 1997, earning the team several Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles with Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve at the wheel.
Although it is rather unlikely that either Senna or Maldonado will deliver the success of their predecessors, the pairing will, at the very least, be aiming for a respectable year.
Despite the turbulence of 2011, Maldonado is confident of what can be achieved in the year ahead.
“It will be very important that we develop the car from the start of the season to the end. Now that I have a year’s experience, I can help in that area much more now.
“We have many new components in the team so we will need to be focussed and work together well so that we may be stronger every day.”
For the nuts and bolts of things, look to Joe Saward, Kate Walker, ManipeF1 and, of course, Autosport. For the more techy minded, there are always Racecar Engineering and Craig Scarborough.
Williams FW34. © Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic
Williams FW34. © Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic
Williams FW34. © Daniel Kalisz/LAT Photographic
In a busy weekend of signings, four drivers confirmed their participation in the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series.
Kevin Korjus has announced that he will be remaining with Tech 1 Racing for the coming season.
The Estonian enjoyed a solid début year in the category, taking three victories on his way to 6th in the standings, only one year after becoming the youngest ever Renault Eurocup Champion.
At a mere 19-years-old, Korjus has already impressed bosses in Formula 1, earning a test with Renault (now Lotus) in Abu Dhabi last November.
Korjus is also the youngest driver to win a race in the Formula Renault 3.5 category and now aims to add the title to his haul of success.
As part of the Gravity Driver Development programme, the Estonian intends to maker his presence felt early on. In Tech 1, Korjus has at his disposal a top-level team that has recently delivered Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne to Formula 1.
Korjus’ successor as Renault Eurocup Champion, Robin Frijns joins Renault 3.5 category for the coming season. Frijns – who also won the final Formula BMW Series in 2010 – will partner ex-British Formula 3 racer Carlos Huertas at Fortec Motorsport.
Indeed, 2011 marked a remarkable campaign for the Dutchman, who never finished lower than 5th all season, claiming five wins along the way. Frijns will also benefit from a €500,000 scholarship fund from the series following his series victory.
Further down the order, Roly Vincini’s P1 Motorsport squad retains its pairing of Walter Grubmuller and Daniil Move – a pairing that have struggled for top form in the category.
Indeed this year will be Grubmuller’s third season in the series with P1 Motorsport, while astonishingly Move is entering his sixth year of Formula 3.5 competition.
Although an injury sustained in the fifth round at the Nurburgring in June sidelined the 23-year-old Grubmuller for three races, the Austrian appeared lacklustre for much of the year.
Move celebrated two podiums on his way to 10th in the championship in 2011, but one must be asking questions of the Russian driver’s future direction. Both competitors are still searching for their first Formula Renault 3.5 race wins.
Meanwhile, Tech 1 have also filled all four spots in their Renault Eurocup squad, with Oscar Andres Tunjo and Roman Mavlanov joining French pair Paul-Loup Chatin and Matthieu Vaxiviere.
Both Chatin and Tunjo will be looking to improve on their final championships positions – 9th and 10th respectively – while Mavlanov will be hoping to score a point at least.
Vaxiviere makes the leap from French Formula 4*, where he claimed the championship ahead of Andrea Pizzitola.
*World Rally Championship contender Sebastien Ogier competed in the final round of the 2011 French Formula 4 Championship at Paul Ricard – probably because he could.
He finished 5th in both races, but was ineligible for points.
These drivers are still young and early in their careers – Tunjo has only just turned 16 (!!) – however eyes will throw occasional glances every now and again, checking to see how the stew is coming along.
For those paying attention to the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup series, do also keep an eye on McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner Oli Rowland and the Red Bull-backed Daniil Kyvat.
Both will be going head-to-head with double Karting World Champion Nyck de Vries. The young Dutchman was signed to the McLaren Young Driver Programme in 2010 and is currently managed by Anthony Hamilton.
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR7. © Mark Thompson/Getty Images
At Jerez today, Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne pulled the covers off the STR7 – Scuderia Toro Rosso’s runner for the upcoming F1 season.
It is the third car produced by the Italian-based squad following the ban on customer cars.
While the 2011 campaign may have only rewarded the team with 8th in the Constructors’ Championship, Toro Rosso showed some promise and only missed out on jumping Sauber by a mere four points.
Yet, such a young and inexperienced driver line-up may also leave Toro Rosso’s climb up the order rather hamstrung.
Although Ricciardo enjoyed eleven Grand Prix last year, he did so with the rather lacklustre HRT squad. Meanwhile Vergne contested in several Friday morning practice sessions once Ricciardo had been promoted to his race seat.
There is something rather depressing about a team that may never feel their way up the grid due to the conveyor belt of drivers that permeate the Red Bull junior programme, but that is life and that is Formula 1.
Meanwhile, the STR7 is apparently an evolution of the previous season’s entry, although I would be interested in finding out of Toro Rosso are still utilising the twin floor they developed for the STR6.
Unfortunately the twin floor was rendered somewhat inert by the hot blowing exhausts that became prominent later in the year. With exhausts now re-situated by the regulations, that avenue could potentially be re-opened.
As with most of the other machines released, the STR7 features a step-nose, which is, according to Technical Director Giorgio Ascanelli, “…less favourable (…) in terms of its aerodynamics.”
Changes to the regulations have also required Toro Rosso to design a stiffer front wing to counteract excessive vibration and deflection that became apparent toward the end of last year. The regulation has forced weight to be added to the nose, altering the weight distribution of the car, rendering it ‘front heavy.’
Interestingly like the similarly-powered Ferrari and Sauber, Toro Rosso have designed rather small sidepod units, creating a thinner chassis module in an effort to aid the direction of passing air.
For the nuts and bolts of things, look to Joe Saward, Kate Walker, ManipeF1 and, of course, Autosport. For the more techy minded, there are always Racecar Engineering and Craig Scarborough.
Ricciardo and Vergne with the STR7. © Peter Fox/Getty Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR7. © Paul Gilham/Getty Images
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR7. © Scuderia Toro Rosso F1
Scuderia Toro Rosso STR7. © Scuderia Toro Rosso F1
Red Bull RB8. © Red Bull Racing
Red Bull today launched the car they believe may give them a third consecutive Formula 1 world championship.
The RB8, the sixth Red Bull Racing machine designed by Adrian Newey, contains the now common step-nose.
Curiously, the RB8 contains what appear to be two air holes on the slope of the step-nose; something that we will no doubt hear more about before Melbourne.
The hot blowing exhausts – one of a number of keys to Red Bull’s success in the past two seasons – have been outlawed, prompting Newey to incorporate a complete redesign of the area.
Unlike other entrants last season, Newey’s RB7 machine had been designed around the exhaust blowing concept, whereas other team’s were forced to incorporate the technology, with varying results.
It is an issue that has clearly left the famed designer frustrated, due to the FIA’s narrowing of the regulation field.
Red Bull continue their engine supply partnership with French giant, Renault. Although the unit is thought to be rather down on power compared to its rivals, the RS27 has pulled back some of that deficit in the past year.
Joining world champion Sebastian Vettel and teammate Mark Webber at Red Bull this season will be former-Toro Rosso racer Sebastien Buemi.
Both Buemi and then Toro Rosso partner Jaime Alguersuari were dropped last month, as Red Bull promoted junior pilots Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne to the sister team.
With rumours of Mark Webber’s retirement pending, the fight for the Australian’s seat may become fierce.
For the nuts and bolts of things, look to Joe Saward, Kate Walker, ManipeF1 and, of course, Autosport. For the more techy minded, there are always Racecar Engineering and Craig Scarborough.
Red Bull RB8. © Red Bull Racing
Red Bull RB8. © Red Bull Racing
Sauber C31 with Kobayasi and Perez. © Sauber F1
Sauber took the covers off of their 2012 Formula 1 racer at Jerez this morning.
After narrowly staying ahead of Toro Rosso for 7th in the Constructors’ Championship last year, the Swiss squad hope the C31 will take them closer to the top six.
In 2011, Sauber finished twenty-five points shy of Force India, who held 6th behind Renault (now Lotus) and Mercedes.
Despite a strong start to the year, Sauber’s form fell away during the mid-season, with lead driver Kamui Kobayashi suffering especially as opponents caught and passed the Swiss squad.
With the retention of their three drivers –Kobayashi, Sergio Perez and reserve Esteban Gutierrez – Sauber are seeking better results from an increasingly stable camp.
Although acting as reserve, it is unclear yet whether Gutierrez will run in any Friday morning sessions; however he will continue full-time in the GP2 Series when that kicks off at Sepang, Malaysia in April.
The C31 upholds several common evolutions seen thus far in other launches (i.e. revised sidepods, suspension layouts and step-nose), although Chief Designer Matt Morris admitted the rear end needed a “tidier” design.
The launch comes off the back of a recent reshuffle within Sauber that saw Technical Director part ways with the team last month.
For the nuts and bolts of things, look to Joe Saward, Kate Walker, ManipeF1 and, of course, Autosport. For the more techy minded, there are always Racecar Engineering and Craig Scarborough.
Sauber C31. © Sauber F1
Sauber C31. © Sauber F1
Sauber C31. © Sauber F1
The weekend wasn’t all about car launches, as both HRT and Caterham F1 added to their driver line-ups.
On Friday afternoon, HRT announced Narain Karthikeyan as their second driver to race alongside Spanish teammate, Pedro de la Rosa.
Karthikeyan completes the provisional grid for the 2012 Formula 1 season, although with six weeks still to go until the opening race at Melbourne, there is still plenty of time for driver changes.
The signing of the Indian driver continues the growing trend of veteran drivers competing in Formula 1. At 35, Karthikeyan becomes the fourth driver on the grid aged 35 or over, alongside Mark Webber (35), Michael Schumacher (43) and de la Rosa (40).
In the twenty-seven races the Indian has started, Karthikeyan achieved a best result of 4th for Jordan at the controversial United States Grand Prix in 2005, where only six cars competed.
Karthikeyan will join the team at the second test in Barcelona
Two steps up the order, Team Caterham revealed Dutchman Giedo van der Garde as their third driver on Saturday.
Van der Garde’s duties behind the wheel of the new Caterham CT01 begin at the opening test at Jerez this Thursday. The Dutch reserve will also take part in a number of Friday morning practice sessions during the season, as he aims to impress for the future.
Regular race drivers Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli will also be taking part in the four day test in southern Spain, with Kovalainen running tomorrow and Wednesday and Trulli taking part on Friday.
Last year, Van der Garde finished 5th in his third season of GP2; however he has not won an event since claiming the Feature Race at Monza toward the end of 2009. The previous year, van der Garde won the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with P1 Motorsport.
It will not be van der Garde’s first time as reserve and test driver for a Formula 1 squad. In 2007, the Dutch pilot was one of seven drivers in the fold at Spyker, taking a similar position at Force India the following year.
Lotus F1 Team E20. © Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic
The renamed Lotus F1 Team uncovered their 2012 challenger, the E20, in Enstone earlier today.
Following a 2011 campaign that fell away in the second half of last season, Lotus will be keen to avoid such a situation again.
With a line-up consisting of former-world champion Kimi Raikkonen and reigning GP2 title holder Romain Grosjean on board, the squad formerly known as Renault are certainly starting with a far more aggressive approach.
Former Virgin Racing pilot, Jerome d’Ambrosio, assumes the role of third driver with aims to revitalise a Formula 1 career that – rather unfairly – took battering after a season in a poor machine.
The E20 represents a sweeping change of direction for the Lotus team. Gone are the odd sounding, and rather explosive forward facing exhausts, following their ejection from the regulation book.
Reconfigured suspension layouts also bear noticing. Although the E20 contains the now familiar step-nose that has many fans bitterly complaining, the “step” is noticeably smoother in its transition.
Due to the lack of regulation change garnering the front wing section, little has been changed in this area, with Lotus deciding upon evolution, rather than revolution.
The team – then Renault – finished 5th in the Constructor’s Championship last year. They will need a much better season if they fancy a go at the top four.
The E20 commemorates the twentieth chassis built at the team’s Enstone headquarters, even if the name above the sign has changed several times in that period. In what may or may not be a sly dig at the Tony Fernandes Team Lotus from the previous two seasons, Enstone Lotus will be celebrating their 500th Grand Prix at the season’s fifth event.
For the nuts and bolts of things, look to Joe Saward, Kate Walker, ManipeF1 and, of course, Autosport. For the more techy minded, there are always Racecar Engineering and Craig Scarborough.
Lotus F1 Team E20. © Andrew Ferraro/LAT Photographic
Lotus F1 Team E20. © Glenn Dunbar/LAT Photographic
Lotus F1 Team E20. © Glenn Dunbar/LAT Photographic
D'Ambrosio, Grosjean, Eric Boullier (Team Principal), Raikkonen. © Glenn Dunbar/LAT Photographic
© Lotus F1 Team
VJM05 Sahara Force India.
On Friday, Force India revealed their charger for the 2012 Formula 1 World Championship.
Flanked by drivers Paul di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg and reserve pilot Jules Bianchi; the Northamptonshire-based squad pulled the covers off the VJM05 at a chilly Silverstone.
Although Force India’s aim is to secure 5th in the Constructors’ Championship, Team Principal Vijay Mallya is under no illusions about the task at hand.
“The new car has come together nicely over the winter. We’ve made some gains (…) and we’re in reasonable shape. Our focus is on starting strongly and improving our position.”
Andre Green – Technical Director with the squad – acknowledged some positives about the VJM05 machine.
“The car looks more refined; a lot racier and a lot more purposeful. You can start to see the aerodynamic concepts coming through now. So far the performance in the tunnel has been encouraging.”
The promotion of Bianchi to Force India’s third driver role is a big move for the Frenchman, who endured a topsy-turvy year in GP2 during 2011.
Like Force India’s previous entry, the VJM05 will be powered by the Mercedes KERS unit, as well as their FO 108Z engine, while also utilising a McLaren gearbox.
For the nuts and bolts of things, look to Joe Saward, Kate Walker, ManipeF1 and, of course, Autosport. For the more techy minded, there are always Racecar Engineering and Craig Scarborough.
VJM05 Sahara Force India.
VJM05 Sahara Force India.
VJM05 Sahara Force India.
VJM05 Sahara Force India.
Jules Bianchi (left), Nico Hulkenberg (centre), Paul di Resta (right)
With the new season just two months away, Carlin Motorsport revealed their final two drivers for the 2012 British Formula 3 campaign.
Joining Jack Harvey, Harry Tincknell and Carlos Sainz Jr in the champion squad will be Formula 3 race winner Pietro Fantin, while Malaysian runner Jazeman Jaafar continues his association with the British squad.
Like his teammates, Fantin is eyeing up the championship and will be looking to add to the success he enjoyed with Hitech Racing in 2011.
“Last year was my first full season in the championship – it was OK, top 10 was what I expected – and I gained a lot of experience with the tracks. Carlin was the wisest and best choice for me for 2012, and now I know that I have the best car on the grid, and that gives me extra confidence.
“I want to be the next Brazilian champion of British Formula 3. It’s possible – it is a matter of working hard, training hard and doing the best possible job.”
Now 20 years old, Fantin will soon be looking beyond this championship, as he eyes up a future in international competition.
Jaafar, too, will be aiming for the title; however earning his first Formula 3 race win is sure to be a pressing matter, as he enters what will be his third season in the category.
“I will take it a step at a time. I don’t want to rush into it thinking it’s all about winning because I don’t want to carry too much pressure. I just want to focus and do the job and I am sure the wins will come.”
Ferrari F2012. © Scuderia Ferrari
Following the cancellation of their official launch party in Maranello due to poor weather, Ferrari instead released their 2012 Formula 1 machine on their site this morning.
Designed by Nicholas Tombazis, the F2012 marks Ferrari’s fifty-eighth world championship car, displaying the prominent step-nose feature seen previously with Caterham.
As with McLaren’s MP4-27 (released on Wednesday), the F2012 has undergone something of a rethink internally, with repositioned radiators, exhausts and suspension layouts all contributing to a lower centre of gravity.
The bottom of the chassis, revised sidepods and narrower rear end have all been designed to reclaim at least some of the downforce lost when hot blowing exhausts were banned at the end of 2011.
The front wing is an evolution of the controversial flapping unit that appeared on last year’s 150° Italia toward the end of the season.
Inside the machine, the Type 056 engine is an evolution of last year’s powerplant, although the electronic mapping system has received an overhaul in compliance with new regulations.
The F2012 is the first project that Technical Director Pat Fry will have overseen, since taking the position last May.
Ferrari’s last title was in 2007 with Kimi Raikkonen and the Scuderia are keenly hoping this machine will bring them success once again. For certain, the team will need to perform better than they did last year.
For the nuts and bolts of things, look to Joe Saward, Kate Walker, ManipeF1 and, of course, Autosport. For the more techy minded, there are always Racecar Engineering and Craig Scarborough.
Ferrari F2012. © Scuderia Ferrari
Ferrari F2012. © Scuderia Ferrari
Ferrari F2012. © Scuderia Ferrari
Ferrari F2012. © Scuderia Ferrari
Last weekend, stories began to emerge from Italy regarding Robert Kubica’s future Formula 1 possibilities.
Most seemed to centre on Kubica using the Ferrari simulator around June, before taking to the wheel of the F10 – the machine that nearly took Fernando Alonso to his third world title.
Tellingly, the reports were filled with phrases like “aiming”, “may”, “could”, “possibly” and “potentially” (etc), rendering the news an empty non-story.
It also says much that the original story contained no quotes from any one, let alone anyone close to either Kubica or Ferrari. The English language version of the story also appears to have been fed through Google Translate and a microwave several times, leading to bastardised versions appearing across the web.
Indeed, one would have to work very hard to write a more non-committal piece than those that have been spread around the internet in recent days.
Realistically, it is approaching one year since Kubica’s horror crash. That he has only lately started driving an automatic-shifting car is an indication in itself as to how far he is from returning to Formula 1… if he ever returns and from here (afar), that simply does not look realistic.
Like everyone else, I would love to see Robert Kubica back in Formula 1, but sadly, his return may be nothing more than a lot of wishful thinking.
© Machdar Motorsports.
It was revealed today by Indian television broadcaster NDTV, that the inaugural i1Super Series has been cancelled until 2013.
The championship, featuring eighteen competitors racing Radical SR3’s; however only four of the nine team’s had received offers from potential owners.
Several notable drivers had confirmed their appearance in the series, including 1997 Formula 1 world champion, Jacques Villeneuve.
Former Grand Prix racers Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Giancarlo Fisichella, Karun Chandhok Jean Alesi and Vitantonio Liuzzi were also due to take part in the series, which also featured several Indian drivers.
It is yet another set up for the i1 Super Series which has been plagued with problems since its inception.
Originally, competition was to begin in December, but postponements led to the series being rescheduled to run from mid-February to late March. However with testing and championships kicking off in Europe and North America shortly, several competitors were forced to withdraw.
McLaren MP4-27. © Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
McLaren launched their 2012 Formula 1 World Championship charger at their Technology Centre this morning.
Former champions Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton remain behind the wheel, as the Woking based squad hope to usurp Red Bull from the top of the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings.
The MP4-27 is reportedly a major revision from previous editions of the MP4 series, with massive redesigns to the rear bodywork and cooling systems. Due to the implementation of new FIA regulations governing exhaust placement, McLaren’s U-shaped sidepods have also had something of a facelift.
2012 also sees former-Williams Technical Director Sam Michael, officially join the team as Sporting Director – an addition that coincides with a shuffling of the squad’s trackside personnel.
McLaren’s technical department, led by Tim Goss, Paddy Lowe and Neil Oatley, is largely unchanged.
The MP4-27 is set for a private shakedown, before moving onto Jerez for the opening test session of the season, which commences next Tuesday (February 7th).
While I agreed with a number of commentators that the MP4-27 is certainly nice to look at, it will all be sadly irrelevant should it not be a Grand Prix winner.
For more detailed analysis from folks who know their skiffle from the shizzle, do check out Autosport, Joe Saward and Kate Walker, amongst others.
McLaren appeared (from afar) to be in confident mood today, despite some ill-advised comments to Autosport from a team member, in reference to the skill of one their opponents.
In the following brew-ha-ha, a tea cup was introduced to a storm and the two merrily danced throughout the morning.
McLaren MP4-27. © Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
McLaren MP4-27. © Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
McLaren MP4-27. © Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Ex-Formula 1 racer tested Toyota Racing’s new TS030 Hybrid at Paul Ricard yesterday, on a day when the Japanese manufacturer announced Andrea Caldarelli as the squad’s junior driver.
An exponent of Toyota’s Young Driver Programme (TDP), the 21-year-old Caldarelli finished 10th overall in last year’s GP3 Series, despite only competing in four of the sixteen races, earning a podium and three other points finishes. A move to Formula Nippon proved to be less successful for the Italian.
Caldarelli is due to take part in several simulator sessions at Toyota Motorsport’s facility in Cologne. Like most junior driver programmes, Caldarelli’s new position will also require active participation in technical discussions and briefings – essential, as his career moves towards endurance style racing.
However, in a statement released yesterday, the Toyota junior is ready to face this new challenge head-on.
“I am really pleased to be joining Toyota Racing as the junior driver and I expect to gain a lot of invaluable experience. Even though I have been racing cars since 2005, I am still only 21 so there is plenty to learn and this is another milestone in my career.
“I know some of the guys in the team having been part of the TDP scheme for several years so it will be fun to work together again. For a young driver like myself to work as part of such a professional and experienced team will be a big benefit and I am looking forward to learning a lot more about the challenge of endurance racing.”
At the head of Toyota Racing’s WEC drive is former Williams and Benetton Formula 1 pilot, Alexander Wurz.
Having won the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 1996 with Joest Racing, the Austrian experienced a full career in single-seater racing before returning to the Le Mans Series with Peugeot in 2008.
Wurz signed with Toyota in November and was on track at Paul Ricard yesterday, completing several hundred kilometres of testing in the TS030 Hybrid. Kazuki Nakajima and Nicolas Lapierre will partner the 37-year-old at the wheel of the LMP1 car this season.
Wurz is now a twice winner of the great Le Mans event (he won again in 2009) and while he feels positive about Toyota’s efforts, the Austrian is still somewhat cautious about managing expectations ahead of the Japanese team’s first season in the current LMP1 category.
“It was cool to drive the TS030 Hybrid car for the first time. Just leaving the garage on the electric power is very futuristic, then when you let the clutch go and the internal combustion engine kicks in it is like an old friend has returned!
“When we put on the slick tyre I could feel the car generates a very good amount of grip so I think we have a good base and I think we can turn this into a really fast car.
“I am definitely very happy but my nature is to also be analytical and therefore I know there is still a lot of work to be done. It’s really good to work with all the mechanics and engineers; the Toyota Racing team is very international and this works well. I am very comfortable in this team because they are all extremely professional, that is really clear.”
Wurz is not alone is his cautious approach to the project. Indeed, it is a sentiment shared by Toyota Racing’s Team President, Yoshiaki Kinoshita.
“Of course we would love to win Le Mans; that is the dream for all competitors in this race. But we are realistic and we know we need to develop and to learn in order to compete with some very strong competition.
”Our target this year is to show the performance level of our car and particularly the THS-R powertrain. Hybrid is a core technology of Toyota so it is important to demonstrate this in a motorsport arena and we want to prove it can bring a performance advantage, both in terms of lap time and fuel efficiency.
“Everyone involved in designing, developing and preparing the car – both at TMG and at Motor Sport Division in Japan – has worked incredibly hard to reach this point and we are all very excited to be back on the race track again.”
Despite the rather quiet nature of Toyota Racing’s approach, the manufacturer has decided to enter a second car for the Le Mans 24 Hour Race as they bid to accelerate their hybrid programme.
As it stands, the team will not contest their first WEC event until May, when they are due to appear at the Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours.
Following last week’s shock withdrawal of Peugeot from endurance competition, Toyota will almost certainly be facing a new level of scrutiny as publications and broadcast crews pull together stories to present to the public.
Irrespective of their efforts, the LMP1 category may well be something of a write off this year should Audi now go unchallenged to the title, but don’t count Toyota out for 2013-14 and beyond.
Once rooted into the category, the Japanese manufacturer will be keen to show that they can be a force in the WEC and it is not beyond the powers of possibility that Andrea Caldarelli may be the face of that squad in years to come.
As much as the chaps and chappettes within the Formula 1 media circus delight in keep fans preoccupied through the quiet winter months with rumour aplenty, the lovely folks at Badger GP have decided to go a step further.
With the season start edging ever closer, Badger GP have arranged a pre-season Formula 1 fan meet-up for Sunday February 12th at the Roxy Bar and Screen in London.
The casual gathering will present a nice opportunity for fans to meet other fans of the sport, giving them an opportunity to discuss the coming season, new cars (irrespective of their odd-shaped nose arches – thank you FIA), along with all the usual bits and bobs that go with pre-season excitement.
To add to the excitement, the Badger GP chaps have bagged the classic 1966 film Grand Prix for a special screening, so sit back, relax and enjoy the big screen débuts of Jim Clark and Graham Hill amongst others. Oh, and some guy called James Garner was in it too…
As Jerez will have held the opening pre-season test only a few days beforehand, it is almost certain that there will be plenty of flared discussion in the room, as well as plenty of slightly exaggerated rumours regarding who will be taking Jarno Trulli’s seat at Caterham.
My money is on Ukyo Katayama making a swift return to Formula 1, with Taki Inoue as the trusty third driver. Probably.
Tickets for the pre-season bash are £4.50, with two tickets going for a very nice £8. Doors for the event are 6pm and the dress code is casual / Grand Prix, although Eddie Jordan-esque clothes may earn one a right ribbing. For further details, click here and do pop along.
Beyond this fabulous event, the Badger GP folks are also organising a “Grand Prix Breakfast Bash” to coincide with the opening race of the season in Melbourne on March 18th.
Full details for the event – also at the Roxy Bar and Screen – can be found here and tickets are on sale now. Expect also a quiz, breakfast and plenty of oooh-and-ahhhhs.
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