Post-race press conference - Spain
Q. Mark, Fernando described you and the team on Friday as unbeatable and you proved it today. You must be very happy?
Mark WEBBER: Yeah, absolutely rapped. After qualifying yesterday it was certainly a great position for us to start the grand prix in. We knew it was a long run to the first corner here and we had some pretty quick cars behind us in terms of top speed, so that was the very important part of the race to unlock that and get out of turn one still in the lead. It was quite tight into turn one. We had a good battle going into there and then I just settled into a rhythm really into the first stint, looking after tyres, making sure we got the option through as everyone is still learning, venue to venue, about how the tyres might operate. We had a pretty good idea they would behave themselves but you never know. We just made sure they were in pretty good nick and finishing the stint in a good fashion which they did. Clean pit-stop. I had Seb with me at that stage and then after the pit stop I had Lewis (Hamilton) behind me and we just controlled the gap really. Looking after the car, engine, tyres as still the grands prix are pretty long and the cars are built for a distance and you need to get the cars home. The team have been incredible this week, getting the cars ready, long, long nights for the guys, an incredible amount of effort at the factory. Working on holidays, so collectively Renault and Red Bull have put a huge effort in. The driver did his little bit of work and in the end it was a fantastic result and I am absolutely thrilled.
Q. Fernando, it looked like it might have been fourth place at one point but it ended up being second. I guess that proves it is never over until it is over. How do you feel about your performance this weekend and the team's?
Fernando ALONSO: Well, now I feel extremely happy after the result today. When you gain two positions in the last part of the race and unexpected positions as well it feels great and you have a fantastic feeling right now. Overall the weekend has been so-so for us. I think in terms of results fantastic weekend for us. Fourth in qualifying with a good performance I think and second in the race is fantastic for the team but as I said we need to improve. We know that. I think we saw this weekend we need to improve especially in some areas of the car to be close to Red Bull especially in qualifying. I think we learn some things this weekend. We work again to maximise out potential. Sometimes we know we will be first, sometimes fifth, sometimes we will be first hopefully, so as much as we do our 100 per cent every weekend we are happy with the job, so we need to be satisfied with today's race.
Q. Sebastian, is there anything that didn't happen to you today? Unscheduled pit stop, brake problems and what about that incident with Lewis?
Sebastian VETTEL: Well, a lot of things went wrong today. The start was okay. There was no chance to get past Mark. It was not worth taking the risk as it was quite slippery down the inside where he was, so I didn't want to take a run on the outside. I was not quick enough. I struggled a lot with the balance of the car. We see the car is quick. Mark was in his own league today but for some reason I struggled. Then a lot of problems. I think we came in too early. Probably expected Lewis to come in the same lap and it turned out not to be. The primes, the hard tyres, were a bit difficult to switch on, so we couldn't do the undercut and get him on the strategy side. Also we were a bit unlucky as we had to wait in the pit box a long time for the Ferrari to drive past and Jenson (Button) was coming in, so it was probably nine seconds. It felt like a nine second pit stop, so we lost a lot of ground and lost the position. It was very close where Lewis came out but there was no way, so to avoid contact I went wide. After that impossible to pass. I felt the car was getting a bit better but as soon as you get closer no chance to pass as you lose the grip. Then 15 laps from the end I lost the front left brakes and the last 10 laps I was lucky as there was so much gap to the back, to Michael. I was able to bring the car home. I don't know how to feel. Third is not a bad position and I think we had a horrible, quite bad race, with a lot of things happening we didn't want to. It is good to take some points but we need to work and keep pushing. The car is fast but you have to be able to use that every single time. It is 50-50 per cent chance of getting through. Mark had a race without any problems but for me it was the other way around, so difficult.
Q. Mark, a reliable Red Bull and an unreliable Red Bull. Tell us how you see the championship evolving from what we have seen today?
MW: Well, it is still very early days. We know there are some very competitive cars, in particular Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren and there are some pretty decent drivers as well, so there is a long, long way to go. We need to see how the car performs at different venues. The cars are pretty sensitive to different tracks, so there is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet in terms of how this will shake out in the next five or six months. As Sebastian touched on, you need a quick car but you need to have one that is always there for you. It showed with McLaren with the failure there that everyone is pushing things to the limit. Ferrari have had some engine problems. We can build tractors, but they are slow. You need to build Formula One cars that are on the edge and this is the balance everyone is chasing.
PRESS CONFERENCE
Q. Mark, this victory seemed to mean a great deal to you today?
MW: It was a special victory. The first one is good but this one is right up there with it. I had to work very hard yesterday not that you don't ever when you are at the front in Formula One. But it was a crucial pole. I felt very good in the car. The car wasn't easy at the start but it was always nice to see the gap going away and that helps. It gave me good confidence from there and off we went. I was just getting ready for a clean pit stop and making sure the tyres were getting to the back part that first stop as well. You are always learning about these tyres and how they will go, particularly at a venue like this. It is a very heavy car in the first 10 to 15 laps and you want to be careful you don't bite off more than you can chew. We had the stop and I saw that Lewis and Seb changed positions at the stop. I then controlled the gap a little bit with Lewis at the start of the next stint, just picking my way through the traffic as there was quite a bit of that going on. Most of them were pretty good. Some guys. I then knew Lewis might be hitting the traffic and I did a few reasonably quick laps just to open it up a bit more. Then we could pace the car to the end. Sensational effort from the whole team this weekend. We had a faultless grand prix weekend in terms of yesterday's qualifying and the race today was a very well executed grand prix. In a way we know that Seb could have been in second if he had a smooth race, so we have missed a few points for the Constructors, but in the end very special day for me. It was a good one. Unfortunately I can't get too drunk tonight as we are at the track again on Wednesday but we will see how we go.
Q. Were you surprised just how you were pulling away from Seb in those early stages?
MW: Yes, I was. Some laps I wasn't particularly happy with the laps I was doing. You always think you can get a bit more there but it was still stretching as I thought Seb was having similar problems, so bit of a surprise but a pleasant one. It makes life a bit easier for yourself.
Q. Your thoughts on Monaco. Will the car be good around there?
MW: It should be. We know it is a special venue. It is a one off on the calendar. It is a sensational challenge for the drivers. We all like going there. You certainly couldn't have a track like it now if you wanted to design and build one. It is a little bit on the edge. We know that but we will go there and give is our best shot. It is a different type of weekend with running on Thursday and a bit of a break on Friday. The whole atmosphere is good and it is a special grand prix. We all know that front row will be king there as well.
Q. There will probably be a few Aussies on yachts.
MW: Lots of Australians are working on the boat. There were a few Aussie flags here today. There were a few Spanish ones unfortunately. It was good to have Fernando on the podium with us in his home race but in the end a lot of Aussie flags there too which is nice to see.
Q. Fernando, you seemed to be pushing really hard on that first stint. Did you think you could get Lewis?
FA: Not really. Maybe it was too optimistic at that time. I was trying. First part of the second stint I took it a bit easy and as I knew I needed to do 50 laps with that set of tyres, so the first 10 laps I just controlled the balance of the car a bit and I didn't want t push the tyres too hard. Then I did maximum attack for 10 or 15 laps just to close the gap to Sebastian. Sometimes I closed to 10, sometimes I lose one, sometimes I close to three, so I was catching him like half-a-second every 20 laps. That was not enough to get to him and then to overtake the car in front, so I knew it was pretty difficult to get there. I just controlled and I backed off a bit the revs and brought the car back home.
Q. It must be nice to get the points for second place?
FA: Yeah, absolutely. When you recover some positions in the last laps unexpectedly it feels great. It tastes better than even an overtaking manoeuvre I think. The one with Sebastian I saw some problems with his car in the lap he pitted and then I was expecting him to come back very quickly on the track in the last part with the soft tyres but the team informed me he had some problems and he was running slow, so the third place was more or less in the pocket but then sure three or four laps before the end when I saw the problem with the McLaren it was another position just for free, so it was very welcome.
Q. Sebastian, during those early stages, was this lack of balance completely unexpected, that you couldn't push harder?
SV: I think it was a surprise all afternoon. The circuit was not in very good shape. In general, I think the lap times were very slow. It was a bit unknown why I lost out so much in the beginning. Everyone is all over the place during the first two laps and I was able to stay close, but then I continuously lost - at some point it was even difficult to get away from Lewis. In the end I was able to open up the gap a bit but it was very difficult, very little grip all around, so I don't know why the car was quite different to the rest of the weekend. And then we lost a position in the pit stop unfortunately. We had to wait. We probably came in too early and then had to wait for Fernando to drive past, I think, and Jenson approaching his box just in front of ours. So coming back out, Lewis obviously pitted a lap later and he was able to pass us. It was close in turn one but he obviously had the inside line. It was a bit critical because there was a lapped car there as well, so three cars into one corner. And after that, it was pretty boring to follow Lewis. I was still struggling with the balance. It was getting a bit better when the track got quicker. And then surprisingly, I think 15 or 12 laps to the end, I had a brake failure and I went off at turn seven and I was just lucky to bring the car home in the end, because of the big gaps to the cars behind. Without any brakes I was able to finish third, which is not a disaster, it's good points but I think the result is a bit different to how it came together this afternoon.
Q. What did they do when you came into the pits? Did you have a puncture?
SV: Just changed tyres. They probably had a quick look but there's nothing that you can fix quickly. And then I went back out, I still had three brakes around the car, I think, so then obviously towards the end it was getting critical because you don't want to have another failure, so I think we were just lucky to bring the car home, to be honest.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q. (Mike Doodson) Mark, you've paid tribute all through the weekend to the strength and the hard work of your team. Could you give us a couple of examples of people close to you who have put in a special effort or make special sacrifices?
MW: It started, really, on the way back from Shanghai. A lot of people were out of position for a long, long time, so that probably didn't affect our team but there was a bit of a knock-on effect of people being stuck out there behind schedule, getting back into the rhythm, into the factory with race team and factory-based people getting going. And some astronomical hours really, Mike, I think there was a Bank Holiday Monday a few weeks ago and they were in, preparing the car, and after hours. OK, maybe every team is doing it but at least the intensity of the guys... people are telling them to do things and they are not even questioning it. It's just boom, boom; everyone is on the same channel, pushing hard. Then trackside this week, Kenny (Handkammer, chief mechanic) was on the podium today, he's been in Formula One a long time and it was nice to have him up there today for the first time. He's won many, many races as the chief bolt (mechanic), him with his soldiers and his boys, the hours that he's done. It's good that we're obviously run by Red Bull because I think it keeps the guys awake because their eyes are popping out of their heads because of the hours that they've done. That was a special effort. OK, Seb didn't have a clean race but there were no mistakes on the cars even though they're under stress. That was good.
Q. (Michael Schmidt – Auto, Motor und Sport) Sebastian, for most of the race you drove behind somebody else. Is it possible that the Red Bull loses more speed or loses more balance than other cars in traffic?
SV: I haven't driven another car this year. I don't know. I think any car loses grip all around, loses downforce when you follow another car, depending on the gap. On top of that, I think this afternoon, as far as I could see outside from the inside of the cockpit, it was very, very windy today with a lot of gusts, especially in turn seven where I think you had a tail wind under braking, it was very difficult to get in, and then sometimes with a gust, it just blew you away. So it was difficult, I think, and obviously when you have another car in front, the closer you get it doesn't get easier. I don't think necessarily we are worse than others. I think we've had other races this year where I was able to follow and it wasn't a problem. For sure you lose grip, you damage your tyres, but that's the usual procedure for everyone.
Q. (Frederic Ferret – L'Equipe) Mark, this victory seems very special for you, even more than the first one. Is that because it's at the beginning of the season instead of the middle or the end? And you can fight for the championship?
FA: It's in Spain.
MW: Yeah, it's in Spain. All of them have been good. Obviously in Brazil it was all overshadowed by Jenson winning the title, so today was all about… it was Fernando's home race, so there was a lot of people excited about that locally, but it was my day today and that's why I was very happy and satisfied that I started on the pole and could control the race, and they're the ones which are very special to have. They don't always happen like that. I said to some people that when I win a race this year I will do something different, so it was nice to throw my helmet into the crowd and give a present back to the fans because they don't always get the best treatment in Formula One, so it was nice to throw a bit of a gift out there for them. Just a really special day for me, to capitalise off the pole again yesterday. It's the first time that someone's won from pole this year and it's the tenth time from pole at this venue, so it's a very important position to start the race and we did the job in the end.
Q. (Carlos Miquel – Diario AS) Fernando, I remember in 2005 when Räikkönen had a problem with the tyres at the Nürburgring and you were pushing every lap. This problem for Hamilton is more or less the same? And are you now achieving the average you want for the championship?
FA: I don't think they were similar. The problem was very different. I was pushing Räikkönen every lap in 2005. He had a lot of vibration coming from the tyre and he was running slower and slower every time just to finish the race, and I was pushing the maximum not to let him just cruise to the end. On this occasion, Lewis was just way in front of me and we were similar or he was even quicker than me. I think it was just bad luck for him. For the championship, I'm happy with this position, but as I said before, we need four or five podiums in a row. With one podium and then another three races with mistakes there is not enough to win the championship but I think we understand, we know the problems, we know the mistakes we made at the beginning of the championship and we arrived in Barcelona with a very good approach, super Ferrari team I think this weekend with no mistakes at all: preparing for qualifying in practice in a good way, at the maximum of our potential in qualifying and a very solid race. Sometimes we know that we will be third, sometimes we know we will be fifth, sometimes we can maybe win the race, but we need to do our maximum and today or this weekend all the Ferrari team did the maximum so we are extremely happy with our job and with all the guys, the mechanics, the engineers, the guys in the factory to bring here a lot of modifications on the car. It is thanks to those I am second today.
Q. (Juha Päätalo – Financial Times Deutschland) Sebastian, can you just clarify why you came into the pits in the first place, 15 laps before the end? Were your primes finished or was it a safety option?
SV: I was braking for turn seven – boom! And then I went straight on. Obviously I saw that something flew off the car and I had some brake failures in the past, so it was extremely difficult. Every time I then touched the brakes the car was massively pulling to the right and didn't stop properly, obviously, so I knew that something was wrong. I thought at that stage that that was it. So what you do, obviously, is that you pit. They changed the tyres, they probably had a quick look, couldn't see anything and I was sent back out. The lap after I got the call to come in and retire and then I said 'is there no chance to save some points?' Obviously at that stage I didn't know I was fourth but then I was telling the team that I would love to try and keep racing and try to save some points. At that stage I thought maybe two or three points were better than nothing, but it turned out to be a lot more and I even finished on the podium. So like it or not, I think it was a very lucky day.
Q. (Heikki Kulta – Turun Sanomat) Sebastian, five races and three times you've had reliability problems. How much more pressure does that give you?
SV: Nothing for me, there's not much I can do differently. Obviously I knew that I was behind Lewis. To be honest I was seconds faster. It's very difficult to judge your true pace but he wasn't slow at the end, as Fernando said. They were also on a similar pace, so I think all us three were within a couple of tenths. So I was looking to finish the race in third and trying to save engines, save tyres and save brakes as well. As I said, it was a surprise and then boom, the failure.
Q. (Livio Oricchio – O Estado de Sao Paulo) Alonso, you said your team needs to work specifically in some areas of the car, which suggests you know exactly what you have to do, and also, you are three points behind the leader of the championship, in spite of all the problems you have experienced this weekend. Can you talk to us about these two subjects?
FA: Well, regarding the improvements on the car, there is a very aggressive plan of developing the car with some good gains and good improvements to come in the next races, so we are very optimistic on that. The championship is long. There will be some circuits where we will be closer to Red Bull and some circuits like this weekend where we know it's going to be more difficult but overall, for the 19 races, I think we have a package, a car that can fight for the World Championship which is the main goal. We know the areas which will give aerodynamic improvements. Basically, I think, we saw this weekend here in Barcelona how important the aerodynamics of the car are and the maximum downforce and we were struggling a little bit more than we wanted. Nothing new. As for the championship, I don't know how many points I am behind Jenson now, three? It's just a very early part of the championship. Better to be in the first three or four positions than to be eighth or ninth in the championship for sure but I think you need the consistency, you need good results all through the year, but as you said, we had two engine problems, one gearbox problem, one jumped start and some chaotic races and we are three points behind the leaders, so we are happy.
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Webber: Red Bull has what it deserves
Mark Webber believes only the unusual circumstances in the first races of the season have been the reason why Red Bull has not achieved better results.
But the Australian admits his team has what it deserves after having won just one out of four races despite having the quickest car.
"There has been plenty of [what ifs] but you make your own luck and results at the end of the day and the scoreboard never lies and that's where we are so," Webber told AUTOSPORT.
"It's not as if we are hunting for a lot of pace, we're not off the pace, there has just been a lot of circumstantial things.
"They are the cards we have been dealt with and the decisions that have been made on the pit wall, and all those things together... and in the end there is no rewind button. There has been one race that has gone well for us. The other three races there has been change left on the table.
"Jenson has had two races which came together but there has been a lot of guys that have had rough weekends so far."
Webber also reckons the mixed weather in three out of four races has helped mask some of the problems with this year's regulations.
"Yeah, I think inevitably whenever it rains it mixes the races right up," he added. "Also Lewis's charge from the back in Sepang was highly entertaining - which was good for that race because if we had all started from position it might not have been as interesting potentially.
"I think the F-Duct has certainly helped that as well with the top speed of certain cars, and that has helped make overtaking a bit easier so in a way I hope that continues, but we see some good old changes to regs for spectators because we don't need the Bahrains to consistently repeat, that would be bad.
"Let's hope they don't and the drivers can enjoy the race and so can the spectators."
And while the Red Bull driver admits the 'old days' were more exciting, he is aware that the situation was not sustainable and F1 had to change.
"We always think the old days were better, don't we? I loved it when the cars had V10s, 900bhp and a tyre war. That was great as well. But that wasn't sustainable, then we changed from traction control, then we went to one tyre, then we went to KERS on, KERS off. We do change a lot and that's how it is.
"I still really enjoy driving the cars, it is what it is every year. We have a new challenge for the drivers, it's different skill sets we have to get used to whether it's a heavy car to an empty car at different stages of a grand prix. Sprint races, two-stop, three-stop, four-stop with Schumacher at Magny-Cours one year. As drivers we are constantly having to evolve."
But the Australian admits his team has what it deserves after having won just one out of four races despite having the quickest car.
"There has been plenty of [what ifs] but you make your own luck and results at the end of the day and the scoreboard never lies and that's where we are so," Webber told AUTOSPORT.
"It's not as if we are hunting for a lot of pace, we're not off the pace, there has just been a lot of circumstantial things.
"They are the cards we have been dealt with and the decisions that have been made on the pit wall, and all those things together... and in the end there is no rewind button. There has been one race that has gone well for us. The other three races there has been change left on the table.
"Jenson has had two races which came together but there has been a lot of guys that have had rough weekends so far."
Webber also reckons the mixed weather in three out of four races has helped mask some of the problems with this year's regulations.
"Yeah, I think inevitably whenever it rains it mixes the races right up," he added. "Also Lewis's charge from the back in Sepang was highly entertaining - which was good for that race because if we had all started from position it might not have been as interesting potentially.
"I think the F-Duct has certainly helped that as well with the top speed of certain cars, and that has helped make overtaking a bit easier so in a way I hope that continues, but we see some good old changes to regs for spectators because we don't need the Bahrains to consistently repeat, that would be bad.
"Let's hope they don't and the drivers can enjoy the race and so can the spectators."
And while the Red Bull driver admits the 'old days' were more exciting, he is aware that the situation was not sustainable and F1 had to change.
"We always think the old days were better, don't we? I loved it when the cars had V10s, 900bhp and a tyre war. That was great as well. But that wasn't sustainable, then we changed from traction control, then we went to one tyre, then we went to KERS on, KERS off. We do change a lot and that's how it is.
"I still really enjoy driving the cars, it is what it is every year. We have a new challenge for the drivers, it's different skill sets we have to get used to whether it's a heavy car to an empty car at different stages of a grand prix. Sprint races, two-stop, three-stop, four-stop with Schumacher at Magny-Cours one year. As drivers we are constantly having to evolve."
Klien gets Hispania reserve seat
Klien is to return to Formula 1 as a test and reserve driver for Hispania, starting from Friday practice at Catalunya later this week.
The 27-year-old Austrian raced for Jaguar and Red Bull between 2004 and 2006, and has also been a test driver for Honda and most recently BMW. He had hoped that the influx of new teams for 2010 would enable him to get back into a race seat, but he was unable to find a spot on the grid.
"This role offers me the opportunity to rejoin the Formula 1 environment and drive again, which is naturally where my longer-term ambitions lie," said Klien.
"I was in Bahrain and China and had a close look at the car already. I have also met the team members and I know quite a number of them from my previous race seasons.
"I would like to thank Dr Colin Kolles for the interest he has shown in me at this stage. It is exciting and very motivating to be part of a new team structure in such a challenging sport."
Team boss Kolles said he had admired Klien since his junior racing days.
"He is a young and fast driver," said Kolles. "I have been keeping a close eye on him since his first races in the ADAC series as I believe he has great potential.
"We look forward to having Christian alongside us in Barcelona later this week so he can spend some valuable familiarisation time with the team. As a young team we are looking for drivers who can grow with us."
Hispania has also signed former Super Aguri and Spyker racer Sakon Yamamoto as a test driver for its maiden season, alongside race drivers Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok.
The 27-year-old Austrian raced for Jaguar and Red Bull between 2004 and 2006, and has also been a test driver for Honda and most recently BMW. He had hoped that the influx of new teams for 2010 would enable him to get back into a race seat, but he was unable to find a spot on the grid.
"This role offers me the opportunity to rejoin the Formula 1 environment and drive again, which is naturally where my longer-term ambitions lie," said Klien.
"I was in Bahrain and China and had a close look at the car already. I have also met the team members and I know quite a number of them from my previous race seasons.
"I would like to thank Dr Colin Kolles for the interest he has shown in me at this stage. It is exciting and very motivating to be part of a new team structure in such a challenging sport."
Team boss Kolles said he had admired Klien since his junior racing days.
"He is a young and fast driver," said Kolles. "I have been keeping a close eye on him since his first races in the ADAC series as I believe he has great potential.
"We look forward to having Christian alongside us in Barcelona later this week so he can spend some valuable familiarisation time with the team. As a young team we are looking for drivers who can grow with us."
Hispania has also signed former Super Aguri and Spyker racer Sakon Yamamoto as a test driver for its maiden season, alongside race drivers Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok.
Barcelona form card
Formula 1 returns to action in Spain this weekend following three weeks of frantic development work by the teams - as they bid to catch Jenson Button in the points, and stop Red Bull pressing home its speed advantage on track.
As the teams head for Barcelona, itv.com/f1 runs down all 24 drivers' form heading to round five.
1. Jenson Button (GB) - McLaren
Championship position: 1st, 60 points
Who saw that coming? Four races in and Button has two wins to his name and the championship lead, while his team-mate Hamilton has yet to taste victory in 2010. While the latter is often the quicker of the McLaren duo, it's Button's cool head, great judgement and silky touch that are helping him turn speed into results - something others are struggling to do at the moment. And he's still only in the settling in stage at McLaren...
Last five race results: 1st / 8th / 1st / 7th / 3rd
(most recent first)
2. Lewis Hamilton (GB) - McLaren
Championship position: 4th, 49 points
Hamilton has done some brilliant overtaking in the first four races of 2010 - but he's had to, because things keep going horribly wrong for him, sometimes through no fault of his own, sometimes through misjudgements, mistakes or Saturday afternoon under-performance. His driving has been entertaining, but you don't get any bonus points for swashbuckling passes. He needs to pull it all together and win from the front, as he definitely has the speed to do.
Last five race results: 2nd / 6th / 6th / 3rd / R
3. Michael Schumacher (D) - Mercedes
Championship position: 10th, 10 points
This is going horribly wrong at the moment. Schumacher is giving it his all and certainly wasn't giving up without a fight in China, but he simply wasn't fast enough to hold off the queues of rivals chasing him down, and was a long, long way behind team-mate Rosberg. Mercedes has a heavily revised car for Spain, which should in theory be more suited to Schumacher's style. Will that get him on the pace and silence the whispers about how long he can continue to disappoint before returning to retirement?
Last five race results: 10th / R / 10th / 6th / -
4. Nico Rosberg (D) - Mercedes
Championship position: 2nd, 50 points
It's all looking good for Rosberg at the moment. His consistency has brought him to a close second in the championship after four rounds, he's now a podium regular, and he has blitzed legendary team-mate Schumacher by an increasingly large amount. And with few believing the Mercedes is a match for Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, he is under less pressure to fight for wins. It must still have hurt to slip behind the McLarens after leading in China, though.
Last five race results: 3rd / 3rd / 5th / 5th / 9th
5. Sebastian Vettel (D) - Red Bull
Championship position: 5th, 45 points
Vettel's win in Malaysia was supposed to open the floodgates and mark the moment when he and Red Bull put their early fragility behind them and got on with turning their dominant pace into dominant results. But China was a similar story to the opening rounds: peerless in qualifying, but messy in the race. Last year rain was a good thing for Red Bull, but not in 2010. That said, straightforward weekend in Spain could see him untouchable.
Last five race results: 6th / 1st / R / 4th / 1st
6. Mark Webber (AUS) - Red Bull
Championship position: 8th, 27 points
While Vettel tried to put a positive face on the points salvaged in China, Webber was seething that his team had been 'blown away'. Yet again, the Aussie is getting the worst of the bad luck... and is generally a tiny fraction off Vettel's pace too. He is confident that it will just take one win to turn his season around and is probably right, but that win can't wait too long.
Last five race results: 8th / 2nd / 9th / 8th / 2nd
As the teams head for Barcelona, itv.com/f1 runs down all 24 drivers' form heading to round five.
1. Jenson Button (GB) - McLaren
Championship position: 1st, 60 points
Who saw that coming? Four races in and Button has two wins to his name and the championship lead, while his team-mate Hamilton has yet to taste victory in 2010. While the latter is often the quicker of the McLaren duo, it's Button's cool head, great judgement and silky touch that are helping him turn speed into results - something others are struggling to do at the moment. And he's still only in the settling in stage at McLaren...
Last five race results: 1st / 8th / 1st / 7th / 3rd
(most recent first)
2. Lewis Hamilton (GB) - McLaren
Championship position: 4th, 49 points
Hamilton has done some brilliant overtaking in the first four races of 2010 - but he's had to, because things keep going horribly wrong for him, sometimes through no fault of his own, sometimes through misjudgements, mistakes or Saturday afternoon under-performance. His driving has been entertaining, but you don't get any bonus points for swashbuckling passes. He needs to pull it all together and win from the front, as he definitely has the speed to do.
Last five race results: 2nd / 6th / 6th / 3rd / R
3. Michael Schumacher (D) - Mercedes
Championship position: 10th, 10 points
This is going horribly wrong at the moment. Schumacher is giving it his all and certainly wasn't giving up without a fight in China, but he simply wasn't fast enough to hold off the queues of rivals chasing him down, and was a long, long way behind team-mate Rosberg. Mercedes has a heavily revised car for Spain, which should in theory be more suited to Schumacher's style. Will that get him on the pace and silence the whispers about how long he can continue to disappoint before returning to retirement?
Last five race results: 10th / R / 10th / 6th / -
4. Nico Rosberg (D) - Mercedes
Championship position: 2nd, 50 points
It's all looking good for Rosberg at the moment. His consistency has brought him to a close second in the championship after four rounds, he's now a podium regular, and he has blitzed legendary team-mate Schumacher by an increasingly large amount. And with few believing the Mercedes is a match for Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, he is under less pressure to fight for wins. It must still have hurt to slip behind the McLarens after leading in China, though.
Last five race results: 3rd / 3rd / 5th / 5th / 9th
5. Sebastian Vettel (D) - Red Bull
Championship position: 5th, 45 points
Vettel's win in Malaysia was supposed to open the floodgates and mark the moment when he and Red Bull put their early fragility behind them and got on with turning their dominant pace into dominant results. But China was a similar story to the opening rounds: peerless in qualifying, but messy in the race. Last year rain was a good thing for Red Bull, but not in 2010. That said, straightforward weekend in Spain could see him untouchable.
Last five race results: 6th / 1st / R / 4th / 1st
6. Mark Webber (AUS) - Red Bull
Championship position: 8th, 27 points
While Vettel tried to put a positive face on the points salvaged in China, Webber was seething that his team had been 'blown away'. Yet again, the Aussie is getting the worst of the bad luck... and is generally a tiny fraction off Vettel's pace too. He is confident that it will just take one win to turn his season around and is probably right, but that win can't wait too long.
Last five race results: 8th / 2nd / 9th / 8th / 2nd
Glock to drive sole upgraded Virgin
Virgin Racing has only been able to complete urgently needed modifications to one of the two cars it will bring to the forthcoming Spanish Grand Prix, owing to the disruption caused by last month’s Icelandic volcano eruption.
Having discovered that the fuel tank on its VR-01 was not large enough to complete races at full speed, the fledgling team had intended to have two new chassis ready for the start of the European season.
But the closure of airspace caused by the volcano ash cloud kept many team personnel stranded in Shanghai for up to five additional days, foiling plans to prepare and homologate two chassis with lengthened fuel tanks.
As a result only the more experienced of Virgin’s drivers, Timo Glock, will have a fully upgraded car at his disposal in Barcelona.
“Having worked tirelessly to prepare the new car for the race, including its successful rehomologation, it is a bitter pill to swallow that we are unable to complete the second car due to the ‘volcanic delays’,” said technical director Nick Wirth.
“Running two fundamentally different specification cars at Barcelona will certainly challenge the team, but, as the reliability fixes apply to both specifications, we’ll keep our heads down and focus solely on getting both cars to the chequered flag.”
Team principal John Booth added: “What should have been a useful three-week break in the calendar, and an opportunity to ensure we are fully prepared for the European season, turned into something of a race against time thanks to the fallout from ‘The Volcano’.
“It took up to five days after the Chinese Grand Prix before the entire team were back in England, so we had to rush headlong into preparations for Spain.
“The planned modifications to the chassis were always going to be our most significant development, but they were also the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we will bring to Barcelona.
“As a new team we will be using new trucks and a new motorhome for the first time and on top of that we moved into our new race preparation facility while the team were stranded in China, so we certainly had a lot going on for us when we finally made it home.
“Nonetheless, the team have done an admirable job and we’ll be heading to Spain this week full of optimism for the next phase of our debut season.”
Glock is optimistic the team will make progress over the next few races, but admits it will be harder running two cars to different specifications in Barcelona.
“The last few weeks haven’t exactly gone according to plan thanks to the Icelandic volcano, but what this has enabled us to do is draw a line under the disappointment of Shanghai and focus on better things ahead,” said the German.
“We have taken a good hard look at the first four races and now have a very clear picture of where things have gone well for us and where we need to improve.
“It’s a shame that we couldn’t bring two new modified chassis to Spain, because we would have had two sets of data to work from, but we will work with what we have and hope that it brings the kind of results we are hoping for.”
Rookie team-mate Lucas di Grassi said: “Though I’m disappointed that I will be driving the previous specification chassis, as we didn’t have enough time to modify two cars, I hope with all the work we’ve been doing to make our race weekends go more smoothly we can have a positive European debut.”
Rosberg not getting carried away
Despite suggestions that Merc GP could be the team to beat in Spain, Nico Rosberg has avoided making any grand predictions for this weekend's race.
Team boss Ross Brawn commented recently that: "Nico is very close to winning a race," as the young German continues to impress, having secured two podium finishes in the last two races.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner added fuel to the flames by suggesting that this weekend could be the moment when Mercedes comes to the fore.
"Writing off teams and drivers [Schumacher] that have won world championships [is a] mistake you must never make," Horner told Kicker magazine.
"Things can change very quickly. That's why Mercedes could suddenly be in front in Barcelona."
But Rosberg has downplayed suggestions that the Brackley-based squad could find themselves on the top step of the podium in Barcelona.
"It would be nice, but we must be realistic. At Mercedes we are not yet in a position to win, but in the coming weeks we should make some big steps and I'm hoping to make good progress," he told DPA.
"That [aiming for a win in Barcelona] would be expecting too much. But I do hope we can narrow the gap to Red Bull," he added.
The 24-year-old has out-paced team-mate and seven times World Champion Michael Schumacher at every race thus far this season, but while happy with his current position both in the team and on the Driver's points table, the former Williams driver is aware that there is still a long way to go in the season.
"So far I'm very pleased with how my season has gone. I am especially happy to be second in the championship. I'm happy to have been ahead of Michael so far, but it is still too early to make comparisons."
Team boss Ross Brawn commented recently that: "Nico is very close to winning a race," as the young German continues to impress, having secured two podium finishes in the last two races.
Red Bull boss Christian Horner added fuel to the flames by suggesting that this weekend could be the moment when Mercedes comes to the fore.
"Writing off teams and drivers [Schumacher] that have won world championships [is a] mistake you must never make," Horner told Kicker magazine.
"Things can change very quickly. That's why Mercedes could suddenly be in front in Barcelona."
But Rosberg has downplayed suggestions that the Brackley-based squad could find themselves on the top step of the podium in Barcelona.
"It would be nice, but we must be realistic. At Mercedes we are not yet in a position to win, but in the coming weeks we should make some big steps and I'm hoping to make good progress," he told DPA.
"That [aiming for a win in Barcelona] would be expecting too much. But I do hope we can narrow the gap to Red Bull," he added.
The 24-year-old has out-paced team-mate and seven times World Champion Michael Schumacher at every race thus far this season, but while happy with his current position both in the team and on the Driver's points table, the former Williams driver is aware that there is still a long way to go in the season.
"So far I'm very pleased with how my season has gone. I am especially happy to be second in the championship. I'm happy to have been ahead of Michael so far, but it is still too early to make comparisons."
FIA approves Ferrari engine changes
Ferrari has been given the green light by the FIA to make modifications to its engine on reliability grounds following the problems it has had in the early stages of the season.
Both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have suffered engine issues in the opening flyaway events - with Alonso suffering two blow-ups that has left him in particular on the back foot in terms of his supply for the season.
With customer team Sauber having also encountered its share of engine issues, Ferrari conducted a detailed investigation into the matter after the Chinese Grand Prix.
And after finding out that there was an intrinsic problem with the design of the engine, Ferrari applied to the governing body to be able to make some improvements to the power units on reliability grounds.
The Maranello outfit was duly given approval and the modifications will be ready in time to be fitted to the F10 cars at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
Although Ferrari has not outlined exactly what the issues were with the engine, they are believed to relate to air consumption, which could have been caused by leaking pneumatic valves.
A statement by Ferrari said: "A lot of work was carried out on the test bench, completing several long runs and this work produced some solutions which it is felt will solve the reliability problems experienced in Bahrain and Malaysia. The team therefore requested and received authorisation from the FIA to make some changes within the framework of the current engine regulations and these modifications will be fitted to the engines to be used in Spain.
"While since China, everyone in the Gestione Sportiva has been working hard as always on their various areas of activity, it is fair to say that over the past weeks, the staff in the engine department really produced a major effort, working night and day to analyse, evaluate and solve issues that have affected engine performance in past races."
The Spanish GP will also see Ferrari fit the full version of the F-Duct to both drivers' cars for the first time in practice, although a decision about whether the concept will be used for qualifying and the race will only be made after the results of the Friday sessions are in.
Both Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa have suffered engine issues in the opening flyaway events - with Alonso suffering two blow-ups that has left him in particular on the back foot in terms of his supply for the season.
With customer team Sauber having also encountered its share of engine issues, Ferrari conducted a detailed investigation into the matter after the Chinese Grand Prix.
And after finding out that there was an intrinsic problem with the design of the engine, Ferrari applied to the governing body to be able to make some improvements to the power units on reliability grounds.
The Maranello outfit was duly given approval and the modifications will be ready in time to be fitted to the F10 cars at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
Although Ferrari has not outlined exactly what the issues were with the engine, they are believed to relate to air consumption, which could have been caused by leaking pneumatic valves.
A statement by Ferrari said: "A lot of work was carried out on the test bench, completing several long runs and this work produced some solutions which it is felt will solve the reliability problems experienced in Bahrain and Malaysia. The team therefore requested and received authorisation from the FIA to make some changes within the framework of the current engine regulations and these modifications will be fitted to the engines to be used in Spain.
"While since China, everyone in the Gestione Sportiva has been working hard as always on their various areas of activity, it is fair to say that over the past weeks, the staff in the engine department really produced a major effort, working night and day to analyse, evaluate and solve issues that have affected engine performance in past races."
The Spanish GP will also see Ferrari fit the full version of the F-Duct to both drivers' cars for the first time in practice, although a decision about whether the concept will be used for qualifying and the race will only be made after the results of the Friday sessions are in.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Spain preview quotes - Renault, Force India, Virgin, Toro Rosso & more
After the hard slog of four long-haul races, the European leg of the F1 season kicks off next weekend with the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The Circuit de Catalunya is a venue the teams know well from testing, though racing there is a completely different challenge. The drivers and senior team personnel discuss their prospects…
Robert Kubica, Renault
2009 Qualifying - 10th, 2009 Race - 11th
“Barcelona is the sort of circuit that all the drivers and teams know back to front so I’m expecting a very tough battle. All the teams will be very well prepared and usually get close to their potential so it’s important that we maximise our performance so that we can fight for points in the race. We are not planning to bring any huge updates, but we will keep gradually improving the car, just like we did during the first four races. We have to wait and see how we compare with the others; maybe the order of the teams will be quite different compared to the start of the year.”
Vitaly Petrov, Renault
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“I’ve raced there many times in GP2 and we tested in Barcelona over the winter. It’s a circuit where all the teams will be well prepared and I expect the gaps between the cars to be very small. We didn’t have a very good test there in February, but hopefully the weather and track conditions will be different for the race and that will give us a chance to do better. As a circuit, it’s technically very difficult and overtaking is almost impossible, which is why qualifying will be very important.”
Alan Permane, Renault chief race engineer
“It’s true that we didn’t look great during the Barcelona test and completed limited mileage, but the issues we had during the test were not circuit-specific and I’ve no concerns about going back there. Barcelona is one of those circuits where you pay a heavy penalty if you’re lacking aero efficiency, but we’ve added an enormous amount of downforce to the car since winter testing, so we shouldn’t be out of position. We won’t run the same set-up we used during the test because the car has evolved since then and the races have taught us a lot about how to get the most from it. Barcelona certainly used to be the ultimate test, but since they slowed down the final sector, it’s not quite as aero-dependent as it used to be. However, the first part of the lap remains very high-speed, and Turns Three and Nine are quick, challenging corners where good aero performance counts. Even Turns Four, Five and Seven are relatively quick corners by the standards of most circuits and, if your car has aero deficiencies, there’s nowhere to hide.”
Adrian Sutil, Force India
2009 Qualifying - 19th, 2009 Race - DNF
“It's always a nice feeling to get back to Europe. It's been a hard start to the year with the four flyaway races, but it's not going to be easy now with the first European double header and then the Turkish Grand Prix not that far away. But Spain is always a great place to open the European season. We know it well from the winter testing programme but it's still a challenge with the mix of high speed and technical corners. I quite like it and am looking forward to scoring points there for the first time in my career.
“We have some aerodynamic improvements all over the car, with refinements to the front wing and bargeboard area, plus some mechanical changes aimed at improving lower speed corner performance. I think this will put us in quite good shape for Spain and see us maintaining our position. Of course you don't know what the others are doing but the development race is so tight now, everybody is at a point where it's hard to find every single tenth. We've looked very competitive in the first four races and I don't see why that should change. The feeling in the team is positive, we've got a good plan, I feel very confident and comfortable in where we are and where we are going. Q3 and points is now the normal aim for us and we're disappointed if we don't get them.”
Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“Every race has its own story and in China everything went wrong, but we always thought we could be very strong for the Barcelona race. In the final winter test we had a good pace, I like the track and the car seems to fit the track characteristics well now. For me personally, I have turned the page after China and am really looking forward to the European season where I want to get back into the points at each round.”
Paul di Resta, Force India third driver
“I'll be replacing Adrian (for Friday practice) this time out and I'm really looking forward to it. Barcelona isn't a track I know, in fact the only European track I know well is Hockenheim, but I have been in the simulator and will do the usual preparations on Thursday and before the session so it should not be a problem to get up to speed. Again I'll be trying to focus on learning, getting into the environment and hopefully with the past three sessions under my belt, giving some genuinely useful feedback to the programme.
“It's starting to get very busy now for me with races just about every weekend! After China I flew straight to Germany for the first round of the DTM championship in Hockenheim. It was an OK weekend, I got fourth in the first race, which is a good start to the year. But it's all good, positive stress and I don't think too much ahead, I just try to focus on what I am doing at the time and get the most out of that particular car. I didn't find it too difficult to switch when I got back in the DTM car for the first time, but let's see how it goes when I get back into Spain! As they are so different I don't anticipate any problems, it's just a really good opportunity to drive two cars that are so competitive.”
Dr Vijay Mallya, Force India team principal
“(Technical chief) Mark (Smith) and his team have a solid programme of developments throughout the first half of the season, some of which will come in Spain. The simulations we've been doing back in the factory are very positive and I'm sure we will be able to maintain the form we have shown before and maybe even move further up the field. The other teams are not sleeping I am sure, and we'll see how much everyone has moved forward in Barcelona, but based on the way the team is working together at the factory and wind tunnel and then the superb implementation we see at the track I think we'll have an edge.”
Timo Glock, Virgin
2009 Qualifying - 6th, 2009 Race - 10th
“The last few weeks haven’t exactly gone according to plan thanks to the Icelandic volcano, but what this has enabled us to do is draw a line under the disappointment of Shanghai and focus on better things ahead. We have taken a good hard look at the first four races and now have a very clear picture of where things have gone well for us and where we need to improve. It’s a shame that we couldn’t bring two new modified chassis to Spain, because we would have had two sets of data to work from, but we will work with what we have and hope that it brings the kind of results we are hoping for. Most of the drivers know this track really well, because we’re all used to testing and racing here so often in the past. To have a really quick lap here you need to have a car with good downforce as you need to have the confidence to commit to the very high speed corners. I have done some work in the simulator in preparation for this race and we have a good idea of what to expect from the modified chassis, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we shape up when we hit the track in Barcelona this week.”
Lucas di Grassi, Virgin
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“Race day was tough for us in China, but we have to stay focused on what we achieved prior to that and the way we have been improving through the race weekends. We had been getting on top of our reliability problems, so we expect Spain to be a new chapter for us. I was one of the lucky ones after Shanghai - I got out on the Monday after the race and headed to Brazil. I spent some good time with family and friends and worked on my fitness. I will do some work on the simulator this week before heading out to Barcelona. This is a track I know from racing in other formulae - in particular GP2. It’s a nice challenge for a driver and though I’m disappointed that I will be driving the previous specification chassis, as we didn’t have enough time to modify two cars, I hope with all the work we’ve been doing to make our race weekends go more smoothly we can have a positive European debut.”
John Booth, Virgin team principal
“What should have been a useful three-week break in the calendar, and an opportunity to ensure we are fully prepared for the European season, turned into something of a race against time thanks to the fallout from ‘The Volcano’. It took up to five days after the Chinese Grand Prix before the entire team were back in England, so we had to rush headlong into preparations for Spain. The planned modifications to the chassis were always going to be our most significant development, but they were also the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we will bring to Barcelona. As a new team we will be using new trucks and a new motorhome for the first time and on top of that we moved into our new race preparation facility while the team were stranded in China, so we certainly had a lot going on for us when we finally made it home. Nonetheless, the team have done an admirable job and we’ll be heading to Spain this week full of optimism for the next phase of our debut season.”
Nick Wirth, Virgin technical director
“Since Shanghai, we have conducted an extensive investigation into the failures that halted the obvious progress the team has been making since its debut. That investigation has highlighted a number of issues that are currently being addressed by the race team, Wirth Research and our key suppliers and our continuing aim is to put an end to the reliability issues that have dominated our Grand Prix debut. Having worked tirelessly to prepare the new car for the race, including its successful rehomologation, it is a bitter pill to swallow that we are unable to complete the second car due to the ‘volcanic delays’. Running two fundamentally different specification cars at Barcelona will certainly challenge the team, but as the reliability fixes apply to both specifications, we’ll keep our heads down and focus solely on getting both cars to the chequered flag.”
Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“Every time I have raced here it is has been special as it is my home track and there is plenty of support for me, making for a great atmosphere. This will be the first time I race in the Spanish Grand Prix and I expect there will be a lot of my friends and fans coming to watch, also because there are several Spanish drivers on the grid this year. One important factor is that this is the first track of the season I have driven on before, so that should make life easier for me.
“It is just one more round of the championship. However, as a home race, all the support from the fans will make a slight difference, in the same way that football teams have an advantage playing a Home match. But in the way we will go about doing our work, it will be the same as all the others.
“Catalunya is a very nice track as it has a good variety of slow, medium and high speed corners and it is very technical. Corners like the blind Turn 7 are very exciting and there are some overtaking opportunities, especially the first corner, as long as you get a good run out of the final turn. The circuit layout tests every aspect of a car’s performance, aero, mechanical, engine, so if the STR5 works well here, it will be a good sign for the rest of the year.”
Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso
2009 Qualifying - 15th, 2009 Race - DNF
“The first four races have been very difficult to deal with, especially when in three of them I have been knocked out by other drivers’ accidents. Therefore I hope Barcelona will be a turning point with an improvement in my situation. I believe in terms of theoretical pace, the car is certainly capable of putting us just outside the top ten, making us the sixth team, whereas currently we are eighth in the championship. We have had difficulties, but on a positive note the car is definitely competitive and I am reasonably confident that in the coming races we will be able to score points. Not only does the car show potential, but also the team is working very hard and doing a good job. You also need a bit of luck in Formula One, so I hope this is the weekend when my luck will change for the better and I can have a trouble-free weekend, with a good result waiting at the end of it. I believe I am capable of doing much better, so I am very much looking forward to Barcelona, a track I know well, where I am convinced we can have a good race.”
Franz Tost, Toro Rosso team principal
“Our technical department is working very hard and we will deliver some updates over the forthcoming races and I believe we can step up in terms of our performance level. Specifically for the Spanish Grand Prix, we will introduce new brake ducts and a new engine cover. In the last couple of races we already saw an improvement in our package, so in Barcelona, I would hope that if we do everything perfectly, we could get at least one driver through into Qualifying 3 for the first time this season, or if not, then at least very close to tenth on the grid, so that more points has to be a realistic target for us this weekend. Both drivers tested here during the winter and for Jaime specifically, it is his home race, on the first track of the year that is not new to him, where he has competed on a regular basis in the lower formulae.”
Bruno Senna, HRT
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I'm looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix. Barcelona is one of my favorite tracks and I have a good record on it and good memories. I completed my first F1 test here with Honda. And prior to that, every time I raced in Montmelo, I won or I was on the podium. I am certain that I will enjoy Barcelona again although it is a very physical track with high speed corners where it is hard to find the perfect lap. The newly introduced last chicane is also very technical. So let's build on our past results."
Karun Chandhok, HRT
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I am looking forward to racing again after the extended break. I really enjoy driving here as the circuit is a real challenge with a complete mix of high speed and slower technical sections. Unlike the other teams we did not have a chance to test the car in the pre-season but we have couple of updates for the car this weekend that should give us a clearer picture for the season ahead. The team is highly motivated for our home race and together we are looking forward to developing the car for the rest of the season.”
Colin Kolles, HRT team principal
"We reached our next goal with our two cars making it to the finish again in China on our fourth ever race weekend. We have used the time since China to work on the car and to introduce new parts. We hope to understand the car better and need to improve the performance as well as hit a new target and finish again with both cars."
Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone director of motorsport tyre development
"The Circuit de Catalunya is a good indicator of overall car balance and a car which does well here should do well at any track. We expect the weather to be much warmer than when we last visited Barcelona in February for the final pre-season test and we hope we don't see the snow that the circuit experienced in March! The warmer temperatures make a difference to engine power, aerodynamics, tyre grip and so on, so there is a lot to consider. We often see major car upgrades as this is the first European race of the season after the first four flyaway races. The cars have already evolved a lot so it will be interesting to see the differences from when we were here before the season started. The track surface is in the middle range in terms of abrasion and roughness and we will bring our hard and soft Bridgestone Potenzas. The circuit layout is tough on the front left tyre and we expect to see graining on this tyre."
Cosworth, engine suppliers to Williams, Lotus, Virgin & HRT
“The Circuit de Catalunya is a track that is well known to teams and drivers, courtesy of its long-standing popularity as a winter testing destination. It was one of the three Spanish tracks used for pre-season preparations during February and all Cosworth-powered teams, apart from Hispania Racing, were able to gather a useful array of data from the four-day test. The circuit puts every aspect of the car package to the test, making it something of a benchmark for performance. It is not too demanding on engines, but it still gives the unit a thorough workout. Only around 60% of the lap is spent at full throttle, but the 1.047km main straight requires good peak power, while the circuit’s unique flow of corners demands good driveability from the engine and a responsive gearbox. On the chassis side, the circuit offers one of the biggest technical challenges of the season with the faster corners rewarding good aerodynamic efficiency. After the first four flyaway races of the year, all teams are expected to field significantly upgraded packages for the Spanish Grand Prix - in spite of the many volcano-related delays in returning from China!”
Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus
2009 Qualifying - 18th, 2009 Race - DNF
“It’s always good to get to Barcelona as it’s where most of the teams bring their first big updates. It’s a very fast track and all the teams spend a lot of time there in pre-season, so we know it very well, but it’s the complete opposite to racing in Monte Carlo. In Barcelona there are more chances to overtake but nowhere else has the same glamour or prestige as Monaco. It’s so busy there on track there’s no time to relax, and there are no run off areas so you pay heavily for any mistakes. I really like street circuits - you are rewarded for good car control so I’m looking forward to getting on track and seeing what steps forward we’ve taken with the updates.”
Jarno Trulli, Lotus
2009 Qualifying - 7th, 2009 Race - DNF
“I made it back home from China with a number of the other drivers, but we got back safely and I’ve been home with my family since then. I’ve managed to fit in a number of good training sessions, and am looking forward to getting back in the car. I think I’ve had a fair bit of bad luck so far, but I’m looking to put that behind me and see how much further forward we can go with the updates. I’ve kept in close touch with the team about the tests they’ve put the car through, and am encouraged by the results they’ve had. I think we’ll take a good step forward in Spain.
“I like Barcelona - we all know every bit of it very well as we test there a lot, and have raced there for years. Monaco is obviously a very special place for me - a lot of my fans will be out in force, and I love going back to where I’ve won, so that’ll be a busy, but good week.”
Tony Fernandes, Lotus team principal
“We’re back in Europe and I couldn’t be more pleased with the position we arrive in. The first phase of Lotus Racing’s life is now behind us, and the next challenge starts here. We’ve proved all the doubters wrong, and have shown that the hard work everyone in the team puts is making the dream we share come true. I remember the immense pride I had when I first saw the cars run in the pre-season tests in Spain, and in Barcelona we’re back, ahead of the other new teams and with a new package that will help us push on closer to the next goal, which is to take on the midfield. Ultimately it’s about taking Lotus Racing to the front of the grid and this marks the next step in that journey.
“On a personal level I’ve always loved coming to Spain, and with Monaco straight afterwards I’m very excited about seeing how our fanbase is growing into the traditional heartland of Formula One. We’ve broken new ground in Australia, Asia and China and now we’re back at the scene of some of the most famous moments in the Lotus history.”
Mike Gascoyne, Lotus chief technical officer
“Now the first four flyaway races are behind us and we’re into the European season. All the teams will have upgrades for Barcelona, but we’re hoping that ours is even more significant than our rivals because we received our entry so late and had to freeze the initial specification of the car very early in the design process. We do expect it to be reasonably significant - we have an aero package with revised sidepods, front wings and brake ducts, and a number of mechanical changes, but obviously we’ll have to wait and see what step forward our rivals will also make. Straight after Barcelona we go to Monaco which is a totally different challenge. It’s a unique place in terms of its configuration. Everyone runs maximum downforce and obviously it’s a very tight, bumpy street circuit, but the experience our two drivers bring, combined with the progress we’ve made at the factory and on track, gives me confidence we’ll put in a good showing at both races.”
Rubens Barrichello, Williams
2009 Qualifying - 3rd, 2009 Race - 2nd
“Most of the drivers know Barcelona inside out. It’s a great track, particularly for qualifying and that can really be the determining factor of the weekend. The circuit has a combination of high and low speed sectors but the priority is to achieve good speed going into the corners, rather than focusing on the long straight, so you have to have a strong aerodynamic set-up. Turn three is challenging and you are looking to go flat out there for qualifying. The four-through-seven corner sequence is where you can make up the most time on the lap so getting that hooked up is important too. Overtaking is kind of limited because everyone has so much experience of the track. The biggest variable is normally the weather. I’ve raced at Catalunya plenty of times; it’s a circuit I like a lot and I think someone with experience will do better there.”
Nico Hulkenberg, Williams
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“I’ve enjoyed the first few races so I’m looking forward to Spain and working together with the team again. I’ve covered a lot of kilometres testing in Barcelona over the past couple of years, and I’ve raced there in GP2, so I’m confident I know the track well enough to hit the ground running. It’s a good circuit to drive and gives everyone a clear indication of how strong your aerodynamics are.
The track flows nicely and has some testing corners. The first sector is especially quick. Turn three is a fast right hander, turn nine too, and both are a lot of fun to drive. Like everyone else, we will have new parts for Barcelona so there’s some expectation to do better there than in China. I’ve been to the track so many times but I’ve never really seen the city itself. Now that I’m actually racing in F1, I doubt that’s going to change!”
Sam Michael, Williams technical director
“We spend a lot of time testing in Barcelona so we know the track well. That brings obvious advantages for the drivers, but it also enables us to spend more time working on different programmes during the practice sessions. We will have some aero updates for the car in Barcelona, including a new front wing, sidepod and revised wing mirrors. We will also be running additional test parts in order to further develop the blown rear wing that we had limited time with in Shanghai.”
Pedro de la Rosa, BMW Sauber
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I grew up in the city centre of Barcelona, and I certainly love my home town. You have everything there - a lively city, the sea, the mountains and a permanently good climate. I'm very much looking forward to this race! My parents always had a summer house close to where the circuit is. From 1991 onwards I loved to listen to the fabulous sound of the Formula One engines from there when teams where testing. Also in 1991 I raced in Formula Renault in the first event at the Circuit de Catalunya. My first Formula One Grand Prix there was in 1999. The circuit has become the best test track for Formula One. It is a very demanding circuit - tough on the cars, the engines and the drivers. It is a track I really, really like. Turn three is very fast and very long - it is a true neck killer. There is a great variety of corners - high and medium speed, and a couple of slow ones in the last sector. We had a good winter test there and I have the feeling our car suits Barcelona better than some of the more recent tracks. For the Spanish Grand Prix we will also have a new aero package in place. I'm sure at the end of the race we will either be close to or in the points."
Kamui Kobayashi, BMW Sauber
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I know the Circuit de Catalunya pretty well. I won a GP2 race there, raced there in Formula 3 and did some Formula One testing there. Even my first ever F1 test was in Barcelona. In those days the last two corners were different to now, as it was a very fast double right hander. The circuit is very demanding on the cars and challenging for us drivers. The car-and-driver combination has to be very good, as it is difficult but crucial to get the set-up right. The fast right hander before the back straight is my favourite corner and quite challenging. I like Spain and the Spanish Grand Prix. The weather is usually very nice and there is a large crowd. I'm happy for Pedro that it is his home race and all his fans will be there. We have been testing there over the winter. We have an update to the car and I believe our reliability problems are solved. I should have a good chance to finally go racing after I have only done 19 laps in total in all four races."
James Key, BMW Sauber technical director
"We have some updates for Barcelona, as most of the teams will have. We are trying to push our F-Duct design a step further. This is obviously a technology that will eventually appear all the way down the grid during the year, but our team has some experience of it from the first events. Additionally we have a package of updates on the car, which are particularly on the front end and the diffuser. It's a decent package, which will hopefully allow us to find some more performance. Obviously a lot depends on how tough the competition is. Some of the steps address the issues the team has identified in terms of the aero characteristics, so it should make the car a little bit better purely through changing the way it behaves.
"With regard to the circuit itself, it's obviously a place everybody knows extremely well. It's an excellent reference circuit with a real mix of low and high speed corners, which require downforce as well as a good mechanical grip. It's a very technical circuit where it's never been easy to get the best out of the car. It will be interesting going back there after the cars have developed since winter testing, and to see how much they have changed. An important question will be how well we can get the tyres to last because it is a very hard circuit on tyres; and, of course, the difference in temperature between winter and now is also an interesting aspect.
"I'm looking forward to the event. It's obviously Pedro's home race, which is great for him and, as a team, we will try to have a good weekend and put the difficult start to the season behind us."
Nico Rosberg, Mercedes GP
2009 Qualifying - 9th, 2009 Race - 8th
"It's a very nice feeling to be going into the European season with second place in the Drivers' Championship and with a significant upgrade for our car in Barcelona next weekend. From talking to the guys at the factory, I know that they having been working really hard to get everything ready on time and it will be interesting to see the effect that the new developments have on the car. Barcelona is such a familiar circuit as we have tested there so often over the years that we should be able to spend the practice sessions just focusing on getting the most out of the upgrades. Returning to Europe is when the season feels like it really gets underway and we will be doing our best to continue our good run and podium finishes from the first four races. I'm looking forward to it!"
Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"The European season is about to kick off and now we will see how our developments look in relation to those of the other teams. Every team will come to Barcelona with a revised car and so of course do we. I see a lot of potential here especially as our team has been reacting very well over the past four races. We have worked on general improvements to the car, as well as specific developments in downforce and efficiency, and I am confident that we have room to make further progress in the future. Our step forward in Barcelona will be bigger than you can make at each race during the flyaways but it would not be realistic to expect us to suddenly be competing right at the front. I am hoping for a better race in Barcelona than I had in China and of course I would not mind having had better results so far. However the good news is that after three years away, I am feeling extremely motivated. So I am clearly ready to take this challenge."
Ross Brawn, Mercedes GP team principal
"The start of the European season is the first opportunity to make significant changes to the car and the Spanish Grand Prix will see the first step in our development programme for the MGP W01. In addition to a major aerodynamic and bodywork package, we have made changes to the wheelbase of the car which will help the overall handling and weight distribution. Michael will use a different chassis for Barcelona as we take the opportunity of having the cars back at the factory after the flyaway races to repair some damage to his original chassis. He will switch to our first chassis which was previously used during the pre-season tests. Everyone at our factories in Brackley and Brixworth has worked extremely hard to ensure that the cars and our new developments are ready for Barcelona following the delayed return from China and we look forward to evaluating the impact on our pace whilst remaining conscious that this is very much a first step in improving our competitiveness."
Norbert Haug, vice-president, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
"The start of the European season in Barcelona will be a very important race to establish whether the competitive order of the field has changed as every top team will introduce technical upgrades. Our MGP W01 will have the first set of significant changes which will be followed by a defined rhythm of further upgrades, all of which are aimed at getting our car to the very top of the field. After the first four flyaway races in Bahrain, Australia, Malaysia and China, Nico is currently second in the drivers' world championship which shows that he and our Mercedes GP Petronas team have done a good job in the first fifth of the season getting the best results from the material available. Michael did not have such a good run, mostly without his fault, in the first four races. I am absolutely convinced that this will change sooner rather than later."
Robert Kubica, Renault
2009 Qualifying - 10th, 2009 Race - 11th
“Barcelona is the sort of circuit that all the drivers and teams know back to front so I’m expecting a very tough battle. All the teams will be very well prepared and usually get close to their potential so it’s important that we maximise our performance so that we can fight for points in the race. We are not planning to bring any huge updates, but we will keep gradually improving the car, just like we did during the first four races. We have to wait and see how we compare with the others; maybe the order of the teams will be quite different compared to the start of the year.”
Vitaly Petrov, Renault
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“I’ve raced there many times in GP2 and we tested in Barcelona over the winter. It’s a circuit where all the teams will be well prepared and I expect the gaps between the cars to be very small. We didn’t have a very good test there in February, but hopefully the weather and track conditions will be different for the race and that will give us a chance to do better. As a circuit, it’s technically very difficult and overtaking is almost impossible, which is why qualifying will be very important.”
Alan Permane, Renault chief race engineer
“It’s true that we didn’t look great during the Barcelona test and completed limited mileage, but the issues we had during the test were not circuit-specific and I’ve no concerns about going back there. Barcelona is one of those circuits where you pay a heavy penalty if you’re lacking aero efficiency, but we’ve added an enormous amount of downforce to the car since winter testing, so we shouldn’t be out of position. We won’t run the same set-up we used during the test because the car has evolved since then and the races have taught us a lot about how to get the most from it. Barcelona certainly used to be the ultimate test, but since they slowed down the final sector, it’s not quite as aero-dependent as it used to be. However, the first part of the lap remains very high-speed, and Turns Three and Nine are quick, challenging corners where good aero performance counts. Even Turns Four, Five and Seven are relatively quick corners by the standards of most circuits and, if your car has aero deficiencies, there’s nowhere to hide.”
Adrian Sutil, Force India
2009 Qualifying - 19th, 2009 Race - DNF
“It's always a nice feeling to get back to Europe. It's been a hard start to the year with the four flyaway races, but it's not going to be easy now with the first European double header and then the Turkish Grand Prix not that far away. But Spain is always a great place to open the European season. We know it well from the winter testing programme but it's still a challenge with the mix of high speed and technical corners. I quite like it and am looking forward to scoring points there for the first time in my career.
“We have some aerodynamic improvements all over the car, with refinements to the front wing and bargeboard area, plus some mechanical changes aimed at improving lower speed corner performance. I think this will put us in quite good shape for Spain and see us maintaining our position. Of course you don't know what the others are doing but the development race is so tight now, everybody is at a point where it's hard to find every single tenth. We've looked very competitive in the first four races and I don't see why that should change. The feeling in the team is positive, we've got a good plan, I feel very confident and comfortable in where we are and where we are going. Q3 and points is now the normal aim for us and we're disappointed if we don't get them.”
Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“Every race has its own story and in China everything went wrong, but we always thought we could be very strong for the Barcelona race. In the final winter test we had a good pace, I like the track and the car seems to fit the track characteristics well now. For me personally, I have turned the page after China and am really looking forward to the European season where I want to get back into the points at each round.”
Paul di Resta, Force India third driver
“I'll be replacing Adrian (for Friday practice) this time out and I'm really looking forward to it. Barcelona isn't a track I know, in fact the only European track I know well is Hockenheim, but I have been in the simulator and will do the usual preparations on Thursday and before the session so it should not be a problem to get up to speed. Again I'll be trying to focus on learning, getting into the environment and hopefully with the past three sessions under my belt, giving some genuinely useful feedback to the programme.
“It's starting to get very busy now for me with races just about every weekend! After China I flew straight to Germany for the first round of the DTM championship in Hockenheim. It was an OK weekend, I got fourth in the first race, which is a good start to the year. But it's all good, positive stress and I don't think too much ahead, I just try to focus on what I am doing at the time and get the most out of that particular car. I didn't find it too difficult to switch when I got back in the DTM car for the first time, but let's see how it goes when I get back into Spain! As they are so different I don't anticipate any problems, it's just a really good opportunity to drive two cars that are so competitive.”
Dr Vijay Mallya, Force India team principal
“(Technical chief) Mark (Smith) and his team have a solid programme of developments throughout the first half of the season, some of which will come in Spain. The simulations we've been doing back in the factory are very positive and I'm sure we will be able to maintain the form we have shown before and maybe even move further up the field. The other teams are not sleeping I am sure, and we'll see how much everyone has moved forward in Barcelona, but based on the way the team is working together at the factory and wind tunnel and then the superb implementation we see at the track I think we'll have an edge.”
Timo Glock, Virgin
2009 Qualifying - 6th, 2009 Race - 10th
“The last few weeks haven’t exactly gone according to plan thanks to the Icelandic volcano, but what this has enabled us to do is draw a line under the disappointment of Shanghai and focus on better things ahead. We have taken a good hard look at the first four races and now have a very clear picture of where things have gone well for us and where we need to improve. It’s a shame that we couldn’t bring two new modified chassis to Spain, because we would have had two sets of data to work from, but we will work with what we have and hope that it brings the kind of results we are hoping for. Most of the drivers know this track really well, because we’re all used to testing and racing here so often in the past. To have a really quick lap here you need to have a car with good downforce as you need to have the confidence to commit to the very high speed corners. I have done some work in the simulator in preparation for this race and we have a good idea of what to expect from the modified chassis, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we shape up when we hit the track in Barcelona this week.”
Lucas di Grassi, Virgin
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“Race day was tough for us in China, but we have to stay focused on what we achieved prior to that and the way we have been improving through the race weekends. We had been getting on top of our reliability problems, so we expect Spain to be a new chapter for us. I was one of the lucky ones after Shanghai - I got out on the Monday after the race and headed to Brazil. I spent some good time with family and friends and worked on my fitness. I will do some work on the simulator this week before heading out to Barcelona. This is a track I know from racing in other formulae - in particular GP2. It’s a nice challenge for a driver and though I’m disappointed that I will be driving the previous specification chassis, as we didn’t have enough time to modify two cars, I hope with all the work we’ve been doing to make our race weekends go more smoothly we can have a positive European debut.”
John Booth, Virgin team principal
“What should have been a useful three-week break in the calendar, and an opportunity to ensure we are fully prepared for the European season, turned into something of a race against time thanks to the fallout from ‘The Volcano’. It took up to five days after the Chinese Grand Prix before the entire team were back in England, so we had to rush headlong into preparations for Spain. The planned modifications to the chassis were always going to be our most significant development, but they were also the tip of the iceberg in terms of what we will bring to Barcelona. As a new team we will be using new trucks and a new motorhome for the first time and on top of that we moved into our new race preparation facility while the team were stranded in China, so we certainly had a lot going on for us when we finally made it home. Nonetheless, the team have done an admirable job and we’ll be heading to Spain this week full of optimism for the next phase of our debut season.”
Nick Wirth, Virgin technical director
“Since Shanghai, we have conducted an extensive investigation into the failures that halted the obvious progress the team has been making since its debut. That investigation has highlighted a number of issues that are currently being addressed by the race team, Wirth Research and our key suppliers and our continuing aim is to put an end to the reliability issues that have dominated our Grand Prix debut. Having worked tirelessly to prepare the new car for the race, including its successful rehomologation, it is a bitter pill to swallow that we are unable to complete the second car due to the ‘volcanic delays’. Running two fundamentally different specification cars at Barcelona will certainly challenge the team, but as the reliability fixes apply to both specifications, we’ll keep our heads down and focus solely on getting both cars to the chequered flag.”
Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“Every time I have raced here it is has been special as it is my home track and there is plenty of support for me, making for a great atmosphere. This will be the first time I race in the Spanish Grand Prix and I expect there will be a lot of my friends and fans coming to watch, also because there are several Spanish drivers on the grid this year. One important factor is that this is the first track of the season I have driven on before, so that should make life easier for me.
“It is just one more round of the championship. However, as a home race, all the support from the fans will make a slight difference, in the same way that football teams have an advantage playing a Home match. But in the way we will go about doing our work, it will be the same as all the others.
“Catalunya is a very nice track as it has a good variety of slow, medium and high speed corners and it is very technical. Corners like the blind Turn 7 are very exciting and there are some overtaking opportunities, especially the first corner, as long as you get a good run out of the final turn. The circuit layout tests every aspect of a car’s performance, aero, mechanical, engine, so if the STR5 works well here, it will be a good sign for the rest of the year.”
Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso
2009 Qualifying - 15th, 2009 Race - DNF
“The first four races have been very difficult to deal with, especially when in three of them I have been knocked out by other drivers’ accidents. Therefore I hope Barcelona will be a turning point with an improvement in my situation. I believe in terms of theoretical pace, the car is certainly capable of putting us just outside the top ten, making us the sixth team, whereas currently we are eighth in the championship. We have had difficulties, but on a positive note the car is definitely competitive and I am reasonably confident that in the coming races we will be able to score points. Not only does the car show potential, but also the team is working very hard and doing a good job. You also need a bit of luck in Formula One, so I hope this is the weekend when my luck will change for the better and I can have a trouble-free weekend, with a good result waiting at the end of it. I believe I am capable of doing much better, so I am very much looking forward to Barcelona, a track I know well, where I am convinced we can have a good race.”
Franz Tost, Toro Rosso team principal
“Our technical department is working very hard and we will deliver some updates over the forthcoming races and I believe we can step up in terms of our performance level. Specifically for the Spanish Grand Prix, we will introduce new brake ducts and a new engine cover. In the last couple of races we already saw an improvement in our package, so in Barcelona, I would hope that if we do everything perfectly, we could get at least one driver through into Qualifying 3 for the first time this season, or if not, then at least very close to tenth on the grid, so that more points has to be a realistic target for us this weekend. Both drivers tested here during the winter and for Jaime specifically, it is his home race, on the first track of the year that is not new to him, where he has competed on a regular basis in the lower formulae.”
Bruno Senna, HRT
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I'm looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix. Barcelona is one of my favorite tracks and I have a good record on it and good memories. I completed my first F1 test here with Honda. And prior to that, every time I raced in Montmelo, I won or I was on the podium. I am certain that I will enjoy Barcelona again although it is a very physical track with high speed corners where it is hard to find the perfect lap. The newly introduced last chicane is also very technical. So let's build on our past results."
Karun Chandhok, HRT
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I am looking forward to racing again after the extended break. I really enjoy driving here as the circuit is a real challenge with a complete mix of high speed and slower technical sections. Unlike the other teams we did not have a chance to test the car in the pre-season but we have couple of updates for the car this weekend that should give us a clearer picture for the season ahead. The team is highly motivated for our home race and together we are looking forward to developing the car for the rest of the season.”
Colin Kolles, HRT team principal
"We reached our next goal with our two cars making it to the finish again in China on our fourth ever race weekend. We have used the time since China to work on the car and to introduce new parts. We hope to understand the car better and need to improve the performance as well as hit a new target and finish again with both cars."
Hirohide Hamashima, Bridgestone director of motorsport tyre development
"The Circuit de Catalunya is a good indicator of overall car balance and a car which does well here should do well at any track. We expect the weather to be much warmer than when we last visited Barcelona in February for the final pre-season test and we hope we don't see the snow that the circuit experienced in March! The warmer temperatures make a difference to engine power, aerodynamics, tyre grip and so on, so there is a lot to consider. We often see major car upgrades as this is the first European race of the season after the first four flyaway races. The cars have already evolved a lot so it will be interesting to see the differences from when we were here before the season started. The track surface is in the middle range in terms of abrasion and roughness and we will bring our hard and soft Bridgestone Potenzas. The circuit layout is tough on the front left tyre and we expect to see graining on this tyre."
Cosworth, engine suppliers to Williams, Lotus, Virgin & HRT
“The Circuit de Catalunya is a track that is well known to teams and drivers, courtesy of its long-standing popularity as a winter testing destination. It was one of the three Spanish tracks used for pre-season preparations during February and all Cosworth-powered teams, apart from Hispania Racing, were able to gather a useful array of data from the four-day test. The circuit puts every aspect of the car package to the test, making it something of a benchmark for performance. It is not too demanding on engines, but it still gives the unit a thorough workout. Only around 60% of the lap is spent at full throttle, but the 1.047km main straight requires good peak power, while the circuit’s unique flow of corners demands good driveability from the engine and a responsive gearbox. On the chassis side, the circuit offers one of the biggest technical challenges of the season with the faster corners rewarding good aerodynamic efficiency. After the first four flyaway races of the year, all teams are expected to field significantly upgraded packages for the Spanish Grand Prix - in spite of the many volcano-related delays in returning from China!”
Heikki Kovalainen, Lotus
2009 Qualifying - 18th, 2009 Race - DNF
“It’s always good to get to Barcelona as it’s where most of the teams bring their first big updates. It’s a very fast track and all the teams spend a lot of time there in pre-season, so we know it very well, but it’s the complete opposite to racing in Monte Carlo. In Barcelona there are more chances to overtake but nowhere else has the same glamour or prestige as Monaco. It’s so busy there on track there’s no time to relax, and there are no run off areas so you pay heavily for any mistakes. I really like street circuits - you are rewarded for good car control so I’m looking forward to getting on track and seeing what steps forward we’ve taken with the updates.”
Jarno Trulli, Lotus
2009 Qualifying - 7th, 2009 Race - DNF
“I made it back home from China with a number of the other drivers, but we got back safely and I’ve been home with my family since then. I’ve managed to fit in a number of good training sessions, and am looking forward to getting back in the car. I think I’ve had a fair bit of bad luck so far, but I’m looking to put that behind me and see how much further forward we can go with the updates. I’ve kept in close touch with the team about the tests they’ve put the car through, and am encouraged by the results they’ve had. I think we’ll take a good step forward in Spain.
“I like Barcelona - we all know every bit of it very well as we test there a lot, and have raced there for years. Monaco is obviously a very special place for me - a lot of my fans will be out in force, and I love going back to where I’ve won, so that’ll be a busy, but good week.”
Tony Fernandes, Lotus team principal
“We’re back in Europe and I couldn’t be more pleased with the position we arrive in. The first phase of Lotus Racing’s life is now behind us, and the next challenge starts here. We’ve proved all the doubters wrong, and have shown that the hard work everyone in the team puts is making the dream we share come true. I remember the immense pride I had when I first saw the cars run in the pre-season tests in Spain, and in Barcelona we’re back, ahead of the other new teams and with a new package that will help us push on closer to the next goal, which is to take on the midfield. Ultimately it’s about taking Lotus Racing to the front of the grid and this marks the next step in that journey.
“On a personal level I’ve always loved coming to Spain, and with Monaco straight afterwards I’m very excited about seeing how our fanbase is growing into the traditional heartland of Formula One. We’ve broken new ground in Australia, Asia and China and now we’re back at the scene of some of the most famous moments in the Lotus history.”
Mike Gascoyne, Lotus chief technical officer
“Now the first four flyaway races are behind us and we’re into the European season. All the teams will have upgrades for Barcelona, but we’re hoping that ours is even more significant than our rivals because we received our entry so late and had to freeze the initial specification of the car very early in the design process. We do expect it to be reasonably significant - we have an aero package with revised sidepods, front wings and brake ducts, and a number of mechanical changes, but obviously we’ll have to wait and see what step forward our rivals will also make. Straight after Barcelona we go to Monaco which is a totally different challenge. It’s a unique place in terms of its configuration. Everyone runs maximum downforce and obviously it’s a very tight, bumpy street circuit, but the experience our two drivers bring, combined with the progress we’ve made at the factory and on track, gives me confidence we’ll put in a good showing at both races.”
Rubens Barrichello, Williams
2009 Qualifying - 3rd, 2009 Race - 2nd
“Most of the drivers know Barcelona inside out. It’s a great track, particularly for qualifying and that can really be the determining factor of the weekend. The circuit has a combination of high and low speed sectors but the priority is to achieve good speed going into the corners, rather than focusing on the long straight, so you have to have a strong aerodynamic set-up. Turn three is challenging and you are looking to go flat out there for qualifying. The four-through-seven corner sequence is where you can make up the most time on the lap so getting that hooked up is important too. Overtaking is kind of limited because everyone has so much experience of the track. The biggest variable is normally the weather. I’ve raced at Catalunya plenty of times; it’s a circuit I like a lot and I think someone with experience will do better there.”
Nico Hulkenberg, Williams
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
“I’ve enjoyed the first few races so I’m looking forward to Spain and working together with the team again. I’ve covered a lot of kilometres testing in Barcelona over the past couple of years, and I’ve raced there in GP2, so I’m confident I know the track well enough to hit the ground running. It’s a good circuit to drive and gives everyone a clear indication of how strong your aerodynamics are.
The track flows nicely and has some testing corners. The first sector is especially quick. Turn three is a fast right hander, turn nine too, and both are a lot of fun to drive. Like everyone else, we will have new parts for Barcelona so there’s some expectation to do better there than in China. I’ve been to the track so many times but I’ve never really seen the city itself. Now that I’m actually racing in F1, I doubt that’s going to change!”
Sam Michael, Williams technical director
“We spend a lot of time testing in Barcelona so we know the track well. That brings obvious advantages for the drivers, but it also enables us to spend more time working on different programmes during the practice sessions. We will have some aero updates for the car in Barcelona, including a new front wing, sidepod and revised wing mirrors. We will also be running additional test parts in order to further develop the blown rear wing that we had limited time with in Shanghai.”
Pedro de la Rosa, BMW Sauber
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I grew up in the city centre of Barcelona, and I certainly love my home town. You have everything there - a lively city, the sea, the mountains and a permanently good climate. I'm very much looking forward to this race! My parents always had a summer house close to where the circuit is. From 1991 onwards I loved to listen to the fabulous sound of the Formula One engines from there when teams where testing. Also in 1991 I raced in Formula Renault in the first event at the Circuit de Catalunya. My first Formula One Grand Prix there was in 1999. The circuit has become the best test track for Formula One. It is a very demanding circuit - tough on the cars, the engines and the drivers. It is a track I really, really like. Turn three is very fast and very long - it is a true neck killer. There is a great variety of corners - high and medium speed, and a couple of slow ones in the last sector. We had a good winter test there and I have the feeling our car suits Barcelona better than some of the more recent tracks. For the Spanish Grand Prix we will also have a new aero package in place. I'm sure at the end of the race we will either be close to or in the points."
Kamui Kobayashi, BMW Sauber
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"I know the Circuit de Catalunya pretty well. I won a GP2 race there, raced there in Formula 3 and did some Formula One testing there. Even my first ever F1 test was in Barcelona. In those days the last two corners were different to now, as it was a very fast double right hander. The circuit is very demanding on the cars and challenging for us drivers. The car-and-driver combination has to be very good, as it is difficult but crucial to get the set-up right. The fast right hander before the back straight is my favourite corner and quite challenging. I like Spain and the Spanish Grand Prix. The weather is usually very nice and there is a large crowd. I'm happy for Pedro that it is his home race and all his fans will be there. We have been testing there over the winter. We have an update to the car and I believe our reliability problems are solved. I should have a good chance to finally go racing after I have only done 19 laps in total in all four races."
James Key, BMW Sauber technical director
"We have some updates for Barcelona, as most of the teams will have. We are trying to push our F-Duct design a step further. This is obviously a technology that will eventually appear all the way down the grid during the year, but our team has some experience of it from the first events. Additionally we have a package of updates on the car, which are particularly on the front end and the diffuser. It's a decent package, which will hopefully allow us to find some more performance. Obviously a lot depends on how tough the competition is. Some of the steps address the issues the team has identified in terms of the aero characteristics, so it should make the car a little bit better purely through changing the way it behaves.
"With regard to the circuit itself, it's obviously a place everybody knows extremely well. It's an excellent reference circuit with a real mix of low and high speed corners, which require downforce as well as a good mechanical grip. It's a very technical circuit where it's never been easy to get the best out of the car. It will be interesting going back there after the cars have developed since winter testing, and to see how much they have changed. An important question will be how well we can get the tyres to last because it is a very hard circuit on tyres; and, of course, the difference in temperature between winter and now is also an interesting aspect.
"I'm looking forward to the event. It's obviously Pedro's home race, which is great for him and, as a team, we will try to have a good weekend and put the difficult start to the season behind us."
Nico Rosberg, Mercedes GP
2009 Qualifying - 9th, 2009 Race - 8th
"It's a very nice feeling to be going into the European season with second place in the Drivers' Championship and with a significant upgrade for our car in Barcelona next weekend. From talking to the guys at the factory, I know that they having been working really hard to get everything ready on time and it will be interesting to see the effect that the new developments have on the car. Barcelona is such a familiar circuit as we have tested there so often over the years that we should be able to spend the practice sessions just focusing on getting the most out of the upgrades. Returning to Europe is when the season feels like it really gets underway and we will be doing our best to continue our good run and podium finishes from the first four races. I'm looking forward to it!"
Michael Schumacher, Mercedes GP
2009 Qualifying - n/a, 2009 Race - n/a
"The European season is about to kick off and now we will see how our developments look in relation to those of the other teams. Every team will come to Barcelona with a revised car and so of course do we. I see a lot of potential here especially as our team has been reacting very well over the past four races. We have worked on general improvements to the car, as well as specific developments in downforce and efficiency, and I am confident that we have room to make further progress in the future. Our step forward in Barcelona will be bigger than you can make at each race during the flyaways but it would not be realistic to expect us to suddenly be competing right at the front. I am hoping for a better race in Barcelona than I had in China and of course I would not mind having had better results so far. However the good news is that after three years away, I am feeling extremely motivated. So I am clearly ready to take this challenge."
Ross Brawn, Mercedes GP team principal
"The start of the European season is the first opportunity to make significant changes to the car and the Spanish Grand Prix will see the first step in our development programme for the MGP W01. In addition to a major aerodynamic and bodywork package, we have made changes to the wheelbase of the car which will help the overall handling and weight distribution. Michael will use a different chassis for Barcelona as we take the opportunity of having the cars back at the factory after the flyaway races to repair some damage to his original chassis. He will switch to our first chassis which was previously used during the pre-season tests. Everyone at our factories in Brackley and Brixworth has worked extremely hard to ensure that the cars and our new developments are ready for Barcelona following the delayed return from China and we look forward to evaluating the impact on our pace whilst remaining conscious that this is very much a first step in improving our competitiveness."
Norbert Haug, vice-president, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
"The start of the European season in Barcelona will be a very important race to establish whether the competitive order of the field has changed as every top team will introduce technical upgrades. Our MGP W01 will have the first set of significant changes which will be followed by a defined rhythm of further upgrades, all of which are aimed at getting our car to the very top of the field. After the first four flyaway races in Bahrain, Australia, Malaysia and China, Nico is currently second in the drivers' world championship which shows that he and our Mercedes GP Petronas team have done a good job in the first fifth of the season getting the best results from the material available. Michael did not have such a good run, mostly without his fault, in the first four races. I am absolutely convinced that this will change sooner rather than later."
Peter Sauber on his team's struggle
When Peter Sauber stepped in to save his beloved team from closure last winter, he can hardly have imagined it would start the season in such disarray – especially after a winter testing campaign that promised so much.
But the quiet cigar-smoking Swiss insists he would do the same again, and is keeping faith in the team’s capabilities under its new technical director James Key, as he explained in this Q&A with the Sauber press office.
Q: The first four races of 2010 haven't brought your team the results expected. What's your verdict on the season so far?
Peter Sauber: Of course we're all disappointed that we haven't collected any points with four races gone. After all, our aim was to be fighting for world championship points on a regular basis.
Q: What are the reasons for the way things have turned out so far?
PS: It's been a combination of factors. We've suffered too many reliability issues on both the chassis side and with our engines.
That's very unusual; we've always been one of the best teams in this respect over the years.
Q: How can you solve these problems?
PS: We've closely analysed all the chassis-related problems and already put measures into effect. Our engine partner Ferrari is doing the same.
Q: But you must have been expecting more from the performance of the C29?
PS: There's no doubt that we were all expecting more after winter testing. The fact is that we're lagging behind our direct rivals.
James Key, our new technical director, has already carried out some initial analysis and set out a series of measures we need to take.
But he's an engineer not a miracle worker, and the measures will need a certain time to take effect.
Our competitors will not be standing still either, so we have to take two steps forward at a time if we're going to make up lost ground.
James is currently engaged with setting out our medium- and long-term development path.
Q: But there must be more deep-seated reasons why progress is so slow?
PS: Yes, that's probably true. When I sold the team to BMW in 2006 I made a clear decision to take a step back. It was important for me to have a certain distance from things.
Now I'm discovering that there's quite a lot to do. This process of analysis is underway and we will see the results in the near future.
Q: Can we expect to see the first step forwards as early as Barcelona?
PS: We will have a development package of aero modifications on the car in Barcelona.
I can't say whether that will take us further up the grid, as all the teams will have improvements on their cars in Barcelona. Ultimately it will be a question of who has made the bigger step forward.
What I can say is that we have to work very hard and purposefully, and we have to remain realistic.
Q: James Key has been working as part of the team since earlier this month. What is your impression of him?
PS: James has clear ideas of how we can improve. Although he's still very young he has a lot of experience, and – very importantly – he brings fresh blood into the team. The technical progress he made at Force India speaks for itself.
I'm very pleased that we were able to secure his services.
Q: There is still a lot of white on the car. When can we expect to see the arrival of new sponsors?
PS: When I bought the team at the end of November we didn't have any sponsors or a place on the grid. I went into the project with open eyes. The car was all white.
However, I couldn't have predicted that the C29 would be so far off the pace.
Of course it was fanciful to think we could still recruit major sponsors for 2010 at the start of the year.
Having said that, we are financially secure for this season.
Our search for new sponsors primarily concerns 2011, although of course that doesn't mean we aren't already trying to bring new sponsors on board this year.
Q: Would you make the same decision again, knowing how difficult it would be?
PS: At the end of November I had two choices: either take over the team or see Hinwil close its doors. The latter was not an option for me.
It was always clear that it wouldn't be easy. But I'd do the same thing again!
But the quiet cigar-smoking Swiss insists he would do the same again, and is keeping faith in the team’s capabilities under its new technical director James Key, as he explained in this Q&A with the Sauber press office.
Q: The first four races of 2010 haven't brought your team the results expected. What's your verdict on the season so far?
Peter Sauber: Of course we're all disappointed that we haven't collected any points with four races gone. After all, our aim was to be fighting for world championship points on a regular basis.
Q: What are the reasons for the way things have turned out so far?
PS: It's been a combination of factors. We've suffered too many reliability issues on both the chassis side and with our engines.
That's very unusual; we've always been one of the best teams in this respect over the years.
Q: How can you solve these problems?
PS: We've closely analysed all the chassis-related problems and already put measures into effect. Our engine partner Ferrari is doing the same.
Q: But you must have been expecting more from the performance of the C29?
PS: There's no doubt that we were all expecting more after winter testing. The fact is that we're lagging behind our direct rivals.
James Key, our new technical director, has already carried out some initial analysis and set out a series of measures we need to take.
But he's an engineer not a miracle worker, and the measures will need a certain time to take effect.
Our competitors will not be standing still either, so we have to take two steps forward at a time if we're going to make up lost ground.
James is currently engaged with setting out our medium- and long-term development path.
Q: But there must be more deep-seated reasons why progress is so slow?
PS: Yes, that's probably true. When I sold the team to BMW in 2006 I made a clear decision to take a step back. It was important for me to have a certain distance from things.
Now I'm discovering that there's quite a lot to do. This process of analysis is underway and we will see the results in the near future.
Q: Can we expect to see the first step forwards as early as Barcelona?
PS: We will have a development package of aero modifications on the car in Barcelona.
I can't say whether that will take us further up the grid, as all the teams will have improvements on their cars in Barcelona. Ultimately it will be a question of who has made the bigger step forward.
What I can say is that we have to work very hard and purposefully, and we have to remain realistic.
Q: James Key has been working as part of the team since earlier this month. What is your impression of him?
PS: James has clear ideas of how we can improve. Although he's still very young he has a lot of experience, and – very importantly – he brings fresh blood into the team. The technical progress he made at Force India speaks for itself.
I'm very pleased that we were able to secure his services.
Q: There is still a lot of white on the car. When can we expect to see the arrival of new sponsors?
PS: When I bought the team at the end of November we didn't have any sponsors or a place on the grid. I went into the project with open eyes. The car was all white.
However, I couldn't have predicted that the C29 would be so far off the pace.
Of course it was fanciful to think we could still recruit major sponsors for 2010 at the start of the year.
Having said that, we are financially secure for this season.
Our search for new sponsors primarily concerns 2011, although of course that doesn't mean we aren't already trying to bring new sponsors on board this year.
Q: Would you make the same decision again, knowing how difficult it would be?
PS: At the end of November I had two choices: either take over the team or see Hinwil close its doors. The latter was not an option for me.
It was always clear that it wouldn't be easy. But I'd do the same thing again!
Spanish Grand Prix preview
During his two years back in the shadows with a not-quite-competitive-enough Renault, it was easy to forget just how fervent the patriotic support for Fernando Alonso can be.
Now he's in a Ferrari that looks good enough to give him a shot at a third world championship, expect Barcelona's Catalunya circuit to absolutely erupt this weekend when the home crowd's hero races in red in front of them for the first time.
The massive spectator turn-out for Alonso's first winter tests with Ferrari were a hint of what is to come, and the place will go utterly, passionately, crazy should he take a second home win on Sunday.
Before Alonso came along, the Spanish GP was among the least exciting stops on the calendar.
A reasonable but not stunning circuit, an invariably dull race, and a small and not very excited crowd tended to make it a date to forget.
But it turned out all Spain needed was a local star to cheer - and when the young Alonso got his hands on a front-running Renault in 2003, Spain showed that it could get just as worked up about Formula 1 as it always had about rallying and motorcycle racing.
The 2003 Spanish GP still stands as one of Alonso's greatest ever drives.
Renault was getting better, but shouldn't have had a shot at victory, yet Alonso came close to splitting the previously-dominant Ferraris off the line, passed Rubens Barrichello for second with some dynamite laps around the pit stops, then forced Michael Schumacher to dig very, very deep to keep him at bay even though the German had a clearly superior car.
Three years later, Alonso produced a similar performances to deliver an against-the-odds defeat to Schumacher and Ferrari as he won his home race for the first, and so far only, time.
Since leading Felipe Massa in a Ferrari one-two in Bahrain, Alonso hasn't been on the podium at all, and indeed Ferrari has faded from the headlines a little, losing prominence to the developing Red Bull versus McLaren battle.
But under the radar, Alonso has been delivering some quietly astounding performances, not least dragging incredible pace out of a failing car as his gearbox developed a mind of its own in Malaysia.
Charges through the field to fourth in Australia and China after being pushed off at the first corner and jumping the start respectively were almost as good.
Seemingly keen not to rock the boat early in his Ferrari career, and conscious of the reputation he gained during his bitter falling-out with Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, Alonso seemed a little too polite when caught behind new team-mate Massa in the early rounds.
But he wasted no time in China: passing the Brazilian in the pit entry with an audacious - and for Massa, humiliating - dive that could have turned into a disaster.
So Alonso's fans know he is driving as well as ever, their worry will be whether his car is up to the challenge.
Ferrari has acknowledged that with Red Bull racking up pole after pole, and McLaren leading the points, it clearly isn't top dog at present.
More worrying is the spate of engine glitches that means Alonso is already onto the third of the eight engines he is allowed to use in a season.
All the teams have been churning out development parts and upgrades over recent weeks, taking advantage of the break since Shanghai and the return to Europe after the far-flung opening rounds.
In theory, that could mean some vastly different cars appearing for Barcelona, but it's unlikely to feel like F1 2010 is hitting the reset button.
All those who have ground to make up know that they are chasing moving targets, for the likes of Red Bull and McLaren have hardly been resting during the last three weeks.
Expect some shuffles in the pecking order though, particularly if Ferrari races its version of the McLaren 'F-Duct' for the first time, and if the major revisions Mercedes is introducing to address the weight distribution issue it feels has held it - and particularly Michael Schumacher - back does the trick.
Such developments could close the front pack up even more, and perhaps address the 'has Schumacher lost it?' puzzle that has grown increasingly hard to avoid discussing as the German legend seemed to drift ever further down the order - and get overtaken by increasingly unlikely rivals - in recent races.
For most of the crowd though, the only question that matters is whether Alonso will have a fast and reliable enough Ferrari to go toe to toe with whoever else is up front.
One man who hasn't been an absolute pacesetter most of the time is Jenson Button... and yet he's won half the races so far and leads the championship.
In straightforward dry conditions, Red Bull has generally looked a bit quicker than McLaren, and Hamilton look like the faster of the McLaren drivers.
But what Button is doing so much better than anyone else is making the most of his chances and maturely getting the job done, particularly in the fluctuating weather that has been prevalent recently, while his rivals have been making mistakes and squandering opportunities.
Luckily for them, Spain is likely to be much more straightforward - although that is probably going to make it a less exciting race.
The teams' over-familiarity with the track through testing - and even in this era of reduced mileage it's still the only active GP track used in the winter - and its lack of passing places has always made the Spanish GP one of the more processional and predictable races.
The 2007 circuit changes succeeded only in neutering the track's best corners without increasingly the amount of overtaking, and although rain could potentially shake things up, there hasn't been a wet Spanish GP since 1996.
But while the GP probably won't be a thriller, there is still a lot of anticipation over just who will emerge on top in what ought be the first 'normal' head to head contest of pure speed since Bahrain - and if it's Alonso who emerge triumphant, than the crowd won't care how processional the race is.
Briatore: No Schumacher fightback
Things will only get harder for Michael Schumacher as the season progresses, reckons his former team boss Flavio Briatore.
Schumacher, returning to F1 after an absence of three years, has so far been outperformed by his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
And although the seven-time champion is hoping to make progress as the season moves on, Briatore told Autosprint that he thinks Schumacher's life will be more difficult.
"On the contrary, I think it will be harder and harder for him," said Briatore when asked if he expected Schumacher to improve during the season.
"I don't know how he can recover. I think the competition is fierce. He made the decision to return without thinking that, in four years, the cars and the tyres have changed massively."
He added: "I've always said that it would be difficult for him to stay ahead of Rosberg. You can't come back in such a competitive sport after four or five years. Prost did, but only one season had gone by.
"Today, instead, he's found some tough customers, because in F1 there have never been drivers as good as this year. There's Hamilton, Fernando, Vettel, Rosberg..."
Briatore also said he has not changed his opinion about Jenson Button, despite the Briton leading the championship after four races.
The Italian reckons the world champion is still not among the top five drivers.
"We'll see how it ends up between Button and Hamilton at the end of the season. Jenson has done well, he's won two races and we know why: he was able to manage things and had luck on his side.
"I don't speak badly of him, I just say that he is not among the five quickest drivers in F1."
Schumacher, returning to F1 after an absence of three years, has so far been outperformed by his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
And although the seven-time champion is hoping to make progress as the season moves on, Briatore told Autosprint that he thinks Schumacher's life will be more difficult.
"On the contrary, I think it will be harder and harder for him," said Briatore when asked if he expected Schumacher to improve during the season.
"I don't know how he can recover. I think the competition is fierce. He made the decision to return without thinking that, in four years, the cars and the tyres have changed massively."
He added: "I've always said that it would be difficult for him to stay ahead of Rosberg. You can't come back in such a competitive sport after four or five years. Prost did, but only one season had gone by.
"Today, instead, he's found some tough customers, because in F1 there have never been drivers as good as this year. There's Hamilton, Fernando, Vettel, Rosberg..."
Briatore also said he has not changed his opinion about Jenson Button, despite the Briton leading the championship after four races.
The Italian reckons the world champion is still not among the top five drivers.
"We'll see how it ends up between Button and Hamilton at the end of the season. Jenson has done well, he's won two races and we know why: he was able to manage things and had luck on his side.
"I don't speak badly of him, I just say that he is not among the five quickest drivers in F1."
FOTA ponders independent KERS option
The Formula One Teams' Association (FOTA) is weighing up an offer for an independent supply of KERS next season, AUTOSPORT has learned, as efforts are ramped up to get the technology back in the sport.
Renault and Ferrari have been leading the push to get KERS back in F1, because of pressures from their parent road car companies to increase the environmental message and technology transfer from F1. Their desire to see it back as soon as possible has also led Williams to support its return in 2011.
However, not all teams on the grid are so eager to get KERS back for next year and some would prefer to wait until 2013 - when new engine regulations are set to come into force.
One of the key issues that needs overcoming is the costs that the return of KERS would entail - especially for the sport's new contenders. And although Renault and Ferrari have offered to supply customer versions of their own units, not all their rivals are happy about that situation.
However, sources have revealed that any resistance could be overcome by an offer from British engineering company Flybrid, which has put a formal proposal to FOTA to supply its flywheel system to any F1 team that wants it in 2011.
Sources close to FOTA have told AUTOSPORT that Flybrid's offer is commercially attractive enough for it to be seriously evaluated as an option for next year, with FOTA set to discuss its latest thinking on the situation when it meets again ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
Flybrid has extensive knowledge of F1 technology, having worked closely with the former Honda team from 2007 on a KERS system that was going to be raced last year prior to the Japanese manufacturer's withdrawal from F1.
The knowledge that Flybrid gained from its work with Honda is now being applied to the road car industry, with one of its biggest clients currently Jaguar Cars as part of a government investment in future green technologies.
AUTOSPORT understands that Flybrid has the capacity to supply the whole grid if FOTA believes that is the best way forward, or equally would be able to supply any number of teams that required the technology.
Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne told AUTOSPORT that new teams like his would have trouble building their own KERS for 2011, but would be open to looking at any supply offers that made commercial sense.
"I think for us obviously the implementation of KERS is pretty difficult," he said. "We think it is very relevant, and we think it is a good message for the sport, but we think it makes a lot more sense to introduce it with a new engine in 2013.
"However, if it was offered for next year then we would have to have a look at it - but it would have to be commercially sensible."
Renault and Ferrari have been leading the push to get KERS back in F1, because of pressures from their parent road car companies to increase the environmental message and technology transfer from F1. Their desire to see it back as soon as possible has also led Williams to support its return in 2011.
However, not all teams on the grid are so eager to get KERS back for next year and some would prefer to wait until 2013 - when new engine regulations are set to come into force.
One of the key issues that needs overcoming is the costs that the return of KERS would entail - especially for the sport's new contenders. And although Renault and Ferrari have offered to supply customer versions of their own units, not all their rivals are happy about that situation.
However, sources have revealed that any resistance could be overcome by an offer from British engineering company Flybrid, which has put a formal proposal to FOTA to supply its flywheel system to any F1 team that wants it in 2011.
Sources close to FOTA have told AUTOSPORT that Flybrid's offer is commercially attractive enough for it to be seriously evaluated as an option for next year, with FOTA set to discuss its latest thinking on the situation when it meets again ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
Flybrid has extensive knowledge of F1 technology, having worked closely with the former Honda team from 2007 on a KERS system that was going to be raced last year prior to the Japanese manufacturer's withdrawal from F1.
The knowledge that Flybrid gained from its work with Honda is now being applied to the road car industry, with one of its biggest clients currently Jaguar Cars as part of a government investment in future green technologies.
AUTOSPORT understands that Flybrid has the capacity to supply the whole grid if FOTA believes that is the best way forward, or equally would be able to supply any number of teams that required the technology.
Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne told AUTOSPORT that new teams like his would have trouble building their own KERS for 2011, but would be open to looking at any supply offers that made commercial sense.
"I think for us obviously the implementation of KERS is pretty difficult," he said. "We think it is very relevant, and we think it is a good message for the sport, but we think it makes a lot more sense to introduce it with a new engine in 2013.
"However, if it was offered for next year then we would have to have a look at it - but it would have to be commercially sensible."
Kubica realistic on Renault's chances
Robert Kubica has warned his Renault team must stay realistic despite its strong start to the 2010 season.
Renault has managed 46 points in the first four races of the year, and is currently in fifth in the standings after some very promising performances, including a podium finish in Australia.
But Kubica is aware the the French squad will need a very big step to be able to fight on top.
"The whole team is working hard and it's good that we're making the most of our opportunities in the races," said Kubica.
"But it's important to remain realistic because we still need some big steps to be at the front of the grid and fighting consistently with Red Bull and McLaren in normal conditions.
"The next race in Barcelona will be another big test for us because the return to Europe is usually a turning point in the season with many teams planning big upgrades to their cars.
The Pole, however, insists there are a lot of reasons to be encouraged following the first races of the season.
"I think we should take a lot of positives from the first four races. If you had said to me at the start of the season, or even after Bahrain, that I would have scored 40 points and three top five finishes, I would have been more than happy.
"However, at the same time there has still been some frustration, especially in Shanghai where the safety car in the middle of the race definitely cost me a podium. But you have to accept that this is part of racing. Sometimes the luck goes your way and sometimes against you."
Chief race engineer Alan Permane also says the first part of the season has been positive, and admits the team has perhaps scored more points than expected.
"I think it's been a very encouraging start to the year and we've definitely maximised all the opportunities that have come our way, which is very important," he said.
"We know that our outright pace is still behind the four fastest teams, but with our strategy from the pit wall and the performances of Robert and Vitaly, we have come away with more points than we might have expected."
Renault has managed 46 points in the first four races of the year, and is currently in fifth in the standings after some very promising performances, including a podium finish in Australia.
But Kubica is aware the the French squad will need a very big step to be able to fight on top.
"The whole team is working hard and it's good that we're making the most of our opportunities in the races," said Kubica.
"But it's important to remain realistic because we still need some big steps to be at the front of the grid and fighting consistently with Red Bull and McLaren in normal conditions.
"The next race in Barcelona will be another big test for us because the return to Europe is usually a turning point in the season with many teams planning big upgrades to their cars.
The Pole, however, insists there are a lot of reasons to be encouraged following the first races of the season.
"I think we should take a lot of positives from the first four races. If you had said to me at the start of the season, or even after Bahrain, that I would have scored 40 points and three top five finishes, I would have been more than happy.
"However, at the same time there has still been some frustration, especially in Shanghai where the safety car in the middle of the race definitely cost me a podium. But you have to accept that this is part of racing. Sometimes the luck goes your way and sometimes against you."
Chief race engineer Alan Permane also says the first part of the season has been positive, and admits the team has perhaps scored more points than expected.
"I think it's been a very encouraging start to the year and we've definitely maximised all the opportunities that have come our way, which is very important," he said.
"We know that our outright pace is still behind the four fastest teams, but with our strategy from the pit wall and the performances of Robert and Vitaly, we have come away with more points than we might have expected."
Jersey City eyes Formula 1 race
Bernie Ecclestone's big dream of a Formula 1 race in New York could be closer to reality than many people thought after plans for an event in Jersey City emerged this week.
A proposal for a race in the 1,200-acre Liberty State Park from 2012 has been put together by the director of tourism for Destination Jersey City - with the possibility of it being turned into a night event.
A document produced with outline plans for the event states: "With the incredible backdrop of the New York City skyline, selecting Jersey City for the 2012 Grand Prix Auto Race Circuit will not only boost ticket sales as the Grand Prix returns to the United States, but will [provide] striking television footage.
"To maximize the dramatic effect, Jersey City could possibly follow in Singapore's footsteps by holding the finals at night."
Organisers want the 'Jersey City' moniker in the name of the race, are seeking a five-year deal and a 3.6-mile track layout has already been sketched out.
Although F1 is keen for the sport to get back into the United States, the plans for the Jersey GP have not gone down well with everybody - with local campaigners Friends of Liberty State Park labelling the idea 'obscene' in a letter written to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy.
Sam Pesin, head of the Friends' board of trustees, told local newspaper the Jersey Journal: "Once you have a track there, and especially with the state's finances, there would be such pressure on the state to have regular car racing there. You'd end up having the name changed from Liberty State Park to Liberty Race Track."
Mayor Healy has spoken to Pesin about the matter and issued a statement after their conversation saying: "This was a response to an overture made by Formula 1, and Jersey City is one of several cities they are pursuing. There have been a few, preliminary conversations and this is very much in the exploratory phase.
"However, this may not be something that is in the best interest of Jersey City or Liberty State Park."
The plans for the Jersey GP come a few weeks after there was fresh speculation Indianapolis could be poised to get F1 back, with former track boss Tony George present at the Chinese Grand Prix to discuss ideas.
A proposal for a race in the 1,200-acre Liberty State Park from 2012 has been put together by the director of tourism for Destination Jersey City - with the possibility of it being turned into a night event.
A document produced with outline plans for the event states: "With the incredible backdrop of the New York City skyline, selecting Jersey City for the 2012 Grand Prix Auto Race Circuit will not only boost ticket sales as the Grand Prix returns to the United States, but will [provide] striking television footage.
"To maximize the dramatic effect, Jersey City could possibly follow in Singapore's footsteps by holding the finals at night."
Organisers want the 'Jersey City' moniker in the name of the race, are seeking a five-year deal and a 3.6-mile track layout has already been sketched out.
Although F1 is keen for the sport to get back into the United States, the plans for the Jersey GP have not gone down well with everybody - with local campaigners Friends of Liberty State Park labelling the idea 'obscene' in a letter written to Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy.
Sam Pesin, head of the Friends' board of trustees, told local newspaper the Jersey Journal: "Once you have a track there, and especially with the state's finances, there would be such pressure on the state to have regular car racing there. You'd end up having the name changed from Liberty State Park to Liberty Race Track."
Mayor Healy has spoken to Pesin about the matter and issued a statement after their conversation saying: "This was a response to an overture made by Formula 1, and Jersey City is one of several cities they are pursuing. There have been a few, preliminary conversations and this is very much in the exploratory phase.
"However, this may not be something that is in the best interest of Jersey City or Liberty State Park."
The plans for the Jersey GP come a few weeks after there was fresh speculation Indianapolis could be poised to get F1 back, with former track boss Tony George present at the Chinese Grand Prix to discuss ideas.
Monday, 3 May 2010
Force India confident of holding position
Force India team boss Vijay Mallya reckons his squad has done enough to hold its position when the whole field introduces new development parts at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
The three-week break since China and the return to Europe after four flyaway races has given all the Formula 1 teams chance to embark on their most concerted development push since the winter, with a wide array of upgrades set to be introduced up and down the pitlane at Catalunya.
Force India has made a very strong start to the year, building on its late-2009 form to become a consistent top ten contender. Mallya says the efforts of its Mark Smith-led technical team since Shanghai should mean there is no danger Force India will be leapfrogged by faster-developing rivals.
"Mark and his team have a solid programme of developments throughout the first half of the season, some of which will come in Spain," said Mallya.
"The simulations we've been doing back in the factory are very positive and I'm sure we will be able to maintain the form we have shown before and maybe even move further up the field.
"The other teams are not sleeping I am sure, and we'll see how much everyone has moved forward in Barcelona, but based on the way the team is working together at the factory and wind tunnel and then the superb implementation we see at the track I think we'll have an edge."
Driver Adrian Sutil agreed that Force India should be able to hold position at least, and said he saw no reason to lower his expectations for Spain.
"We have some aerodynamic improvements all over the car, with refinements to the front wing and bargeboard area, plus some mechanical changes aimed at improving lower speed corner performance," he said. "I think this will put us in quite good shape for Spain and see us maintaining our position.
"Of course you don't know what the others are doing but the development race is so tight now, everybody is at a point where it's hard to find every single tenth.
"We've looked very competitive in the first four races and I don't see why that should change. The feeling in the team is positive, we've got a good plan, I feel very confident and comfortable in where we are and where we are going. Q3 and points is now the normal aim for us and we're disappointed if we don't get them."
The three-week break since China and the return to Europe after four flyaway races has given all the Formula 1 teams chance to embark on their most concerted development push since the winter, with a wide array of upgrades set to be introduced up and down the pitlane at Catalunya.
Force India has made a very strong start to the year, building on its late-2009 form to become a consistent top ten contender. Mallya says the efforts of its Mark Smith-led technical team since Shanghai should mean there is no danger Force India will be leapfrogged by faster-developing rivals.
"Mark and his team have a solid programme of developments throughout the first half of the season, some of which will come in Spain," said Mallya.
"The simulations we've been doing back in the factory are very positive and I'm sure we will be able to maintain the form we have shown before and maybe even move further up the field.
"The other teams are not sleeping I am sure, and we'll see how much everyone has moved forward in Barcelona, but based on the way the team is working together at the factory and wind tunnel and then the superb implementation we see at the track I think we'll have an edge."
Driver Adrian Sutil agreed that Force India should be able to hold position at least, and said he saw no reason to lower his expectations for Spain.
"We have some aerodynamic improvements all over the car, with refinements to the front wing and bargeboard area, plus some mechanical changes aimed at improving lower speed corner performance," he said. "I think this will put us in quite good shape for Spain and see us maintaining our position.
"Of course you don't know what the others are doing but the development race is so tight now, everybody is at a point where it's hard to find every single tenth.
"We've looked very competitive in the first four races and I don't see why that should change. The feeling in the team is positive, we've got a good plan, I feel very confident and comfortable in where we are and where we are going. Q3 and points is now the normal aim for us and we're disappointed if we don't get them."
Alonso: Ferrari 'freer' post-Schumacher
Michael Schumacher and Fernando AlonsoFernando Alonso thinks Michael Schumacher's decision to turn his back on Ferrari and return to Formula 1 with Mercedes GP has been a boost in helping him settle in more quickly at Maranello.
On the back of a promising start to this year, having won the season opener in Bahrain, Alonso thinks the fact he does not have to operate under Schumacher's shadow has been a positive for him and the team.
"Now, maybe, we're a little freer," Alonso said about life at Ferrari after Schumacher, in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Despite seeing the benefit of Schumacher's return, Alonso has expressed shock at the seven-time champion's decision to throw himself back into competitive action.
"Yes, a lot," he said when asked if he was surprised by Schumacher's move. "I was even more surprised that he came back... with the calm life he could have lived and with such a past."
Alonso says he is relishing his life at Ferrari, and thinks that although Red Bull Racing has been the pace-setter so far this year, his own team is favourite for the title.
"Red Bull is stronger in the qualifying and they are very fast; but we can catch up in the race," he said. "McLaren knows how to develop its cars very fast, but we're not joking either. Total: Ferrari favourite for the championship."
Speaking about whether driving for Ferrari was as he imagined, Alonso said: "No, it's different. It's even better. I expected to come to the strongest team, being able to benefit from the potential. But Ferrari is much more: it's a passion, a philosophy, a way of life. I'm contaminated by this emotion."
And although his relationship with team-mate Felipe Massa has been under the spotlight, especially following a pitlane overtaking move in China, Alonso says he is enjoying working with the Brazilian.
"Felipe and I are complementary," he said. "While I'm missing something in the corners he has, while I am faster in some sections. Learning from each other is a secret. Who could create problems? [Jenson] Button and [Lewis] Hamilton."
When asked if he would repeat the pitlane move on Massa if the opportunity came up again, Alonso said: "Absolutely yes."
On the back of a promising start to this year, having won the season opener in Bahrain, Alonso thinks the fact he does not have to operate under Schumacher's shadow has been a positive for him and the team.
"Now, maybe, we're a little freer," Alonso said about life at Ferrari after Schumacher, in an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
Despite seeing the benefit of Schumacher's return, Alonso has expressed shock at the seven-time champion's decision to throw himself back into competitive action.
"Yes, a lot," he said when asked if he was surprised by Schumacher's move. "I was even more surprised that he came back... with the calm life he could have lived and with such a past."
Alonso says he is relishing his life at Ferrari, and thinks that although Red Bull Racing has been the pace-setter so far this year, his own team is favourite for the title.
"Red Bull is stronger in the qualifying and they are very fast; but we can catch up in the race," he said. "McLaren knows how to develop its cars very fast, but we're not joking either. Total: Ferrari favourite for the championship."
Speaking about whether driving for Ferrari was as he imagined, Alonso said: "No, it's different. It's even better. I expected to come to the strongest team, being able to benefit from the potential. But Ferrari is much more: it's a passion, a philosophy, a way of life. I'm contaminated by this emotion."
And although his relationship with team-mate Felipe Massa has been under the spotlight, especially following a pitlane overtaking move in China, Alonso says he is enjoying working with the Brazilian.
"Felipe and I are complementary," he said. "While I'm missing something in the corners he has, while I am faster in some sections. Learning from each other is a secret. Who could create problems? [Jenson] Button and [Lewis] Hamilton."
When asked if he would repeat the pitlane move on Massa if the opportunity came up again, Alonso said: "Absolutely yes."
Q and A with Sauber's James Key
Q. What are your first impressions of the team?
James Key: The first impressions are very good. We have an excellent group of people here, and the expertise and the knowledge are at a very high level. And, of course, the facilities are state-of-the-art. There is enormous potential. Everything is here that needs to be here to ensure the team can move forward. On the other hand there is also much work to be done. The team is still recovering from its uncertain situation in the second half of 2009. It requires a slightly new approach to the way certain areas work to make better use of the size the team is now.
Q. Where was your main focus in the first month with the team?
JK: My main focus in the first week was to get around and meet as many people as I could in the technical group to understand where they felt they were, how they operate their departments and how they fit in with other areas. I'm a strong believer that, particularly in a small team, you have to be able to read into how the operation ticks and how it works and fits together. I asked them questions about where they see things heading at present, and what they think their department's strengths and weaknesses are. All that allowed me to piece together a picture of the team.
The second part was to focus on where we are with the current car. The race weekend in China really helped, because I was able to see the car running and talk to the drivers and people at the track in more detail. From all of that I am forming a plan of the way we go forward, which fundamentally is attacking our known weaknesses and investigating areas we don't understand so well yet. The good news is the team is well aware already of some of the deficits that the car has compared to where it should be. I've been able to reinforce that and introduce a few other directions and ideas as well.
Q. What will you change in the short term?
JK: In the short term there is going to be a small restructuring within the technical group, which I have just started instigating. This should allow the team to be more in tune with the smaller organisation it is now, particularly in terms of the efficiency of its operation. In addition to that, we have a plan being developed of what exactly we are going to do this year to attack the known issues we have, and to give ourselves a chance to realise some decent steps later in the season.
Q. What are your plans in the longer term?
JK: There are many things to do in the longer term. One is to adapt the shape of the company according to our budget and goals for the future, as well as possible regulation changes. Part of the restructuring I will be doing will be designed so we have a better capability within the current size of our technical organisation to soak up longer-term changes to regulations. This will also allow us to start work on next year's car much earlier than perhaps would be the case in the past. So, for example, I expect to sit down and start the 2012 car design process before this year has finished.
Q. Is it realistic to move up the grid in the course of the 2010 season?
JK: I believe it is, because we now know what we need to do with the current car. However, for some issues there are no quick fixes. Some current characteristics of the car need to be developed to produce new characteristics, which takes time. So we will work as quickly as possible to turn that around. Targets have been set and they are very ambitious. It's certainly possible to move up the grid, but the competition is fierce so we have to do everything we can to develop quicker than they do.
Q. When will you start working on the 2011 car?
JK: Work on the 2011 car has started already. Different layouts are being evaluated, and we have a long list of ideas and things we want to look at. The team has already done quite a bit of background work in various areas to start looking at the implications of the regulation changes we know about for 2011. In addition, we have ideas where we should improve from this year's car. That process is already underway.
I have a schedule in mind of how we need to split the balance between the development of this year's and next year's car, which fits the structure of the team. I think we should gain momentum over the next few weeks. However, much is still subject to any further regulation changes and the tyre situation, which we have to keep an eye on.
We have got a fairly aggressive set of goals for its development to make sure that we meet deadlines, and also have the possibility to investigate as much as we can on the fundamentals of the car at this early stage.
James Key: The first impressions are very good. We have an excellent group of people here, and the expertise and the knowledge are at a very high level. And, of course, the facilities are state-of-the-art. There is enormous potential. Everything is here that needs to be here to ensure the team can move forward. On the other hand there is also much work to be done. The team is still recovering from its uncertain situation in the second half of 2009. It requires a slightly new approach to the way certain areas work to make better use of the size the team is now.
Q. Where was your main focus in the first month with the team?
JK: My main focus in the first week was to get around and meet as many people as I could in the technical group to understand where they felt they were, how they operate their departments and how they fit in with other areas. I'm a strong believer that, particularly in a small team, you have to be able to read into how the operation ticks and how it works and fits together. I asked them questions about where they see things heading at present, and what they think their department's strengths and weaknesses are. All that allowed me to piece together a picture of the team.
The second part was to focus on where we are with the current car. The race weekend in China really helped, because I was able to see the car running and talk to the drivers and people at the track in more detail. From all of that I am forming a plan of the way we go forward, which fundamentally is attacking our known weaknesses and investigating areas we don't understand so well yet. The good news is the team is well aware already of some of the deficits that the car has compared to where it should be. I've been able to reinforce that and introduce a few other directions and ideas as well.
Q. What will you change in the short term?
JK: In the short term there is going to be a small restructuring within the technical group, which I have just started instigating. This should allow the team to be more in tune with the smaller organisation it is now, particularly in terms of the efficiency of its operation. In addition to that, we have a plan being developed of what exactly we are going to do this year to attack the known issues we have, and to give ourselves a chance to realise some decent steps later in the season.
Q. What are your plans in the longer term?
JK: There are many things to do in the longer term. One is to adapt the shape of the company according to our budget and goals for the future, as well as possible regulation changes. Part of the restructuring I will be doing will be designed so we have a better capability within the current size of our technical organisation to soak up longer-term changes to regulations. This will also allow us to start work on next year's car much earlier than perhaps would be the case in the past. So, for example, I expect to sit down and start the 2012 car design process before this year has finished.
Q. Is it realistic to move up the grid in the course of the 2010 season?
JK: I believe it is, because we now know what we need to do with the current car. However, for some issues there are no quick fixes. Some current characteristics of the car need to be developed to produce new characteristics, which takes time. So we will work as quickly as possible to turn that around. Targets have been set and they are very ambitious. It's certainly possible to move up the grid, but the competition is fierce so we have to do everything we can to develop quicker than they do.
Q. When will you start working on the 2011 car?
JK: Work on the 2011 car has started already. Different layouts are being evaluated, and we have a long list of ideas and things we want to look at. The team has already done quite a bit of background work in various areas to start looking at the implications of the regulation changes we know about for 2011. In addition, we have ideas where we should improve from this year's car. That process is already underway.
I have a schedule in mind of how we need to split the balance between the development of this year's and next year's car, which fits the structure of the team. I think we should gain momentum over the next few weeks. However, much is still subject to any further regulation changes and the tyre situation, which we have to keep an eye on.
We have got a fairly aggressive set of goals for its development to make sure that we meet deadlines, and also have the possibility to investigate as much as we can on the fundamentals of the car at this early stage.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Grosjean determined to return to F1
Former Renault Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean is still optimistic about his chances of getting back into grand prix racing even though he has switched to the new FIA GT1 World Championship this year.
Grosjean had an unsuccessful half-season with Renault in F1 in 2009, stepping up from GP2 in the wake of Nelson Piquet's dismissal, but struggling to make an impact with no testing, amid the team's crisis following the Singapore scandal revelations, and with Renault focusing its development efforts on the 2010 car. He was not kept on for this year and now races for Matech Ford in GT1.
"It is not a new life, it is not forgetting Formula 1, I don't hide that my aim is to go back to F1 next year for sure," Grosjean told AUTOSPORT. "But on the other hand driving is my passion and it is my job as well.
"It's a new experience for me and maybe for the future it can help. And for sure I'm still trying to get the good contacts and the good opportunities to go to F1 next year. But for this year this opportunity came up. It is not like I want to switch my ideal career. It's just one year, but I want to drive, I enjoy driving and when the chance came I thought it was good to take it."
He added that he preferred to race elsewhere than to chase an F1 test and reserve option.
"It is worse sitting at home and waiting," said Grosjean. "If you wait at home nobody will call you, but if you race your name is still around, you still meet journalists and this is very important."
He feels he did a respectable job for Renault in tough circumstances.
"When you look in detail at my results compared to Fernando [Alonso], as we say in French, I don't have to be afraid," Grosjean said. "I was two tenths slower sometimes, with a difficult car to drive and a difficult environment.
"So when I looked back I don't have any regrets. I gave my best and I think I did very well. It didn't show on the timesheets or the results, because we were 16th or 17th, but when I look at look back at it, I think I did a good job and I deserve a real chance."
A former Formula 3 Euro Series and GP2 Asia champion, Grosjean underlined that F1 was his future preference, but remains open-minded and is sure he could settle in other racing disciplines.
"At the moment F1 is the absolute dream for sure and if I can go back I will," said Grosjean. "But then I think you can still enjoy your life if it doesn't happen - ask Tom Kristensen if he is happy with his career and you will get the answer."
Grosjean had an unsuccessful half-season with Renault in F1 in 2009, stepping up from GP2 in the wake of Nelson Piquet's dismissal, but struggling to make an impact with no testing, amid the team's crisis following the Singapore scandal revelations, and with Renault focusing its development efforts on the 2010 car. He was not kept on for this year and now races for Matech Ford in GT1.
"It is not a new life, it is not forgetting Formula 1, I don't hide that my aim is to go back to F1 next year for sure," Grosjean told AUTOSPORT. "But on the other hand driving is my passion and it is my job as well.
"It's a new experience for me and maybe for the future it can help. And for sure I'm still trying to get the good contacts and the good opportunities to go to F1 next year. But for this year this opportunity came up. It is not like I want to switch my ideal career. It's just one year, but I want to drive, I enjoy driving and when the chance came I thought it was good to take it."
He added that he preferred to race elsewhere than to chase an F1 test and reserve option.
"It is worse sitting at home and waiting," said Grosjean. "If you wait at home nobody will call you, but if you race your name is still around, you still meet journalists and this is very important."
He feels he did a respectable job for Renault in tough circumstances.
"When you look in detail at my results compared to Fernando [Alonso], as we say in French, I don't have to be afraid," Grosjean said. "I was two tenths slower sometimes, with a difficult car to drive and a difficult environment.
"So when I looked back I don't have any regrets. I gave my best and I think I did very well. It didn't show on the timesheets or the results, because we were 16th or 17th, but when I look at look back at it, I think I did a good job and I deserve a real chance."
A former Formula 3 Euro Series and GP2 Asia champion, Grosjean underlined that F1 was his future preference, but remains open-minded and is sure he could settle in other racing disciplines.
"At the moment F1 is the absolute dream for sure and if I can go back I will," said Grosjean. "But then I think you can still enjoy your life if it doesn't happen - ask Tom Kristensen if he is happy with his career and you will get the answer."
FIA wants early green engine push
The FIA is hoping to push through greener new engine rules before a much-awaited new powerplant is introduced in 2013.
Formula 1 teams are currently trying to reach agreement on a new set of engine regulations to come into force from 2013 - with current thinking edging towards a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine that will feature KERS.
But although such a move to smaller capacity and more fuel-efficient engines will be welcome as the sport tries to become more environmentally friendly, the FIA is hoping that changes can be made before then – perhaps by forcing teams to improve their fuel economy.
Gilles Simon, the FIA's director of powertrain and electronics, said: "We have to try and push forward with fuel efficiency. If, as an engine engineer, I am given a maximum fuel load, I will try to give the driver the maximum horsepower possible, building the most efficient engine I can.
"It is a technical competition and as efficiency is obviously good for road cars, that could be good for them as well. So we want to try to adapt the rules we have in the run-up to the new engine formula."
Simon, who was speaking in the in-house FIA In Motion magazine, thinks it vital that any move to change F1's regulations fits in with where the road car industry is heading.
"Ideally, we would like to understand where road cars will be in five to ten years. We would then create regulations for three years from now to anticipate this. This is the most difficult route because we don't want to impose our own views. We need to have a proper view of where the manufacturers will be.
"After that, we will do what is logical for the different championships. I think that could actually add to the show because with reduced displacement engines and lower torque, you could use additional electrical torque to differentiate between the cars, while at the same time developing and showcasing hybrid technology and performance that will be used in passenger cars."
Simon also thinks the public need better educating about how little carbon is produced from F1 cars when they are actually on track.
"Less than one per cent of an F1 team's carbon footprint comes from running its cars. All the rest is from running the team, and above all, more than 60 per cent of the carbon footprint comes from the electricity they use in their factories and wind tunnels."
Formula 1 teams are currently trying to reach agreement on a new set of engine regulations to come into force from 2013 - with current thinking edging towards a 1.5 litre turbocharged engine that will feature KERS.
But although such a move to smaller capacity and more fuel-efficient engines will be welcome as the sport tries to become more environmentally friendly, the FIA is hoping that changes can be made before then – perhaps by forcing teams to improve their fuel economy.
Gilles Simon, the FIA's director of powertrain and electronics, said: "We have to try and push forward with fuel efficiency. If, as an engine engineer, I am given a maximum fuel load, I will try to give the driver the maximum horsepower possible, building the most efficient engine I can.
"It is a technical competition and as efficiency is obviously good for road cars, that could be good for them as well. So we want to try to adapt the rules we have in the run-up to the new engine formula."
Simon, who was speaking in the in-house FIA In Motion magazine, thinks it vital that any move to change F1's regulations fits in with where the road car industry is heading.
"Ideally, we would like to understand where road cars will be in five to ten years. We would then create regulations for three years from now to anticipate this. This is the most difficult route because we don't want to impose our own views. We need to have a proper view of where the manufacturers will be.
"After that, we will do what is logical for the different championships. I think that could actually add to the show because with reduced displacement engines and lower torque, you could use additional electrical torque to differentiate between the cars, while at the same time developing and showcasing hybrid technology and performance that will be used in passenger cars."
Simon also thinks the public need better educating about how little carbon is produced from F1 cars when they are actually on track.
"Less than one per cent of an F1 team's carbon footprint comes from running its cars. All the rest is from running the team, and above all, more than 60 per cent of the carbon footprint comes from the electricity they use in their factories and wind tunnels."
Lotus predicts significant step in Spain
technical chief Mike Gascoyne believes his team can take a significant step forward in the Spanish Grand Prix thanks to the upgrades it will introduce.
With Lotus having raced with a simple car design in the first four races of the season, Gascoyne reckons the team has a lot to gain from the introduction of more developed parts.
And that is why he is confident Lotus will be able to close to the gap to its rivals from the Spanish GP onwards.
"All the teams will have upgrades for Barcelona, but we're hoping that ours is even more significant than our rivals because we received our entry so late and had to freeze the initial specification of the car very early in the design process," said Gascoyne.
"We do expect it to be reasonably significant - we have an aero package with revised sidepods, front wings and brake ducts, and a number of mechanical changes, but obviously we'll have to wait and see what step forward our rivals will also make."
He added: "It's very gratifying to see the whole factory in full operation, with every department now nearly fully staffed but starting to work to their full potential.
"This means we can now look at more long-term development and R&D programmes, and start thinking about future cars. We're through the hardest part of the team's growth and we're on a very good footing for the future."
Team boss Tony Fernandes admitted he was delighted with the performance of his team so far, something he reckons proved all doubters wrong.
"We're back in Europe and I couldn't be more pleased with the position we arrive in. The first phase of Lotus Racing's life is now behind us, and the next challenge starts here.
"We've proved all the doubters wrong, and have shown that the hard work everyone in the team puts is making the dream we share come true."
With Lotus having raced with a simple car design in the first four races of the season, Gascoyne reckons the team has a lot to gain from the introduction of more developed parts.
And that is why he is confident Lotus will be able to close to the gap to its rivals from the Spanish GP onwards.
"All the teams will have upgrades for Barcelona, but we're hoping that ours is even more significant than our rivals because we received our entry so late and had to freeze the initial specification of the car very early in the design process," said Gascoyne.
"We do expect it to be reasonably significant - we have an aero package with revised sidepods, front wings and brake ducts, and a number of mechanical changes, but obviously we'll have to wait and see what step forward our rivals will also make."
He added: "It's very gratifying to see the whole factory in full operation, with every department now nearly fully staffed but starting to work to their full potential.
"This means we can now look at more long-term development and R&D programmes, and start thinking about future cars. We're through the hardest part of the team's growth and we're on a very good footing for the future."
Team boss Tony Fernandes admitted he was delighted with the performance of his team so far, something he reckons proved all doubters wrong.
"We're back in Europe and I couldn't be more pleased with the position we arrive in. The first phase of Lotus Racing's life is now behind us, and the next challenge starts here.
"We've proved all the doubters wrong, and have shown that the hard work everyone in the team puts is making the dream we share come true."
Ferrari denies subliminal Marlboro livery
Ferrari has dismissed suggestions that its car livery is using subliminal Marlboro advertising, after calls from leading doctors for a government inquiry into the matter.
A report in The Times on Thursday said that a host of medical figures had called on the British and Spanish governments to look into the extent of Marlboro's backing of Ferrari and especially the use of the barcode that is used on the cars.
Ferrari took the decision to publish a statement on its website on Thursday night rubbishing the claims and stating it was baffled why its colour scheme was being picked out by doctors.
"Today and in recent weeks, articles have been published relating to the partnership contract between Scuderia Ferrari and Philip Morris International, questioning its legality," said the Ferrari statement.
"These reports are based on two suppositions: that part of the graphics featured on the Formula 1 cars are reminiscent of the Marlboro logo and even that the red colour which is a traditional feature of our cars is a form of tobacco publicity.
"Neither of these arguments have any scientific basis, as they rely on some alleged studies which have never been published in academic journals. But more importantly, they do not correspond to the truth.
"The so-called barcode is an integral part of the livery of the car and of all images coordinated by the Scuderia, as can be seen from the fact it is modified every year and, occasionally even during the season. Furthermore, if it was a case of advertising branding, Philip Morris would have to own a legal copyright on it.
"The partnership between Ferrari and Philip Morris is now only exploited in certain initiatives, such as factory visits, meetings with the drivers, merchandising products, all carried out fully within the laws of the various countries where these activities take place. There has been no logo or branding on the race cars since 2007, even in countries where local laws would still have permitted it.
"The premise that simply looking at a red Ferrari can be a more effective means of publicity than a cigarette advertisement seems incredible: how should one assess the choice made by other Formula 1 teams to race a car with a predominantly red livery or to link the image of a driver to a sports car of the same colour? Maybe these companies also want to advertise smoking!
"It should be pointed out that red has been the recognised colour for Italian racing cars since the very beginning of motor sport, at the start of the twentieth century: if there is an immediate association to be made, it is with our company rather than with our partner."
A report in The Times on Thursday said that a host of medical figures had called on the British and Spanish governments to look into the extent of Marlboro's backing of Ferrari and especially the use of the barcode that is used on the cars.
Ferrari took the decision to publish a statement on its website on Thursday night rubbishing the claims and stating it was baffled why its colour scheme was being picked out by doctors.
"Today and in recent weeks, articles have been published relating to the partnership contract between Scuderia Ferrari and Philip Morris International, questioning its legality," said the Ferrari statement.
"These reports are based on two suppositions: that part of the graphics featured on the Formula 1 cars are reminiscent of the Marlboro logo and even that the red colour which is a traditional feature of our cars is a form of tobacco publicity.
"Neither of these arguments have any scientific basis, as they rely on some alleged studies which have never been published in academic journals. But more importantly, they do not correspond to the truth.
"The so-called barcode is an integral part of the livery of the car and of all images coordinated by the Scuderia, as can be seen from the fact it is modified every year and, occasionally even during the season. Furthermore, if it was a case of advertising branding, Philip Morris would have to own a legal copyright on it.
"The partnership between Ferrari and Philip Morris is now only exploited in certain initiatives, such as factory visits, meetings with the drivers, merchandising products, all carried out fully within the laws of the various countries where these activities take place. There has been no logo or branding on the race cars since 2007, even in countries where local laws would still have permitted it.
"The premise that simply looking at a red Ferrari can be a more effective means of publicity than a cigarette advertisement seems incredible: how should one assess the choice made by other Formula 1 teams to race a car with a predominantly red livery or to link the image of a driver to a sports car of the same colour? Maybe these companies also want to advertise smoking!
"It should be pointed out that red has been the recognised colour for Italian racing cars since the very beginning of motor sport, at the start of the twentieth century: if there is an immediate association to be made, it is with our company rather than with our partner."
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