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GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Jaime Alguersuari wins Felipe Massa's annual all-star kart race

2011-12-05T00:10:00.000+07:00

Jaime Alguersuari wins Felipe Massa's annual all-star kart race

Sunday, December 4th 2011, 16:22 GMT

Toro Rosso Formula 1 racer Jaime Alguersuari claimed victory in Felipe Massa's annual International Challenge of Go-Kart Champions in Florianopolis, though only after Ferrari protege Jules Bianchi was disqualified.

Bianchi had won both Saturday night's wet race and today's dry heat on the road, but was excluded from the latter event for a weight rules violation.

That handed the heat and outright win to Alguersuari, who had been second behind Bianchi - just ahead of Massa - in race one.

Lucas di Grassi and Rubens Barrichello completed the race two podium.

The star-studded entry also featured fellow F1 men Jerome D'Ambrosio, Tonio Liuzzi, Adrian Sutil and Pastor Maldonado, plus ex-grand prix racers Nelson Piquet Jr, Antonio Pizzonia, Luciano Burti, Ricardo Zonta, Enrique Bernoldi, Christian Fittipaldi and Gianni Morbidelli, and IndyCar's Tony Kanaan, Vitor Meira and Ana Beatriz.

Credit: AUTOSPORT.COM (www.autosport.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | David Coulthard says Kimi Raikkonen will return to Formula 1 stronger than ever before

2011-12-05T00:08:00.000+07:00

David Coulthard says Kimi Raikkonen will return to Formula 1 stronger than ever before

By Dieter Rencken and Matt Beer

Sunday, December 4th 2011, 15:05 GMT

David Coulthard believes his former McLaren team-mate Kimi Raikkonen will be better than ever when he returns to Formula 1 with the Lotus Renault team in 2012.

Renault - which becomes Lotus next year - announced this week that it had secured the services of 2007 world champion Raikkonen, who has spent the last two seasons focusing on the World Rally Championship.

Coulthard drove alongside Raikkonen at McLaren from 2002 to '04, and reckons the maturity and perspective the Finn has gained since his initial F1 stint will be hugely beneficial.

"I think he's more worldly now," Coulthard told reporters at the Race of Champions.

"He's had some changes in his private life and he's in a better place to have a perspective on what a great opportunity this is. Remember he came in straight from Formula Renault to Sauber, and when you go straight from being a kid in a lower formula to being immersed in Formula 1 and you're earning all this money and have all these various distractions, I think you can't really see the wood for the trees.

"So he's taken a step back, and I've no doubt he will communicate with the media better than he did the first time around and he'll give it his all. Good on him."

Now a BBC F1 commentator and DTM racer, Coulthard is sure that Raikkonen has plenty of motivation for coming back to F1.

"Kimi stopped too early in his career, there's no question about that," said Coulthard. "He's gone off and had some fun in rallying.

"I did an event with him earlier this year at the Red Bull Ring and he was just jumping on everything - whether it was motocross bikes or the different cars that were there, he just has a great feeling for pushing the limits. So I've got no doubt at all that he will be on the pace."

Jenson Button also backed Raikkonen's decision to return, though he admitted that news of his Renault deal had come as a surprise.

"It was a shock to me that he's going to be racing for the team he is," said Button. "I was really surprised when they announced Kimi. I thought he had a chance at Williams.

"I think it's really good for the sport. As a driver, he's very, very competitive. If he really wants to race, he's going to be quick.

"From what I've heard from the engineers at McLaren, he knows what he's doing in terms of engineering and setting up the car.

"It's good to have him back and the races will be more fun and obviously the evenings after the races will be more fun..."

Credit: AUTOSPORT.COM (www.autosport.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Jenson Button: 'Lewis Hamilton didn't fade, I improved' in McLaren team battle

2011-12-05T00:06:00.000+07:00

Jenson Button: 'Lewis Hamilton didn't fade, I improved' in McLaren team battle

By Dieter Rencken and Matt Beer

Sunday, December 4th 2011, 14:47 GMT

Jenson Button believes the change in the competitive balance at McLaren this season was more due to him improving than Lewis Hamilton's form declining.

Hamilton found himself beaten in the standings by a team-mate for the first time this season, as Button took the runner-up spot in the Formula 1 world championship behind dominant champion Sebastian Vettel, and Hamilton was 43 points further back in fifth. In their first year as McLaren team-mates in 2010, Hamilton had beaten Button by 26 points as they took fourth and fifth.

Although Hamilton's performances received a lot of criticism this year, Button thinks his team-mate did little wrong - but that his own form took big strides forward as he settled into the team.

"For me personally I felt more and more comfortable and confident in the team with finding the right direction for the car," Button told reporters at the Race of Champions.

"I feel that I was driving better, and I obviously can't speak for Lewis.

"He had some pretty tough races but he also had some great races. In Abu Dhabi he was untouchable. He's still got the speed."

McLaren signed Button to a new multi-year deal this autumn, and though the 2009 champion said he had never been over-keen on long contracts, he felt honoured that the team was so eager to keep hold of him, and that it was positive for his and the team's future.

"It's something that McLaren wanted," Button said. "I'm not blowing smoke up my arse, but a team wants continuity.

"For me, I wouldn't mind taking it year on year and every year renewing the contract. I think it's a nice position to be in, and it's exciting that way.

"But it's also good to have a long-term contract in terms of knowing that the team is going to support you and help you build as a driver and you need to work together to build a car around you.

"There are two guys in a team, and obviously this team has always been Lewis's team, understandably, he's a world champion, he's achieved so much for McLaren and everyone loves that, but this year I feel I had more involvement in the car than the previous car, and that's really important to me. We've both had a lot of involvement in the car and we've really moved it forward.

"You need continuity, the team thinking that you might leave at the end of the year - it doesn't work. This is working well for me and I'm happy to be in this position."

Credit: AUTOSPORT.COM (www.autosport.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Romain Grosjean: Chance to partner Kimi Raikkonen makes 2012 Lotus Renault seat even more alluring

2011-12-05T00:04:00.000+07:00

Romain Grosjean: Chance to partner Kimi Raikkonen makes 2012 Lotus Renault seat even more alluring

By Dieter Rencken and Matt Beer

Sunday, December 4th 2011, 14:11 GMT

Romain Grosjean says news that Kimi Raikkonen will drive for the current Renault team in 2012 has made him even more determined to secure a seat at the squad, which will run as Lotus next year.

Raikkonen was the only 2012 Lotus driver specified on the official Formula 1 entry list when it was released by the FIA earlier this week. 2011 Renault racers Vitaly Petrov and Bruno Senna are reserve driver and GP2 champion Grosjean's rivals for the second seat.

Grosjean described the 'tba' on the next to the second 2012 Lotus drive as "a nice empty space", and said his excitement at the possibility of getting a race seat only increased when the team signed Raikkonen.

"I think I'm still on the list. I'm hoping for sure to get the seat," said Grosjean.

"I dream about F1 and I really would like to come back, and I think especially with Kimi it could be something quite special for my career and for my experience.

"I'm still waiting. I think I did everything I could when I had the car in my hands and now I'll try to work it out and find a solution."

Grosjean fully backed the decision to sign Raikkonen, despite the 2007 champion's two-year absence from F1.

"I think for the team, in terms of marketing and media it was a very good announcement," said Grosjean. "Nobody was expecting it, which was really cool. That was the case for everybody, myself as well. They told me just a little bit before, but yeah I was surprised.

"But I knew for the team it was something interesting and something good for the future."

The 25-year-old said he was trying to remain open-minded about his chances of being on the 2012 F1 grid.

"Do you want me to be optimistic or realistic?" Grosjean said when asked how big a possibility he thought it was.

"It changes every morning - it depends on my mood... This morning I was in quite a good mood, but it's difficult to say. If you don't believe in it, you don't try. So far, I believe in it."

Credit: AUTOSPORT.COM (www.autosport.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Petrov 'still learning'

2011-12-04T23:56:00.000+07:00

Petrov 'still learning'

Russian happy with improvement in 2011 season

Last Updated: December 4, 2011 12:32pm

Petrov: 'Still a rookie' in Formula One

Vitaly Petrov insists he wants to remain with Renault next season and partner new signing Kimi Raikkonen.

The Russian driver has a contract for next year's Championship but recently admitted that a deal doesn't count for much if one or both of the parties want out.

However, he doesn't.

Petrov, who bagged one podium finish and 37 points this past season, says he wants to stay on at his current team, confident he will be even better next season as he continues on his learning curve.

"I think the team did a big construction, changed a lot of stuff with the team and drivers, and they want to be sure we can do it together," Petrov told the official Race of Champions website.

"I know this year was a not a good example from my side but sorry, I am still a rookie. I did just two years in F1, so now I learn a lot so I can do the third season much, much better.

"In 2010 I did mistakes that I didn't do in 2011, so I have a big step improvement. In 2010 you could see how difficult it was to fight with Robert Kubica and be a top guy, but in 2011 I improved quite a lot.

"I can do it. I was still doing some mistakes, but F1 it is not the easiest of sports. But can you imagine what I can do in 2012? So I will again have one more step and, together with Kimi, together in one team, it will be good fun.

"He is experienced and I want very much to be part of this team. I hope the team takes the right decision and we wait a few days more. I hope to stay with the same team because I love very much this team.

"I like the people, working with the mechanics and engineers, so it feels like a family. They gave me the opportunity to drive. I don't want to change to another team, so I cross my fingers and wait for the answer."

Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | D'Ambrosio remains hopeful

2011-12-04T23:53:00.000+07:00

D'Ambrosio remains hopeful

Belgian says he has more credibility than this time last year

Last Updated: December 4, 2011 12:31pm

D'Ambrosio: 'Not gone unnoticed' in the paddock

Jerome d'Ambrosio is confident his time in F1 did not end with the 2011 season finale, revealing he has discussed "various options" with other teams.

In the wake of the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix, Virgin Racing confirmed that d'Ambrosio was out and would be replaced by GP2 driver Charles Pic for the 2012 season.

That left d'Ambrosio with few options for next year's Championship as the grid is filling up fast.

However, the Belgian racer is confident that as part of Eric Boullier's Gravity management stable he will find a way to remain in Formula One.

"I finished on a high note with a great weekend; probably my best of the season," he told ESPNF1.

"I will not be with the team next year but the team was happy with my season. The new goal of course is to be here (in Formula One) next year.

"Without saying any names, we have discussed various options.

"My situation is the same as last year, except that I have done a very good season and I have not gone unnoticed in the paddock. So I have more credibility than before.

"I think a lot of things can still happen on the driver transfer market, so we'll see what happens."

Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)

GreenBkk.com Rubens Barrichello | Rubens ganha 18 posições e larga em 3º neste domingo

2011-12-04T23:46:00.000+07:00

Rubens ganha 18 posições e larga em 3º neste domingo

Domingo, 04 de Dezembro de 2011 - 09h52

Brasileiro faz grande prova nesse sábado em Florianópolis

Rubens Barrichello (Head & Shoulders/Caras) fez uma corrida excelente debaixo de chuva em Florianópolis, durante a primeira bateria do Desafio das Estrelas. Na prova deste sábado (3) à noite, Rubens largou em 24º e finalizou a corrida na 6ª colocação. O piloto da Williams F1 fez uma grande largada e imprimiu um ritmo muito forte no início com a pista molhada pela chuva que caiu na Arena Sapiens, do jeito que o piloto de F-1 gosta.

"Foi uma grande prova de recuperação, e com a pista molhada, do jeito que curto muito. Foi bem divertido fazer tantas ultrapassagens e manter as chances de brigar para amanhã", comentou o brasileiro, que somou 10 pontos na classificação geral.

Na prova decisiva deste domingo (4), Rubens larga na 3ª posição na bateria que terá 25 minutos mais uma volta de duração. A prova desse sábado foi vencida pelo francês Jules Bianchi, seguido por Jaime Alguersuari e Felipe Massa.

Confira o final da primeira bateria:

1º) 5 J. BIANCHI (FRA), 26:17.395
2º) 17 J. ALGUERSUARI (ESP) -7.487
3º) 19 F. MASSA (SP) -7.538
4º) 8 N. PIQUET (DF) -20.280
5º) 3 A. PIZZONIA (AM) -21.062
6º) 11 R. BARRICHELLO (SP) -22.529
7º) 64 J. D' AMBROSIO (BEL) -25.620
8º) 9 L. DI GRASSI (SP) -29.376
9º) 18 A. KHODAIR (SP) -29.788
10º) 14 L. BURTI (SP) -35.827
11º) 23 V. LIUZZI (ITA) -38.301
12º) 10 R. ZONTA (PR) -38.406
13º) 77 T. KANAAN (BA) -38.982
14º) 0 C. BUENO (RJ) -39.209
15º) 99 X. NEGRÃO (SP) -39.292
16º) 27 V. MEIRA (DF) -40.254
17º) 33 B. FIGUEIREDO (SP) -40.308
18º) 7 A. SUTIL (ALE) -42.598
19º) 21 L. NIENKOTTER (SC) -43.513
20º) 34 H. CASTRONEVES (SP) -43.584
21º) 16 E. BERNOLDI (PR) -47.417
22º) 65 M. WILSON (ALE) -47.730
23º) 45 G. MORBIDELLI (ITA) -52.894
24º) 12 P. MALDONADO (VEN) -2 voltas
25º) 1 C. FITTIPALDI (SP) -3 voltas
26º) 90 P. FITTIPALDI (EUA) -3 voltas
27º) 25 T. ROCHA (SP) -5 voltas
28º) 74 P. BUENO (RJ) -16 voltas
29º) 80 M. GOMES (SP) -22 voltas

Credit: Rubens Barrichello (www.barrichello.com.br)

GreenBkk.com Jaime Alguersuari | Jaime Alguersuari deslumbra en Brasil

2011-12-04T23:21:00.000+07:00

Jaime Alguersuari deslumbra en Brasil

04 de diciembre de 2011

El Karting Arena Sapiens de Florianopolis, Brasil, ha sido sede este fin de semana de la séptima edición del Desafio Internacional das Estrelas, una tradicional prueba de karting que reúne a algunos de los mejores pilotos del mundo, más de 15.000 espectadores en las gradas y un pool de sponsors de primer nivel, entre los que estaab el Banco de Santander. Tras finalizar en cuarta posición en 2010, Jaime Alguersuari ha sido el vencedor en 2011, una vez confirmada la descalificación de Jules Bianchi al infringir la normativa de peso mínimo.

Cuando la temporada de Fórmula 1 parece haber finalizado, para algunos pilotos todavía quedan deudas pendientes que saldar.

Vettel y Schumacher en la carrera de campeones de Düsseldorf; Alguersuari, Massa, Barrichello, Sutil, Liuzzi, Maldonado y D'Ambrosio fueron a Brasil en busca de un podium que la Fórmula 1, por diferentes razones, les ha negado.

En Alemania, Schumacher y Vettel arrasaron. La Fórmula 1 al poder.

En Florianopolis, ante 15.000 personas, Jaime Alguersuari fue la referencia absoluta del Desafio de las Estrellas.

Demostraron todos ellos, Vettel, Schumacher y Alguersuari, que en la F-1 están los mejores pilotos del mundo.

Felipe Massa fue segundo de este meeting de karts carrozados que él mismo y su familia organizan con mucho éxito.

Las dos carreras, la nocturna del sábado y la diurna del domingo, ayer con la pista mojada y hoy con un sol brillante, tuvieron en el francés Jules Bianchi, piloto de pruebas de Ferrari, y en el español de Toro Rosso, Jaime Alguersuari, a los dos indiscutibles dominadores y protagonistas.

El francés se impuso en las dos carreras puntuables, aunque fue descalificado el domingo al descubrirse en las verificaciones técnicas que su kart estaba por debajo del peso mínimo. Esta circunstancia es clave en este tipo de competiciones, celebradas con vehículos de poca potencia y en un circuito donde se rueda en medias de 55-56 segundos, con diferencias entre pilotos que se cuentan por milésimas de vuelta en vuelta. De este modo, gozar de unos kilos menos puede suponer una ventaja determinante, como así ha demostrado la organización descalificando a Bianchi de forma inflexible.

Sin embargo, mucho antes de conocer el veredicto de los comisarios, no había pasado desapercibido para nadie, la formidable calidad, compostura y talento del piloto español Jaime Alguersuari al terminar en las dos carreras detrás del francés superando nueve posiciones hasta llegar al podium en la segunda carrera.

Jaime abandonó el karting a los 15 años en la categoría menor, denominada ICA, de la que fue subcampeón de la copa del mundo Asia-Pacífico, y doble campeón de España.

El resultado de hoy de Jaime, con esa merecidísima victoria final (tres podiums en el fin de semana) le compensan las lógicas limitaciones de la gloria y el boato en el podio de la Fórmula 1.

Hoy se trataba de ser el mejor de los pilotos de F-1, de los pilotos de la Fórmula Indy americana, de los pilotos de stock cars y de los mejores pilotos de la historia del automovilismo brasileño.

Y Jaime lo ha sido.

El año pasado, tuvo la victoria en la mano, y la perdió por una avería en el sistema de frenos de su kart a seis vueltas del final. Su triunfo de hoy es un premio y un reconocimiento a su sacrificio, a su talento y a su madurez.

No hay que olvidar que, de nuevo, Jaime fue el más joven de los 29 participantes del Desafio de las Estrelas.

Jaime Alguersuari

Piloto de F1

Credit: Jaime Alguersuari (www.jalguersuari.com)

GreenBkk.com Jaime Alguersuari | Última hora: Jaime Alguersuari, ganador del Desafio das Estrelas

2011-12-04T23:17:00.002+07:00

Última hora: Jaime Alguersuari, ganador del Desafio das Estrelas

04 de diciembre de 2011

Golpe de teatro en la clasificación final del Desafio das Estrelas. Jules Bianchi, ganador de las dos carreras puntuables, ha sido descalificado en las verificaciones que han seguido a esta segunda carrera por estar por debajo del peso mínimo reglamentario. Esta noticia entrega el triunfo en la prueba al español Jaime Alguersuari, que fue segundo en la carrera de ayer y ha repetido esta misma posición en la cita de hoy domingo tras remontar nueve posiciones. Felipe Massa y Nelsinho Piquet han completado, pues, el podio definitivo.

Credit: Jaime Alguersuari (www.jalguersuari.com)

GreenBkk.com Jaime Alguersuari | Alguersuari, segundo en el Desafio das Estrelas 2011

2011-12-04T23:15:00.000+07:00

Alguersuari, segundo en el Desafio das Estrelas 2011

04 de diciembre de 2011

Jaime Alguersuari ha finalizado en segunda posición con 37 puntos la séptima edición del Desafio Internacional das Estrelas de Florianopolis, Brasil. El piloto de Toro Rosso ha finalizado en esta misma plaza la segunda carrera puntuable tras protagonizar una antológica remontada desde la décima plaza. Jules Bianchi se ha impuesto en la clasificación general y Felipe Massa se ha hecho con la medalla de bronce.

Salida complicada para Jaime Alguersuari en la segunda prueba. Atrapado en el interior, el español cedió tres posiciones y, algo peor que eso, unos metros decisivos respecto al grupo de cabeza. Su remontada empezó en el segundo giro, en el que adelantó a Allan Khodair y Ricardo Zonta de una tacada. Por delante, un gap de 3,9 segundos respecto algrupo de cabeza, que cerraba Felipe Massa.

Con un gran ritmo por vuelta como gran aliado, Jaime calcó sus tandas del segundo entrenamiento libre y, de dos décimas en dos décimas, acabó atrapando al séptimo clasificado, Antonio Pizzonia, en la vuelta 9. Sobrepasarlo fue cuestión de metros, y uno tras otro fueron cayendo los rivales hasta situarse en cuarto lugar coincidiendo con el décimo paso por meta.

Alguersuari volvió a resultar vencedor de la reedición del duelo con el brasileño, y se situó tercero en la vuelta 15. Cuatro giros después, alcanzó el podio tras firmar un interior de libro ante el piloto de Williams Rubens Barrichello. Acto seguido, se escapó a ritmo de vuelta rápida a la caza del ganador del Desafio das Estrelas 2010, Lucas di Grassi, al que atrapó en apenas dos giros. Su duelo con él fue antológico, con constantes pasadas y repasadas, que se cerró con una excelente maniobra del español en la vuelta 30, que le aupó a la ansiada segunda plaza en que cruzaría la bandera a cuadros.

Una vez hechas las sumas de puntos, Jaime Alguersuari se sitúa en segunda posición del evento, con 37 puntos, a 13 de distancia del indiscutible ganador, Jules Bianchi. Felipe Massa, con 26, ha completado el podio

Resultado segunda carrera

1. Jules Bianchi, 33 vueltas en 31'22.820

2. Jaime Alguersuari, a 7.665

3. Lucas di Grassi, a 12.876

4. Rubens Barrichello, a 13.018

5. Nelsinho Piquet, a 13.085

Clasificación final VII Desafio Internacional das Estrelas

1. Jules Bianchi, 45 puntos

2. Jaime Alguersuari, 37

3. Felipe Massa, 26

4. Nelsinho Piquet, 24

5. Lucas di Grassi, 23

Credit: Jaime Alguersuari (www.jalguersuari.com)

GreenBkk.com Jaime Alguersuari | Jaime Alguersuari, segundo en la carrera inaugural del Desafio das Estrelas

2011-12-04T23:12:00.000+07:00

Jaime Alguersuari, segundo en la carrera inaugural del Desafio das Estrelas

04 de diciembre de 2011

Tras una sesión de entrenamientos libres que Jaime Alguersuari invirtió en la preparación de la carrera, rodando la mayor parte del tiempo en 56 segundos y firmando un mejor crono de 56.006 que le dio la novena plaza, llegó el momento de la verdad: los ensayos oficiales. Con el objetivo claro de clasificarse para la Top Qualifying (la superpole reservada para los cinco mejores de cada grupo), Jaime tiró de buen principio. El español encadenó sus vueltas más veloces del fin de semana hasta la fecha: 55.632, 55.441, 55.617 y 55.891, cerrando una tanda que encabezó desde el primer minuto. No tuvo tanta fortuna en la superpole, en la que se tuvo que conformar con la quinta posición, a medio segundo del poleman, Vitantonio Liuzzi.

Minutos antes del inicio de la carrera descargó un fuerte chaparrón sobre el circuito Arena Sapiens, incidencia que demoró casi 30 minutos el inicio de la carrera. Tras cambiar las gomas de seco por las de mojado se dio bandera verde e inició la prueba. Jaime conservó la quinta plaza en la salida, iniciando pronto su ataque a Nelsinho Piquet. El español superó al ex piloto de Renault en el segundo giro, escapándose a por Antonio Pizzonia, al que sobrepasó en una impecable maniobra en la vuelta tres. Ya en posición de podio, Alguersuari trató de acelerar el ritmo para dar caza a los dos escapados, Jules Bianchi, que comandaba la prueba, y Felipe Massa.

De tres décimas en tres décimas, Jaime fue recortando la distancia respecto al piloto de Ferrari y organizador del evento, al que dio alcance en el giro 14. Tras una bella y limpia batalla, el español impuso su superior ritmo y le ganó la segunda plaza a Massa para intentar escaparse a por Bianchi, situado a en un cómodo y distante liderato. Sin embargo, la mayor preocupación para el catalán desde ese momento pasó a ser el kart de Felipe Massa, que se adhirió a su estela y tentó lo imposible, sin éxito, para recuperar la segunda plaza.

Jaime se mostraba muy contento tras la bandera a cuadros: "Ha sido una carrera muy divertida. He disfrutado mucho en mi pelea con Felipe y pilotando en estas condiciones, aunque no era nada fácil mantener el kart sobre la trayectoria. A ver qué ocurre mañana, pero desde luego espero que corramos sobre suelo seco".

La segunda plaza sitúa al español en la misma plaza de la provisional, con 20 puntos, cinco menos que Jules Bianchi. El ganador se decidirá mañana a partir de las 14 horas en la segunda manga puntuable, en la que Jaime Alguersuari tomará la salida desde la séptima plaza de parrilla.

Resultados primera carrera

1. Jules Bianchi, 26'17.395

2. Jaime Alguersuari, a 7.487

3. Felipe Massa, a 7.538

4. Nelsinho Piquet, a 20.280

5. Antonio Pizzonia, a 21.062

Clasificación provisional

1. Jules Bianchi, 25 puntos

2. Jaime Alguersuari, 20

3. Felipe Massa, 16

4. Nelsinho Piquet, 13

5. Antonio Pizzonia, 11

6. Rubens Barrichello, 10

7. Jérome d'Ambrosio, 9

8. Lucas di Grassi, 8

9. Allam Khodair, 7

10. Luciano Burti, 6.

Credit: Jaime Alguersuari (www.jalguersuari.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Vettel and Schumacher triumph again in Nations Cup

2011-12-04T18:39:00.000+07:00

Vettel and Schumacher triumph again in Nations Cup

ESPNF1 Staff
December 4, 2011

Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher made it five consecutive victories as a pairing in Dusseldorf © Sutton Images

Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher followed up their 2010 win for Germany to make it five consecutive Nations Cup victories as a pairing in the Race of Champions.

The German pair had to come through a tough semi-final against Great Britain - their opponents in the final last year - before beating Team Nordic 2-0 in the final in Dusseldorf. With Great Britain having beaten Germany in the group stages, the best-of-three semi-final came down to a decider between Vettel and Jenson Button, with Button spinning out to see the Germans through. Nordic - comprised of Tom Kristensen and Juho Hanninen - defeated French pair Romain Grosjean and Sebastien Ogier 2-0 in the other semi.

The Race of Champions sees drivers pitted in head-to-head races around a stadium circuit, with this year's race remaining at the ESPRIT Arena in Germany. Of those eliminated in the group stages, the second German team of Timo Glock and Timo Scheider was unlucky to miss out by just one point, while Vitaly Petrov secured a fine win over Michael Schumacher in his first race of the night for Team Slavic.

The main individual Race of Champions takes place on Sunday, with a current Formula One driver yet to win the title after Sebastian Vettel was knocked out by eventual winner Filipe Albuquerque in the semi-final last year.

Credit: ESPN F1 (en.espnf1.com)

GreenBkk.com Jaime Alguersuari | Jaime Alguersuari, segundo en la carrera inaugural del Desafio das Estrelas

2011-12-04T18:32:00.000+07:00

Jaime Alguersuari, segundo en la carrera inaugural del Desafio das Estrelas

04 de diciembre de 2011

Jaime Alguersuari ha finalizado en una magnífica segunda posición la primera carrera del Desafio Internacional das Estrelas, disputada esta madrugada sobre una pista completamente inundada. Quinto en la salida, el español ha protagonizado una remontada fulgurante hasta la tercera plaza, que ha culminado recortando un margen de 3,5 segundos a Felipe Massa y rebasando al piloto de Ferrari en una plástica maniobra en la vuelta 14.

Tras una sesión de entrenamientos libres que Jaime Alguersuari invirtió en la preparación de la carrera, rodando la mayor parte del tiempo en 56 segundos y firmando un mejor crono de 56.006 que le dio la novena plaza, llegó el momento de la verdad: los ensayos oficiales. Con el objetivo claro de clasificarse para la Top Qualifying (la superpole reservada para los cinco mejores de cada grupo), Jaime tiró de buen principio. El español encadenó sus vueltas más veloces del fin de semana hasta la fecha: 55.632, 55.441, 55.617 y 55.891, cerrando una tanda que encabezó desde el primer minuto. No tuvo tanta fortuna en la superpole, en la que se tuvo que conformar con la quinta posición, a medio segundo del poleman, Vitantonio Liuzzi.

Minutos antes del inicio de la carrera descargó un fuerte chaparrón sobre el circuito Arena Sapiens, incidencia que demoró casi 30 minutos el inicio de la carrera. Tras cambiar las gomas de seco por las de mojado se dio bandera verde e inició la prueba. Jaime conservó la quinta plaza en la salida, iniciando pronto su ataque a Nelsinho Piquet. El español superó al ex piloto de Renault en el segundo giro, escapándose a por Antonio Pizzonia, al que sobrepasó en una impecable maniobra en la vuelta tres. Ya en posición de podio, Alguersuari trató de acelerar el ritmo para dar caza a los dos escapados, Jules Bianchi, que comandaba la prueba, y Felipe Massa.

De tres décimas en tres décimas, Jaime fue recortando la distancia respecto al piloto de Ferrari y organizador del evento, al que dio alcance en el giro 14. Tras una bella y limpia batalla, el español impuso su superior ritmo y le ganó la segunda plaza a Massa para intentar escaparse a por Bianchi, situado a en un cómodo y distante liderato. Sin embargo, la mayor preocupación para el catalán desde ese momento pasó a ser el kart de Felipe Massa, que se adhirió a su estela y tentó lo imposible, sin éxito, para recuperar la segunda plaza.

Jaime se mostraba muy contento tras la bandera a cuadros: "Ha sido una carrera muy divertida. He disfrutado mucho en mi pelea con Felipe y pilotando en estas condiciones, aunque no era nada fácil mantener el kart sobre la trayectoria. A ver qué ocurre mañana, pero desde luego espero que corramos sobre suelo seco".

La segunda plaza sitúa al español en la misma plaza de la provisional, con 20 puntos, cinco menos que Jules Bianchi. El ganador se decidirá mañana a partir de las 14 horas en la segunda manga puntuable, en la que Jaime Alguersuari tomará la salida desde la séptima plaza de parrilla.

Resultados primera carrera
1. Jules Bianchi, 26'17.395
2. Jaime Alguersuari, a 7.487
3. Felipe Massa, a 7.538
4. Nelsinho Piquet, a 20.280
5. Antonio Pizzonia, a 21.062

Clasificación provisional

1. Jules Bianchi, 25 puntos
2. Jaime Alguersuari, 20
3. Felipe Massa, 16
4. Nelsinho Piquet, 13
5. Antonio Pizzonia, 11
6. Rubens Barrichello, 10
7. Jérome d'Ambrosio, 9
8. Lucas di Grassi, 8
9. Allam Khodair, 7
10. Luciano Burti, 6.

Credit: Jaime Alguersuari (www.jalguersuari.com)

GreenBkk.com Vitaly Petrov | Гонка чемпионов. Итоги первого дня.

2011-12-04T18:23:00.000+07:00

Гонка чемпионов. Итоги первого дня.

3 декабря 2011

Завершился первый день Гонки Чемпионов, в которой участники сражались за Кубок Наций. К сожалению, Славянская команда, цвета которой защищали наш Виталий Петров и чех Ян Копецки, не прошла в финальную серию заездов. Зато все прекрасно провели время и отлично подготовились к воскресному дню, когда пилотам предстоит сражаться за титулу чемпиона чемпионов.

Credit: Vitaly Petrov (vitalypetrov.ru)

GreenBkk.com Virgin Racing | EDGE OF GLORY

2011-12-04T18:19:00.000+07:00

EDGE OF GLORY

03 DECEMBER 2011

Timo Glock made a spectacular debut in the Race Of Champions Nations Cup - and now can’t wait to take part again next year.

Timo won two of his three races as he thrilled his home fans in the end-of-season spectacular at Dusseldorf’s ESPRIT Arena.

Sadly, Timo’s best efforts were just not enough to send his SAT.1 Germany 2 Team through to the semi-finals. But he loved racing fellow drivers from different motorsport categories on the 600metre indoor track so much he is already taking about coming back for more in 2012.

Timo said: “It is a great event and I had good fun. I really enjoyed it and have to find a way to come back again next year.

“I’d love to do that. I’ll have to talk to the organisers and see what we can do. It is a bit of fun for all of us.

“But it is also good at the end of the season to meet up with different drivers from all over the world and from different categories and race against them.

The ESPRIT Arena normally plays host to German football team Fortuna Dusseldorf. But it was turned into a unique indoor circuit with drivers racing in the same make of car on parallel tracks and going over-and-under each other at one point.

Timo’s maiden race could not have gone any better as he beat X Games champion Brian "The General" Deegan in their two lap battle.

Driving a VW Scirocco, Timo was never behind as he won in one minute 16.9378 seconds with American Deegan clocking 1:18.3991 secs.

Timo then saw off F1 rival Romain Grosjean in his second race in an open-top KTM X-Bow car.

Timo took the chequered flag in 1:14.2690 with Frenchman Grosjean over a second behind after a costly skid.

In his final race Timo came up against Audi’s eight time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen. And the great Dane used his knowledge of the Audi R8 LMS car to see off Timo clocking 1:10.4405 as Timo came home in 1:12.9097.

With team-mate and DTM driver Timo Schieder winning one of his three races it was not enough to stop Team France and Team Nordic from making it into the semi-finals.

But Timo said: “I won the first two races but against Tom in the Audi I had no chance at all. He just destroyed me and was like two seconds quicker. It helps that he knows the car quite well, but I enjoyed it.

“And my team-mate Timo had no chance against Sebastien Ogier in the rally car. That was really, really tough for him.

“Even on such a small track it does make a difference if you know the cars and how they handle. And it was my very first time in such an event. I hope it is not my last.

Credit: Marussia Virgin Racing (www.marussiavirginracing.com)

GreenBkk.com Toro Rosso | TORO ROSSO STRENGTHENS TECHNICAL TEAM

2011-12-04T18:15:00.000+07:00

TORO ROSSO STRENGTHENS TECHNICAL TEAM

Dec 1, 2011

Scuderia Toro Rosso has strengthened its technical team with two key appointments on the design and aerodynamic front.

Luca Furbatto joins the design team in Faenza having worked at McLaren since 2000, where the 39 year old Italian’s most recent role
was that of Assistant Project Leader on the design of this year’s Formula 1 car and prior to that he was Head of Stress Analysis and
Materials.

Jon Tomlinson has joined the Bicester wind tunnel team, where he takes on the role of Deputy Head of Aerodynamics, reporting to Nicolo Petrucci. The 38 year old Englishman joins us from the Williams team where he was Head of Aerodynamics since 2007. Prior to that he has worked at Jordan and Renault.

Both men have taken up their positions today and on 1 April 2012, Furbatto will take over as Chief Designer, reporting to Technical
Director Giorgio Ascanelli, when Ben Butler returns to work for Red Bull Technology in Milton Keynes.

Credit: Scuderia Toro Rosso (www.scuderiatororosso.com)

GreenBkk.com Red Bull Racing F1 | Countdown to Christmas: Day Four

2011-12-04T18:00:00.000+07:00

Countdown to Christmas: Day Four

by Red Bull Racing, Dec 4, 2011

Kota

Day 4 is a dedication to Sebastian's number one fan, mini-champ Kota from Japan. Kota not only came to this year's Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka but also followed his hero to the Infiniti event held in Yokohoma the day after Sebastian won the Driver's Chamionship.

Kota is lucky enough to have parents who are equally as dedicated and who have made him his very own Kota/Vettel race suit AND life-size cardboard Red Bull Racing F1 car.

Fan-tastic.

Credit: Red Bull Racing Formula one Team (www.redbullracing.com)

GreenBkk.com Ferrari F1 | Fisichella meets the fans at the Bologna Motorshow

2011-12-04T17:53:00.000+07:00

Fisichella meets the fans at the Bologna Motorshow

Bologna, 3 December - Giancarlo Fisichella, the Scuderia Ferrari driver who races in the GT Championships was the guest at “Incontri della Gazzetta,” the usual chance for fans to meet motor sport personalities, organised by the Italian daily paper “La Gazzetta dello Sport” at the Bologna Motorshow.

Fisichella faced a barrage of questions about his winning run in the GT championships, as well as about the F1 season just ended, which he answered both as a keen observer and based on his long experience as a Grand Prix driver. “This year, Formula 1 did not produce the expected results for Ferrari,” said Fisichella. “However, the team never gives up and is already concentrating on winning again. We have everything we need to succeed.”

Asked about his own future, the driver confirmed that once again next season, he would be racing for Amato Ferrari’s AF Corse team, with which he won pretty much everything this year. “In GT racing, alongside Gimmi Bruni and AF Corse, this year we took the Drivers and Team titles in LMS and the team one in ILMC, which contributed a great deal to Ferrari taking the Constructors’ trophy in both series. Next year, we face a new challenge in the shape of the World Endurance Championship, organised in collaboration by the FIA, which gets underway in Sebring next March. I cannot deny that, at first, I found it quite difficult switching to cars with enclosed wheels after a long time in F1, but with every passing race I managed to extract more of the potential of the cars that Ferrari gave us, so I was able to make my contribution to these important wins.”

On the subject of his brief time as a Ferrari driver in F1, following Felipe Massa’s accident in 2009, Fisichella explained how difficult he had found it to adapt to a very different car to the one he had raced up to that point. “I was unable to show what I could do, but I am still proud to have been able to do a few GPs in Ferrari colours. The Maranello Scuderia is still the dream of all drivers and for me, as an Italian, it represented one of the most exciting moments of my career.”

Before leaving the fans, Fisichella took the time to give some good advice to a very young kart racer who asked him how he could become a Formula 1 driver. “Always believe in yourself and if you really want it with every part of yourself, you can do it.” At the end of the meeting organised by the Gazzetta newspaper, Fisichella met members of the Scuderia Ferrari Club who got him involved in a pit stop simulation. After that he headed back to the Ferrari stand where he handed out the prizes to the Challenge drivers who had been racing today.

Watch the photogallery

Fisichella ospite agli incontri de La Gazzetta al Motorshow di Bologna

Bologna, 3 dicembre – Giancarlo Fisichella, pilota della Scuderia Ferrari impegnato nelle Competizioni GT è stato questo pomeriggio ospite agli “Incontri della Gazzetta”, il tradizionale appuntamento con i tifosi dedicato ai personaggi dell’automobilismo sportivo organizzato dal quotidiano de “La Gazzetta dello Sport” al Motorshow di Bologna.

Numerose le domande che sono state rivolte a Fisichella sia sulla sua vittoriosa esperienza nei campionati organizzati dall’ACO, sia sulla stagione F1 appena conclusa, sulla quale il pilota romano ha dato un giudizio da spettatore attento anche alla luce della sua lunga esperienza nella serie regina. “Quest’anno la Formula Uno non ha regalato le soddisfazioni sperate” – ha dichiarato Fisichella – “Ma la Ferrari non si arrende e resta concentrata per tornare a vincere. Abbiamo tutte le qualità per farlo”.

A chi gli ha domandato quali saranno i suoi progetti futuri, il pilota ha confermato, anche per la prossima stagione, il suo impegno accanto alla Scuderia di Amato Ferrari con la quale quest’anno ha vinto davvero tutto: “ Nel GT, insieme a Gimmi Bruni e ad AF Corse quest’anno abbiamo conquistato i titoli piloti, team nella LMS e quello riservato alle squadre nell’ILMC, dando un importantissimo contributo a Ferrari nella conquista del primato tra i costruttori in entrambi i campionati. L’anno prossimo ci aspetta una nuova sfida con il World Endurance Championship, organizzato in collaborazione con la FIA che si aprirà a Sebring nel marzo 2012. All’inizio, non posso negarlo, ho avuto alcune difficoltà nel passare alle ruote coperte dopo una lunga esperienza in F1, ma gara dopo gara sono riuscito ad interpretare al meglio le potenzialità delle vetture che Ferrari ha messo a nostra disposizione, dando così il mio contributo a questi importanti successi”.

A chi gli ha chiesto di commentare la sua breve esperienza in F1 con i colori della Ferrari, a seguito dell’incidente di cui era rimasto vittima Felipe Massa nel 2009, Fisichella ha spiegato quanto sia stato difficile per lui adattarsi ad una monoposto completamente diversa rispetto a quella sulla quale aveva corso fino a quel momento: “Non sono riuscito ad esprimermi al meglio, ma sono comunque orgoglioso di aver potuto disputare alcuni GP difendendo i colori della Ferrari. La Scuderia di Maranello resta il sogno di tutti i piloti, e per me che sono italiano ha rappresentato uno dei momenti più emozionanti della mia carriera”.

Prima di congedarsi dai tifosi, Fisichella ha voluto dare un consiglio importante ad un giovanissimo kartista che gli ha chiesto come diventare un pilota di F1: “Credici sempre, se lo desideri davvero, con tutte le tue forze, ce le farai”. Al termine dell’incontro organizzato da La Gazzetta, Fisichella ha incontrato gli iscritti alla Scuderia Ferrari Club che l’hanno coinvolto in una simulazione di pit stop, per poi recarsi allo stand Ferrari dove ha premiato i piloti del Challenge protagonisti delle sfide odierne.

Guarda la fotogallery

Credit: Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (www.ferrari.com)

GreenBkk.com Ferrari F1 | Bologna Show – Ferrari the star of a special day

2011-12-04T17:47:00.001+07:00

Bologna Show – Ferrari the star of a special day

Bologna, 3 December – The opening day of the 36th Bologna Motor Show offered Ferrari fans a truly unique opportunity to see examples of the Maranello marque’s main racing activities.

The usual Ferrari activities at this event was split into three, two of them featuring races between no less than 16 cars from the Italian and European series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and the third, a Formula 1 demonstration run with Giancarlo Fisichella at the wheel.

The two races were run in three legs and best of those driving the 458 was Philipp Baron: the Austrian driving for the team that bears his name managed to take the win in the final, beating Stefano Gai (Rossocorsa) with Lorenzo Bontempelli coming home third for the Kessel Racing team, while Dario Caso (CDP) crossed the line fourth. Andrea Belluzzi came off best of the F430 drivers, in the Motor/Modena car. The driver from San Marino won this years F430 category in the Italian Trofeo Pirelli, as well as the overall title at Mugello during the World Finals. Behind him at the motor show came Riccardo and Roberto Ragazzi both running in Ineco/Ram colours. Just off the podium was Diego Romanini in a Rossocorsa/Pellin 458.

At midday, the race track in area 48 was the scene of the traditional demonstration from Scuderia Ferrari: Giancarlo Fisichella did some laps and a simulated pit stop at the wheel of an F10, the car that the Maranello team used in the 2010 World Championship, getting a very enthusiastic reception from the fans who packed the grandstands.

Watch the photogallery

Motor Show di Bologna - una giornata speciale all’insegna della Ferrari

Bologna, 3 dicembre - La giornata di apertura della trentaseiesima edizione del Motor Show di Bologna ha offerto a tutti gli appassionati della Ferrari un’occasione davvero unica per vedere in pista le principali attività racing della Casa di Maranello.

Il programma dell’ormai tradizionale appuntamento dedicato alla Casa di Maranello si è diviso in tre appuntamenti: due di carattere agonistico rappresentati dalla sfida tra ben sedici Ferrari provenienti dalle serie italiana ed europea del Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli ed una dedicata all’esibizione della Formula 1, con Giancarlo Fisichella come protagonista.

Al termine delle due prove articolate ognuna in tre manche, ad avere la meglio tra gli iscritti con la 458 è stato Philipp Baron: il pilota austriaco dell’omonima scuderia è riuscito ad imporsi in finale su Stefano Gai (Rossocorsa), mentre il terzo gradino del podio è andato a Lorenzo Bontempelli, portacolori del team Kessel Racing, seguito da Dario Caso (CDP), quarto sul traguardo. Tra gli iscritti con la F430 la vittoria è stata appannaggio di Andrea Belluzzi, al volante della vettura schierata dalla concessionaria Motor/Modena. Il pilota sanmarinese, già campione italiano del Trofeo Pirelli tra le F430 e vincitore del titolo Mondiale alle Finali del Mugello, ha centrato anche l’obiettivo del Motorshow, aggiudicandosi la prova davanti a Riccardo e Roberto Ragazzi, entrambi schierati da Ineco/Ram. Subito fuori dal podio Diego Romanini con una 458 di Rossocorsa/Pellin.

A metà giornata lo spazio dedicato alle competizioni nell’area 48 è stato teatro del tradizionale saluto della Scuderia Ferrari: Giancarlo Fisichella ha effettuato alcuni giri di pista ed ha eseguito una simulazione di pit-stop al volante di una F10, la monoposto con cui la Scuderia di Maranello ha preso parte al Campionato del Mondo nella stagione 2010, ricevendo dai tifosi che hanno affollato gli spalti un applauso davvero caloroso.

Guarda la fotogallery

Credit: Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (www.ferrari.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Kimi Raikkonen will prove his critics wrong, insists Lotus Renault team owner Gerard Lopez

2011-12-03T23:26:00.000+07:00

Kimi Raikkonen will prove his critics wrong, insists Lotus Renault team owner Gerard Lopez

By Matt Beer

Saturday, December 3rd 2011, 10:22 GMT

Renault team owner Gerard Lopez says questions about Kimi Raikkonen's motivation in returning to Formula 1 will only make the 2007 world champion more determined to succeed.

After two years in the World Rally Championship, Raikkonen is rejoining grand prix racing in 2012 with what will then be called the Lotus team.

The Finn's motivation level was often called into question during the latter stages of his original F1 career and in his WRC stint, but speaking during Raikkonen's first visit to the team's Enstone factory on Friday, Lopez said he was confident this was not an issue anymore.

"Kimi has proven in the past that he is among the fastest and in terms of age he's still in his prime," said Lopez.

"In terms of motivation from what I have seen and spoken to him, he is probably as motivated as ever. And the more people question the better it is because it is going to increase his motivation even more to prove that they are wrong.

"I'm excited that he is here because I think it's one of the very important steps in getting the team to where we want it to be - which is one of the top teams in Formula 1."

Lopez feels that as a proven world champion, Raikkonen will be the benchmark Renault needs to judge its competitiveness as it tries to get back to the top.

"I think we decided that we had to look forward in terms of performance and the key way to see how good a car is, is to have a good driver," he said.

Raikkonen said he was pleased with the welcome he received at the team's base yesterday, and that he was feeling relaxed about the task ahead.

"It is my first time in Enstone," he said, "so it is very nice to see the factory - it feels good. It is a very warm feeling and I'm very relaxed.

"I haven't really read the newspapers about all the excitement but it is quite normal, isn't it? It doesn't put any more pressure on me. I always try to do my best, so I don't put myself under pressure. It will be exciting, yes, but no pressure really and we will see how it goes."

Credit: AUTOSPORT.COM (www.autosport.com)

GreenBkk.com Formula 1 | Mexican GP a 'no-brainer'

2011-12-03T23:24:00.000+07:00

Mexican GP a 'no-brainer'

F1 officials urged to take their sport back to Mexico

Last Updated: December 3, 2011 2:46pm

The scene at the last Mexican GP in 1992

Carlos Slim Domit, the son of the world's richest man, says Formula One returning to Mexico would be a "no-brainer" for the sport.

Mexico last appeared on the F1 calendar back in 1992, but Slim Domit, whose father is Mexican businessman Carlos Slim, has been working with entertainment company CIE to bring the sport back to his home country.

"Perhaps naturally I embrace the idea and believe that a new race for Mexico is what, in colloquial English, is referred to as a 'no-brainer'," Slim Domit told the FIA's In Motion magazine.

"Mexico has long been close to Formula One, closer to it indeed than it has been to many other racing series that have visited the country.

"From the non-championship 1962 Mexican Grand Prix, which claimed the life of the talented local hero Ricardo Rodriguez, through following his brother Pedro's illustrious career in the sport and on to the series' last visits to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City in the late 1980s and early 90s, Mexicans have always followed Formula One with intense interest.

Sports-mad

"Even when Formula One left our shores in 1992, passion for the sport was undiminished and the seasons since have been watched avidly on TV by a sports-mad nation.

"The rise of a new generation of Mexican racers has only served to boost interest in Formula One. We not only have Sergio Pérez impressing at Sauber, but waiting in the wings is another rising star, Esteban Gutierrez.

"The potential of these young drivers has reawakened interest in F1 beyond hardcore fans and the huge crowds who flocked to see Pérez's F1 demonstration in his home town earlier this year attest to a new-found popularity for the sport that should be capitalised upon.

"It is, after all, a ready-made audience - unlike at some of the venues currently featuring on the F1 calendar."

Credit: Sky Sports (www.skysports.com)

GreenBkk.com Vitaly Petrov | Гонка Чемпионов

2011-12-03T23:19:00.000+07:00

Гонка Чемпионов

3 декабря 2011

В субботу в рамках Гонки чемпионов в гостиницу Хайатт в Дюссельдорфе прошла автограф-сессия всех участников шоу.

Счастливыми обладатели фотографий и подписей пилотов стали 120 самых активных болельщиков, которых организаторы выбрали путем жеребьевки.

Все основные заезды пройдут на Эсприт арене с 19 часов по европейскому времени, но до этого пилоов ждет небольшая тренировка.

Credit: Vitaly Petrov (vitalypetrov.ru)

GreenBkk.com Rubens Barrichello | Barrichello vai bem no início das movimentações de pista do Desafio das Estrelas

2011-12-03T22:59:00.001+07:00

Barrichello vai bem no início das movimentações de pista do Desafio das Estrelas

Sábado, 03 de Dezembro de 2011 - 12h27

Rubens cravou o tempo de 55s555 no primeiro treino livre e ficou a somente 0s060 do líder

Rubens Barrichello começou com bem o Desafio Internacional das Estrelas de Kart em Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. Na Arena Sapiens, Rubens cravou sua melhor volta no primeiro treino livre nesta sexta-feira (2) à noite em 55s555, ficando a somente 0s060 de Vitantonio Liuzzi, o detentor da melhor volta do dia.

A movimentação de pista do evento continua neste sábado com o segundo treino livre, que começa às 16h. Os treinos classificatórios e que irão definir o grid de largada será iniciado às 18h. Logo após, às 21h45, Barrichello irá entrar na pista contra mais 28 adversários para a disputa da primeira bateria. A competição continua na manhã deste domingo.

Jules Bianchi, piloto da GP2 foi o terceiro no treino e foi seguido de Leonardo Nienkötter, o quarto, e Antonio Pizzonia, o quinto, que disputam o campeonato do Trofeo Linea e o da Stock Car, respectivamente.

Confira como foi o tempo dos pilotos no primeiro treino:

1- V. LIUZZI, 55.495
2- R. BARRICHELLO, 55.555 -0.060
3- J. BIANCHI, 55.754 -0.259
4- L. NIENKOTTER, 55.793 -0.298
5- A. PIZZONIA, 55.853 -0.358
6- J. ALGUERSUARI, 55.877 -0.382
7- N. PIQUET, 55.889 -0.394
8- F. MASSA, 55.891 -0.396
9- L. DI GRASSI, 55.896 -0.401
10- R. ZONTA, 55.902 -0.407
11- J. D' AMBROSIO, 55.914 -0.419
12- T. KANAAN, 55.945 -0.450
13- C. FITTIPALDI, 55.969 -0.474
14- V. MEIRA, 56.020 -0.525
15- M. GOMES. 56.071 -0.576
16- P. FITTIPALDI, 56.125 -0.630
17- L. BURTI, 56.131 -0.636
18- B. FIGUEIREDO, 56.131 -0.636
19- A. KHODAIR, 56.176 -0.681
20- P. MALDONADO, 56.205 -0.710
21- M. WILSON, 56.260 -0.765
22- E. BERNOLDI, 56.278 -0.783
23- A. SUTIL, 56.349 -0.854
24- H. CASTRONEVES, 56.384 -0.889
25- P. BUENO, 56.386 -0.891
26- C. BUENO, 56.410 -0.915
27- G. MORBIDELLI, 56.454 -0.959
28- X. NEGRÃO, 56.489 -0.994
29- T. ROCHA, 56.556 -1.061

Credit: Rubens Barrichello (www.barrichello.com.br)

GreenBkk.com Lotus Renault GP | Gérard Lopez - “It does seem like a motivational decision.”

2011-12-03T22:49:00.000+07:00

Gérard Lopez - “It does seem like a motivational decision.”

03/12/2011

Kimi came to Enstone today – how was his visit?
It was good. It felt like the right thing to do to bring him here today. We decided that bringing Kimi into the team was the right decision to make. We had to be forward looking in terms of performance and, regardless of how good any car is, you need a good driver. Kimi has proven himself as one of the fastest drivers around and he’s still in his prime. In terms of motivation, I think he’s more motivated than ever. The more people that question it (his motivation) the better, because it’s only going to motivate him further. It’s a very important step in getting the team to where we want it to be, which is one of the top teams in Formula 1.

What was the exact reason for choosing Kimi?
I can summarise it in one word. He is fast. I think he will fit in very well with the way we do things; it’s a good place for him to fit in.

This can be seen as a real statement of intent…
There’s no question of that. We’ve given some drivers the chance to shine. I think they have done ok, but have not all lived up to expectations, but it’s difficult because it’s Formula 1. It’s very different to GP2 or karting. As a midfield-placed team hiring Kimi, you do so with the intent of being at the top.

Is there now an upbeat feeling in Enstone?
Yes, I think there is. We don’t make decisions for the outside world to take note, we make them to help this company succeed. Whether people believe that our past decisions were taken in the interests of business or not, the decisions were taken for the staff. So, if we hire Kimi to come in as race driver we are making the right statement internally, which is that it’s the right thing for the staff, the engineers, mechanics, anyone in this company. I think it’s very motivational; I haven’t got all the feedback yet but it does seem like a motivational decision.

From a press side of things, the noise has been great…
Yes, from a press side I was surprised because I had no expectation, positive or negative. From what I’ve seen so far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised. I’m very positively inclined towards this, which the press seem to be too. The fans are obviously looking forward to it too.

This is a massive boost for the whole company…
Everyone knows that if you are given a good car, we are going to be back at the top again.

The interest seems to be higher than when Schumacher made his comeback…
I wasn’t aware of that, but that’s fantastic!

Credit: Lotus Renault GP (www.lotusrenaultgp.com)

GreenBkk.com Red Bull Racing F1 | Countdown to Christmas: Day Three

2011-12-03T22:46:00.000+07:00

Countdown to Christmas: Day Three

by Red Bull Racing, Dec 3, 2011

The third instalment of our Countdown to Christmas pays tribute to our in-house Red Bull Racing Spy and his weird yet very wonderful tweets via @redbullf1spy.

One of our favourites this season came from his digital ramblings at the Italian Grand Prix, in reference to the legendary Jackie Stewart and his truly mega attire:

All hail the best trousers in Formula One. He should get knighted. yfrog.com/mm25svbj

Credit: Red Bull Racing Formula one Team (www.redbullracing.com)