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F1: rosberg extrem de dezamagit, Michael incurcat de coechipier
Dupa ce a reusit cel mai bun timp in partea a doua a calificarilor, Nico rosberg a terminat doar al saselea in final pentru Mercedes GP; Michael Schumacher a fost al saptelea si spune ca rosberg a fost singurul care l-a incomodat in [detalii...]
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F1 video: rosberg despre 2010 si Michael
Nico rosberg, deocamdata singurul pilot anuntat oficial de Mercedes Grand Prix, admite in primul interviu de la numirea sa ca titlul este obiectivul noului sau [detalii...]
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rosberg beats the McLarens in Valencia practice
Valencia, Spain - Nico rosberg beat the McLaren duo of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button for first place in a Mercedes on Friday in the opening practice session at the European Formula One Grand [detalii...]
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Ferrari il vrea pe rosberg in locul lui Massa din 2013
Germanul Nico rosberg are mari sanse sa piloteze pentru Scuderia Ferrari incepand cu sezonul 2013, dupa ce gruparea de la Maranello va pune capat intelegerii cu [detalii...]
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Nico rosberg va pilota pentru Mercedes GP
Pilotul german Nico rosberg va concura in sezonul 2010 pentru formatia Mercedes [detalii...]
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Haug ia in ras trecerea lui rosberg la Ferrari: O gluma intarziata
Norbert Haug, boss-ul diviziei de motorsport a Mercedes, considera o gluma intarziata zvonul lansat de revista italiana Autosprint conform careia pilotul Nico rosberg ar urma sa treaca la Ferrari [detalii...]
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VIDEO Nico rosberg dezvaluie secretele volanului SF din F1. Il vrei la masina ta? :)
Cu siguranta v-ati intrebat adesea de ce are volanul monoposturilor de Formula 1 peste 20 de butoane. Mercedes GP a realizat un video, in care Nico rosberg explica rostul majoritatii butoanelor de pe volanul sau. Sau al lui Michael [detalii...]
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rosberg spune ca aripa mobila este "cea mai buna idee din istoria F1"
Germanul Nico rosberg considera ca introducerea sistemului DRS de modificare in timpul cursei a eleronului spate este cea mai buna inovatie adusa Formulei 1 in intreaga istorie [detalii...]
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Nico rosberg si-a pus in cap toata Germania: "Fotbalul feminin pare o competitie pentru handicapati"
Pilotul german de Formula 1 Nico rosberg a reusit performanta de a-si atrage numai critici dupa ce a declarat ca fotbalul feminin pare o competitie pentru persoanele cu dizabilitati."Fotbalul feminin e interesant, dar la fel de interesant cum este o competitie Paralimpica. Si in astfel de cazuri vezi sportivi de calitate, dar ale caror performante nu prea se apropie de cele ale atletilor", a spus rosberg intr-o conferinta de presa de la finalul cursei din Valencia. [detalii...]
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VIDEO Nico rosberg dezvaluie secretele volanului SF din F1. Il vrei la masina ta? :)
Cu siguranta v-ati intrebat adesea de ce are volanul monoposturilor de Formula 1 peste 20 de butoane. Mercedes GP a realizat un video, in care Nico rosberg explica rostul majoritatii butoanelor de pe volanul sau. Sau al lui Michael Schumacher, veti vedea in video de ce. [detalii...]
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Nico rosberg quickest on day three of Barcelona F1 test
Nico rosberg was quickest for Mercedes on day three of the Formula 1 pre-season test at the Circuit de Catalunya. On a rain-hit day in Barcelona, the German was able to gain experience of Pirellis intermediate tyres in the morning, before switching to slicks as the team worked through a number of set-up comparisons. His [detalii...]
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rosberg va lupta cu Schumacher pentru a fi pilotul nr. 1 la Mercedes GP
Pilotul german Nico rosberg a anuntat ca va lupta pentru a fi primul pilot al scuderiei Mercedes GP, chiar daca coechipierul sau nu este altul decat Michael Schumacher, pe care il considera cel mai bun pilot al tuturor timpurilor din Formula [detalii...]
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MP Bahrain, antrenamente libere 2: Nico rosberg, cel mai rapid/ Schumacher, al treilea
Nico rosberg a dominat a doua sesiune de antrenamente din Bahrain, pilotul celor de la MercedesGP oprind cronometrul la 1:55.409. Pe doi s-a situat Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes), in timp ce al treilea a fost Michael Schumacher [detalii...]
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Nu-i e teama de Schumacher/ rosberg: Bineinteles ca vreau sa-l inving
Nico rosberg e incantat de posibilitatea ce i s-a oferit in 2010: sa concureze pentru Mercedes GP alaturi de "cel mai bun pilot din toate timpurile", Michael Schumacher. In varsta de 24 de ani, pilotul german e mandru ca are un asemenea coechipier, dar mentioneaza ca nu se va da in laturi atunci cand va veni vorba de o confruntare directa pentru [detalii...]
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Canada GP, Antrenamente libere 1: rosberg impune ritmul, Vettel loveste
Marele Premiu al Canadei, etapa a saptea a Campionatului Mondial de Formula 1 2011. Nico rosberg (McLaren Mercedes) a fost cel mai rapid pilot al primei sesiuni de antrenamente libere, una in care liderul de la general, Sebastian Vettel, a adus steagurile rosii pe circuit dupa lovirea zidului de protectie in ultimul viraj al [detalii...]
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rosberg il avertizeaza pe Schumacher: Nu voi fi pilotul numarul doi
Nico rosberg, pilotul confirmat al celor de la MercedesGP, a precizat jurnalistilor germani ca s-ar bucura ca Michael Schumacher sa revina in Formula 1, dar ca in niciun caz nu va accepta statutul de pilot numarul doi la echipa condusa de Ross Brawn, informeaza AFP. "Sunt departe de a ma considera numarul doi", a precizat tanarul [detalii...]
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Nico rosberg si-a pus in cap toata Germania: "Fotbalul feminin pare o competitie pentru handicapati"
Pilotul german de Formula 1 Nico rosberg a reusit performanta de a-si atrage numai critici dupa ce a declarat ca fotbalul feminin pare o competitie pentru persoanele cu dizabilitati."Fotbalul feminin e interesant, dar la fel de interesant [detalii...]
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Teste Jerez/ Nico rosberg, cel mai rapid/ Alonso, doar pe patru
Nico rosberg a fost cel mai rapid pilot in prima zi a testelor de la Jerez (Spania - sesiunea de dimineata), pilotul celor de la MercedesGP fiind cronometrat cu timpul de 1:20.927. Al doilea a fost Sebastian Buemi (Toro Rosso - 1:21.031, in timp ce Nico Hulkenberg (Williams - 1:22.243) a fost al treilea. Fernando Alonso a avut o evolutie modesta, ibericul fiind pe patru - [detalii...]
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F1: Nico rosberg si Robert Kubica, pe lista pentru a-l inlocui pe Felipe Massa la Scuderia Ferrari
Luca di Montezemolo, presedintele celor de la Ferrari, a recunoscut, pentru presa italiana, ca Scuderia se afla in cautarea unui al doilea pilot pentru sezonul 2013 din Formula 1. Zilele lui Felipe Massa sunt numarate, iar Nico rosberg si Robert Kubica sunt doar doua dintre numele propuse pentru a face pereche cu Fernando Alonso la echipa cu sediul la [detalii...]
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rosberg eyes podium finish, fears rain in Singapore night race
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Chinese Grand Prix: Mercedes stand behind off-the-pace Michael Schumacher
Seven-time champion is being consistently outperformed by his team-mate Nico [detalii...]
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De ce are volanul de F1 20 de butoane si ce face fiecare dintre ele VIDEO
Nico rosberg a facut o demonstratie pentru fani despre ce inseamna un volan [detalii...]
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Perez crash delays qualifying in Monaco
Sauber driver conscious and talking after crash Nico rosberg crashed in same placeQualifying at the Monaco Grand Prix has resumed following a crash by Sergio Perez.The Sauber drivers car spun out of control while exiting a tunnel and crashed into one of the safety barriers. Initial reports suggest he will not start tomorrows race."He came out of the tunnel completely on the wrong side of the race track and he stayed wide for quite a long time. He came to the braking zone at almost 30 degrees," said BBC commentator Martin Brundle.News from the pits is that the Mexican driver is conscious and talking. He has since been transferred to the medical centre. The rookie driver is in his first year in F1.Nico rosberg also crashed coming out of the same tunnel but escaped unharmed.Formula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Galerie Foto: Mercedes MGP W01
Fotografii de la lansarea monopostului Mercedes MPG W01; Michael Schumacher si Nico [detalii...]
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Preview Spania GP: Mercedes
Michael Schumacher si Nico rosberg isi pun sperantele in update-urile Mercedes pentru rezultate mai bune incepand cu prima etapa din [detalii...]
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Mercedes impacati cu situatia
Michael Schumacher se declara multumit de performanta obtinuta in calificarile din Australia, insa Nico rosberg este dezamagit dupa doua greseli care l-au facut sa piarda timp [detalii...]
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Sentimente amestecate in tabara Mercedes
Daca locul patru obtinut de Nico rosberg in calificarile de la Shanghai reprezinta o supriza placuta pentru Mercedes GP, nu acelasi lucru se poate spune de pozitia a noua ocupata de Michael [detalii...]
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F1: Prezentare Mercedes GP Petronas (video)
Noua echipa de Formula 1 Mercedes GP Petronas si pilotii sai Michael Schumacher si Nico rosberg s-au prezentat astazi la Muzeul Mercedes-Benz din [detalii...]
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Galerie foto: Mercedes MGP W02
Mercedes au prezentat la Valencia monopostului cu care Michael Schumacher si Nico rosberg vor incerca sa obtina rezultate mai bune in al doilea sezon de la revenirea constructorului german in F1 cu propriul [detalii...]
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Vettel shows he is streets ahead, rosberg outshines Schumacher
Berlin - Sebastian Vettels comprehensive victory in Sundays Malaysian Grand Prix to register his first race win of the Formula One season finally confirmed the belief of most commentators that Red Bull is the team to beat in [detalii...]
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F1: Mercedes, pe panta ascendenta
Noul monopost Mercedes MGP W02 si-a dovedit calitatile la ultimele antrenamente de la Barcelona, de saptamana trecuta, permitandu-le celor doi piloti Michael Schumacher si Nico rosberg sa obtina timpi notabili, informeaza cotidianul [detalii...]
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Schumacher: Am facut pasi inainte
Michael Schumacher si Nico rosberg vor imparti linia a treia a grilei de start in Marele Premiu al Turciei. Michael Schumacher a obtinut cel mai bun rezultat din [detalii...]
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F1: Urmeaza cursa de casa pentru pilotii Mercedes GP
Michael Schumacher si Nico rosberg asteapta cu nerabdare cursa de la Nurburgring din weekend-ul viitor, din fata suporterilor nemti, si spera sa obtina un rezultat bun pentru [detalii...]
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Mercedes GP: Programe diferite in antrenamente
Michael Schumacher a reusit sa-si surclaseze clar coechipierul in primele antrenamente libere contand pentru Marele Premiu al Spaniei si se declara multumit de noutatile aduse de echipa, in timp ce Nico rosberg declara ca a gresit oarecum [detalii...]
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F1: Video. Volanul monopostului Mercedes MGP W02
Nico rosberg prezinta volanul si functiile acestuia pentru monopostul cu care alearga in 2011 - Mercedes MGP [detalii...]
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Spanish Grand Prix: Ferrari fined over Fernando Alonso pit lane incident
Ferrari have been fined £13,500 over Fernando Alonsos near-miss with Nico rosberg during qualifying at Spanish [detalii...]
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F1: Barcelona test, ziua a treia
Nico rosberg a fost cel mai rapid pilot in cea de-a treia zi a testului de la Barcelona. Echipele au inceput ziua cu pneuri de pista uda pentru ca spre final sa poate rula cu [detalii...]
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Azi LIVE: Testele F1 de la Barcelona (10:00)
Onlinesport.ro transmite, marti, intre orele 10 si 18, a doua zi a testelor oficiale F1 de la Barcelona. Pe circuit se vor afla nu mai putin de 12 piloti, printre acestia campionul mondial Sebastian Vettel, britanicul Lewis Hamilton, brazilianul Felipe Massa sau germanul Nico [detalii...]
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Monaco GP: Alonso cel mai rapid in antrenamentele libere 3
Sesiunea a treia a antrenamentelor libere de la Monte Carlo s-a incheiat cu Ferrari si Fernando Alonso pe prima pozitie. Sesiunea a fost oprita in doua randuri din cauza unor accidente destul de dure - Video, accidentul lui [detalii...]
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Cine bate in Marele premiu al Malaeziei?
Mark Webber a reutit sa termine primul calificarile din acest mare premiu. Ordinea din calificari a fost urmatoarea: Webber, rosberg, Vettel, Sutil, Hulkenberg, Kubica, Barichello, Schumacher.- Matina lui Michael Schumacher [detalii...]
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Hamiltons title hopes hit by retirement
Hamilton forced out by transmission problem with McLaren Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel handed 10-second penaltyLewis Hamilton, the leader of the Formula One drivers championship at the start of the day, saw his world title hopes take a blow after being forced to retire from the Hungarian grand prix.Hamilton had been losing time to the front four, as the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber tussled with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa of Ferrari. Following the deployment of the safety car on lap 16 because of debris on the track, Hamilton was able to move ahead of Massa - but the Briton pulled off the track on lap 24 because of a transmission problem with his McLaren.There was further drama as Vettel, who had begun the race on pole, was handed a 10-second penalty for exceeding 10 car lengths behind the safety car. Vettel, who had dropped to third behind Webber and Alonso, was furious at the decision but was told by his team over the radio: "Its because of the restart. Hamiltons out of the race. Stay focused."Nico rosberg, who had been running sixth in his Mercedes, was the instigator of further mayhem in the pit lane after his crew failed to fit his right-rear tyre correctly. As rosberg pulled out on to the pit lane the tyre worked loose, initially rolling and then bouncing its way through the other pit crews.Whether it was a distraction to Renaults pit team is unclear, but Robert Kubica was released too early by his lollipop man as he ran into the side of Force Indias Adrian Sutil just as he was about to come into the pit entry box.The damage was too great for Sutil to continue, although Renault were able to send Kubica on his way again, only for him to receive a 10-second stop-go penalty for an unsafe release from the pits. As for rosberg, he trundled down to the end of the pit lane on three wheels and, with his crew unable to retrieve him, that is where he retired.Lewis HamiltonFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Reactii dupa antrenamentele de vineri. Todt propune reintroducerea regulii de 107 la suta pentru calificari
Noul sezon al Formulei 1 a debutat, vineri, pe circuitul Sakhir din Bahrain, unde s-au desfasurat primele doua sedinte de antrenamente libere. Iata reactiile principalilor actori implicati. Germanii Adrian Sutil si Nico rosberg au impus timpul [detalii...]
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Renault si Mercedes amendati cu cate 50.000
Conducerea cursei a amendat Renault cu 50.000 de dolari pentru incidentul produs la boxe pe durata Marelui Premiu al Ungariei din acest weekend. Mercedes au primit aceeasi amenda din cauza neprinderii rotii dreapta-spate pe monopostul lui [detalii...]
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FORMULA 1: Vettel invingator in Malaysia. Schumacher si Alonso abandonuri!
Meritata poate mai mult ca oricand victoria lui Vettel, ca si dubla Red Bull. Performante excelente pentru rosberg si Kubica, mai ales daca ne uitam la coechipeirii lor, Schumacher si Petrov, care au abandonat. Sutil confirma un force India [detalii...]
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Monaco GP: Pilotii atrag atentia asupra zonei de dupa tunel
Jenson Button si Mark Webber au declarat dupa calificarile de astazi ca siguranta sicanei de dupa tunel ar trebui imbunatatita. Dupa accidentul lui rosberg, primul lucru facut de conducerea cursei a fost sa scoata limitatoarele de viteza din zona [detalii...]
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Canada GP, Antrenamente libere 3: Vettel in frunte
Vettel, rosberg si Alonso si-au disputat suprematia pe durata ultimei ore de antrenamente libere inainte de calificarile contand pentru Marele Premiu al Canadei, iar liderul clasamentului general a pus Red Bull pe prima pozitie pentru prima data in [detalii...]
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Buemi crashes in first China practice
British driver leads Nico rosberg, with Jenson Button third First session halted after Buemi loses both front wheels Lewis Hamilton has set the fastest time in Fridays practice sessions for the Chinese grand prix. Hamilton topped the timesheets in the second practice session ahead of Mercedess Nico rosberg. Their respective team-mates Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher were third and fourth fastest.The Red Bull pair, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, occupied fifth and sixth places, while championship leaders Ferrari had Fernando Alonso in 10th and Felipe Massa 11th. Alonsos car had another engine failure in first practice, putting the reliability of the Ferraris in the spotlight.Button had set the pace in first practice but it was Sebastien Buemi who provided the drama after the Toro Rosso driver was involved in a frightening accident.The session had to be temporarily halted with just under 15 minutes remaining after both of the Swiss drivers front wheels parted company with his car as he braked at the end of the long back straight, leaving him to skid off the track and into the gravel trap on his two remaining wheels.Formula OneLewis HamiltonToro RossoJenson ButtonMcLarenMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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SUPERVIDEO Unde poate duce rivalitatea: Ultima "tinta" a lui Schumi si rosberg! Tu pe cine alegi?
Viteza nu e totul in Formula 1: Trebuie sa stii si pe mana cui sa mergi! Si cum deciziile se iau in cateva fractiuni de secunda, alegerile sunt de cele mai multe ori vitale. Colegi la Mercedes GP, dar rivali in incercarea de a dobora orice record, Schumacher si Roseberg se [detalii...]
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Fotogalerie MercedesGP viseaza la titlul din F1 alaturi de WO2
MercedesGP a ales, la fel precum RedBull si Williams, sa isi prezinte noul monopost in cursul zilei de marti, inainte de testele de la Valencia. W02 este ultima creatie a constructorului german, sperantele lui Ross Brawn fiind acelea ca Nico rosberg si Michael Schumacher sa se lupte pentru titlul mondial in [detalii...]
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Teste Barcelona, ziua 3: Michael Schumacher, cel mai rapid
Michael Schumacher (MercedesGP) a fost cel mai rapid in cea de-a treia zi a testelor de la Barcelona, germanul reusind un timp de 1:21.249. Multiplul campion mondial a fost urmat de Fernando Alonso (1:21.614) si de coechipierul Nico rosberg [detalii...]
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Hamilton fastest in Malaysian practice
Lewis Hamilton quickest in both sessions in Sepang Sebastian Vettel is second fastest, Jenson Button fourthLewis Hamilton completed his dominance of practice today by topping the timesheet in the afternoon session ahead of this weekends Malaysian Grand Prix.The 2008 world champion was fastest in the morning session on the Sepang circuit ahead of Mercedes Nico rosberg, and again set the pace in the afternoon with a time of 1min 34.175 secs.Hamilton clocked that time midway through the session to boost his confidence ahead of tomorrows qualifying following a frustrating race in Australia last weekend."It was probably the best feeling I have had in the car around this circuit," the 25-year-old said. "We have a good programme and we stuck to it. I am still trying to get an understanding of the tyres but generally it was a good feeling."Sebastian Vettel set the second fastest lap of 1:34.441secs after initially complaining of a problem with the power steering in his Red Bull. There were reliability woes for Vettels team-mate Mark Webber though, as the Australian was forced to park his car in the gravel with less than 30 minutes of the session gone due to suspected engine failure.rosberg set the third fastest time while the world champion Jenson Button was fourth.The seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher once again failed to get the better of his Mercedes team-mate rosberg as he took fifth.Australian GP runner-up Robert Kubica was sixth in his Renault while championship leader Fernando Alonso improved one place from the first session to go seventh fastest for Ferrari.Toro Rossos Sebastien Buemi, Vitaly Petrov of Renault and the Force India of Adrian Sutil completed the top 10.Practice times First session1. Lewis Hamilton, Britain, McLaren, 1 minute, 34.921 seconds, 19 laps; 2. Nico rosberg, Germany, Mercedes, 1:35.106, 19; 3. Jenson Button, Britain, McLaren, 1:35.207, 25; 4. Michael Schumacher, Germany, Mercedes, 1:35.225, 14; 5. Robert Kubica, Poland, Renault, 1:35.402, 22; 6. Mark Webber, Australia, Red Bull, 1:35.479, 22; 7. Adrian Sutil, Germany, Force India, 1:35.955, 20; 8. Fernando Alonso, Spain, Ferrari, 1:35.959, 20; 9. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Red Bull, 1:36.043, 19; 10. Sebastien Buemi, Switzerland, Toro Rosso, 1:36.100, 20.1Second session1. Lewis Hamilton, Britain, McLaren, 1 minute, 34.175 seconds, 27 laps; 2. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Red Bull, 1:34.441, 28; 3. Nico rosberg, Germany, Mercedes, 1:34.443, 30; 4. Jenson Button, Britain, McLaren, 1:34.538, 24; 5. Michael Schumacher, Germany, Mercedes, 1:34.674, 30; 6. Robert Kubica, Poland, Renault, 1:35.148, 34; 7. Fernando Alonso, Spain, Ferrari, 1:35.581, 34; 8. Sebastien Buemi, Switzerland, Toro Rosso, 1:35.660, 39; 9. Vitaly Petrov, Russia, Renault, 1:35.872, 20; 10. Adrian Sutil, Germany, Force India, 1:35.957, 32.Formula OneLewis HamiltonJenson ButtonMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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FORMULA 1: Vettel invingator in Malaysia. Schumacher si Alonso abandonuri!
Meritata poate mai mult ca oricand victoria lui Vettel, ca si dubla Red Bull. Performante excelente pentru rosberg si Kubica, mai ales daca ne uitam la coechipeirii lor, Schumacher si Petrov, care au abandonat. Sutil confirma un force India bun pe 5. Hamilton nu putea mai mult de [detalii...]
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Teste Barcelona: Mark Webber a dominat sesiunea de dimineata
Mark Webber a fost cel mai rapid pilot in sesiunea de dimineata a testelor de la Barcelona (prima zi), australianul celor de la Red Bull fiind cronometrat cu 1:21.487. Al doilea a fost Nico rosberg (MercedesGP), in timp ce Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) a terminat pe [detalii...]
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Schumacher, in culmea fericirii/ Mercedes GP si-a prezentat monopostul pentru 2010
Mercedes GP a prezentat, luni, pe circuitul Ricardo Tormo din Valencia, monopostul pe care-l vor pilota in acest sezon Michael Schumacher si Nico rosberg. Noul MGP W01 este schimbat radical fata de monopostul cu care Brawn a castigat in 2009 titlul atat la piloti, cat si la [detalii...]
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Turkish Grand Prix: Jenson Button fastest in practice
Jenson Button was quickest at the end of Friday practice for Sundays Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, half a second quicker than team-mate Lewis Hamilton in third, with Mercedes Nico rosberg splitting the McLaren duo. World champion Sebastian Vettel damaged his Red Bull in a crash during a wet first session, preventing him from running [detalii...]
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Mercedes switch Michael Schumachers car in bid to find pace in Spain
Mercedes to reintroduce test chassis after damage to main car Schumacher has been consistently outperformed by rosbergMercedes have opted to switch Michael Schumachers car for next weeks Spanish grand prix in an attempt to get the seven-times Formula One champion back up to speed, the team principal, Ross Brawn, said."Its not a new chassis per se, its a chassis we used in testing," said Brawn at a fundraising event for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution on the banks of the River Thames today."The one he had got damaged during the first few races and we repaired it as best we could at the races. But now we are back at base we are going to reintroduce the test chassis and he will be using that in Barcelona."Brawn said the wheelbase would also be changed to improve weight distribution, and Mercedes are also planning a major aerodynamic revamp for the first race of the European season after four in the Middle East and east Asia.Schumacher, a winner at Benetton and Ferrari with Brawn as technical director, is making his Formula One comeback at the age of 41 and after retiring at the end of 2006 with a record 91 race wins.But the German has been outqualified and beaten in all four races to date by his team-mate and compatriot Nico rosberg, with concern mounting that Schumacher is finding it hard to replicate his form of old. Schumacher finished 10th in the latest race in China while rosberg was third after leading early on.Michael SchumacherMercedes GPFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Button and Hamilton record McLaren one-two in China
Button leads drivers world championship McLaren achieve first one-two of the seasonJenson Button won a rain-affected Chinese grand prix in Shanghai to take the lead of the 2010 drivers world championship standings. His McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton finished a second behind to secure a one-two for the British drivers and their McLaren team.Button, the reigning world champion, had started fifth on the grid but profited from an early safety car deployment and a flurry of early pit stops by the leading pack due to rain to move into first on lap 19.Hamilton, meanwhile, had started in sixth but secured his best finish of the season while Mercedes Nico rosberg took third for the fourth podium finish of his career.From the start, it was Ferraris Fernando Alonso who jumped from third on the grid into an early lead. Alonso appeared to have made the ideal getaway but replays showed that the Spaniard had jumped the start and consequently he was handed a drive-through penalty following an investigation by stewards.With the rain continuing to fall, many drivers chose to make a quick stop in the pits to switch tyres before the safety car left the circuit after the third lap. rosberg moved into the lead from the restart with Button second and Renaults Robert Kubica third.Pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel had dropped to 15th in his Red Bull, while Lewis Hamilton was 16th after six laps following their pit stop but were quickly making their way back up the field. Alonso had also headed down the pit lane for his drive-through penalty and re-emerged in 16th.rosberg led Button by almost three seconds after 10 laps while Hamilton was quickly closing in on the leading pack and he took advantage of a battle between Vettel and Force Indias Adrian Sutil to move into seventh on lap 13.The 25-year-old was then closing in on the Mercedes of Michael Schumacher, who had started from ninth on the grid, and was right on the Germans tail after 15 laps, waiting for any opportunity to overtake.The duo continued to tussle before Hamilton finally got the better of the seven-time world champion on lap 17 as a superb drive out of turn 13 enabled him to overtake and move into fifth.Hamiltons team-mate Button became the new race leader two laps later when rosberg briefly ran wide, allowing the reigning world champion to move into first. He then entered the pits again on lap 21 and was quickly followed by Webber, Hamilton and Vettel.Meanwhile, Toro Rossos Jaime Alguersuari lost his front wing when he entered the pit lane before the safety car was again deployed, seemingly to allow for the debris from that incident to be cleared.That played into Hamiltons favour as it enabled the 25-year-old to close the gap on the leading cars while Alonso was in 10th, just ahead of his Felipe Massa with the former having earlier cheekily overtaken his team-mate on their way into the pits.The safety car left the circuit on lap 26 and immediately Schumacher and Hamilton were battling again before the 2008 champion regained fifth with a brave move on turn eight. He then got the better of Renaults Vitaly Petrov for fourth with Kubica, rosberg and Button ahead of him.Alonso was back in seventh but streamed past Sutil at the hairpin while Webber had dropped back to 12th after he lost pace when he had been nudged off the track by Hamilton shortly after the safety car had left the circuit.Hamilton then climbed into the podium places after lap 30 after he passed Kubica on the outside at the hairpin. He briefly passed rosberg six laps later but the young German quickly regained second. Jarno Trullis race came to an end on the same lap when he failed to re-emerge after pitting in his Lotus for the fifth time.Schumacher switched to intermediates after the following lap before Button and rosberg followed suit on lap 38. Button retained his place at the front when he returned to the circuit but rosberg was back out in third, behind Hamilton. The reigning world champion led his team-mate by over three seconds after 42 laps while Webber was making his way back up through the field and was seventh, just behind team-mate Vettel. Massa was just outside the points in 11th after lap 45 but was closing in on Petrov while Hispanias Karun Chandhok dropped to 17th after spinning at turn 14.Button had increased his lead to five seconds by lap 50 but had a brief scare when he ran wide at the hairpin but recovered to maintain his place at the front. Massa finally got the better of Sutil two laps later to move into 10th while Schumacher was just ahead of the Ferrari in ninth.At the front, the gap between second-placed Hamilton and rosberg in third was increasing and though the rain was getting heavier, Button retained his place at the front to the chequered flag for his second victory of the season and also McLarens first one-two of the year.Jenson ButtonLewis HamiltonMcLarenFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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MP Malezia/ Lewis Hamilton, cel mai bun la antrenamentele de vineri
Britanicul Lewis Hamilton a trecut repede peste dezamagirea de la Melbourne si a stabilit cel mai bun timp in ambele sesiuni de antrenamente de vineri, de pe circuitul de la Sepang (Malaezia). Campionul din 2008 a oprit cronometrul la 1 minut si 34.175 secunde, fiind urmat la mai putin de jumatate de secunda de Vettel, rosberg, Button si [detalii...]
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Turcia GP: Dubla usoara pentru Red Bull in calificari
Sebastian Vettel si Red Bull au obtinut o noua victorie aparent facila in sesiunea de calificari cu numarul patru din acest sezon. Al patrulea pole al anului pentru Campionul Mondial in exercitiu si al 19 din cariera. Sesiunea s-a dovedit a fi un succes si pentru Mercedes GP, Nico rosberg terminand al treilea si surclasand astfel ambele monoposturi [detalii...]
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F1/ Sebastian Vettel, rege si in MP al Turciei
Sebastian Vettel a dominat din nou si a castigat, in Turcia, al treilea sau Mare Premiu din acest sezon, consolindandu-si prima pozitie in clasamentul general. Red Bull a reusit dubla la Istanbul, australianul Mark Webber clasandu-se pe locul doi. Fernando Alonso a "prins" podiumul, clasandu-se in fata lui Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) si Nico rosberg (Mercedes [detalii...]
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MP Monaco, Antrenamente 2: Alonso, de neoprit
Fernando Alonso a stabilit cel mai bun timp al antrenamentelor libere desfasurate joi (dupa amiaza) pe circuitul de la Monte Carlo, ibericul oprind cronometrul la 1:14.904. Nico rosberg (MercedesGP) a fost al doilea (1:15.013), in timp ce Sebastian Vettel (RedBull) a avut al treilea timp (1:15.099). Michael Schumacher a fost mai rapid decat Lewis Hamilton si Jenson Button, cei doi piloti de la [detalii...]
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Schumacher happy Mercedes on-course
Michael Schumacher believes Australian GP had positives But Melbourne qualifying spoiled by too conservative a set-upMichael Schumacher has said he has a good feeling about Sundays Malaysian grand prix despite struggling his way to a single point in Australia in the second race of his Formula One comeback season."I take a lot of good aspects from the race weekend in Melbourne," the seven-times Formula One world champion, back in the sport with Mercedes at the age of 41, wrote on his website."Of course that does not show at first sight but looking into our weekend more deeply, I find we did improve quite well and have a good reason to be quite satisfied - just not from the pure result obviously."The German, who finished 10th at Albert Park after having to fight back from last place when he had to pit at the end of the first lap to replace a broken front wing, said his race had been compromised by problems in qualifying."I think both Nico [rosberg, his team-mate] and me could have been ranked two to three positions better," he said."I had a too conservative set-up in the end which was too much concentrated toward the race, plus I had a tear-off strip stuck in my front wing which too cost me some time. And going into the race from those better positions would have meant fighting for the podium."All that means that we are not too far away and I am quite confident there will be more to come."The German, whose team-mate rosberg finished fifth and ahead of him for the second time in two races, was optimistic for Sepang."Going to Malaysia we know that clearly we improved our pace since Bahrain, which is a good feeling," he said."It was a lot of fun fighting in Melbourne, even if it was just for one point, and I will enjoy fighting again in Sepang. We would like to show another good race."Michael SchumacherMercedes GPFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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rosberg: I was pretty bored in Bahrain
Michael Schumachers team-mate sums up opening F1 race Pressure on at Australian GP to produce more of a spectacleAmid a soothing chorus of claims that everything is fine in the grand prix garden, a lone voice stuck out today. For all his four seasons in Formula One, it seems that Nico rosberg has yet to absorb the media training intended to smooth away a tendency among young drivers to tell it like it is."I was pretty bored in Bahrain," rosberg said in the Melbourne paddock. And this from a 24-year-old who was one of the stars of the opening race of the season, overshadowing the comeback of Michael Schumacher by outqualifying and outracing his new Mercedes team-mate.Realising what he had said, rosberg grinned and tried to execute a rather scruffy verbal U-turn. "Perhaps I should say that I didnt find it very exciting," he said. But the truth had been told about a lamentable race that brought almost as much discredit to Formula One as its accumulated scandals of the past three years.Now the world is waiting to see whether the 24 drivers can redeem the sport by producing a more gripping spectacle in Sundays Australian grand prix, or whether new technical and sporting regulations really have made it harder than ever for them to fight against each other.Older drivers were either more optimistic or, like Fernando Alonso, more pragmatic in their assessments. "We need to be calm and wait for some races to really see if the new rules have some impact on the show," said the Spaniard, the winner in Bahrain in his first race for Ferrari. "I dont think we have any change. Last year in the first seven races Jenson [Button] won six. It was boring? Maybe yes, maybe no. Michael [Schumacher] won five consecutive championships. It was boring? Maybe yes, maybe no. This is Formula One."Bahrain was only one race. Here [in Melbourne] we have seen many very special races and there will be circuits soon with high overtaking possibilities in Malaysia and China. But this is about knowledge, about the precision of the drivers, the engineering, everything. If people want extra show, maybe they need to reconsider if they want to watch Formula One."For Button, Bahrain proved that the new Saturday qualifying format is "a lot more fun to watch and to take part in". The race, however, was different. "For sure it wasnt exciting. I was stuck behind Michael and I couldnt overtake. But its one race out of 19. If theyre all the same, well have to do something about it."The new world champion confidently anticipates a more stimulating race this weekend. "I think theres going to be a lot of different situations and different ideas of strategy. And the safety car is always a possibility here. That mixes it up a bit, although it helps the guys at the back more than the ones at the front."His team-mate Lewis Hamilton reacted with exaggerated surprise when told of rosbergs claim. "Ive never had a boring day in a Formula One car," he said. "It can be a bit tedious if youre doing a long day of testing. But its never boring. As soon as you drive out of the pit lane you get a smile on your face."Its always been difficult to overtake in Bahrain, and the circuit changes may have made it harder. But it doesnt reflect the whole season."If Sunday proves Hamilton wrong in that particular claim, Formula One might as well step on to the highest window ledge in the cluster of high-rise blocks in Melbournes adjacent business district and prepare to jump off.Formula OneMercedes GPMotor sportRichard Williams guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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F1 Teste Jerez, ziua 1: Kimi Raikkonen, cel mai rapid in sesiunea de dimineata
Revenit in Formula 1 dupa o pauza de doi ani, Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) a impresionat la prima aparitie, finlandezul reusind cel mai bun timp la Jerez (prima zi, sesiunea de dimineata). "Ice Man" a fost urmat de Paul Di Resta (Force India) si Nico rosberg [detalii...]
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Michael Schumacher: Im still in the F1 title race
German veteran has not given up hope of claiming world crown Theres no reason why we cannot fight for the championshipMichael Schumacher has brushed off criticism of his performances since coming out of retirement, saying he is still in the Formula One title race.The seven-times world champion said he had no reason to be disappointed with his first three races with Mercedes and, if anything, he was making better progress than he expected."If we have quick enough development speed theres no reason why we cannot fight for the championship," said Schumacher. "There is such a long season ahead, development is so important, we all know how quickly the rate of development is. Im pretty sure we have potential to develop this car. Its far from thinking this season is over for Nico [rosberg] and even for myself."Schumacher, who trails the championship leader Felipe Massa by 30 points, has been out-qualified and beaten in all three races by his compatriot and team-mate rosberg.An encouraging sixth place at the season-opener in Bahrain was followed by a disappointing 10th in Australia before a wheel nut problem meant he failed to finish in Malaysia two weeks ago.The result has been a distinctly less adoring media than Schumacher experienced in the years when he dominated the sport with Benetton and Ferrari."Ive been around long enough to know about what I call the wave of emotion," said the 41-year-old. "In winter everyone was very emotional and supportive, that was the wave, and then there is a natural falling off."Whether youre the reason for it or whether its just a natural happening, is not important. The results have not been as great as some people have expected, even myself, but the competition is high. So it is natural I dont have the same positive feeling from the media."I know exactly what Ive been doing, I know whats going on and I have no reason to be disappointed. I still feel very happy, whether people like it or not."Michael SchumacherMercedes GPFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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MP al Chinei: Jenson Button se impune la Shanghai
Jenson Button, campionul mondial en-titre, a castigat Marele Premiu al Chinei, britanicul fiind urmat de coechipierul Lewis Hamilton. McLaren a bifat la Shanghai prima dubla a sezonului. Al treilea a sosit Nico rosberg, de la MercedesGP, in timp ce Fernando Alonso (Scuderia Ferrari) a incheiat Grand Prix-ul pe patru. Spectacolul cursei a fost asigurat din plin de ploaie. Michael Schumacher a terminat in puncte cursa, germanul clasandu-se pe [detalii...]
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F1/ Sebastian Vettel, pole position in MP al Turciei
Germanul Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) a obtinut al patrulea pole position din acest sezon, din tot atatea posibile, dupa ce a stabilit cel mai rapid timp in calificarile pentru Marele Premiu al Turciei. Campionul en-titre va fi urmat pe grila de start de coechipierul sau de la Red Bull, australianul Mark Webber, si de Nico rosberg (Mercedes [detalii...]
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MP al Turciei, antrenamente libere: Jenson Button, cel mai rapid
Jenson Button a reusit cel mai bun timp in cadrul antrenamentelor libere de vineri (contand pentru Marele Premiu al Turciei la Formula 1), pilotul celor de la McLaren Mercedes oprind cronometrul la 1:26.456. Britanicul l-a devansat pe Nico rosberg (MercedesGP - 1:27.521), in timp ce pe trei s-a clasat Lewis Hamilton (McLaren Mercedes - [detalii...]
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Ultimatum pentru Michael Schumacher/ Mercedes nu mai tolereaza rezultatele slabe ale germanului
Asteptat cu mare interes in Formula 1, Michael Schumacher a dezamagit la revenirea in Marele Circ, germanul acumuland doar 46 de puncte dupa 15 Grand Prix-uri desfasurate. In conditiile in care coechipierul Nico rosberg se descurca mult mai bine, oficialii Mercedes i-au dat lui Michael un ultimatum. In caz contrar, contractul dintre cele doua parti va fi [detalii...]
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Schumacher urges calm at Mercedes
It is clear we need to understand our car better We have to remain calm and analyse our performanceMichael Schumacher has urged everyone within the Mercedes team to remain calm if they are to resolve the issues currently hampering their progress in the world championship ahead of this Sundays Hungarian grand prix.On home soil at Hockenheim, the German grand prix weekend was one of the teams worst this year as they collected their second lowest total of points - just six - from the 11 races to date.Not for the first time this season, Schumacher and his team-mate Nico rosberg were unable to translate reasonable pace in practice into a strong qualifying performance and solid race day. Schumacher has now failed to qualify in the top 10 in three of the last four grands prix, from which he has collected only four points. rosberg, finished only eighth after starting ninth on the grid and has slipped 63 points behind the championship leader Lewis Hamilton.With no end in sight to Mercedess troubles, the seven-times champion Schumacher said: "The German grand prix was clearly disappointing for us. But we have seen a variety of performances from our team over the past few races, and with this in mind I will still go to Hungary with a positive feeling."It is clear we need to understand our car better and the track in Budapest, plus more time to evaluate our upgrades, should help us in that respect. As I said after the last race, we have to remain calm, look into all the details and analyse our performance in order to learn as much as possible from such weekends. That is the way we have to go in order to improve our situation, which may already be possible this weekend in Hungary."The team principal Ross Brawn was just as disappointed as Schumacher at the teams lack of performance at Hockenheim, in particular after rosberg scored a fine third at Silverstone a fortnight previously. Brawn admits the team have still yet to discover the optimum set-up and, combined with a lack of pace in comparison to Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren, these are tough times for the German manufacturer."The last race was challenging for us, particularly following the podium finish at Silverstone, and we were disappointed not to be competing further up the field," said Brawn. "The team is doing a good job operationally, but we need to find more pace from the car and we continue to work very hard to achieve this."Assessing this weekends Hungarian grand prix, Brawn added: "The Hungaroring is a technically demanding circuit. It should be a good proving ground for our latest upgrades, providing further invaluable track testing time as we work to find the optimum set-up."Michael SchumacherMercedes GPFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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VIDEO Mercedes GP, prezentare fara monopost/ Schumacher, agresat de intrebarile jurnalistilor
Mercedes GP si-a prezentat, luni, pilotii, insa nu si monopostul. Masina cu care Nico rosberg si Michael Schumacher se vor bate la titlu nu e gata inca si va fi aratata publicului abia saptamana viitoare, atunci cand pilotii vor face primele teste la Valencia. Schumacher a avut parte de momente mai putin placute la prezentare, jurnalistii "atacandu-l" cu intrebari [detalii...]
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Schumacher on the charge in Barcelona
Mercedes driver third after sketchy start to season Hamilton follows Button in McLaren top twoMichael Schumacher was back up to speed for Mercedes on Friday in a first free-practice session dominated by McLarens world champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.Hamilton, the 2008 champion beaten into second place by his fellow-Briton at the last race in China, lapped the Circuit de Catalunya in 1min 21.134sec.Button, overall leader after winning two of the first four races of the season, was 0.538sec slower but still second quickest on an overcast morning in the hills north of Barcelona.Next came the 41-year-old Schumacher, the sports most successful driver who has struggled to match his young German team-mate Nico rosberg in his comeback season after three years out.Reverting to the chassis that he had used in pre-season testing, and armed with a longer wheelbase and new aerodynamic parts, Schumacher appeared to find the changes very much to his liking at a circuit on which he secured six of his 91 wins.The seven-times champion was 0.582sec off Hamiltons pace, and ahead of the Red Bulls of the Australian Mark Webber and Germanys Sebastian Vettel. Sixth was rosberg, who has been on the podium in his last two races while Schumacher retired in Malaysia and laboured home 10th in China.Fernando Alonso, the double world champion preparing for his first home grand prix as a Ferrari driver, was eighth fastest in the 90-minute session.While Friday practice provides a morale boost, Saturdays qualifying will be crucial: for nine years in a row at Barcelona, the driver who has taken pole position has gone on to win the race.Lewis HamiltonMichael SchumacherFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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F1/ Ross Brawn: Mercedes GP nu este competitiva
Mercedes nu este inca destul de competitiva - aceasta este concluzia sefului echipei, Ross Brawn, dupa prima cursa a sezonului, de la Bahrain. Cei doi piloti ai echipei, Nico rosberg si Michael Schumacher au incheiat pe locurile 5, respectiv 6, la o distanta de peste 40 de secunde fata de liderul cursei: "Sunt multumit de prestatiile lor, dar mai avem mult de muncit", a declarat [detalii...]
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F1: Michael Schumacher ar putea renunta/ Adrian Sutil, inlocuitorul multiplului campion
La doar cateva luni de la revenire, Michael Schumacher pare tentat sa se retraga din lumea Formulei 1, multimplul campion mondial resimtind din plin lipsa rezultatelor, informeaza presa internationala. Germanul nu a impresionat la MercedesGP, Schumi fiind devansat de coechipierul Nico rosberg. Au aparut si primele zvonuri in legatura cu inlocuitorul lui Michael, Adrian Sutil aflandu-se in [detalii...]
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F1/ Mark Webber, victorios in Marele Premiu al Marii Britanii
Australianul Mark Webber a inregistrat a treia sa victorie din acest sezon de Formula 1, clasandu-se pe prima treapta a podiumului pe circuitul de la Silverstone din Marele Premiu al Marii Britanii. Pilotul de la Red Bull a fost urmat la linia de sosire de britanicul Lewis Hamilton si germanul Nico rosberg, in timp ce coechipierul sau, Sebastian Vettel, plecat din pole position, a incheiat cursa pe locul al [detalii...]
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MP Malaezia: Mark Webber va pleca din pole-position
Mark Webber va pleca din pole-position in Marele Premiu al Malaeziei, pilotul celor de la Red Bull descurcandu-se cel mai bine in conditii grele de ploaie. Pe doi s-a clasat Nico rosberg (Mercedes GP), in timp ce la treilea a fost Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull). Marile dezamagiri au fost Alonso, Hamilton si Massa, piloti care vor pleca din coada [detalii...]
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Vettel fastest in practice for German GP
Team-mate Webber is second at Nurburgring Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button fourth and fifthRed Bulls Sebastian Vettel was fastest in the final practice session of qualifying for the German Grand Prix, setting the time of 1min 30.916sec in the final lap of the session.The cold weather resulted in the opening half of third practice being used for bedding the cars, but times began to drop as temperatures improved and the drivers switched to the soft tyres.The Mercedes of Nico rosberg and Michael Schumacher put in some quick times immediately, continuing what have been some strong practice periods for the team, who have brought various upgrades to Germany.Fernando Alonso responded, taking the top spot and, again, suggesting the pace the Ferrari showed at the British Grand Prix was not simply down to rule changes at Silverstone, although Felipe Massa could not match it, concluding the session in seventh place.Perhaps most encouraged by their mornings work will be McLaren. Some technical issues, and difficulties finding the right set-up, had affected their first two practice outings, but Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton found more pace on Saturday. Finishing in fourth and fifth, they remain unlikely to challenge for the front row, but will be more confident going into qualifying.Which left Mark Webber to take over at the top with a quick lap at the end of the session before being pipped by Vettel. Alonso held third, with rosberg, Massa, Adrian Sutil, Schumacher and the Williams of Pastor Maldonado rounding out the top 10.Conditions were dry throughout, but rain is expected at some point during qualifying. There has been no wet running thus far for any teams and taking advantage of changeable conditions may be crucial on Sunday.Formula OneSebastian VettelRed BullGiles Richards guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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F1/ Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), cel mai rapid la antrenamentele de la Monte Carlo
Spaniolul Fernando Alonso a stabilit cel mai bun timp pe circuitul de la Monte Carlo, in cea de-a doua sesiune de antrenamente. Pilotul de la Ferrari a oprit cronometrul la 1 minut si 15.123 secunde, fiind urmat de britanicul Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) si germanul Nico rosberg (Mercedes). In sesiunea de dimineata, cel mai rapid timp a fost stabilt de germanul de la Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel [detalii...]
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Michael Schumacher, in afara topului 50 al celor mai buni piloti din 2010
Michael Schumcher nu a fost inclus in top 50 al celor mai buni piloti ai anului 2010, clasament realizat de celebra revista britanica, Autosport. Septuplul campion mondial nu a avut un sezon stralucit la revenirea sa in Formula 1, fiind eclipsat de mai tanarul sau coechipier, Nico rosberg, aflat pe locul 12 al topului. Cel mai bun pilot al anului a fost ales campionul F1, Sebastian Vettel, urmat de britanicul Lewis [detalii...]
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Vettel wins as Red Bulls dominate
Mark Webber second and Fernando Alonso third Lewis Hamilton fourth and Jenson Button sixthSebastian Vettel charged to his third win in four races this season with another lights to flag victory here as he extended his lead at the top of the world championship table.Mark Webber made it a one-two for Red Bull and there was a return to high pace by Ferrari, at least for Fernando Alonso, who was third and was second for a while after an eye-catching duel with Webber.But while Vettel and Webber put their crash here last season well behind them to enjoy an afternoon of triumph the McLaren pair of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button had a difficult race.A bad third pit stop for Hamilton, when there was difficulty fixing a nut to his front right wheel, and then a further delay when Felipe Massa got in his way, cost him over 15 seconds.He finished, as he started, in fourth place, but over half a minute behind Vettel. Meanwhile Button also finished as he started, back in sixth, the McLarens split by the Mercedes of Nico rosberg.Button had a number of memorable duels, particularly with Massa, and another with Hamilton which brought back memories of last season. Button, who had only three stops against the four favoured by the five cars in front of him, will be disappointed to be passed by rosberg shortly before the end.But the day belonged to Vettel once more. He once again provided compelling evidence that he is an even more formidable driver than he was last year and he finished almost nine seconds ahead of Webber."You beauty, Seb!" said the team, principal Christian Horner, on the team radio. He added: "It is a sweet victory today; excellent from the drivers, fantastic pit stops, great strategy and a great race." Vettel replied: "Yes! Yes! Thats what Im talking about!"It was another memorable race with a lot of rubber burned. But for Vettel everything took place in his rear view mirror.Formula OneMotor sportSebastian VettelRed Bull guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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MP Malaezia: Sebastian Vettel, prima victorie a sezonului
Dupa ce in primele doua curse ale sezonului a fost tradat de monopost, Sebastian Vettel a bifat pana la urma prima victorie din 2010, pilotul celor de la Red Bull dominand categoric Marele Premiu al Malaeziei. Al doilea s-a clasat Mark Webber (tot Red Bull), in timp ce Nico rosberg (MercedesGP) a intregit podiumul. Michael Schumacher nu a terminat cursa din cauza unor probleme tehnice, in timp ce Alonso a abandonat cu doar doua tururi inainte de [detalii...]
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F1/ Fernando Alonso, ales cel mai bun pilot de catre adversarii sai
20 din cei 24 de piloti aliniati la start in acest sezon - Williams si Renault au refuzat - au luat parte la un sondaj efectuat de catre publicatia germana Bild. Rezultatul? Fernando Alonso a fost desemnat de catre adversarii sai cel mai bun pilot din acest sezon, iar Nico rosberg a primit un vot pentru "cea mai frumoasa fata din [detalii...]
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Mark Webber signals intent with fastest F1 time at Spa GP practice
Webber had predicted end of team-mate Vettels dominance McLarens Button and Hamilton third and fourth fastestMark Webber set the fastest time in Fridays second practice session shortly after predicting the end of the dominance of the Formula One season by Sebastian Vettel, his Red Bull team-mate.Webbers late run, just before the session was flagged because of the weather, dumped his friend Fernando Alonso into second place in the rain and sunshine of the afternoon run at Spa-Francorchamps.Next came the McLaren pair, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Vettel, the world champion and runaway leader in this years standings, had to be content with 10th place - although he did not go out on slicks - just ahead of Michael Schumacher who, in the morning session, had celebrated his 20th anniversary in F1 by posting the quickest time.In the morning, Schumacher and his fellow Mercedes driver, Nico rosberg, had been the only drivers to squeeze in their laps before the rain arrived.The track was still damp when the second session started and conditions improved steadily. Alonso, the first driver to go out on slicks, moved to the top of the timings ahead of Webber and then improved that time in his next lap.The rain came down once more and though the drivers went out again they were unable to improve on their earlier performances.Behind the McLarens came Felipe Massa and rosberg, followed by Sergio Perez, Nico Hulkenburg, Paul di Resta and Vettel, who completed the top 10.Before practice Webber, who is second in the championships, 85 points behind Vettel, said: "In terms of having five, six or seven wins on the bounce, thats over. That is not going to happen. I think it will be more spread out. It will be the same customers, the usual suspects, the normal guys winning, and I am looking at getting involved as well."Webber, who has still to win a race this season, has not yet signed a contract with Red Bull for next year, though he is expected to do so.Mark WebberSebastian VettelRed BullFormula One 2011Formula OneMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Vettel heads up Red Bull one-two
Vettel leads home Red Bull one-two at Sepang circuit Hamilton takes sixth with Jenson Button finishing eighthSebastian Vettel won the Malaysian grand prix after a processional race in Kuala Lumpur. The Red Bull driver surged to the front of the field from the start and never relinquished his lead thereafter, coming home ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber and Mercedess Nico rosberg.Lewis Hamilton was sixth after battling his way up from 20th on the grid, while Jenson Button hung on to eighth. Fernando Alonso was forced to retire with one lap to go after attempting to pass Button and the Ferrari driver also lost his grip on top spot in the drivers championship, as Felipe Massas seventh-place finish was enough to take him above his team-mate.Fourth place was claimed by the Renault of Robert Kubica and Force Indias Adrian Sutil resisted the pressure of Hamilton for fifth. Jaime Alguersuari and Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top 10 but there was disappointment for Michael Schumacher, who retired after 10 laps whilst in sixth position.Vettel had started third on the grid but immediately passed rosberg before then getting the better of team-mate Webber. Hamilton, meanwhile, made quick work of passing the slower cars to climb to 13th after the first lap and he continued his rise to claim eight valuable points.The Ferraris of Alonso and Massa - who started 19th and 21st respectively - also tore up the field, both drivers tussling with the equally resurgent Button, who began down in 17th. Massa eventually got the better of Button with 11 laps to go but the Briton was saved from further demotion by Alonsos engine failure.Red Bulls victory means that for the first time in 20 years three different teams have won the opening three races of the championship.Massa now heads the standings on 39 points, with Alonso and Vettel close behind on 37. Button has 35 points, level with rosberg and four points ahead of his McLaren team-mate Hamilton.Race positions1 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Red Bull 1hr 33mins 48.412secs; 2 Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull 1:33:53.261; 3 Nico rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP 1:34:01.916; 4 Robert Kubica (Pol) Renault 1:34:07.001; 5 Adrian Sutil (Ger) Force India 1:34:09.471; 6 Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren 1:34:11.883; 7 Felipe Massa (Bra) Ferrari 1:34:15.480; 8 Jenson Button (GB) McLaren 1:34:26.330; 9 Jaime Alguersuari (Spa) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:34:59.014; 10 Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) Williams 1:35:01.811; 11 Sebastien Buemi (Swi) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:35:07.350; 12 Rubens Barrichello (Bra) Williams at 1 lap; 13 Fernando Alonso (Spa) Ferrari at 2 laps; 14 Lucas di Grassi (Bra) Virgin Racing at 3 laps; 15 Karun Chandhok (Ind) HRT-F1 at 3 laps; 16 Bruno Senna (Bra) HRT-F1 at 4 laps; 17 Jarno Trulli (Ita) Lotus F1 at 5 lapsNot Classified: 18 Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) Lotus F1 - 46 laps completed; 19 Vitaly Petrov (Rus) Renault - 32 laps completed; 20 Vitantonio Liuzzi (Ita) Force India - 12 laps completed; 21 Michael Schumacher (Ger) Mercedes GP - 9 laps completed; 22 Kamui Kobayashi (Jpn) BMW Sauber - 8 laps completed; 23 Timo Glock (Ger) Virgin Racing - 2 laps completed; 24 Pedro de la Rosa (Spa) BMW Sauber - 0 laps completedDrivers championship1 Felipe Massa (Bra) Ferrari 39pts; 2 Fernando Alonso (Spa) Ferrari 37; 3 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Red Bull 37; 4 Jenson Button (GB) McLaren 35; 5 Nico rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP 35; 6 Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren 31; 7 Robert Kubica (Pol) Renault 30; 8 Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull 24; 9 Adrian Sutil (Ger) Force India 10; 10 Michael Schumacher (Ger) Mercedes GP 9; 11 Vitantonio Liuzzi (Ita) Force India 8; 12 Rubens Barrichello (Bra) Williams 5; 13 Jaime Alguersuari (Spa) Scuderia Toro Rosso 2; 14 Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) Williams 110 other drivers on zero pointsSebastian VettelLewis HamiltonFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Massa quickest in Silverstone practice
Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button finish fourth and fifth Red Bulls perform poorly as rain causes havoc at SilverstoneFelipe Massa was the fastest driver in Fridays second practice session, making the most of improving conditions as the track dried to finish ahead of Nico rosberg and Kamui Kobayashi.The McLaren pair of Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were fourth and fifth, with the Red Bulls of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel back in 14th and 18th.But the conditions were so bad for much of the afternoon that the times were mostly meaningless. The rain started to fall before the afternoon session got under way, and that restricted the number of cars taking part early on. Massa produced his time of 1min 49.967sec just before the end, knocking rosberg off his perch.The morning practice run was another damp affair, though conditions were markedly better, along with the times. Webber finished top, ahead of Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello.But again most of the leading men were down the field. Hamilton rolled in eighth, while Vettel was 13th, two places ahead of Button.The most memorable incident of the morning was not any time set but the crash involving Kobayashi, who lost control of his car on Turn 18 and almost rolled his Sauber before colliding heavily with the barriers.Second practice times1 Felipe Massa (Br) Ferrari 1min 49.967sec2 Nico rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP 1:50.7443 Kamui Kobayashi (Jpn) Sauber 1:51.3954 Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes 1:51.4385 Jenson Button (GB) McLaren-Mercedes 1:51.5186 Adrian Sutil (Ger) Force India-Mercedes 1:51.7387 Paul Di Resta (GB) Force India-Mercedes 1:51.7818 Rubens Barrichello (Br) Williams-Cosworth 1:51.9929 Sergio Perez (Mex) Sauber 1:52.16910 Sebastien Buemi (Swi) Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:52.18911 Vitaly Petrov (Rus) Renault 1:52.19812 Michael Schumacher (Ger) Mercedes GP 1:52.32513 Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) Lotus-Renault 1:52.57814 Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull-Renault 1:52.58715 Fernando Alonso (Sp) Ferrari 1:52.86916 Nick Heidfeld (Ger) Renault 1:54.02317 Jaime Alguersuari (Sp) Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1:54.27418 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Red Bull-Renault 1:54.54519 Jerome dAmbrosio (Bel) Virgin-Cosworth 1:54.71420 Pastor Maldonado (Ven) Williams-Cosworth 1:55.15521 Jarno Trulli (It) Lotus-Renault 1:55.15522 Timo Glock (Ger) Virgin-Cosworth 1:55.54923 Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) Hispania-Cosworth 1:55.82824 Vitantonio Liuzzi (It) Hispania-Cosworth 1:56.037Formula OneBritish Grand PrixSilverstoneFelipe MassaFerrariMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Webber claims pole in Barcelona
Webber finishes almost a second ahead of Hamilton Red Bull dominate first row of the gridMark Webber has claimed pole position for tomorrows Spanish Grand Prix. His Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel will line up second on the grid with McLarens Lewis Hamilton in third.It is the third time in five grands prix that Red Bull have filled the front row athis season. It is Webbers third pole position of his career and the lap that earned him his place on the grid, timed at 19.995 seconds was almost a second ahead of Hamilton, though Vettel was in close attendance .History is now on Webbers side as the last nine winners of this race at Barcelonas Circuit de Catalunya, and 12 of the last 13, have started from pole.In front of his adoring fans, Ferraris Fernando Alonso will start fourth, splitting the McLaren duo as the reigning champion and current title leader Jenson Button was fifth.Alonso, though, caused Mercedes Nico rosberg an anxious moment as he cut the German up in the pit lane. The Spaniard shot out of his garage for his opening run in Q3, forcing rosberg to brake sharply and prompt an immediate retort over the team radio as he snapped: "Alonso should get a penalty for that."Behind Button, and for the first time this season, a much happier Michael Schumacher finally managed to out-qualify team-mate rosberg. The seven-time champion, today fined 7,200 for two separate incidents of speeding in the pit line during practice, starts sixth compared to rosbergs eighth, with Renaults Robert Kubica separating the duo.Ferraris Felipe Massa was ninth, with Saubers Kamui Kobayashi breaking into the top 10 for the second time this season, and on merit as the previous occasion was in the rain-hit chaos in Malaysia.rosberg, apparently struggling to find the correct set-up with his car, had only just scraped into Q3, edging out Adrian Sutil by a tenth of a second, leaving the Force India driver to start 11th.Pedro de la Rosa equalled his best qualifying performance with 12th for Sauber, with the Spaniard ahead of Williams Nico Hulkenberg and Vitaly Petrov for Renault.However, in a rapidly-rebuilt car following an accident in final practice earlier today, Petrov will drop five grid places to 19th due to requiring a gearbox change.The Toro Rossos of Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari qualified 15th and 16th and the second Force India of Vitantonio Liuzzi 17th, but they will all move up a place tomorrow courtesy of Petrov.For the first time this season Rubens Barrichello failed to make it out of Q1, a major surprise as he had been targeting a place in the top 10, as achieved on two previous occasions this season.Below the 37-year-old Brazilian were the much-improved Lotus duo of Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen, followed by the Virgin Racing pair of Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi.At the rear, and on home soil, came Murcia-based Hispania Racing, with Karun Chandhok comfortably ahead of team-mate Bruno Senna. However, due to a technical infringement, Glock and di Grassi will start at the back of the grid - probably even the pit lane if they so decide - after incurring five-place penalties.Qualifying results for the Spanish grand prix1. M Webber, Red Bull2. S Vettel, Red Bull3. L Hamilton, McLaren4. F Alonso, Ferrari5. J Button, McLaren6. M Schumacher, Mercedes7. R Kubica, Renault8. N rosberg, Mercedes9. F Massa, Ferrari10. K Kobayashi, BMW Sauber11. A Sutil, Force India12. P de la Rosa, BMW Sauber13. N Hulkenberg, Williams14. V Petrov, Renault15. S Buemi, Toro Rosso16. J Alguersuari, Toro Rosso17. V Liuzzi, Force India18. R Barrichello, Williams19. J Trulli, Lotus20. H Kovalainen, Lotus21. T Glock, Virgin22. L di Grassi, Virgin23. K Chandhok, Hispania24. B Senna, HispaniaRed BullLewis HamiltonFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Button displays champion class to win Australian grand prix
Robert Kubica trails home in second, with Felipe Massa third Top six rounded off by Alonso, rosberg and Lewis HamiltonA majestic and ultimately unchallenged win for Jenson Button in his second race as a McLaren-Mercedes driver provided the climax to an Australian grand prix in which Formula One redeemed itself from the criticisms of the past fortnight. While the reigning world champions victory was the result of a shrewd tactical decision early in the race, behind him all sorts of drama took place from the first to the last of the 58 laps - including more overtaking manoeuvres than are sometimes seen in an entire season, thanks to the rain which fell in the early stages.By repeating last years victory for Brawn-Mercedes on this circuit, Button vindicated his controversial decision to leave the team with which he had won the title in order to join McLaren as Lewis Hamiltons team-mate. The cars of his old team, now racing under the Mercedes banner, came in fifth and 10th in the hands of Nico rosberg and Michael Schumacher, who must be wondering if his comeback was such a good idea after all.Robert Kubica took a meritorious second place after a calm drive in an incident-packed race, bringing his Renault home 12 seconds behind the winner and 2.4sec ahead of the Ferrari of Felipe Massa. The second Ferrari finished fourth in the hands of Fernando Alonso, just ahead of rosbergs Mercedes. Then came Hamilton, who drove a brilliant race after making two pit stops and was trying to overtake Alonso for fourth place with three laps to go when he was hit from behind by Mark Webber and lost time getting back on to the track.It was Buttons demand for an early tyre change that swung the race his way. After rain had fallen in the minutes before the start, all the drivers set off on grooved intermediate tyres. Sitting in sixth place and unhappy with the balance of his car, he called for a pit stop for slick tyres at the end of the sixth lap. Two laps later most of his rivals made the same change, followed on lap nine by Sebastian Vettel, who had led the race from pole position ahead of Webber, Massa, Kubica and rosberg, with Alonso down in 13th place after a spin on the first corner of the race.Vettel, who had commanded the first race of the season in Bahrain until hobbled by an engine problem, this time suffered a self-inflicted wound. Three corners from the end of lap 26, with a comfortable-looking lead of almost 5sec over Button, he lost control and skated off into the gravel, which held him fast and ended his race."This is a very special victory because Ive only been with this team for a short time," Button said afterwards. "Its taken me a little time to get to grips with a new car and to adapt inside the cockpit, but the team has been fantastic. The pit stop was my call. Its a lot easier for the driver to feel the conditions than the guys in the pits. It was the right call and Im very happy that I made it. Well take a lot from this. I feel Im building in confidence and hopefully we can do something similar in the next race."Formula OneJenson ButtonRichard Williams guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Schumacher aiming for Mercedes glory
Schumacher feels new W02 car is more suited to his style Brawn: We look forward to our drivers pushing each otherMichael Schumacher is convinced he will be back on the podium this season after today unveiling the new Mercedes car for the 2011 Formula One season.Schumachers comeback year last season, after retiring at the end of 2006, was one that did not quite go to plan, with his performances often drawing criticism.The feeling, however, is the new Mercedes car, the W02, has been built more to his liking and specification, and that at the very least he will be pushing at the front, if not challenging for his eighth world title.Certainly last season could not have been worse as not once did he finish in the top three, while his team-mate Nico rosberg scored 70 points more than the 42-year-old."Finally the waiting is over and things get started," said Schumacher. "For us drivers the break every year is hard to take because the gap between the last race and the first time out on track seems to be never-ending."Even if I have been involved and updated all winter on the developments, and even if I know the improvements are significant, it is still different to see the new car for the first time in front of you."You automatically build up this nice pre-start tension, so I very much look forward to the new season. We have said it several times already, but again we are really looking to build up something big together. I am very confident this season we will be standing on the podium much more regularly - ideally in the middle."The Mercedes team principal, Ross Brawn, believes a closer working relationship between the chassis and engine groups will yield greater dividends."The concept development for the car started early and we have set challenging targets for the design, combined with a robust plan to ensure the pace of development can continue throughout the long season," said Brawn."We have two excellent drivers in Michael and Nico, both of whom are capable of winning races in a good car, and we look forward to seeing them push each other and the development of the new Silver Arrow during the season."We want to be setting the standard right from the start, but if we are not, we will respond very strongly to get ourselves into the game."As for rosberg, following a season in which he outshone Schumacher and finished third on three occasions, like his compatriot wins are the undoubted aim now. "I am looking forward to having a much stronger season than last year and as always, our targets are aggressive," he said."We want to be competing at the front and challenging for race wins. Everyone at our factories in Brackley and Brixworth has worked extremely hard on the new car and we are all looking forward to seeing how it performs."Mercedes GPMichael SchumacherMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Webber takes pole in rain-hit Malaysia
Button qualifies for Malaysian GP in 17th with Hamilton 20th rosberg and Vettel qualify second and third, respectivelyLewis Hamiltons problems continued here today when he was eliminated in the first qualifying session for tomorrows Malaysian grand prix, which means he will start the race from near the back of the grid. But he was not the only big-name casualty as rain caused chaos among the teams. The Ferrari pair Fernando Alonso and Felipe Masse were also eliminated at the first hurdle while Hamiltons McLaren team-mate Jenson Button failed to make it into the top 10 after spinning off the track when 13th.But - as at Melbourne - it was McLaren and not Hamilton who was the more embarrassed at the end of the session. Like Ferrari they missed the opportunity to get an early lap in the bank, They were hoping that the rain would stop and the track would dry out. Instead, conditions got worse.Button said afterwards: "We read it wrong basically. We thought that first rain storm was it and there was nothing else coming so we waited, and it was obviously the wrong thing to do." Hamilton added: "It was treacherous out there. We were sliding around and aquaplaning everywhere. Of course with hindsight we would have gone out earlier, but hindsight is a wonderful thing ..."A bewildered Eddie Jordan told BBC viewers: "Im sorry, but there is no excuse for that from Ferrari and McLaren. I dont care what your strategy, put a lap in the bank."Australian Mark Webber will start the race in pole position in his Red Bull, alongside the Mercedes of Nico rosberg, with the other Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel in third.Leading positions after qualifying: 1 Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull 1min 49.327secs, 2 Nico rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP 1:50.673, 3 Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Red Bull 1:50.789, 4 Adrian Sutil (Ger) Force India 1:50.914, 5 Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) Williams 1:51.001, 6 Robert Kubica (Pol) Renault 1:51.051, 7 Rubens Barrichello (Bra) Williams 1:51.511, 8 Michael Schumacher (Ger) Mercedes GP 1:51.717, 9 Kamui Kobayashi (Jpn) BMW Sauber 1:51.767, 10 Vitantonio Liuzzi (Ita) Force India 1:52.254, 11 Vitaly Petrov (Rus) Renault 1:48.760, 12 Pedro de la Rosa (Spa) BMW Sauber 1:48.771, 13 Sebastien Buemi (Swi) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:49.207, 14 Jaime Alguersuari (Spa) Scuderia Toro Rosso 1:49.464, 15 Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) Lotus F1 1:52.270, 16 Timo Glock (Ger) Virgin Racing 1:52.520, 17 Jenson Button (Gbr) McLaren no time, 18 Jarno Trulli (Ita) Lotus F1 1:52.884, 19 Fernando Alonso (Spa) Ferrari 1:53.044, 20 Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) McLaren 1:53.050, 21 Felipe Massa Bra Ferrari 1:53.283, 22 Karun Chandhok (Ind) HRT-F1 1:56.299, 23 Bruno Senna (Bra) HRT-F1 1:57.269, 24 Lucas di Grassi (Bra) Virgin Racing 1:59.977.Formula OneMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Sebastian Vettel crashes out of practice for the Canadian Grand Prix
The world champion hit the infamous wall of champions Mercedes driver Nico rosberg fastest in sessionSebastian Vettel crashed into the "wall of champions" as yesterdays opening practice session at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve was red-flagged. The world champion and current championship leader hit the barrier at the infamously difficult final chicane as he attempted a flying lap on soft tyres and he had to sit out the last 30 minutes of the session."I hit the kerb, slid off the track and hit the wall. Im fine," he told his team over the car-to-pit radio.Those looking for an end to Vettels winning sequence will recall that he also crashed in practice in Turkey a month ago but went on to take pole position and the chequered flag.But when he crashed here three years ago he was unable to take part in qualifying. Yesterday he wrote off the right side of his car after colliding with the section of barrier which has been the downfall of a number of former champions.Mercedes showed a rare turn of speed, with Nico rosberg posting the fastest time, with his team-mate Michael Schumacher third. Fernando Alonso divided the Germans. Felipe Massa was fourth with McLarens Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton fifth and sixth respectively. The third British driver, Paul di Resta, was eighth in his Force India car.Both Hamilton and Button suffered technical problems. Hamilton lost the data on his steering wheel read-out and McLaren mechanics struggled to fix the problem.For the rest of the session Hamilton was unable to use the display which helps a driver change gear at the right time and had to rely on his "feel". Button, meanwhile, had problems with his DRS, which helps overtaking, and lost some straightline speed.Vettels team-mate, Mark Webber, was 12th in the listings, despite coming off the track at Turn Three. But it was Mercedes everyone was talking about after the opening skirmish. Their DRS system, which was talked up by Button on Thursday, was every bit as good as he predicted. Paul WeaverSebastian VettelFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Mark Webber sets fastest time in Belgian Grand Prix practice
Australian sets the pace at Spa-Francorchamps Button and Hamilton third and fourth at damp circuitMark Webber took the honours in another rain-hit practice session ahead of Sundays Belgian Grand Prix.In the initial 90 minutes only the Mercedes duo of Michael Schumacher and Nico rosberg were able to set times before the capricious nature of the regions weather took hold.The afternoon was a different story as the field enjoyed 55 minutes of relatively dry running at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit prior to the heavens again opening.Although it eased off and a number of cars returned to the track, the majority settled for their dry times which were never going to be troubled.Come the conclusion, Webber sat at the top of the timesheet with a lap of 1min 50.321sec, just 0.140sec clear of the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso.Such times, however, were over four seconds off Webbers pole lap of last year, clearly indicating all the top teams have more in their locker.The McLaren duo of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton were half a second adrift in third and fourth, both Britons only managing nine laps.Hamilton left it fashionably late before making his entrance, with his best time set on his only lap on the faster soft tyres moments before the rain came down.Further adrift, but still within a second of Webber, were Ferraris Felipe Massa and rosberg before a gap of almost 0.4sec to Saubers Sergio Perez.Behind the Mexican were the Force India pair of Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta, the former in the car to the annoyance of Adrian Sutil. Ordinarily reserve drivers take part in first practice, however, on this occasion Force India opted to reverse the order, leaving Sutil on the sidelines in the afternoon.That meant the German missed the only true dry running of the day to which he said: "It is not good for the performance to not be in the car. Its a bit disappointing what the team has done because its not good for the success. It was the only dry session we had and I missed it."The reigning world champion and current championship leader Sebastian Vettel was forced to settle for 10th spot, 1.469sec behind Webber, with Schumacher 11th.Mark WebberFormula OneMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Mercedes F1 boss Ross Brawn optimistic ahead of Valencia Grand Prix
Upgrade package and F1 street circuit should favour Mercedes Michael Schumacher looking forward to first experience of trackRoss Brawn believes Mercedes GP are a small step away from becoming race winners, despite the closest that last years Formula One world champions have come to a victory is the two third-place finishes from Nico rosberg in Malaysia and China.While team-mate Michael Schumacher has often faltered and appeared unconvincing on his return to F1 this season, rosberg has at least been consistent.The younger German has finished anywhere between third and seventh in all but one of the eight grands prix, earning plaudits for his performances.Team principal Brawn, however, knows it is time one of his drivers was standing on top of the podium, but is acutely aware the margins between such a position and out of the top three is small."With the new points system this year we are still within striking distance of the championship leaders and we will continue with our efforts to become more competitive," said Brawn."We have a number of the basics right and the difference between winning and losing is small. We need to close that difference."That may yet be this weekend as the team will be sporting a number of updates they hope will propel them closer to the front."Looking ahead to Valencia, the circuit is similar to Montreal in many ways with long straights connected by slow corners which should suit our car," added Brawn."We have an upgrade package which will be another good step in our development towards competing at the front of the field."The race is an unusual one for Schumacher as he ventures into the unknown in comparison to all his major rivals. The venue only appeared on the F1 calendar for the first time two years ago when Schumacher was still in retirement.The 41-year-old was due to make his comeback in Valencia last year with Ferrari, only for a long-standing neck injury to deny him the opportunity.Despite his lack of experience, the seven-times champion is ready to rise to the challenge, even if his performance in Canada gave rise to the suggestion he is a driver significantly off the pace."Valencia is a track I have never raced on before so it will be another new experience for me, but one I am looking forward to," said Schumacher."I have always been quite good in adapting quickly to new situations, and I strongly expect that to be the case in Valencia. I like going into new experiences like this and having detailed discussions with my engineers about the challenge."We will bring further updates for our car which should help to improve the performance."Formula OneMercedes GPMichael Schumacher guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Red Bull deny Webber crash claims
He took out rosberg but it was the wrong one, claimed Berger Its absurd to suggest that, retorts Red Bull principalRed Bull have angrily denied allegations that Mark Webber tried to take out a Formula One world championship rival when he crashed out of the Korean grand prix on Sunday.The dark suggestion had first been aired in the immediate aftermath of the race, in which Webber lost control of his car in the difficult conditions and then allowed it to roll back across the track, colliding with Nico rosbergs Mercedes.Yesterday Gerhard Berger, a former Ferrari and McLaren driver, said: "I dont understand why Webber didnt hit the brakes. It was crazy to roll back across the track like that."When Berger, 51 and a former co-owner of the second Red Bull team, Toro Rosso, was asked whether he thought Webbers move was deliberate, he claimed: "Yes, I think thats very clear. He goes off and he knows its over. In this moment youre frustrated and a thousand thoughts go through your head. Its very obvious, you can see his wheels are not locked up. Perhaps he had a brake problem, but I dont think so. He took out rosberg but it was the wrong one. I think in his mind he would have preferred [his main rivals, Fernando] Alonso or [Lewis] Hamilton."Last night the allegation was hotly denied by Christian Horner, Red Bulls team principal, who said: "As with every incident in Formula One, opinions will always be made without all the facts. Just to be absolutely clear - Marks intention was not to take out another driver after his crash in the Korean Grand Prix and its ridiculous to suggest otherwise."After Marks impact with the wall, it was clear on the TV and from the data that his car was badly damaged. However, the natural and immediate instinct of any competitive driver is not to give up and to keep going."In the atrocious conditions, Mark made the snap decision to continue as every driver would in that situation - its absurd to suggest that Mark would ever deliberately take out another driver. Mark accepted immediate blame for this incident, which in itself deserves credit."Fernando Alonso, with his third win in four races, now leads the title race by 11 points, with two races remaining. That places Red Bull under intense pressure, for with 14 pole positions in 17 races they have had the fastest car this season.Horner has bent over backwards in recent races to show that he has not favoured either driver. However, if he continues to be so even-handed it could hand the title to Ferrari and as Webber is 14 points ahead of team-mate Sebastian Vettle the logical solution would be to back the Australian.Mark WebberRed BullFormula OneMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Hamilton says McLaren will get it right
Briton has just been a bit unfortunate this season McLarens behind Alonsos Ferrari in Monaco practiceLewis Hamilton today dismissed the succession of misfortunes that have blighted the start to his Formula One season as he looked forward to this Sundays Monaco grand prix and said: "The driver with the biggest balls and the most talent generally should come out on top - if hes got the car."Hamilton, speaking in the spiritual home of gamblers and high rollers, chose to shrug aside notions of good and bad luck. "I dont feel Im at the point where I need to turn it around because what needs turning around is just my fortunes," he said. "Im not really someone who thinks about bad luck or good luck. Ive just been a bit unfortunate in certain situations. In the last race I dont think it was bad luck. It was a mistake we made as a team. Sometimes I make mistakes and sometimes the team make mistakes."Hamilton has, arguably, been the outstanding driver this season but he has been betrayed by poor pit-stop calls, qualifying mess-ups and mechanical failure. He is in sixth place in the drivers standings, behind his McLaren team-mate Jenson Button, Ferraris Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber of Red Bull, and Nico rosberg of Mercedes. His problems were summed up last Sunday in Barcelona when he drove a fine race only to crash out on the penultimate lap when his front left wheel failed.He said: "I think you can make your own luck. We just need to work together and make the right calls. We have the power in our hands. Its going to happen eventually. The pace we have had is fantastic. It was easily enough in the last race to take the challenge to Ferrari and to Vettel."Hamilton and Button had another ordinary day here , finishing well down the field in the practice sessions, both of which were led by Alonso. In the second session rosberg outperformed Michael Schumacher, who had the beating of his young team-mate in Barcelona.Hamilton has won in Monaco many times. "Its always been special for me," he said. "Growing up, it was always the one I looked forward to watching most. And then when I came here in 2005 I won both races in F3." Hamilton won a GP2 feature race in 2006 and won in 2008 on the way to the F1 world championship.Hamilton said: "Me and Dad have had paintings done, of different images around this track, of 2005, 2006 and 2008 - and I think 2007 - a painting of me coming out of the tunnel in all the different cars. They are at my dads house. He has everything at his house until I get my own house. His house is so overrun because I have so many trophies, pictures and paintings and all sorts that I have collected over the years. My Dads house is going to look really plain when I take them away. But, no, well share."Lewis HamiltonFormula OneMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Schumacher apologises to Barrichello
Barrichello furious at most dangerous manoeuvre ever I didnt want to endanger him ... Im sorry, says SchumacherMichael Schumacher has acknowledged that his controversial impeding manoeuvre against Rubens Barrichello at the Hungarian grand prix yesterday was too hard and has apologised to the Brazilian.Schumacher said on his website that after reviewing the incident he agrees with the stewards that the move was too hard. The seven-time champion says he had no intention of endangering the Williams driver and that he was "sorry" if Barrichello had that feeling."Right after the race I was still in the heat of the action," he said. "But after watching the moment again, I must say the stewards were right in their assessment: the manoeuvre against Rubens was too dangerous. I wanted to make it hard for him to pass me but I didnt want to endanger him with my manoeuvre. If he has this feeling I am sorry, this was not my intention.Barrichello described the move as "a go-kart manoeuvre", saying "it was the most dangerous manoeuvre against me I have ever known". Schumacher was penalised 10 places on the grid for the next Formula One race. Earlier, Ross Brawn, the team principal at Mercedes, defended Schumacher, claiming the punishment was "pretty tough", and suggesting that Barrichello, as a former team-mate of Schumacher, perhaps had an axe to grind."I dont think for a moment Michael was trying to put Rubens in the wall," said Brawn. "He was trying to discourage him from coming down the inside as he thought that was where he would be vulnerable. So he moved across to the inside to try and encourage Rubens to go around the outside."At the end of the day he gave him enough space. You can argue it was marginal, but it was tough racing. F1 is a tough business and these things happen in a fraction of a second."Asked whether the history between them had a bearing, Brawn added: "Certainly not from Michaels perspective. Michael didnt comment on that. I know Rubens has commented on the history between them, but Michael hasnt at all. It is obviously something that is paramount in Rubens mind."Brawn has vowed to take all reasonable steps to prevent a repeat of the other controversial incident in the race, when Nico rosberg lost his right rear tyre as he emerged back on to the pit lane following a stop for fresh rubber. The runaway tyre then rolled and bounced through the pit crews from other teams, knocking unconscious one of Williamss mechanics, Nigel Hope. With three wheels on his car, rosberg trundled his way to the end of the pit lane and had to retire for the first time this season.Brawn said: "It appears as the guy came off with the wheel gun it spat the wheel nut, but he didnt see it disappear. The guns are so quick and powerful now you dont see the nut travelling at the speed of light. So when he went back on and fired the gun he realised the nut was no longer there."He then went to grab the other gun, but the rear-jack guy thought he had finished, so dropped the car and away Nico went. We will clearly look at how we can prevent it happening again."Michael SchumacherFormula OneMercedes GPMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Lewis Hamilton revels in the rain in Korean Grand Prix practice
Briton leads second session with Button close behind Veteran Michael Schumacher fastest in first practiceLewis Hamilton topped the timings in Fridays second practice session ahead of the Korean Grand Prix, with both practice periods, the first headed by Michael Schumacher, conducted in wet conditions.Hamilton was 0.104secs ahead of his team-mate Jenson Button but both drivers were a full 1.7secs quicker than the rest of the field, led by Sebastian Vettel who took third place. The running may not yet, however, be truly indicative of real race-pace despite McLarens recent resurgence in form, as no dry laps were completed and the weather is expected to be dry on Saturday and Sunday.There was almost no activity for the first hour of free practice one until the major players came out for the final 30 minutes. Hamilton posted the first quick time but was soon overtaken by Toro Rossos Sebastien Buemi. The conditions remained very tricky on a wet and green track with numerous drivers struggling for grip, spinning or going off. Vettel, who himself ran wide on Turn 11, narrowly avoiding a wall, then did go quickest before Schumacher finished on top with a time of 2min 02.784secs.Despite a relatively dry spell in between sessions, the cars resumed in the wet, this time looking to maximise track-time, going out from the off. The Red Bulls of Vettel and Mark Webber led the way but were soon surpassed by Hamilton and Button, swapping fastest times on intermediate tyres, with the rain reoccurring throughout.Ferraris Fernando Alonso made a spirited effort to take third from the Red Bulls only to see Vettel reclaim it in the final third of the session but the world champion could manage only a lap of 1:52.646 to Hamiltons 1:50.828.Mercedess Nico rosberg, who collided with Jaime Alguersuari while going wide on turn one as the Toro Rosso exited the pit lane during the second session, called for the pit exit in Yeongam to be redesigned. rosberg lost his front wing in the incident."It would be worth reconsidering if the pit-exit couldnt be done a little bit differently," he said. "It was not great circumstances, it just all came together. He came out at the exact wrong moment."He admitted he had mistimed his braking, causing him to go wide but that there would not have been contact if the exit did not rejoin the track at that point."I just locked up a little bit. I couldnt have avoided him any more," he said. "I thought he was going to stop a little bit more to let me go through, but then he didnt and by the time I realised that, it was too late."Lewis HamiltonFormula OneFormula One 2011Motor sportGiles Richards guardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Button hails best victory for McLaren
Button leads Lewis Hamilton home in McLaren one-two Right tyre call again proves crucial for world championJenson Button was today celebrating his "best victory" after winning a thrilling Chinese grand prix, his second win in three races, to take the lead in the Formula One world championship. It was a one-two for McLarens British pair as Lewis Hamilton stormed to second place ahead of the Mercedes of Nico rosberg.While Button, the world champion, produced another smooth drive in the rain and led for most of the race it was another dramatic afternoon for the 2008 champion, Hamilton, who again had to carve his way through heavy traffic. He was reprimanded by stewards for dangerous driving, along with Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel, after their cars clashed in the pit-lane following a tyre stop."As far as Im concerned, I thought it was OK," said Hamilton. "The team were waiting for quite some time and they waited until it was the right time. But as I came out I noticed Sebastian was there - he was pushing me a little bit to the right and we touched wheels."Vettel blamed Hamilton for the incident. "At the stop I was ahead. I dont know why he pulled to the left and was keen to touch me," said the German. "His front wing was at my rear wheel. I hoped I didnt get a puncture from that - I dont really understand why he did that as I was a bit ahead of him and had the advantage. He didnt have to make contact."There were no complaints from Button after the ninth win of his career. As in his previous victory in Melbourne, he called his tyre stops right while Hamilton got it wrong after McLaren had let their drivers make the decision; Button made only two pit stops, Hamilton four. "For me it is my best victory," he said. "Every one you win becomes your best victory but this was pretty tough conditions."The good thing is our pace was very good today. It wasnt just the call of weather, it was good pace. At the end we were two seconds a lap quicker than other people."Staying on dry tyres was the right thing. You would not think it as it was raining quite a bit. We got a lot of grip from those tyres, we just had to be a little careful because every time you arrived at a corner it was in a different condition from the previous lap, either better or worse.It was definitely the right call and when the team called me in for inters that was the right call as well because the tyres had started graining."The two McLaren drivers embraced after the race and Hamilton, who was twice involved in thrilling overtaking manoeuvres to pass Michael Schumacher, seemed just as delighted. He said: "I am very happy that we have got a one-two and, hopefully, that is the first of many. It was definitely an exciting race."I just felt every time I made up places, somehow I would lose them again. It was a very, very hard race but I am very happy with the result. To climb up to second was a great result and I am very happy."rosberg finished third, as he had in Malaysia two weeks ago, and is second behind Button in the drivers standings. But it was another bad day for Schumacher, his team-mate, who was 10th.Jenson ButtonFormula OneLewis HamiltonMcLarenMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Webber fastest in Spanish GP practice
Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel lead for Red Bull McLarens Lewis Hamilton sixth, Jenson Button ninthMark Webber led his Red Bull team-mate, Sebastian Vettel, in a one-two finish in the opening session of Spanish Grand Prix practice on Friday. Webber, who won in Barcelona last year, set a quickest lap time of 1min 25.142sec at the Circuit de Catalunya.Vettel, who has won three of the seasons first four races, was more than a second behind Webber. The defending F1 champion was two-tenths of a second faster than the Mercedes driver Nico rosberg, while Fernando Alonso was fourth in front of his home fans as he celebrated a contract extension that ties him to Ferrari until the close of 2016. Alonsos best lap of 1:26.480 was more than two seconds quicker than that of his team-mate, Felipe Massa, who was 16th.The Mexican driver Sergio Perez was fifth with a lap of 1:26.954 for Sauber, ahead of McLarens Lewis Hamilton, who is the only driver other than Vettel to win a race this season. Hamilton had a best lap of 1:26.988; his team-mate, Jenson Button, was ninth in 1:27.138.First Practice Session1 Mark Webber, Australia, Red Bull, 1min 25.142sec, 27 laps.2 Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Red Bull, 1:26.149, 20.3 Nico rosberg, Germany, Mercedes, 1:26.379, 29.4 Fernando Alonso, Spain, Ferrari, 1:26.480, 27.5 Sergio Perez, Mexico, Sauber, 1:26.738, 26.6 Lewis Hamilton, Britain, McLaren, 1:26.988, 19.7 Michael Schumacher, Germany, Mercedes, 1:27.016, 32.8 Nick Heidfeld, Germany, Renault, 1:27.132, 21.9 Jenson Button, Britain, McLaren, 1:27.138, 22.10 Rubens Barrichello, Brazil, Williams, 1:27.212, 20.11 Vitaly Petrov, Russia, Renault, 1:27. 241, 22.12 Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, Toro Rosso, 1:27.471, 23.13 Pastor Maldonado, Venezuela, Williams, 1:28.005, 11.14 Nico Hulkenberg, Germany, Force India, 1:28.027, 26.15 Adrian Sutil, Germany, Force India, 1:28.163, 22.16 Felipe Massa, Brazil, Ferrari, 1:28.654, 28.17 Kamui Kobayashi, Japan, Sauber, 1:28.819, 23.18 Jaime Alguersuari, Spain, Toro Rosso, 1:28.995, 9.19 Heikki Kovalainen, Finland, Lotus, 1:29.231, 21.20 Jerome dAmbrosio, Belgium, Virgin, 1:30.896, 18.21 Timo Glock, Germany, Virgin, 1:31.235, 24.22 Tonio Liuzzi, Italy, HRT, 1:31.268, 23.23 Jarno Trulli, Italy, Lotus, 1:31.418, 12.24 Narain Karthikeyan, India, HRT, 1:32.106.Formula OneMark WebberSebastian VettelRed BullMotor sport guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Modified car raises Schumachers hopes
Schumacher shows form of old in Spanish grand prix qualifying Untouchable Red Bulls have McLarens Jenson Button worriedMichael Schumacher finally showed some of his old verve here today and the other 23 Formula One drivers looked as though they had seen a ghost.The seven-times world champion had looked distinctly ordinary in the first three races of the season following his three-year sabbatical, and even less than that in his last outing in Shanghai three weeks ago, which bordered on the embarrassing.But in the two practice sessions before Sundays Spanish grand prix he produced the third fastest time, behind the McLarens of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in the morning and the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber in the afternoon.Schumacher, 41, has finished behind his Mercedes team-mate Nico rosberg in all four races and been beaten 4-0 in the Saturday qualifying sessions. But now rosberg was back in sixth and seventh places. Practice sessions are notoriously misleading but it was a smiling and content-looking Schumacher who waved to the crowd after completing the second session in his modified car.It has a longer wheelbase and more downforce on the front end, which is the way the German likes to drive. "It is certainly feeling a lot more like a race car in my hands," he said. "In China, I didnt fully understand what was happening, but I have worked very well with my engineers and the team, and we have made some improvements to the car."Its not about confidence. It is about the car going where I want it to. There is a clear upward trend. I have stability to work the car to my needs and that is what I was looking for."If people say I look a lot happier and bouncier this weekend then that reflects where I was before. I have only had this car for a brief time in Rockingham but with the car right now, we have the ability to work it in the directions that I was looking for and that wasnt possible before."I am feeling a lot more confident in what the car is doing for me and it confirmed that what happened in China - whatever glitch it was - was something wrong with the car. Now we are back to normal."With an improved car, however, and one made to his specific requests by Ross Brawn, the man behind his title successes at Benetton and Ferrari, there is extra pressure on Schumacher. With the car he wants, more or less, it will be possible to strip him down like an errant engine and view his own failings with greater precision; the excuses are running out. No one will blame him, however, if he is beaten by the Red Bulls."We are still far, far behind Red Bull - as much as eight-tenths - and that is too much," he said. "Its a huge gap. On one hand, I feel much more comfortable in the car and it feels more like a racing car for me, but on the other hand, we are still a long way off Red Bull."In an interview earlier this week Schumacher said: "Im pretty much where I expected to be. Im not a dreamer who believes I can just cancel out three years, jump in and kick everybodys arse. That wasnt my idea. It will take time to feel as confident as I used to."Hamilton dominated the morning session and was more than half a second ahead of the second-placed Button, who like Schumacher was most impressed by the Red Bulls. "The Red Bulls look quick, whatever fuel they were running, which is a shame," Button said. "Its horrible to say but I think they might be untouchable this weekend for anyone."Michael SchumacherFormula OneMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]
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Vettel wins Malaysian grand prix
German and Australias Webber secure Red Bull one-two Hamilton and Button of Britain and McLaren six and eighthThe rain which had swept Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to the back of the grid on Saturday failed to return and give the McLaren drivers its blessing here today as the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber added reliability to their proven pace and took a memorable one-two.If the seasons first race, in Bahrain - a waste of a perfectly good desert - had suggested that Formula One was little more than a noisy swindle, and the second in Australia came as a wonderful redemption of the form, todays event was somewhere inbetween.For the first time in a week the rain, which would have thrown a spanner in everyones works and lent exhilaration to the torpor of the afternoon, failed to arrive. But the dry race was still more eventful than anyone could have expected, especially in its early stages, although little changed up front.Hamilton and Button once again proved that Britains got talent. Hamilton, who started the race 20th, charged up to 12th on the first lap and finished sixth. Button, 17th on the grid, finished eighth after a poor start, his best driving coming towards the end as he fought in the manner of a world champion to hold off a protracted assault from Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard passed the Briton on the penultimate lap, only to be immediately retaken and then drop out as a long plume of smoke blew from his engine like a smokers last sigh.Vettel, 22, who was the fastest man in Bahrain and Melbourne, only to be betrayed by his car on each occasion, fully deserved this sixth victory of his career. Starting in third, he swept past Nico rosbergs Mercedes and then nipped inside Webber to take the lead on the first corner.rosberg clung on to third to give the new Mercedes works team their first podium place while Renaults Robert Kubica produced another outstanding drive to come fourth and Force Indias Adrian Sutil survived pressure from Hamilton to finish fifth.The result meant that Felipe Massa, who finished seventh, took a two-point lead over Alonso and Vettel in the drivers championship, with Button and rosberg another two points behind, ahead of Hamilton in sixth. After three races they are nicely bunched. Michael Schumacher, however, had another disappointing afternoon, dropping out after eight laps.It was the hottest afternoon of the week and there was hot racing to match, especially from Hamilton, who made up eight places on the opening lap. He was warned for weaving after a compelling tussle saw him get past the Renault of Vitaly Petrov and he reached as high as second, though this was largely because he delayed his tyre change for 30 laps.Button came in early, at the end of the ninth lap, after his decision to start on the option tyre backfired. He looked short of rubber towards the end of the race. By that time he was coming under heavy pressure from Alonso, who had not changed his tyres until the end of the 36th lap but who then produced a series of fastest laps.Button had already been passed by Massa - who then charged off in pursuit of Hamilton - but he did manage to hold off the other Ferrari.All the action, though, took place behind the charging Red Bulls, who pulled away from rosberg. If Webber nurtured any hope of regaining the lead it was cruelly dashed when an airgun problem caused a delay in his pit stop and he lost 1.4 seconds on his rival.Further back in the field, Toro Rossos Jaime Alguersuari, who last year became the youngest driver to start a Formula One race, earned his first points with the best drive of his career, forcing his way past Nico Hulkenberg and Petrov to finish in ninth place.It was a difficult afternoon for Williams, after they had impressed in qualifying, and Lotus also had a disappointing time. But Virgin had a first race finish with Lucas Di Grassi nursing his undersized fuel tank over the line ahead of the two HRTs.Because the expected rain failed to fall, some viewed this race as an anticlimax. But it was better than that. Perhaps they should give a race to the even wetter Bangladesh or Papua New Guinea. Formula One, which historically has not been at the vanguard of political correctness, has probably even considered chopping down a rain forest to build a circuit.Drivers Championship: 1 F Massa (Br) Ferrari 39pts; 2 F Alonso (Sp) Ferrari 37; 3 S Vettel (Ger) Red Bull 37; 4 J Button (GB) McLaren 35; 5 N rosberg (Ger) Mercedes GP 35; 6 L Hamilton (GB) McLaren 31; 7 R Kubica (Pol) Renault 30; 8 M Webber (Aus) Red Bull 24; 9 A Sutil (Ger) Force India 10; 10 M Schumacher (Ger) Mercedes GP 9.Constructors Championship: 1 Ferrari 76pts; 2 McLaren 66; 3 Red Bull 61; 4 Mercedes GP 44; 5 Renault 30; 6 Force India 18; 7 Williams 6; 8 Toro Rosso 2; 9= BMW Sauber 0, Lotus 0, HRT-F1 0, Virgin Racing 0Formula OneMotor sportPaul Weaver guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More [detalii...]