INDIA in F1

Author: David Bodapati

  • Maldonado fastest again at Circuit de Catalunya; McLaren hit more trouble as power unit issues continue

    Motor Racing - Formula One Testing - Test Two - Day 3 - Barcelona, SpainBarcelone, 21 Feb 2015: Lotus’ Pastor Maldonado grabbed the limelight on the penultimate day of this week’s Barcelona test, the Venezuelan topping the timesheet with a lap of 1:24.348 set on Pirelli’s supersoft tyre compound.

    Maldonado’s best time, set midway through the afternoon session, put him three tenths clear of Toro Rosso rookie Max Verstappen, who also had used the supersoft compound in the morning session to seize P1.

    Both Verstappen and Maldonado enjoyed largely trouble-free runs, though Toro Rosso’s Dutch teenager did bring out the red flags in the final 20 minutes of the session stopping at the pit exit with a late clutch problem. Despite the setback the 17-year-old completed 129 laps of the Circuit de Catalunya – the day’s largest total – while Maldonado too broke century barrier, logging 104 laps.

    The same could not be said for troubled McLaren. On Thursday, the team was forced to abandon running due to a seal failure on the MGU-K of its MP4-20 and the team subsequently revealed it would not have access to a redesigned part until today. The setback didn’t appear to hamper Fernando Alonso yesterday, as the Spaniard got through 59 laps.

    However, despite installing a redesigned part today, Jenson Button’s running was interrupted for a long spell when the new seal failed. The team later stated: “After the morning session, we found similar issues to Thursday. We will resume testing this afternoon with limited power to the MGU-K.

    “A new, re-engineered seal is scheduled to arrive and will be applied later this evening.”

    Button completed just 12 laps in the morning and then only managed another nine in the afternoon before he had another stoppage at the end of the pit lane with 20 minutes left in the session.

    With Maldonado first and Verstappen second, third place on the timesheet went to Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton. The champions had another low-key outing in Barcelona today as it worked through long runs, but Hamilton’s pace throughout signals once again that the chasing pack may still have considerable ground to make up this season.

    Fourth on the timesheet was Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson. The Swiss team has a difficult morning as it worked to solve the gearbox issues that had caused it problems yesterday but once Ericsson took to the track the team had a solid outing, with the Swede putting 53 laps on the board for a best time of 1:26.340 – some 1.9s adrift of Maldonado’s showboating supersoft time.

    Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel finished the day in fifth place. The four-time champion was the first to bring out the red flags this morning, spinning into the gravel as he struggled for grip in the cold early morning conditions. Once back out Vettel worked through an unshowy programme of medium and long runs and eventually cracked the century mark to post 105 laps for the day.

    Red Bull Racing enjoyed another successful outing, with Daniil Kyvat working through a similar programme to that conducted by team-mate Daniel Ricciado yesterday. That meant a morning split into a sequence of untimed runs and pit stop practice, followed by short runs. Those laps in the run-up to the lunch break netted the Russian a best time of 1:26.589.

    In the afternoon Kvyat switched over to long runs and a full race simulation. That resulted in his morning time being his best of the day and it earned him sixth spot on the timesheet. He completed 111 laps.

    Williams had another inscrutable day. The team split driving duties, with Felipe Massa getting through 55 laps in the morning and Valtteri Bottas taking over in the afternoon. The Finn spent the bulk of his 49-lap afternoon running untimed laps and diving for the pit lane for pit stop practice. He eventually set a time shortly before chequered flag but it was only good enough for ninth place. Massa finished seventh just ahead of Pascal Wehrlein in the Force India.

    Lotus team adds: Pastor Maldonado returned to the wheel of the Lotus F1 Team E23 Hybrid for the third day of testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, setting the day’s fastest lap whilst he accomplished an extensive programme. Pastor’s quickest lap was a 1min 24.348secs, completed during the course of his 104 laps, comprising of various aero, tyre and performance simulations.

    Fast Facts:
    Track: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain, 4.7km
    Chassis: E23-02
    Weather: Cold and cloudy with sporadic rain. Ambient 8°C – 14°C Track 10°C – 20°C
    Programme: Tyre and aero assessments, performance simulations
    Laps Completed: 104
    Classification: P1, 1:24.348
    Interruptions: Aero evaluation equipment fitting and removal

    What’s Next?
    Romain Grosjean will get his first taste of the E23 Hybrid in Barcelona tomorrow.

    Pastor Maldonado:
    “We achieved a lot today and it was great to complete so many laps and end the day as the fastest car. Certainly, I feel much more confident in the E23 and we’re learning a lot about it with all the laps we’re completing. I’m able to push when needed and everything about the whole package feels a lot more together than last year, especially if you remember where we were in terms of performance and reliability during the pre-season in 2014. We still have a lot of work to do, but we’re making very good progress so we’re all very positive about the work being done.”

    Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director:
    “It was a productive day for us today. We chose to stay in the garage when it was damp outside yet we still managed to complete over a hundred laps. We’ve worked through a long checklist including aero and tyre assessments in the morning, then various performance assessments in the afternoons. Our aero work has been particularly productive and we’re showing good correlation with our wind tunnel and simulations.”

    Official timings courtesy FIA: Barcelona Test – Day Three
    1 Pastor Maldonado Lotus 1:24.348s 104 laps
    2 Max Verstappen Toro Rosso 1:24.739s 0.391s 129
    3 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:26.076s 1.728s 101
    4 Marcus Ericsson Sauber 1:26.340s 1.992s 53
    5 Sebastian Vettel Ferrari 1:26.407s 2.059s 105
    6 Daniil Kvyat Red Bull Racing 1:26.589s 2.241s 111
    7 Felipe Massa Williams 1:26.912s 2.564s 55
    8 Pascal Wehrlein Force India 1:27.333s 2.985s 81
    9 Valtteri Bottas Williams 1:27.556s 3.208s49
    10 Jenson Button McLaren 1:29.151s 4.803s 24

    eom/FIA press release

  • Daniel Ricciardo to race with the Number 1 for Wings for Life World Run Catch 35 locations around the world from Gurgaon

    Wings for Life World Run 2015- Dietrich Mateschitz and Daniel Ricciardo (1)Dietrich Mateschitz puts Daniel Ricciardo into Pole Position for the Wings for Life World Run on May 3, 2015.

    Bangalore, 20 Feb 2014: Red Bull and Wings for Life founder Dietrich Mateschitz recently surprised his young star by presenting him with the coveted number One, which he had personally reserved for him. “It was definitely a special moment and a huge surprise to me,” said Ricciardo. “I appreciate it a lot and am looking forward to being a part of the Wings for Life World Run on 3 May. I hope that as many people as possible take part to help find a cure for spinal cord injury.”

    For registration click. http://www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/in/en/#map-799

    In the world of motor sports, Daniel’s proven that he’s got it all: speed, wits and more than enough talent to help Infiniti Red Bull Racing achieve more success in the future. Now the up-and coming Formula One superstar from Australia is ready to tackle a challenge that will see him trying to evade a car, rather than chasing it down.

    Everyone taking part in the Wings for Life World Run – at the 35 locations around the world – will start at exactly at the same time with the aim of staying ahead of the ‘Catcher Car’. Rather than running towards a finish line, all athletes are gradually chased by the car, which increases its speed at given times. Once the car catches you, you have finished the race. The global winners are the last female and male athlete to be caught on one of the 35 tracks. Runners can also team up globally and challenge others, even world class athletes have already started their own teams.

    Registration is still open (in most countries). All entry fees and global donations raised through the Wings for Life World Run will go straight to Wings for Life, a non-profit spinal cord research foundation. Its mission is to find a cure for spinal cord injury. Since 2004, Wings for Life funds life-changing research projects and clinical trials around the globe. While the cure is still to be found, steady progress has been made. Every step taken at the Wings for Life World Run is a step in the right direction. Find out more at www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com.About Wings for Life

    About WFLWR: It’s estimated that 3,000,000 people worldwide are living with a spinal cord injury. Every year 130,000 more people sustain a spinal cord injury, followed by paralysis. Dedicated to find a cure for spinal cord injuries, Wings for Life is a non-profit research foundation established in 2004 by Dietrich Mateschitz and the two-time motocross world champion Heinz Kinigadner. In order to realise its vision, Wings for Life supports and finances world-class scientific research and clinical trials across the world aimed at healing the injured spinal cord. Moreover, it also facilitates the sharing of scientific knowledge. Wings for Life is supported by many global ambassadors including former Formula One driver David Coulthard, and Mark Webber.

    The world’s most unique running event is on its way again.

    So take part – set yourself a goal.

    Click here to register

  • Pastor Maldonado sets the pace at Barcelona test Day 1 ahead of Kimi

    Barcelona, 19 Feb 2015: Pastor Maldonado set the pace as Formula One’s second pre-season got underway in Barcelona, the Lotus driver setting a time of 1:25.011 to finish 0.156s ahead of Kimi Raikkonen.

    However, the Venezuelan had to bolt on a set of soft tyres to eclipse the Ferrari driver’s best effort set on medium compound rubber. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, was forced to quit the test after just 11 laps because of illness.

    Maldonado had an eventful outing at the Circuit de Catalunya, the Lotus driver twice bringing out the red flags in the morning. He ran more consi

    Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Lotus F1 E23. Formula One Testing, Day 1, Thursday 19th February 2015. Barcelona, Spain. A Lotus F1 team image
    Pastor Maldonado (VEN) Lotus F1 E23.
    Formula One Testing, Day 1, Thursday 19th February 2015. Barcelona, Spain. A Lotus F1 team image

    stently in the afternoon, however, and when he bolted on a set of soft tyres with an hour left in the session he shot to the top of the timesheet where he would remain.

    Raikkonen’s time of 1:25.167, set on softs, confirmed that the pace Ferrari showed at the opening test in Jerez has translated to the more representative Barcelona circuit and while Ferrari conducted few long runs in Jerez, Raikkonen today worked through some medium length double-digit runs to show that Ferrari have indeed taken a step forward over the winter.

    Over at champions Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton began the day brightly but after an hour and a half of running the team reported that would not be driving for the rest of the day, as he “felt unwell”.

    With Nico Rosberg present but under advice of doctors not to drive due an inflamed nerve in his neck, Mercedes were forced to recall reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein from Force India, where the DTM racer was driving the Silverstone outfit’s 2014 car.

    Wehrlein completed 32 laps for Force India before slotting into Mercedes’ WO5 for a first outing shortly before the lunch break. He would eventually set the day’s eighth and ninth fastest time for Force India and Mercedes respectively.

    Sergio Perez, meanwhile, was readying himself to take over Force India’s afternoon running. Perez would eventually claim the day’s fourth fastest time in last year’s VJM07, with a lap of 1:26.636.

    Another driver whose morning running was restricted was Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian completed just eight untimed laps in the first three hours of the session as the team struggled to fine-tune updates to its Renault power unit.

    Ricciardo’s first timed lap came soon after midday local time but he was then quickly into the lap time mix, if not the battle for lap total. By the end of the day the Red Bull driver had completed 59 laps, mostly made up of short runs, the best of which yielded a time of 1:25.547, set on soft tyres, for third place on the day’s timesheet.

    McLaren’s running was also brief. Jenson Button began in positive style, working through 21 trouble-free laps in the Honda-powered MP4-30, with his best lap less than a second off the morning’s best times.

    However, an issue with the seal on the MGU-K then forced the Briton back to the McLaren garage and after a lengthy investigation the team confirmed that because repairs would require the replacement of the power unit Button would not run again.

    The problems worsened, however, when Honda’s F1 chief Yasuhisa Arai revealed that the manufacturer will need to redesign the component won’t be available until Saturday, meaning that Fernando Alonso could encounter a similar problem tomorrow.

    “We’ll need to run a re-designed component to avoid a potential repeat of the problem,” said Arai. “Unfortunately, we won’t be in possession of that updated part until Saturday, which means that we may face the same problem when we run again tomorrow.”

    The morning’s lap total award went to Williams’ Susie Wolff, the Scottish driver racking up 77 trouble-free laps by the time the lunch break arrived.

    However, after her successful morning, Wolff’s running was interrupted shortly after the lunch break, with 83 laps on the board. The Williams driver and Sauber’s Felipe Nasr collided on the entry to Turn 5 with both being pitched into the gravel traps. It appeared that the Brazilian drive clipped the front left wheel of the Williams as Wolff worked her way round the circuit on a slow lap.

    Nasr was able to return to the fray despite his Sauber shipping heavy damage, losing a rear wheel and the rear wing. After extensive repairs he return to track action with half an hour left on the clock though he was unable to improve on his best time of 1m27.307s, which left him fifth on the timesheet. He then had a late technical problem which brought out the red flags in the closing moments of the session.

    Wolff, meanwhile, was also able to rejoin the action, though with just 12 minutes remaining in the session.

    However, while she managed an impressive 86 laps over the course of the two sessions the time lost due to Wolff’s collision meant that the day’s lap total award went to Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen. The 17-year-old put in 94 laps and finished sixth on the timesheet showing that the power unit issues affecting Red Bull Racing do not seem to be hindering its sister team.

    Barcelona Test – Times
    1 Pastor Maldonado Lotus 1:25.011s 69
    2 Kimi Raikkonen Ferrari 1:25.167s  +0.156 74
    3 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing 1:25.547s  +0.536 59
    4 Sergio Perez Force India 1:26.636s  +1.625 34
    5 Felipe Nasr Sauber 1:27.307s  +2.296 79
    6 Max Verstappen Toro Rosso 1:27.900s  +2.889 94
    7 Jenson Button McLaren 1:28.182s  +3.171 21
    8 Pascal Wehrlein Force India 1:28.329s  +3.318 32
    9 Pascal Wehrlein Mercedes 1:28.489s  +3.478 48
    10 Susie Wolff Williams 1:28.906s  +3.895 86
    11 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:30.429s +5.418 11

    eom/FIA press release

  • Pascal Wehrlein to test with Sahara Force India in Barcelona

    Silverstone, 18 Feb 2015: Sahara Force India is pleased to announce that Pascal Wehrlein will drive for the team at the upcoming testing session in Barcelona, Spain beginning on 19 February. The 20-year-old German, who is the official reserve driver of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and a works Mercedes AMG DTM driver, will spend two days behind the wheel of the team’s 2014 car, the VJM07.
    Sahara Force India’s testing programme will focus primarily on evaluation of the 2015 Pirelli tyres. The test will also provide the opportunity for Pascal to continue his Formula One learning and build on the strong performance he showed with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS at the season-ending test in Abu Dhabi last year.
    The test in Barcelona marks the beginning of Pascal’s association with Sahara Force Indiawith the Mercedes-Benz junior driver also scheduled to participate in two in-season tests.
    Pascal will drive the VJM07 on Thursday and Saturday. Sergio Perez will drive on Friday and Nico Hulkenberg on Sunday. Given the team’s current build schedule, the VJM08 is now expected to make its debut at the second Barcelona test scheduled to begin on 26 February.
    Pascal Wehrlein: “I am very happy that Sahara Force India has offered me the opportunity to drive their car for two days at the official test in Barcelona and that Mercedes-Benz has supported me to make this happen. As a young driver, any time youcan spend in the car is extremely important and you can learn a lot. I know the simulatoralready, but I don´t have much experience on the track. My first goal in Spain will be to do a great job together with the team, to learn as much as possible and to give good feedback to the engineers. I have already driven the world champion Mercedes-Benz F1 W05 Hybrid and the comparison with Sahara Force India will be very exciting for me: the way the team works, how they improve the car and handle problems – all this will help meto gain experience and to reach the next level in my development. Everybody knows that lap times only play a secondary role when you’re testing. But of course I want to be as competitive as possible. Sahara Force India performed very strongly last season and Ihope I will be able to make a small contribution to push the team forward and be ready for the opening race in Melbourne.”
    Dr Vijay Mallya, Team Principal and Managing Director: “I’m pleased to give Pascal a chance to work with us in Barcelona. He’s an exciting young talent who has already proved he has what it takes to be successful at the highest level in motorsport. As a reserve driver for Mercedes-Benz, he’s clearly destined for a career in Formula One and I’m sure the test will be a positive experience on both sides. Being able to call upon Pascal for testing duties is also a clear demonstration of our strong working relationship with our engine partner, Mercedes-Benz, and I thank them for their collaboration.”
    eom/Sahara Force India Press Release

    File photo of Sahara Force India team interview area in Sepang, KL, 2012
    File photo of Sahara Force India team interview area in Sepang, KL, 2012

  • Ogier clinches thrilling victory after a sensational three-way battle: WRC Round 2 Rally Sweden

    Rally Sweden goes down to the wire with a sensational three-way battle for honours between Ogier, Neuville and Mikkelsen

    SUN 15.02.15, 5:05PM
    In a thrilling final stage showdown, reigning FIA World Rally Champions Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia clinched victory in Rally Sweden, the second round of the series. The duo were locked in a three-way battle for outright honours during the day, but overhauled overnight leaders Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul to claim the win by 6.4 seconds. Volkswagen team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Floene looked set to take their first-ever WRC victory, leading by three seconds going into the final stage. However, the Norwegians spun, lost over 40 seconds and dropped from first to third.
    In the FIA World Rally Championship, Ogier has extended his lead and takes a 23 point advantage into the first gravel round of the season in three weeks’ time. Neuville and Mikkelsen are equal on points behind the Frenchman with Jari-Matti Latvala in fourth. In the Manufacturers’ Championship, two victories from two events keeps Volkswagen Motorsport at the top of the leaderboard, albeit only 13 points ahead of Hyundai Motorsport.
    Today’s route covered just three stages and 46.74 competitive kilometres but the scene was set for an epic battle to the finish line. With the leading trio split by less than 10 seconds last night, there was everything to play for as the crews powered their cars over the frozen snow-covered forestry stages. Neuville, who led by a mere 1.5 seconds last night, hit problems in the first stage when the driver/co-driver intercom failed and he hit a snow bank and lost his lead to Mikkelsen. He was then overhauled by Ogier in the following stage and the trio went into the final live television stage split by just 4.6 seconds, Mikkelsen with the advantage. Flat-out, Ogier claimed the Power Stage victory when Mikkelsen spun, sealing him the Rally Sweden win in this final stage.
    Behind the podium battle, Ott Tanak claimed a fine fourth. The Estonian struggled early in the event but gained in confidence stage by stage and moved from fifth to fourth this morning when Mads Østberg spun following a problem with the handbrake. He finished 10th. New Zealander Hayden Paddon also put in an impressive performance to take fifth – his best WRC result – and Elfyn Evans won the battle with Kris Meeke to take sixth overall. Their close fight came to an end when Meeke hit a snowbank in the final stage. Martin Prokop was happy to claim eighth – despite a half roll this morning – ahead of Yuriy Protasov.
    In the FIA WRC 2 Championship, Jari Ketomaa and Kaj Lindstrom took honours in their Ford Fiesta R5, and Ole Christian Veiby and Anders Jaeger won the FIA WRC 3 Championship category in a Citroën DS 3.
    The third round of the FIA World Rally Championship takes the contenders to the Americas and the oxygen-sapping mountains of Rally Guanajuato Mexico (5-8 March).
    Rally Sweden – Final Unofficial Results (subject to scrutineering)
    1.   Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2hr 55min 30.5sec
    2.   Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul Hyundai i20 WRC 2hr 55min 36.9sec
    3.   Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Floene Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2hr 56min 10.3sec
    4.   Ott Tanak/Raigo Molder Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2hr 57min 56.5sec
    5.   Hayden Paddon/John Kennard Hyundai i20 WRC 2hr 59min 02.0sec
    6.   Elfyn Evans/Daniel Barritt Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2hr 59min 23.5sec
    7.   Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle DS 3 WRC 2hr 59min 36.3sec
    8.   Martin Prokop/Jan Tomanek Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2hr 59min 56.5sec
    9.   Yuriy Protasov/Pavlo Cherepin Ford Fiesta RS WRC 3hr 01min 02.7sec
    10. Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson DS 3 WRC 3hr 02min 21.4sec

     

    FIA World Rally Championship for Drivers (after 2 of 13 rounds)
    Sébastien Ogier (FRA) 53 points
    Thierry Neuville (BEL) 30 points
    Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) 30 points
    Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) 19 points
    Mads Østberg (NOR) 14 points
    Elfyn Evans (GBR) 14 points
    Ott Tanak 12 points
    Hayden Paddon 10 points
    Kris Meeke (GBR) 10 points
    Dani Sordo (ESP) 8 points
    Martin Prokop (CZE) 6 points
    Sébastien Loeb (FRA) 6 points
    Yuriy Protasov (UKR) 2 points
    FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers (after 2 of 13 rounds)
    Volkswagen Motorsport 68 points
    Hyundai Motorsport 55 points
    M-Sport World Rally Team 32 points
    Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team 20 points
    Volkswagen Motorsport II 15 points
    Jipocar Czech National Team 10 points
    FWRT srl 1 point
    Hyundai Motorsport N 1 point

  • Three-way fight to the Swedish finish: WRC Second Round Rally Sweden

    Rally Sweden 2015Split by less than 10 seconds, Thierry Neuville, Andreas Mikkelsen and Sebastien Ogier have set the scene for a sensational fight for victory in Rally Sweden

    Vargasen (Sweden), 14 Feb 2015:
    Hyundai i20 WRC driver Thierry Neuville catapulted himself into the lead of Rally Sweden this evening and heads a thrilling three-way battle for victory in the second round of the FIA World Rally Championship. The young Belgian is a mere 1.5 seconds ahead of Andreas Mikkelsen, who lost his lead on the final stage, while Volkswagen team-mate Sébastien Ogier – who was expected to mount a big come-back today – is third, a further 8.1 seconds adrift.
    Today’s route was more familiar to the crews and took them over two identical loops of four stages split by a mid-day service in Hagfors. Neuville, second last night, has been pushing hard all day, despite being handicapped by the weight disadvantage of running with two spare wheels when his rivals only had one. However, it was this that ultimately powered him into the lead, as he was able to use fresh rubber in the final stage to claim his second fastest stage time and the overall advantage. Mikkelsen has been impressive too, but the Norwegian’s two mistakes during the day saw his lead increase and decrease in equal measures. An encounter with a ditch as well as a spin enabled Ogier to close the gap but the reigning World Champion struggled with the road conditions at the front of the field this afternoon and was unable to mount a serious assault on the lead. The three Hyundai and Volkswagen drivers are however split by just 9.6 seconds this evening and have set the scene for a great battle over Sunday’s closing three stages and 46.74 competitive kilometres
    Behind the leading trio, Mads Østberg suffered early disappointment when he ran wide, hit a bank and sustained a puncture in the opening stage, dropping himself behind Ogier into fourth position and out of the intense fight for the podium positions. He is 35.8 seconds ahead of fifth placed Ott Tanak and Hayden Paddon has held off Martin Prokop to maintain sixth. Prokop had a bad landing on the nose of the car this afternoon but has otherwise escaped unscathed. Elfyn Evans has had another improving day and the Welshman has moved from 10th last night to eighth, also benefiting with a more advantageous road position. Kris Meeke has similarly had a better day and also set his first-ever fastest stage time on snow. He is ninth but ready to overhaul the four-tenths of a second deficit to Evans. Yuriy Protasov rounds off the top 10, the Ukrainian having been off the road earlier in the day.
    Rally Sweden – Unofficial Results after Section 6
    1.  Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul Hyundai i20 WRC 2hr 29min 54.5sec
    2.   Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Floene Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2hr 29min 56.0sec
    3.   Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia Volkswagen Polo R WRC 2hr 30min 04.1sec
    4.   Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson DS 3 WRC 2hr 30min 47.9sec
    5.   Ott Tanak/Raigo Molder Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2hr 31min 23.7sec
    6.   Hayden Paddon/John Kennard Hyundai i20 WRC 2hr 32min 30.2sec
    7.   Martin Prokop/Jan Tomanek Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2hr 32min 57.6sec
    8.   Elfyn Evans/Daniel Barritt Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2hr 33min 16.6sec
    9.   Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle DS 3 WRC 2hr 33min 17.0sec
    10. Yuriy Protasov/Pavlo Cherepin Ford Fiesta RS WRC 2hr 34min 14.1sec

  • Norway’s day – Mikkelsen/Fløene lead the Rally Sweden with Volkswagen

    A day out in Norway proved to be a great day for the Norwegians – Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene top the overall standings after day one of the second round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Having completed the only special stages on the WRC calendar in their native Norway, and with them 126 of the Rally Sweden’s 308 kilometres against the clock, the Volkswagen pair finds itself 19.1 seconds clear of second-placed Thierry Neuville (Hyundai) and a further 0.3 seconds ahead of Mads Østberg (Citroën). However, the battle for the podium positions was dominated by the Volkswagen duos for long stretches of the leg. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) moved into the lead on stage two of the rally, a position they held on to until a matter of kilometres before the end of day one – they became caught up in a snow bank on the ninth special stage “Torsby” and remained stationary for a short time. As such, they now trail their team-mates Mikkelsen/Fløene by 24.7 seconds going into Saturday’s stages, but are still well within striking distance of the front-runners.
    The dream of a fourth victory in Sweden also came to an abrupt and premature end for Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila on the “Torsby” special stage. They had just moved into the virtual lead when they crashed off the road just a few hundred metres from the end of the stage, dropping just short of nine minutes as they struggled to get the car back onto the route. The Finnish duo had previously won “Finnskogen” on the first loop of the day, and in doing so presented the Polo R WRC with its 350th stage win in 504 special stages. In total, Volkswagen has now clocked the fastest time on 354 of the 510 stages it has contested since joining the World Rally Championship in 2013.

    Volkswagen is currently unbeaten with the Polo R WRC at the Rally Sweden. In 2013, Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia claimed the maiden victory for the World Rally Car from Wolfsburg. One year later it was the turn of Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila, who won a thrilling duel with team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen/Mikko Markkula.
    Quotes after day one of the Rally Sweden
    Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
    “To put a positive spin on it: it was certainly not a boring day for Julien and me. It was one with highs and lows. Everything ran superbly in the morning: we went flat out and the conditions were perfect. The 18-kilometre ‘Röjden’ stage was particularly fantastic to drive. You enjoy every metre in the cockpit on a stage like that. Things did not run quite so smoothly for us on the second loop in the afternoon. First the windscreen wiper stopped working. Then, in our efforts to repair it, we forgot to fasten the bonnet down, which resulted in the windscreen taking a battering later on. And on the ninth stage I slid into a snow bank in a slow corner. I just braked too late. By the time you put all those set-backs together, we had lost the lead. However, the rally is far from over. Anyone who knows Julien and me knows that we will keep on fighting to the very end.”

    Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
    “I am very disappointed. I was just too quick and thought I had more grip. As it turns out, I didn’t. The rear of the car got caught in a snow bank in the corner, and I then skidded into a ditch. Nothing happened to our Polo. I’d like to thanks all the fans on the route again. Without their fantastic and quick help, we would never have got out. I must now try to finish the rally in a decent fashion.”

    Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
    “It is fantastic to be leading the Rally Sweden after the special stages in Norway. However, it does come as a bit of a surprise. We did not find our rhythm straight away today. Only in the afternoon did things pan out as we had envisaged. The fans in Norway cheered us on furiously, and gave us an extra boost of motivation. It is nice to be able to present them with this result after day one, even though we did benefit from our team-mates’ misfortune. And, it is only the lead after day one. We still have a lot of work to do and must continue to drive intelligently if we are to convert it into something that counts. There is still a long way to go to the finish, and I am certain my team-mate Sébastien Ogier, Mads Østberg and Thierry Neuville will not give in without a fight.”

    Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
    “Dream conditions, an all-Volkswagen three-way battle for the lead for much of the day, and the kind of drama Sweden is renowned for. As a fan, what more can you ask for? To be honest, I personally would not have had anything against it remaining a Volkswagen one-two-three at the end of the day. All three Volkswagen drivers performed fantastically today, and set the pace together for a long time. However, both Jari-Matti Latvala and Sébastien Ogier were unlucky to get caught up in a snow bank and lose time. That is all part and parcel of the Rally Sweden. Andreas Mikkelsen leads the rally – I am extraordinarily pleased about that, and it is richly deserved. However, Sébastien Ogier is still in with a chance of winning, as are our rivals at Hyundai and Citroën. There is no doubt about it: the next two days are going to be exciting.”

    And then there was …
    … a remarkable comparison. Thanks to the ‘Sweden Spikes’ provided by tyre partner Michelin, the grip generated by the World Rally Cars is greater on the ice and snow than it is on a typical gravel rally. Last year the three Polo R WRCs took an average 124.87 metres to accelerate from nought to 100 km/h at the start of each stage at the Rally Argentina. In contrast, it took an average of just 107.32 metres to hit the same speed on Friday at the Rally Sweden.

    FIA World Rally Championship (WRC),
    Rally Sweden – Results
    Thursday,
    12 February 2015    		 km #1
    Ogier/
    Ingrassia    		 #2
    Latvala/
    Anttila    		 #9
    Mikkelsen/
    Fløene
    Mikkelsen and Floene lead after Day 1 of Sweden Rally. A Volkswagen Motorsport image
    Mikkelsen and Floene lead after Day 1 of Sweden Rally. A Volkswagen Motorsport image
    SS 01S Karlstad I 01.90 P07
    (+ 1.1s)    		 P03
    (+ 0.4s)    		 P05
    (+ 0.7s)
    Overall classification P07
    (+ 1.1s)    		 P03
    (+ 0.4s)    		 P05
    (+ 0.7s)
    Friday,
    13 February 2015    		 km #1
    Ogier/
    Ingrassia    		 #2
    Latvala/
    Anttila    		 #9
    Mikkelsen/
    Fløene
    SS 02 Torsby I 14.76 P01 P02
    (+ 2.7s)    		 P05
    (+ 8.6s)
    SS 03 Röjden I 18.73 P01 P05
    (+ 5.8s)    		 P02
    (+ 2.2s)
    SS 04 Finnskogen I 20.76 P02
    (+ 1.6s)    		 P01 P03
    (+ 4.6s)
    SS 05 Kirkenær I 07.07 P01 P02
    (+ 2.9s)    		 P04
    (+ 6.2s)
    SS 06 Kirkenær II 07.07 P08
    (+ 8.0s)    		 P02
    (+ 2.2s)    		 P05
    (+ 4.1s)
    SS 07 Finnskogen II 20.76 P04
    (+ 2.3s)    		 P01 P03
    (+ 2.2s)
    SS 08 Röjden II 18.73 P04
    (+ 4.1s)    		 P06
    (+ 6.0s)    		 P01
    SS 09 Torsby II 14.76 P20
    (+ 38.6s)    		 P41
    (+ 8m 36.5s)    		 P02
    (+ 1.0s)
    SS 10S Karlstad II 01.90 P01 P07
    (+ 1.5s)    		 P06
    (+ 1.4s)
    Overall classification P04
    (+ 24.7s)    		 P23
    (+ 8m 27.0s)    		 P01

  • Mikkelsen leaps into Swedish lead; Ogier-Latvala hit a snow bank

    The Rally Sweden leaderboard sees Volkswagen, Hyundai and Citroen world rally cars in a tight battle for honours on one of the most spectacular rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship
    FRI 13.02.15, 8:08PM
    Volkswagen Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen leapt up the Rally Sweden leaderboard late this afternoon after team-mates Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala both went off in the same stage. The Norwegian climbed from third to first in the penultimate stage of the day and heads Hyundai i20 WRC driver Thierry Neuville by 19.1 seconds. In a neck and neck fight, Mads Østberg in the DS 3 WRC is just three tenths of a second further adrift after 10 of the 21 scheduled stages.
    Rally Sweden got underway last night with the now traditional super special stage at the Karlstad trotting track and Sweden’s own Pontus Tidemand was a popular winner of this short 1.9 kilometre test in his Ford Fiesta RRC. Today, however, the crews headed into the snowy forests for two identical loops of four stages – three largely based in Norway – before returning to Karlstad for the second and final run around the super special stage. Ogier immediately powered into the lead and by the mid-day re-group, three victories from the first four stages helped him build up a 9.1 second advantage over Latvala. This afternoon, however, the Frenchman lost time with intermittent windscreen wipers and, while trying to fix the problem on a road section, the crew failed to secure the bonnet and were forced to slow in stage 7 when it flew up and cracked the windscreen. While Ogier’s lead over Latvala diminished, the Frenchman remained in control until hitting a snow bank in the final forestry stage, dropping him nearly 40 seconds and three positions. Latvala, winner of two stages, had been matching Ogier’s pace but he too went off the road in the same stage, getting stuck in a ditch and losing over eight minutes and potentially the lead. He plummeted to 23rd as a consequence and team-mate Andreas Mikkelsen – another stage winner – found himself heading the leaderboard of Rally Sweden.
    Neuville has climbed from fifth, his improving pace throughout the day being rewarded with a stage win in SS9, but the Belgian and Citroën’s Mads Østberg are in the thick of a battle. Ogier is also only a further 5.3 seconds adrift and behind him, Ott Tanak is fifth in the lead Fiesta RS WRC. The Estonian went off the road in the first stage and his team-mate Elfyn Evans has struggled with confidence and is 10th overall. Hayden Paddon is sixth after a trouble-free day and he heads Martin Prokop, Yurii Protasov and Henning Solberg. After a fine showing during yesterday’s shakedown, Robert Kubica overshot a junction this morning and then plummeted down the leaderboard with a broken propshaft this afternoon.
    Rally Sweden – Unofficial Results after Section 4
    1.   Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Floene Volkswagen Polo R WRC 1hr 14min 03.6sec
    2.  Thierry Neuville/Nicolas Gilsoul Hyundai i20 WRC 1hr 14min 22.7sec
    3.   Mads Østberg/Jonas Andersson DS 3 WRC 1hr 14min 23.0sec
    4.   Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia Volkswagen Polo R WRC 1hr 14min 28.3sec
    5.   Ott Tanak/Raigo Molder Ford Fiesta RS WRC 1hr 15min 09.8sec
    6.   Hayden Paddon/John Kennard Hyundai i20 WRC 1hr 15min 40.7sec
    7.   Martin Prokop/Jan Tomanek Ford Fiesta RS WRC 1hr 16min 04.1sec
    8.   Yurii Protasov/Pavlo Cherepin Ford Fiesta RS WRC 1hr 16min 15.0sec
    9.   Henning Solberg/Ilka Minor Ford Fiesta RS WRC 1hr 16min 21.8sec
    10. Elfyn Evans/Daniel Barritt Ford Fiesta RS WRC 1hr 16min 53.2sec

  • Winterproof – Volkswagen raring to go at the Rally Sweden after Shakedown

    Karistad (Sweden), 12 Feb 2015: Volkswagen finished first, fifth and sixth fastest in the Shakedown ahead of the Rally Sweden. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassi

    Sebastian Ogier and Julien Ingrassia at the Shakedown in Kristad, Sweden on Thursday. A Volkswagen Motorsport image.
    Sebastian Ogier and Julien Ingrassia at the Shakedown in Karistad, Sweden on Thursday. A Volkswagen Motorsport image.

    a (F/F) were the fastest duo on the 4.30-kilometre “Råda” stage, which was used for the FIA World Rally Championship’s (WRC) free practice. They were followed by Robert Kubica (M-Sport-Ford), Mads Østberg and Kris Meeke (Citroën), as well as Volkswagen team-mates Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene (N/N) and Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN). Without having to look after the so-called Sweden spikes, the top drivers completed at least four runs – sometimes up to seven – with every attempt quicker than the previous run. On the whole, conditions improved with every World Rally Car, as they swept the snow and slush from what at the start of the day were icy, snow-covered roads.
    The Rally Sweden is the second round of the season in the 2015 World Rally Championship. The only rally on the calendar to be held entirely on snow and ice officially gets underway this evening with a 1.90-kilometre stage on the racecourse in Karlstad.

    Quotes after the Shakedown at the Rally Sweden
    Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
    “Ice and snow are some of my very favourite conditions, so I am glad to be back in Sweden again. The roads were in perfect condition when we did the ‘Recce’. Unfortunately it has warmed up a little, and you could really notice this on the Shakedown. When it starts to thaw, the conditions become very slippery and far from easy. For this reason, I hope it freezes over again during the night. If so, the fans can look forward to a spectacular rally. The fiercest opposition will certainly come from the Nordic drivers like Østberg, Tänak and, of course, my team-mates Jari-Matti and Andreas. Julien and I are feeling just as good as our Polo R WRC coming into this event.”
    Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
    “The Shakedown went perfectly. Our Polo feels good and the conditions are top-class, despite the rise in temperature. The competition will be fierce. Not just from our own team. You cannot afford to underestimate anyone, particularly Mats Østberg and Ott Tänak. And it goes without saying that you have to take the starting order into account. Winning here for the fourth time would certainly be very special for me. However, we have a long way to go before then.”
    Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
    “That was the first time that I have completed the Shakedown stage here at full speed. In previous years we have always had to look after the tyres, but this time we had access to a set of spikes specifically for the Shakedown. The walls of snow along at the sides of the road are particularly high this time, so the route was very narrow. It was anything but easy out there, but this made it a good warm-up for the coming days. Unfortunately you could also see how the conditions were improving with every car.”
    Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director
    “Everybody in the WRC circus loves the Rally Sweden, as it is truly one of a kind. This is the only place you get to plough full-speed through the snow-covered forests on studded tyres. And this year the drivers, teams and spectators can look forward to a particularly beautiful edition of this classic. There is a thick layer of ice on the stages, which are nestled in a perfect winter wonderland. However, today’s Shakedown also showed us that the conditions can change quickly when the temperatures rise. Whatever happens, we will do our best to remain unbeaten here in Sweden with the Polo R WRC.”

    FIA World Rally Championship (WRC),
    Rally Sweden – TV broadcast
    Western Europe
    Andorra (Canal +); Austria (ORF, Servus TV, Sport1, N-TV, LAOLA1.tv); Belgium (Canal +, RTBF); Denmark (Viasat); Europe (MOTORS TV); Finland (YLE, Nelonen); France (Canal +, France TV, Léquipe 21); Germany (Sport1, N-TV, Servus TV, LAOLA1.tv, Sky); Greece (OTE); Italy (RAI, Fox Sports, Dinamica); Ireland (BT Sport); Lichtenstein (N-TV, Sport1, Servus TV); Luxembourg (Canal +, N-TV, Servus TV, Sport1); Israel (Charlton); Monaco (Canal +, France TV, Léquipe 21); Netherlands (RTL7); Norway (VIASAT); Portugal (Sport TV, RTP); Slovakia (Sport 5); Spain (Canal +, TVE, TV3); Sweden (SVT); Switzerland (Canal +, N-TV, Sport1, Servus TV); Turkey (NTV); UK (BT Sport, itv4); Wales (S4C)
    Eastern Europe
    Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan (Auto Plus); Bosnia and Herzigovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia (Arena TV); Czech Republic (Czech TV, Sport 5); Hungary (Sport1); Lithuania (Auto Plus, BTV, LNK); Poland (TVP); Romania (Dolce Sport); Ukraine (First Automotive Channel, Auto Plus)
    Middle East and Africa
    Angola, Cap Verde, Mozambique (Canal +, Sport TV, SuperSport); Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, São Tomé, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe (Canal +, SuperSport); Ethopia, Mauritania, Seychelles (Canal +); Lesotho, Liberia, Mayotte, Reunion, Socotra, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, St Helena & Ascension, Sudan, Swaziland (SuperSport)
    Asia Pacific
    Australia (Fox Sports); American Samoa, Baker Island, Guam, Howland Islands, Jarvis Island, Kingman Reef, Micronesia, Midway Islands, Navassa Island, Norther Marianas, Palau, U.S. Virgin Islands, Wake Islands (MAV TV); China (PPTV); Indonesia (MNC); Japan (J Sports); Malaysia (Astro); New Zealand (Sky Sports, TV 3); Thailand (Truevision)
    North and Latin America
    Argentina, Uruguay (Channel 12, Fox Sports); Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago (MAV TV); Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Venezuela (Fox Sports); Mexico (Fox Sports, TV4); Paraguay (Fox Sports, Telefuturo), USA (MAV TV, Fox Sports)

    eom/Volkswagen Motorsport press release

  • SIC looks to excite experienced and new fans alike with launch of the 2015 F1 PETRONAS Malaysia GP

    ​Kuala Lumpur, 11 Feb 2015: The Sepang International Circuit (SIC) today unveiled its programme for the upcoming 2015 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™ taking place from 27 to 29 March 2015. Launched by the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur Datuk Seri Ahmad PhesalTalib, the programme aims to make the sPetronas Mal GP launch 2015. SIC image 11Feb2015econd round of the 2015 FIA Formula 1 World Championship a wholesome family affair this year. Also present were SIC Chairman Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir, PETRONAS Senior General Manager for Group Strategic Communications Liz Kamaruddin and SIC CEO Dato’ RazlanRazali.“In conjunction with the Malaysia Year of Festival 2015, we were inspired to make the F1 Grand Prix programme one that celebrates the position of the race as an event that is firmly embedded in the public consciousness. After 17 years, we firmly believe that many Malaysians look forward to the race, even if they only watch it at home or enjoy photo opportunities during our annual F1 Grand Prix roadshow. Indeed, we are focusing on the family-theme to draw them out of the living room into the high-octane atmosphere of the circuit itself. F1 fans no longer need to choose between quality family time on a weekend and watching the race. They can now enjoy an outing with their family and friends to Sepang on race weekend itself. The earlier start time of the race at 3pm, plus the earlier end for the after-race concert combined with affordable tickets further contribute to making the event attractive for all ages,” said Tan Sri Mokhzani.

    This year’s programme – themed‘Experience F1 Like Never Before’ transforms the circuit and the grounds into a huge entertainment space dubbed the ‘F1 Carnival’. It features family and child-friendly activities to encourage families to make the race their weekend outing. The carnival event happening within SIC’s premises during race weekend amplifies the family fiesta atmosphere, with many entertainment and off-track activities – expanding the F1 experience beyond the race. The carnival will have something for all members of the family, including a fun fair with games, amusement rides and other carnival-style attractions, and a food and beverage festival. While the children enjoy the kids and tween zone featuring a role play pit mock up, water obstacles and cool zone, men and women who enjoy adrenaline activities or shopping can spend time karting and drifting at the X-track or shop at the F1 Village.

     

    “As title sponsor, PETRONAS has played a significant role in putting Malaysia on the world Formula 1 map and attracting fans from across the globe, while contributing to the socio-economic development of the nation,” said PETRONAS Senior General Manager, Group Strategic Communications, Liz Kamaruddin.

     

    PETRONAS had over the years worked together with SIC, the local authorities and other partners to promote the Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™ through a range of activities. The activities aim to bring Formula 1 closer to the people and to make the Malaysian leg of the Formula 1™ race a success.

     

    Liz added that last year’s Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™ saw the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team top the podium, a position it maintained through 16 of 19 races over the 2014 World Formula One Championship season.

     

    “The achievement could not have come at a more significant time as we enter our 20th year of involvement in Formula 1 – a journey that has taken us beyond branding and into new business frontiers as well as extensive product research and development, taking our products from track to road,” continued Liz.

     

    The launch event featured the unveiling of a new winner’s trophy* for the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix™, crafted by Royal Selangor. It is the eighth trophy designed for the event by Royal Selangor since the race was first organised in 1999, and maintains the bold contemporary look of its predecessors.

    Promotional activities for the 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix™ are in full swing – from international promotions to domestic F1 Grand Prix roadshows featuring the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team car – the F1 W06 Hybrid. In addition, the popular SIC Zoomers Roadshow is scheduled to visit at least 20 key venues around the country bringing great ticket promotions and exciting prizes. Locations will include popular malls and hypermarkets in line with the family theme.

     

    This year, SIC’s exclusive Malaysia Grand Prix Gala 2015 will showcase The Jacksons as its main act, and this time, fans will be able to purchase tickets to watch the performance at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on 26 March 2015. Race week will feature local support races including the Malaysia Championship Series (formerly known as Malaysian Super Series), autograph sessions with drivers, a public pit walk experience, the stunning opening ceremony performance and much more.

     

    Fans of local motorsports will be thrilled with two support races – Round 1 of the Malaysia Championship Series (MCS) will be taking place from 27 to 29 March 2015 and the Malaysia leg of the TCR International Series on 29 March 2015. The MCS race was formerly part of the highly popular Malaysia Super Series Championship for Cars and Bikes, and will be held across 5 rounds this year – from March to November. Meanwhile, the TCR International Series, formerly the TC3 touring car series, is flagging off the first of its 2015 calendar’s 12 legs in Sepang. The exciting new series aims to restore the ‘Touring Car Pyramid’ concept of cars that can compete at national, regional and international levels.

     

    Commenting on the F1 engines, Tan Sri Mokhzani added: “It is also interesting to note that the quieter F1 turbo hybrid engine introduced last year is contributing to a more kid-friendly F1 race. The lower noise levels appear to be more conducive in attractive families, particularly those with younger children, to watch the race at the circuit. I have noticed that the younger children are more comfortable watching the race. Many of them used to find the noise level upsetting and did not enjoy their F1 experience. I think in the longer term, this can help in growing a new generation of F1 fans, and this is what SIC wants – being the race organisers.”

     

    The race weekend will close on a high in Sepang with the after-race concert on 29 March 2015 headlined by iconic rock musician Lenny Kravitz. For the first time ever, all F1 Grand Prix ticket holders will be able to enjoy the concert at no extra charge. Additionally, ticketholders will get to enjoy selected activities and the F1 Carnival at no cost, plus be rewarded with One Ticket Unlimited benefits featuring discounts and promotions from various retail outlets and brands in Kuala Lumpur.

     

    Ticket prices begin from RM80 – with tickets ranging from RM340 to RM1,770 for seats in the Main Grandstand, RM440 for the Tower, RM280 to RM660 for Grandstands F and K1, and RM80 to RM160 for Hillstand tickets.

     

    The F1 tickets can be purchased:

    • online at SIC’s website
    • at the ​Sepang International Circuit ticket booth on the Ground Floor of the NU Sentral mall in the KL Sentral area
    • from a ticket agent – just check the location from SIC’s website – http://www.sepangcircuit.com/Ticketing-@-Overview.aspx
    • by calling the SIC TICKET HOTLINE at 03-8778 2222

     eom/Malaysian GP release

    Caption

    From left to right – ​Chen Tien Yue, Executive Director of Royal Selangor Marketing, Tan Sri Mokhzani Tun Mahathir, Chairman of Sepang International Circuit, YBhg. Datuk Seri Haji Ahmad Phesal bin Haji Talib, Mayor of Kuala Lumpu​r, ​Cik Liz Kamaruddin, PETRONAS Group Senior General Manager for Strategic Communicatio​ns, Dato’ Razlan Razali, Chief Executive Officer of Sepang International Circui​t, and En Rizan Ismail, Head of Brand Management, Group Strategic Communications Department PETRONAS  unveiling the trophy for the 2015 Formula 1 PETRONAS Malaysia Grand Prix™.