INDIA in F1

Category: India In F1

  • Narain believes BIC offers more grip this year

    Greater Noida (New Delhi), 25 Oct 2012: The lone Indian driver in Formula One, Narain Karthikeyan believes the Buddh International Circuit will offer more grip in 2012 than it did during its debut grand prix. He was talking to the reporters at the FIA Thursday Press Conference at the BIC ahead of the Indian Grand Prix on Sunday.

    Karthikeyan is one of very few drivers with experience of Buddh this year, and argues the circuit has improved with age. “I think the track is already in a lot better condition than last year,” said the Indian driver in Thursday’s FIA press conference. “It was very dusty, and because of the landscaping that they have done, the dust has settled. There’s no more constructio

    n around the circuit so we already have a higher level of grip and the circuit looks quite nice. As you know, I drove the MR Formula 2000 car a month ago; it was already very good. Temperatures won’t matter, they are going to drop a few degrees from today [30°C], I think, but it’s OK. The tyres are fine; compared to last year we have the same allocations but [the compounds are] a little bit softer so it should be fine here.

    The Indian driver also revealed HRT have an upgrade for this race. While suggesting it might be worth several tenths, Karthikeyan voiced the hope that a bumper crowd would be in attendance to see a more competitive performance from the Spanish team.

    “We’re coming off a hugely successful race last year, so expectations are high and I hope on Sunday we see a big crowd, a strong one. In India there is a lot of passion for Formula One and comparative to our neighbouring countries, like China, the understanding of Formula One is a lot better. It’s going to be a good grand prix, I hope. And for us, we have a small update, which is a rarity for our team. Hopefully it’ll work and we’ll have a few more tenths. I know we need seconds but it is what it is and I’m not complaining, I’m happy to be driving here and will give it my best.”

    Press Conference was attended by: DRIVERS – Heikki KOVALAINEN (Caterham), Bruno SENNA (Williams), Jean-Eric VERGNE (Toro Rosso), Narain KARTHIKEYAN (HRT), Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN (LOTUS), Nico HÜLKENBERG (Sahara

    File photo of Narain Karthikeyan by HRT F1 team

    Force India).

    PRESS CONFERENCE

    Gentlemen, your thoughts on India? some of you have been here before, some of you haven’t, so your thoughts on what you’ve experienced so far and what you’ve seen so far and what you think of the country and what you think of the circuit.

    First of all Heikki, you’ve been here before, you’ve been training in Abu Dhabi so you’re used to the heat, what do you think of the weekend coming up and the country itself?

    Heikki KOVALAINEN: Well, I think, like you said, last year was the first year that we raced here. I think the event itself was really successful. Especially the circuit; I think they’ve done a great job here with the circuit. I think the layout is one of the best in the calendar, there are really some nice corners, the surface is nice and smooth, so it’s always enjoyable to drive here and we can set up the car nice and low and get them gripping quite well. So, I’m looking forward to another good event this year. It seems like the locals are picking up the Formula One more and more, so it’s working quite well here. Hopefully we get a lot of people coming to see us on Sunday.

    Bruno…

    Bruno SENNA: Of course I agree with Heikki regarding the track; it’s one of my favourites in the calendar as well and coming from last year to this year, the improvement on the facilities and everything is quite impressive. I think everything was a bit rushed last year, so everybody was a bit ‘oh this isn’t ready for the race,’ but at the end of the day it’s always the case when it’s the first year of the circuit. All the rough edges have been sorted out for this year so it’s a much nicer place. Of course the experience of the track is a whole different thing and I think for everyone who’s not used to India it’s a big cultural shock but it’s a culture full of history, full of richness and I think if you learn how to appreciate that sort of stuff, you can learn to appreciate the country.

    Jean-Eric, your first time here I think?

    Jean-Eric VERGNE: Yes, indeed. To be honest I don’t have much to say about this track except that it looks like a nice one, really smooth. The race from last year looked quite nice and I’m really looking forward to drive on it and it should be a good experience. As Bruno said, off track it’s quite a different country and to be honest I haven’t experienced much: I stayed in the hotel, I was quite far from everything, so didn’t see much, just on the roads, which look quite messy but beside it, yeah, we’ll see how the weekend goes.

    Narain, obviously a very busy week so far for you so far, a very busy weekend coming up as the native from the host country.

    Narain KARTHIKEYAN: Yeah, we’re coming off a hugely successful race last year, so expectations are high and I hope on Sunday we see a big crowd, a strong one. What I always say, in India there is a lot of passion for Formula One and comparative to our neighbouring countries, like China, the understanding of Formula One is a lot better. It’s going to be a good grand prix, I hope and for us, we have a small update, which is a rarity here for our team. Hopefully it’ll work and we’ll have a few more tenths. I know we need seconds but it is what it is and I’m not complaining, I’m happy to be driving here and will give it my best.

    Kimi, your first time in India. What are your thoughts, your impressions?

    Kimi RÄIKKÖNEN: Well, I came last night at one o’clock, so I’ve only seen the motorway and the hotel. The hotel, outside it, looks nice. I have no complaints so far. The circuit – I haven’t gone around it. That is tomorrow. I’ll tell you about it.

    Are you a fan of Indian food?

    KR: Yeah, actually I am, if it’s the same as it is in Europe. I like it, but you know I have no experience yet of the local food.

    Nico, I expect you’ve have a busy week?

    Nico HULKENBERG: yes, we obviously we’ve had quite a few visits to India over the last two years. We’ve been here since Monday doing work with the local media and being in Delhi. I’ve been a few times here but I enjoy it every time I come. It’s a very different culture and a special experience to come here. It’s very different to all the other Asian places we go to. They’re always very welcoming, very friendly. I enjoy being here. Obviously, the track is new to me, so I’ll have to learn that one tomorrow. I’m generally looking forward to the weekend really. It’s a special weekend for us and hopefully we can entertain the crowds.

    Now, a question to all of you about your future. I don’t know if you’ve got things signed or not. Just give us some sort of update as to what’s happening next year? Heikki, would you like to start?

    HK: I wouldn’t actually like to start, but now that you’re pushing me… Nothing’s been signed for next for myself yet. Personally, my target and my focus is at each race weekend for our team it’s quite important that we try to regain that 10th position back from Marussia. It’s not going to be easy but I think we have to do whatever it takes to be in a position to do that if a freak race happens again. So, the main focus is on that and regarding the future with the team and with Tony, we haven’t decided yet. I think Tony knows what he gets with me but then he’s evaluating other options I think to see what he wants to do. And I’m waiting. In the meantime, of course, my management is also working. There’s nothing really to report but the main thing I think for myself and really for our team has to be to keep pushing to get that 10th position back, it’s quite crucial.

    Bruno – for next year?

    BS: Nothing has changed from the last time I was here and you asked me the same question but the focus is still the same: keep pushing and trying to get points for the team and then hopefully be on the grid next year.

    Jean-Eric?

    JEV: I haven’t thought about it really. So far I have a contract with Red Bull. I think I just have to keep doing the job I’m doing and improve myself every race weekend and I’ll think about this race weekend and Abu Dhabi and then think about next season, but I’m quite confident about staying with Toro Rosso and that’s what I would love.

    Narain?

    NK: Again, I have a good relationship with HRT; it’s my second year with them. They’ve built a good factory and everything else. On paper next year they’ll look the best so realistically I’d like to stay here and that’s the plan right now.

    Kimi, we’re told we can expect an announcement next week or so, is that the case?

    KR: I don’t know. I mean, we have options but nothing is decided but I guess it will be decided at some point.

    Nico. There are rumours about concerning your future. Where you’re going to go, when do you think you will know?

    NH: I know there is lots of talk about my future but at this point I don’t want to make a comment on the speculation. I’ll just focus on this weekend, which is the most important thing.

    Are things settled? Can you say that?

    NH: Just no comment.

    QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

    Q: (Shridhar Poddar – Sakal Media House ) Kimi, how has the break from Formula One to rallying helped you, because your second stint has been turning out to be as good as the first one?

    KR: It hasn’t really done anything. I was pretty happy to go and do something else for a while, did some racing and I’m enjoying it again. It’s the same places – OK, there are some new circuits and places to come to this year and a new team, but apart from that, Formula One hasn’t changed and it’s exactly the same. For me, nothing’s really changed. People always talk about where I was last time, that I didn’t have the motivation but I thought I drove better than I ever drove in the last year; it was just that we had a pretty bad car at that time. Nothing has really changed for me.

    Q: (Vinayak Pandey – Hindustan Times) Narain, you have probably driven on this circuit a lot more than other drivers. The conditions in Delhi were unexpectedly cool and there was a rain shower on Wednesday. Should the temperatures become cooler than they are right now in qualifying and on Sunday, do you see any particular changes in the way the cars will handle or the outcome?

    NK: I think the track is already in a lot better condition than last year; it was very dusty, and because of the landscaping that they have done, the dust has settled, there’s no more construction around the circuit so we already have a higher level of grip and the circuit looks quite nice. As you know, I drove the MR Formula 2000 car a month ago; it was already very good. Temperatures won’t matter, they are going to drop a few degrees from today, I think, but it’s OK. The tyres are fine; compared to last year, the hard compound – we have the same allocations but it’s a little bit softer so it should be fine here.

    Q: (Chetan Narula – PlanetF1) Kimi, how big a challenge were Pirelli’s tyres for you, because the last time (you were in F1) you had different tyres, and now you have totally different compounds and everything?

    KR: I admit that I had some thoughts about the tyres before I did one private test – OK, it wasn’t the race tyres, it was some other even more worse tyres but I thought that they were fine. When you come from rallying, they have much more grip and the tyres were OK for me so after that, I already knew that I would not have any issues, because there was a lot of talk that maybe it was not good, but when I came back, I didn’t really remember how it was two years earlier, so I thought that the tyres were completely fine and I still do so. OK, they wore off a bit faster than in the past in some races but it’s the same for everybody and they’ve been doing a very good job for Formula One so I’m happy with that.

    Q: (Chetan Narula – PlanetF1) And you haven’t won this year but despite that, how good a comeback has this been for you?

    KR: Yes, I’m happy. If you had told me before the season that I will be in this position with this many points  and stuff like that I would have taken it but of course when you do some good races you always want more and more and then you’re disappointed if you’re not. If you do well you want more and more. It could have been better but it could have been much more worse also.

    Q: (C. Raghunath – The Hindu) Kimi, do you fancy your chances this year? You’re third in the championship…

    KR: Yeah, of course. We’ve had a chance. It’s the difference like in 2007. We had a car that you knew that could win all the races and right now we are not the fastest car so we need more help to really win it but we will keep trying and hopefully we can achieve it. We will try until there’s no chance but it’s a bit different situation. But if we can improve the car in the next three races, you never know, so…

    Q: (Vinayak Pandey – Hindustan Times)  Kimi, after which race did you feel that the Lotus team didn’t have the same competitiveness as it had at the start of the season?

    KR: I think in Spa we had some signs but then we have seen this year that one race you can be very strong and the next not so good, it’s been up and down between the teams. For some reason, after the summer break, some of the teams have been much more consistent. I think we still have a good car. We improved it in the last race again but we are not at the level that we maybe were compared to others at the beginning of the season.

    Q: (Gary Meenaghan – The National) Nico, you said that you mentioned that you got here on Monday. Could you just give us an idea of some of the things you’ve been doing since you got here?

    NH: Well, mainly a lot of media interaction. We are an Indian team so there is quite a bit of interest, so we’ve been around, talking to a lot of TV stations, went to some studios, did a sponsorship event with Hackett which is a team partner in clothing. It’s only two days and two days pass pretty quickly.

    Q: (Gary Meenaghan – The National) Did you meet Vijay?

    NH: No, we haven’t met Vijay.

    Q: (Shreyas Sharma – Mail Today) Narain, since you are closely associated with this track, some changes have been made, although the changes are minor. Do you think it will make the race more interesting, faster?

    NK: No, the layout remains the same, just that the kerbs are extended a little bit in turns five and six and then they put some astroturf to keep the dust down because a lot of cars were going off in that particular corner last year. Apart from that, as everyone has said, the layout is fantastic and I’m glad they haven’t changed anything, it’s nice to drive on, it’s pretty flowing and it’s fast.

    Q: (Shridhar Poddar – Sakal Media House) To all the drivers, whoever wants to answer: the long straight is something that the DRS was really tailor-made for although we didn’t see too much overtaking last year. How much overtaking do you think there is a scope for over here?

    NK: We won’t be doing much overtaking so I think…

    HK: We have the same problem as Narain so…

    BS: Normally, the overtaking is more due to the tyre difference between the cars than to long straights or DRS. Long straights always help a little bit but if you’re coming from a corner like turn two, which is a long corner where you put a lot of heat into the tyres, into a hairpin, where traction is a bit more compromised so overtaking really is more due to the tyres than anything else in current Formula One. But if you’re in a Toro Rosso  then you have about 20kph more top speed than everyone else then you can overtake as well!

    Ends

  • Sahara Force India looks forward to home race

    New Delhi, 23 Oct 2012: Even as newspapers and channels report that the beleaguered Kingfisher employees are planning a dharna at the Airtel Indian GP this week-end, the  Sahara Force India team looks forward to its home race, the Indian Grand Prix and the team Principal Vijay Mallya talks about the team’s form in the second half of the year and gets set for the team’s home race.
    Dr Mallya, the team continued its run of points finishes in Korea. What is your assessment of the season so far?
    Sahara Force India team principal Vijay Mallya. File photo from SFI F1 team.

    It certainly feels like we have upped our game since the summer break and it has been satisfying to see us up there fighting for good points. The only frustration is that we have not always managed to get two cars in the points and that has hurt us in the championship. But in terms of outright performance, I think we can be pleased with our level of consistency. We’ve had at least one car in the top ten of qualifying in over 80% of the races and scored points in 75% of the races. While we may not have finished on the podium this year, it is our consistency that has been key to our success and kept us in the fight.

    The second Indian Grand Prix is upon us – what can we expect second time around?
    Last year’s race was already a tremendous success and I’m sure we can expect an equally spectacular event this year. Buddh International Circuit always looks after us very well and I know that they have been working hard behind the scenes to fine-tune the circuit and facilities even more. But above all else, the most important thing is the layout of the track because last year all the drivers loved it. It’s certainly one of the best tracks in the world.
    How is the team approaching its home race?
    I remember how proud I felt last year to see our cars racing in India in the colours of the Indian flag. It was a moment I had dreamed about and a great sporting achievement for our country. To score points was the icing on the cake. This year I would like to go one better and see both our cars in the points – at the very least – so that we can give our fans something to smile about. The gap to Sauber is now 27 points. It’s a big lead, but not impossible to catch them before the end of the year. There’s still a lot of racing to go and we will keep the pressure up for the final four races.
    Nico on India
    Nico Hulkenberg reflects on his performance in Korea and looks ahead to the Indian Grand Prix.
    Nico, after two strong results in Japan and Korea, you must be feeling pretty confident coming into the team’s home race…
    The last two races were a lot of fun and probably two of my best races of the year. Korea was pretty much a perfect weekend. I said at the start of the weekend that we needed things to be perfect and that’s what we had: no mistakes, a smooth qualifying and a clean race.
    Since the summer break you’ve scored 26 points – it seems you’ve found the sweet spot with the VJM05…
    I feel comfortable and confident in the car and the team is doing a good job. We’ve just got a good rhythm and momentum, and that’s so important in Formula One. I’ve still had some tough weekends, like Monza and Singapore, but on the whole things have been going well. We just need to make sure we can repeat what we did in Korea during the final four races. We really need to stretch ourselves to get everything we can from the remaining races.
    This is your first Indian Grand Prix and you’re driving an Indian car – how excited are you ahead of the weekend?
    I was at the first Indian race last year, but obviously I didn’t get a chance to drive. I’ve been around the track in a road car and tried it on the simulator, but I still have a bit to learn on Friday. As a race it’s as big as they come for this team. We will be in Delhi at the start of the week to meet the local media and fans and they always show lots of enthusiasm for us. I hope that we will see their support at the track with lots of fans cheering us on.
    Paul on India
    Paul Di Resta looks ahead to the team’s home race.
    Paul, tell us your thoughts heading into such an important weekend for the team…
    It’s obviously our home Grand Prix and a special weekend. There’s pressure on us to perform and clearly we need to go there ready to keep the momentum going. It’s a busy week for everyone involved with the team and there’s a lot going on in terms of media work and extra events, but it won’t distract from our focus to come away with the best result we can.
    What targets do you have in mind?
    We’ve got to go there and qualify in the top ten. That will get us in contention and allow us to concentrate on the race. All year we’ve shown that we have a car capable of reaching Q3, but the grid is very close and we don’t have any margin so we need everything to come together perfectly. Also, based on our performance last year, we looked quite competitive at this track so you’ve got to hope that will carry over for this year.
    What are your thoughts on the Buddh International Circuit?
    It’s one of those new-style Herman Tilke circuits so there’s a good mixture of corners, plenty of run-off and a few areas where overtaking is possible. We found last year that the grip built up quite quickly and the track was exciting to drive with some satisfying corners. I remember that tyre wear was quite high last year and I had to stop three times during the race, so understanding the tyres on Friday will be the priority.
    ends

  • Send queries to Narain Karthikeyan on twitter

    20 years ago it was unthinkable to consider having an Indian driver in Formula 1 and even less so to have an Indian Grand Prix. But Narain Karthikeyan has made it and accomplished a dream: to drive a Formula 1 car in front of his countrymen. This year he will be doing it for the second time. This week we’re giving you the chance to ask Narain anything you want and he’ll respond in the hotline.

    To send in your question simply mention us on Twitter (@HRTF1Team) and type #HRTonline followed by your question. You have from today up until next Wednesday the 24th of October at 23:59 CET. The answers will be posted on Thursday the 25th. Don’t miss out!

    A HRT file image of F1 driver Narain Karthikeyan.

  • JPSI announces Airtel Indian GP schedule

    New Delhi, 17 Oct 2012:Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI) has announced the schedule for the second edition of Indian Grand Prix  at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida, on Sunday the 28th of October 2012

    A file picture of Sameer of JPSI receiving Bernie Ecclestone. Photo JPSI

    .

    Motorsport Fans will get a chance to experience the adrenaline rush of F1 up close and personal on October 26 with the first practice session scheduled for 10 AM. It will be followed by a second practice session from 2 PM to 3.30 PM. JK Racing Asia Series and MRF Challenge 2012 will be the two support races for the Indian GP.

    The all-important qualifying will begin at 2 PM on October 27, which will be preceded by the one-hour long third practice session from 11 AM. The final race will be flagged off at 3 PM on October 28.

    Indian GP schedule: (Detailed Schedule annexure attached)

    Friday, October 26: JK Racing Asia Series (practice): 08:45-09:15; F1 first practice: 10:00-11:30; MRF challenge (practice): 12:00-12:30; F1 Paddock Club (pit lane walk) 12:35-13:45; F1 second practice: 14:00-15:30; F1 press conference: 16:00-17:00; MRF challenge (Qualifying): 16:00-16:30; Marshall Pit Lane Walk : 17:45

    Saturday, October 27: JK Asia Racing Series (Qualifying): 09:15-09:45; F1 Paddock Club (pit lane walk): 09:50-10:40; F1 third practice: 11:00-12:00; MRF Championship 1st Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins): 12:25-12:55; F1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk: 13:00-13:45; F1 Qualifying: 14:00; JK Asia Racing Series 1st Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins): 15:30-16:00

    Sunday, October 28: F1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk: 10:00-10:50; MRF Championship 2nd Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins): 11:00-11:30; JK Asia Racing Series 2nd Race (10 Laps or 25 Mins): 12:00-12:30; F1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk: 12:35-14:15; F1 drivers grid parade: 13:30; F1 starting grid presentation: 13:40-14:15; National Anthem: 14:46; Grand Prix: 15:00

    The tickets for the race days are available on www.bookmyshow.com. They are also available in selected outlets in key metros from 11.00 AM from 5th October, 2012. Tickets, outlet details, parking charges, shuttle services from various points in NCR, location of stands, etc, are now available at www.buddhinternationalcircuit.co.in

    About Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI)

    Established in October 2007, Jaypee Sports International Ltd., a subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. (JAL), has constructed India’s premier motorsports destination – Buddh International Circuit (BIC) – which hosted India’s first ever F1 Grand Prix on October 30, 2011. In addition to F1, the track is also expected to host other top-level international motorsports events. BIC will be a part of Jaypee Sports City, which is spread over 2,500 acres. This facility will include a Cricket stadium that is being developed in two phases and which will have a seating capacity of 100,000 people. There will also be a hockey arena, a sports training academy and infrastructure for other sports. Jaypee Sports City, the country’s first fully integrated megacity built around a sporting lifestyle and featuring premium residential and commercial spaces, has been designed by world renowned architects and planners, WATG. One of the world’s leading design consultants for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, WATG has made a significant contribution to making Jaypee Sports City the best of its kind anywhere in the world.

    ends

  • Sauber chief Monisha dwells on her Indian roots

    Hinwil, 17 Oct 2012: Monisha Kaltenborn is almost a week into her post as the first female team principal in Formula One. With a total of four podium places so far, the Sauber F1 Team has enjoyed a very successful 2012 season. The forthcoming Indian Grand Prix takes the new boss to her native country. There’s plenty to talk about.
    Your passport gives your full name as Monisha Kaltenborn Narang. Why do you so rarely use your double surname?
    Monisha Kaltenborn: “I really like my Indian name. My Indian heritage and my parents’ family mean a great deal to me, which is why I never wanted to give up Narang. On the other hand, you have to admit that double-barrelled names aren’t very practical in day-to-day business operations. That’s why I only rarely use my full name.”
    What does the Indian Grand Prix mean to you?
    MK: “Well, I really have to distinguish between the professional and the private side. From the sports point of view, as far as the Sauber F1 Team is concerned the Indian GP is a race like any other, with the same meticulous preparations and the same aspiration to achieve the best possible result. From a personal point of view, it’s rather different. Obviously I’m particularly looking forward to this race in my home country. As I travel to all the grands prix as part of my job, I don’t have time for private trips to India. During my school and university days I would go there regularly. My husband Jens and I celebrated our marriage in India with a fabulous and very happy Hindu ritual. I feel very attached to India.”
     
    Will you be seeing friends or family during the grand prix?
    MK: “I won’t really have time for private visits during this year’s race, but I’ll be flying out at least a day early to spend some time looking around New Delhi and attending various media events. I’m also involved as an ambassador for the FIA’s Women in Motorsports Commission, as well as an event by the F1 in Schools initiative.”
    Which memories do you associate with India?
    MK: “Oh, undoubtedly my wonderful childhood. Since I was their only grandchild for a long time, my grandparents spoilt me rotten, and we had three delightful dogs. Up to the age of eight I attended Welham Girls’ High School in Dehradun, my birthplace and one of the oldest and most traditional cities in the north of this vast country. It was a very happy time with marvellous friendships. Then in 1979 my parents decided to emigrate to give me a better education.”
    What made your parents decide on Austria?
    MK: “Originally the plan was to find a new home in an English-speaking country. But Vienna was the first stop on our journey because an uncle of my father’s was working at the atomic agency there. We liked it and so we stayed. I was sent straight to an Austrian rather than an international school, so I learnt the language very quickly and became integrated. I also completed my law studies in Vienna and took on Austrian citizenship, which had many advantages. And of course I have a lot of ties with Austria. I’ve spent a considerable part of my life there, after all.”
    To what extent are you still Indian today?
                                                             
    MK: “I don’t think you ever lose your roots, and anyway you can tell where I’m from just by looking at me. I also think I have a certain serenity and openness you might describe as Indian. That includes shrugging off negative experiences and focusing positively on the future – something that is very important in an environment as competitive as Formula One. As for my Hindi, it’s no longer as good as I’d like it to be. But I do try to talk Hindi with the children occasionally. Our son is ten years old, our daughter seven, and I’d like them to learn the language. But my parents are better teachers than me.”
    How important do you think Formula One is for India?
    MK: “Basically it’s difficult for any sport to find a place in India next to cricket. But I do think that the interest in Formula One has risen significantly since its debut last year. At least the media interest we are experiencing as a team would strongly indicate that. It seems right that India, as an upwardly mobile nation, a huge marketplace and a high-tech location, has found a place in the Formula One calendar with its excellently trained engineers. Both Formula One and the country can benefit from it.”
    What chances do you hold out for the Sauber F1 Team at the Indian Grand Prix?
    MK: “The track layout is very similar to that in Korea. There are slow and fast turns and quite a long straight. However, it will be warmer there and Pirelli is providing different tyres – soft and hard rather than the super-soft and soft ones we had in Korea. That will mean different race strategies. For the C31, the circuit in India is likely to be neither ideal terrain nor particularly problematic. I’m confident that we will manage another decent points haul there.”
    You’re into your first week as Team Principal at trackside. What does this step mean for you?
    MK: “I’m very happy at the confidence that Peter Sauber has placed in me. I grew into this role step by step, of course. I had been head of the company’s legal department since 2000, in 2001 I joined the Board of Management, in 2010 I became CEO, and since the end of 2011 I’ve held a third of the company’s stakeholding. Peter Sauber’s withdrawal from the day-to-day running of the business has been on the cards for a long time, so this latest step was well prepared. I’m acutely aware of what it means to carry the responsibility for this company, which has been around for over 40 years and involved in Formula One for almost 20 years.”
    Is it more difficult as a woman to be accepted as Team Principal?
    MK: “Professionally I’m sure gender plays no role. And as I’ve been around for such a long time, I don’t think I’ll be seen more in terms of a woman than a boss. People who are new to the scene might just do a double-take at first, but that will soon settle down.”
    How do you manage to cope with the twin responsibility of work and family?
    MK: “It usually works very well, though in some situations it can prove an organisational and emotional challenge. I believe it’s very important to involve the children. We stay in touch on race weekends by phone or skype – these days, fortunately, there are such options. At home my husband, my parents and a nanny manage to cushion my professional absences. I’ve got a strong support system, and the kids are really proud of what their mother does.”
    How satisfied are you with the Sauber F1 Team’s achievements so far this season?
    MK: “With four podium places and now 116 world championship points, we can certainly be proud of our achievements so far as a private team. Of course there have been races where things didn’t go to plan and we forfeited valuable points. Our car, the Sauber C31-Ferrari, is a great success and has proved competitive on virtually any kind of circuit. Some describe it as one of the best cars on the grid. Now it’s a matter of carrying the impetus forward into the remaining four races. Our ambitious goal remains to finish fifth in the Constructors’ World Championship. And I have the utmost confidence both in our team at Hinwil and in the crew at the track along with our two drivers, Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Pérez.”
    What are your personal highlights of the season so far?
    MK: “To answer that I’m going to have to take off my sober, objective hat for a moment: it was just so emotional when Kamui finished third in Japan.”
    ends

    Monisha Narang, the new Sauber team Principal, in a file photo as admires Kamui Kobayashi's home race feats. Photo Sauber F1 team.

  • JPSI makes Airtel Indian GP 2012 bigger and better

    New Delhi, 11 October 2012: Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI), today, shared their Traffic, Transport and Logistics update for the 2012 Formula 1 Airtel Grand Prix of India which will take place at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), Greater Noida, between

    Aerial view of BIC. Photo courtesy JPSI.

    October 26 – 28, 2012.

    JPSI, as promoters of Buddh International Circuit, presented a way forward to ensure that neither the participants nor the spectators faced any issues commuting to and from the Buddh International Circuit (BIC), a press release said here today.

    As part of their elaborate plan this year, the parking at BIC will be able to hold more than 21, 000 private cars and 1,000 motorcycle parking. Apart from the private cars, more than 200 Pre-booked chartered buses from the NOIDA City Centre Metro Station and 200 chartered buses that can be availed as a Park and Ride facility from the nearby Knowledge Park II. There will also Free access provided to Delhi-NCR Radio cabs to enter the circuit parking with  dedicated taxi parking area and the Circular Shuttle that were successful last year, will be in service this year too around the circuit to drop spectators at entry gates and at dedicated shuttle stops at each seating stand.

    Mr. Qamar Ahmad, Senior Vice-President, Traffic & Security, JPSI said “Last year we managed to host the race successfully and building on those learning, we have made improvements in the traffic and transport facilities for this year. The Yamuna Expressway is now open to public and all ticket holders are allowed to take that to reach the Buddh International Circuit without any hassles. We are getting full support from all the authorities to help remove bottlenecks and all efforts are being made to ensure a comfortable experience for the spectators.”

    To make the second edition of the 2012 Airtel Grand Prix Of India a memorable, a host of entertainment events have been lined up by JPSI. The race day, October 28, 2012 will witness playback singer Shaan and music director duo of Vishal and Shekhar perform. Along with Vishal-Shekhar and Shaan, six selected college bands will perform at India’s biggest motorsport event through Rock the Race, a JPSI initiative to find talent in the youngsters of the country India.

    The Buddh International Circuit, this year will have the Turn 8-9 Kerb extended from 5m to 15m with the height of all the kerbs across the circuit now at 25 mm and Turn 2-3 and 7-8 will have Astroturf lining to provide additional safety to run-off areas. Apart from the track modifications, video screens around the track have been increased from 11 to 17 to make sure the spectators are able to catch every inch of racing at the Buddh International Circuit on the big screens.

    Mr. Farhan Vohra, General Manager – Race Operations, JPSI said, “We are extremely excited about the Indian Grand Prix 2012 as there are some changes that we have made to the run off areas that will enhance the overall experience of the race. We have extended the width of a few turns from 5m to 15 m and height of the kerbs to 25 mm. We have hired special mechanized dusters from Bahrain and these will start working after 15th October to clean up the minutest of dust particles from all over the track which cannot be washed with regular dusters.”

    The race equipment – the race tires and the fuel for the cars have already arrived along with the Paddock setup area, and has already been cleared by the customs at the circuit. More than 30% of the equipment as arrived, while the cars are expected to reach the circuit by the 15th of Sept after the Korean Grand Prix. Before the 24th of October, 95% of all equipments will have cleared customs and are expected to be at the race track.

    Mr. Sougoto Das, AGM, Cargo & Logistics, JPSI said, “With the experience of hosting the race last year, the movement of cargo has been smooth. We are getting full support of the authorities. The F1 cargo comes in two lots, one by ship and the other by air. The ship cargo has started coming here such as tyres, car fuel, etc. However, cars will start coming after the Korean GP this weekend.”

    About Jaypee Sports International Limited (JPSI)

    Established in October 2007, Jaypee Sports International Ltd., a subsidiary of Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. (JAL), has constructed India’s premier motorsports destination – Buddh International Circuit (BIC) – which hosted India’s first ever F1 Grand Prix on October 30, 2011. In addition to F1, the track is also expected to host other top-level international motorsports events. BIC will be a part of Jaypee Sports City, which is spread over 2,500 acres. This facility will include a Cricket stadium that is being developed in two phases and which will have a seating capacity of 100,000 people. There will also be a hockey arena, a sports training academy and infrastructure for other sports. Jaypee Sports City, the country’s first fully integrated megacity built around a sporting lifestyle and featuring premium residential and commercial spaces, has been designed by world renowned architects and planners, WATG. One of the world’s leading design consultants for the hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries, WATG has made a significant contribution to making Jaypee Sports City the best of its kind anywhere in the world.

    ends

  • Suzuka will be a testing track for us: Paul

    Suzuka, 4 Oct 2012: With the announcement of Lewis Hamilton replacing Michael Schumacher at Mercedes for the coming season and Sergio Perez joining McLaren for next year, the Thursday FIA press conference assumed importance with both the drivers present. Meanwhile, Schumacher announced his retirement.

    The following drivers were present: Paul DI RESTA (Force India), Kamui KOBAYASHI (Sauber), Felipe MASSA (Ferrari), Lewis HAMILTON (McLaren), Sergio PÉREZ (Sauber), Jenson BUTTON (McLaren)

    PRESS CONFERENCE

    Paul, first of all, you’re coming here off the back of your best-ever result in Singapore, your hopes for this race.

    Paul DI RESTA: I suppose to lead off where we finished in Singapore. It was obviously a great result, I think, given Monza qualifying and then taking the penalty, having a reasonable race but then going to Singapore and doing a bit better. Certainly it was a very strong fourth towards the latter stages of the race. A lot of points needed, obviously, to try to catch the Saubers, you know, and thankfully they didn’t score. But this will

    Paul di Resta at Suzuka on Thursday. Sahara Force India photo.

    be a testing track for us and we know it’s going to be a lot of hard work to try to achieve some good points for us.

    Kamui, obviously the home favourite: is that a distraction or an encouragement for you when you come here to Suzuka?

    Kamui KOBAYASHI: I think it’s more an encouragement, that means it’s great to be here, back to Suzuka, which is  a really great circuit and my favourite as well. And definitely our car could be competitive here as well. After Singapore, which is a little bit difficult circuit for us, back to Suzuka which is our best track, I think it will be great. Really, there will be a big amount of power from a lot of fans and the Japanese people at the race.

    Felipe, on pole and a second place here in the past. What are your hopes for this weekend?

    Felipe MASSA: Similar result to what you just said! The track is really fantastic here, it’s a great place, very challenging to drive here, y’know? One of the best tracks, so, looking forward for a good result at the end, a good race for us.

    Lewis, you had success at Fuji but third place here, a podium obviously, in 2009. What are your thoughts about coming to this race?

    Lewis HAMILTON: I generally love coming here, the whole trip’s been fantastic so far and the track is one of the best in the world. It’s one that I haven’t won at before but we’ve got a car that I think can win – so let’s hope it’s a better weekend.

    Sergio, 17th on the grid to eighth place last year, which is a pretty good drive and an interesting tyre strategy as well. Kamui says it’s a circuit that really suits the car, what are your hopes?

    Sergio PÉREZ: Yes, I think it’s a really good circuit for our car. Last year we didn’t have such a good car as this year and still we managed to come from the back of the grid – we had a failure, a problem in qualifying in Q1, so we start really from 17th and managed to do a good race, a good strategy as you just said, so I’m looking forward a lot of fight for the victory here. I think we’ve got a very strong car at this circuit.

    Jenson, 12 out of 12 races you’ve finished here. That’s a pretty good record, you’ve never retired, never had to walk home. Last year’s winner as well, what are your expectations?

    Jenson BUTTON: Well obviously I’ve got a little penalty which doesn’t help, especially around here because it’s not the easiest place to overtake – but I’m really excited. I think this is one of the most special races on the calendar for all of us. We love – well I personally love – driving this circuit, it’s a real challenge and a circuit you love to win on. Especially with the crowd here, the spectators are very supportive of us all so it’s a special place to win. A good result is something I’m obviously looking for. The win is more difficult than it would have been without the penalty but it’s still definitely a possibility and we’re doing everything we can to make it possible.

    QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

    (Jim Armstrong – AP) Lewis, if I could just ask you about your move to Mercedes, given the results of the two teams over the years, do you feel there’s a bit of a risk in going to that team?

    LH: No. I’m not really here to talk about that this weekend. I’m here to talk about trying to win this World Championship still. So we’ve got six races ahead in a great team that I’ve had a great, an incredible journey with and I’m working on trying to finish that on a high.

    (Dan Knutson – Honorary) Sergio, just recently we asked you if you were talking to other top teams and you said ‘no’. If that was the case, how quickly did this whole thing come about?

    SP: No, there has been some talks before but I didn’t want to give too much information about my opportunities, my options. So the question doesn’t come that often because if I say at that time ‘yes’, then I will be full of questions. So it’s better to… I wanted to keep it in low profile, focussing always in my team, giving my hundred per cent to my team that I’m very thankfully they give me this opportunity. We have six races with a strong car to go and I want to leave on a very high from this team.

    Q: (Paolo Ianieri – La Gazzetta dello Sport ) Lewis, what was the thing that made you change the team where you’ve grown up through your career? Was it just challenge or…?

    LH: To be honest, I had a big press conference or meeting with the Brits the other day, so the story is already out and I’ve already spoken about that stuff. Like I said, I’m here to focus on this weekend.

    Q: (Marco degli Innocenti – La Gazzetta dello Sport ) Jenson, among the six drivers here, you are the only one not involved in these moves. How do you judge, from your point of view, what’s happened and what might happen next year?

    JB: It’s nice to be the one not in that position – it normally is me. We all move about. That’s the way Formula One is. You’re either trying to find a better possibility, a better team that you think can give you an opportunity to win races or you’re looking for another challenge. There’s always going be people moving around in Formula One. It’s the same with team personnel; it’s not just the drivers. It just seems that it’s all come at once.

    Q: (Alan Baldwin – Reuters) If I could ask the three drivers on the back row: the three drivers in front of you are all sorted for next year. What’s your individual position for next year? Could you just let us know, one by one, what’s happening?

    PDR: Nothing at the moment. Our team’s policy is always not to talk about driver contracts and there’s not much more I can say. Things have progressed quite a lot since Singapore and I’m sure the reactions to that will obviously be sorted soon.

    KK: Same as Paul. I have no idea. I think we still have six races left to race and Suzuka for me is pretty important, so I just try to focus and think later. These two drivers are the first movement (in the driver market) so this is quite exciting for the rest of the time.

    FM: Nothing at the moment but I’m pretty confident things will be OK.

    Q: (Kate Walker – Girl Racer) A question for Felipe: with Sergio signed for McLaren, that’s one of your rumoured replacements at Ferrari out of the picture. Does that give you additional confidence that your contract will be renewed for next year?

    FM: Well, I think maybe. I don’t know. As I said, I’m pretty confident things are going in the right direction. Also, I think Sergio is doing a good job this year and he showed his performance and I’m happy that he can sign for a big team as well. But anyway, I need to concentrate on doing the best and that’s the way it is.

    Q: (Paolo Ianieri – La Gazzetta dello Sport) Sergio, was Ferrari ever an issue for you? Were you talking to them?

    SP: Yeah, we were talking to them but it was never an option. I’ve been talking with them because I was part of the academy. I have a good contact with them and good communication, but obviously the place I got is the best place I can be and I’m so, so happy and thankful also for them (Ferrari) because at the time they helped me a lot to come into Formula One, but now I’m moving forward and I want to thank McLaren for taking me on board and trusting in me.

    Q: (Alan Baldwin – Reuters) Lewis or Jenson: what’s the best piece of advice you could give to the new McLaren driver in the middle there, for next season?

    JB: I don’t really think Sergio needs any advice. He’s let his driving do the talking and he’s had some very good performances over the last couple of years and that’s the reason he’s got the drive he has at the moment and why he’s got the drive he has next year.

    LH: He’ll be fine.

    Q: (Marco degl’Innocenti – La Gazzetta dello Sport) Sergio, when Luca di Montezemolo said some weeks that you were not yet mature enough for a big team, had you already made an agreement with McLaren?

    SP: No. Not yet.

    Q: (Paolo Ianieri – La Gazzetta dello Sport) Felipe, you had a good race in Singapore and perhaps your expectations of staying at Ferrari increased. Do you think that another strong race here would be enough to secure your place for next season, or will we still have to wait a little while?

    FM: Let’s concentrate on having a good result and then we will see. As I said, things are not signed so it’s better not to talk so much and concentrate on the job. We’re going in the right direction so let’s hope we can have a good race here, a good race in Korea and a good end to the championship. That’s very important for me, for the team, for everybody.

    Q: (Andrew Gwilym – Press Association) Lewis, this is obviously the first race since your move was confirmed. Have you spoken to your mechanics at all since you’ve been in Suzuka, talking through your reasons. I could imagine that they might have been quite disappointed that you are leaving.

    LH: I haven’t… I’ve been to see them but no, I haven’t spoken about things. It’s business as usual which, here this weekend, is focusing on trying to win. That’s how professional they are and vice versa.

    Q: (Dan Knutson – Honorary) Lewis, you may have covered this with the Brits(British press), but we weren’t privy to be there. In life, when you make a big decision, many of us, once it’s made, you can relax because good, bad or indifferent, it’s done so do you feel calmer now, that the decision is made?

    LH: Absolutely, yeah, I feel fantastic. Very very happy and excited and grateful that I can now just focus on these next six races. I know there’s a lot of work ahead of me. I know I’m leaving a very very good car for this guy (Perez) to step into…

    SP: Thank you.

    LH: Yeah. Trust me, it will be a good car next year as well, I know. I know exactly what’s going on next year with your car.

    Q: (Vanessa Ruiz – ESPN Radio) Sergio, you just said that Ferrari was never an option. What did you mean, exactly, that it was never an option – for you or why it was never an option for Ferrari? Why?

    SP: It was never actually with them… if they wanted me or no, they wanted me to go… it was never actually, basically… it was difficult for them, Ferrari, to make that decision. I think they are happy with Felipe. He’s a very good driver, a proven driver as well. I’m not a proven driver, I’m not a guarantee as Felipe is so probably that’s why I was never an option for them. The opportunity for me never came so I never saw them as an option for me.

    Q: (Frederic Ferret – L’Equipe) Jenson, can you talk about the special relationship that you have with Japan and the things you did last week?

    JB: Ah, yes. Obviously I was working with a Japanese team for many years. The biggest connection is obviously my girlfriend, Jessie. And yeah, I love the country, I love the culture, I love the people, I love the food. Last week, last Thursday, yes, I was in Japan, I’ve been in Japan all week, and I headed up to the Sendai region and visited what used to be a town very close to Natori. It’s where the tsunami hit. So basically (I was) still raising awareness for what happened last year and also for what is still on-going here in Japan, especially in that region and the difficulties that they still have. So it was a very emotional day but I think a very good day, and hopefully we can help the people that have suffered from the disaster, the people who don’t have homes at the moment, so that was the main reason for doing it. Also in the afternoon I went to a local kart circuit, a place called Sugo. It’s got a big history of motor sport. I think it’s the place where Michael Schumacher raced in an F3000 car, I think the only race he did in an F3000 car. And then I watched 15 or 16 kids  driving around the local kart circuit there, all people who were affected by the tsunami in that region, which is a really good experience, to see them in the different categories of karting. It’s such a pure sport, karting, it’s just pure driving and that’s why I think we all still love it so much. Hopefully, one day we will see one of those kids on the Formula One grid, because there’s a lot of talent here in Japan and it would nice to hopefully help one of those kids one day.

    Q: (Kate Walker – Girl Racer) Another question for you, Lewis: when you were working your way up through the ranks, Michael Schumacher was the man to beat. Now you’re replacing him. Can you tell us what that feels like for a driver; are they big racing boots to fill, is it an ego boost to replace the legend? What’s it like inside your head in that context?

    LH: I don’t see myself as replacing Michael. I don’t think anyone can replace Michael, he’s a legend in the sport, has achieved so much already. I feel privileged to have been in Formula One in the time where… I watched him winning all his World Championships at home in my living room so to have been on the track with him in 2006 and then for him to come back and for me to get to race with him has been a real privilege so I hope that one day, I can achieve some of the things he has done.

    Q: (Paolo Ianieri – La Gazzetta dello Sport) Paul, we know that your name has also been close to Ferrari for next year. Would a year at Ferrari be something that you would agree to do or, looking at your career, are you looking for something longer term with another team?

    PdiR:  I’ve always said, coming through my career and into Formula One, the important thing is winning races and winning championships, and whenever the opportunity is given, that’s the position I want to be in but just now, obviously, with Force India, my mentality is different and results like we got in Singapore are big. That’s the position I’m in. I’ve got six races up and coming to try and maximise, to do a job under the contract that I’m in.

    Q: (Mineoki Yoneya – La Vie Creative) Kamui, you definitely need a good result here this weekend, so are you a bit nervous and how is Suzuka different from the last two years, from the mental point of view?

    KK: I don’t feel so much pressure, quite relaxed, so many people around me want to be close but I’m just here for racing. In comparison to the last two years, we’ve got more experience. In 2010, I came to Suzuka… I drove only one race in Suzuka (before) so I didn’t have so much experience actually other than now, but now it’s my third time in Suzuka and I have more experience, and I definitely have the confidence to do well this weekend.

    Q: (Andrew Gwilym – Press Association) Kamui, with Michael leaving Mercedes, he’s been linked with a seat at Sauber next year. If you were both to be at Sauber next year, would you welcome the chance to work with Michael?

    KK: It’s difficult to say. I don’t think that’s realistic. I can definitely work (with him) but I don’t know, we have to ask Michael. I don’t know if he really wants to come to Sauber. This is a different story. Easy to make a really difficult connection, but I don’t think he really wants to come to Sauber.

    Q: (Byron Young – The Daily Mirror) I just wanted to ask Sergio his thoughts on moving to McLaren and filling Lewis Hamilton’s seat there. That’s fairly big shoes to fill; is he confident that he can fill them adequately?

    SP: Well, of course, I rate Lewis as one of the fastest drivers on the grid, so it won’t be easy at all. I know I have very big shoes to fill so it will be difficult but I will give everything I can, I will work as hard as possible to give the best result and to win championships with this great team.

    Q: (Byron Young – The Daily Mirror) And can I get your opinion please on your new teammate, Jenson Button, who is an equally tough competitor?

    SP: Yeah, of course, it will be great to have a very good champion. He’s a World Champion and it will be a pleasure to work with him together, to reach the same target for the team which is winning and make the best car possible, so I’m looking forward to working together with the whole team and so motivated, enthusiastic to start working with my new team, but first, as I say, I want to finish the next six races on a very high for my team and give everything I can for my team that gave me the opportunity to become a Formula One driver.

    Q: (Byron Young – The Daily Mirror) Surely the expectation from the word go has got to be to win races, hasn’t it?

    SP: Of course. I think with McLaren there is no other option. You have to win every race, you have a car that you can win every race. It’s a  guarantee. McLaren is always a guarantee, so I have to work very hard. I have to give everything to my team and I’m ready to do that, once I have finished this season.

    Q: (Paolo Ianieri – La Gazzetta dello Sport) What were you thinking when Montezemolo was saying about you that you are too young, not mature enough for such a team?

    SP: Yeah. Of course I respect… he’s a person that I respect a lot. Maybe to drive for Ferrari you need more experience. I think he has his arguments, it’s better you ask him what he meant by that. Maybe I’m too young to join a team like Ferrari. I don’t know. I feel ready to drive for a top team and to fight for the championship. If this answers your question.

    Ends

  • Adrian Fernandez on Sergio

    Adrian Fernandez, a celebrated Mexican racing driver talks about Sergio Perez,  after McLaren announced hiring him for the 2013 season.

    File photo of Sergio taking out C31 on its first outing at Jerez in Feb, 2012. Photo by Sauber F1 team.

    THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHES IN http://www.fernandezracing.com/ AND WAS REPRODUCED HERE BY KIND PERMISSION.

     

    Hello Everyone,

    With today’s announcement that Sergio will join the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team in 2013 and the news that I am his manager, I can now officially say that I begin a new and exciting chapter in my career.

    The past few weeks have been hectic, but I am extremely proud of this accomplishment for Sergio, for his career and for our country. This is something that began a long, long time ago with Carlos Slim and Telmex – who supported Sergio’s career for many years – and the dream was realized when he joined the Formula One ranks. I am very thankful to Carlos and Sergio for letting me be a small part of the team then, and now to be actually taking over Sergio’s management. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help and support of Carlos and Telmex.

    It has been very enjoyable to work with McLaren, and I have to take my hat off to Martin Whitmarsh, team principal, and everyone that we worked with to make this deal possible. It took a lot of work and I was very impressed with the level of professionalism from Martin and his team and I have to thank all of them.

    Sergio is an unbelievable driver and he has earned his place at McLaren. He is not bringing money to the team. He has been hired to race. His performances earned him this position and that made my job easier because people were interested in him.

    We obviously owe a huge amount of thanks to Peter Sauber and his team, who gave Sergio the opportunity to compete in Formula One and show what he can do. I know that Sergio will be putting forth all his effort to finish on the highest note he can for them this year.

    For me, it is hard to describe how happy I am. As many of you know, I have been a part of Sergio’s life since he was a kid and his father worked for me for many years. He calls me “uncle” and, even though we are not related by blood, it just shows how tight our relationship is. So, to see this all the way through to today’s announcement, to know how bright his future is and to be a part of it puts me in a rare occasion – at a loss for words.

    I have been a successful driver and a successful team owner and now, with this, I hope I can be a successful manager and do a fantastic job for Sergio so he can really dedicate himself to racing and I can take care of the other areas which, to be honest, are the areas that I have been doing all of my life. I think it’s a good combination, and I definitely think we have a potential World Champion in our hands.

    As I have said, Mexico’s future in Formula 1 is shining brightly.

    Thank you for your support,

    Adrián

    NB: You can find the original article by Adrian here:

    http://www.fernandezracing.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146%3Asilverstone&catid=48%3Aupnext-category&Itemid=105&lang=en

  • Sahara Force India looks to bank on good Singapore show

    Suzuka, 1 October 2012: Even as the `Good Times’ appear to end for Kingfisher Airlines back home, Sahara Force India team Principal and liquor baron Vijay Mallya is basking in glory with Paul Di Resta recording his best finish ever to come home in fourth place in Singapore in the last race. Now Sahara Force India looks forward to the Japanese Grand Prix with renewed vigour and hope.
    To watch Paul Di Resta’s video preview of Japan, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/SHzFoC
    Sahara Force India picked up another fourth place in Singapore – it seems the team is edging ever closer to the podium…
    Vijay Mallya: “As I’ve said before that little bit of luck has eluded us. Hopefully it will come to us one day, because we’ve shown the pace of the car. This is the second time we’ve finished fourth in the last three races, so we’re becoming the bridesmaid a bit too often! Paul drove fantastically well and we earned 12 points. It’s not bad to be sitting at this stage of the season with 75 points in total – we’ve come a long way.”
    Is catching Sauber a more realistic target now?
    “I still remember the situation in 2010 when Williams pipped us by one point at the last race, so I guess it’s not over until it’s over! I’m still hoping that we can do it and one strong podium finish could help to wipe out Sauber’s advantage. It all depends how strong our rivals are in the final six races, but we certainly have some momentum.”
    Any thoughts on Suzuka?
    “Historically Suzuka has never been our best track, but hopefully this time the team has something up its sleeve. I think we have been pretty consistent on most tracks this season so we are quietly confident that we can perform well this weekend. I certainly hope we can pull some rabbits out of the hat in Japan and Korea and come away with some more points.”
    Paul Di Resta talks about his best finish in Formula One and hopes to build on the momentum in Japan.
    Paul, you said your result in Singapore was your best day in Formula One – does it give you extra confidence for the rest of the year?
    Paul: When we qualified sixth we knew it was going to be tough to even maintain that in the race, but things worked out very well and I was able to challenge Fernando for a podium in the final stint. I think we learned a lot in Singapore about how to get the most from the car and the aim now is to try and repeat the form we showed towards the end of the race. If we can do that, the momentum will carry on.

    File picture of Nico Hulkenberg, who is expected to go all out after a pointless race in Singapore. Sahara Force India photo.

    You raced at Suzuka for the first time last year – what did you think of the track?

    It’s a track that’s all about aero so it’s a real test of your car. I also found it very technical with corners like the ‘S’ curves where you need a good change of direction. Finding the sweet spot isn’t easy because half the track is made up of straights so you need efficiency as well as downforce for the high-speed corners. Tyre degradation is also high so a neutral car is what you need during the race.
    Do you enjoy visiting Japan?
    The thing that surprised me last year was the commitment and enthusiasm of the fans. Even on Thursday the grandstands were busy. So that makes it a special race and the fact that it’s a track with a lot of history. I also enjoy Japanese food, although the challenge is making sure you order the right thing!
    Nico on Japan
    Nico Hulkenberg looks forward to one of his favourite races of the season.
    Nico, tell us about your memories of racing in Japan…
    My race in 2010 with Williams was not especially memorable because I was taken out before the first corner. That was a real shame because it’s a track I really enjoy and with corners like the ‘S’ curves it’s a great experience in a Formula One car.
     
    What are the main challenges of the lap?
    Suzuka is definitely one of my favourite circuits: it’s really challenging and technical, and you need a good car balance to hook up a good lap. Because it’s so technical it’s important to find a good rhythm because if you mess up one corner you can lose the flow of the whole lap.
    How are you feeling as we enter the final six races of the season?
    I’m feeling positive and we have generated some good momentum within the team recently so I want to keep that going. The goal is to keep getting consistent results in the points.
    ends

  • Marina Bay suits us: Hulkenberg

    Singapore, 20 Sept 2012: The following drivers attended the Thursday press conference of FIA at Marina Bay today.

    Nico Hulkenberg attended the FIA Thursday Press Conference at Marina Bay on 20 SEpt 2012. Sahara Force India F1 team photo

    DRIVERS – Timo GLOCK (Marussia), Nico HULKENBERG (Force India), Bruno SENNA (Williams), Kimi RAIKKONEN (Lotus), Sebastian VETTEL (Red Bull Racing), Sergio PEREZ (Sauber)

    PRESS CONFERENCE

    Timo, obviously you finished second here in 2009. Is that one of the reasons why you say this is your favourite race?

    Timo GLOCK: No, in general it’s just the event here, the show. The first time we were here in 2008 I just the track and the event and for sure being on the podium was a great experience and good to be back to it and enjoy the time here.

    So what is it about the track itself?

    TG: The European races have enough run-off areas and here it’s a bit different, the same like Monaco. If you do a mistake you end up in the wall and that’s the challenging part here.

    I believe you only arrived this morning however. Are you a little bit worried about getting acclimatised?

    TG: No. I do that every year because we stay on European time. I just arrived this morning, went to the hotel and slept until 1pm or 1.30pm and I’m in the rhythm, so no problem. I’m not the only one who arrived so late.

    Nico, great potential in Monza but less so here. They’re very different circuits. How do you feel about this track?

    Nico HULKENBERG: To be honest, quite positive. I think If anything this kind of circuit should suit us a bit more – quite a lot of slow-speed corners. There’s not really one high-speed corner here. That is in our favour a little bit more than at Spa and Monza, the two last races, so I think we should be all right. As usual I think we’ll be around the top 10 and hopefully inside.

    But also one of the toughest races as well.

    NH: It is. It is for everybody, you know. Always a race which touches the two-hour mark. It’s pretty hot and humid. We know the circuit is physically demanding, a lot of nasty bumps and kerbs and if you get them wrong they’ll launch you into the wall. It’s a physical race, it’s tough, but we’re fit and up for it.

    Lots of talk about your future. Is the contract with Force India done yet?

    NH: Well, there’s a good chance I’ll be with Force India next year but as you know nothing has been announced yet.

    Bruno, you feel that this circuit should suit your car. Is that correct?

    Bruno SENNA: Yeah, definitely. Our car has been very happy on high downforce tracks and here we’re running everything we have so it’s good news for us. I think coming from a couple of difficult races where sometimes strategy played a bit of a part in our results we’re hoping to come back and score some solid points for the team.

    Looking at qualifying in comparison to your team-mate, it’s heavily weighed in his favour. What’s your problem in qualifying?

    BS: It’s not an easy situation. I think Pastor has a driving style that is better suited to the tyres. Last year I had a better run in qualifying than this year, which is abnormal, but the tyres have changed and so far it hasn’t come down to my side too much. Last race the qualifying was close enough but I think there is always something to learn. My race pace has been very good and my consistency in the race has been good, so if I get qualifying right I know that I can score some big points for the team and that’s the aim.

    Well you’re just behind your team-mate and he’s had a win. Can you be a winner as well?

    BS: I’m sure we can. We’ve seen a few weekends where we’ve seen someone has just suddenly jumped to the front and won the race and had a dominant weekend. If you get everything in the right window, with the way the cars work and the way the cars work then we are more than capable of having a good result.

    Kimi, we’ve been talking about you being a winner this season for quite a long time now, so what chances here? Do you compare this circuit with Valencia perhaps, you’re the lap record holder here as well?

    Kimi RAIKKONEN: We’ll try. It’s not going to be easy. We have to see if we are in a better position than we have been in the last few races but it’s a different place than Valencia and we have to wait and see.

    What sort of circuit at you looking at, though. Is it the sort place that could favour you?

    KR: I don’t know. I haven’t been here with the team before. We don’t now. I think last year they had a very difficult time but then it’s a completely different story now. We will know much more tomorrow, usually it’s been pretty OK this kind of circuit, so hopefully that’s the case, but like I said the last two races haven’t been easy for us but that was at different layouts than here so you never know.

    You’re close to second in the championship now. Do you think you could win the championship without winning a race?

    KR: I don’t know. We’ll keep trying and try to score more points every race and hopefully improve. If we end up winning it will be great. But whoever has the most points at the end of the year deserves to win the championship. If that happens it’s a good thing for us, but if it comes with a win or without I don’t care.

    In terms of your comeback are you going to have another season in Formula One?

    KR: You never know. There are a lot of nice things to do other than Formula One. Right now we have options and we’ll see what happens.

    Q: Sebastian, obviously a winner here last year. Do you feel that the championship is just slipping away a little bit at the moment?

    Sebastian VETTEL: I think that after the weekend in Belgium it looked much better, after last weekend in Monza it didn’t look as good, so I think things can change quickly, so I don’t see any reason why it should change now.

    Q: Do you feel the car is a little inconsistent in terms of circuit to circuit?

    SV: Not really. I think that if you look at all the races that we’ve had so far I think consistency is the most important thing and I think we always have a car that was good enough to finish in the top five. I think that’s pretty consistent, if you look at the championship so far. I think that’s what you need and that’s what you’ll need until the end of the year. Obviously the more points you score the better it is but surely we were not in a position to win every race this year but I think we had a good car and I don’t see why it should change in the next couple of races.

    Q: What about technical failures; are you still worried about that?

    SV: Obviously it’s not a nice thing to happen. It usually helps quite a lot if you are able to finish the race, to get some points so I’m confident it will improve but obviously two times this year we’ve had a problem with the alternator. We’re working hard on it. It’s a bit difficult because after the failure, you don’t know exactly what was wrong, otherwise we would have fixed it after the first time and it would not happen again a couple of months later. But I think we’ve got a couple of ideas and it should be better in the future.

    Q: Sergio, second in Monza, very good potential result in Spa as well, but two circuits that are very different to here. What are your feelings about this race?

    Sergio PEREZ: I definitely have a very strong feeling. As you say, it’s not similar to Spa or Monza but I think we should be quite good here. It’s very difficult to know what to expect but I think we can also be competitive here and this is our target, to fight for the podium again.

    Q: How important is the tyre strategy going to be here, because it was interesting to see your teammate doing a long stint last year at this circuit?

    SP: The thing is, it’s always very important, very crucial, the way you manage the tyres, the way you manage your strategy, so it will be quite crucial. I think it’s quite important here as well, because you do have some big tyre degradation, especially coming from overheating the rears so it will be important to manage the tyres and it will be crucial as well for the strategy.

    Q: So can that give you a good result?

    SP: I hope so. I hope we can be on the good side with the tyre degradation. We don’t have any guarantees, so we have to see how we are tomorrow in terms of car balance for the long runs.

    Q: We’ve been hearing various rumours about your future for many months now; can you tell us if approaches have been made by major teams to you, which teams?

    SP: As I say, in the position that I am, when I have a good result because I’m fighting for points and sometimes I’m able to get some good points so it’s always the time when the rumours start but then you have another race and there are no more rumours and they are chasing the driver who has a good race. In that respect, I’m not really worried. I know that I have a very strong car for the next seven races so I hope I can deliver very strong performances.

    Q: But have approaches been made?

    SP: No.

    Q: From major teams, no approaches?

    SP: No.

    QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR

    Q: (Heikki Kulta – Turun Sanomat) Sebastian, you won eleven races last year; what is your opinion, is it possible to win the championship without winning a single Grand Prix?

    SV: I don’t know. It depends. I think it’s easier if you win a lot of races. But it’s not impossible. I don’t know if there has ever been someone… I think Keke (Rosberg) won one race (when he won the championship in 1982). It depends what the others do. I think that’s the most important… if you want to win without winning (a race).

    Q: (Ian Parkes – PA) Sergio, just following on from the earlier question. Luca di Montezemolo has repeated his assertion that again, you lack experience to join Ferrari. Could I just get your thoughts on that first of all, and secondly, over the past week, you have been linked with the possibility of joining McLaren should Lewis leave. Could I just get your thoughts on that as well?

    SP: In respect of what Montezemolo said about experience, I fully respect his opinion. I have to know my position, probably, he means, to become a Ferrari driver you probably need more… I don’t know, because it’s only my second year in Formula One. I feel ready to do a good job, to be in a top team, to be able to fight for the title, for the championship, so in that  respect I feel ready but I fully respect his opinion.

    Regarding the McLaren rumour, as I said, there are so many rumours around. Before it was Ferrari, and now it’s McLaren. Always, when I have a good race, they put me in a different team. The most important thing is to keep doing a good job and try to maximise the car potential for the next races.

    Q: (Ubaid Parkar – F1 Pulse) Bruno, what do you have to do in the next few races to ensure that you secure your seat at Williams next year? Do you think you need a podium perhaps, or maybe a win?

    BS: I think the focus is to continue scoring points consistently. There’s no target for anything. The target for me has always been, since the beginning of the season, to qualify and do the best job I can in the races and I’m sure that, coming to the next few races, I had a pretty decent run last year in a few of them, and I think that with added experience, I can improve and do a good job. Of course every time I get in the car I aim to get a podium or a win, but this is not always possible and if we can do something like that then great news for me.

    Q: (Peter Windsor – F1 Racing) For anyone really, no matter who; my taxi driver said yesterday that he thought it was going to rain on Sunday – local opinion – and I just wondered that assuming you’re not behind  a safety car and assuming that it is actually raining as distinct from damp, I just wondered what it might be like driving here under lights with falling rain at racing speeds, if anybody’s got any thoughts on that? It’s different from any other situation we’ve found ourselves in.

    BS: I reckon the glare from the lights on the spray from the car in front can be quite difficult to cope with but we’ve never had that situation before so it’s going to be a bit of a learning curve. We’ve driven in damp conditions (here) which is already fairly difficult on this track but with spray, I reckon it’s going to be a very big challenge and we’ll see if it’s going to be possible or not. Hopefully it’s going to be just like any other day in the wet.

    SV: Difficult to know, we’ve never driven in wet conditions here so we don’t know how it will be with the lights. I think no one ever really drove a Formula One car at night during the rain with lights. I think it will be very slippery, because this circuit is not very grippy. I think it was a little bit damp at the beginning of practice last year so yeah, it will be slippery.

    Q: (Tom Cary – Daily Telegraph) Sergio, given the rumour with McLaren, is there anything in your association with Ferrari that you think would not help you there, that could prevent such a move from happening?

    SG: No, not really. I have a nice connection to Ferrari through the Ferrari Academy, but I am just part of the Ferrari Academy, not part of the Ferrari team, so it doesn’t affect… As I said, still a long way to go in the season and I’m fully focused on the next races.

    Q: (Peter Windsor – F1 Racing) Kimi, you mentioned that there are plenty of nice things to do beyond Formula One if you weren’t racing next year. If we exclude trucks and rallying, I just wonder if you could give us some examples of nice things you could be doing?

    KR: I always said that I’m not desperate for Formula One and when I feel like doing something else I will. Now I’m enjoying it, I’m in a good team with nice people to work with. We’ll see what happens. There is a lot of different racing and doing just normal things in your life outside of Formula One. I will wait and see.

    Ends