INDIA in F1

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  • 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
  • Ameya Bafna wins Pre-final

    Ameya Bafna wins Pre-final

    Macau, 22 October 2012: Indian karting champion Ameya Bafna of Rayo Racing dominated the first day of the Macau Cup Rotax Senior class, at the FIA CIK World Karting Championship this weekend.

    Ameya narrowly missed the pole position after qualifying 0.06 off the fastest driver. Hovever, he went on to win the Pre Final. Rayo Racing was the only Indian team to take part at the famous Kartodromo de Coloane Circuit in Macau.

  • 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.

  • Coorg rally cancelled due to heavy rains

    By David Bodapati

    Polibetta (Coorg), 20 Oct 2012: Heavy rains that lashed the region on Friday rendered the dirt stages unfit for rallying and the Rally of Coorg, the second round of the Indian National Rally Championship, was cancelled here on Saturday.

    Steward Farad Bathena made a visit to the stages early in the morning and after his report the stewards, headed by Zayn Khan, took a decision to cancel the rally and made an announcement to the drivers and co-drivers at 9 am at the service park, near the hockey ground in Ammathi town.

    “The stages were completely damaged due to the overnight rains and the stewards felt that they were unsafe for conducting a rally,” said Zayn Khan, the Chief Steward.

    Initially, some drivers wanted the route to be reduced and conduct at least 55 per cent distance including the Super Special Stage but with some of the drivers opposing the idea no efforts were made to run the rally. “ We have done everything for the smooth conduct of the rally. But we will abide by the stewards decision as safety of the drivers is of utmost importance,” said Jaidas Menon, the head of Motorsport Inc, the hosts.

    The FMSCI rally championship will now move to Chikmagalur in the last week-end of November for the next leg.

    Note: This article is manually migrated from the archives of old website.

  • Heavy rains force cancellation of Coorg Rally

    By David Bodapati

    Polibetta (Coorg), 20 Oct 2012: Heavy rains that lashed the region on Friday rendered the dirt stages unfit for rallying and the Rally of Coorg, the second round of the Indian National Rally Championship, was cancelled here on Saturday.

    Steward Farad Bathena made a visit to the stages early in the morning and after his report, the stewards, headed by Zayn Khan, took a decision to cancel the rally and made an announcement to the drivers and co-drivers at 9 am at the service park, near the hockey ground in Ammathi town.

    “The stages were completely damaged due to the overnight rains and the stewards felt that they were unsafe for conducting a rally,” said Zayn Khan, the Chief Steward.

    Initially, some drivers wanted the route to be reduced and conduct at least 55 per cent distance including the Super Special Stage but with some of the drivers opposing the idea no efforts were made to run the rally. “ We have done everything for the smooth conduct of the rally. But we will abide by the stewards decision as safety of the drivers is of utmost importance,” said Jaidas Menon, the head of Motorsport Inc, the hosts.

    The FMSCI rally championship will now move to Chikmagalur in the last week-end of November for the next leg.

    Note: This article is manually migrated from archives.

  • 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

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    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.

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  • 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.

  • Double podium brings constructors title for Mahindra Racing in Italy

    Rome, 14 October 2012: Mahindra Racing – the first and still the only Indian company to enter the world of motorcycle grand prix racing – created history by winning the prestigious ‘Constructors Title’ in the 125GP class at the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV) in Italy. The exciting final race of the 2012 season concluded at the Vallelunga Circuit on Sunday, 40 kms from here.

    The team won the premier title armed with two young but very promising and talented riders – 17 year old Miroslav Popov and the Austrian teenager Lukas Trautmann. Bringing to the fore a phenomenal performance, Miroslav Popov ended the season in style and brought about a stunning finish for 1st place. Displaying great skill on the track, the team’s second rider Lukas Trautmann, put in yet another impressive performance to finish 2nd in the 16 lap race, says a Press Release.

    Popov started the race from pole position after the outstanding performance displayed in qualifying. His team mate Lukas Trautmann, at his very first weekend on the bike, moved off from the third row of the grid after finishing the two qualifying sessions as the fourth 125GP rider in the classification.

    After the lights went out Popov got immediately in the lead, while Trautmann was third at Turn 1. Both riders displayed a very good race pace that allowed them to put some gap between themselves and the other

    Finishing 1-2, Mahindra riders clinched the Constructors' title in the Italian Racing Championship, received by Mafaddal Choonia (centre). Mahindra Racing photo

    125 GP riders.

    As the race progressed Popov and Trautmann rode carefully and made no mistakes, crossing the line in first and second position. Miroslav Popov also set the fastest lap of the race with a 1’47’’041 lap-time.

    Though he did not compete in the last race of the season, 27-year-old Riccardo Moretti claimed an impressive second place in the overall all Riders Rankings thanks to his phenomenal performances during the season behind leader Lorenzo Dalla Porta in the Riders Classification of the championship. He has already secured five podiums so far in the seven rounds of the season.

    “This historic win by Mahindra Racing at the CIV demonstrates the superb performance our bikes, the skills and commitment of our riders and outstanding team work – all hallmarks of Mahindra Rise philosophy. Our continued success in international motor sports events such as the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship is strengthening the Mahindra brand globally.” said S. P. Shukla, Member of Group Executive Board and President of Group Strategy, Mahindra Group.

    Mr. Mufaddal Choonia, CEO of Mahindra Racing said, “Winning a highly competitive event like the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship is a historic achievement for Mahindra Racing and Indian motorsport. We competed against the best in the world with a pair of young and energetic riders and our victory marks a big step forward for the team. The year wasn’t all easy but we remained determined and committed and are thrilled with the results.”

    Commenting on his performance in the race, Popov said, “I feel very content to have finished the season on a winning note. There were moments that were challenging but we worked hard, beat the odds and have come out victorious. We are working together very well as a team and I couldn’t have hoped for a better result than this. The credit for our victory goes to the team.”

    Lukas Trautmann said, “I am happy with the results of the race and am gaining more and more confidence after each outing. I thank the team and Mahindra. The future looks promising and I am glad to be racing for Mahindra Racing.”

    After making its CIV debut in 2012, Mahindra Racing became the first from India to win an international motorsport event when Moretti took the chequered flag at the season-opening race in Mugello, Italy on 25th March this year. The team won 6 out of the 8 races in the championship with 3 spectacular double podiums. The Indian manufacturer is one among a handful of entrants using its own chassis and engine, developing new technology at the same time challenging the might of established racing factories that fill the rest of the grid.

    CIV Manufacturers Title – 1) Mahindra 176 – 2) Aprilia 162 – 3) Honda 50 – 4) KTM 34

    Vallelunga Circuit Results – 125 GP CIV Italian Championship Round 8 : 1) Popov (Mahindra) – 2) Trautmann (Mahindra) – 3) Carpi (Aprilia).

    About Mahindra Racing

    Mahindra Racing is the first Indian team to participate in the FIM MotoGP™ World Motorcycle Racing Championship (in 2011) and the Italian National Motorcycle Racing Championship (CIV, in 2012).

    On the world stage, the Indian factory team signed off its 2011 debut season on a high note with action packed performances by both its riders. Marcel Schrötter finished 15th overall in the 125cc Rider’s Championship and the team finished a strong third overall in the Constructor’s Championship. Danny Webb made history when he secured pole position in Valencia in the last race of the 125cc era. The team has taken this learning into its participation in the all new Moto3™ class which replaced the 125cc class from the 2012 season onwards.

    In the CIV in Italy, the team competes in the 125 GP Class with ex-Italian Champion Riccardo Moretti. The team became the first from India to win an international motorsport event when Riccardo took the chequered flag at the season-opening race of the CIV in Mugello, Italy on 25 March, 2012. Since then, the team has recorded five victories from seven races with only one round remaining. Having secured second place in the Championship, Moretti has now joined Webb on the MGP-30 for the remainder of the Moto3 season.

    For further information please visit: www.mahindraracing.com

    About The Mahindra Group

    The Mahindra Group focuses on enabling people to rise. Mahindra operates in the key industries that drive economic growth, enjoying a leadership position in tractors, utility vehicles, information technology and vacation ownership. Mahindra has a presence in the automotive industry, agribusiness, aerospace, components, consulting services, defence, energy, financial services, industrial equipment, logistics, real estate, retail, steel and two wheelers.

    A USD 15.4 billion multinational group based in Mumbai, India and is the only global group that is present in the complete transportation chain from two wheelers, passenger vehicles and trucks to boats and aeroplanes.

    Mahindra employs more than 144,000 people in over 100 countries.

    In 2011, Mahindra featured on the Forbes Global 2000 list, a listing of the biggest and most powerful listed companies in the world. Dun & Bradstreet also ranked Mahindra at No. 1 in the automobile sector in its list of India’s Top 500 Companies. In 2010, Mahindra featured in the Credit Suisse Great Brands of Tomorrow.

    In 2011, Mahindra acquired a majority stake in Korea’s SsangYong Motor Company.

    For further information, please visit www.mahindra.com, www.mahindra2wheelers.com

    Connect with us on www.facebook.com/mahindragroup, www.facebook.com/mahindrascooters

     

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  • Vettel goes past Alonso with 3rd straight win

    Sebastian Vettel completed Formula One’s tour of the Far East with a third straight victory, in the process taking the lead in the Drivers’ Championship.

    Sebatian Vettel of Red Bull Racing takes the driver championship lead with a third straight win at the Korean GP on 14 Oct 2012. Red Bull Racing photo

    His third victory in a row was secured in the first three turns of the race. When the lights went out pole position holder Mark Webber made a marginally slower getaway and Vettel was able to pull alongside his team-mate into Turn One. It was a close battle but by the end of the circuit’s long back straight the champion was ahead and had the better inside line. After that Vettel opened up a gap of a couple of seconds and seemed able to respond whenever Webber went quicker.
    On lap 14 Webber headed for the pits to discard his supersoft tyres for a set of the softs. Vettel stayed ahead after his stop a lap later and set about increasing his lead to around 10s where it stayed. From there it was simply a case of both drivers managing tyre wear in order to maintain their one-two status to the flag. It was Red Bull’s first one-two finish since last season’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

    Behind them Ferrari finished third and fourth with Felipe Massa tucking in behind Fernando Alonso. Kimi Räikkönen was fifth for Lotus, Nico Hülkenberg a hard-fought sixth for Force India ahead of Romain Grosjean in the second Lotus. Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo were eighth and ninth respectively for Toro Rosso, and Lewis Hamilton picked up the final point for tenth after McLaren had a bad day.

    This is the first time Vettel has led the Drivers’ Championship since May. He has 215 points compared to Alonso’s 209. Räikkönen remains third in the standings, increasingly distant on 169, while Lewis Hamilton is fourth with 153. “I think it was a fantastic race,” said a delighted Vettel. “Obviously the foundation was to have a good start, which I wasn’t sure [of] because I was starting on the dirty side but I have to say I had reasonable grip and a very good launch.  I could see that Mark was struggling a little in the first bit of the start and I was able to get side-by-side. Then I had the inside into turn one, which was good.”

    Vettel conceded that after that it had simply been a case of controlling the gap back to Webber and his rivals and managing his fading tyres.  “It was a perfect first stint,” he said. “I think towards the end I was able to pull away a little bit and open a gap to Mark which helped to stay out a little bit longer and I think after that we had a very good stop, a very strong second stint opening the gap again.”
    Webber, meanwhile, admitted that his less than perfect getaway had compromised his race. “The initial launch wasn’t good. The first bite just kicked to wheelspin and from then on I knew I could have some issues,” he said. “It was just a very mediocre run to the first corner. Seb got a good one.”
    Alonso said he was happy with having got the maximum out of his Ferrari but admitted he did not know what his team could do to counter-punch against the form currently being shown by Red Bull. “I think it’s a question mark,” he said. “We didn’t bring to the last six or seven races, anything new. We are doing what we can at the moment and we are trying to save points, which I think we are doing perfectly every Sunday.

    “Again it was a perfect Sunday for us: good start, good strategy at the right time and in the right moment, then finishing again on the podium. “I think it was a very strong Sunday. We overtook McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship, which is something that maybe we didn’t expect two or three races ago, so definitely we are moving in the right direction. We just need a little last step to be as competitive as Red Bull and I think it will be a beautiful last four races to the end.”
    Red Bull increased their Constructors’ Championship lead to a commanding 77 points, with 367 compared to Ferrari’s 290. As Alonso said, third and fourth in the Korean Grand Prix jumped his team ahead of McLaren in the standings, for whom Jenson Button had a first-lap retirement after being hit by Kamui Kobayashi’s Sauber on the run down to Turn Three. Lewis Hamilton lost third place to Alonso at the start and then suffered an anti-roll bar failure mid-race that upset his car’s balance and forced him into a three-stop strategy for badly wearing tyres.

    Hamilton conceded “In terms of winning the world championship, logic suggests that that’s probably it for me,” while Räikkönen said “The gap to Sebastian in the Championship is quite big now so it will be very difficult to catch him.” Increasingly the season looks like becoming a straight fight between Vettel and Alonso, with the momentum definitely in the German driver’s favour.

    ens

  • Karun, JRM finish second in their class

    Fuji (Japan) 14 Oct 2012: Indian racing star Karun Chandhok and his JRM Racing achieved its best result of the season today at the Six Hours of Fuji in Japan, finishing second in the privateers’ class and fifth overall. The #22 HPD ARX-03a driven by David Brabham, Peter Dumbreck and Karun Chandhok had qualified in P3 in the privateers’ class for the penultimate race of the FIA World Endurance Championship, setting up a good race today.

    Peter got the six hours underway for the team and had a good start, gaining a place in the first corner. He was in the car for the first two hours and 40 minutes, managing the tyres perfectly and lapping at a very consistent pace. After a double stint, the Scot handed over to David. The Safety Car had to come out half way through the race so debris on track could be cleared, but David looked after the tyres and when the race got underway again he was able to run at consistent pace, constantly swapping track positions with the #12 Rebellion.

    Karun drove the #22 during the last third of the race. Minor contact with the #1 Audi was made during his first stint, and during the last minutes of the race he also had to do an extra pit stop to change the rear end of the car that had been damaged. Nevertheless he managed to stay in fifth position and even set the team’s fastest lap of the race, a 1:30.907.

    After achieving the best result of the season so far, the team looks forward to the eighth and final race of the year that will take place in China in two weeks’ time.

    Karun Chandhok was thrilled with the best finish of the season after struggling with mechanical problems in the last few races when the team was in a strong position. He said, “Great to be on the podium! It was a good race and finishing for the team was a fantastic feeling, particularly as it’s our best finish of the season so far. I had a bit of contact with the Audi and there was a bit of bodywork damage but apart from that we were reasonably quick. We do need a little bit more pace to finish ahead of the Rebellion – we stick with them at some parts of the race and only need a little bit more to get ahead. It’s nice to get a trophy for the boys, and it’s very positive for us and for the team moral. I’m very pleased after a couple of hard weekends in Brazil and Bahrain, and hopefully we can finish the season strongly in China.”

    Nigel Stepney, team manager and chief engineer, said, “This is our best result so far and we are absolutely delighted. The race went according to plan. We probably lost the chance to fight the Rebellion during Peter’s second stint on new tyres when we had a bit of a performance problem. But the boys did a fantastic job changing the rear bodywork in an extra pit stop and it was a positive race overall. We’ve been promising it for two races, Brazil and Bahrain, so it’s finally nice to get to the end and achieve what we know we can do.”

    James Rumsey, team principal, commented, “Overall, a very positive result today; we can be very happy and proud. The team has worked very hard during the whole weekend and finally it all came together in the race. This is our best result of a season where we have improved race after race and we certainly deserved it. It’s also great to finally see our drivers on the podium for the first time. Now we have to continue working hard and do our best to end the season on a high.“

    ends

    Karun and teammates get a second place in their class at Fuji on 14 Oct 2012. Adrenna Photo