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Paddon takes commanding lead after first day of International Rally of Whangarei
Hayden Paddon at full blast in International Rally of Whangarei. Photo: Geoff Ridder Whangarei 5 May 2018: Wanaka’s Hayden Paddon and co-driver Mal Peden park their Hyundai after today’s eight special stages at the ENEOS International Rally of Whangarei holding an advantage of 4mins, 02.4secs. Placed second at the overnight halt is Ben Hunt and Tony Rawstorn in a Subaru while third is Emma Gilmour and Anthony McLoughlin in a Suzuki.
Opening the six-round FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) and the second round of the Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC), the event is contested across 277 kms of fast, flowing Northland New Zealand roads.
Starting Friday night with a double-run of a 1km long Super Special Stage, Paddon set the scene taking a near 5-sec lead into today’s eight high-speed tests, held north of host city Whangarei.
Autumnal weather conditions included fog for the opening stages, causing angst for some. While Paddon added a further 38 secs on the field after the opening test, it caught out Australian pairing Richie Dalton and Dale Moscat who left the road at speed.
Mechanical issues then slowed leading international entry Mike Young and Malcom Read in the Toyota Vitz, eventually grinding them to a halt mid-morning after sitting second overall behind Paddon.
Fabio Frisiero. Photo: Geoff Ridder The journey returned the teams to Whangarei for a midday service break before repeating the loop of stages in the afternoon. Paddon again set fastest time in each test to stretch his advantage. Italy’s Fabio Frisiero and Simone Scattolin in the Peugeot head the international field, 19th overall with Yuya Sumiyama and Takahiro Yasui from Japan 21st, in a Skoda.
“I’ve been really happy with how today has gone. We were trying to look after the tyres this afternoon and manage the through the stages with them. It’s been a really enjoyable day and everything has gone according to plan. With the slightly different stages tomorrow we will hopefully manage to keep pushing on and hopefully maintain what we have gotten from today,” said three-time winner Paddon after the day’s action.
“This afternoon has gone a lot better on the second time through. It’s been a surprise to be leading international but we’re happy,” said Frisiero. “As the day has gone on, our confidence got better. Our feeling for the car got better and so did the grip. Hopefully, we will be able to keep it going for tomorrow.”
With the pleasant weather set to continue, Sunday’s remaining eight stages take the teams south of Whangarei. Starting at 7am, the journey heads south through Waipu Caves and Millbrook areas before heading west and north through Waiotira and back to Whangarei for a service break mid-morning. Following the late morning-early afternoon repeat run, the cars then arrive back in Whangarei for the ceremonial finish, to be held at the Quayside Town Basin from 3pm.
ENEOS International Rally of Whangarei – top-10 Overall (provisional): 1. Hayden Paddon / Malcolm Peden (Hyundai i20, 01hr, 34mins, 56.2secs); 2. Ben Hunt / Tony Rawstorn (Subaru WRX Sti) +04:02.4; 3. Emma Gilmour / Anthony McLoughlin (Suzuki Swift) +05:03.3; 4. Nathan Quinn / David Calder (Ford Fiesta R5) +05:08.5; 5. Dylan Turner / Sarah Brennan (Audi Quattro S1) +05:16.4; 6. Graham Featherstone / Dave Devonport (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VII) +06:04.2; 7. Josh Marston / Andrew Graves (Holden Barin) +06:12.0; 8. Grant Blackberry / Ric Chalmers (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X) +07:27.5; 9. Geof Argyle / Joelle Eyre (Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII) +08:00.7; 10. Matthew Jensen / Kieran Anstis, Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX) +08:07.1.
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Cal Crutchlow and Dani Pedrosa on top; 15 riders within a second of each other!
Cal Cturchlow…..setting a hot pace. Photo: calcrutchlow.com Jerez, 4 May 2018: Independent Team rider Cal Crutchlow (LCR Honda Castrol) ruled the roost in the Gran Premio Red Bull de España as action ended on Friday at the Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto as the Gran Premio Red Bull de España got underway, with the Argentina GP winner taking to the top in FP2 and leader on the combined timesheets on Friday.
Dani Pedrosa. Photo: Honda Racing What does that mean? On a Friday as close as this, it means he was 0.028 clear of Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda Team) in P2, 0.091 ahead of Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and still not even a tenth in front of Andrea Iannone (Team Suzuki Ecstar) in fourth.
As well as the incredible equality of the top four within a tenth, the top 15 ended Day 1 within a second and the whole grid was covered by two seconds – a tantalising prospect for race day if it remains the same.
The headlines didn’t stop there. The 2017 Jerez winner Pedrosa, who is still recovering from a broken wrist, put in a stunning performance once again to not only threaten the top but also show some key consistency with Zarco just behind him and top Yamaha.
Iannone kept his solid form rolling after his rostrum finish in Texas, just ahead of what was another key moment of the day: reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), despite having shown awesome pace throughout both sessions, crashing out towards the end of FP2 – rider ok.
Marc Marquez shrugs off FP2 crash
Marc Marquez. Photo: Honda Racing It was 27 crashes in 2017 for Marquez, and the reigning Champion says that FP2 is the time to push and try and find the limit – something that also rang a little true on Day 1 in Jerez this season. Fast all day but not fastest, the rider from Cervera took a tumble in the afternoon.
“I was on very used tyres,” explained Marquez, quickly finding the silver lining, “But even with a lot of laps on the front and rear, I had a good rhythm low 39s, which is more important. Then I braked too late and I crashed, but now I know for Sunday!”
That’s another recurring theme in ‘Marquez style’ – finding the limit before the lights go out for the race. So crash aside, how does the number 93 debrief their first day on track?
“On Day 1, the general feeling was very, very positive,” he smiled. “I enjoyed it on the track and this is the most important thing. I’m happy with how I feel on with bike, and we’ll see if we can improve or make another step tomorrow.”
That includes some more tyre combinations to try, as the Repsol Honda rider explained the program so far: “This morning, I tried soft front, soft rear, then in the afternoon I tried medium front, medium rear so tomorrow will be the time to try hard front, heard rear. I want to check everything, it will be important to choose the right tyre and to do that, you need to try everything!”
Andrea Dovizioso sixth quickest
Andrea Dovizioso. Photo: Ducati The man right behind Marquez after Day 1 was Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team), who went fastest in FP1, with his teammate Jorge Lorenzo taking seventh on Friday at the track at which he took his first podium in red in 2017.
Jack Miller (Alma Pramac Racing) was the top Independent Team Ducati rider in P8 overall after more solid top ten pace, with Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) taking ninth overall after a late move up from outside provisional Q2 entry.
The man completing the top ten was Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), after the Spaniard put in an incredible charge in FP1 to end that session in third and the day in tenth overall.
Maverick Viñales (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) was P12 and will have his sights set significantly further up the timesheets on Saturday, as will Alex Rins (Team Suzuki Ecstar), who was P14 but missed the Spanish GP in 2017 due to injury, turning a wheel in anger at the venue for the first time this year. Wildcard Mika Kallio, riding a first version of the 2019 machine for Red Bull KTM Factory racing, was P16 on Day 1.
Everything’s open, everything’s close and everything’s set up for a Saturday to remember.
Rossi searching for better balance on Saturday
Rossi. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Rossi lamented the increase in track temperatures on Day 1 with the ‘Doctor’ ending Friday P9 on the timesheets. The Movistar Yamaha team struggled more with lower grip at the Circuito de Jerez Angel Nieto last year, and it seems Rossi’s difficulties in hotter temperatures could still be haunting him in 2018 – despite him going quicker in FP2.
“It was a difficult day, especially in the afternoon because in the morning I was not so bad with the cold, but unfortunately with the higher temperature we suffer more,” explained the 39-year-old. “I’m not happy with the balance of the bike, we need to improve, but also, we are in trouble with the tyres. After some laps, we lose grip and it looks like we slow down more than our opponents, so I think it will be difficult, but it’s still Friday, we need to work and improve and try to understand better tomorrow.”
Source: Motogp.com
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Nataraj wins overall title in MRF Mogrip 2w INRC Rally of Baroda
Baroda, 4 May 2018: Rajendra RE, Aishwarya and Syed Asif Ali of team TVS Racing win their respective classes in the Indian National Rally Championship for two-wheelers (INRC) here on Sunday.
Blazing sun failed to douse their spirits as two-wheeler riders set the tone for the season opener with defending champion R Natraj of TVS racing winning the overall title in the Round 1 of the MRF MOGRIP FMSCI National rally championship 2 wheeler on Sunday.
The Rally of Baroda saw as many as 55 riders taking the start at Jarod Village near Baroda over a course of 75 km. in four competitive stages of 50 kilometres.
The Rally of Baroda which opened the 2018 season yet again proved that Team TVS Racing had no match with Natraj leading the charge on a powerful TVS RTR 450FX on which he logged 47 minutes 42 seconds to win Class 1.
Natraj’s poor show in the second stage was due to problem in his disc-brake that resulted in him falling twice. Nonetheless he picked up his bike and continued running to complete the stage.
“There was service after two stages and the problem was rectified by TVS mechanics which allowed me to ride better in the last two stages and win the rally,” said Natraj, who had won the opening round in Baroda last year too.
“The win is always a morale booster and after this win I am ready for the challenge of the Round 2 scheduled next weekend in Indore,” said Natraj.
“The rally went off smoothly and without any hiccups. What more can I ask for as a promoter.” Said Shyam Kothari, Director of Godspeed Racing, the promoters of the 2-wheeler rally championship.
“Besides more entries this year as compared to last year shows that this sport is spreading at the grassroot levels. Moreover, the response from motorsports enthusiast was also enthralling,” said Kothari.
“We had marked the course on rugged ground, which was quite testing while competing in temperatures hovering over 43 degrees Celsius,” said Amit Waghchoure of AW Events.
Aishwarya wins – riding her TVS RTR 2004V, Aishwarya Pissay won the Ladies class by a good one-minute beating Palakkad privateer Fazeela, who rode a Hero Impulse. Local girl Gurmail Kaur finished third, also on Hero Impulse.
The scooter class title went to champion TVS Racing rider Syed Asif Ali, who rode TVS Wego and clocked 59 minutes 55 seconds beating Aprillia Racing’s Pinkesh Thakkar (1:01:40), who rode Aprilia SR150.
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‘Fight until the final corner’ is the mantra; engines on at the #SpanishGP!
Andrea Dovizioso….all set for the European leg of the season. Photo: Ducati Jerez, 04 May 2018: MotoGP™ is back on European soil for the Gran Premio Red Bull de España and the grid is very much ready to get down to business at Round Four, with only eight points separating the top five riders in the Championship.
As always, it was time to talk on Thursday, with Championship leader Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) joined in the Press Conference by reigning Champion Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team), Movistar Yamaha MotoGP’s Maverick Viñales, Team Suzuki Ecstar’s Andrea Iannone, Ducati Team’s Jorge Lorenzo, Reale Avintia Racing’s Tito Rabat and late addition Johann Zarco (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) after the Frenchman announced earlier in the day that he will be racing for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing from 2019.
Talk centered on the rider market, flashed back to Austin and looked forward to Jerez, with many taking stock as the European leg of the season gets in gear.
Dovizioso was the first to speak, and he was focused on the title fight. “I’m a bit surprised, with the results in the last two races, to be leading the Championship! But not too much because we finished the season in a good way last year and we started this year in a good way. We were focused on trying to get the maximum in the last two races because we knew it wasn’t the best for our bike. The results were ok but not the speed if we want to fight for the Championship, because there are so many fast riders. But we got more points than last year so I’m happy about that.”
The goal this weekend? The same as always – the consistency that has become ‘DesmoDovi’’s calling card: “We have to fight for the podium if we really want to fight for the Championship.”
Last year that fight for the title was against Marc Marquez and he, after a dramatic race in Argentina but a dominant bounce back in Texas, says it’s something of a reset in Jerez.
Marc Marquez. Photo: Honda Racing “The feeling was really good in Argentina and Austin, but now we’re in Europe it’s completely different – everything is more narrow, tight, everything is slower – so we need to understand the base setup and understand our level, and that of our rivals,” says Marquez. “And we’ll see with the new track surface – I think everyone will be very close. But we did a test here a month ago and it was good.”
One key topic for Marquez was the track and his record at the Spanish GP, where he’s only ever won once – in 2014. “I only have one victory but on the other hand, I’ve finished on the podium every year and that’s important. But I like this track. Normally we arrive here in the first part of the season without the bike being quite perfect, but this year I feel better. The first target is the podium but if I have a small chance, I will try to win.”
On domination and the style of win at the Americas GP, Marquez added it’s natural to try and win like that. But if it comes to it? “Normally, you don’t have the chance for a race like that because everything is so tight. We’ll see here in Jerez, but if we can win like that I will try, Johann will try, Andrea will try…but if not, I’ll fight until the final corner.”
Vinales. Photo: Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Compatriot Maverick Viñales is another who arrives fresh from a good result, finishing second in Texas after some more difficult races. With the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team having had a more difficult race at the venue in 2017, a lot of eyes are on the Iwata marque and their progress.
“I’m curious to see how the bike is working because for sure we’ve improved a lot when there’s low grip,” says Viñales, referring to the unknown quantity of how the new asphalt will have changed the track. But first, he was very sure about something – progress. “In the second part of Qatar and Argentina, I was feeling good. We needed to improve the first part. But race by race we’re making steps and we can improve our level much more. From Qatar and in the next races we’re going to go up and up, I think we understand the way to go. I feel good on the bike and the team is really motivated.”
Andrea Iannone. Photo: Twitter Andrea Iannone was another who returned to the podium last time out. Taking his first rostrum finish at Suzuki, the ‘Maniac’ is back – and says they’re still close. “For us, it’s a positive moment,” says the Italian. “We needed the result for sure, and it’s good for us and everyone because we spent a lot of time and did a lot of work to arrive at this level. I think it’s important to stay focused, but it’s important we’ve remained more or less close to the top riders.”
Podium form is something Jorge Lorenzo had last season at Jerez. The five-time World Champion took his first
rostrum in red at the 2017 Spanish GP, and it’s a venue at which the number 99 has had much success. “Jerez has always been magic for me in the past few years,” smiles the ‘Spartan’.
Jorge Lorenzo. Photo: Ducati “I’ve had victories and last year I got my first podium at Ducati. It’s been a tough start to the year, but those tracks aren’t so good for our bike, so hopefully now we’re arriving at a good track for me and, now, for Ducati, where we had good winter tests and were fast, we can change the situation and I can demonstrate my value.”
The start of the season has been a different story for Tito Rabat, however, and the Spaniard began with a smile. “In these three races I think I enjoyed it more than the last two years! We’ve had a very good start to the season. I didn’t really expect to almost take three top-10s in a row…this year I feel good with the bike and with the team, learning and learning…now at a home GP we’ll see. It’s where I took my first win in 2013, so I’ll try to push to get a good result but as always thinking race by race and about improving.”
Zarco. Photo: Monster Yamaha Tech 3 Finally, it was time for some words from Zarco after the Frenchman’s move to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing was announced earlier in the day. The key word for the 2017 Rookie of the Year? Challenge.
“I’m happy we announced it this weekend,” smiled the two-time Moto2™ World Champion. “It’ll be a great challenge for the future. European constructor with a European rider, I think if we get a great result and we develop the bike well, we can have a fantastic future. The way they were developing the bike last year makes me think something is possible. I went there because I want the challenge. I’m on a great wave and I’m enjoying it so much, the performance is good too and I hope we can stay on this level in the next two years.”
The performance is good, the racing is close and it’s now time for the first European carnival of the season at the Circuito de Jerez-Angel Nieto. The riders taste the new asphalt in FP1 on Friday for the first time, with the lights going out for the race on Sunday.
Source: Motogp.com
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Johann Zarco joins Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2019 and 2020 MotoGP™ seasons
Making moves…..Johann Zarco. Photo: Twitter Jerez, 4 May 2018: Johann Zarco, currently with Monster Yamaha Tech 3, has been announced as Pol Espargaro’s teammate at Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2019 and 2020, confirming the strong rumors that had surrounded the Frenchman’s ride for 2019 and beyond.
Zarco, who was crowned Rookie of the Year in 2017, has been a consistent frontrunner since his graduation to the premier class after his two Moto2™ World Championships.
Johann Zarco. Photo: Twitter “There has always been a good contact with Johann and since the Red Bull Rookies Cup,” says Pit Beirer, KTM Motorsports Director. “We supported the Moto2 project through WP and our Moto3 Team Manager Aki Ajo is a good friend of him. We also have a nice connection with his manager Laurent Fellon. It was a group effort to get this done.
“We had to trust in our capability to build a winning bike and Johann would not come over if he did not see and feel that trust. We feel very responsible now to get that package strong enough so that he can continue on the level where he is. It is our big target.
“It is clear that we want to take another step in MotoGP. The first two years were about building up the project and to get everything running. You always want to get the best possible riders on board and it’s obvious with Johann beating the factory guys on satellite machinery and consistently qualifying on the front row means he is a strong fighter with a strong sprit. I’m convinced we can reach the next level with a rider like Johann with us.”
Zarco said on his twitter account: “My carreer will continue where everything begins, from RedBull Rookies Cup to the conquest of the MotoGP title. You understand it. I join @KTM Racing for the next two years. I’m very happy to ride this KTM, which we have the same ambitions: Ready to race! @Michelin Sport.”
#VR46WorldLap: a milestone for Rossi in Jerez
Rossi…another milestone. Photo: Movistar Yahama MotoGP In his 369th Grand Prix, Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) will be completing his 8730th overall lap on the 15th of the Spanish GP, here this weekend. What is so special about that, more than the incredible longevity? Upon completing Lap 15, the ‘Doctor’ will be reaching a remarkable milestone – racing the equivalent distance of a lap of the World, 40,075kms.
What kind of lap of the World? The circumference of the Earth; and it has taken Rossi 23 seasons to race it, in which he’s taken 115 wins, 228 podiums and nine World Championships across four categories. A World of success – quite literally!
Source: Motogp.com
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Go Pro will be the title sponsor of the British GP as MotoGP returns to Silverstone circuit
Paris, 2 May 2018: “GoPro is roped in as the title sponsor for the British GP in 2018, with the camera company taking top billing at the event to name it the GoPro British Grand Prix,” said Dorna Sports and added that it is delighted to make the announcement here today.Set for the 24th – 26th August in 2018, the race weekend will once again take place at the stunning Silverstone Circuit – its home since 2010.GoPro, already a partner of MotoGP™, are synonymous with action content and recording, from elite athletes to adventure travelers and beyond – including the GoPro on board lap recorded ahead of each MotoGP™ race weekend. Their range of cameras and software solutions consistently redefine the possible, with their constant push for innovation, quality and technological excellence making them a perfect title sponsor for the British GP.
“Our continued partnership with Dorna Sports and MotoGP has been integral in bolstering global awareness for GoPro,” says GoPro CMO Todd Ballard. “And we are thrilled by the opportunity to play host of the British Grand Prix at the historic Silverstone circuit.”
“GoPro are a perfect partner for MotoGP™,” adds Pau Serracanta, Managing Director – Dorna Sports. “They share our passion for speed, adrenaline and excellence, and we can’t be happier than to see them come on board as title sponsor for the British Grand Prix – extending our relationship and once again deepening the commitment shared by both parties. We look forward to the GoPro British Grand Prix and to another stunning weekend of racing.”
Engines fire up for the event on Friday 24th August, before we go racing on Sunday 26th.
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Aero changes to promote overtaking approved for 2019 Formula 1 season
Paris, 01 May 2018: Formula 1 aerodynamics are set to get simpler in 2019 with one simple purpose in mind: to promote closer racing and more overtaking. Following a presentation made to the F1 teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix regarding proposals aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking in the Formula 1 World Championship, the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council yesterday approved a number of regulation changes for the 2019 season.The changes, approved by e-vote, are as follows:
- Simplified front wing, with a larger span, and low outwash potential
- Simplified front brake duct with no winglets
- A wider and deeper rear wing
The vote follows an intense period of research into the FIA’s initial proposals, which were made with the support of the F1 Commercial Rights Holder, conducted by a majority of the F1 teams. These studies indicated the strong likelihood of a positive impact on racing and overtaking within F1 and as such have now been ratified for implementation in 2019.
The approved changes are separate to the ongoing work being undertaken in regard to defining Formula 1’s regulations for 2021 and beyond.
In addition to the aerodynamic changes ratified on Monday, the FIA is continuing to evaluate a range of other measures aimed at encouraging closer racing and boosting overtaking in F1.
A raft of other measures have already been put in place for 2019, including an increase in race fuel allowance to allow drivers to race at full power for longer, the separation of driver weight from car weight to end the disadvantage of heavier drivers, and the requirement that drivers wear biometric gloves.
Ross Brawn, Managing Director – Motorsports (F1) says: “One of the key episodes of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was the collision between team-mates Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen. I don’t want to comment on who might be held responsible or how a team should manage these issues during a race, but I do think the Steward’s decision to reprimand both drivers was the right course of action.
“But I would like to highlight a technical point. Once Daniel had settled for his line, and Max had changed direction blocking that line, the Australian became a passenger. The downforce loss experienced by Ricciardo in the wake of Verstappen’s car would have made it unstoppable. We often think of downforce applying in cornering, but the impact the extra grip has in braking is huge. Take away that grip in braking and what happened on Sunday was inevitable.
“Whilst this was a very severe example, it did highlight once more the need of finding a way to develop the rules to make the cars more raceable in these conditions.
“The decision of the Strategy Group and the F1 Commission taken yesterday, sanctioned by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, to approve a number of aerodynamic modifications, aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking for the 2019 season is definitely an important step.
“It’s also important to note that the decision has been taken after an intense period of research into the FIA’s proposals, which were made with the support of Formula 1 and, conducted by a majority of the teams. A good spirit, a good way of working together for a better and more spectacular Formula 1, which is what the FIA, Formula 1, the Teams, and most importantly, the fans want. Bravo.”
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Arjun Maini scores first points in F2; Kush Maini notches win and a podium in F3
India’s Kush Maini (centre) with the winner’s trophy. Baku, 29 April 2018: Haas Development driver Arjun Maini made an inspired comeback here at the weekend in the FIA Formula 2 Championship. Starting from P17, he made 11 overtakes to finish the race in P6. However, a post-race penalty to Sette Camara meant Arjun moved up to P5, scoring his first points in his debut season of the F2 championship.
Meanwhile, in Rockingham, UK, Arjun’s younger brother, Kush Maini secured his first win in the BRDC British F3 Championship. The Lanan Racing driver won Race 2 at Rockingham and finished off with yet another podium in Race 3 to end the weekend on a high.
Arjun began his race weekend with a P7 in qualifying, and showed some great promise at the start of the Race 1 when he moved swiftly into P4, but problems with the engine meant an early retirement from the race.
Arjun Maini in Baku. Photo: Sebastiaan Rozendaal / Dutch Photo Agency Looking to make up for his rather unlucky start to the weekend, the JK Racing and TVS Motorsport supported driver began Race 2, which he started from P17 on the grid, on the front foot. He moved up into P9 by the end of the first lap itself with some great driving. He followed this up with some gritty racing and eventually passed a few cars ahead, a difficult task in the tricky streets of Baku and finished ahead of his fellow Trident teammate Ferrucci.
Arjun Maini said: “It’s nice to finish the weekend on a positive note and get my first points in the championship. After the disappointing end to Race 1, I felt it was important to come back strong and this race will hopefully give me and the team momentum going forward.”
Speaking about Arjun’s notable drive, Karun Chandok, Former F1 driver and Arjun’s mentor said: “Arjun did a great job all weekend. Racing for the first time in a new category on a street circuit can be quite daunting, but he coped with the challenge well.
Arjun Maini on a charge in Baku. Photo: Sebastiaan Rozendaal / Dutch Photo Agency “It was a real shame that he had a car problem in the first race when running strongly in the top 5 and that sent him down the grid for the next race. However he showed on Sunday that he’s got the speed and potential to mix it in the top 6 and that’s where we’re aiming to be going forward.”
Talking about the next round of the championship he added: “He knows the Barcelona circuit very well and won there in GP3 last year, so fingers crossed he can have some good reliability and deliver strong result.”
Arjun will be in action at Barcelona shortly, as round 3 of the FIA F2 Championship is set to take place in a couple of weeks, between May 11-13. It’s the same track where he, last year, created history by becoming the first Indian to win a GP3 Series race.
Arjun also joined the thousands of people in India in demanding justice for Asifa, in his own way, by having a message on the side of his car throughout the race weekend to raise awareness through his sport.
KUSH MAINI WINS RACE 2 AT ROCKINGHAM
ROCKINGHAM: Kush Maini secured his first win in Round 2 of the BRDC British F3 Championship. The Lanan Racing driver won Race 2 and finished off with yet another podium in Race 3 to end the weekend on a high.
Kush Maini’s determination to win finally paid off as he came from P5 to claim his maiden race win in the championship. Also combining his second consecutive podium in Race 3, this weekend’s results meant he acquired a considerable chunk of points towards the driver’s championship, putting him currently in fourth place with 113 points, just six points off third placed Gamble.
Kush Maini, who started off the weekend in the wet by qualifying in P6, was involved in an incident early on in Race 1, but fought back strongly to claim P7. As the track dried out over the next day, Kush started the race from P5, and won a couple of places off the start itself. He then chased down the front two, and was in the lead by the end of the first lap. A string of consecutive fastest laps helped him pull away from the rest of the pack as he ended the race with almost a 5-second gap back to the driver in P2.
In Race 3, Kush, starting from pole, couldn’t capitalise on his momentum from the previous race as he battled hard in thrilling encounter. Lundqvist and Kjaergaard got off the line quicker as Kush stayed right on their tail. However, a string of safety cars and yellow flags made it difficult for him to keep the pressure. Nevertheless, he managed his second consecutive Race-3 podium in a close race with the top 3 separated by just 0.638s.
Kush said, “In race 2, it was a case of keeping my nose clean the first lap. We knew from the start of the season, our pace in the dry is superior so as long as I could go the distance we could get a good result. It was disappointing to not win in Race 3 from pole, but it was a good race and another load of points so I’m looking forward to the next round.”
The next round of BRDC F3 Championship takes place at Snettorton at the end of May where Kush will be looking to make this momentum count.
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Rally Argentina: Tanak-Jarveoja snatch win for Toyota; double podium for Hyundai
Ott Tanak and Martin Jarveoja who scored a win for Toyota in Rally Argentina. Photo: FIA Villa Carlos Paz, 30 April 2018: Ott Tänak and Martin Järveoja won the legendary Rally Argentina on Sunday after a weekend-long display of dominance in which they won 10 of the event’s 18 stages. The Estonians were able to manage their pace over the closing three stages to take their first victory with Toyota by 37.7 seconds. Last year’s winners Thierry Neuville and Nicolas Gilsoul were second and team-mates Dani Sordo and Carlos del Barrio made it a double podium celebration for Hyundai with third.
In the FIA World Rally Championship, Neuville has managed to close the gap to Championship leader Ogier to 10 points with Tänak 18 points further adrift in the standings. Hyundai’s double podium also sees the Korean manufacturer extend its advantage over M-Sport Ford to 15 points. Toyota is third with Citroen trailing in fourth.
In the second run of El Cóndor, counting towards all-important Power Stage points, Tänak was able to control the pace and points for fourth fastest added to his Championship haul. Neuville was flat-out however and the Belgian set fastest time to add five points to his tally, his objective always to be ahead of Ogier. Sordo was happy with his Rally Argentina outing and the Spaniard finished well ahead of Ogier in the overall classification.
Ogier and Mikkelsen went into the stage fighting for fourth but the reigning FIA World Rally Champion managed to hold onto his position by just four seconds at the end of the event. Both Elfyn Evans and Kris Meeke moved up the standings into sixth and seventh respectively after Lappi dropped time with a puncture this morning. He finished eighth on his debut outing in Argentina, the Finn lamenting a huge amount of bad luck in Argentina. Teemu Suninen finished ninth, another debutant on the event.
Pontus Tidemand and Jonas Andersson snatched the FIA WRC 2 Championship category win after Škoda team-mate Kalle Rovanperä rolled in the penultimate stage while leading. Tidemand beat Gus Greensmith by over seven minutes to take the lead in the Championship standings.
The sixth round of the FIA World Rally Championship takes the contenders back to Europe for Rally de Portugal (17-20 May).
Rally Argentina – Final Unofficial classification (subject to scrutineering)
1 Ott Tänak / Martin Järveoja Toyota Yaris WRC 3hr 43min 28.9sec 2 Thierry Neuville / Nicolas Gilsoul Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC 3hr 44min 06.6sec 3 Dani Sordo / Carlos del Barrio Hyundai i20 Couple WRC 3hr 44min 44.6sec 4 Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia Ford Fiesta WRC 3hr 45min 27.5sec 5 Andreas Mikkelsen / Anders Jæger Hyundai i20 WRC 3hr 45min 31.5sec 6 Elfyn Evans / Daniel Barritt Ford Fiesta WRC 3hr 46min 35.2sec 7 Kris Meeke / Paul Nagle Citroen C3 WRC 3hr 46min 54.6sec 8 Esapekka Lappi / Janne Ferm Toyota Yaris WRC 3hr 48min 01.5sec 9 Teemu Suninen / Mikko Markkula Ford Fiesta WRC 3hr 49min 07.5sec 10 Pontus Tidemand / Jonas Andersson Škoda Fabia R5 3hr 55min 44.7sec -
Tidemand keeps nerve to win Rally Argentina; leads WRC 2 Championship
Pontus Tidemand (right) and co-driver Jonas Andersson celebrate Rally Argentina win. The Swediesh pair leads WRC 2 Championship standings. Photos: SKODA Motorsports Villa Carlos Paz, 29 April 2018: Reigning WRC 2 Champions Pontus Tidemand and co-driver Jonas Andersson from Sweden repeated their last year’s victory at Rally Argentina, the fifth round of the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship, here on Sunday. The Swedish pairing takes the lead in the WRC 2 championship standings from ŠKODA teammate Jan Kopecký who did not compete in Argentina.
ŠKODA factory-supported crews Tidemand and Andersson, and Finland’s Kalle Rovanperä and Jonne Halttunen were leading the WRC 2 category going into the event’s last day. But in the penultimate stage, Rovanperä went off the road close to the finish. Thanks to the safety package of the ŠKODA FABIA R5, the crew was unhurt, but had to retire. Norwegians Ole Christian Veiby and Stig Rune Skjaermœn, another duo of ŠKODA juniors, finished second in RC 2 class, which includes the WRC 2 category.
On the final day of Rally Argentina, three more stages, covering 55.27 kilometres, had to be driven. Tidemand tried everything to catch their young Finnish teammate. With a tremendous effort on the opening “El Condor” stage, he was 13.3 seconds quicker than Rovanperä, reducing the gap to only 9.9 seconds.
Kalle Rovanperä On the penultimate stage, the Rovanpera went off the road close to the end of the stage. Thanks to the safety package of their ŠKODA FABIA R5, they escaped without injury, however. With the WRC 2 lead back in his hands, Tidemand drove cautiously in the last stage and won the category with the huge margin.
The Swedish crew moved as well into the lead of the WRC 2 championship standings. “Sorry for Kalle. We had a tense fight and I always followed our Team instructions. I believed in my speed myself and obviously did not want to win this way,” Tidemand said.
After two punctures on the Saturday stages, ŠKODA junior Ole Christian Veiby managed to regain the third position in RC 2 class after a fast time on the opening Sunday stage. In the end, the Norwegian finished in second place.
ŠKODA Motorsport boss Michal Hrabánek commented: “Accidents are a part of the game. Luckily, the safety standards of modern rally cars like our ŠKODA FABIA R5 are extremely high. So Kalle and Jonne escaped from that accident without being injured. Nevertheless, I want to thank both crews for the tremendous performance they delivered, the whole ŠKODA Motorsport Team did an excellent job.”
Final Result Rally Argentina (WRC 2): 1. Tidemand/Andersson (SWE/SWE), ŠKODA FABIA R5, 03hrs, 55mins, 44.7 secs; 2. Greensmith/Parry (GBR/GBR), Ford Fiesta R5, +7:39.1 min; 3. Heller/Olmos (CHL/ARG), Ford Fiesta R5, +9:02.9 min; 4. Dominguez/Galindo (MEX/MEX), Hyundai i20 R5, + 15:49.6 min; 5. Solans/Ibanez (ESP/ESP), Ford Fiesta R5, +37:43.9 min.
Current standings WRC 2 (after 5 of 13 rounds): 1. Tidemand (SWE), ŠKODA, 68 points; 2. Kopecký (CZR) ŠKODA, 50 points; 3. Greensmith (GBR), Ford, 36 points; 4. Heller (CHL), Ford, 30 points; 5. Katsuta (JPN), Ford, 29 points.
Paris, 01 May 2018: Formula 1 aerodynamics are set to get simpler in 2019 with one simple purpose in mind: to promote closer racing and more overtaking. Following a presentation made to the F1 teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix regarding proposals aimed at promoting closer racing and more overtaking in the Formula 1 World Championship, the Strategy Group, the F1 Commission and the World Motor Sport Council yesterday approved a number of regulation changes for the 2019 season.
