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Tag: formula 1
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Caterham confirm Kobayashi and Ericsson as F1 drivers for 2014
Leafield (UK), 21 Jan 2014: Caterham F1 Team and Caterham Racing have confirmed their 2014 driver line-ups with the announcement that Kamui Kobayashi and Marcus Ericsson will race in Formula One in the forthcoming season with Robin Frijns and Alexander Rossi as F1 team Reserve Drivers. In addition, Alexander and Rio Haryanto will contest the 2014 GP2 honours with Caterham Racing, a press release said.
Kobayashi joins the UK based team after one season out of F1, rejoining the sport as it heads towards a new era in F1 history with all-new rules for the season ahead. The popular Japanese driver joins F1 rookie Marcus Ericsson in an exciting, dynamic line-up that will push the team to achieve its targets throughout the season ahead whilst giving, for the second year running, an opportunity for a leading GP2 driver to make the step up to F1, demonstrating the logic of Caterham’s direct involvement in that F1 feeder Championship. Supporting them at all GP2 race weekends as Reserve Driver will be Robin Frijns, one of motorsport’s most highly rated young drivers.
Alexander Rossi renews his GP2 challenge with Caterham Racing and, after finishing the 2013 season as best rookie, he will start the new season as a serious championship contender. He will combine his GP2 commitments with another year as a Reserve Driver for Caterham F1 Team at all non-GP2 race wekeends, continuing his development towards an ultimate race drive in Formula One. Alexander is joined by Rio Haryanto, the Indonesian driver who has progressed in GP2 since his first season in the series in 2012 and who, with Alexander, makes one of the strongest driver pairings in the championship.
Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal and CEO, Caterham F1 Team: “I’m very pleased we can finally unveil our F1 and GP2 drivers for the year ahead. The process may have taken longer than we’d have liked, but we didn’t want or need to be rushed into such important decisions and we have been in the happy position of having a wide range of drivers to choose from for both series. I believe that we have exciting, dynamic talents in both F1 and GP2 and I know just how excited everyone in the F1 team and Caterham Racing are about working with all five drivers.
“In F1, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring Kamui back. He is a very popular driver and it’s very good for the whole team we’ve been able to attract such an exciting driver to join us at a critical point in our development. His pace speaks for itself, and his extensive experience of developing cars, particularly in his years with Toyota, will be incredibly important for us as we tackle one of the most challenging seasons F1 has ever embarked upon.
“Alongside him is Marcus who will be racing in his debut F1 season in 2014, but as a driver who has prepared perfectly for the step up to F1 with his graduation through the ranks. He started his single-seat career by winning Formula BMW UK in 2007 and rose through the ranks to GP2 where, last year, he won in Germany, scored two poles, three fastest laps and five podiums. He’s physically and mentally prepared for what lies ahead, and he will have all the support we can give him across the team to help him fulfil his obvious potential in Formula One.
“Robin is another new addition to our driver roster and he comes to us as one of the most highly rated talents around – just look at how he dominated the two Renault-backed series he competed in during the 2012 and 2013 seasons for clear evidence of that. He won Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 in 2011, recording five wins that year, and then he won Formula Renault 3.5 in 2012, putting three more victories on the board. He has raw pace and impressed our engineers enormously with the sessions he’s completed in our simulator – put simply, he has the talent to go right to the top of our sport. He will be our Reserve at all races where Alexander is focused on GP2 and he will have a number of F1 runs throughout the year, immersing him in the F1 team and helping him develop his understanding of what it takes to operate at the top level.
“In GP2 we want to be competing for race wins and titles from the first race. Alexander showed last year that he’s ready to make a push for the championship, and we’re continuing his F1 development in 2014 by combining his GP2 commitments with another year as an F1 team Reserve Driver. I firmly believe he has the talent to achieve the ambitious targets we are setting him and I’m excited about seeing him fulfil his potential in GP2 this year. Rio joins the team with two years of GP2 already under his belt and he and Alexander make a formidable pairing – we’re all excited about seeing them and the team add to Caterham Racing’s already crowded trophy cabinet and use that as a benchmark for the F1 team!
“By any measure, we have an exciting range of drivers across F1 and GP2 who will make headlines for both teams throughout the year – sometimes because they’re pushing a bit too hard, but, on balance, that’s what motor racing needs. Our F1 team will benefit enormously from having Kamui and Marcus spearhead our challenge in 2014 – they provide powerful motivation for us to renew our efforts to succeed throughout the season ahead and demonstrate that our shareholders and senior management know what it takes to progress. Overall, I’m pleased that we’re able to give all five of the drivers we’ll work with in F1 and GP2 the platform to show what they can do on a global stage and I’m excited about seeing all of them develop in green throughout the year ahead.”
Caterham F1 Team
Kamui Kobayashi: “It’s a great feeling to be back as an F1 race driver and I’m really pleased it’s with Caterham F1 Team. We’ve been talking to Cyril and Tony since last year about driving for the team for 2014 and beyond and throughout all our discussions I’ve been very impressed with where they want to take the team, and how much investment has been made already to help them achieve their goals. For me, it’s a great honour that the team hired me based on the value I bring in racing terms, and the experience I have and I am so happy that I am able to make this announcement today. I will do my very best to lead the team and work as hard as possible to achieve our targets.“I also want to give special thanks to all the fans who have made donations to KAMUI SUPPORT. Their donations and gestures gave me extra strength to come back fighting and I am very pleased that the money they raised not only helped me but will now go to helping Caterham progress this year. Every single one of you who helped with KAMUI SUPPORT will race with me in 2014 and that makes me very proud.”
“I first visited the factory in Leafield just before Christmas and it’s clear how hungry the whole team is to make progress. Last year was a tough season but the new rules this year mean that everyone in F1 is starting again and that means everybody has a chance to improve. From what I’ve seen, Caterham now has everything in place to progress this year and for many seasons to come. We’re all realistic about what we can actually achieve this year, and until we’ve run the car properly at the tests it’s still too early to see where we are compared to the other teams, but whatever happens we have to move forwards this year. For me, it’s a chance to start again with a new team but one that’s serious about progressing, and for the team, 2014 is the first chance to show what they can do with all the people and infrastructure they’ve built up in Leafield since moving there in 2012.
“I can’t wait to start work again, and one of the benefits to making this announcement so close to the start of the tests means I only have a few days to wait to get back on track! Before then I’ll be at the factory as much as possible, working in the simulator and with everyone there to prepare as much as we can for the tests in Jerez and Bahrain. Physically and mentally I’m fully prepared, now I just want to get back to work!”
Marcus Ericsson: “This is a very proud day for me and everyone who has helped make my F1 dream come true. I’ll be making the step up to F1 with Caterham F1 Team in 2014 and I’m already excited about the season ahead, and the first race in Australia in particular.
“It’s obviously great for Sweden that we’ll have a Swedish driver back on the grid in 2014. This is what I’ve been working for since I first started racing karts back when I was nine years old, and now I know I’m ready for the step up to F1. Caterham is a young team and together we can take on the challenges the new rules will present in 2014 – learning together and continuing to develop as the season progresses.
“After a good break at home over Christmas, the hard work has already started. My physical fitness has always been good but I’ve been working even more on that since the discussions with Caterham began, and I’m going to be in the factory in Leafield as much as I can before and during the tests in Spain and Bahrain so I can play an active role in helping understand the 2014 car, and what we need to do to unlock its performance. We have a big task in front of us but it’s an exciting one, and one both the team and I are ready for.”
Robin Frijns: “I am more than happy that Caterham and Renault have given me the chance to be in Formula One in 2014. Nowadays it’s rare to find an F1 team that will put so much trust in a young driver like me, but during the negotiations I had a very strong feeling that the team really believes in me, which I couldn’t appreciate more! This was one of the main reasons why Caterham has been my number one priority for quite a while and I am so thankful that it worked out.
“There are many good reasons to believe that Caterham will be moving up the grid in the next few years and I feel that every member of the team is strongly committed and really working hard to make that happen. Also, when I visited the factory for the first time, I saw that the working atmosphere in Leafield is very positive, which gave me a good feeling right away. My personal goal for this season is to help the team as much I can and also gain valuable experience to make sure that I can establish myself in the team and in F1. I am sure that we will have many great years together.”
EQ8 Caterham Racing
Alexander Rossi: “I am pleased to be back with Caterham Racing for 2014 fighting for a GP2 Championship. My 2013 program had some changes which meant I missed the pre-season tests and a couple of the early GP2 races, however, throughout the season the team and I made some big progress and by Abu Dhabi we were definitely one of the cars to beat. This continued in the post-season tests and I’m quite confident about the pace in 2014.
“As returning Caterham F1 Team Reserve Driver my duties will continue with F1 outings, my role as simulator driver and on track Reserve for non-GP2 weekends. This is the perfect development for my future F1 race drive as I play an important role in assisting the team develop its 2014 car, something that will be particularly important this year with the current technical changes.
“I have to thank everyone involved at Caterham and Team Rossi for making this happen. We have a fantastic chance to win the GP2 title in 2014, while the F1 team achieves its goals of moving forward. This is an important era for all of us, as the sport enters a new generation. What a great way to start 2014!”
Rio Haryanto: “It is a great feeling to sign with Caterham Racing for my 2014 GP2 campaign. After such a successful post season test with the team in Abu Dhabi and the possible Formula One opportunities, this was the obvious choice for me. The team atmosphere immediately filled me with confidence and I am sure that this new chapter, with a new team is going to bring success.
“I am also looking forward teaming up with Alexander Rossi. We are both strong Championship contenders and with our GP2 experience, we will work together to fight for both the team and driver Championships.
“My ultimate goal is to finish the season as high as possible in the 2014 GP2 Championship and give myself the best possible chance of a full time Formula One seat in 2015.”
Mia Sharizman, EQ8 Caterham Racing Team PrincipaI: “I am delighted to announce that Alexander will continue with us into 2014, and that Rio is joining our team. This announcement also means that we can focus on our 2014 preparations much earlier than we have been able to in previous years. Our team has undergone a number of changes since the end of the 2013 season which we believe gives us the capability to have our best season to date, and to build on our previous Championship results.
“Our plan for Alexander in 2014 is part of a two year GP2 programme. After finishing 2013 as top rookie it is now time for him to mount a challenge for the Championship, and with the experience he has gained and the increased support he will have in 2014, I believe that the Championship is a realistic target.
“Racing alongside Alexander will be Rio Haryanto. Having Rio joining the Caterham family is the result of a lot of hard work over the last two years, in which time we have seen Rio develop into one of the most promising Asian racing drivers in the world. His experience in GP2 will help the team develop further and having two strong, consistent and quick race drivers will help us achieve our goals. Rio is a determined young man and he returns to GP2 with the aim of being a strong Championship contender alongside his teammate.”
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Williams team expands its engineering team for 2014
Grove (UK). 13 Jan 2014: The Williams F1 Team has expanded its engineering team as part of its on-going work to strengthen the technical leadership structure at Williams ahead of the 2014 Formula One World Championship season.
As part of this process, Jakob Andreasen has joined as Head of Engineering Operations and will work under Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds. Previously at Force India, Jakob’s focus will be on better integrating trackside operations with the continued design and development of the Williams-Mercedes FW36 at the factory.
Jakob is supported by two further appointments in Craig Wilson, Head of Vehicle Dynamics, and Rod Nelson, Chief Test & Support Engineer. Craig returns to Williams from Mercedes to strengthen the engineering team in applying vehicle modelling and analysis to help bring further improvements to on-track performance. Rod joins from the Lotus F1 Team to head up the team’s testing programme including leading the group at the factory that provide support and analysis from Grove over all race events.
Reporting directly to Jakob, Max Nightingale is promoted to Head of Vehicle Science to ensure a focus on performance within the new structure which will improve the connection between race operations and on-going development work.
Pat Symonds, Williams F1 Team Chief Technical Officer, said; “Williams is determined to make strong improvements in our competitiveness over the coming seasons and these new appointments continue our aggressive approach in recruiting some of the sport’s best talent. We are also committed to allowing our existing talent to grow and showcase their skills in senior leadership roles. Our engineering team for the coming season is looking strong and I’m excited about what we can achieve moving forwards.”
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Nico Hulkenberg gets No.27, the number popularised by Villeneuve
Paris, 10 May 2014: The FIA has released the drivers’ permanent numbers. Nico Hulkenberg of Force India will have the No.27 that was popularised by famous driver of yesteryears Gilles Villeneuve and his teammate Sergio Perez will have No.11.
World champion Sebastian Vettel will have No.1 this year and as long as he is champion and later switch to No.5 which he chose. The supposed to be unlu
cky 13 is back with Pastor Maldonado opting for it.Please find below the official entry list to the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship:
Choosen Race N°
Driver’s Name
Company Name
Team Name
Name of the Chassis
Name of the Engine
1 *
Sebastian VETTEL (DEU) RED BULL RACING (AUT) Infiniti Red Bull Racing Red Bull Racing Renault 3
Daniel RICCIARDO (AUS) RED BULL RACING(AUT) Infiniti Red Bull Racing Red Bull Racing Renault 44
Lewis HAMILTON (GBR) MERCEDES-BENZ GRAND PRIX LTD (DEU) Mercedes Gp Petronas Formula One Mercedes Mercedes 6
Nico ROSBERG (DEU) MERCEDES-BENZ GRAND PRIX LTD (DEU) Mercedes Gp Petronas Formula One Mercedes Mercedes 14
Fernando ALONSO (ESP) FERRARI SpA (ITA) Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari 7
Kimi RAIKKONEN (FIN) FERRARI SpA (ITA) Scuderia Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari 8
Romain GROSJEAN (FRA) LOTUS RENAULT F1 LTD (GBR)** Lotus F1 Team Lotus Renault 13
Pastor MALDONADO (VEN) LOTUS RENAULT F1 LTD (GBR)** Lotus F1 Team Lotus Renault 22
Jenson BUTTON (GBR) VODAFONE MCLAREN RACING LTD (GBR) McLaren Mercedes McLaren Mercedes 20
Kevin MAGNUSSEN (DEN) VODAFONE MCLAREN RACING LTD (GBR) McLaren Mercedes McLaren Mercedes 27
Nico HULKENBERG (DEU) FORCE INDIA FORMULA 1 TEAM LTD (IND) Sahara Force India F1 Team Force India Mercedes 11
Sergio PEREZ MENDOZA (MEX) FORCE INDIA FORMULA 1 TEAM LTD(IND) Sahara Force India F1 Team Force India Mercedes 99
Adrian SUTIL (DEU) SAUBER MOTORSPORT AG (CHE) Sauber F1 Team Sauber Ferrari 21
Esteban GUTIERREZ (MEX) SAUBER MOTORSPORT AG (CHE) Sauber F1 Team Sauber Ferrari 25
Jean-Eric VERGNE (FRA) SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO SPA (ITA) Scuderia Toro Rosso Scuderia Toro Rosso Renault 26
Daniil KVYAT (RUS) SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO SPA (ITA) Scuderia Toro Rosso Scuderia Toro Rosso Renault 19
Felipe MASSA (BRA) WILLIAMS GD PRIX ENGINEERING LTD (GBR) Williams Team F1 Williams Mercedes 77
Valtteri BOTTAS (FIN) WILLIAMS GD PRIX ENGINEERING LTD (GBR) Williams Team F1 Williams Mercedes 17
Jules BIANCHI (FRA) MANOR GRAND PRIX RACING LTD (RUS)** Marussia F1 Team Marussia Ferrari TBA
Max CHILTON (GBR) MANOR GRAND PRIX RACING LTD (RUS)** Marussia F1 Team Marussia Ferrari TBA 1MALAYSIA RACING TEAM SDN BHD Caterham F1 Team Caterham Renault TBA 1MALAYSIA RACING TEAM SDN BHD Caterham F1 Team Caterham Renault * For the duration of his F1 career, Sebastian Vettel chose N°5
** Subject to confirmation
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Sahara Force India forges technical partnership with Motegi Racing
Sahara Force India is delighted to announce the beginning of a new technical partnership with Motegi Racing, the high performance wheel brand.The new partnership will see the team’s 2014 car fitted with wheels carrying the iconic Motegi Racing brand. Sahara Force India will also benefit from Motegi Racing’s knowledge in wheel technology to help drive forward performance.Otmar Szafnauer, Chief Operating Officer: “I’m very happy to announce our partnership with Motegi Racing. 2014 is a landmark year for Formula One with so many changes to the regulations and in order to be competitive we have to focus on developing all areas of the car. It gives me great confidence to have the expertise and experience of Motegi Racing supporting us at such an important time. Our technical team will be working very closely with them to enhance the performance of our wheels.”Jody Groce, President Wheel Pros LLC: “We are very excited about the partnership with Sahara Force India as part of our growth at the highest level of global motorsports. This is a milestone achievement for our company as we prepare to supply our Motegi Racing wheels to compete at the pinnacle of racing technology in Formula One. It’s an interesting time to be involved in Formula One and we are honoured to become Sahara Force India’s technical wheel partner as the sport prepares for one of the most significant technical transformations in its history. This program provides the perfect technical platform to communicate the continuous evolution of the Motegi Racing brand. Motorsport is a proving ground for our technology to hone the performance authenticity of our brand.”About Motegi RacingThrough technical partnerships with leading professional racing teams, Motegi Racing competition and high performance tuning wheels are designed and engineered for performance. Motegi Racing is a Wheel Pros brand. Wheel Pros products are sold worldwide in more than 20 countries on four continents and through a U.S. Network of more than 10,000 active dealers. It is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded custom wheels, performance tires and related accessories for cars, SUVs and light trucks. For more details visitwww.motegiracing.comAbout Sahara Force India Formula One TeamSahara Force India Formula One Team was founded in 2008 when Dr Vijay Mallya, Chairman of India’s iconic UB Group, launched the first-ever Indian Formula One team. The cars incorporate the colours of the Indian flag and the team is a sporting representation of the emerging generation of young, aspirational Indians and the growing strength of India as a nation. In 2011 a historic partnership was agreed as Sahara India Pariwar became co-owners of the Silverstone-based team. With the support of Sahara, the team is now driven by two of India’s greatest industrialists who both recognise the value of using sport as a marketing platform to build some of India’s biggest brands. For more details visit: www.saharaforceindiaf1.com -
Esteban Gutiérrez completes Sauber line-up for 2014; Sergey Sirotkin is test driver
Hinwil, 21 Dec 2013: The Sauber F1 Team is pleased to announce that Esteban Gutiérrez will stay on for the 2014 season, completing the driver line-up together with Adrian Sutil.
The Mexican first tested with the team at Jerez in late 2009. The following year the talented youngster was signed as ‘affiliated driver’, and 2013 saw him in his debut season as a Formula One driver finishing 16th as the best rookie in the drivers’ championship.
Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal:
“We are pleased Esteban will drive for us in 2014, because we believe he is a talented young racing driver. Last season he experienced first hand how hard it can be for a rookie to step into Formula One. Nevertheless, throughout the season he improved significantly in qualifying as well as in the races and finished the year as the best rookie in the drivers’ championship. Often the results didn’t fully reflect his performances. I am confident Esteban will be able to use his experiences to gain results, and this will be helped by the fact he is very well acquainted with every member of the race team.”
Esteban Gutiérrez:
“I am happy to be able to continue as a driver for the Sauber F1 Team. It was a steep learning curve last season, but by working closely with the team I was able to improve continuously. It will be my fourth year with the team, the second as a racing driver, and I feel comfortable in taking the next step. The technical challenges in 2014 will be massive. Therefore it will be even more important to know well the people you are working with. I will do my very best to improve even more and support the team the best way I can.”Sergey Sirotkin becomes test driver for the Sauber F1 Team
The Sauber F1 Team is pleased to announce Sergey Sirotkin as its test driver for the 2014 season.
Sergey joined the team in August 2013 and has been gaining more and more insight into Formula One since then. He has spent several days at the factory in Hinwil and has been working with the engineers. In late September he drove a demo-run at the new track in Sochi, which will host the Russian Grand Prix in 2014. In October he tested a 2009 Ferrari at Fiorano. The Sauber F1 Team’s aim is to prepare Sergey for his debut in Formula One.
Monisha Kaltenborn, Team Principal:
“We have been working with Sergey since August, and he has been able to gain more and more insight into Formula One. Now he is taking the next step towards the top level of motorsport in his new role as a test driver. Our experience of him is as a very focused, calm and talented driver. Now we will continue to support him, including obtaining his super license. Our goal remains to prepare him for a debut in Formula One.”
Sergey Sirotkin:
“It’s a big chance for me to become the test driver for the Sauber F1 Team. I will work hard to improve myself and to extract the maximum out of this opportunity. Formula One is very complex, so it is important to get an opportunity like this. My main focus next year, however, will be the World Series by Renault, which is very competitive. This will give me the chance to prepare even better in order to be ready for the next big step.” -
Sergio Perez joins Hulkenberg at Sahara Force India with multi-year deal
Silverstone, 12 Dec 2013: Sahara Force India is delighted to announce the signing of Sergio Perez as race driver for the team in 2014 and beyond, said a Sahara Force India press release here today.
The 23-year-old Mexican completes Sahara Force India’s 2014 line-up alongside Nico Hulkenberg and helps create one of the most exciting pairings on the grid.Team Principal Vijay Mallya, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Sergio to the team. He brings a healthy mix of youth and experience, and I’ve been very impressed with his recent performances. He already has several podium finishes to his name and being chosen by McLaren last year was a clear indication that he is a driver to watch for the future. We also recognise Sergio’s incredible talent and we are proud to have him in our team. He clearly has great speed and plenty of fire in his belly. Our job is to make sure he settles in quickly by creating the right atmosphere so that he can realise his potential. By pairing Sergio alongside Nico, we enter the new season with an extremely competitive line-up, which will go toward helping us achieve our goals for the new season.”After signing the deal Sergio Perez commented: “It’s great to announce my new team as Sahara Force India. Coming here was always my first choice and I’m really happy everything has now been confirmed. I want to say thank you to Vijay and the whole team for giving me the opportunity. This is a young team with a lot of determination and they’ve produced competitive cars for the last few years. It’s all change for next season with the new regulations, but I already have a good feeling about 2014. My plan now is to visit the factory and get to know everyone in the team.” -
Winners of last race in Abu Dhabi will get double points in 2014: FIA
Paris, 9 Dec 2013: Following a meeting of the F1 Strategy Group and the Formula One Commission in Paris today, the following items have been unanimously approved:
• Cost cap
The principle of a global cost cap has been adopted. The limit will be applied from January 2015.
A working group will be established within the coming days comprising the FIA, representatives of the Commercial Rights Holder and Team representatives.
The objective of the working group will be to have regulations approved by the end of June 2014.
• Pirelli Tyre test – Bahrain, 17-19 December, 2013
The F1 Commission agreed to a change to the 2013 Sporting Regulations, on safety grounds, allowing the Formula One tyre supplier to carry out a three-day test in Bahrain from 17-19 December, 2013. All Formula One teams have been invited to take part in the test and six have accepted: Red Bull Racing, Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Force India and Toro Rosso.
• Driver numbers
Drivers will be asked to choose their race number, between 2 and 99, for the duration of their career in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Number 1 will be reserved for the current World Champion, should he choose to use it.
If more than one driver choses the same number, priority will be given to the driver who finished highest in the previous year’s championship.
• New penalties
The principle of a five-second penalty for minor infringements was agreed. In what form such a penalty will be applied will be discussed with Formula One’s teams in order that a new regulation be introduced for 2014 season.
• Points for the last race
Double drivers’ and constructors’ points will be awarded at the final race of the Formula One season in order to maximise focus on the Championship until the end of the campaign.
These changes are immediately applicable, given the mandate assigned to the FIA President at the last World Motor Sport Council meeting, held on 4 December in Paris.
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FIA recognises FMSCI as sole representative in India
Chennai, 7 Dec 2013: The FIA (Federation International Automobile) General Assembly and FIA Prize Giving Gala took place in Paris, France this week with India featured prominently at the event. The FIA General Assembly announced that it has removed the MAI (Motorsport Association of India) from any membership and association with the FIA and consequently removed from its rolls. This was just passed unanimously on the floor based on a recommendation by the World Motor Sport Council. This makes the FMSCI, governing body of Motorsports in India, the sole approved representative for the FIA in India.
In other news FMSCI Chairman Dr. Vijay Mallya, who became the first ever Indian to sit on the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), we re-elected after he was personally handpicked by FIA President Jean Todt. 14 members were elected out of a total of 24 who stood for the elections.
The annual FIA Prize-Giving Gala took place last night and the winners and champions from around the world were honoured including Formula One Champion Sebastian Vettel, World Rally Champion (WRC) Sebastian Ogier, World Karting Champion Max Verstappen, and India’s very Gaurav Gill, the 2013 Asia Pacific Rally Championship, along with many others. Global Manufacturer’s including Volkswagen Motorsport (WRC), Audi AG (World Endurance Champion), Honda (World Touring Car Champion) were also honoured.
FMSCI President Vicky Chandhok, who was present in Paris, commented, “This is a great week for Indian motorsport. Every year we are getting a bigger with regard to our involvement with the FIA. Being recognized as the only representative in India by the FIA has been long time coming and we are thrilled with the decision. Dr. Vijay Mallya being re-elected to the WMSC is proof of India being recognized as an important voice in the world of motorsports. And finally to see Gaurav Gill with the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Sebastian Ogier, Allen McNish being honoured together is a great sight for Indian motorsport.”
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L to R Vicky Chandhok, Gaurav Gill, Jean Todt at the FIA gala in Paris on Friday. An FIA/Adrenna photo -
Gaurav Gill honoured at the FIA prize-giving Gala
Paris, 6 Dec 2013: As the annual FIA Prize-Giving Gala honoured winners and champions from around the world for the year 2013, Gaurav Gill became the only Indian in the champions’ list. He won the Asia Pacific Rally Championship along with New Zealander Glenn Macneall.
Gaurav Gill (2nd from left) receiving the APRC trophy at the FIA prize-giving ceremony in Paris on Friday. An FIA photo The annual FIA Prize-Giving Gala, held in Paris, France, took place this evening and the following winners and champions from around the world were honoured:FIA Formula One World Championship The Bernie Ecclestone Trophy
Formula One Promotional Trophies
FIA World Rally Championship
FIA World Endurance Championship
FIA World Endurance Cup for GT Drivers
FIA World Endurance Cup for GT Manufacturers
FIA Personality of the Year
FIA World Touring Car Championship
CIK-FIA World KZ Championship
CIK-FIA World KF Championship
FIA Moment of the Year
FIA WRC 2 Championship
FIA WRC 3 Championship
FIA Junior WRC Championship
FIA World Cup For Cross Country Rally
FIA Middle East Rally Championship
FIA African Rally Championship
FIA European Rally Championship
FIA Codasur Rally Championship
FIA Nacam Rally Championship
FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship
FIA European Formula 3 Championship
FIA Masters Historic Formula One
ChampionshipFIA World Land Speed Records
FIA Outstanding Official
FIA Founding Members Heritage Cup
Champion Driver: Sebastian Vettel (DEU)
Champion Constructor: Red Bull Racing (AUT)Winner: DMSB (DEU)
Winning Promoter: Brazilian Grand Prix (BRA)
Winning TV: Sky Sports (GBR)Champion Driver: Sébastien Ogier (FRA)
Champion Co-Driver: Julien Ingrassia (FRA)
Champion Manufacturer: Volkswagen Motorsport
(DEU)Champion Drivers: Allan McNish (GBR)
Loïc Duval (FRA)
Tom Kristensen (DAN)
Champion Manufacturer: Audi AG (DEU)Winner: Gianmaria Bruni (ITA)
Winning Team: Ferrari (ITA)
Robert Kubica (POL)
Champion Driver: Yvan Muller (FRA)
Champion Manufacturer: Honda (JPN)Champion: Max Verstappen (NLD)
Champion: Tom Joyner (GBR)
Winner – Sébastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia
Champion Driver: Robert Kubica (POL)
Champion Co-Driver: Maciek Baran (POL)Champion Driver: Sébastien Chardonnet (FRA)
Champion Co-Driver: Thibault de la Haye (FRA)Champion Driver: Pontus Tidemand (SWE)
Champion Co-Driver: Ola Floene (NOR)Champion Driver: Krzysztof Holowczyc (POL)
Champion Co-Driver: Andreas Schulz (GER)
Champion Team: X-Raid Monster Energy (GER)Champion Driver: Nasser Al-Attiyah (QAT)
Champion Co-Driver: Giovanni Bernacchini (ITA)Champion Driver: Jassy Singh (ZMB)
Champion Co-Driver: David Sihoka (ZAM)
Champion Manufacturer: SUBARU (JPN)
Champion Manufacturer: Skoda (CZE)Champion Driver: Jan Kopecký (CZE)
Champion Co-Driver: Pavel Dresler (CZE)Champion Driver: Gustavo Saba (PRY)
Champion Co-driver: Victor Aguilera (PRY)Champion Driver: Ricardo Triviño (MEX)
Champion Co-Driver: Eduardo Corrales (CRC)Champion Driver: Gaurav Gill (IND)
Champion Co-Driver: Glenn Macneall (NZL)Champion Driver: Raffaele Marciello (ITA)
Champion Team: Prema Powerteam (ITA)Stewart/Fittipaldi Classes Champion: John Delane (USA)
Head/Lauda Classes Champion: Gregory Thornton (GBR)Drayson Racing (GBR)
Michael Scholz (DEU)
Martin Pfundner (AUT)
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19-round F1 World Championship calendar confirmed: World Concil
Paris, 4 Dec 2013: The final 2013 meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) took place today (4 December) in Paris, France. The following decisions were taken:
FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar is confirmed as follows:
16/03 AUS Grand Prix of Australia 30/03 MYS Grand Prix of Malaysia 06/04 BHR Grand Prix of Bahrain 20/04 CHN Grand Prix of China 11/05 ESP Grand Prix of Spain 25/05 MCO Grand Prix of Monaco 08/06 CAN Grand Prix of Canada 22/06 AUT Grand Prix of Austria 06/07 GBR Grand Prix of Great Britain 20/07 DEU Grand Prix of Germany 27/07 HUN Grand Prix of Hungary 24/08 BEL Grand Prix of Belgium 07/09 ITA Grand Prix of Italy 21/09 SGP Grand Prix of Singapore 05/10 JPN Grand Prix of Japan 12/10 RUS Grand Prix of Russia 02/11 USA Grand Prix of USA (Austin) 09/11 BRA Grand Prix of Brazil 23/11 ARE Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP
The start order for both gravel and tarmac rallies has been amended as follows, in order to increase the show for fans and reduce the use of tactics:
Day 1: Provisional Championship classification order for P1 and P2 drivers
Day 2: Reverse provisional rally classification order for P1 and P2 drivers
Day 3: Reverse provisional rally classification order for P1 and P2 driversCars having retired and restarting (Rally 2) will be placed the next day after the P1 and P2 drivers group.
In order to allow greater flexibility to contract different drivers, manufacturers will no longer be required to nominate one permanent driver for the season. Instead, manufacturers will be obliged to nominate one driver for a minimum of 10 Championship events.
To bring consistency to events and thereby aid the Promoter, rallies must now follow a fixed format. There will be a ceremonial start on Thursday, with the last stage run on Sunday at approximately 12:00 hrs for European events. The final stage is defined as the Power Stage, the length of which will be set at a minimum of 10 kilometres.
All competitors registered in the Championships – WRC, WRC 2, WRC 3 and Junior WRC – will be obliged to use a colour-coded windscreen sticker to promote and identify the category in which they are competing and scoring points.
It was agreed to rename all classes of eligible cars in order to harmonise the numbering with the other FIA Championships. Therefore, the smaller number will define the most powerful cars (RC1 being World Rally Cars).
Permanent competition numbers will no longer be allocated to P3 drivers competing in the support championships. Drivers wishing to request a permanent number for marketing or promotional purposes will however be able to do so. The restriction on the number of servicing personnel has also been removed and testing during the three weeks preceding an event is now permitted for P3 drivers.
The date for the 2014 Rally d’Italia has changed to 08 June.
RALLYING
In order to increase the presence of professional teams, new titles have been created in the FIA European Rally Championship; the FIA ERC Manufacturers’ Cup, the FIA ERC Manufacturers’ Cup for 2WD Cars, and the FIA ERC Manufacturers’ Cup for Production Cars. The best two cars of each manufacturer entered in the Championship will score points in the respective classifications. The existing team titles have been deleted.
Free Practice and Qualifying will be staged on all tarmac rallies, as well as gravel events, following the same regulations concerning the definition of the rally start order for the first day.
A Junior Championship will be created within the framework of the FIA European Rally Championship to create a genuine ladder between the ERC and WRC for young talent. Designed to be an accessible and cost-effective series for drivers under 25 competing in currently named R2 cars, the Championship will run over seven events with the best four results – including one gravel or snow rally – counting towards the title.
It is confirmed that the currently named R5 cars will not be eligible for points in the FIA African Rally Championship in 2014.
A new award for Teams has been created within the framework of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, increasing promotion and interest among teams and sponsors. To increase competitor participation, drivers must participate in a minimum of three rallies for the Asia and Pacific Cups.
The European Rally Cup has been renamed the European Rally Trophy (ERT) from 2014.
FIA WORLD CUP FOR CROSS COUNTRY RALLIES
If an opening Super Special Stage is run, a new system of determining the start order for the first leg has been introduced to give drivers the option of choosing tactical positions. The 10 fastest drivers will be able to choose from among the first 10 places, with the slowest driver selecting first and each subsequent driver choosing their position relative to those already chosen.
The scale of penalties imposed on competitors for speeding has been redefined in order to punish more heavily those competitors who consistently exceed speed limits.
The date for the 2014 Rallye OiLibya du Maroc has been moved to 09 October.
FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
Following the adoption of the 2014 LMP1 technical regulations, a system of “Equivalence of Technology (EoT)” between the LMP1 technologies will be implemented. Two periods of adjustment of the technical parameters have been set in place. A first transitional period of adjustment will run until the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours. During this period, the manufacturers will be asked to send data to the FIA (in December 2013 and February 2014) projecting what they will be capable of implementing during the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours. During a second period, after the first three events following the 2014 Le Mans, the data will be measured again and adjusted for one year, until the 2015 Le Mans event. The EoT rules and system of penalties in case of infringement will be managed by the Endurance Committee.
The sporting regulations will be amended in order to incorporate any modifications resulting from the introduction of the new LMP1 technical regulations, such as a new scale of penalties in order to introduce penalties which are consistent and graded to the severity of the technical infringement.
A new FIA Endurance Trophy has been created and will be awarded to the best private LMP1 team driver(s), assuming at least three cars are entered for the season.
ACO and GT representatives will form a collaboration from 2014 to harmonise the categorisation of GT drivers in both the WEC and GT Series.
The 2014 FIA World Endurance Championship calendar was confirmed as follows:
20/04 GBR 6 Hours of Silverstone 03/05 BEL 6 Heures de Spa-Francorchamps 14-15/06 FRA 24 Heures du Mans 31/08 BRA 6 Hours of Sao Paulo 20/09 USA 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas 12/10 JPN 6 Hours of Fuji 01/11 CHN 6 Hours of Shanghai 15/11 BHR 6 Hours of Bahrain FIA WORLD TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP
From 1 January 2014 certain cars will be removed from Appendix J 2010 to make them eligible for the ETCC and to allow teams to sell them for use in this Cup. The cars involved will be reclassified.
All races will have a single fixed distance of 60 kilometres, with the addition of a maximum of one lap to cover the distance.
The 2014 FIA World Touring Car Championship calendar is confirmed as follows:
06/04 MAR Marrakech * 20/04 FRA Le Castellet * 04/05 HUN Hungaroring 11/05 SVK Slovakiaring 25/05 AUT Salzburgring 08/06 RUS Autodrome Moscow * 22/06 BEL Spa Francorchamps ** 03/08 ARG Termas de Río Hondo * 14/09 USA Sonoma * 12/10 CHN Shanghai * 26/10 JPN Suzuka 16/11 MAC Macau * * Subject to ASN’s confirmation
** Subject to the signing of the agreement with the promoterFIA WORLD RALLYCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Following on-going discussions with the promoter, the WMSC is pleased to confirm the creation of the FIA’s sixth World Championship, the FIA World Rallycross Championship. This fast, competitive and spectacular youth-orientated Championship will be for Supercar drivers and teams and will be contested over 12 events around the world. The Sporting Regulations and calendar for 2014 were approved as follows:
03-04/05 PRT Montalegre 24-25/05 GBR Lydden Hill * 14-15/06 NOR Hell-Lanke * 28-29/06 FIN Kouvola 05-06/07 SWE Höljes 12-13/07 BEL Mettet */** 07-08/08 CDN Trois-Rivières ** 06-07/09 FRA Lohéac 20-21/09 DEU Buxtehude * 27-28/09 ITA Franciacorta */** 11-12/10 TUR Istanbul Park ** 22-23/11 ARG TBA ** Reserve competition: Greinbach (AUT)
* Competitions counting towards the FIA European Rallycross SuperCar Championship (all European competitions to count towards the FIA European Rallycross Championships for Super1600 and TouringCar)
** Subject to circuit (re-)homologationFrom January 2014, a new scale of points will be adopted for the qualifying heats in the FIA European Rallycross Championship, with the top drivers receiving more points than those behind. The same scale of points – which serve to establish the intermediate classification at the end of the qualifying heats and to designate the drivers who can reach the final phase – will also be adopted in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. And, to increase the value of winning the Final, eight Championship points will be awarded instead of six.
In both the European and World Championships, the number of engine seals per driver in any one season is set at three. A penalty of 15 Championship points will be imposed on the driver for each additional engine seal.
AUTOCROSS
The name ‘FIA European Autocross Championship’ has been adopted to be more consistent with other Championship names.
FIA FORMULA E CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2014/2015 FIA Formula E Championship calendar was confirmed as follows:
13/09/2014 CHN Beijing 18/10/2014 MYS Putrajaya 15/11/2014 BRA Rio de Janeiro 13/12/2014 URG Punta del Este 10/01/2015 ARG Buenos Aires 14/02/2015 USA Los Angeles 14/03/2015 USA Miami 09/05/2015 MCO Monaco 30/05/2015 DEU Berlin 27/06/2015 GBR London HISTORIC MOTOR SPORT
In order to help build up a Championship of classic rallies, coefficients have been introduced from 2014 for events which are part of the FIA European Historic Sporting Rally Championship. The coefficient scale will range from one to three, one being a new event in the Championship and three being the highest coefficient for historically recognised events.
GT
Following the current promoter’s decision not to renew its contract which expires at the end of 2013, the WMSC agreed to the principle of creating an FIA label which may be granted to various GT International Series, after a call of interest, upon payment of a specific licence fee and subject to compliance with a number of criteria, in order to move further towards standardisation of regulations in areas such as Balance of Performance, application of the list of FIA Drivers’ categorisation and sporting and technical regulations. An FIA World Cup, following a single event concept, may also be created for the top teams and drivers of each FIA labelled International Series. Detailed proposals will be presented at the next WMSC meeting.
FIA FORMULA 3 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
As an additional incentive to young drivers, a ‘Rookie’ title has been created from 2014. These drivers will also be able to make use of on-board camera footage until qualifying to enable them to improve their performances.
In order to compensate for the installation of the new ECU, paddle shift system and engine in the 2014 car, the minimum weight has been increased to 565 kg.
The 2014 Formula 3 European Championship calendar was confirmed as follows:
20/04 GBR Silverstone 04/05 DEU Hockenheim 11/05 FRA Pau 01/06 HUN Hungaroring 22/06 BEL Spa-Francorchamps 29/06 DEU Norisring 13/07 RUS Moscow 03/08 AUT Red Bull Ring 17/08 DEU Nürburgring 12/10 ITA Imola 19/10 DEU Hockenheim FIA EUROPEAN TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
The number of events counting towards the Championship has been reduced from 11 to 10.
FIA EUROPEAN DRAG RACING CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2014 Sporting Regulations have been validated.
HILL CLIMB
Competitors in the FIA European Hill Climb Championship and FIA International Hill Climb Cup will now be obliged to hold both a car driving licence and an international license issued by an FIA-affiliated club, ensuring a requisite minimum age for safety and practical reasons.
The Sporting Regulations for the new FIA Hill Climb Masters – a high profile tournament for the national and FIA Hill Climb Champions commencing in 2014 – were approved by the WMSC. The first FIA Hill Climb Masters will be hosted on 11/12 October 2014 in Eschdorf with the support of the ASN of Luxembourg.
FIA ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES CUP
From 2014, Category III A vehicles will be eligible to compete in the amalgamated Category VII & VIII, subject to declaration that the vehicle has sufficient on-board energy to cover the full itinerary without any intermediate charging.
LAND SPEED RECORDS
For the first time in many years, a complete update of the Land Speed Record regulations contained in Appendix D of the International Sporting Code has been undertaken and approved by the WMSC. This has been done in a format and manner consistent with the recently released 2014 update of the International Sporting Code itself, and is designed to make the regulations significantly easier for Land Speed Record competitors and the FIA’s national sporting authorities. These regulations go into effect as of 1 January 2014 and will be available on the FIA website, along with other documents designed to simplify the work of a competitor desiring to compete for an FIA World Land Speed Record.
WOMEN IN MOTOR SPORT
In accordance with its desire to encourage more women to become engineers, volunteers and officials, the Women in Motorsport Commission is pleased to announce it has appointed two new Ambassadors, Silvia Bellot (ESP) and Leena Gade (GBR) representing officials and engineers respectively.
Joint actions will be put in place with the FIA Volunteers and Officials Commission and, through its collaboration with two educational programmes – ‘F1 in Schools’ and ‘Formula Student’ – the Commission and its Ambassadors hope to encourage greater female participation in motor sport.
The WMSC also accepted the proposal by the Women in Motorsport Commission to become signatories of the Brighton Declaration. This Declaration dates from 1994 and was signed on the occasion of the first world conference on women and sport held in Brighton, England, and organised by the British Sports Council. It has already been ratified by numerous international sports federations, as well as by the IOC and its national Olympic committees.
KARTING
From 2014, points will be awarded to the top 10 drivers after the Qualifying Heats according to a scale of 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 point. In addition, it will be possible to enter one Championship round as a ‘Wild Card’ entrant. These entrants will not be eligible to score points.
Drivers participating in their first year in the CIK-FIA European KF-Junior Championship will also be permitted to participate in the CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy.
From 2015, the European Superkart Championship will comprise a maximum of three events with no more than three races of 45 kilometres each.
MOTOR SPORT DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE
The work of the Task Force will be to grow our sport by getting more people involved, whether as competitors, officials, volunteers and marshals, or fans. Sustainability, through funding and training programmes, will strengthen the ASNs and encourage more grassroots motor sport throughout the world, and the FIA should excel in identifying and developing new talented young drivers.
CALENDARS
A number of calendars and international series covering all the disciplines were ratified by the WMSC.



