F1 Official Thread - Grand Prix of Britain

[noskey]

Damn

 

[zk1mpls]

This is disappointing. Shame Lewis had to break up the best driver lineup in F1. Practically ended MSC's career after this season, too. :\

Ferrari should've had Checo. Di Resta should go to McLaren to keep that Brit thing going for them.

 

[Sinner]

McLaren's official quotes, confirming Checo.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mo...or-perfect-blend-of-youth-and-experience.html

Lewis' official quotes.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mo...ter-agreeing-three-year-deal-at-Mercedes.html

 

[raffstylexx]

So Lewis will still be driving that Mclaren for the rest of this season?

I wonder hows it feels like to be inside mclaren garage yet youre going to be on different team next year... or its just normal as its part of the business.

Ill be rooting for lewis still.... but seb gain me as a fan.

 

[Sinner]

Yep, his Merc contract is for the 2013 season, but the timing of this is just... inconvenient.  McLaren will continue to develop the 2012 car, which might include design-philosophies for their 2013 car. This could be a problem...

In the meantime, both McLaren and Lewis will continue to fight, no doubt, but it'll be a bit awkward.

But hey... oh well.  The last McLaren driver recruited from Sauber? Kimi Raikkonen. 

Official McLaren Statement.

VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES CONFIRMS MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH SERGIO PEREZ

- 22-year-old Mexican joins 2009 world champion Jenson Button

- Perfect blend of youth and experience

- Team praises youngster’s “giant-killing” performances and thrilling potential

- Perez: “It’s a very big step in my career, but I’m ready for it”

WOKING, SURREY, UK – 28 September 2012 – Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is delighted to announce that it has signed 22-year-old Mexican Sergio Perez to a multi-year deal from the start of the 2013 season.

In just two short years, Sergio has made a stunning impression on Formula 1, taking a string of hugely impressive giant-killing podium finishes while combining a deft turn of speed with considerable maturity, and showcasing the potential ability to become one of the biggest stars in global motorsport.

Sergio’s new deal means that he will begin a driving partnership with 2009 world champion Jenson Button. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team’s new driver line-up offers the perfect blend of youth and experience – a combination from which both sides of the garage will be set to benefit.

While Sergio’s career with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will begin in earnest in Melbourne next year, his future team remains absolutely committed to fighting for, and providing every opportunity to both Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton to contest, the 2012 drivers’ and constructors’ world championships.

Sergio Perez said:

“I’m thrilled and delighted to have become a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver. The McLaren name is one of the greatest in the history of Formula 1. For more than 40 years McLaren has been a team that every racing driver has aspired to drive for – I was brought up on the great stories of Ayrton Senna’s many world championship triumphs for McLaren – and I’m truly honoured that they’ve chosen me to partner Jenson from 2013 onwards.

“I’ve spent the 2012 season working very hard to demonstrate my potential, but I’ve always remained humble and focused. I am, and always will be, extremely grateful to Peter [Sauber] and everybody at the Sauber Formula 1 team for their belief in me, and for giving me the chance to race in Formula 1.

“In fact, they gave me the perfect opportunity to demonstrate what I can do – and I’m now equally grateful to Martin [Whitmarsh] and everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes for giving me the chance to take this next very big step in my career.

“I’m under no illusion that it is indeed a very big step – as it would be for any driver – but I’m ready for it. So, while I’m still fully focused on doing my best for Sauber for the remainder of this season, I’m already massively looking forward to working with everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and with Jenson, who’s someone I’ve long admired as a brilliant driver and a great champion.

“I’d like to thank Carlos Slim Jr, who has helped me since I was 14 years old, without whom I wouldn’t be where I am today. Our journey together over the past eight years has been an incredible one, and I’ll do everything in my power to deliver with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes the results that he and I have been working so hard and so long to achieve together.

“As I say, I’ve worked very hard to get to this stage in my career, and I’m now massively looking forward to this next even more exciting stage. It’s fantastic that all the sacrifices I’ve made are now paying off. For example, I remember very clearly the first day I left my family, when I was 15, to live in Germany to race in Formula BMW. It was tough for me – I was sleeping in a restaurant at that time – but the dream of one day becoming a Formula 1 driver kept me going through those difficult days.

“Finally, I’d like to thank my beloved family, who’ve encouraged me at every turn, and last but far from least the people of Mexico, my home country, whose magnificent support I’ll do my very best to reward with future successes with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.”

Martin Whitmarsh (Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) said:

“On behalf of everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, I’m delighted to welcome Sergio on board. His performances throughout 2012 have convinced us that he’s an extremely exciting prospect for the future.

“It was a string of giant-killing performances, a trio of podiums and a brilliant fastest lap in this year’s Monaco Grand Prix that showed us that Sergio lacks nothing in terms of speed and commitment. We’ve been monitoring his progress carefully for some months – and, now that he’s become part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, our task will be to refine and develop his abilities as his career progresses over the coming years.

“Uniting Sergio alongside Jenson will give us a very broad base of driver ability. Jenson is one of motorsport’s greatest ambassadors, and his unique blend of prodigious speed and canny race-craft makes him formidably well-armed to fight for victory on any grand prix circuit in the world. While Sergio is still developing his palette of skills, we’re convinced that he’s not only talented and quick, but also that he’s willing and eager to learn.

“He’s perfectly poised to develop into a world championship challenger. His addition to the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team provides us with the perfect two-pronged driver line-up for the new season.

“Finally, it’s entirely appropriate that I should take this opportunity to pass on our thanks to Lewis [Hamilton]. He wrote a huge chapter of his life and career with us, and was, and always will be, a fine member of an exclusive club: the McLaren world champions’ club.

“It goes without saying that we all wish him well for the future, just as it also goes without saying that we hope and believe that Sergio, too, will become a member of that exclusive club before too long.”

Morten Lundal (Group Chief Commercial Officer, Vodafone) said:

“On behalf of all at Vodafone, I’d like to say how pleased we are that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has signed Sergio to a multi-year deal. We look forward to enjoying success with Sergio and McLaren.”

Notes on Checo:

Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez Mendoza was born in Guadalajara, central Mexico, on January 26 1990.

He is the fifth Mexican driver to contest a round of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship – following in the footsteps of Moises Solana (1963-196, Ricardo Rodriguez (1961-1962), Pedro Rodriguez (1963-196 and Hector Rebaque (1977-1979).

Sergio’s route into motorsport was always assured: his father Antonio was a Mexican Formula Vee champion and his older brother Antonio was a champion in Mexico’s Corona NASCAR series. Sergio is managed by successful IndyCar/Le Mans driver Adrian Fernandez, a fellow Mexican.

After cutting his teeth in karting in Mexico and junior single-seaters in North America, Sergio moved to Europe in 2005, aged 15, to compete in Formula BMW. After two seasons, he quickly graduated through A1 Grand Prix, and completed two seasons of British Formula 3 (he was the National Class winner in 2007 with 14 race victories, and won four races and finished fourth in the Championship Class in 200 and GP2, initially contesting the GP2 Asia series in 2008 before spending two seasons in the principal GP2 category in 2009 and 2010.

His second GP2 campaign (2010) resulted in five race victories (at Monaco, Silverstone, Hockenheim, Spa-Francorchamps and Yas Marina) and the runner-up spot in the championship behind the more experienced Pastor Maldonado.

Sergio then graduated to Formula 1 with Sauber in 2011, partnering Kamui Kobayashi. He finished seventh in his first-ever grand prix (Melbourne) before both the team’s cars were disqualified for a technical infringement. His best result in his maiden season was a seventh place, in the Santander British Grand Prix.

For 2012, he remained at Sauber, completing a series of stunning drives – impressive second-place finishes at Sepang and Monza and a strong third-placed finish in Montreal – to cement his position as one of Formula 1’s brightest new hopes. He currently lies ninth in the Formula 1 world championship standings, with 66 world championship points from seven points-finishes.

 

[flashout01]

Kimi were supposed to go to Ferrari too but Mclaren snatched him when Mika was about to go away.

i felt Mclaren would be better if they took DiResta

 

[zk1mpls]

^ Di Resta definitely has the pace; and given a good car, he'd definitely provide results. So this means Massa's still driving for Ferrari in 2013? Or MSC heads back to Ferrari (I hope). Still haven't gotten to watch the man race live. :\

Heads-up on those guys looking for a ButtKicker for their sim rig in the US: ButtKicker Direct ( www.buttkickergear.com ) just sent out a coupon code: SAVE35 at checkout to get 35% off on your total purchase. The ButtKicker Gamer2 comes out at $97.47 -$10 cheaper than what I got mine from Amazon for!

 

[D Double]

My Jaw is still on the floor. I never thought it would happen.

I hope Perez does well in Mclaren and Hamilton at Mercedes but it's still a sad day.

@sinnerP, what's your sig going to look like next year?

 

[zk1mpls]

^ Still the same. Hamilton is still a champion for McLaren, after all. Stole that from Massa! Damn you, Timo Glock!

 

[Sinner]

^ Sig won't change.  I've been a McLaren fan long before Lewis came along... that's not gonna change... not jumping-ship.  It doesn't change the fact that he won the 2008 WDC them.

I'm not completely surprised actually.  I mean, anyone who's been following the rumors will know that it's been brewing for a few weeks now... but am I disappointed?  Yeah, of course.  

Of course, recent rumors have indicated that he was gonna stay, but him leaving was always gonna be a possibility, especially with rumors of him not being happy with the team.  All behind closed-doors, so who really knows?

Anyway, McLaren all the way... go JB... go Checo!  I've always liked Checo, so hopefully he'll do really well.  

 

[D Double]

^ I thought you were going to replace Hamilton's name with Perez or something but I see it's reserved for past champions.

It will be interesting to see what will happen in the following years especially with the rule changes next year.

 

[zk1mpls]

Yup. Double DRS is banned for next year. And that platypus-style nose is gone as well -cosmetically, at least.

 

[Sinner]

There will be a few rule changes for 2013, but the biggie (what Lewis is banking on, as far as I know) will be in 2014 when they will potentially go to 1.6L V6 turbos... That's the key bit.  Merc, being an engine manufacturer will be in an advantageous position.  A "works-team".  Meanwhile, McLaren will continue to purchase their engines from manufacturers.  No doubt Lewis will be able to extract everything out of any car, but the key will be 2014 IMO.

 

[iceman3699]

Guess Lewis will never get that F1 LM.

 

[imnacho]

Go Checo!

 

[imnacho]

Also Esteban Gutierrez will occupy Checo's seat in Sauber...

 

[zk1mpls]

The rSeat Formula sim cockpit was just launched yesterday. Cheaper and looks much better-made than the PlaySeat F1

 

[robsheedwallace]

OH JESUS MARY JOSEPH.... Cant say it wasnt gonna happen or expected but I just didnt wanna see it happen... But like Sinner said, Cant jump ship. Drivers come and go....

 

[flashout01]

I was wish those rseats were about 500-700 plus. i hope it would be far better that playseat

 

[Thierry Henry]

^ Sig won't change.  I've been a McLaren fan long before Lewis came along... that's not gonna change... not jumping-ship.  It doesn't change the fact that he won the 2008 WDC them.

I'm not completely surprised actually.  I mean, anyone who's been following the rumors will know that it's been brewing for a few weeks now... but am I disappointed?  Yeah, of course.  
Of course, recent rumors have indicated that he was gonna stay, but him leaving was always gonna be a possibility, especially with rumors of him not being happy with the team.  All behind closed-doors, so who really knows?

Anyway, McLaren all the way... go JB... go Checo!  I've always liked Checo, so hopefully he'll do really well.  

OH JESUS MARY JOSEPH.... Cant say it wasnt gonna happen or expected but I just didnt wanna see it happen... But like Sinner said, Cant jump ship. Drivers come and go....

They're right. Even though I'm still going to be a Lewis Hamilton fan (fav driver) it's not like I'm gonna go and ride on Mercedes' balls. Can't wait for next year! Checo is the future, and now he has a veteran teammate to support him no matter what!


@zk1MPLS yea man too bad that his move broke the best driver line up

Guess Lewis will never get that F1 LM.

That's what I'm saying. Guess he doesn't care about that car anymore.

Also Esteban Gutierrez will occupy Checo's seat in Sauber...

I honestly wouldn't mind at all. F1 needs more Hispanic drivers. If that's the case, it can open the door for me

 

[Sinner]

Yeah, for me, I see it as a team-sport... always have.  Not that I'm comparing Lewis to these guys, but I guess it's kinda like LeBron leaving Cleveland or Ronaldo leaving United. Sure, there were some fans who followed the players, but most stayed with their team.  It does put me in a bit of a dilemma though... I wish Lewis the best, but it can't come at the expense of McLaren.  Naturally, if he succeeds, it'll mean failure for my team.

 

[Thierry Henry]

Letterman was trolling the entire video smh

LOL @ Sebastian saying "Yea you gotta have some big balls"






Di Resta

Didn't know Monaco was that difficult

 

[Sinner]

Yeah, Letterman was a bit of an *** in that interview... just wouldn't shut the hell up.  

Incidentally, some drivers were saying Singapore was even harder than Monaco cuz it has all the challenges of a twisty, tight street circuit... PLUS the fact that it actually has a longer race-distance vs Monaco (192mi vs 162mi) and that it's much more hot-and-humid in Singapore. 

 

[zk1mpls]

^ I'd rather go with Watkins Glen or Laguna Seca for a US F1 race. Those would be great circuits to drive on.

From what I've been seeing... Monaco's a tighter circuit, and has shorter gaps between corners, so it's fairly difficult changing various settings on the car on-the-fly. Lots of blind corners, too.

Singapore, on the other hand, is quite busy as well. It has fairly challenging corners, but spaced further apart than Monaco. The weather conditions and race distance definitely are definitely challenging for the drivers. I do agree the race distance is too long. Outside of Lewis and Michael's retirement from the race, it was fairly processional and boring, to be honest.

I still like Monaco more. It definitely flows much better than the Marina Bay Street Circuit, and it just looks more spectacular. Singapore tries too hard in that aspect. *shots fired*

 

[Sinner]

http://adamcooperf1.com/2012/10/04/schumacher-retires-for-a-second-time/

Schumacher retires for a second time

Michael Schumacher has announced that he will retire for a second time at the end of this season.

The  seven-times World Champion joked that this time it would probably be permanent, and said that he just wants to enjoy the last six races of the season. His final race will come in Brazil exactly six years after his first retirement.

Schumacher began by reading from a prepared statement to the assembled medai.

“Basically I’ve decided to retire by the end of the year,” he said. “Although I’m still able and capable to compete with the best drivers that are around. But at some point it’s good to say goodbye. And that’s what I’m doing herewith by the end of the season, and it might this time even be forever.

“During the past month I was not sure if I still had the motivation and energy which is necessary to go on. It is not my style to do something that I’m not 100% feeling for. With today’s decision I feel release, obviously from those doubts, and in the end my ambition to fight for victories and the pleasure of driving is nourished obviously by competitiveness.

“It is without doubt that we did not achieve our goals to develop a World Championship fighting car. But it is also very clear that I can still be very happy about my overall achievements in the whole time of my career.

“In the past six years I have learned a lot about myself. For example that you can sort of open yourseflf without losing focus, that losing can be both more difficult and more instructive. Sometimes I’ve lost this sort of out of sight in the earlier years, though that you appreciate to be able to do what you love to do, that you should live your convictions, and I was able to do so.”

Michael’s voice showed a clear hint of emotion when he mentioned his wife: “I would obviously like Daimler, Mercedes-Benz, the team, the engineers, all my mechanics for all the trust that they’ve put in those years into myself. But I would also like to thank all of my friends, partners and companions who over many years supported myself. But most of all I’d like to thank Corinna, my family, for always standing by my side, giving me the freedom to live my conviction and sharing my joy. That is very special.

“I would like obviously now to concentrate until the end of the season for the last races, and enjoy them together with you. Let’s have fun – thank you.”