IRC: Proton certain MEM will deliver

Proton certain MEM will deliver By David Evans Sunday, December 5th 2010, 11:50 GMT Proton managing director Datuk Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir has backed its British partner MEM to deliver results in next season's Intercontinental Rally Challenge and FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. The Malaysian firm endured a tough season while developing the Satria this season, but the firm did claim a one-two finish on the final round of the Asia-Pacific series in China - the China Longyou Rally, where Mark Higgins collected overall victory. Proton is believed to be stepping up its commitment to the rally programme for 2011 and Tahir said he was looking forward to the new season, starting with the Monte Carlo Rally next month Related posts:
  1. IRC: Proton close to IRC driver decision Proton close to IRC driver decision By David Evans Friday,...
  2. WRC: Atkinson relieved to get Proton seat Atkinson relieved to get Proton seat By David Evans Friday,...
  3. IRC: Atkinson tests Proton Satria Atkinson tests Proton Satria By David Evans Friday, February 19th...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Source: http://doxcar.com/irc-proton-certain-mem-will-deliver/

Aric Almirola JR Motorsports Chevrolet Kevin Lepage Hyatt Place Richmond Airport Toyota

Jimmie Johnson's NASCAR Dynasty May Make Him Greatest Champion

Filed under: , , ,

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Jimmie Johnson joined his team on the crowded stage, hurriedly set up on the Homestead-Miami Speedway front stretch and, with confetti flying in the air, raised NASCAR's crown jewel, the Sprint Cup Series championship trophy, for an unprecedented fifth consecutive time.

Only seven-time champions Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt have more hardware. And as the humble, low-key Californian hugged his wife, kissed his infant daughter, embraced his dad and gazed out into the crowd, Johnson was struck by something that helped him realize he had finally made it.

"There was a fan standing right up front with an 'I Hate the 48' T-shirt and he gave me the thumbs-up and said, 'Congratulations,' '' the driver of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet recalled with a laugh. "I have people tell me they hate me, but they respect me and that's always cool. If this takes it to the next level, then right on.''

So it is for the most dominant race car driver in NASCAR history. The more he wins, the more trophies he collects, the more people clamor for someone else to step up.

How about, instead, we honor this great accomplishment and appreciate the good fortune to be witnessing sports history.

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2010/11/21/jimmie-johnsons-nascar-dynasty-may-make-him-greatest-champion/

Jeffrey Michael Gordon Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth

The NASCAR Vehicle Past and Present

The original concept of a NASCAR race car was that is was supposed to be composed of stock parts you would buy in an auto parts store. In some respects that is true but not totally. The race car is a high performance racing machine designed to withstand high G-forces when banking on turns. Lets look at what makes up this vehicle.

The first component most are interested in is the engine of a NASCAR racing vehicle. This engine actually is very close to that which you have in your car (provided you have a big engine) but it is customized so that it can withstand high temperature and torque. All parts in the engine of a are machined to within very tight specifications so that there is a minimum of friction. The carburetor is designed to let in the volume of air and fuel mixture required to sustain high speeds for lengthy spans of time. There are no fuel injectors in the race cars engine.

The first modification to the NASCAR vehicle was to smooth out the ride. Early races were run on tracks that were very bumpy and this causes a lot of damage. Today, the NASCAR vehicle is basically a body molded from sheet metal on a frame supported on the inside by bars made of sheet tubing. The vehicle is not a stock vehicle any longer as each component is hand-crafted and assembled. The car is built with safety in mind while giving it the ability to maintain speeds approaching 200 mph. Driver comfort is not the focus.

The NASCAR vehicle at one time was able to reach speeds in excess of 200 mph and that all changed in 1987 when Bobby Allisons race car flew into a section of fence at the Talladega Speedway in Talledega, Alabama. Fans were injured in the stands and NASCAR took action to restrict the speed of the vehicle through what is known as a restrictor plate. This also gave birth to the term restrictor-plate racing.

The physics of the restrictor plate have to do with reducing air intake into the intake manifold of the engine. Less air will result in lower combustion thus reducing horsepower. The restrictor plate is a sheet of metal with four holes bored in it at precise tolerances. The plate is then mounted between the intake manifold and the carburetor. After that, the NASCAR vehicle should not be able to exceed speeds of 200 mph.

It would seem like the restrictor plate would resolve the safety problem but many professional drivers have been asserting that it creates more potentially unsafe situations in a race. If you think about the difference between a motor scooter and a motorcycle you can see where a restrictor plate could create problems. Many times a motor scooter has an accident where a motorcycle could have avoided it because of its increased ability to accelerate (a motorcycle can accelerate quicker to avoid an oncoming threat). It is the same complaint among almost all of the racers with restrictor plates. They have identified situations where the cars bunch up and the driver only has one choice and that is to slow down. Speeding up to avoid the congestion is not an option because the other cars may be at the restrictor plate limit too.

But as for now, the restrictor plate is a requirement in the race car vehicle on the majority of tracks.

For the largest selection of Nascar Merchandise along with up to the minute News, NASCARsupershop offers this and more. We carry everything NASCAR including NASCAR Helmets and NASCAR Hats s all at the best prices everyday! I'm not only the owner of NASCARsupershop.com I'm also the senior editor, website developer and a HUGE fan of NASCAR!

Article Source: The NASCAR Vehicle Past and Present

Source: http://www.articlespan.com/article/102706/the-nascar-vehicle-past-and-present

Derrike Cope Carl Edwards Juan Pablo Montoya Target Chevrolet

NASCAR The Drivers Physical Conditioning

So does NASCAR driver physical conditioning matter. Some would debate that drivers are not athletes but one must consider the conditions inside of a stock car race vehicle. The interiors of these cars are not designed for driver comfort with air conditioning and surround sound. Everything about a stock car is focused on speed not on comfort. So NASCAR driver physical conditioning must be such that it builds a drivers endurance to withstand some harsh conditions and Gforces. And, the NASCAR driver physical conditioning is very similar to athletes in other sports except different areas are built up.

The temperatures in the drives cockpit of a race car can reach around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine this temperature with a 500 lap race at 200 mph along with lack of air flow and you will see that NASCAR driver physical conditioning to build in endurance is critical. Plus, a NASCAR driver will need to steer and maneuver a 3,400 pound vehicle around curves, other cars, and over bumps. This can cause a lot of impacting against the driver plus just the strain of controlling the steering wheel. Then there are the G forces that will result from banking turns at speeds close to 200 mph causing pressure on the drivers torso as it presses against the side of the vehicle.

Oxygen is a problem too. Since the cars are very aerodynamic so as to increase speed, the air is guided around the car but does not reach the inside. The drivers cockpit is not pressurized like an aircraft. So, the driver has to be able to process what oxygen he gets very efficiently. Therefore, NASCAR driver physical conditioning will include aerobic exercises so as to optimize the processing of oxygen by the body.

Part of any good physical athletic training is the proper amount of nutrition and rest and NASCAR driver physical conditioning is no exception to this. By including the proper amount of nutrition and rest in NASCAR driver physical conditioning, the driver can maintaining alertness and quick reflexes which are crucial to a safe drive. Not getting the proper amount of rest can cause a driver to make mistakes which at 200 mph could be dangerous and even fatal.

Without the proper nutrition and rest in the drivers physical conditioning, a driver can become confused and disoriented during the race. This is especially true when combining the lack of air in the cockpit mixed with carbon monoxide fumes and tremendous G forces which cause disorientation as well. G forces can also affect vision but proper nutrition and vitamins combat against their effects.

NASCAR driver physical conditioning also includes weight training but not in order to build mass. The weight training performed by a driver is to build up strength for steering and breaking. It is also so that the drivers body can withstand the abuse from bouncing around and getting slammed from excessive Gforces.

NASCAR driver physical conditioning separates those who can make it for an entire racing event and those who would wear out during the qualification races. It is very important and the sport should be taken just as serious as any other professional sport.

For the largest selection of Nascar Merchandise along with up to the minute News, NASCARsupershop.com offers this and more. We carry everything NASCAR including Nascar Car Flags and Nascar Baby Pajamas all at the best prices everyday!

Article Source: NASCAR The Drivers Physical Conditioning

Source: http://www.articlespan.com/article/102519/nascar-the-drivers-physical-conditioning

Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet Zaxby s Chevrolet Brad Keselowski Ruby Tuesday Dodge

Kasey Kahne Wins Pole for NASCAR Finale, Jimmie Johnson Leads Contenders

Filed under: , , , , ,

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- Kasey Kahne won the pole position for Sunday's Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup series season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway, while four-time defending Cup champ Jimmie Johnson's sixth-place effort was best of the three drivers vying for the season championship.

Kahne's No. 83 Red Bull Toyota turned a lap of 176.904 mph around the 1.5-mile oval, bettering Carl Edwards' Ford and Jamie McMurray's Chevrolet. (Kahne is shown at right checking times during qualifying).

But as significant as who will be starting up front is who won't be. Championship points leader Denny Hamlin, who holds a tenuous 15-point edge over Johnson, will start 37th in the 43-car field. Kevin Harvick, who trails Hamlin by 46 points, will roll off 28th.

"It was tough ... but our car is gonna be fine tomorrow,'' Hamlin said. "We know that. This is a track you can pass (at). We're looking forward to that part of it. Friday has just never been our strong suit and so we gotta battle back again."

Harvick, who has started better then 20th only one time since August, didn't appear overly concerned with his starting position. He finished third at Martinsville, Va., last month after starting 36th and was runner-up at Las Vegas despite starting 34th.

"I thought we might have been a little better, but not much,'' said Harvick, who drives the No.. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy. "Everybody on the car did a really good job. ... We've been talking about where we want to pit here, the same thing we do every week.

"Our car was very comfortable in race trim and we are ready to go.''

 

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Source: http://motorsports.fanhouse.com/2010/11/19/kasey-kahne-wins-pole-for-nascar-finale-jimmie-johnson-leads-co/

Parker Kligerman Steve Wallace 5 hour Energy Toyota Brendan Gaughan

F1 2011: Tyres, adjustable rear wings, 640 kg and...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TCNfBsjCsAI/AAAAAAAAGaw/J-XN8f4CWfY/s1600/Tyres,+adjustable+rear+wings,+640+kg+and....jpg

June 24 '10

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) announced a raft of decisions after a meeting in Geneva on Wednesday (June 23). Decisions include the rule clarification which involved Michael Schumacher at the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix, where he passed Fernando Alonso on the final lap when the safety car returned to the pits and was handed a twenty-second penalty. Also, repeat of Hamilton's Montreal qualifying stunt wont be allowed.

Others decisions are taken to "improve the show" which involves the use of proximity rear wing.

Tyres

We finally have an F1 tyre supplier for 2011. The FIA preferred the idea of Michelin, as did McLaren and Ferrari in particular. But it is Pirelli who have beaten off competition from Michelin. Pirelli becomes the official F1 tyre supplier from 2011. The Italian tyre manufacturer gets a three-year contract from 2011 to 2013. They last supplied F1 teams in 1991.

According to WMSC:

Pirelli has been selected as the single tyre supplier for the FIA Formula One World Championship for a period of three years, commencing in 2011. The sole supplier will undertake to strictly respect the sporting and technical regulations implemented by the FIA.

Safety Car

In the wake of the controversy involving Michael Schumacher in Monaco, the FIA has ruled that there will be no overtaking even when the safety car pulls in on the last lap of a race.


With immediate effect, no car may overtake until it has passed the first safety car line for the first time when the safety car is returning to the pits. However, if the safety car is still deployed at the beginning of the last lap, or is deployed during the last lap, it will enter the pit lane at the end of the lap and the cars will take the chequered flag as normal without overtaking.

General safety

Lewis Hamilton?s fine and reprimand after qualifying in Canada has resulted in a new rule requiring drivers to stay below a ?maximum time? set by the FIA on in-laps.

With immediate effect, any car being driven unnecessarily slowly, erratically, or which is deemed potentially dangerous to other drivers, will be reported to the stewards. This will apply whether any such car is being driven on the track, the pit entry or the pit lane.

In order to ensure cars are not driven unnecessarily slowly on in-laps during qualifying or reconnaissance laps when the pit exit is opened for the race, drivers must stay below the maximum time set by the FIA between the safety car line after the pit exit and safety car line before the pit entry. The maximum time will be determined by the race director at each event prior to the first day of practice, but may be amended during the event if necessary.


The grid

Next year, the 107 per cent qualifying rule will reappear. Any car not setting a time within 107% of the fastest time in the final part of qualifying, will not be allowed to start the race. This was dropped when single lap qualifying was introduced in 2002. There are exceptions however, whereby if a team sets competitive lap times during practice session, they maybe allowed to race.

From 2011, any driver whose best qualifying lap exceeds 107% of the fastest Q1 qualifying time will not be allowed to take part in the race. Under exceptional circumstances, however, which may include setting a suitable lap time in a free practice session, the stewards may permit the car to start the race. Should there be more than one driver accepted in this manner, the grid order will be determined by the stewards.

An analysis by F1Fanatic: "Had the rule as proposed been in place this year it would have prevented both HRT drivers from starting in Bahrain and Malaysia. Lucas di Grassi would have been out of the Malaysian race as well, leaving just 21 cars on the grid.

"Bruno Senna would have missed out on racing at Barcelona ? by just one-hundredth of a second ? and Karun Chandhok wouldn?t have been on the grid at Canada last week."


Adjustable rear wings

The FIA has banned F-ducts for 2011 and approved the debut of the proximity rear wing. The adjustable rear wing can only be operated by the drivers to overtake the car in front.

McLaren?s engineering director Paddy Lowe said on Wednesday, "In the race, you can?t use it (the wing) for the first two laps at all, but after that if you?re within a second of the car in front then you will be able to deploy it,?

?So that will be very interesting. That?s a FOTA initiative to improve the show and I think it?s very exciting.?

From 2011, adjustable bodywork may be activated by the driver at any time prior to the start of the race and, for the sole purpose of improving overtaking opportunities during the race, after the driver has completed two laps. The driver may only activate the adjustable bodywork in the race when he has been notified via the control electronics that it is enabled. It will only be enabled if the driver is less than one second behind another at any of the pre-determined positions around each circuit. The system will be disabled the first time the driver uses the brakes after the system has been activated. The FIA may, after consulting all the competitors, adjust the time proximity in order to ensure the purpose of the adjustable bodywork is met.

Weight

For the return of KERS, the minimum car-plus-driver weight will increase from 620kg to 640kg.

From 2011, the minimum weight of the car must not be less than 640 kg at all times during the event.

Licences

A ?four-race probationary super license? has been approved for Renault?s official third driver Ho-Pin Tung.

Based on his career résumé and comparative F1 testing times, the World Council has approved the granting of a four-race probationary super license to Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung.


Credit : GMM, fia.com, F1Fanatic Images(C) Daylife, F1Fanatic, F1.com, F1 Aldia

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/F1InsightAFormula1Blog/~3/LmOuHTM0ZSw/f1-2011-tyres-adjustable-rear-wings-640.html

Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot

My Brazilian Grand Prix review

Hello everyone, the Brazilian Grand Prix was not a great race, but it was a hugely significant one.

Congratulations to Red Bull for winning the constructors' championship, a new star is born in Williams's Nico Hulkenberg, McLaren seem to have lost the plot, and it's all set for a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi.

I went to the Beaulieu Museum to film my thoughts on the race and you can watch it here.

In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.


IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE THE UK, CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/murraywalker/2010/11/my_brazilian_grand_prix_review.html

Chico Landi Hermann Lang Claudio Langes Nicola Larini

GT: Lopez on pole for World GT1 debut

Lopez on pole for World GT1 debut By Gary Watkins Saturday, December 4th 2010, 22:24 GMT Series debutant Jose Maria Lopez claimed a home pole position for the GT1 World Championship finale at San Luis, while Andrea Bertolini and Michael Bartels edged closer to the inaugural series title as they qualified third - 14 places ahead of rivals Tomas Enge and Darren Turner. Lopez, who was placed with the Young Driver AMR Aston Martin team by the series organiser in the week leading up to the event, headed the timesheets on a 2m14.406s in the final segment of qualifying. The 27-year-old set the time, which was three tenths clear of his nearest rival, after spinning on his first flying lap Related posts:
  1. GT: Lopez given Aston GT1 opportunity Lopez given Aston GT1 opportunity By Matt Beer Wednesday, December...
  2. GT: Turner claims pole at Silverstone Turner claims pole at Silverstone By Gary Watkins Saturday, May...
  3. GT: Hennerici takes first GT1 pole Hennerici takes first GT1 pole By Gary Watkins Saturday, September...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Source: http://doxcar.com/gt-lopez-on-pole-for-world-gt1-debut/

Paul Menard Richmond Menards Ford Mark Green Ryan Newman

2010 European Grand Prix weekend review

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TDJIAvV3VSI/AAAAAAAAGbw/jtwXySW3kFM/s1600/2010+European+Grand+Prix+weekend+review.jpg

July 5 '10

It's good to be back!!

Well..First of all, let me apologize to all the F1Insighters for the lack of posts this race weekend. My job took me to a remote location in India where I was unable to access neither the internet nor a Television!! Anyways, now that I'm back I think I'll post some insights on what happened during the Grand Prix weekend in Valencia before the start of the British Grand Prix this weekend.

Practice

European Grand Prix, Valencia - Friday free practice (1)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TDIz_KaCGOI/AAAAAAAAGbQ/T1fhCqk2L2Y/s1600/Nico+Rosberg+headed+the+opening+practice+in+Valencia.jpg

Nico Rosberg headed the opening practice in Valencia.

European Grand Prix free practice 1 times
1. Nico Rosberg Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 41.175s
2. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m 41.339s
3. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m 41.383s
4. Robert Kubica Renault-Renault 1m 41.715s
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 42.182s
6. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m 42.216s
7. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m 42.275s
8. Michael Schumacher Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 42.312s
9. Fernando Alonso Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 42.421s
10. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m 42.463s
11. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1m 42.707s
12. Vitaly Petrov Renault-Renault 1m 42.962s
13. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 43.310s
14. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1m 43.380s
15. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 43.397s
16. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m 43.437s
17. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 43.729s
18. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 44.183s
19. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1m 44.491s
20. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m 45.653s
21. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth 1m 47.123s
22. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1m 47.285s
23. Christian Klien HRT-Cosworth 1m 47.343s
24. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1m 47.356s

European Grand Prix, Valencia - Friday free practice (2)

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TDIz-a7vGRI/AAAAAAAAGbI/DtouSZZZyvg/s1600/Fernando+Alonso+topped+second+practice+in+Valencia.jpg

Fernando Alonso topped second practice in Valencia, closely followed by Red Bull Racing's Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber.

European Grand Prix free practice 2 times
1. Fernando Alonso Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 39.283s
2. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m 39.339s
3. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m 39.427s
4. Nico Rosberg Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 39.650s
5. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m 39.749s
6. Robert Kubica Renault-Renault 1m 39.880s
7. Felipe Massa Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 39.947s
8. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m 40.020s
9. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m 40.029s
10. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m 40.174s
11. Michael Schumacher Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 40.287s
12. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1m 40.387s
13. Vitaly Petrov Renault-Renault 1m 40.618s
14. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 40.906s
15. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 40.945s
16. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 41.115s
17. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1m 41.371s
18. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 41.457s
19. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1m 42.467s
20. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1m 42.993s
21. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m 43.811s
22. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1m 43.854s
23. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth 1m 44.095s
24. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth 1m 44.566s

European Grand Prix, Valencia ? Saturday free practice
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TDIz_iR8tCI/AAAAAAAAGbY/jjfydoyblHM/s1600/Sebastian+Vettel+headed+a+Red+Bull+1-3+in+final+practice.jpg

Sebastian Vettel headed a Red Bull 1-3 in final practice for the European Grand Prix, with Robert Kubica in between.

European Grand Prix free practice 3 times
1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m 38.052s
2. Robert Kubica Renault-Renault 1m 38.154s
3. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m 38.313s
4. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m 38.500s
5. Fernando Alonso Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 38.513s
6 Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m 38.623s
7. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1m 38.676s
8. Felipe Massa Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 38.686s
9. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m 38.769s
10. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m 38.816s
11. Nico Rosberg Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 38.822s
12. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 39.050s
13. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1m 39.105s
14. Vitaly Petrov Renault-Renault 1m 39.113s
15. Michael Schumacher Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 39.222s
16. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 39.392s
17. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 39.527s
18. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 39.699s
19. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1m 41.303s
20. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1m 41.428s
21. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m 41.955s
22. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1m 42.354s
23. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth 1m 42.611s
24. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth 1m 42.622s


Qualifying

Sebastian Vettel headed a Red Bull Racing 1-2 in qualifying for the European GP

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TDI5PP0EEbI/AAAAAAAAGbg/XkvFv3a6mXo/s1600/Sebastian+Vettel+headed+a+Red+Bull+Racing+1-2.jpg

Sebastian Vettel scored his 4th pole position of the 2010 season with a wonderful performance on Saturday (June 26) afternoon in Valencia.

Although the Austrian team predicted it would struggle to get its cars to speed on the Valencia street circuit, both Vettel and teammate Mark Webber scored consistently good results in the second part of qualifying, emerging in 1st and 2nd respectively at the end of Q3. Vettel clocked his fastest lap in 1:37.587, while Webber had to settle for 2nd some 0.075 seconds behind.

Third place went to McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who made a few mistakes in his last flying lap to lose his initial front row position. However, he did manage to out-qualify the two Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa who, despite the overall improvements brought to Valencia, were unable to keep the pace with the front-runners in the last few minutes of qualify.

Renault?s Robert Kubica finished Q1 in 1st place but had to settle for 6th overall in the end, while in front of the second McLaren MP4-25 driven by Jenson Button. Williams F1?s improvements for the weekend got both their cars inside the Top 10, with Nico Hulkenberg topping his much older teammate Rubens Barrichello for 8th place. The Top 10 was completed by the second Renault driver Vitaly Petrov.

Mercedes GP had a Saturday to forget, with Nico Rosberg barely making the 12th slot on the grid, behind Scuderia Toro Rosso?s Sebastien Buemi, but ahead of Force India duo Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi. After almost failing to make it out of Q1 with a steering problem at his W01, Michael Schumacher scored the 15th best time of Q2, ahead of BMW Sauber?s Pedro de la Rosa and STR?s Jaime Alguersuari.

Top ten drivers in Q3
1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m 37.587s
2. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m 37.662s
3 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m 37.969s
4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 38.075s
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari-Ferrari 1m 38.127s
6. Robert Kubica Renault-Renault 1m 38.137s
7. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m 38.210s
8 Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1m 38.428s
9. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m 38.428s
10. Vitaly Petrov Renault-Renault 1m 38.523s

Drivers eliminated in Q2
11. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 38.586s
12. Nico Rosberg Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 38.627s
13. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m 38.851s
14. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1m 38.884s
15. Michael Schumacher Mercedes-Mercedes 1m 39.234s
16. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 39.264s
17. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m 39.458s

Drivers eliminated in Q1
18. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari 1m 39.343s
19. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1m 40.658s
20. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1m 40.882s
21. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1m 42.086s
22. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m 42.140s
23. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth 1m 42.600s
24. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth 1m 42.851s


Race

Sebastian Vettel scored his second win of 2010 in the European Grand Prix.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TDI9dRqS7_I/AAAAAAAAGbo/CLOo9KE_ruI/s1600/Sebastian+Vettel,+Lewis+Hamilton,+Jenson+Button,+Valencia,+2010.jpg

Sebastian Vettel cruised to his second win of the 2010 Formula One season on Sunday (June 27), as the Red Bull racer drove mistake-free from beginning to end in this weekend?s European Grand Prix. Starting from pole position, the German maintained his lead at the first corner, despite an early charge from McLaren?s Lewis Hamilton, after which he never let go of his 1st place.

His teammate Mark Webber started off poorly in Valencia and lost no less than 7 positions in the first lap, being the first to pit from the entire F1 field on Lap 8. Dropping down to 18th overall, the Australian started his recuperation race behind Lotus? Heikki Kovalainen, but it all lasted for a single lap.

While trying to overtake the Finn, Webber?s car touched the rear of Kovalainen?s Lotus and was practically lifted into the air and projected upside down onto the track, after which it flipped back the right way and smashed into the tyre barriers. Luckily, the Red Bull racer did not sustain any injuries in the accident.

Video:



That caused the first and only safety car of the race, meaning all the drivers visited the pits for tyre change. When deployed, the SC joined the field just ahead of the two Ferraris driven by Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, causing some major time damage for the two drivers.

After the pit stops, Vettel remained in 1st place, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Kamui Kobayashi, who decided not to change his tyres early on. Alonso dropped to 10th place, while Massa rejoined the field in 15th place.

Shortly after the safety car went in, Alonso attacked Williams? Nico Hulkenberg and went into 9th place, a position which he held until 3 laps to the finish line, when Kobayashi finally made his tyre change stop. In the front of the field, Hamilton made huge efforts to catch Vettel, but was given a drive-through penalty for passing the SC on track and lost approximately 15 seconds in the process.

However, despite the drive-through penalty, Hamilton retained his 2nd place and went on to finish in the runner-up spot, ahead of his McLaren teammate Jenson Button. Fourth place went to Williams? Rubens Barrichello, who finished ahead of Renault?s Robert Kubica and Force India?s Adrian Sutil.

Going in for a new set of tyres 3 laps to the finish line, Kobayashi managed a spectacular surge from 9th to 7th in only one lap, passing both Alonso and STR?s Sebastien Buemi in the last few kilometers of the race. Buemi had to settle for 8th, ahead of Alonso, while the Top 10 was completed by the second BMW Sauber driver Pedro de la Rosa.

As the chequered flag was waved, uncertainty is the word of the day in Valencia, as a bunch of cars were announced to be investigated for their pit stop under SC rules.

Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Nico Hulkenberg, Robert Kubica, Vitaly Petrov, Adrian Sutil, Sebastien Buemi, Pedro de la Rosa and Vitantonio Liuzzi received 5-second penalties for "failing to stay above the minimum time set by the FIA ECU when the Safety Car was deployed."

In the overall classification of the race, Alonso was lifted up one spot to 8th place, while Buemi dropped to 9th. Pedro de la Rosa lost his 10th place in favor of Nico Rosberg.

European Grand Prix Race times
1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 57 laps 1hr 40m 29.571s
2. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes +5.0s
3. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes +12.6s*
4. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth +25.6s*
5. Robert Kubica Renault-Renault +27.1s*
6. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes +30.1s*
7. Kamui Kobayashi BMW Sauber-Ferrari +30.9s
8. Fernando Alonso Ferrari-Ferrari +32.8s
9. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari +36.2s*
10. Nico Rosberg Mercedes-Mercedes +44.3s

11. Felipe Massa Ferrari-Ferrari +46.6s
12. Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari +47.4s*
13. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari +48.2s*
14. Vitaly Petrov Renault-Renault +48.2s*
15. Michael Schumacher Mercedes-Mercedes +48.8s
16. Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes +50.8s*
17. Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth +1 lap
18. Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth +2 laps
19. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth +2 laps**
20. Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth +2 laps
21. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth +4 laps

Rtd. Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 49 laps completed mechanical*
Rtd. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 8 laps completed accident
Rtd. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 8 laps completed accident


Fastest lap:
Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m 38.766s

* denotes handed 5-second penalty for speeding under safety car conditions
** denotes handed 20-second penalty for ignoring blue flags


Links to websites related to the 2010 European Grand Prix


Images(C) daylife, f1fanatic. Thanks to autoevolution, crash.net, autoweek, f1fanatic, jamesallenonf1

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/F1InsightAFormula1Blog/~3/B7DXiKVgRaw/2010-european-grand-prix-weekend-review.html

Aldo Gordini Horace Gould Jean Marc Gounon Emmanuel de Graffenried