Pirelli vexed by opposition to 2014 tyre tests
In the round-up: Pirelli are frustrated by repeated obstacles to their attempts to test tyres for 2014 after a planned test with McLaren was blocked.
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Pirelli want action on tyre testing (Reuters)
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery: “We’re running around in a 2010 car, developing tyres for the 2014 car, which nobody really knows what it’s going to look like. Yet every time we even ask to test with a 2011 car we come up against opposition.”
Stefano Domenicali Q&A (Sky)
“If [Pirelli] are not able to test – that is not correct. You can say ‘we are the only team with the facilities to test’ but you can spend all your life in the simulator and you will not solve the issue of the tyres. So therefore we have said that they need to test and above all looking ahead to the future with the totally new car we need to help Pirelli and make sure we have some more tests for them, because otherwise I can understand the situation and it is frustrating because they have difficulties to overcome and no possibility to test.”
Formula One prize money accelerates to a record $751.8 million, but some teams still in trouble (AutoWeek)
“Company filings which are due to be released next week show that the payment to the teams rose 8 percent to $751.8 million [£467.5m] last year. That is 202-percent higher than in 2007 when the prize money only comprised a percentage of the fees from broadcasters rather than a cut of F1′s profits.”
Alonso praises ‘superb’ Hulkenberg (Autosport)
“He is driving very, very well and he deserved to be in front of us because he did a fantastic race.”
Lauda wants Brawn to stay at Mercedes (BBC)
“I am in negotiations with Ross Brawn. There’s no decision on how things will be in the long term.”
A document from Jean Todt (Joe Saward)
“A letter is being circulated amongst the clubs that tries to throw mud at [David] Ward’s campaign. This comes from Carlos Barbosa, the President of the Automovel Club de Portugal, who is complaining about ‘the aggressive tone being adopted against the current President, including the stirring up of false rumour and innuendo in the press, and the calling into question of the institution itself’ which, he feels, is ‘against the interest of the clubs’.”
Does Korea work as an F1 venue? (MotorSport)
“At the Yeongam track there was a sign from the local Governor which read: ‘Thank you Mr Ecclestone for the 2013 Grand Prix’, which brought a wry smile to many people’s faces. While they paid a reduced rate this season, figures of $20 million [£12.4m] were being bandied about.”
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Vettel helps Renault equal Ferrari poles record
Sebastian Vettel replicated his Singapore ‘grand slam’ in Korea: he started from pole position, led every lap, set fastest lap and won the race.
It’s the fourth time he’s achieved the feat. As detailed in the last Stats and Facts, three other drivers have as many ‘grand slams’ – Jackie Stewart, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell – and only three others have more: Jim Clark, Alberto Ascari and Michael Schumacher.
Vettel racked up his 34th career win and his third in a row in Korea which, in addition to Singapore, means he has now won three consecutive races at two different venues.
It’s the third time in his career he’s won four races in a row. However he’s yet to win five or more races in a row, something only five F1 drivers have ever done: Alberto Ascari, Michael Schumacher, Jack Brabham, Jim Clark and Nigel Mansell.
Vettel has now led the last 142 laps in a row – ever since Fernando Alonso pitted from the lead during the Italian Grand Prix. His personal best is 205 consecutive laps in the lead which he achieved last year in the Singapore, Japanese, Korean and Indian Grands Prix. That is fifth in the list of most consecutive laps led by a driver, which is headed by Ayrton Senna on 267.
He has also now led 208 of the 220 laps raced in Korea. In 2010 he retired from the lead with engine failure ten laps from home.
Sebastian Vettel replicated his Singapore ‘grand slam’ in Korea: he started from pole position, led every lap, set fastest lap and won the race.
It’s the fourth time he’s achieved the feat. As detailed in the last Stats and Facts, three other drivers have as many ‘grand slams’ – Jackie Stewart, Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell – and only three others have more: Jim Clark, Alberto Ascari and Michael Schumacher.
Vettel racked up his 34th career win and his third in a row in Korea which, in addition to Singapore, means he has now won three consecutive races at two different venues.
It’s the third time in his career he’s won four races in a row. However he’s yet to win five or more races in a row, something only five F1 drivers have ever done: Alberto Ascari, Michael Schumacher, Jack Brabham, Jim Clark and Nigel Mansell.
Vettel has now led the last 142 laps in a row – ever since Fernando Alonso pitted from the lead during the Italian Grand Prix. His personal best is 205 consecutive laps in the lead which he achieved last year in the Singapore, Japanese, Korean and Indian Grands Prix. That is fifth in the list of most consecutive laps led by a driver, which is headed by Ayrton Senna on 267.
He has also now led 208 of the 220 laps raced in Korea. In 2010 he retired from the lead with engine failure ten laps from home.
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Hamilton ‘should be at the front with Alonso’
In the round-up: Lewis Hamilton says he and Fernando Alonso shouldn’t be scrapping for fifth place as they were in the Korean Grand Prix.
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Alonso and I deserve better – Lewis (ESPN)
“Me and Fernando in fifth and sixth at the end having our own little race, yet we are of a higher calibre than that. We should be further ahead fighting with the world champions at the front and with Sebastian [Vettel].”
Sebastian Vettel’s success is getting boring for fans, says Lewis Hamilton (Daily Mirror)
“I feel for the fans because I remember watching when Michael Schumacher was winning. I remember watching the start, going to sleep, then waking up when it ended because I already knew what would happen. I am pretty sure a lot of people were doing that today. At least in my family there were!”
Webber in furious attack on Pirelli
“That is how it is. The drivers aren’t super important – it is what other people want. The tyres are wearing a lot and they also explode a bit. But that is for Pirelli to sort out.”
Pirelli apologise to Alonso over row (BBC)
In the round-up: Lewis Hamilton says he and Fernando Alonso shouldn’t be scrapping for fifth place as they were in the Korean Grand Prix.
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Your daily digest of F1 news, views, features and more.
Alonso and I deserve better – Lewis (ESPN)
“Me and Fernando in fifth and sixth at the end having our own little race, yet we are of a higher calibre than that. We should be further ahead fighting with the world champions at the front and with Sebastian [Vettel].”
Sebastian Vettel’s success is getting boring for fans, says Lewis Hamilton (Daily Mirror)
“I feel for the fans because I remember watching when Michael Schumacher was winning. I remember watching the start, going to sleep, then waking up when it ended because I already knew what would happen. I am pretty sure a lot of people were doing that today. At least in my family there were!”
Webber in furious attack on Pirelli
“That is how it is. The drivers aren’t super important – it is what other people want. The tyres are wearing a lot and they also explode a bit. But that is for Pirelli to sort out.”
Pirelli apologise to Alonso over row (BBC)
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Hulkenberg hails “one of my best races”
Nico Hulkenberg said his drive to fourth place in the Korean Grand Prix was one of his best yet but doubts it will help him secure a place on the grid next year.
Hulkenberg withstood pressure from Fernando Alonso early in the race and Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages of the race to claim his highest finish of 2013 so far.
“Today I drove one of the best races in my career so far,” he said after the race.
“I have had cars in the mirrors before, but today there were a lot and it was a bit annoying. Lewis really put the pressure on at the end, especially in the last sector.
“I knew I needed to get out of turn one well. The car’s traction was very good today, so that kept me alive against Fernando and then Lewis later on.”
However he doubts it will improve his chances of securing a competitive drive in 2014.
“I don’t think that this result only will change my future day and night. People have looked at me I think, if they are interested, for more time. Obviously today is good, no question, no argument, but they don’t just look at one race, do they? I don’t hope so, at least.”
Hulkenberg is one of the tallest drivers in Formula One and as next year’s cars will be very close to the minimum weight limit the extra weight he brings makes him a less attractive choice as a driver.
“I’m tall, we have a few other drivers which are tall, this subject will come up more and more, for teams and for drivers,” he said. “We might have to look at maybe doing something there, I’m not sure.”
Nico Hulkenberg said his drive to fourth place in the Korean Grand Prix was one of his best yet but doubts it will help him secure a place on the grid next year.
Hulkenberg withstood pressure from Fernando Alonso early in the race and Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages of the race to claim his highest finish of 2013 so far.
“Today I drove one of the best races in my career so far,” he said after the race.
“I have had cars in the mirrors before, but today there were a lot and it was a bit annoying. Lewis really put the pressure on at the end, especially in the last sector.
“I knew I needed to get out of turn one well. The car’s traction was very good today, so that kept me alive against Fernando and then Lewis later on.”
However he doubts it will improve his chances of securing a competitive drive in 2014.
“I don’t think that this result only will change my future day and night. People have looked at me I think, if they are interested, for more time. Obviously today is good, no question, no argument, but they don’t just look at one race, do they? I don’t hope so, at least.”
Hulkenberg is one of the tallest drivers in Formula One and as next year’s cars will be very close to the minimum weight limit the extra weight he brings makes him a less attractive choice as a driver.
“I’m tall, we have a few other drivers which are tall, this subject will come up more and more, for teams and for drivers,” he said. “We might have to look at maybe doing something there, I’m not sure.”
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Hamilton 'clarifies his Seb thoughts'
Lewis Hamilton has been forced to do a bit of face-saving following his apparent criticism of Sebastian Vettel after the Korean GP.
Vettel edged closer to a fourth consecutive World Championship on Sunday after he won his fourth race in a row and it left his rivals frustrated with Hamilton claiming fans are sleeping through races due to Red Bull's dominance.
"Personally I feel for the fans because I remember the period of time when Michael Schumacher was winning," Hamilton said.
"I remember waking up in the morning to watch the start of the race and then going to sleep, and then waking up when it ended because I already knew what would happen.
"I am pretty sure a lot of people are doing that."
The Mercedes driver, though, quickly took to Twitter to diffuse the situation and heaped praise on Vettel.
"Read some of the stories/reports of my comments on Seb," Hamilton wrote. "Feel the need to clarify my thoughts. Seb is great champion!!
"Not only that, he is a great human being who is funny and humble. Deserves all the success he is having! I admire his dedication and ability to consistently perform without mistakes. This is the mark of a true champion."
Hamilton and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso have made no secret of the fact that they believe most of Vettel's dominance is down to his machinery, but the Briton concedes the three-time Champion is doing a great job.
"Regardless of what you and I may think about his car, at the end of the day he's doing the perfect job. I'm just grateful I get to drive in an era with so many great drivers like him."
Lewis Hamilton has been forced to do a bit of face-saving following his apparent criticism of Sebastian Vettel after the Korean GP.
Vettel edged closer to a fourth consecutive World Championship on Sunday after he won his fourth race in a row and it left his rivals frustrated with Hamilton claiming fans are sleeping through races due to Red Bull's dominance.
"Personally I feel for the fans because I remember the period of time when Michael Schumacher was winning," Hamilton said.
"I remember waking up in the morning to watch the start of the race and then going to sleep, and then waking up when it ended because I already knew what would happen.
"I am pretty sure a lot of people are doing that."
The Mercedes driver, though, quickly took to Twitter to diffuse the situation and heaped praise on Vettel.
"Read some of the stories/reports of my comments on Seb," Hamilton wrote. "Feel the need to clarify my thoughts. Seb is great champion!!
"Not only that, he is a great human being who is funny and humble. Deserves all the success he is having! I admire his dedication and ability to consistently perform without mistakes. This is the mark of a true champion."
Hamilton and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso have made no secret of the fact that they believe most of Vettel's dominance is down to his machinery, but the Briton concedes the three-time Champion is doing a great job.
"Regardless of what you and I may think about his car, at the end of the day he's doing the perfect job. I'm just grateful I get to drive in an era with so many great drivers like him."
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McLaren eye F1 seat for Magnussen
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh are looking to secure race seats for youngsters Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne.
Magnussen impressed during the Young Driver Test at Silverstone in July and currently leads the Formula Renault 3.5 series ahead of Belgian Vandoorne.
"I think both are really good guys and they both will get into Formula One and we've got a duty of care to get them there," Whitmarsh is quoted as saying by Reuters.
"I think they are both pretty special."
He added: "One way or another we'll find a way (to get them into Formula One).
"They both deserve it.
"They are both going to be Formula One drivers in the future. It's a question of how quickly we get them there. They are young enough, they don't have to get there next year."
The 21-year-old Magnussen appears to be closest to getting a Formula One drive as McLaren have held talks with Lotus, Force India and Marussia about giving him a chance next year.
Lotus and Marussia have one set to fill for the 2014 campaign while Force India are yet to confirm either Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil.
When asked about Magnussen's chances Force India's deputy team principal Bob Fernley replied: "(Co-owner and principal) Vijay (Mallya) has always taken the best drivers that he could afford. And I don't think he'll change that philosophy.
"So when it comes to actually determining the drivers... we can put our recommendations in. And if Kevin is in that mix then so be it.
"I think we've got a situation coming up where there are going to be a number of very good drivers available," added Fernley. "I think McLaren have to look at it themselves really. If Magnussen is a wonderful driver, why not take the chance?"
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh are looking to secure race seats for youngsters Kevin Magnussen and Stoffel Vandoorne.
Magnussen impressed during the Young Driver Test at Silverstone in July and currently leads the Formula Renault 3.5 series ahead of Belgian Vandoorne.
"I think both are really good guys and they both will get into Formula One and we've got a duty of care to get them there," Whitmarsh is quoted as saying by Reuters.
"I think they are both pretty special."
He added: "One way or another we'll find a way (to get them into Formula One).
"They both deserve it.
"They are both going to be Formula One drivers in the future. It's a question of how quickly we get them there. They are young enough, they don't have to get there next year."
The 21-year-old Magnussen appears to be closest to getting a Formula One drive as McLaren have held talks with Lotus, Force India and Marussia about giving him a chance next year.
Lotus and Marussia have one set to fill for the 2014 campaign while Force India are yet to confirm either Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil.
When asked about Magnussen's chances Force India's deputy team principal Bob Fernley replied: "(Co-owner and principal) Vijay (Mallya) has always taken the best drivers that he could afford. And I don't think he'll change that philosophy.
"So when it comes to actually determining the drivers... we can put our recommendations in. And if Kevin is in that mix then so be it.
"I think we've got a situation coming up where there are going to be a number of very good drivers available," added Fernley. "I think McLaren have to look at it themselves really. If Magnussen is a wonderful driver, why not take the chance?"
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Lotus duo 'free to fight for positions'
Lotus insist there were no team orders at the Korean Grand Prix and say they will keep that policy at Japan this weekend.
Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean were battling over second place during the closing stages at the Yeongam track on Sunday, but the latter was told not to risk anything and he eventually finished third.
Team principal Eric Boullier dismissed suggestions they used team orders.
"We want our drivers to race for the best results for the team, so if you have the opportunity of a two-three with both drivers - and there is no Drivers' Championship consideration - you will let them fight for the positions and rely on their good sense not to take each other off," he said.
"Of course, we have had occasions where one driver is on a different strategy from the other and has the pace to challenge for positions ahead - which is when you might ask the slower driver to make the sensible decision - but this wasn't the case in Korea; we let Kimi and Romain fight for position.
"We may have been a little nervous occasionally on the pit wall, but both drove superbly to help achieve a great result for the team."
Grosjean was clearly frustrated during radio conversations with the team and he was told after the chequered flag to put on a "big ******* smile on the podium".
Boullier believes the transmissions didn't tell the full story.
"You have to remember that the television feed only takes certain edits from radio transmissions between the driver and the pit wall," he said. "We had Romain asking for Kimi to let him by as he felt he was faster, but we wanted to leave the drivers to determine their positions by racing on track which is why we were telling Romain to race Kimi.
"As we know, Kimi doesn't want to talk too much to the pit wall and doesn't need words of encouragement; he knows what he's doing and we saw that once more in Korea."
Lotus insist there were no team orders at the Korean Grand Prix and say they will keep that policy at Japan this weekend.
Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean were battling over second place during the closing stages at the Yeongam track on Sunday, but the latter was told not to risk anything and he eventually finished third.
Team principal Eric Boullier dismissed suggestions they used team orders.
"We want our drivers to race for the best results for the team, so if you have the opportunity of a two-three with both drivers - and there is no Drivers' Championship consideration - you will let them fight for the positions and rely on their good sense not to take each other off," he said.
"Of course, we have had occasions where one driver is on a different strategy from the other and has the pace to challenge for positions ahead - which is when you might ask the slower driver to make the sensible decision - but this wasn't the case in Korea; we let Kimi and Romain fight for position.
"We may have been a little nervous occasionally on the pit wall, but both drove superbly to help achieve a great result for the team."
Grosjean was clearly frustrated during radio conversations with the team and he was told after the chequered flag to put on a "big ******* smile on the podium".
Boullier believes the transmissions didn't tell the full story.
"You have to remember that the television feed only takes certain edits from radio transmissions between the driver and the pit wall," he said. "We had Romain asking for Kimi to let him by as he felt he was faster, but we wanted to leave the drivers to determine their positions by racing on track which is why we were telling Romain to race Kimi.
"As we know, Kimi doesn't want to talk too much to the pit wall and doesn't need words of encouragement; he knows what he's doing and we saw that once more in Korea."
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Maldonado facing uncertain future
Pastor Maldonado is "hoping" to remain in Formula One next year, but he concedes "you never know".
The Venezuelan has had three mixed seasons with Williams as he picked up only one point in his debut campaign in 2011, but he bounced back last year with a maiden race win in Spain and 45 points for the season. This year has also been difficult as his P10 in Hungary is the team's only point to date.
The Grove squad are yet to confirm their line-up for 2014 and Maldonado, who has been backed by state oil company PDVSA since his debut, concedes his future is uncertain.
"I hope I will be on the grid, but you never know," he told Autosport.
"It could depend on the [financial] support or not, you never know. Formula 1 is like that.
"Last year I was winning races, today I'm nowhere.
"This year I'm here, next year I don't know where I will be."
The 28-year-old Maldonado also rued another poor season for Williams, saying "it's better to stay at home" than to struggle at the wrong end of the grid.
"I really need a good car to enjoy it, and this year I'm not enjoying it," he said.
"I'm living a really bad moment and I need some motivation to keep doing my best. I want something more. I'm here for something more.
"I don't want to just be in Formula 1, to be honest. It's better to stay at home, if it's like that.
"I don't care about being a Formula 1 driver, I'm here to win and I need to do whatever it takes to be there."
Pastor Maldonado is "hoping" to remain in Formula One next year, but he concedes "you never know".
The Venezuelan has had three mixed seasons with Williams as he picked up only one point in his debut campaign in 2011, but he bounced back last year with a maiden race win in Spain and 45 points for the season. This year has also been difficult as his P10 in Hungary is the team's only point to date.
The Grove squad are yet to confirm their line-up for 2014 and Maldonado, who has been backed by state oil company PDVSA since his debut, concedes his future is uncertain.
"I hope I will be on the grid, but you never know," he told Autosport.
"It could depend on the [financial] support or not, you never know. Formula 1 is like that.
"Last year I was winning races, today I'm nowhere.
"This year I'm here, next year I don't know where I will be."
The 28-year-old Maldonado also rued another poor season for Williams, saying "it's better to stay at home" than to struggle at the wrong end of the grid.
"I really need a good car to enjoy it, and this year I'm not enjoying it," he said.
"I'm living a really bad moment and I need some motivation to keep doing my best. I want something more. I'm here for something more.
"I don't want to just be in Formula 1, to be honest. It's better to stay at home, if it's like that.
"I don't care about being a Formula 1 driver, I'm here to win and I need to do whatever it takes to be there."
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Teams preview the Japanese GP
The 11 F1 teams give us a taste of what to look out for at this weekend's Japanese GP, which marks the 15th round of the 2013 Championship.
McLaren
Jenson Button has fond memories of the Suzuka with McLaren eyeing a trouble-free afternoon...
Lotus
After impressing in Korea, Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean are hoping for more of the same at Suzuka...
Sauber
Sauber head to Japan on a high after Nico Hulkenberg secured their best result of the campaign in Korea...
Williams
Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas admit they are big fans of the Suzuka circuit despite it being a very challenging track...
The 11 F1 teams give us a taste of what to look out for at this weekend's Japanese GP, which marks the 15th round of the 2013 Championship.
McLaren
Jenson Button has fond memories of the Suzuka with McLaren eyeing a trouble-free afternoon...
Lotus
After impressing in Korea, Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean are hoping for more of the same at Suzuka...
Sauber
Sauber head to Japan on a high after Nico Hulkenberg secured their best result of the campaign in Korea...
Williams
Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas admit they are big fans of the Suzuka circuit despite it being a very challenging track...
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Vettel: No win is inevitable
Sebastian Vettel insists he does not have the Japanese GP victory in the bag despite heading to Suzuka on the back of a four-race winning streak.
Last season Vettel won in Japan, his third victory at the track, and he did so in emphatic style, beating Felipe Massa by 20 seconds.
The German, though, insists statistics and records don't equate to victories and that it would be "inappropriate" to expect a win.
"No win is inevitable," said the 26-year-old.
"Sure, there's some sort of expectation as things went so well in the immediate past and also because I like Suzuka a lot.
"But I would find it inappropriate to sort of bank on winning.
"Before a win there is work to be done and at the moment we are enjoying doing that work. Of course, that's also because we are on a fantastic run."
But should Vettel take the chequered flag and Fernando Alonso finish ninth or worse, he won't only add another Suzuka triumph to his name, he also add another Drivers' Championship title.
The Red Bull driver, though, isn't counting on the crown as he's adamant the situation could yet change.
"I don't know how to express it but I wouldn't write the Championship off," Vettel said.
"Obviously there's still more points to get and we are currently in the lead.
"It's a very nice position and I am very happy, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to swap but anything can happen.
"If there's a secret then it's that we are really enjoying what we are doing."
Sebastian Vettel insists he does not have the Japanese GP victory in the bag despite heading to Suzuka on the back of a four-race winning streak.
Last season Vettel won in Japan, his third victory at the track, and he did so in emphatic style, beating Felipe Massa by 20 seconds.
The German, though, insists statistics and records don't equate to victories and that it would be "inappropriate" to expect a win.
"No win is inevitable," said the 26-year-old.
"Sure, there's some sort of expectation as things went so well in the immediate past and also because I like Suzuka a lot.
"But I would find it inappropriate to sort of bank on winning.
"Before a win there is work to be done and at the moment we are enjoying doing that work. Of course, that's also because we are on a fantastic run."
But should Vettel take the chequered flag and Fernando Alonso finish ninth or worse, he won't only add another Suzuka triumph to his name, he also add another Drivers' Championship title.
The Red Bull driver, though, isn't counting on the crown as he's adamant the situation could yet change.
"I don't know how to express it but I wouldn't write the Championship off," Vettel said.
"Obviously there's still more points to get and we are currently in the lead.
"It's a very nice position and I am very happy, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't want to swap but anything can happen.
"If there's a secret then it's that we are really enjoying what we are doing."
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