Marussia MR01

Set backs lay ahead at the Marussia factory as it was announced today that they failed their last FIA-observed crash test after passing the previous 17. The regulations state that all 18 crash tests need to be passed before any form of running takes place, which means Marussia will not be attending the forthcoming testing in Barcelona this week, setting them back important running time. It also means that the first spin of the MR01 will be at Albert Park, Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix in a few weeks time.
Joining HRT, the only other team to fail their initial (they later passed) FIA crash tests, Marussia will re-take the tests later in the week. Not a good start for a team that needs to improve this season.

Trulli Train...

A few day's ago i swear i read a tweet from @CaterhamF1 saying that Jarno Trulli's will be on the grid this season, maybe i was wrong seeing as i've read hundreds of tweets over the past few weeks from different teams saying all sorts. Well, either way it wasn't true.
Now when i said in an earlier blog post that Formula 1 is (or was) lacking young talent i didn't quite realise that 2012 would not only be without Rubens Barrichello but Jarno Trulli too. Both being without a seat, it's pretty much an end to an era. Formula 1 hasn't been without an Italian driver on the grid since 1970, which is a shame to end that run but they still have Ferrari which will keep the Italian fans watching.
Don't get me wrong though i am very happy for Vitaly Petrov in securing a seat at Caterham, in his few years being an F1 driver he's shown he has what it takes and that he's willing to fight for his place, dicing with the big guns in his rookie year.

It may be early but this season is already shaping up to be a good one!

Jerez Testing: Day 2/3

Top of the timing's yesterday was Michael Schumacher however Mercedes are running their 2011 spec car...

Wednesdays times:

 [Autosport.com]

Thursdays Times:

 [Autosport.com]

Mercedes were on top again in their 2011 spec with Nico Rosberg at the wheel, followed up by Grosjean who stopped with 5minutes to go in the last session, supposedly because he ran out of fuel - this closed today's testing with the third and final red flag of the day. The first red flag was caused by Force India's reserve driver rookie Jules Bianchi in the first off track excursion of the year, writing off the team's day of testing and causing Nico Hulkenberg to go play Tennis for the rest of the day. 

The second red flag was caused by Caterham's reserve driver Giedo Van der Garde who spun and stopped with an hour to go in the session. 

Tomorrow will be the final day of testing in Jerez. F1 teams will be testing again in Barcellona 21-24 February. 

More of the gang + Testing Day 1

Yesterday saw the launch of the Red Bull RB8, the Toro Rosso STR7 and the Sauber C31.
The RB8 was revealed through a nicely shot video, Red Bull style - not giving too much away! While the STR7 and C31 where revealed in Jerez ready for testing today.

Sauber C31 opted for a slightly different livery this year with the black and white balance.

 While the STR7 livery looks similar with a few tweaks. 

This team may be one to watch, if they can perform as fiercely as it looks, in Daniel Ricciardo's words 'multo sexy'

And then Adrian Newey's masterpiece (taken from testing today) who, like anticipated, made the most of the new nose regulations with a hole where the step is - rumoured to help cool the drivers but i'm not buying that 100%, we'll see.

If you want to check out the launch video click here

Today in Jerez ahead of testing the FW34 was launched...

With a slick livery this is one team i think a lot of fans (and the team) are hoping to be competitive.

JEREZ TEST - DAY 1


Kimi Raikkonen topped the time sheets today, looking happy with the car's performance, maybe the iceman is thawing? 

[Autosport.com]

E20 Launch

With fans all around the world waiting for the launch of the new Lotus E20, it was met by slight disappointment. Technical difficulties with the volume of traffic attempting to access their website meant most fans saw pictures of the car released by Facebook/Twitter sites.

Lotus E20

Sticking to a familiar livery the Lotus also features the stepped nose, however i'm not sure if it's the colours that hide the step slightly or that it's more of a slope compared to say Ferrari's dramatic stepped nose, either way i think the car looks beautiful, the black and gold is by far one of my favourites. 

I'm hoping they have a strong season, like the start of last year but continue performing at the highest level with some podium's in 2012 for both drivers.

If you want to check out their launch video head over to their Youtube channel.

The next set of launches will be happening tomorrow from Jerez, don't miss them!

MotoGP first test's

The first pre-season testing took place with the new bikes earlier this week at Sepang, Malaysia. I'm sure in the back of all the riders mind was the fateful weekend last October, Sepang will always hold the memories of Marco Simoncelli but testing began and in between rain showers laps were set.

For some riders testing went well for others, injuries they picked up over winter were proving to be trouble, Nicky Hayden in particular, who not only is still recovering from his wrist injury after the last race in Valencia but is also suffering from a fractured collarbone after a training accident and the end of last year. Other included Andrea Dovizioso, who also broke his collarbone and Casey Stoner who strained himself before going out on the bike.

Testing continued and they all put in valuable laps:

[motogp.com]

Let the wheels start rolling (F1)

So, yes i may be a little late now the pre-season prep has been in motion for the last week but i will refresh you memory of what's been happening, it's been rather busy!

A little over a week ago another Frenchman was added to the mix of rising talent. Jules Bianchi, who is on Ferrari's young driver programme along with Sergio Perez, is now officially Sahara Force India's third driver. While it may not be a full time drive, this is the next best thing, observing and being fully involved with Force India as well as take the Sahara for a spin on Friday P1's. Hopefully he'll join the best in 2013, i wish him all the best - keep your eye on him, the boy's got talent!

The first live launch (that wasn't delivered straight to your doorstep) was McLaren's MP4-27...

Revealing their new challenger at the team's Woking factory, McLaren are the only team, so far, to take a different approach to their front wing. Instead of a dipped nose they've gone for a gradual dip that is either going to be a winner or a loser.

Today saw Sahara Force India and Ferrari take to the spotlight, revealing their car's in different countries but of similar climate...

Force India took to the track around the corner from their factory - Silverstone, with chilly weather and a sprinkle of snow all three drivers (Paul Di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg and Jules Bianchi) took off the black cover. After the world had set eyes on the new challenger, they also took it for a drive around to warm it up ready for testing.

Ferrari also had their car launch today, however due to heavy snowfall over at Ferrari HQ in Maranello the launch was canceled and Ferrari revealed the F2012 from their website with exclusive photo's from the factory.

I have to agree with other's opinions, it does look like a toy car made from lego.
A lot of fans have been disappointed by how the cars look (me included) however if they are safe and are competitive then who are we to complain, it's just an added bonus i guess.

"Race cars are neither beautiful nor ugly. They become beautiful when they win." - Enzo Ferrari.
Make of that what you will.

One last point...
We now have a full driver line up for 2012 - Hurray!!
HRT confirmed Narain Karthikeyan as their driver pairing Pedro de la Rosa.

The 2012 grid will look like this, for the start of the season anyway.

Testing starts on Tuesday in Jerez where the the rest of the teams will reveal their cars.