Allison Completes Ferrari Move

Amid speculation of the deal at the weekend, Ferrari have now announced that former Lotus Technical Director James Allison will join the Scuderia on September 1st. The appointment has caused a minor reshuffle of posts within the team, as current Technical Director, Pat Fry, will now take the title of  Director of Engineering, as Allison is given the role of Chassis Technical Director.

Two Middle East Tests Confirmed

Following speculation at the weekend, the teams have today confirmed that two of the three pre-season tests will take place in the Middle East before the 2014 commences. The proposal was made as teams feared that the cool European temperatures would not provide sufficient stress levels for the new V6 turbo engines, as the teams look to evaluate the capabilities of the new powertrain.
"Middle East tests will get the weather we need to give the engines a good work-out," Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn told Reuters. The temperatures in the Middle East will be a far-cry compared to those experienced during the two Barcelona tests this season, where ambient temperatures struggled to exceed ten degrees.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

We predicted excitement and the tenth round of an exhilarating 2013 World Championship certainly delivered, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his first win for Mercedes and his fourth at the Hungaroring circuit. Following his surprise pole on Saturday, Hamilton suggested that to win would take a miracle yet for the Brit it was a textbook performance; Possibly the best of Hamilton's fruitful career so far. Kimi Raikkonen pulled off a stunning two stop strategy to claim P2, with pre-race favorite Sebastian Vettel being compromised by what seemed like endless issues, finishing only P3, despite mounting an attack on the vulnerable Finn during the final stages.
Lewis' maiden victory was a drive which featured everything a World Champion requires. Speed, controlled aggression and a little bit of luck. The race hinged on the three stop strategy which the majority were forced into completing. With Red Bull and Ferrari taking this option, Hamilton simply had to avoid the two stop traffic which would inevitably be a factor and the Brit executed the pivotal overtakes with ease. After the first stop, he managed to pass Jenson Button and extend his advantage over Sebastian Vettel to twelve seconds, while the German could not pass the immovable McLaren. This lead was crucial and was never relinquished by Hamilton.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

Prior to today, it would have taken a brave man to bet against Sebastian Vettel for Pole Position at Hungary. His performance on Friday was seemingly invincible, yet his rivals returned to form today, as Mercedes finally managed to understand the new Pirelli construction, paving the way for Lewis Hamilton to record a third successive Pole. The Brit, who now draws level with the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio in terms of career poles, snatched P1 away from Sebastian Vettel in the dying moments of the session, while Nico Rosberg completed the Mercedes resurgence to qualify a respectable P4.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

The tenth round of the season got underway in scintillating style this morning, with teams embarking on packed schedules as they looked to examine the latest incarnations of Pirelli tyres. Consequently, teams and fans learnt a lot from both FP1 and FP2, with the most poignant discovery being the sheer dominance of the RB9. While the Hungaroring is a circuit which typically plays to Red Bull's strengths, both Vettel and Webber showed outstanding long and short run performance, sending out an ominous message to their rivals. Lotus appear to be the only team who can hold a candle to Red Bull this weekend. 

Hungarian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Three weeks without F1 is always a painful experience however, as the paddock arrives in Hungary anticipation for the latest installment of the 2013 season reaches a crescendo. Following the YDT at Silverstone, the Pirelli tyre concerns seem to have abated yet now attention turns to mastering and understanding the new compounds. In terms of the complex battles within both championships, can anyone catch Sebastian Vettel? Can McLaren overturn the deficit to Force India? Can Lotus maintain momentum following their impressive double podium in Germany?

Austrian GP Returns For 2014

Following months of deliberation, yesterday saw conformation that the Austrian Grand Prix will return to the F1 calender next season, as the sport returns to the country following a ten year absence. The Red Bull Ring will host the event, (formerly known as the A1 Ring) and has provided some of the sports most exciting and controversial races. The inclusion of this additional European race takes the preliminary 2014 calender up to an astounding 22 races.

How Strong Are The Next Generation?

Thankfully, last weeks Young Drivers Test failed to be overshadowed by the subject of Pirelli tyres. Consequently, it was a vital opportunity for the young protagonists in junior formula to showcase their array of talents. The performances were clinical and impressive from several drivers in particular and the resounding opinion from around the paddock is that these drivers will get their chance in the sport. However, the question is, how long will it be before they receive their career defining opportunity and will this be yet another golden generation of drivers?

Kobayashi Suffers Demo Calamity

With F1 arriving in Sochi next season, the Moscow City Racing Show welcomed huge crowds over the weekend, as famous faces pounded around the streets. However, it all turned sour for one man, as Ex-Sauber driver Kamui Kobayashi suffered the embarrassment of crashing his Ferrari F60 during his very first promotional event with the team - Not a brilliant advert for a driver yearning for a second chance in F1.
The unfortunate accident came as significant rainfall provided a slippery surface for drivers to manage. Standing water was not the only issue though, as the lack of rubber on the streets created a greasy path which prompted Kamui's misjudgment. He lost control, hitting the barriers on the right hand side of the course and badly damaging the car.

Grosjean Wanted YDT Opportunity

Following the intensive restrictions Pirelli placed upon the race drivers at last weeks Young Drivers Test, the majority of teams opted to allow their young stars all important track time. Lotus were one of these teams, with Nicolas Prost running two of the three test days, with GP2 reigning champion Davide Valsecchi putting the car through its paces on Thursday. Neither Kimi Raikkonen or Romain Grosjean received track time; A decision which has left the latter disgruntled.

Young Drivers Test: Day 3

The third and final day of the Young Drivers Test was certainly an interesting one. Championship leader Sebastian Vettel was on show this afternoon and made the most of his time on track, claiming the top spot on the timesheet. Meanwhile, Williams development driver Susie Wolff stole the headlines as she took part in her first timed Formula One test; the first women to achieve this since 1992.

Young Drivers Test: Day 2

Day 2 of the YDT at Silverstone centered around Daniel Ricciardo, who completed a full days running driving for Toro Rosso in the morning and making his Red Bull debut in the afternoon. His personal best time set in the morning was good enough for the fastest time of the day, while the afternoon failed to progress quite as smoothly as he would have hoped. The Aussie suffered an auspicious start to his stint on lap 7, when he made an unexpected excursion to the gravel trap at Luffield. Over-exuberance perhaps, yet Ricciardo recovered to complete 59 laps in total throughout the afternoon.

Young Drivers Test: Day 1

As Britain experiences the longest prolonged warm spell since 2006, Silverstone welcomed an excellent turn-out today for the first of three days of the Young Drivers Test. While the emphasis has been taken away from the youngsters in the wake of the test becoming a Pirelli tyre test, their was still an array of young blood on show throughout the day. McLaren youngster Kevin Magnussen made the most of his track time and recorded the fastest time of the day, following up his timesheet topping first day of last years YDT at Abu Dhabi. Kevin is certainly making a name for himself.

As with any test, times are somewhat irrelevant. Particularly in the case of young drivers, consistency and feedback are the key attributes which are being observed. This is even more poignant, considering that the teams are desperately looking to obtain vital information regarding the new tyres ahead of Hungary, while being restricted to Pirelli's programme.

Personnel Reshuffle At Williams

Despite being halfway into the 2013 campaign, Williams are one of three teams to be without a point so far this season. The FW35 has significantly under-performed so far as the team have failed to match the lofty expectations set on the back of a race winning 2012. Consequently, it is unsurprising that the team has announced changes of key personnel this morning, as veteran Technical Director Pat Symonds has replaced Mike Coughlan.

Marussia Confirm Ferrari Deal

While the majority of teams have previously confirmed their 2014 engine suppliers, Marussia have become the latest to declare their partners. The 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged engines will be supplied to the team by Ferrari, as Marussia finally end their contract with Cosworth after they declared that they will not build 2014 engines.
Marussia will receive the entire powertrain from Ferrari in years to come, yet they have not announced the official duration of the contract. The partnership should benefit the team, as the heritage and reliability of Ferrari as a supplier will always be an advantage. In tough economic times, Ferrari are an extremely safe option.

F1 2013 Classic Edition Reveal

After weeks of anticipation, Codemasters finally unveiled their exciting innovations within their latest game in the BAFTA award winning F1 franchise. F1 2013 features all the latest drivers, cars and tracks from the current season, with updated handling models and redesigned tyres, (scaled tyre wear has also made a reappearance after it was scrapped in last season's game). Moreover, the inclusion of mid-session saves and new scenario modes will keep returning fans interested.

Sauber Secure Long Term Future

Following a financial crisis which has threatened to curtail Sauber's Formula One existence, the team have today announced that they have struck a partnership with Russian firms the Investment Corporation International Fund, the State Fund of Development of Northwest Russian Federation and the International Institute of Aviation Technologies to secure their future. However, in securing the deal, the team have agreed to give 17-year-old Sergey Sirotkin a seat for 2014. A deal which will undoubtedly support Sauber's bank account, perhaps to the detriment of their 2014 points total.
Sirotkin has been launched from obscurity into the spotlight overnight. The teenager has been competing in the Formula Renault 3.5 championship, alongside more notable names such as Kevin Magnussen and Antonio Felix Da Costa. The Russian will now be thrust into Sauber's young driver programme before taking a race seat in 2014.

Sauber's Financial Woes Revealed

Earlier in the week, I reported Sauber's current economic struggle. While the details regarding their financial issues were unclear, the full scale of Sauber's debt has now been revealed and it is far from pleasant reading for Sauber faithful. With the team requiring an estimated figure of £26.8 million in order to complete this season alone, they are in dire need of major investment. Money which Bernie Ecclestone will not supply, after the F1 Supremo declared that he will not bail out the Swiss team.
Undoubtedly, the team's struggles on track will not have aided their pitch to potential investors. With just seven points on the board, Sauber have slipped down the Formula One pecking order despite a 2012 campaign where they significantly exceeded all expectations.

Lotus Heading In The Right Direction

Lotus' season so far as been far from a smooth cruise. Following an explosive start which saw Kimi Raikkonen take his 20th career victory in Australia, the team have frequently stuttered. In certain regards, this season has closely resembled their 2012 campaign. As the paddock takes shape before a weekend, Lotus are tipped as the dark horses, yet often fail to rise to the occasion. However, several developments seem to have brought the Enstone based team back into contention, but was a spectacular German Grand Prix performance merely a flash in the pan?

Community Talk: Can Mercedes Challenge?

After an exceedingly long absence, Community Talk has returned to the blog as promised. This time around, I asked the community for their opinions on the current situation at Mercedes, who lie second in the Constructors Championship. With Red Bull threatening to run away with their fourth consecutive title, can Mercedes challenge Red Bull in the second half of this season. Here are your opinions;

New Regulations For Cameramen

Following Paul Allen's horrendous ordeal during the German Grand Prix, Bernie Ecclestone has introduced new regulations which state that television crew personnel must now stand on the pit wall during races, from the Hungarian Grand Prix on-wards. They will join the photographers who also take this vantage point, as the FIA and FOM look to increase pitlane safety.
Paul Allen was a victim of a freak incident during Sunday's German Grand Prix. Mark Webber was released from his box before the left rear tyre had been properly attached. Consequently, the tyre was launched down the pitlane and avoided by Lotus and Mercedes mechanics before it struck Allen on the back.

Sauber Facing Financial Turmoil

Sauber are a team in turmoil at the moment. Despite Nico Hulkenberg's P10 in Germany, the team have reached the halfway point of their 2013 campaign with just seven points - stark contrast to their exceptional 2012 season. However, performance issues are not the only concern of Team Principal Monisa Kaltenborn, as financial turmoil threatens to curtail their Formula One existence. Investors are dearly needed, but Kaltenborn is confident that the team will find a solution soon.
These issues have been rumour for several weeks now, however, speculation reached fever-pitch during this weekend's German Grand Prix, after it was suggested that Nico Hulkenberg has not been paid. Regardless of whether this is true, Sauber certainly have a predicament which requires immediate attention.

German Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Sebastian Vettel victories are often categorized as the boring affairs, where the German claims a comfortable lights to flag win. However, his 30th career victory was a hard fought tussle as Sebastian faced relentless pressure from the fast charging Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean throughout the race. Nevertheless, an exuberant Sebastian has finally broken his record of never having won on home soil. In addition, he has now also broken his duct of having never won a Grand Prix in the month of July. A fantastic day for Germany and a near perfect day for a resurgent Lotus team.
The German managed to lead into turn one, fending off a fast charging Mark Webber who attempted to aggressively take the lead following a sublime start. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen battled their way into contention. Grosjean managed to close Vettel's lead before a safety car for Jules Bianchi's stricken Marussia brought Kimi Raikkonen into contention.

German Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

For the second week in succession, Lewis Hamilton has smashed the lap record on his way to Pole Position. The Brit continued Mercedes' dominance in Qualifying, while initial examinations suggested a Red Bull Saturday resurgence. Both Vettel and Webber will look to heap pressure on Lewis early in tomorrow's race as the pair line up in P2 and P3. Meanwhile, Nico Rosberg was the victim of a strategic blunder by Mercedes, as the German dropped out of Qualifying at the Q2 stage. The option to start on primes is the silver lining.

German Grand Prix: Friday Analysis

Friday practice was overshadowed by the initial threats of a driver boycott if tyre failures recurred this weekend. Fortunately, Pirelli have emerged from Friday unscathed with FP1 and FP2 free of dramas. Sebastian Vettel ended the day fastest, yet it was Mark Webber who appeared to have the best race pace of anyone during the long runs. While fuel loads are unknown, Webber appears to have maintained his impressive form at the Nurburgring circuit; The track where he enjoyed the first win of his career in 2009. Meanwhile, Mercedes seem to have lost the significant advantage they had during recent short runs. The ingredients for captivating Qualifying session are all accounted for.

German Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

So soon after the controversy which gripped the British crowd at Silverstone, Formula One arrives in Germany, with all eyes firmly on Pirelli. The tyre manufactures have been under fire since the delaminations during the British Grand Prix and are now concluding preparations to the new Kevlar-belted tyres which make an appearance this weekend. Hopefully these more expensive construction tyres will provide exciting, but above all safe racing. Perhaps we can stop talking about tyres and focus on the ever improving battle between Mercedes and Red Bull, as the resurgent Silver Arrows look to impress on home soil.

Pirelli have frantically prepared the Kevlar-belted tyres which will feature this weekend.
(c) Sky Sports

Rosberg Ready To Continue Merc Resurgence

Undoubtedly, everyone at Brackley will have been encouraged by the team's race performances in recent times. They appear to have reduced the offset gap between their dominant qualifying pace and their previously underwhelming race pace. It has taken several races, yet the W04 is now capable of challenging the Red Bull's on both Saturday and Sunday.
In today's press conference, Nico Rosberg insisted that it is "too early" to begin considering the German as a true championship contender, despite the undeniable pace of the W04 in its current guise. With a 50 point deficit to current championship leader Sebastian Vettel, this is an unsurprising analysis. However, with consistent results outperforming that of his fellow countryman, Rosberg could well be in the running during the final stages of the year. "Short-term I just want to annoy Sebastian and Red Bull race-to-race by being ahead of them," he said. "That's the most important thing, to be ahead of them and other teams and try to win more races. That's what we're focused on at the moment."
In response to being suggested as a title contender, Nico claimed; "It's too early to say that. We're really focusing on getting our momentum, keeping it going and concentrating on one race to the next to get the most out of them - just as we have done in the last couple of races. Then we will see in a few races time."
He concluded; "It's a really nice time in my career. It's new; I've never had a car as quick as this one is now and never been able to go out in qualifying knowing I can fight for a position right at the front. And now the car is getting better and better so the chances are higher on Sunday that I can keep my qualifying position. It's very motivating."
To boost the Mercedes charge, the team have brought an intriguing new front wing this weekend, which features many redesigned elements. It features a fully detached top flap, as well as an additional tier, (fifth element). Moreover, the wing has smaller IR sensors which are attached to the cascade wiglet. This should be more efficient at channeling air into the turning vein and suspension elements, creating more front downforce. Many of these features have been adopted from Ferrari's front wing which first appeared at Silverstone. Other developments for Mercedes this weekend include modified brake ducts, new rear suspension elements and an improved floor. They are certainly looking to maintain momentum in the development race, especially now that they have the talents of Paddy Lowe in their arsenal.

The new Mercedes front wing, featuring a fifth tier and a fully detached top flap
(c) Sky Sports

Alonso Hopes For A Vast Improvement

In contrast to 2012, Ferrari have been a reasonably consistent team in this campaign. However, Fernando Alonso has failed to match the efforts of Red Bull and Vettel. Despite this, Fernando maintains a strong position in the title race, as Sebastian Vettel's closest challenger, yet a dismal British Grand Prix meant that he was unable to capitalize fully on the Red Bull tribulations.
"We need to answer what is our real performance," Alonso acknowledged. "We have been very good this year apart from the Silverstone weekend where we were not competitive, not good enough to fight with the top guys. So I am curious to see if it was only one race or whether we lost performance somewhere,"
Mercedes have arrived on home soil as the team to beat and Fernando has recognised that to challenge Sebastian's current control of the championship, he will need to beat the Silver Arrows - which is a tricky task in itself. Alonso noted, "They are very strong. They have proven that they are extremely quick. Before it was qualifying, now they are also very quick in the race. I have no doubts that they will fight until the end. Nico and Hamilton will be tough contenders."

Drivers Content With Pirelli Changes

With safety being a major concern for the drivers as they departed Silverstone, Pirelli realized that action had to be taken quickly. Most of the drivers have stated their satisfaction with Pirelli's immediate response to their fears, after initial threats of a German GP driver boycott were quickly quelled in the wake of the British Grand Prix. However, many remain unclear on how the Kevlar-belted tyres will affect the pecking order, with teams such as Lotus and Force India thriving on the high degradation tyres. 

Kevlar Tyres For German Grand Prix

Following yesterday's announcement that the forthcoming Young Drivers Test at Silverstone would become a Pirelli tyre test in which the race drivers would take part, Pirelli are expected to announce that they will revert back to the Kevlar-belt tyres as oppose to the current steel versions which wreaked havoc during the British Grand Prix. The official statement is expected to be made later today, with the new tyres being used at next weekend's German Grand Prix.
The sudden decision from Pirelli has been made on account of two reasons. Firstly, both Lotus and Force India stated after Sunday's race that they would no longer object to a mid-season change of tyres on safety grounds. Secondly, Pirelli and the FIA have been forced by the teams to act on driver's concerns following the threats of a German Grand Prix boycott.

Tyre Testing Finally Approved

Following 'Test-Gate' many respected members of the paddock have been calling for official Pirelli tyre tests to create more coherent and transparent testing arrangements. Following yesterday's drama at Silverstone, Bernie Ecclestone has announced that Pirelli will be permitted to conduct two more tyre tests, which will involve all of the teams. In addition to this, the forthcoming Young Drivers Test has been converted into a tyre test, as the FIA look to distinguish the German GP boycott threats which arose this morning.