Renault Running Hot

After such a dismal Jerez test for the Renault powered cars, suggestions are surfacing as to what the causes of the issues are. It seems as though the Renault engine has required more cooling than the likes of the Mercedes or Ferrari equivalents which has caused significant issues for both Red Bull and Toro Rosso. The plot thickened on the final day, when the Renault powered Caterham managed to record 30 laps without engine issues. So, how have Caterham minimized the problems?

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Image Credit: p_c_w (via flickr)

Jerez Test: Day 4

The fourth and final day in Jerez was filled with first's. Fernando Alonso became the first driver to exceed a century of laps in just one day as he clocked 115, closely followed by Kevin Magnussen on 110, despite him having his first accident in a Formula One car. Nico Rosberg became the first man to complete a full race simulation run and Felipe Massa topped the timesheet for the first time behind the wheel of a Williams. Caterham became the first Renault powered team to rack up more than 50 laps in a day, while Red Bull's woes showed no signs of relenting as they could only manage another seven laps before the team put an end to the misery and began the pack-up before lunch.

Check out Sky Sports F1's image gallery for day four at Jerez

Jerez Test: Day 3

It was a bright and sunny day in southern Spain as day three of the first pre-season test took place. However, the day was another dismal affair from Red Bull, with Daniel Ricciardo managing just three laps and seven corners in the RB10 after yet more electrical issues. Meanwhile, Toro Rosso completed 30 laps suggesting that the ERS issues are seemingly exaggerated by the Red Bull package. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Kevin Magnussen has enjoyed a magnificent start to his F1 career, finishing top of the timesheet with just the afternoon to acclimatise to the MP4-29. After only completing 680 miles of F1 testing prior to today, that is no mean feat for the young Dane.

Check out Sky Sports F1's gallery for day three at Jerez

Jerez Test: Day 2

After less than 100 laps were completed yesterday, Wednesday at Jerez were far more productive for the majority of the teams. After a light shower just prior to the start of running, Pirelli decided that this morning would be the ideal opportunity to schedule wet weather running and so the circuit was soaked and the wet tyres emerged from their blankets. On a dry surface, the afternoon saw most teams jump into their programme, with Nico Rosberg recording 97 laps for the day, despite missing the entire morning as the team looked to investigate the technical issues which halted their running yesterday. Meanwhile, it was a dismal day for Caterham, Toro Rosso and Red Bull as the Renault powertrain is coming under scrutiny...

Check out Sky Sports F1's gallery featuring the best images of the day...

2013 Team Reviews: Red Bull

The Team Review series draws to a close, but not before the World Champions, Infiniti Red Bull Racing are placed under the microscope. 2013 was an incredible year for the Milton Keynes based team, as the now four time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, notched up 13 victories, wrapping up the title in India and claiming an unprecedented nine consecutive wins. With long-time servant of the team Mark Webber announcing his retirement and a dramatic team orders fiasco, 2013 was a year to remember for the Red Bull juggernaut.

US Grand Prix: Race Analysis

COTA in Austin may well be one of the best modern circuits in the world, yet the 2013 US Grand Prix was undoubtedly short of action. Regardless, there were some interesting battles up and down the field behind Sebastian Vettel, who waltzed to his eighth successive win. The victory sees him seal the record of the most consecutive wins within one calendar year. If Vettel can triumph in the season finale next week, he will equal two more records. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean equalled his best result in Formula One by finishing in second after withstanding considerable pressure from Mark Webber throughout the final stint.

Japanese Grand Prix: Qualifying Analysis

Suzuka always provides red hot action, with today's qualifying session being no exception to the rule, in more ways than one. Sebastian Vettel was the overwhelming favourite to claim another Pole Position, however, a fundamental KERS issue derailed his FP3 session and returned to haunt him in qualifying. With the German faltering, his rivals tried to capitalize, with Mark Webber snatching Pole away from his teammate - The first time that Mark has outperformed Sebastian on a Saturday all season. All is not lost for Vettel though, as a P2 starting position could well prove prosperous tomorrow.

Korean Grand Prix: Saturday Analysis

Following a promising Friday, the paddock anticipated an interesting qualifying session, with both Red Bull's facing close competition from the Mercedes duo for Pole Position. However, it was a familiar figure in P1, as Sebastian Vettel claimed his third Pole Position in a row, edging out Lewis Hamilton, as the pair lock-out the front row once again. Mark Webber posted an impressive time good enough for P3, yet will only start P13, after his "taxi" incident in Singapore. Romain Grosjean will consequently start in P3 instead.

Italian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Despite the early threat of inclement weather, Sebastian Vettel was able to command the race from a comfortable P1, to claim his third victory at the infamous Italian Grand Prix. Even the power of the Tifosi was not enough to overhaul Vettel's dominance, as Fernando Alonso could only finish second, after enjoying a race long battle with Mark Webber. Further back, it was a thoroughly disappointing day for the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Paul Di Resta as their luck failed to change following their less than impressive qualifying displays.

Belgian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

It may not have been a classic race, but the 2013 Belgian Grand Prix was undoubtedly an interesting one where strategy, the weather forecast and Sebastian Vettel dominated proceedings. The German exhibited a faultless cruise to victory, after an incredible start which saw him claim a three second advantage within the opening three laps. Lewis Hamilton had no answer to what was a 2011-esque performance from Vettel. Fernando Alonso managed to seize P2 away from a disappointed Hamilton, despite the Brit's tactical attainment of DRS - The Ferrari was too strong in a straight line. Neither driver posed any threat to the Championship leader.

Red Bull Decline Raikkonen

After weeks of speculation, Red Bull appear to have drawn a step closer to deciding Mark Webber's replacement for 2014 and beyond. Since the Aussie announced his pending retirement prior to the British Grand Prix, the team have been frantically calculating who would be the best partner to Sebastian Vettel in the years to come. While many drivers had been suggested as possible candidates, the team stated that either Daniel Ricciardo or Kimi Raikkonen would claim the precious seat. However, a recent statement from Kimi Raikkonen's management suggested that Red Bull talks broke down three weeks ago; The Finn is no longer in the running for the seat. Consequently, it now looks as though Daniel Ricciardo is about to gain his big break, however, it is not quite that straightforward.

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. 

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?

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.

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.

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.

Webber Confirms F1 Retirement

Following months of rumour and speculation, Mark Webber has today confirmed that he will be turning his back on Formula One at the end of the season to team up with Porsche's new sports-car programme. While much of the speculation was triggered by the controversial Malaysian Grand Prix, Webber has maintained that this was not a motive for his final decision.