Indian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

While wrapping up the championship title was always going to be unlikely in Japan, the world anticipates the re-crowning of a champion come Sunday, as Sebastian Vettel needs only P5 or better to clinch his fourth consecutive title. A formality? - Quite possibly, if the form guide is anything to go by. Not only has Vettel claimed victory at five consecutive races, he is yet to be beaten in New Delhi, having also led every single lap ever to be completed around the circuit. Seems his competitors will have a difficult task to stop Sebastian's run of impeccable form.

Singapore Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

As the frenetic final few flyaway's commence, Formula One arrives in Singapore after a fantastic European season, to complete the Asian leg of the championship. Heading into this weekend, Sebastian Vettel holds a commanding 53 point advantage over Fernando Alonso in the standings and will be looking to extend this on Sunday. If the form guide is to be examined, Vettel will undoubtedly be favourite for victory, after claiming P1 in 2011 and 2012. So, the question is, can anyone spoil the German's night, or will it be three on the spin in Singapore for Sebastian.

Italian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Few circuits on the planet can claim a more illustrious heritage than the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, or just Monza as we refer to it. While the circuit configuration changes may have sent the infamous bankings into disrepair, the Tifosi do not allow visitors to forget the echoes of the past - as well as the great Ferrari legends to have raced there. After Lewis Hamilton spoiled the Scuderia's day in 2012, as he claimed a comfortable victory ahead of a fast charging Sergio Perez. Alonso managed to entertain the Tifosi with an admirable P3, as well as his first glimpse through the directors eyes on the podium.

Belgian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

With the Summer Shutdown officially over, Formula One returns to action this weekend, as the tour arrives at the challenging Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. The historic 4.32 mile track has played host to classic races and unforgettable moments over the years. In recent memory, the circuit marked Micheal Schumacher's sublime debut in 1990, as well as the German's first career victory in 1992. Who could forget the chaotic start to proceedings in 1998, where the race was red flagged in the wake of a colossal twelve car pile up. Spa is a place where unpredictability thrives, whether it be the weather or the outcome, we are always perched on the edge of our seat.

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. 

British Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Formula One returns to the UK this weekend, in an event which always captivates fans across the world. Being my home race, it is always a special event and one which British fans value very highly. Silverstone first hosted a Grand Prix in 1948 and the 3.6 mile circuit is known for its high speed nature. In 2012, Mark Webber snatched victory away from Fernando Alonso with just four laps to go, pulling off a spectacular overtake at Brooklands. The Aussie will be hoping to reinvigorate his championship fight this weekend.

Canadian Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

The Circuit De Gilles Villeneuve is a favorite among many sectors of the Formula One paddock. It has played host to many classic races down the years; Most notably, Jenson Button's unlikely triumph in 2011, after the Brit traveled through the pits six times during the race. Coincidentally, it was the longest race in the history of the sport, following a lengthy red flag period during a characteristically wet day in Montreal. Rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday, so a few surprises may be on the cards.

Bahrain Grand Prix: Weekend Preview

Incredible to think that this weekend marks the fourth race of what has been an enthralling 2013 season so far. Since Australia, the action has had everyone on the edge of their seat, with the first three Grand Prix's resulting in three different winners. The championship standings reflect the tight competition between all of the teams up and down the grid. With intense rivalry's up and down the grid, there is plenty to play for in Bahrain this weekend.