Leclerc Confirmed For Ferrari

LECLERC CONFIRMED FOR FERRARI IN 2019 WHILE RAIKKONEN HEADS TO SAUBER

    Charles Leclerc will replace Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari as the 2007 champion switches to Sauber for the 2019 Formula 1 championship.

    With just a year’s F1 experience under his belt, Leclerc will become the first Ferrari Driver Academy member to make it to the senior team and the second youngest driver to ever race for Ferrari in F1.

    “[I’m] eternally grateful to Scuderia Ferrari for the opportunity give,” Leclerc said on Twitter.

    “To Nicolas Todt for supporting me since 2011. To my family.

    “To a person that is not part of this world anymore but to whom I owe everything of what is happening to me, Papa.

    “To Jules [Bianchi], thank you for all the things you learnt me, we will never forget you.

    “And to all the persons that supported me and believed in me. I will work harder than ever to not disappoint you. But first, there is a season to finish with an amazing team that gave me the opportunity to fight and to show my potential.”

    Leclerc made his F1 debut at the start of the year after winning back to back GP3 and Formula 2 championships.

    The Monogasque racer claimed his first F1 points with a sixth place finish at the Azerbaijan GP, where he scored more points than the entire Sauber team managed in 2017. He’s since taken top 10 finishes in four further places and lies 15th in the drivers’ championship.

    Leclerc will spend 2019 racing alongside Sebastian Vettel, while Raikkonen switches to the 20-year-old’s current team, Sauber.

    Almost 18 years after he made his F1 debut with the team, Raikkonen will return to Sauber with a two year contract.

    In his first year at the team, the Finn took 10 top 10 finishes and finished 10th in the championship standings. Since then, he’s taken 20 victories and 100 podium finishes, and team boss Frederic Vasseur hopes that experience will help his team grow next season.

    “Signing Kimi Raikkonen as our driver represents an important pillar of our project and brings us closer to our target of making significant progress as a team in the near future,” he said.

    “Kimi’s undoubted talent and immense experience in Formula 1 will not only contribute to the development of our car, but will also accelerate the growth and development of our team as a whole.

    "Together, we will start the 2019 season with a strong foundation, driven by the determination to fight for results that count.”

    Sauber has since confirmed that Kimi will be partnered with Antonio Giovinazzi from Italy.

    The news leaves six 2019 seats undecided. Haas, Toro Rosso, and Williams are yet to confirm their line ups for next season.

----
Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended
Follow us on Twitter @bethonieboost & @F1Insider78

Hungarian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “After a strong race at Hockenheim I go to Budapest with an extra boost of confidence. The team feels positive and we are ready to tackle the last race before summer shutdown. The Budapest track is a very technical one. It has a lot of corners, and it is quite intense to drive there – it reminds me of a go-kart track. It is a tough circuit for both the driver and the car, however, with the car and good form we have at the moment we should be able to fight for good results there. There are a lot of Swedish flags around the track, which always gives me extra motivation, so I look forward to seeing the Swedish fans at Budapest as well. Let’s see what is possible.”

Charles Leclerc - “I look forward to the Grand Prix weekend in Hungary. Budapest is a great city, and I always enjoy spending time there. As for the racing – I look forward to being back at the Hungaroring. It is a very technical track, and quite different to the circuits we have been to so far this season. I have some good memories from my races in Formula 2 there last year, so I look forward to seeing what is possible this time around. We have given a consistently strong performance in the last few weeks, and will build on that to finish the first half of the season on a positive note.”

----
Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost 

German GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - ”Hockenheim is a track that I have driven many times – in Formula One, as well as in GP2 and Formula 3 when I was younger. It is a nice track. The biggest challenge is the last sector which can make or break your lap. It is important to have good speed in the straights and work your way through the hairpins in the first half of the lap well. There are usually a lot of Swedish fans attending this Grand Prix, so I hope to see many of them again this year. Their support is always great. As a team, we see a good trend in our performance, having been more and more competitive with each race weekend. I look forward to bouncing back and fighting for good results again at Hockenheim.”

Charles Leclerc - “The Hockenheimring is a circuit that I know well, especially from my time in Formula 3. It is quite a technical track, with an impressive stadium that is usually filled with many spectators. I really look forward to going back there – it is great to have the German Grand Prix back on the calendar. Hopefully we can build on the progress we have made in the last few races, and keep fighting for points.”

----
Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost 

Austrian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “The Grand Prix in Austria is always a fun one to return to. It takes place on one of the shortest tracks on the calendar, with only a few corners. That makes the lap time margins very tight. It has some interesting parts – mainly, it is the second part of the lap that is challenging. There are some very fast corners that require good car balance, as well as commitment from us as drivers. The longer straights and hairpins offer some opportunities for overtaking. The atmosphere is always great, with many fans coming to support us at the track. I really look forward to going back.”

Charles Leclerc - “I really look forward to racing in Austria. The Red Bull Ring is my favourite track, next to the one in Monaco. It is very small, but has a special rhythm to it that I really like. There are a lot of fans there to support us and many events taking place around the track, which gives the weekend a special feel. In terms of driving, my favourite parts of the circuit are the two last corners. The team has been doing a great job in improving our performance week by week, and we are motivated by the progress we are making. It will be interesting to see what we can do during this upcoming Grand Prix weekend in Spielberg."

----
Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost

French GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson  - "It will be an interesting weekend in France. I drove on the Circuit Paul Ricard in GP2 many years ago, but returning there with Formula 1 will be a new challenge, not only to me, but to all of the drivers. The circuit has some interesting parts, especially the second part of the lap with its long corners should be fun to tackle. I have been working hard with myself and the team since the last race, and am determined to have a good weekend at Le Castellet. I look forward to arriving 
there."

Charles Leclerc  - "I look forward to the French Grand Prix. I have driven on the Circuit Paul Ricard only once in the past. It was quite a long time ago, so it will be exciting to go back there and experience driving there in a Formula 1 car. It is a very technical track, and offers some good challenges to us as drivers. Le Castellet is close to home for me, which is nice. I look forward to meeting all of the French fans there, and to making further progress as a team."

----
Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost

Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “Monaco is always one of the highlights of the season. It is a very special and unique race. Driving on the streets of Monte Carlo is always an amazing experience, and a fun challenge as there is no room for errors. As a driver, it is important to have a lot of confidence in your driving. You have to build up your speed over the weekend, and get closer and closer to the limit. It is also a challenge for the teams to find the right set-up and balance. I really look forward to going to Monaco – it will be a fun weekend.”

Charles Leclerc  - “There are a lot of emotions for me, with my first Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix coming up this weekend. I have dreamt of being part of this event ever since I was a child and it is incredible for this dream to finally come true. It will be nice to have my friends and family there to support me, and I look forward to sharing this special moment with the Monegasque people. Driving on city circuits is something I always enjoy, and I love the challenge that it brings to me as a driver. Although I know the city well, it will be a completely new experience for me to drive on the streets of Monte Carlo in a Formula 1 car. I look forward to gaining a different perspective on my home town. It will be an unforgettable weekend for me, and I can’t wait for it to start.”

----
Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost

Spanish GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “Off to our first European race this season – round five, in Barcelona. It almost feels like my home track, as it is the one I have probably driven the most in Formula 1 so far and it is a circuit that I really enjoy going back to. I have always been strong there, with a pole position in GP2, and some good results in Formula 1.

    It has a good mix of all different types of corners, and a very technical last sector that can make or break a lap in qualifying, as well as race stints. There are usually quite a lot of Swedish fans who come to support, which makes it even more special for me, and gives me an extra boost to have a good weekend. I can’t wait to get out to Barcelona.”

Charles Leclerc - “I am really pleased with what we were able to achieve during the last race weekend in Baku, and go into the next round feeling positive. I have good memories of Barcelona from the past, and it is interesting to return to a track where we did the winter test with the C37.

    I like the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Tyre management will be a key factor, as the degradation is quite high on this track. Overall it is a special track, as it is very technical and has every type of corner. I look forward to getting back in the car.”

----

Article Posted By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers

Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost

Azerbaijan GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - "The race in Baku will be our first street race of the season. It is quite a cool track, with a good mix of high-speed sectors and challenging corners. What is special about the track is that it features some twisty parts, mainly around the castle. The track is very narrow there, and you must be very precise as a driver.

    Another challenge will be to set up the car to suit the demands of the circuit. Tyre management will be a key factor, as the degradation of the tyres is quite high during the race. I look forward to going to Baku, and continuing our strong performance from the first three races of the year."

Charles Leclerc - "I look forward to going back to Baku. I had a strong race there last year, when I was competing in Formula 2, and feel quite comfortable on the Baku City Circuit. I particularly like city tracks. They are challenging for drivers, as you cannot afford to make any errors. The atmosphere there is great, and the view of the old town and castle is spectacular.

    It will be interesting to learn about the tyre management during the practice sessions. This will prepare us for the challenges of this circuit, and allow us to work on finding the right set-up and perform well in the race. I’m excited to be back in the car."

----
Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost 

Bahrain GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “Off to the first back-to-back of the year. Bahrain is a track that I know very well. I have been there a lot of times and enjoy driving on it. The track has different challenges to it, one being the sand surrounding it. Depending on the wind and weather conditions, this can become a defining factor. In the middle of the track, there is a very technical left hand corner which is one of the most difficult ones of the season. It also offers some good overtaking opportunities which I look forward to. After seeing our potential in Australia, we are going into round 2 feeling positive.”

Charles Leclerc - “After having participated in my first Formula 1 race in Australia, I look forward to going into my second round, as I will be familiar with all of the activities taking place at the track throughout the race weekend. I’m excited to go to Bahrain. I know the track from last year when I raced there in Formula 2, and have great memories. I had one of my best races there. The track is interesting. The temperatures are very high, which is very aggressive on the tyres. This creates interesting strategies due to the degradation that takes place. Let’s see what the next race will bring.”

----

Article Posted By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers

Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost

Australian GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Sauber

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - ALFA ROMEO SAUBER F1 TEAM

Marcus Ericsson - “We are ready and looking forward to the first Grand Prix. It is always exciting to kick off the season in such a fantastic location, and on a track that is fun to drive. I am looking forward to seeing our new car on track for the full race weekend for the first time.

    Winter testing was useful in terms of gaining a general understanding of the car’s behaviour and potential. Now, we are moving to the next step when we will start to understand where we are in relation to our competitors. I look forward to it all and can’t wait to be back on track in Albert Park.”

Charles Leclerc - “The first race of a season is always exciting for a driver, but this being the first Formula 1 Grand Prix of my career makes the occasion even more special. Driving on the circuit in Albert Park will be a new experience for me, and I look forward to the challenge. With it being the opening race of the season, you can really feel the excitement and energy there.

    Over the past weeks, I have got to know the team well, learned all of the relevant procedures, and was able to get a first impression of the new C37 during winter testing. I am eager to now spend a full race weekend in the car and work with the team to understand how we can maximize our potential."

----
Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended - Quotes belong to Drivers
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @bethonieboost

Sauber Unveil 2018 Car

(Image credit to: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team)

    Sauber Formula 1 team has opted for a new aerodynamic concept as it aims to be competitive in the 2018 Formula 1 championship.

    The team has lagged behind the rest of the field in recent years but, with the new C37, Sauber believes it will able to fight for position this season.

    Drivers Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc will also have the 2018 Ferrari power unit behind them, which technical director Jorg Zander believes will help drive improvements this season.

    “The 2018 challenger is the result of the hard work that everyone in the factory has put in over the last few months,” he said.

    "Speaking about the C37, the car philosophy is much different to that of the C36. The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has seveneral new features in comparison to its predecessor.

    We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to make improvements during the course of the season.

    The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of performances. We hope that we will make progress with the C37 and that we are more competitive compared to 2017.”

    The launch of the C37 also signals the return of the Alfa Romeo brand to F1. The Italian car manufacturer, a sister brand of Ferrari, will partner Sauber for the 2018 season. It’s logo features on the engine cover, with the red and white livery symbolic of what Sauber hopes will be a new era for the team.

    "Our target ahead of 2018 is clear: we have to catch up with the field and continue improving our performance during the course of the season,” said team principal Frederic Vasseur.

    "We have put lots of energy and commitment into the development of the C37. I want to thank our partners and fans for their continuous support. The return of Alfa Romeo to Formula 1 sets another milestone in the team’s history, and I am proud that such a historic brand has chosen us for their return to the sport. We are eager to start the 2018 season as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team.”

    Vasseur also defended the teams’ choice in driver line-up. While the squad is bringing young talent into the championship in the form of Leclerc, many fans have criticized Sauber for retaining Ericsson, who hasn’t scored in F1 since 2015. Vasseur highlighted Ericsson’s importance to the team.

    “I am convinced that Marcus and Charles form the perfect driver line-up, with one being an experienced driver and one a promising rookie.

    Marcus is going into his fourth season with us. He is a valuable part of the team, and we benefit from his experience and precise technical feedback.

    As for Charles, he has proven his talent in prior categories and deserves to be on the Formula 1 grid this season.”

----
Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
No copyright infringement intended
Photo rights belong to Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team
Follow us on Twitter @bethonieboost & @F1Insider78

Sauber Confirm 2018 Line-Up

(Image Credit: Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team)

SAUBER CONFIRMS THEIR 2018 DRIVER LINE-UP & REVEAL CONCEPT LIVERY

    Sauber have confirmed their 2018 driver line-up after many rumours and much speculation about if both seats would need to be filled or if one of Sauber's 2017 drivers would stay put.
    
    In the end, Sauber chose to keep long-time driver, Marcus Ericsson, and bring in GP3 (2016) and F2 (2017) Champion, Charles Leclerc. The young talent from Monaco, has proven himself over the last few years and brought race-goers to their feet with his risky, yet precise and accomplished overtaking skills.

    Leclerc recently drove for Sauber in the post-Abu Dhabi GP test and also completed multiple Free Practice sessions during the 2017 season. 

    Sauber finished the 2017 Constructors Championship in 11th, but a new and recent partnership with Alfa Romeo may change things around for the Swiss team. The team also revealed their concept livery, although it won't be confirmed what their 2018 car will actually look like, the concept gives a good idea of what it could be. 

    The car displays a nearly all-white paint scheme, with a huge splash of pearlescent red along the top, where the Alfa Romeo logo has been placed.

    Along with the new concept livery and driver pairing, the team also signed Antonio Giovinazzi as their 2018 reserve driver.

----
Article Written By: Amy Hawk
No copyright infringement intended -  Image rights belong to Alfa Romeo Sauber-Ferrari F1 Team
Follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 & @Bethonie_Boost 

Formula 2 - SPAIN - Free Practice - Times

FORMULA 2 - FREE PRACTICE - TIMES - SPAIN

1. Charles Leclerc - 1:29.974 / PREMA Racing / Monaco

2. Alexander Albon - 1:30.016 / ART Grand Prix / Thailand

3. Sergio Sette Camara - 1:30.484 / MP Motorsport / Brazil

4. Jordan King - 1:30.599 / MP Motorsport / Great Britain

5. Louis Deletraz - 1:30.644 / Racing Engineering / Switzerland

6. Artem Markeov - 1:30.843 / RUSSIAN TIME / Russia

7. Nyck de Vries - 1:30.882 / Rapax / Netherlands

8. Norman Nato - 1:30.886 / Pertamina Arden / France

9. Luca Ghiotto - 1:31.043 / RUSSIAN TIME / Italy

10. Sergio Canamasas - 1:31.086 / Trident / Spain

11. Oliver Rowland - 1:31.094 / DAMS / Great Britain

12. Nobuharu Matsushita - 1:31.157 / ART Grand Prix / Japan

13. Ralph Boschung - 1:31.355 / Campos Racing / Switzerland

14. Sean Gelael - 1:31.355 / Pertamina Arden / Indonesia

15. Johnny Cecotto - 1:31.394 / Rapax / Venezuela

16. Roberto Merhi - 1:31.444 / Campos Racing / Spain*

17. Gustav Malja - 1:31.560 / Racing Engineering / Sweden

18. Nicholas Latifi - 1:31.600 / DAMS / Canada

19. Antonio Fuoco - 1:32.845 / PREMA Racing / Italy

20. Nabil Jeffri - 1:32.989 / Trident / Malaysia

* - Replaced Stefano Coletti during the Spanish GP Weekend.

----

Article Written By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended

Formula 2 - BAHRAIN - Feature Race - Results

FORMULA 2 - FEATURE RACE - RESULTS - BAHRAIN

1. Artem Markelov / RUSSIAN TIME / Russia / + 25 Points + 2 Points (FL)

2. Norman Nato / Pertamina Arden / France / + 18 Points

3. Charles Leclerc / PREMA Racing / Monaco / + 15 Points + 4 Points (Pole)

4. Jordan King / MP Motorsport / Great Britain / + 12 Points

5. Oliver Rowland / DAMS / Great Britain / + 10 Points

6. Alexander Albon / ART Grand Prix / Thailand / + 8 Points

7. Luca Ghiotto / RUSSIAN TIME / Italy / + 6 Points

8. Nobuharu Matsushita / ART Grand Prix / Japan / + 4 Points

9. Antonio Fuoco / PREMA Racing / Italy / + 2 Points

10. Nyck de Vries / Rapax / Netherlands / + 1 Point

11. Nicholas Latifi / DAMS / Canada

12. Ralph Boschung / Campos Racing / Switzerland

13. Sergio Sette Camara / MP Motorsport / Brazil

14. Sergio Canamasas / Trident / Spain

15. Johnny Cecotto / Rapax / Venezuela

16. Stefano Coletti / Campos Racing / Monaco

17. Sean Gelael / Pertamina Arden / Indonesia

18. Gustav Malja / Racing Engineering / Sweden

19. Nabil Jeffri / Trident / Malaysia

20. Louis Deletraz / Racing Engineering / Switzerland

----

Article Written By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended

Formula 2 - BAHRAIN - Free Practice - Times

FORMULA 2 - FREE PRACTICE - TIMES - BAHRAIN

1. Oliver Rowland - 1:42.221 / DAMS / Great Britain

2. Artem Markelov - 1:42.313 / RUSSIAN TIME / Russia

3. Charles Leclerc - 1:42.372 / PREMA Racing / Monaco

4. Antonio Fuoco - 1:42.381 / PREMA Racing / Italy

5. Norman Nato - 1:42.594 / Pertamina Arden / France

6. Luca Ghiotto - 1:42.715 / RUSSIAN TIME / Italy

7. Nyck de Vries - 1:43.052 / Rapax / Netherlands

8. Johnny Cecotto - 1:43.146 / Rapax / Venezuela

9. Nobuharu Matsushita - 1:43.213 / ART Grand Prix / Japan

10. Gustav Malja - 1:43.230 / Racing Engineering / Sweden

11. Sergio Sette Camara - 1:43.260 / MP Motorsport / Brazil

12. Jordan King - 1:43.265 / MP Motorsport / Great Britain

13. Nicholas Latifi - 1:43.323 / DAMS / Canada

14. Sean Gelael - 1:43.355 / Pertamina Arden / Indonesia

15. Ralph Boschung - 1:43.479 / Campos Racing / Switzerland

16. Stefano Coletti - 1:43.632 / Campos Racing / Monaco

17. Nabil Jeffri - 1:43.891 / Trident / Malaysia

18. Sergio Canamasas - 1:43.958 / Trident / Spain

19. Louis Deletraz - 1:44.016 / Racing Engineering / Switzerland

20. Alexander Albon - 1:44.360 / ART Grand Prix / Thailand

----

Article Written By: Amy Hawk

No copyright infringement intended