Austrian GP: Circuit Preview

The Austrian Grand Prix hasn't been on the F1 calendar for years now, but it's finally making its return. Home race of Niki Lauda and also know for its long straights, the return is sure to impress.

The "Red Bull Ring" is located in Spielberg , Styria, Austria and opened in 1964. It's gone through many changes over the years, including the removing of turns and changing names. The current version has 10 turns and is 2.688 Miles in length.

The last race, had 69 laps, but this year it will be 71. Like most, this circuit also runs Clockwise. This circuit gives so many opportunities to overtake thanks to its many long straights.

The last race was held in 2003, where Michael who started on Pole Position, went on to win. Kimi Raikkonen, then driving for Mclaren, finished in Second. Rubens Barrichello, Michael's team-mate, made it a double podium for Ferrari, when he scored Third.

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.

No Copyright Infringement Intended.

Sources: wikipedia.com & f1.com

Monaco GP: Circuit Preview

  (I do not own this image. Photo credit goes to: www.vr.picparc.co.uk) 

My favourite Grand Prix is almost here, the beautiful and incredible Monaco GP. This street circuit is one of the most popular on the current F1 Calendar. There are many events that are held during the GP weekend including the Amber Lounge Fashion Show and the Charity soccer event. F1 drivers tend to take part in both of those events and also attend multiple parties and media events.

The "Circuit De Monaco" is located in Monte Carlo, Monaco and is a Street Circuit. It opened back in 1929 and the current version of the circuit is 2.075 miles and has 19 turns. As many, this one also runs clockwise. The drivers will do a whopping 78 laps here and it's one of the few circuits where the lap total is over 65.

This is by far, one of the most dangerous circuits as well and one of the only ones with a tunnel. If the tunnel wasn't distracting enough for a driver, when you exit, you're faced with a tight chicane. Many people have crashed at that area, but recently, the safety has become much better. 

Now, let's take a quick look-back at last years Monaco GP!

Nico Rosberg took Pole Position for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team and was the leader for the entire race. Sebastian Vettel came in Second and Mark Webber in Third, making it a double Red Bull podium. 

One of the most exciting moments was a very tight passing battle between Kimi Raikkonen and Sergio Perez. There was a moment they were so close to eachother that Kimi ended up giving Perez no room and the McLaren was scraping the side of the wall. Although there was no crash, it was still a hair-raising moment.

Retirements included: 

Sergio Perez with brake failure, but he still qualified as finishing 16th, as he had completed over 90% of the race. 

Romain Grosjean, Pastor Maldonado & Daniel Ricciardo all had to retire from collisions.

Charles Pic retired with a Gearbox issue and Jules Bianchi retired with a brake problem.

Felipe Massa was forced to retire with a Suspension issue.

So, with everything said, we're probably in for another exciting and head-turning race at Monaco and I'll be bringing you all the updates and commentary for the Free Practice Sessions as well as the Drivers quotes and re-caps of all sessions. 

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.

No copyright infringement intended.

Photo credit goes to: www.vr.picparc.co.uk

Bahrain GP: Circuit Preview

Welcome to the 2014 Bahrain Circuit Preview! I'll take you through last years GP at the circuit and also talk about the circuit itself.

The Bahrain International Circuit is located in Sakhir, Bahrain and was opened to the public for the first F1 GP in 2004. The drivers do a total of 57 laps and have to navigate around 15 sharp and angular turns. Earlier this year, the first turn was re-named after Michael Schumacher, who is still in a coma after hitting his head in a skiing accident in December of last year.

The circuit runs Clockwise and has a Capacity of 70,000. One of the main factors of this circuit is that there's good room for overtaking and racing wheel-to-wheel, as proved by Jenson Button and Sergio Perez last year and other drivers years before.

Speaking of last year, let's go ahead and do a quick re-cap. Nico Rosberg took pole last year, but didn't make it on to the podium, instead Vettel took First while Kimi Raikkonen in the Lotus, took Second and it was a surprise podium indeed for Romain Grosjean who finished Third, also driving for Lotus.

Sebastian Vettel also had the fastest lap of the race and the only person to retire was Jean-Eric Vergne who had Puncture Damage. With the turbos this year, I have a feeling we'll see more than just 1 person retire from this years race. But no matter what, it'll be entertaining as always.


Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Photo Credit Goes To Owner: allf1.info

Malaysian GP: Circuit Preview

Welcome to my 2nd Circuit Preview of the year. The Second round is taking place in the beautiful Country of Malaysia and we're looking to see dry, hot weather this year.

Last year's race was rainy and cloudy. Sebastian Vettel took pole while Sergio Perez had the fastest timed lap. The podium? Vettel in First, while Webber finished Second and Hamilton in Third. It was a very controversial race when Vettel disobeyed team orders to not pass Webber. Webber was said to have won if it weren't for the events that took place between Vettel and the Redbull Team.

On to this year! The Sepang International Circuit is located in Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia and was opened in 1999. It draws in a crowd, as it's Maximum Capacity is 80,000! 

The circuit is 3.444 Miles in length and has a total of 15 turns. The drivers have a total of 56 laps to cover before a winner is announced. This year, with the Turbos, we could see a lot of people dropping out if it's a hot one. Last year, with the rain, it was slippery, but they didn't have to worry about overheating Turbo Engines. The circuit also runs Clockwise.

I have already posted the Schedule if you want to take a look at when the events take place.

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
No Copyright Infringement Intended.  
(Photo Credit Belongs To Owner: www.wemotor.com)

Australian GP: Circuit Preview

Welcome to the First 2014 Circuit Preview of the season! The Australian GP Circuit Preview.

Let's take a look back at last year.

When 2013 started, most people expected Vettel to take the first win. Not Raikkonen. But that's exactly what happened. The "Iceman" took the win for the first GP, even though it was Sebastian Vettel who started on pole. Raikkonen also had the fastest lap out of all 22 drivers. Fernando Alonso finished Second and Vettel secured Third.

The Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit is located in Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia and was originally opened in 1953 and later Re-Opened in 1996. The circuit has a total of 16 turns (Originally 9) and drivers try to complete a full 58 laps. It runs Clockwise and is 3.295 miles.

The weather is usually almost always hot and humid, making drivers hydrate twice as much as usual. With a capacity of 80,000, the circuit always draws in a huge and excited crowd.

This year will hopefully be no different in crowd-capacity and everyone is awaiting to find out who will be our first winner of the 2014 Season.

Article Written By: Amy Hawk.
No Copyright Infringement Intended.
(Photo credit belongs to: www.sportsnetholidays.com )