Monaco GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Red Bull

Preview Quotes: Red Bull

Daniel Ricciardo - "From the driver's point of view - and maybe teams see it differently - the best thing about coming to Monaco is that it's a circuit where the driver has more influence on events. Driving a Formula One car anywhere is special – the speed, the power and the acceleration just blows you away - but here it's like trying to do a lap in a supermarket, and that's just so, so cool. I know there's that quote about racing at Monaco being like riding a bicycle around your bathroom - well when I was a kid I used to love riding my little bike around inside the house. It was more fun, there were more obstacles and a bit more danger. That really is what this is like: You have the walls around the circuit and the bumps on the track that make it a bit more real. The circuit has a lot of character; you can feel that in the car. You can't afford mistakes, your concentration levels rocket and you tend to amaze yourself with how quickly you manage to do everything. Just completing a lap feels like an achievement. There's so much energy surrounding it: the big boats; the big spenders; the cool people, the Hollywoods - it's all there. I wouldn't say I'm massively into that stuff at any other time of the year, but it creates a crazy atmosphere over the weekend here and that really makes the adrenaline rocket."

Daniil Kvyat - "It's a real 'confidence' circuit. You need to be in tune with it. You need to find yourself, find the flow, you need to find the right approach mentally and with the car and then you just have to make it happen. In the beginning it's a big test. To go out and find that confidence is not easy and you always question yourself, asking 'when is it going to happen, when am I going to feel it enough to really go for it'. But at some point in the weekend it just happens, you find the rhythm and the lap time comes. When it works like that, when you get yourself in the right place and you find a good understanding with the track, it's great. I'm not sure there's a special secret about it and there's no one area that holds the key. It's just a really massive lap, the whole thing seems to go by in one breath. It's just as well it's a short lap!"

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
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Monaco GP: Circuit Preview

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The "Circuit De Monaco" is one of the most talked about, loved and famous circuits in Formula 1 & motorsports in general. The circuit held its first Grand Prix in 1929, making it one of the oldest circuits. It's located in the glam & beautiful city of Monte Carlo. 

The current version of the circuit has 19 turns and runs clockwise. It has a capacity of 120,000 and is 2.075 miles in length. The Formula 1 race runs 78 laps. Being a Street Circuit, it is also known to be one of the most dangerous circuits in motorsports. 

Last year, Nico Rosberg took pole and went on to win the race, with team-mate Lewis Hamilton, finishing in second and Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo finishing third. Marussia (Now Manor-Marussia) took home their first points when Jules Bianchi finished 9th for the team & Manor hopes they can honor him this year by finishing the race with good results.

Retirements included: Pastor Maldonado (Did Not Start), Sergio Perez (Collision), Sebastian Vettel (Turbo), Daniil Kvyat (Exhaust), Adrian Sutil (Accident), Jean-Eric Vergne (Exhaust), Valtteri Bottas (Engine) & Esteban Gutierrez (Suspension).

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk

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Monaco GP: Schedule

As we head into the next F1 week, the teams arrive in the glamorous and lively Monte Carlo, Monaco. Not only will the weekend be filled with plenty of Formula 1 track action, but also the Amber Lounge Fashion Show and plenty of parties and events.

SCHEDULE:

May 20th / Wednesday

15:00 - Drivers Press Conference (Located in the Press Room)

May 21st / Thursday

10:00 - 11:30 - Free Practice #1
14:00 - 15:30 - Free Practice #2
16:00 - 17:00 - Principals Press Conference (Located in the Press Room)

May 23rd / Saturday

08:00 - 08:30 - Team Pit-Stop Practice
08:00 - 08:30 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk
11:00 - 12:00 - Free Practice #3
12:15 - 13:45 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk
14:00 - Qualifying

May 24th / Sunday

08:00 - 09:00 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk
12:25 - 13:15 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk
12:30 - Drivers Track Parade
12:45 - 13:15 - Starting Grid Presentation
13:46 - National Anthem
14:00 - Race

(Subject to change)

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk
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In-Season Test 1 - Barcelona Day 2: Times

The second day of Testing in Barcelona got underway yesterday and there was plenty of information and data to gather. All drivers got a good amount of time out on track. Marciello was a bit unfortunate early on in the session when he crashed the Sauber into the barriers. While he was okay, the Sauber was in the garage for quite a bit before he could get back out there.

Here are the times from the session.

TIMES:

1. Jolyon Palmer - 1:26.080 / Lotus-Mercedes
2. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:26.497 / Mercedes-Mercedes
3. Pierre Gasly - 1:26.683 / Red Bull-Renault
4, Jenson Button - 1:26.927 / McLaren-Honda
5. Alex Lynn - 1:26.967 / Williams-Mercedes
6. Esteban Ocon - 1:27.520 / Force India-Mercedes
7. Esteban Gutierrez - 1:27.930 / Ferrari-Ferrari
8. Carlos Sainz - 1:27.997 / Toro Rosso-Renault
9. Raffaele Marciello - 1:28.829 / Sauber-Ferrari

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk
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In-Season Test 1 - Barcelona Day 2: Line-Up

Here is the line-up for Day 2 of the first in-season Test.

LINE-UP:

Mercedes-Mercedes: Pascal Wehrlein
McLaren-Honda: Jenson Button
Red Bull-Renault: Pierre Gasly
Lotus-Mercedes: Jolyon Palmer
Ferrari-Ferrari: Esteban Gutierrez
Williams-Mercedes: Alex Lynn
Toro Rosso-Renault: Carlos Sainz
Force India-Mercedes: Esteban Ocon
Sauber-Ferrari: Raffaele Marciello

You can follow us on Twitter @F1Insider78 for LIVE updates throughout the AM session of Testing.
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Article Written By: Amy Hawk
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In-Season Test 1 - Barcelona Day 1: Times

Day 1 of testing got underway yesterday and there was plenty to learn and tons of data to go over. Some teams ran aero tests and others looked over ways of improving balance and speed. Manor-Marussia is not taking part in this test.

Pascal Wehrlein was supposed to drive for Force India but was under the weather, so Nick Yelloly took over for the session. Nico Rosberg was fastest overall for the day and his fastest time beat the one he set to take Pole Position for last Sunday's Spanish GP.

Here are the times from Day 1 of the first In-Season test.

1. Nico Rosberg - 1:24.374 / Mercedes-Mercedes
2. Marcus Ericsson - 1:26.624 / Sauber-Ferrari
3. Raffaele Marciello - 1:26.648 / Ferrari-Ferrari
4. Daniil Kvyat - 1:26.904 / Red Bull-Renault
5. Pastor Maldonado - 1:27.338 / Lotus-Mercedes
6. Nick Yelloly - 1:27.396 / Force India-Mercedes
7. Pierre Gasly - 1:27.639 / Toro Rosso-Renault
8. Felipe Massa - 1:27.911 / Williams-Mercedes
9. Oliver Turvey - 1:28.542 / McLaren-Honda

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk
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In-Season Test 1- Barcelona Day 1: Line-Up

It's time for the first of the two two-day in-season tests. The first one is in Barcelona, where the teams just finished racing on Sunday.

Manor will not take part in this test as they have stated.

Here is the line-up for Day 1.

LINE-UP:

Mercedes-Mercedes: Nico Rosberg

Red Bull-Renault: Daniil Kvyat

Lotus-Mercedes: Pastor Maldonado

Ferrari-Ferrari: Raffaele Marciello

Force India-Mercedes: Nick Yelloly

Sauber-Ferrari: Marcus Ericsson

Toro Rosso-Renault: Pierre Gasly

Williams-Mercedes: Felipe Massa

McLaren-Honda: Oliver Turvey

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Article written by: Amy Hawk

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Feature: Star Drivers Of The Spanish GP

Frances Fry (Assistant Writer) - "For me, this weekend was an easy choice, although I was ready for it to be very difficult. As soon as Rosberg crossed the line, I knew he was one to look out for in the coming races. Rosberg hadn't won yet this season until he stormed the track on Sunday. Many could've suffered a total confidence blow after not winning any of the first 4 races after the 2014 season Rosberg had. But not Nico. He kept his faith and used his strengths. After a fantastic qualifying on Saturday, Nico took his silver arrow to the top of the podium! He looked particularly comfortable on the top step. I wonder how many more times we'll see him there this season?

As with most questions in F1, the only sure way of getting an answer is by staying tuned. Monaco is next, I wonder how Nico will do in Monte Carlo? A place he's always been comfortable, much like on the top step."

Amy Hawk (Lead Writer & Editor) - "My driver of the weekend is Jenson Button. I know he didn't get points or anything but he was able to get out there and give it his all, despite the situation with the car. He's been at McLaren a very long time and he knows the ups and downs of Formula 1 itself, yet always maintains a good attitude about any situation.

So yeah, he put up a great fight during the race and managed to get the car home in 16th. Like I said, the situation at McLaren is improving and you can tell with each race they're learning more and more about the car and what needs to be fixed. I'm really hoping they're able to score points by the middle of the season."

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Feature: Spanish GP - Our Post-Race Quotes

Amy Hawk (Lead Writer & Editor) - "Another great race. I hate how fast the season seems to go by. We're already on to Monaco, which a lot of people know is my favorite race on the Calendar and has been ever since I started watching Formula 1. But, yes, Spain was so good. Great race, great weather. It was really nice to see a clean first lap.. Everyone really had a chance to get out there and fight for points for the most part. Huge congratulations to Nico Rosberg on his first win of the season and also to Hamilton and Sebastian for their podium finishes. Well deserved.

It was really unfortunate that McLaren had to retire Alonso's car as it is his home race and I was really rooting for him and the team to bring home some points this time around. There's no doubt they're improving.. But it will take some time before they're near the top 10.

There was a great turn out from the fans. The stands were absolutely packed and I noticed a huge amount of Swedish flags for Ericsson, which is great. It's always cool to see all the flags. With Monaco being next.. It's quite a huge difference for the teams as far as adjustment goes. I mean, you're going from a track that's open and quite wide with smooth turns to a closed-in street circuit with very narrow corners. It's going to be very interesting to see how everyone does. I can't wait. Cheers!"


Frances Fry (Assistant Writer) - "Barcelona always has, and always will be a legendary racetrack. It's not secret how difficult it is to overtake on this risky series of bends. I think that's why the race this weekend was so incredible. Overtakes seemed to be happening here, there and everywhere. In fact, until the cars crossed the line I wasn't willing to say who I thought would win.

I don't know what has changed this year in Formula 1 but there seems to be an extra shot of adrenaline. Maybe it's all the new talent or the mix up with Ferrari's improvement. All I know is there's a significant amount of uncertainty to every race. The race is not only between the driver and his fellow pilots, but also with himself. When the driver takes his seat he readies himself to be bigger and better than last time. So far, I think it's pretty fair to say that there's been a rocket of excitement.

I've always heard fantastic stories from people who have attended the Spanish GP and after this weekend, there stories have been proven. It's officially on my "to attend" list and I cannot wait to cross it off! Being the race prior to Monaco, there's quite an impression for this race to make. Once again, Spain didn't fail."

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Spanish GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

We hope everyone enjoyed the Spanish GP - It's time for the race re-cap.

No drama as the cars all lined up on the grid and waited for the lights to go out. All 22 started the race with a decently-clean first lap. After the last few races, it was a relief to see all drivers have a chance at the points without a first lap accident/spin.

Nico Rosberg was quick to speed away from the rest of the pack. He started on Pole and had no problem using it to his advantage as he left his team-mate, Lewis Hamilton far behind. However, Sebastian Vettel was on Rosberg's trail, closing the gap quickly and aiming to pass.

It was a so-so day for McLaren-Honda. Things has been looking quite promising for Fernando Alonso until a brake failure caused him to retire on lap 26. Team-mate, Jenson Button was able to finish the race but in 16th, making it the 5th race in a row that the team has failed to score points.

Things for Lotus were a bit chaotic as they had multiple tricky pit-stops. Maldonado had to come in and have a piece of his rear wing ripped off as it had been damaged and was swinging back and forth wildly behind the car. Grosjean's pit-stop was a bit different. The French driver pulled in a bit too quickly, causing a few of his pit crew to go tumbling. One suffered torn ankle ligaments and the other got hit in a very *sensitive* area with the car jack. Both however are alright. Although, Maldonado's race was ended on lap 45 due to a brake failure as well.

Throughout the race, Valtteri Bottas put up a huge fight against Kimi Raikkonen, doing his absolute best to defend his 4th position while aiming to catch up with Sebastian Vettel who was in third. Hamilton got in the lead when Rosberg had to take a pit-stop, but when it was Hamilton's turn, Rosberg quickly got back in first and aimed to take his first win of the Season.

For Force India it was a day better than expected after a not-so-great Qualifying left Hulkenberg and Perez starting 17th and 18th respectively. However, Sergio Perez was able to finish the race in 13th, just 3 places away from the points. Nico Hulkenberg finished in 15th.

Young rookie, Carlos Sainz had a late battle with Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat as the two fought for 9th place and the chance at 2 Championship points. During so, Carlos Sainz put all 4 wheels off track and when he re-joined, he did so ahead of the Russian, causing quite a stir. However, the stewards ruled out no further action and Sainz retained his 9th place finish.

Nico Rosberg brought home his first win of the Season, celebrating with the famous champagne on the lovely Barcelona-Catalunya podium. Lewis Hamilton finished in a close Second place while Sebastian Vettel got Third. Another rewarding podium for Ferrari and Vettel.

Now the teams (except Manor) will stick around in Barcelona for the 2 Day In-Season test. Not all the current drivers are running but we will have all that info up soon and be covering it LIVE on our twitter @F1Insider78 so give us a follow if you're interested.

Here are the race results.

RESULTS:

1. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes-Mercedes / Germany / + 25 Points
2. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain / + 18 Points
3. Sebastian Vettel / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany / + 15 Points
4. Valtteri Bottas / Williams-Mercedes / Finland / + 12 Points
5. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland / + 10 Points
6. Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil / + 8 Points
7. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-Renault / Australia / + 6 Points
8. Romain Grosjean / Lotus-Mercedes / France / + 4 Points
9. Carlos Sainz / Toro Rosso-Renault / Spain / + 2 Points
10. Daniil Kvyat / Red Bull-Renault / Russia / + 1 Point
11. Max Verstappen / Toro Rosso-Renault / Netherlands
12. Felipe Nasr / Sauber-Ferrari / Brazil 
13. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico
14. Marcus Ericsson / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden
15. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India-Mercedes / Germany
16. Jenson Button / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain
17. Will Stevens / Manor-Ferrari / Great Britain
18. Roberto Merhi / Manor-Ferrari / Spain 
RETIRED - Pastor Maldonado / Lotus-Renault / Venezuela / Brakes
RETIRED - Fernando Alonso / McLaren-Honda / Spain / Brakes

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Article Written By: Amy Hawk
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