European GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Williams

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING

Valtteri Bottas - “I’ve never been to Azerbaijan, so it should be interesting. In general, it’s a bit of an unknown for me. The track, from what we have seen, looks nice and very quick. I like going to new places, discovering new cultures and seeing new cities. I’m looking forward to learning more about the country, the city and especially the race track.”

Felipe Massa - “It will be my first time in Azerbaijan so I don’t know what to expect from the country. I’m really looking forward to discovering a nice country, good people, and also a race track which will be in the middle of the town. I don’t know yet if it will be more like Monaco, or maybe a mix between Monaco and Singapore. We will wait and see. I’ve heard the straights will be longer, so maybe there will be more overtaking on this track compared to the other street tracks that we race on. I hope we come away from Azerbaijan for the first time with a good result.”

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk

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European GP: Driver Preview Quotes - McLaren

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - McLAREN HONDA FORMULA 1 TEAM

Fernando Alonso - “I’m already really looking forward to getting out on track for the first time in Baku on Friday. In my role as Baku Ambassador, I’m lucky enough to have already seen the plans in detail for the new circuit and watch the venue come together over the past few months. The track layout is a really impressive hybrid of the buzz of a street circuit, with its tight narrow streets and close racing, and a more traditional track, where there are high speeds and solid overtaking opportunities.

Having seen the development work in Baku as it’s neared completion over the past few months, it’s clear that the organisers have put a lot of planning and resources into the infrastructure around the circuit, and it promises to be a very significant event in the region. There are a lot of fans who’ve been excited about this Grand Prix for a long time now, so I’m looking forward to racing in front of them and putting on a good show in front of a new audience of fans that we’ve never reached before.

This circuit is a great mix of both worlds, and as the fastest of any previous street track, I’m excited for the challenge and to see what’s possible in these kinds of conditions, where everything is a little bit unknown. I’ve already driven the track on the simulator and there’s certainly a lot that makes it unique - medieval walls close to the edge of the newly-laid asphalt, anti-clockwise corners, minimal run-off - so it seems to have all of the ingredients to give us a bit of drama and the prospect of exciting racing.

The Canada race weekend started relatively well, but in the race we were outpaced by stronger teams. It was difficult to maintain heat in the tyres in cooler temperatures, which meant they didn’t perform as well, so we struggled to keep up with the guys in front. Some of Baku’s characteristics are similar, and despite being a street circuit will still be very demanding on power units and chassis. But, we’ll attack the weekend in our usual way, and keep pushing for more improvements in each session.”

Jenson Button - “After a disappointing end to what was a fairly positive weekend in Canada until I had to retire the car, I’m already relishing the prospect of the next race - and at a new track, too. From what I’ve seen of it, the Baku City Circuit looks pretty cool - especially as the city centre has so much history attached to it, yet we’ll be roaring over the cobbles there at over 300km/h (186mph) in the middle of the city walls.

I’m looking forward to seeing how they’ve transformed the area to accommodate a Grand Prix race. I’ve heard good things from Fernando about the layout too, with some really exciting narrow sections mixed in with wider areas that should be promising for overtaking. It’ll be tough on the car with its long, fast straight, strong loads on the ERS and high fuel consumption, so we need to buckle down and work hard to get our package set up as quickly as possible for the demands of this circuit.

In terms of things like strategy, tyres, temperatures, of course we have a lot of simulator data - a few of the guys in the team have visited and already have a pretty good handle on the conditions - but until we get there, it’s all a bit of unfamiliar. Having a new circuit on the calendar definitely does spice things up a bit and puts everyone back on a more level playing field, at least initially, so I’m looking forward to the challenge of a new track.

It’s imperative we bounce back quickly from the disappointment of Canada and the fact we go to a completely new Grand Prix means the focus will rapidly shift from one to the other - there’s definitely a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement for the next race. We’re working hard to keep improving race to race and despite the blip in Canada, hopefully we can continue seeing gains - however small - in the next few crazy weeks of back-to-back Grands Prix.”

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Article Posted By: Amy Hawk
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European GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Ferrari

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - SCUDERIA FERRARI F1 TEAM

Sebastian Vettel - "I don't know much about Azerbaijan. I'm really looking forward to getting there, as I've heard a lot of good things about it. I've heard that the track is very exciting, with parts leading through the whole town and narrow in places. So, I think it should be exciting. I am a big fan of street circuits. Usually, they are very tricky, bumpy, rough, very narrow places. So, hopefully Baku fulfills these expectations and goes in line with other street circuit classics."

Kimi Raikkonen - N/A

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European GP: Driver Preview Quotes - Red Bull

DRIVER PREVIEW QUOTES - RED BULL RACING FORMULA 1 TEAM

Daniel Ricciardo - "On to Baku. I'm excited because it's a new track so it's going to be a challenge for everyone, but the fact that it's a street circuit is really cool. I'm pretty optimistic that the city itself will be quite good fun. I've seen some pictures of the city and it looks cool – it sort of reminds me of Budapest a little bit, so let's see, I'm pretty excited to go there."

Max Verstappen - "Baku is new for everyone. You start from zero which I always like, and it's always good to discover new countries and new tracks. My dad has raced there back in 2012, and I've watched the races online and some parts of the track are pretty similar. He was pretty positive about the whole city in general saying it's a nice place to go so I'm looking forward to it. The track looks very interesting because it has such a long straight for a street circuit which will be difficult for the wing setting because on a street circuit you want lots of down force but with such a long straight you have to find a good compromise."

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European GP: Circuit Preview

EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX 2016 (AZERBAIJAN) - CIRCUIT PREVIEW 

Name: Baku City Circuit

Location: Azadliq Square, Baku, Azerbaijan

Opened: 2016

Length: 3.730 Miles

Capacity: 18,500

Runs: Anti-Clockwise

Turns: 20

Race Laps: 51

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European GP: Track Schedule

EUROPEAN GRAND PRIX 2016 (AZERBAIJAN) - TRACK SCHEDULE

June 16th / Thursday

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

18:30 - 20:30 - Pit-Lane Walk (3-Day-Ticket-Holders Only)

June 17th / Friday

12:00 - 12:45 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk

13:00 - 14:30 - Free Practice #1

15:40 - 16:45 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk

17:00 - 18:30 - Free Practice #2

19:00 - 20:00 - Press Conference (Located in the Press Room)

June 18th / Saturday

10:00 - 11:30 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk

11:00 - 11:30 - Team Pit-Stop Practice

14:00 - 15:00 - Free Practice #3

15:05 - 16:40 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk

17:00 - 18:00 - Qualifying

June 19th / Sunday

12:30 - 13:30 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk

15:00 - 16:00 - Paddock Club Pit-Lane Walk

15:00 - Drivers Track Parade

15:45 - 16:15 - Starting Grid Presentation

16:46 - National Anthem

17:00 - 19:00 - Race

(Times subject to change)

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Bianchi's Parents Take Legal Action

Jules Bianchi’s family have had a traumatic few years. Following the Marussia driver’s accident in 2014, his family did everything possible to support him in his nine month battle for his life. A report from an FIA accident panel brought more pain, blaming Bianchi himself for the accident that later claimed his life.

Now, Bianchi’s family are seeking justice for him, launching legal action against Formula 1’s governing body the FIA, Marussia, and the Formula One Group.

Bianchi’s father, Phillipe, made a statement on behalf of the family: “We seek justice for Jules, and want to establish the truth about the decisions that led to our son’s crash at the Japanese Grand Prix in 2014.

“As a family, we have so many unanswered questions and feel that Jules’ accident and death could have been avoided if a series of mistakes had not been made.”

The 2014 Japanese Grand Prix took place in extreme weather which had the field driving in heavy rain. The race had already been red flagged on lap two before the decision was made to resume the race twenty minutes later.

Adrian Sutil crashed at turn seven, where the semi-dry racing line narrowed. A recovery crane set out to recover the German’s car and, a lap later, Bianchi came off the track at the same place as Sutil. The Frenchman collided with the crane, suffering a diffuse axonal injury, and died nine months later.

An FIA accident panel investigated the crash and, in December, issued a 396 page report on their findings. Their conclusions found a series of problems, including that the Marussia’s unique design was incompatible with the FailSafe settings that could have saved Bianchi’s life.

Shockingly, they also blamed Bianchi.

“Bianchi did not slow sufficiently to avoid losing control at the same point on the track as Sutil.”

Bianchi’s family do not agree with the blame and part of their aim is to clear his name, as well as to improve safety in motorsport.

Stewarts Law partner Julian Chamberlayne is representing the Bianchi family, and said: “Jules Bianchi’s death was avoidable.

The FIA Panel Inquiry Report into this accident made numerous recommendations to improve safety in Formula 1 but failed to identify where errors had been made which led to Jules’ death.

It was surprising and distressing to the Bianchi family that the FIA panel in its conclusions, whilst noting a number of contributing factors, blamed Jules.

The Bianchi family are determined that this legal process should require those involved to provide answers and to take responsibility for any failings.

This is important if current and future drivers are to have confidence that safety in the sport will be put first.

“If this had been the case in Suzuka, Jules Bianchi would most likely still be alive and competing in the sport he loved today.”

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Article Written By: Bethonie Waring
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Canadian GP: Race - Re-Cap & Results

CANADIAN GRAND PRIX - RACE

While it was Lewis Hamilton on Pole Position, it was Sebastian Vettel who had the better start, easily passing both Hamilton and Rosberg before the first lap was even over. Hamilton and Rosberg then made contact, but luckily the result was nothing like their collision in Spain, which ended the race for both of them.

    Only 9 laps in to the race, Jenson Button had a sudden problem with his car and pulled over, reporting that the engine was 'Gone'. With Button out of the race, it was up to Alonso to try and do what he could to get into the points. In the end however, he finished just outside of the points in 11th.

    Carlos Sainz, who had a crash during Qualifying and ended up with a 5-Place-Grid-Penalty for a gearbox change, ended up starting from 20th. What started out a tough race ended in a reason to celebrate. The Toro Rosso driver scored 2 points for the team by finishing in 9th. His team-mate, a recently demoted Daniil Kvyat, finished 12th.

    Jolyon Palmer & Felipe Massa were both forced to retire due to car issues. Palmer with a water leak and Massa with an engine issue. Magnussen finished outside of the points while Bottas finished 3rd for Williams.

    Sebastian Vettel  had fought hard to stay in the lead throughout the race, but it was Hamilton that took his second win in a row. Vettel was still able to get up on to the podium by finishing in 2nd. Nico Rosberg nearly missed out on finishing the race after a mistake and a spin in the final laps.

RESULTS:

1. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain / + 25 Points

2. Sebastian Vettel / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany / + 18 Points

3. Valtteri Bottas / Williams-Mercedes / Finland / + 15 Points
4. Max Verstappen / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Netherlands / + 12 Points
5. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes-Mercedes / Germany / + 10 Points
6. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland / + 8 Points
7. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Australia / + 6 Points
8. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India-Mercedes / Germany / + 4 Points
9. Carlos Sainz / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Spain / + 2 Points
10. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico / + 1 Point
11. Fernando Alonso / McLaren-Honda / Spain
12. Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Russia
13. Esteban Gutierrez / Sauber-Ferrari / Mexico
14. Romain Grosjean / Haas-Ferrari / France
15. Marcus Ericsson / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden
16. Kevin Magnussen / Renault-Renault / Denmark
17. Pascal Wehrlein / Manor-Mercedes / Germany
18. Felipe Nasr / Sauber-Ferrari / Brazil
19. Rio Haryanto / Manor-Mercedes / Indonesia

RETIRED - Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil / Engine
RETIRED - Jolyon Palmer / Renault-Renault / Great Britain / Water Leak
RETIRED - Jenson Button / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain / Engine

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Canadian GP: Qualifying - Re-Cap & Results

CANADIAN GRAND PRIX - QUALIFYING

It was Lewis Hamilton who took Pole Position for the second race weekend in a row, with Rosberg finishing close behind. Sebastian Vettel rounded up the top 3, but Ricciardo and Verstappen weren't far off and hope to keep up with both Mercedes and Ferrari during Sunday's race.

    

Kevin Magnussen will start from pit-lane after a crash in FP3 left him unable to participate in Qualifying due to car damage. Renault confirmed Magnussen will race with his spare chassis. Carlos Sainz suffered a minor crash in Q2 but was still able to set a time and will start 16th.

HOW IT WORKS:

Q1 = 18 minutes. All cars allowed to go out. At the end of the session, the six slowest are eliminated.

Q2 = 15 minutes. The remaining cars go out. At the end of the session, the six slowest are eliminated.

Q3 = 12 minutes. Final 10 cars go out. The final order at the end of the session is how the grid will line up. Fastest car starts from Pole Position.

GRID LINE-UP

1. Lewis Hamilton / Mercedes-Mercedes / Great Britain

2. Nico Rosberg / Mercedes-Mercedes / Germany

3. Sebastian Vettel / Ferrari-Ferrari / Germany

4. Daniel Ricciardo / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Australia

5. Max Verstappen / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER / Netherlands

6. Kimi Raikkonen / Ferrari-Ferrari / Finland

7. Valtteri Bottas / Williams-Mercedes / Finland

8. Felipe Massa / Williams-Mercedes / Brazil

9. Nico Hulkenberg / Force India-Mercedes / Germany

10. Fernando Alonso / McLaren-Honda / Spain

11. Sergio Perez / Force India-Mercedes / Mexico

12. Jenson Button / McLaren-Honda / Great Britain

13. Esteban Gutierrez / Haas-Ferrari / Mexico

14. Romain Grosjean / Haas-Ferrari / France 

15. Daniil Kvyat / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Russia*

16. Jolyon Palmer / Renault-Renault / Great Britain

17. Pascal Wehrlein / Manor-Mercedes / Germany

18. Felipe Nasr / Sauber-Ferrari / Brazil

19. Rio Haryanto / Manor-Mercedes / Indonesia

20. Carlos Sainz / Toro Rosso-Ferrari / Spain**

21. Marcus Ericsson / Sauber-Ferrari / Sweden***

PIT-LANE - Kevin Magnussen / Renault-Renault / Denmark****

* - (Kvyat) 3-Place-Grid-Penalty for causing a collision in Monaco

** - (Sainz) 5-Place-Grid-Penalty for gearbox change

*** - (Ericsson) 3-Place-Grid-Penalty for causing a collision in Monaco

**** - (Magnussen) Crashed in FP3

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Canadian GP: Free Practice 3 - Re-Cap & Times

CANADIAN GRAND PRIX - FREE PRACTICE #3

    It was neither Mercedes at the top of the time sheets in this session. Instead, the fastest time belonged to Sebastian Vettel. Max Verstappen finished in 2nd and Rosberg rounded up the top 3.

    The session was cut short with 13 minutes remaining, due to Kevin Magnussen having a heavy crash. He escaped without injury but was forced to sit out Qualifying due to the damage to his car. He will need a chassis replacement for the race.

TIMES:

1. Sebastian Vettel - 1:13.919 / Ferrari-Ferrari

2. Max Verstappen - 1:14.158 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

3. Nico Rosberg - 1:14.316 / Mercedes-Mercedes

4. Kimi Raikkonen - 1:14.332 / Ferrari-Ferrari

5. Lewis Hamilton - 1:14.334 / Mercedes-Mercedes

6. Daniel Ricciardo - 1:14.487 / Red Bull-TAG-HEUER

7. Carlos Sainz - 1:14.655 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

8. Fernando Alonso - 1:14.801 / McLaren-Honda

9. Sergio Perez - 1:14.886 / Force India-Mercedes

10. Felipe Massa - 1:14.890 / Williams-Mercedes

11. Nico Hulkenberg - 1:14.918 / Force India-Mercedes

12. Valtteri Bottas - 1:14.985 / Williams-Mercedes

13. Jenson Button - 1:15.023 / McLaren-Honda

14. Daniil Kvyat - 1:15.199 / Toro Rosso-Ferrari

15. Esteban Gutierrez - 1:15.444 / Haas-Ferrari

16. Jolyon Palmer - 1:15.656 / Renault-Renault

17. Romain Grosjean - 1:15.704 / Haas-Ferrari

18. Marcus Ericsson - 1:16.085 / Sauber-Ferrari

19. Kevin Magnussen - 1:16.085 / Renault-Renault

20. Felipe Nasr - 1:16.326 / Sauber-Ferrari

21. Pascal Wehrlein - 1:16.622 / Manor-Mercedes

22. Rio Haryanto - 1:16.901 / Manor-Mercedes

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