Spanish GP Quali Round up.... Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 11:41 PM

Its the Spanish GP weekend. And its also marks the start of European leg of the season, which in turn marks the start of the real 2010 season..4 fly-away races has gone, and not a single team can claim that they have all on the table by now....but yesterday's qualifying again saw the reign of the Bulls (the clinched 5 out of 5 quali this season)...Webber out-qualify his team mate Vettel by .09 of a second..but the headline of yesterday's quali was the gap between webber and all the other chasing pack leads by lewis hamilton that stands at almost a second!...that is how far the bull has running away from all the other teams..

behind lewis in p4 is the home hero and ferrari ace Fernando Alonso..2 times GP winner this season, Jenson Button is in p5 ahead of 7 times world champ Michael Schumacher..at last, the old man show some of his talent that takes him to the unprecedented 7 times world champion. the longer wheelbase and more turn-in setup does himself a favor..this is the first time michael out-qualify his rather modest team mate Nico Rosberg...

"Flying pole" Robert Kubica does pretty remarkable job by taking his lackluster Renault car to P7 ahead of Nico Rosberg MGP W01...Felipe Massa in Ferrari is only able to snatch P9...he's showing nothing this weekend..does that indicates that ferrari has a problem or is Fernando's so much faster than Massa's time?...P10 however is the suprise package whereas "banzai" Kobayashi finally made a name for himself..he got himself p10 with a great showing in Q2...however the mysterious team call on Q3 doesn't do the japanese justice as he's showing so much more potential yesterday.

as for the newbies small league again show the reign of Team Lotus whereby their improvement package is showing so much potential. their claim of having cut a second of frontrunner's pace seems believable too...by looking at today's performance, im not surprised to see Lotus snatch 1 or 2 odd point by the end of the year....

-Have a nice day-

=Cheers=-

Webber edges Hamilton Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 11:02 PM

Mark Webber tops the timesheet for the 3rd practice session here in Sepang. he snatches the P1 on a last minute assault on the time set before by Lewis Hamilton. Three drivers at the top of the timesheet (Webber, Hamilton and Vettel) are covered by just 0.017s.

Meanwhile Fernando Alonso's Ferrari car are also flying this session if it's not because of a traffic of Vitaly Petrov on the last sector. He completed the session on P4. Michael Schumacher is the fastest Merc driver on P5 leading his teammate Nico on P6. Massa's Ferrari is struggling with the soft tyre and his stint with prime tyre is a lot faster than his stint in option.

Click here for a full result:

http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2010/826/6715/

Red Bull are looking strong for their third consecutive pole position here today. However hamilton's form are looking fairly strong too. With the heavy shower predicted for the qualifying session later this afternoon, anything still can happen and we are in for another treat.

Until Then,

Have a nice day
-=Cheers=-

Sepang technical infomation Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 1:33 PM

Car dynamic

Average turn angle : 139°

This angle indicates the average angle of a circuit's expressed in degree. The higher the average turn angle, the more acute corners in circuit's configuration and hence the greater propensity for understeer to compromise lap time. In Sepang, it has one of the highest average angle in the F1's calendar and as a consequence of the circuit physical layout, an understeering car will have a punitive effect on lap time.

End of Straight (E.O.S) speed : 12th fastest

Sepang rank as the 12th fastest EOS across the championship. And this one indicator of the wing level typically selected to optimise the downforce/drag ratioed.


Pit Lane Strategy

The pitlane length and architechture (ie, corner in the pitlane entry) contribute to the optimum pit stop strategy. The pitlane loss is approximately 22 seconds, that makes it as the 5th most penalising pitlane in the championship. Meanwhile to complete a normal 5km around the Sepang circuit requires 2.38kg of fuel against an average of 2.42kg per 5km across all circuit in the championship, making Sepang circuit the 5th most demanding track of the year in term of fuel consumption.

Safety Car

Another key contributor to the determination of race strategy is the deployment of safety car, which are influenced by weather conditions. The availability of clear run-off areas that allow racing to continue while recovery takes place and the circuit profile, especially the character of the entry and exit into turn one at the start of the race. Since 2002, there has been only 2 times the safety car has been deployed, making in statistically unlikely that the circuit character, based on historic data, will induce safety car period.

Temperature, pressure and humidity

Sepang is 40m above sea level and has an average pressure (1004.41 mbar) when compared to other venues. As a consequence, the circuit ambient characteristics will be average for engine performance across all tracks in the calendar.

Circuit snapshot

Sepang 5..543km purpose-built circuit provides a blend of medium and high speed corners interspersed with several slow speed sections and blisteringly fast straights. Such a dynamics circuit poses a particular challenge for the drivers and their engineers as a quick lap depends on a car with a well balanced set-up for the complex mix of corners, plenty of power for the straights and sufficient cooling capabilities to counterbalance the extreme of temperature and powerful humidity.

With temperature reaching 40°C in Sepang, climatic conditions can play a significant role in the outcome of Malaysian GP. Coupled with the high humidity level and constant threat of heavy downpours, the drivers and their cars will be push to their thermal limit. As temperatures soar, so will the heat of the cockpit, and the drivers physical and mental fitness level will be severely tested as they lose over a litre of fluid per hour in the race.

Sepang is not regarded as the power circuit, with the time spent on full throttle is relatively low, but containing the oil temperatures in the extreme heat, while not compromising aerodynamics efficiency, will be imperative for their reliability.

Until Then,

Have a nice day
-=Cheers=-

Hamilton 2 out of 2 Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 1:25 AM

Today's Malaysian GP first and second practice saw the reign of Mclaren and Lewis Hamilton as the 2008 reigning world champion tops out first and second practice. Meanwhile four other drivers, Seb Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Lewis's teammate Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher are all within 5 tenth of a second behind Lewis's P1 time. Alonso only able to clock P7 as the fastest ferrari behind the Australian GP runner-up Robert Kubica. Felipe Massa meanwhile are only clocked a lowly P15.

click here for a full result:

http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2010/826/6714/

Today's session is somehow escapes the downpour that were expected before the practice. But rain do come down in between the practice sessions. For tomorrow's Qualifying however, heavy rain are expected and by looking at today's timesheet, Mclaren and Mercedes GP are a team to watch. However Red Bull of Sebastian Vettel are looking fairly strong too.

In the small league of newcomers again saw the might of Lotus Racing team as they clocked P18 and P19. Heikki Kovalainen is in the driving seat in this session as he was sitting in the pit lane throughout practice 1 due to the driving duty has been pass to Fairuz Fauzy.

After a disastrous Australian GP, Hamilton are again proving himself worthy of a champion. With the Malaysian weather proved last year that it's really unpredictable, we are in for another treat. And the best part of all is, i will be there tomorrow for a live experience of Malaysian GP qualifying.

Until then,

Have a nice day
-=Cheers=-

greatest spectacle so far... Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 7:09 AM

Australian GP provides fan with a great spectacle...a lot of overtaking and actions everywhere around the track. The spectacle is so great that people are forgiven to forget about how awful Bahrain GP was. The main reason why Australian GP is so great to watch is because of the rain that comes down before the start of the race.

Click for the full result of today's Australian GP.

http://www.formula1.com/results/season/2010/825/6711/

The highlight of the race are:-

1. Lucas Di Grassi races and overtake Michael Schumacher. Eventhough Michael are able to get pass Di Grassi right after that, It shows that Virgin Racing Cars are not there just to make up numbers. Really bold move by Di Grassi.

2. First turn tussle.
Fernando Alonso get banged up by Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher at the first turn.

3. Heavy crash between Kamui Kobayashi, Jaime Alguersuari and Nico Hulkenberg at lap six.
Kamui Kobayashi's Sauber car lost grips and hit the wall before hitting Nico Hulkenberg's car at turn six forcing the safety car to come out.

4. Great strategy and bad call
Jenson Button's bold move to change to slick where the track is still wet got him the first win under Mclaren's name. Eventhough he did involved in some drama at turn 4 right after the tyre change, he eventually caught other drivers napping. Martin Whitmarsh revealed that the tyre change is Button's own call and not his team's. Bold move by a rather conservative driver. But at the same time, Hamilton's race is wrecked by his team's call for a second pit stop right after he's tailgating Rubert Kubica. The furious Hamilton revealed that he will find out who makes that call.


5. Webber hits Hamilton
Both driver have the advantage of fresher tyre than Fernando Alonso's Ferrari that had a single pit stop. But Hamilton's inability to move past Alonso quickly is costing him the podium finish. Hot air that caused by the turbulence from the back of Alonso's car wrecked his tyre faster than he expected. Then the inevitable happen when the over-eager Webber finally hits his car at turn 4 and he finish at lowly 6th place.

no change.... Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 8:21 PM

Bernie Ecclestone said yesterday that there will be no change to the existing rule for this season's formula one. he contradicts his former statement that they will be looking for a possible alteration to the rule after 4 fly-away races (which the latest will be 3 weeks of break before Spanish Grand Prix). Are the existing rule is what Formula One needs?.

Looking back at Bahrain Grand Prix, we can see that the new rule doesn't make Formula One any more entertaining than it was before. The lack of action for the fans is the core problem to the sport. Even with the big promise of this year's Formula One season will be the greatest (the ingredients is all there, 4 former world champions is on the grid) still, the rule is not in any way promotes better spectacle.

As a Formula One fans, the statement made by Bernie is really dissapointing. After years of boring races, Formula One fans deserved some more track actions. The last season when Formula One is great to watch is 1993 (which is the last year before refueling is mandatory, ironic), but 1994 onwards, what we see is only a professional, modern racing whereby it's all about the cars and not the drivers anymore. The cars is far too reliable, the tyres don't wear out too easily with a much more grips offered, the track is soulless and not interesting to watch etc.

With the possibility of any rule change is now gone, what we as Formula One fans can really hope for is an outside interference such as rain. The weather in Australia is quiet unpredictable so the possibilty of rain is bigger. With the rain pours down, the teams can't just rely on single pit stop and tyre strategy, but the driver's skills will be tested and thus provide fans with a more actions(can't help to use the same phrase all the time). Malaysia however is a tropical country with more unpredictable weather. Last year saw the race ended in just over a half of the race distance and the drivers are only being rewarded half point each. With a more suitable race time (1530 rather than 1630 as of last year, local time), we will be entertain with a more action if the rain pours down.

So im urging for all Formula One fans around the world to pray and hope for a wet races for this coming fly-away races (Australia, Malaysia and China). And may God bless us with a heavy rain and good races.

Until then,

-have a nice day-
-=cheers=-

what change do formula one needs? Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 7:32 PM

after a boring race in bahrain, every fans in the world keep talking about the same thing every now and then, the change must be done to formula one. but what is the right solution to it?. does the new rule (or Max Mosley in particular) is the one to blame?. there are so many suggestion to make formula one a must watch event again. but what is right formula?..

the problem that we are facing is the technical problem (or the lack of it). formula one cars are now as reliable as a tank, formula one driver are too good to make any mistake anymore, the rule maker (read FIA) has been constantly changing the rule (not for the sake of improving it, but more for the sake of just changing the rule). so what are the thing that should be done to rectify this problem?.

for me, its fairly easy. let the thing that are done now as they are because let face it, formula one is in the brink of very deep economics crisis. so any major rule changes (more ground effect, one engine per race, no rev limiter etc) would cost too much to the teams and to the sport itself. the change im proposing is to let whatever happen now to be as it is.

its fairly easy. if we see the like of the new teams such as Lotus, Virgin and HRT, they build their cars from scratch in a matter of just 5-6 months. with the limited resources and no data to be taken from previous years, its fantastics. and im wondering, do all the established teams can do the same as the new teams?. bear in mind that they have 3 times more resources than all the new teams, they have a lot of data to refer to, so it's fairly easy job for them i think.

and for the FIA, if they really want to tweak the rule every now and then, let them be. because no matter how much we ask them not to, they are doing just that. so my suggestion is this:

1) FIA introduced a new set of rule every year (significant change of course)
2) Teams can't prepare for the next season's car until the season is over.
3) Upgrade can only be made to the existing car and not for the next season.

its fairly easy right?. so what are the advantages of my suggestion?. let take a lot of what are the good thing that this suggestion will bring to formula one:

1) FIA can do whatever the want to the rule every year (That must be a good thing)
2) Team can always play on the same level playing field every year (since its the new rule)
3) Fans can be entertained right from the start of a pre-season test, because we will never know what's the team is doing.

this is only my 5 cent thought though. what i and every formula fans in the world wanted to see is more on-track and overtaking moves made by the drivers. Formula one is the pinnacle of motorsport, so it cant be a snorefest everytime the race is on.

Winners and Losers Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 2:58 AM

The new season begins, the introduction of three new teams, the revival of seven time world champions and a head-to-head battle between teammates are all folded in yesterdays's Bahrain Grand Prix in rather anti-climax way. Fans all over the world expecting for a wheel-to-wheel stuffs, more overtaking and better spectacle will be dissapointed with yesterday's race. Whether this will be the trend of all 19 races in the calendar or not is still unknown because the track layout and weather conditions is changing from track to track.

To recall yesterday race, there are quite a few surprises in store for the fans. Hence the biggest winner for Bahrain Grand Prix is:


1. Felipe Massa great comeback

After near death or near blind accident in Hungarouring last year, it's the Brazilian first race after his comeback. To be second on the podium is a GREAT achievement. Even though Massa has been been beaten by his teammate and two time world champion Fernando Alonso, but his achievement is greater than that. To finish the race in the point is great enough, but to be on the podium is way greater. Hat off to Felipe.

2. Lotus is back

To turn out at the race day 6 month prior to the car first created is an achievement many will envy. But to both cars finishing the race is quite another achievement all together. And to finish it in front of the more established team (in this case, poor Sebastian Buemi of Scuderia Toro Rosso) is an achievement of a lifetime. I think Lotus team will not just make up the numbers on the grid, they will get to their legacy in no time if they keep the performance like this throughout the calendar.

3. Fernando Alonso is RED.

Fernando Alonso has join Kimi Raikkonen and Nigell Mansell to win the first race for the prancing horse team. A great job by a great driver. The duel between Alonso and Massa is a must-see in 2010 season.


The biggest loser of the race is:

1. Not quite the return of the king

Michael Schumacher, 7 times world champion has been beaten by his teammmate, Nico Rosberg in qualifying and in the race. But bear in mind, at 41 year of age and 3 and a half years lay off, and to get P6 is quite an achievement. But if you are Michael Schumacher, the bar is raised higher than that. At least his race time is better than his qualifying times.

2. Button and Mclaren.

After so much has been said and talked on how their innovation of stalling the rear wing on the straight line, the McLaren team looks like they can't even come close to Red Bull and Ferrari performance. As Hamilton finished 3rd, reigning world champion Jenson Button has finished at lowly P7. Talked about how Button is gonna be beaten by his teammate a lot more this year.

3. Spark plugs

Sebastian Vettel in on course for his first 2010 formula one win where his car lost power and had lost lost his lead. To get hold on to P4 is the best position he ever hope for given the situation. Initially, the cause of the power loss is reported to be caused by exhaust leakage, but after more detail research, the team has reported that the damage is done by some failure in spark plugs. If its not for this minor damage, Vettel should've won the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Bahrain Race Day Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 12:08 PM

After a long winter, Formula One season is back with a first race in Sakhir circuit in Bahrain. But unfortunately the race has been a let down. The new ban on refueling in-race that ought to have provide a spectacle turns to be otherwise, with the majority of the driver look set to preserve their tyres rather than to push. As Michael Schumacher has said right after the race that the race is boring in itself.

FIA need to address this problem as soon as they can. One good opinion given by McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh is that two pit stops should be mandated. This opinion should and need to be given a green light as soon as they can because without any spectacle, the fans all over the world will turn away from the sport. With the two pit stop is mandatory, the drivers will have to push harder in their stint because the the stint is much shorter.

Apart from that, the Sakhir circuit layout is also one of the main cause of the dullness of the race. With the new added section, overtaking seems distance away and utterly impossible. Let us hope that the race in Albert Park in Australia in two week time should provide more entertainment rather than boring race as this.

As for the result, Not much to be discussed except for the fact that Ferrari look like the team to beat and Red Bull's race pace is not as fast as their qualifying pace. However, their stint with softer compound tyre looks promising. In McLaren camp, Their race pace is better than their qualifying pace but it still is too far adrift of Ferrari. The same goes to Mercedes GP team. But as the season goes on, we will see an improvement to the performance of all the teams. Its still early to make prediction on who will will the championship come the last race.

Lotus team stamp their name back on the Formula One hall of fame with both of their drivers finishing the race with Heikki finished 15th and Jarno 17th. They are now 9th in the WCC championship ahead of Sauber (Sauber team for god sake!!), their arch rival Virgin Racing and Hispania Racing team.

Australia is two weeks away, let just hope for a better spectacle and more wheels on wheels stuffs going on there. Until then, take a look at the race result and WCC and WDC standing. Cheers!

Bahrain GP result

1. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) - 1:39:20.396
2. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) - +16.0 seconds
3. Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) - +23.1 seconds
4. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) - +38.7 seconds
5. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) - +40.2 seconds
6. Michael Schumacher(Mercedes) - +44.1 seconds
7. Jenson Button (McLaren) - +45.2 seconds
8. Mark Webber (Red Bull) - +46.3 seconds
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) - +53.0 seconds
10.Rubens Barrichello(Williams) - +62.4 seconds
11.Robert Kubica (Renault) - +69.0 seconds
12.Adrian Sutil (Force India) - +82.9 seconds
13.Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) - +92.6 seconds
14.Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) - +1 laps
15.Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) - +2 laps
16.Sebastian Buemi (Toro Rosso) - +3 laps
17.Jarno Trulli (Lotus) -


World Driver Championship (WDC) standings

1.Fernando Alonso , 25 points
2.Felipe Massa , 18 points
3.Lewis Hamilton , 15 points
4.Sebastian Vettel , 12 points
5.Nico Rosberg , 10 points
6.Michael Schumacher , 8 points
7.Jenson Button , 6 points
8.Mark Webber , 4 points
9.Vitantonio Liuzzi , 2 points
10.Rubens Barrichello, 1 points


World Constructor Championship (WCC) standings

1.Ferrari , 43 points
2.McLaren , 21 points
3.Mercedes GP , 18 points
4.Red Bull Racing , 16 points
5.Force India , 2 points
6.Williams , 1 point
7.Renault , 0 point
8.Toro Rosso , 0 point
9.Lotus , 0 point
10.BMW Sauber , 0 point
11.Virgin Racing , 0 point
12.Hispania Racing, 0 point

Bahrain Qualifying... Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 4:42 AM

Vettel goes fastest


After a lot speculation of how the 2010 season will be, Sebastian Vettel shows the world that his Red Bull car is indeed the fastest car on the grid. After a very strong showing last season, Red Bull Racing team show it again their raw pace and superiority. The fastest time is set by Vettel at the very end of his session whereby Vettel drove very very aggressively. But what worries me is Mark Webber only manages sixth fastest and more than a second of Vettel's time.

Other than Red Bull Racing team, Ferrari also has a very good package coming to tomorrow's race. Both of their driver, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso coming in at second and third overall. But in term of raw pace and short stint-low fuel, they are by far the most superior team on the grid. Fernando Alonso great team in Q2 is the evident of this statement.

Mclaren team on the other hand are very dissapointing. After a lot of hype and speculations on their new and ingenious solution for "stalling" the rear wing, they can't even break the 1:24 barrier. Lewis Hamilton is just fourth fastest with more than a second off the time set by Vettel.

In Mercedes camp, the biggest news is that the young German pips the great Schumacher. Rosberg (spell Nico, not keke) is fifth fastest, two ahead of his teammate Michael Schumacher. Maybe the statement made by Schumacher yesterday saying that he's still "rusty" is indeed true (just at the moment).

Robert Kubica of Renault manages ninth fastest time ahead of Force India's Adrian Sutil. Force India team has a very encouraging weekend and they will be the team to watch tomorrow (other than the red ferrari car of course). Meanwhile Sauber and Williams teams doesn't live up to their pre-season expectation. Both of the team only manages Q2 and only Barrichello that looks unlucky to not qualified for Q3.

All the new teams look set to sit at the very back of the grid tomorrow which saw Hispania Racing Team is at the very bottom of the grid and Lotuses and Virgin mixing it up above them.

This qualifying time is not a good indicator to tomorrow's race, where a lot of other unknown characteristics yet to be introduced. And tomorrow we will see all of the top ten driver will use the same rubber as they used in Q3 today. All of the drivers in Q3 uses super soft tyres and only Adrian Sutil stick with the harder compound. So expect him to stop later than any of the front runner. Take a wild guess yourself which strategy works.

Until then, have a look at the standing for tomorrow's race and make up your own mind. Cheers...


1. Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) - 1:54.101
2. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) - 1:54.242
3. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) - 1:54.608
4. Lewis Hamilton (Mclaren) - 1:55.217
5. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes GP) - 1:55.241
6. Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing) - 1:55.284
7. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes GP) - 1:55.524
8. Jenson Button (Mclaren) - 1:55.672
9. Robert Kubica (Renault) - 1:55.885
10.Adrian Sutil (Force India) - 1:56.309
11.Rubens Barrichello (Williams) - 1:55.330
12.Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) - 1:55.653
13.Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) - 1:55.857
14.Pedro De La Rosa (Sauber) - 1:56.237
15.Sebastian Buemi (Toro Rosso) - 1:56.265
16.Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) - 1:56.270
17.Vitaly Petrov (Renault) - 1:56.619
18.Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) - 1:57.071
19.Timo Glock (Virgin) - 1:59.728
20.Jarno Trulli (Lotus) - 1:59.852
21.Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) - 2:00.313
22.Lucas Di Grassi (Virgin) - 2:00.587
23.Bruno Senna (Hispania Racing Team) - 2:03.240
24.Karun Chandhok (Hispania Racing Team) - 2:04.904

3rd practice result... Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 1:02 AM

This is the last practice session before the start of the first formula one qualifying this evening (Local time). The session dominated by Ferrari team as Felipe Massa dominated the session until Fernando Alonso snatch it at the end of the session. Fernando Alonso set the fastest time of the circuit so far by clocking 1:54.099, more than a second faster than Rosberg time yesterday. Second fastest goes to Nico Rosberg trailing by 0.269 second. Third is Mark Webber by 0.401 second adrift of Alonso fastest time.

Michael Schumacher clocked the fourth fastest time followed by fellow German, Sebastian Vettel. Felipe Massa that dominated the session most of the time are relegated to sixth.

At the other end of the circuit today, we see a lot of discussion going on about the tyre degradation. Hamilton reportedly wreck his tyre yesterday after just setting up 4 laps. Maybe the introduction of the new rule doesn't suits his driving style. Turn six still is the major set-up problem of the circuit. a lot of driver has been struggling to find the right set-up of the circuit.

At the bottom of the circuit saw Karun Chandhok still didn't roll his car, and he will not be allowed to join the qualifying later in the day. so game over for him. And for the first time, Virgin Racing has posted faster lap time than their arch rival, Team Lotus whereby Timo Glock has been faster than two Lotuses driver.

But even after three practice, we still didn't have a clear picture of what the race and quali should look like. We knew that Ferrari has a nice package and here they are setting the fastest time of the day so far.

The unofficial result are:

1. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) - 1:54.099secs , 14 laps
2. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes GP) - 1:54.368secs(+0.269secs) , 13 laps
3. Mark Webber (RBR) - 1:54.500secs(+0.401secs) , 15 laps
4. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes GP) - 1:54.533secs(+0.434secs) , 13 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel (RBR) - 1:54.646secs(+0.547secs) , 16 laps
6. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) - 1:54.739secs(+0.640secs) , 14 laps
7. Jenson Button (McLaren) - 1:55.000secs(+0.901secs) , 14 laps
8. Robert Kubica (Renault) - 1:55.331secs(+1.232secs) , 15 laps
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) - 1:55.432secs(+1.333secs) , 11 laps
10.Niko Hulkenberg (Williams) - 1:55.461secs(+1.362secs) , 13 laps
11.Adrian Sutil (Force India) - 1:55.521secs(+1.422secs) , 13 laps
12.Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) - 1:55.860secs(+1.761secs) , 8 laps
13.Pedro De La Rosa (Sauber) - 1:56.063secs(+1.964secs) , 14 laps
14.Rubens Barrichello (Williams) - 1:56.259secs(+2.160secs) , 15 laps
15.Sebastian Buemi (Toro Rosso) - 1:56.295secs(+2.196secs) , 17 laps
16.Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) - 1:56.504secs(+2.405secs) , 16 laps
17.Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) - 1:56.530secs(+2.431secs) , 14 laps
18.Vitaly Petrov (Renault) - 1:56.811secs(+2.712secs) , 16 laps
19.Timo Glock (Virgin) - 1:59.173secs(+5.074secs) , 10 laps
20.Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) - 1:59.789secs(+5.690secs) , 15 laps
21.Jarno Trulli (Lotus) - 2:01.259secs(+7.160secs) , 5 laps
22.Bruno Senna (HRT) - 2:04.001secs(+9.902secs) , 11 laps
23.Lucas Di Grassi (Virgin) - , 2 laps
24.Karun Chandhok (HRT) -

2nd Practice result... Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 4:39 AM

Second practice saw the reign of Mercedes GP Team. Nico Rosberg has been at the top of the time sheet edging Lewis Hamilton by 0.445 seconds. And the biggest suprise of the session is the driver that posted third fastest time of the session, no other then the 7th time world champion Michael Schumacher.

Former world champion Jenson Button post a fourth fastest time of the day. After a slightly dissapointing practice 1 by Sebastian Vettel, he manages to clock the fifth fastest time. The fastest ferrari however is Felipe Massa that only manages to clock 7th fastest time.

Practice 2 again saw the tendency of all the teams to run on heavy fuel loads. And the new sector of the circuit is really giving a lot of trouble to all the teams. Even there are rumors saying that Bridgestone has actually miscalculated the circuit by bringing the wrong tyre compound.

The rumors of Mercedes GP team using "Super diffuser" are also true. But by the look of it, the "super diffuser" is not significantly difference to the other teams double diffuser. However, the only way to see the difference of the diffuser is only by looking right under their car.

Both of the practice today however doesn't really reflect how all the teams will perform in tomorrow's qualifying and let alone the race on Sunday. Let us hope that tomorrow's and Sunday's quali and race will be a cracker. Until then, here is the full result of today second practice:

1. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes GP) - 1:55.409secs , 23 laps
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mclaren) - 1:55.854secs(+0.445secs), 22 laps
3. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes GP) - 1:55.903secs(+0.494secs), 23 laps
4. Jenson Button (Mclaren) - 1:56.076secs(+0.667secs), 28 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel (RBR) - 1:56.459secs(+1.050secs), 18 laps
6. Nico Hulkenberg (Williams) - 1:56.501secs(+1.092secs), 26 laps
7. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) - 1:56.555secs(+1.146secs), 30 laps
8. Vitaly Petrov (Renault) - 1:56.750secs(+1.341secs), 26 laps
9. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) - 1:57.140secs(+1.731secs), 25 laps
10.Pedro De La Rosa (Sauber) - 1:57.255secs(+1.846secs), 24 laps
11.Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) - 1:57.352secs(+1.943secs), 27 laps
12.Adrian Sutil (Force India) - 1:57.361secs(+1.952secs), 29 laps
13.Rubens Barrichello (Williams) - 1:57.452secs(+2.043secs), 21 laps
14.Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) - 1:57.833secs(+2.424secs), 29 laps
15.Robert Kubica (Renault) - 1:58.155secs(+2.746secs), 29 laps
16.Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) - 1:59.799secs(+4.390secs), 31 laps
17.Mark Webber (RBR) - 2:00.444secs(+5.035secs), 12 laps
18.Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) - 2:00.873secs(+5.464secs), 23 laps
19.Jarno Trulli (Lotus) - 2:00.990secs(+5.581secs), 14 laps
20.Timo Glock (Virgin) - 2:02.037secs(+6.628secs), 3 laps
21.Lucas Di Grassi (Virgin) - 2:02.968secs(+6.779secs), 21 laps
22.Bruno Senna (HRT) - 2:06.968secs(+11.559secs),17 laps
23.Sebastian Buemi (Toro Rosso) - No Time
24.Karun Chandhok (HRT) - No Time

1st practice results Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 12:50 AM

Adrian Sutil tops the timesheet for the 1st practice in Bahrain. The german has clocked 1 minutes and 56.583 seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso (0.183 secs adrift) and Robert Kubica (+0.458 secs). Long distance-heavy fuel run are the order of the day for this morning session and it looks as though Ferrari and Mclaren has their upper hand above their competitors (amidst before Force India come into play).

The first practice session were clearly dominated by these 3 teams (although i'm quite surprised that Force India cars are among those three). Red Bull and Sauber team are dissapointing with their rather weak show.

Meanwhile at the end of the table saw Heikki Kovalainen in the Lotus clocked the most laps in the session by finishing 21 laps. And Hispania Racing Team (HRT) cars are turning their wheels on the track for the first time by Bruno Senna. Karun Chandhok car seems to have a problems on the hydraulics system which saw him sitting out on the pit lane for most of the session.

Here's the full result for the 1st practice of the 2010 Bahrain Grand Prix.


1. Adrian Sutil (Force India) - 1:56.583, 18 laps
2. Fernando Alonso(Ferrari) - 1:56.766(+0.183secs), 18 laps
3. Robert Kubica (Renault) - 1:57.041(+0.458secs), 19 laps
4. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) - 1:57.055(+0.472secs), 19 laps
5. Jenson Button (Mclaren) - 1:57.068(+0.485secs), 19 laps
6. Lewis Hamilton (Mclaren) - 1:57.163(+0.580secs), 19 laps
7. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) - 1:57.194(+0.611secs), 19 laps
8. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes GP) - 1:57.199(+0.616secs), 15 laps
9. Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing) - 1:57.255(+0.672secs), 17 laps
10.Michael Schumacher (Mercedes GP)- 1:57.662(+1.079secs), 16 laps
11.Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso) - 1:57.722(+1.139secs), 18 laps
12.Niko Hulkenberg (Williams) - 1:57.894(+1.311secs), 20 laps
13.Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) - 1:57.943(+1.360secs), 17 laps
14.Sebastian Buemi(Toro Rosso) - 1:58.399(+1.816secs), 13 laps
15.Rubens Barrichello(Williams) - 1:58.782(+2.199secs), 11 laps
16.Vitaly Petrov (Renault) - 1:58.880(+2.297secs), 13 laps
17.Pedro De La Rosa (Sauber) - 2:00.250(+3.667secs), 18 laps
18.Kamui Kobayashi (Sauber) - 2:01.388(+4.805secs), 11 laps
19.Timo Glock (Virgin) - 2:03.680(+7.097secs), 8 laps
20.Heikki Kovalainen (Lotus) - 2:03.848(+7.265secs), 21 laps
21.Jarno Trulli (Lotus) - 2:03.970(+7.387secs), 15 laps
22.Lucas Di Grassi (Virgin) - , 2 laps
23.Bruno Senna (HRT) - , 3 laps
24.Karun Chandhok (HRT) -

Bahrain grand prix preview Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 5:53 PM

Today will mark the start of the new Formula One 2010 season. The first race will be held in Sakhir, Bahrain. Here's quick preview of the inaugural 2010 race.



No of laps: 49
Circuit Length: 6.299km
Race distance: 308.405km
Lap record: 1:30.252 Michael Schumacher (2004)



Circuit preview



The Bahrain GP was staged for the first time in 2004.

The circuit at Sakhir has accommodation for 50,000 spectators housed in two fixed grandstands and other temporary ones.

The circuit built specially for the arrival of F1 racing but after six years on the calendar has undergo various changes ahead of the 2010 season as officials felt it was time to offer a new experience to drivers to compete with the likes of Abu Dhabi's new Yas Marina layout.

The track has been lengthened from 5.412km to 6.299km offering a challenging loop of corners and height changes that stretch into the Sakhhir desert.

The circuit is designed by renowned specialist Hermann Tilke, who was also responsible for the Sepang circuit in Malaysia and carried out the recent modifications to the Nurburgring and Hockenheim circuits.

Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 12:54 AM

The big rule change in this 2010 Formula One World Championship is the ban on-race refueling. How is that will have an impact on the drivers and teams?.


Lightning fast pit stops.

Even though refueling has been banned from this year races, but the pit stop will still be compulsory to the drivers. Drivers will have to use both set of tires (hard and soft compounds). Therefore it will make for a blistering fast pit stop. That is why Ferrari has been concentrating on this minuscule thing by testing a different type of wheel nuts. And Christian Horner (Red Bull Racing Team Principal) has said that their pit stop can be done in 1.8 sec!. That's as fast as a blink of an eye.






Fuel efficiency

By having a ban on refueling, the drivers (all 26 of them) will have to carry the maximum amount of fuel at the start of the race. But are they going to have an identical level of fuel on-board?. That question can be answered a simple NO. In 2009 season, we saw Mercedes engine has the upper hand above all of it's competitor in term of outright engine power, but Renault engine has trump all of the other engine in terms of efficiency.

This fuel efficiency of the engine will determine how much fuel each car will have to carry at the start of the race. The more efficient the engine is, the lighter the car will be at the start of the race. Fuel efficiency will bring lightness to the car, that's for sure.




Consistency and Pace.

In 2010 season, the right balance between consistency and pace is the holy grail of the season. If one team can find the right balance between consistency and outright pace, that team will sure will dominate the season. That's why we can't just look into one single hot lap to see the performance of the team. The most important thing to be had for all the teams is the car can have a very fast lap time in heavy and low fuel load.

To make things more complicated, the team will want their drivers to go all out on saturday evening on qualifying. And top 10 teams that qualifies for Q3 will not have the luxury of changing their tires. And all of the set up of the car is prohibited in between the qualifying and the race. The demand for sunday will be for tyre preservation and consistency.





Less discrepancy from GP to GP.

If consistency is the main priority, then we will see the consistent performance of each teams from race to race. Unlike 2009 season whereby we will see less fluctuations in forms through the season depending on different characteristics of circuits and relative speeds.





Better safe than sorry driving

If fuel efficiency is the most important thing for the teams, then tyre preservation will be the most important thing for the drivers. Those who are gentle with their tyres will have significant advantage toward the end of their stint, rather than driver that are hard or worse, wreck their tyres will be sitting ducks.

But lets not have the perception that this season's race will be slower, it is after all is still the pinnacle of motorsport, and thus they will likely be faster than what our eyes can see...





Front wing trumps double diffuser.

If last year all eyes are on the double diffuser that has been introduced by Brawn GP, this year will see the significant of adjustable front wing. This can be seen in Mclaren team whereby they only introduced that device on the last test at Jerez at they have done really well (Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time of the practice). "We didn't have an adjustable front wing for most of the winter so it's been quite difficult doing long runs, because the way the car now work with the high fuel you are really adjusting the front wing a lot". commented Jenson Button.





Varied lap times

The very heavy fuel load (as much as 160 kg of fuel on board) at the start of the race will make for a significant difference in lap time at the start and the end of the race.The difference in lap time at the start of the race with the end of the race will be as much as 5 seconds. That's like century in Formula One terms.

New Season Posted by M1K4 H4KK1N3N on 7:24 PM

2010 season is just days upon us...what is your expectation on the new season?...does it involve more on the off-track scenario like it did last year (spell lie-gate, crash-gate or whatever gates that is), or is it more on the on-track actions?.

With 4 prospective constructors battling to the WCC (World Constructor Champion) crown, we have at least 8 drivers that have the upper hand of challenging the WDC (World Driver Champion). namely Hami and Button for Mclaren, Seb Vettel and Webber for Red Bull, Schumi and Rosberg for Mercedes and Alonso and Massa for the prancing horse.

The news of schumi comeback to the sport sparks the new light to Formula One, it's always good to see him on the starting grid and i believe most of the driver on the grid will want to win against him . But does the Mercedes team has what it takes to win the WCC and WDC like they did last year (with former team Brawn GP).

Bahrain GP also will see some speculation will be solved, like the rumors of the 'super diffuser' of Mercedes Team and also the legality of Mclaren rear wing. we certainly dont want any of the drama again so close to the race day (remember the double diffuser stories last year?).

We will also embracing the 3 new teams that have come to the f1 circus this year. Virgin Racing, Campos Meta (changes it's name in the last minute to Hispania Racing Team HRT), and also the revivals of Lotus Racing. Unlike all the new teams, Lotus actually has a name to live up for, the legendary collin chapman team has been revived by a group of Malaysian entrepreneur to lift the Lotus name back to its glory days.

2010 formula season is upon us. And let us hope that this season will be a hell of a season.