Apologies for the 2 month hiatus, but this was due to internet problems and dissertation to work on. This post is for the half term rankings and the German Grand Prix will follow shortly.
Half term Report
Red Bull: Have shown promise, but will need to improve unreliability or otherwise will lose ground to Mercedes and McLaren.
Mercedes: Rosberg had started to look very good and was setting the pace. Last two races have set the team back and will need to pull together to stop the rot.
Williams: The team have struggled in the engine power department, however with a strong chassis the team can look forward to improving and catching the Randle BMW and Toleman.
McLaren: Starting to look like the pace setters and the battle for number 1 driver should be interesting as Button and Hamilton are being consistent.
Arrows: Have shown some promise with the Chassis and driver pairing, however updates to the car will be needed and they should be able to battle the Virgins and HRTs.
Lotus: Still being the best of the new teams from 2010, however they are too adrift from the Randle BMWs and look like having to improve to catch the Ligier Prosts.
Randle BMW: Impressive debut and consistent form have seen them deservedly 5th in the championship. They could have had two wins if reliability had been better in the engine and gearbox parts of the car.
Force India: Hit and miss form that have seen drivers Sutil and Liuzzi under surveillance, prequalifying disaster was avoided by improved performance in the last few races.
Virgin: Slowest car on the grid with lowest budget, Glock seems unenthusiastic and this is coming off across in several DNQs. Prequalifying will be hard against the Modena’s, HRTs and Arrows that are better prepared for the season.
Toleman: Brilliant start and consistent point scorers, not competitive enough to be fighting regularly with the top 4. Petrov and Kubica have been reliable if unspectacular and will need to continue this if the gap is to be closed.
HRT: The decision to replace Yamamoto should have been made earlier and perhaps the team may have been able to have not dropped into prequalifying. They will now have to draw on the talents of Chandhock and Klien to get into the race regularly.
Minardi: Fairly matched performance but will need to take the best of opportunities while Sauber and Force India are underperforming.
Ligier Prost: Will need a more experience driver to get more out of the package as it has potential but Montagny and Grosjean are too inexperienced to maximise this.
Ferrari: Alonso is having a bit of a renaissance and Massa is doing the best, however he is still not showing the form that nearly won him the 2008 title and will need to regain that to aid Ferrari in the Constructors.
Sauber: Starting to find form but will need Kobayashi to do some phenomenal drives in order to move up the standings and to not lose touch with the upper midfield.
Super Aguri: Sato has struggled and perhaps is now at a downturn in his career and Senna has done very well. However Honda may have expected more, hopefully now not having to prequalify will help the team get into the races more.
Modena: Have not had the opportunity to show what the car is capable as performance has varied from race to race. May be a bit of a stretch to make an inroad to the midfield but will need to make sure the V12 engine can perform at the right circuits.
Driver Rankings
35. S. Yamamoto: The worst of the bunch, should have been replaced earlier as it has just wasted HRT’s time.
34. G. Pantano: Not being on the grid since 2004 has had an impact and while at times has managed to go through prequalifying, however has lacked that extra bit to consistently get the best out of the car.
33. T. Sato: Another driver that now seems to be making the numbers, perhaps it will be a test of Honda and Aguri’s faith to keep him if results do not improve.
32. P. De La Rosa: At 40 perhaps was a strange choice for a permanent seat, however his testing experience should be able to make Arrows become a better package.
31. F. Montagny: Victim of circumstance, however has been not as strong as his teammate and will need to improve or risk coming under pressure.
30. T. Glock: Lack of enthusiasm with the Virgin is making sure that Timo’s career is heading the way of a Diniz or Danner. A change of team will be needed however hard to find who would want to pick him up.
29. L. DiGrassi: Has not set the F1 world alight and his talents will not be aided by the Virgin.
28. C. Klien: Has been sturdy but has not had the teammate to push him and the HRT to their best.
27. P. Maldonado: Points were well earned however needs to be a more consistent qualifier to help Arrows.
26. B. Senna: Not really shone but its his performances that got the team out of prequalifying.
25. G. Ricci: Has done a real good job and will now need to aid the team to beat the other prequalifiers. With a bit of luck could get in the points on tracks that aid the car.
24. V. Liuzzi: Has been a bit lost in the mix but has not done in the car to be noticed then.
23. K. Chandhock: Cannot really be higher because has only been in the car but has outshone Klien and Yamamoto. Should have been kept in the car the season before and perhaps with a good preseason HRT could have been where Lotus are.
22. A. Sutil: A wasted talent that perhaps is in a mire after being so stale in his antiquated Force India seat.
21. S. Perez: Has took a while to get use to F1, however performance is starting to improve and this will help Sauber.
20. R. Barrichello: Will need to use his experience to makesure the Williams does not get dragged to the back of the grid.
19. J. Alguersuari: Has done ok with the Minardi, however Buemi is performing better and Jaime will be consigned as number 2 driver.
18. R. Grosjean: Is showing his talents that were hindered at Renault
17. M. Schumacher: Still trying to find that world class form and needs to soon or otherwise will have to be number 2 for a teammates title bid.
16. J. Trulli: Over shadowed by teammate but is doing reasonably well
15. H. Kovalainen: Done reasonably well and has benefitted from a reliable car
14. N. Hulkenberg: Regular pointscorers but needs to get the extra strength to be a team leader.
13. S. Buemi: Done well and has put in some good performances and may be on the move to bigger teams if performance continues.
12. K. Kobayashi: Has helped Sauber but has been unlucky with the car’s reliability
11. R. Kubica: Has done well but Petrov performance has rattled the Pole.
10. N. Heidfeld: Steady hand has helped ensure the Randle BMW team have been competitive.
9. F. Massa: Overshadowed by a double world champion but has shown some form and will need to continue or Ferrari could end up a distant 4th.
8. V. Petrov: Coming of age season and has been very good, just need that little bit of magic to get podiums.
7. M. Webber: Reliability has cost the team, however he took a well deserved home win and with a bit more luck will be at the front more.
6. L. Hamilton: Early promise of 2007 and 2008 is fading and perhaps is a little bored of F1, needs to be that Hamilton and fight for the wins
5. F. Alonso: When the car has finished Nando has been very good, however retirements will hurt a title bid.
4. S. Vettel: Has fared well and has been a good defending champion that has had been let down by the Engine.
3. J. Button: Outperformed teammate in 7/10 races and been Mr Consistency if lacking the complete package.
2. A. Randle: Has shocked the paddock and press with his raw speed and should be a two time race winner. Will be interesting to see how this talent develops and whether can get the car to places it should not be.
1. N. Rosberg: The best in the first half and has been phenomenally good in the first 6 races. The Mercedes crew need to update the car regularly to ensure it a driver’s championship.
Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
11th July The Times
HRT and Virgin adding upgrades in Germany to ensure ease through prequalifying.
12th July 2011 BBC
Red Bull to keep same lineup for 2012
15th July 2011 SKY News
McLaren to retain Button and Hamilton, possible switch to Honda for 2013
17th July 2011 F1Fanatic
Red Bull to possible allow Ricciardio to substitute for Pantano in the Lamborghini, possible sponsor of the team as well to aid the deal. Decision to be made by Belgium.
19th July 2011 BBC
Teams relieved that Randle BMW are no longer in prequalifying and expect a battle for the 4 spaces.
20th July 2011 The Sun
Arrows to have BMW customer engines for 2012, Stefan GP will have Honda Engines
21st July 2011 German Grand Prix Prequalifying
The second half of the season began with a revised prequalifying, Randle BMW and Ligier had comfortably escaped and surprisingly were joined by Super Aguri, the sessions were expected to turn into a complete Lottery, however the Modena team were very strong. The times were very close and only 1.5secs covered the 8 and disappointingly De La Rosa missed out with Pantano, Maldonado and Di Grassi.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P), 1:30.562
2. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M), 1:30.589
3. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M), 1:30.689
4. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:30.717
5. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:30.890
6. G. Pantano, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:31.135
7. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:31.556
8. L. DiGrassi, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:32.032
23rd July 2012 German Grand Prix Qualifying
1. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:27.512
2. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:27.713
3. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:27.890
4. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:28.023
5. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:28.245
6. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:28.362
7. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:28.567
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M), 1:28.724
9. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:28.819
10. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:29.121
11. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:29.178
12. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:29.231
13. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:29.289
14. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:29.301
15. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:29.356
16. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:29.379
17. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:29.432
18. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:29.616
19. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:29.786
20. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:29.929
21. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:30.013
22. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:30.156
23. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:30.344
24. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:30.565
25. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:30.631
26. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:30.781
27. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:30.967
28. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:31.254
29. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:31.542
30. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:31.883
HRT and Virgin adding upgrades in Germany to ensure ease through prequalifying.
12th July 2011 BBC
Red Bull to keep same lineup for 2012
15th July 2011 SKY News
McLaren to retain Button and Hamilton, possible switch to Honda for 2013
17th July 2011 F1Fanatic
Red Bull to possible allow Ricciardio to substitute for Pantano in the Lamborghini, possible sponsor of the team as well to aid the deal. Decision to be made by Belgium.
19th July 2011 BBC
Teams relieved that Randle BMW are no longer in prequalifying and expect a battle for the 4 spaces.
20th July 2011 The Sun
Arrows to have BMW customer engines for 2012, Stefan GP will have Honda Engines
21st July 2011 German Grand Prix Prequalifying
The second half of the season began with a revised prequalifying, Randle BMW and Ligier had comfortably escaped and surprisingly were joined by Super Aguri, the sessions were expected to turn into a complete Lottery, however the Modena team were very strong. The times were very close and only 1.5secs covered the 8 and disappointingly De La Rosa missed out with Pantano, Maldonado and Di Grassi.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P), 1:30.562
2. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M), 1:30.589
3. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M), 1:30.689
4. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:30.717
5. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:30.890
6. G. Pantano, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:31.135
7. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:31.556
8. L. DiGrassi, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:32.032
23rd July 2012 German Grand Prix Qualifying
1. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:27.512
2. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:27.713
3. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:27.890
4. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:28.023
5. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:28.245
6. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:28.362
7. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:28.567
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M), 1:28.724
9. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:28.819
10. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:29.121
11. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:29.178
12. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:29.231
13. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:29.289
14. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:29.301
15. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:29.356
16. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:29.379
17. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:29.432
18. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:29.616
19. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:29.786
20. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:29.929
21. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:30.013
22. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:30.156
23. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:30.344
24. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:30.565
25. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:30.631
26. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:30.781
27. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:30.967
28. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:31.254
29. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:31.542
30. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:31.883
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
24th July 2011 German Grand Prix 60 laps
26 cars were scheduled to start this race, however on the warm up lap Kubica Toleman suffered a breakdown and would not start the race. This left 25 cars healthy enough to take the start, the lights went out and the German crowd cheered as Vettel passed the Mclarens into the first corner. 22 of the remaining cars made it through the first corner without incident. This was due to a collision that took out both Saubers and Liuzzi’s car. Fortunately as it was on the runoff it meant a safety car or restart was avoided. The Randle BMW cars were steadily holding their own in the midfield, however not much progress was being made as they were 10th and 14th respectively. At the front a battle was emerging between the 4 cars of the Mclarens, Vettel and surprisingly Schumacher who had made a brilliant start. On lap 15 rain happened and it came down very fast leaving a scramble for the pits for Wets, this then created some carnage as cars began spinning off in various places. Fortunately most of them were able to remain in the race with the exception of Alquersuari, Grosjean and Webber. It was coming down almost torrential on lap 22 that the stewards were in discussion on whether to stop the race. It was decided that a safety car was the best option and this was done after a big accident between Alonso and Sutil almost blocked the circuit on lap 25. The top 10 behind the Safety car which was out for 10 laps was 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. M. Schumacher (3), 3. J. Button (8), 4. F. Massa (28), 5. L. Hamilton (7), 6. N. Rosberg (3), 7. N. Heidfeld (14), 8. N. Hulkeberg (6), 9. V. Petrov (20), 10. S. Buemi (23).
The Race restarted in better conditions on lap 36 and Vettel was unable to pull away from Schumacher who made a bid for the lead, this escapade allowed a pouncing Button to ease into the lead, conditions were still not the best. Brundle mentioned that it was as bad as 85 Estoril, 89 Adelaide or 96 Spain. This meant that visibility for the drivers was bad and almost hazardous, however for some of the more esteemed rain drivers such as Schumacher, Button, Hamilton and Randle who were all almost 4 seconds a lap quicker then the rest. This caused some quite optimistic moves and meant that the Randle BMWs were 6th and 7th respectively. A driveshaft went on Hamiltons car on lap 45 and this lead to some frantic calls to Button to ease the car. Two engines would go in the race and these happen on lap 46 to Vettel’s Renault and Senna’s Honda on lap 48. Button problems with the car meant that Rosberg was able to gain a 2nd place and a very unlikely 1 -2 for Mercedes. Massa was placing Button under pressure, while the Randle BMWs were a distant 5th and 6th. Even more shockingly was the Virgin of Glock that was comfortably 11th and looking for points. The backmarkers were all going easy as if they did not retire it was quite possible to gain some points, On lap 50 the positions were 1. M. Schumacher (3), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 5.341s, 3. F. Massa (28) + 13.678s, 4. J. Button (8) + 20.348s, 5. N. Heidfeld (14) + 30.892s, 6. A. Randle + 45.154s, 7. N. Hulkenberg (6) +50.543s, 8. S. Buemi (23) + 1 lap, 9. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap, 10. V. Petrov (20) + 1 lap, 11. T. Glock (17) + 2 laps, 12. J. Trulli (11) + 2 laps, 13. F. Montagny (26) + 2 laps
There was sadness at the Virgin garage as due to Petrovs mechanics they had been in the points however with the throttle breaking Glock pulled into the pits and retired from the race on lap 55. The positions stayed fairly stable when on lap 59 Schumacher allowed Rosberg through to take a well earned win. The track had been drying and this meant Massa was able to take the faster lap with a 1:33.875 on lap 58.
1. N. Rosberg (4) 1 hr 55 mins 21.897s 25pts
2. M. Schumacher (3) + 3.623s 18pts
3. F. Massa (28) + 25.121s 15pts
4. J. Button (8) + 42.709s 12pts
5. N. Heidfeld (14) + 46.227s 10pts
6. A. Randle (13) + 1.11.578s 8 pts
7. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 1:25.378s 6pts
8. S. Buemi (23) + 1 lap 4 pts
9. H. Kovalainen (12) + 2 laps 2pts
10. J. Trulli (11) + 3 laps 1pt
11. F. Montagny (26) + 3 laps
12. T. Glock (17) 54 laps Throttle + 6 laps
13. V. Petrov (20) 53 laps Mechanics + 7 laps
14. S. Vettel (1) 46 laps Engine
15. B. Senna (31) 45 laps Engine
16. L. Hamilton (7) 45 laps Driveshaft
17. R. Barrichello (5) 32 laps Gearbox
18. F. Alonso (27) 25 laps Accident
19. A. Sutil (15) 24 laps Accident
20. M. Webber (2) 17 laps Spun Off
21. R. Grosjean (25) 16 laps Spun Off
22. J. Alguersuari (24) 15 laps Spun Off
23. V. Liuzzi (16) Collision 0 laps
24. S. Perez (30) Collision 0 laps
25. K. Kobayashi (29) Collision 0 laps
26. R. Kubica (19) Mechanical DNS
F. Lap: F. Massa (28) 1:33.875 on lap 58
DOTR: M. Schumacher, dominant performance and would have had 92nd win if not to help his teammate gain in the title race. Almost back to his best
ROTR: Sauber, 1st laps collision could have been avoided and may have led to double points finish as were faster than the Lotus’
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (3) 148pts
2. J. Button (8) 141pts
3. F. Alonso (27) 100pts
4. L. Hamilton (7) 99pts
5. M. Webber (2) 89pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 85pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 68pts
8. F. Massa (28) 67pts
9. A. Randle (13) 59pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 52pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 49pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 44pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 31pts
14. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
15. 15. J. Alguersuari (24) 13pts
16. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
= R. Barrichello (5) 12pts
18. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
19. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
20. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
21. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= J. Trulli (11) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 1pt
25. P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 240pts
2. Mercedes 216pts
3. Red Bull 174pts
4. Ferrari 167pts
5. Randle BMW 111pts
6. Toleman 93pts
7. Williams 43pts
8. Minardi 31pts
9. Ligier Prost 12pts
10. Sauber 9pts
11. Team Lotus 8pts
12. Force India 5pts
13. Super Aguri 2pts
14. Arrows 1pt
15. Modena 0pts
= Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
26 cars were scheduled to start this race, however on the warm up lap Kubica Toleman suffered a breakdown and would not start the race. This left 25 cars healthy enough to take the start, the lights went out and the German crowd cheered as Vettel passed the Mclarens into the first corner. 22 of the remaining cars made it through the first corner without incident. This was due to a collision that took out both Saubers and Liuzzi’s car. Fortunately as it was on the runoff it meant a safety car or restart was avoided. The Randle BMW cars were steadily holding their own in the midfield, however not much progress was being made as they were 10th and 14th respectively. At the front a battle was emerging between the 4 cars of the Mclarens, Vettel and surprisingly Schumacher who had made a brilliant start. On lap 15 rain happened and it came down very fast leaving a scramble for the pits for Wets, this then created some carnage as cars began spinning off in various places. Fortunately most of them were able to remain in the race with the exception of Alquersuari, Grosjean and Webber. It was coming down almost torrential on lap 22 that the stewards were in discussion on whether to stop the race. It was decided that a safety car was the best option and this was done after a big accident between Alonso and Sutil almost blocked the circuit on lap 25. The top 10 behind the Safety car which was out for 10 laps was 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. M. Schumacher (3), 3. J. Button (8), 4. F. Massa (28), 5. L. Hamilton (7), 6. N. Rosberg (3), 7. N. Heidfeld (14), 8. N. Hulkeberg (6), 9. V. Petrov (20), 10. S. Buemi (23).
The Race restarted in better conditions on lap 36 and Vettel was unable to pull away from Schumacher who made a bid for the lead, this escapade allowed a pouncing Button to ease into the lead, conditions were still not the best. Brundle mentioned that it was as bad as 85 Estoril, 89 Adelaide or 96 Spain. This meant that visibility for the drivers was bad and almost hazardous, however for some of the more esteemed rain drivers such as Schumacher, Button, Hamilton and Randle who were all almost 4 seconds a lap quicker then the rest. This caused some quite optimistic moves and meant that the Randle BMWs were 6th and 7th respectively. A driveshaft went on Hamiltons car on lap 45 and this lead to some frantic calls to Button to ease the car. Two engines would go in the race and these happen on lap 46 to Vettel’s Renault and Senna’s Honda on lap 48. Button problems with the car meant that Rosberg was able to gain a 2nd place and a very unlikely 1 -2 for Mercedes. Massa was placing Button under pressure, while the Randle BMWs were a distant 5th and 6th. Even more shockingly was the Virgin of Glock that was comfortably 11th and looking for points. The backmarkers were all going easy as if they did not retire it was quite possible to gain some points, On lap 50 the positions were 1. M. Schumacher (3), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 5.341s, 3. F. Massa (28) + 13.678s, 4. J. Button (8) + 20.348s, 5. N. Heidfeld (14) + 30.892s, 6. A. Randle + 45.154s, 7. N. Hulkenberg (6) +50.543s, 8. S. Buemi (23) + 1 lap, 9. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap, 10. V. Petrov (20) + 1 lap, 11. T. Glock (17) + 2 laps, 12. J. Trulli (11) + 2 laps, 13. F. Montagny (26) + 2 laps
There was sadness at the Virgin garage as due to Petrovs mechanics they had been in the points however with the throttle breaking Glock pulled into the pits and retired from the race on lap 55. The positions stayed fairly stable when on lap 59 Schumacher allowed Rosberg through to take a well earned win. The track had been drying and this meant Massa was able to take the faster lap with a 1:33.875 on lap 58.
1. N. Rosberg (4) 1 hr 55 mins 21.897s 25pts
2. M. Schumacher (3) + 3.623s 18pts
3. F. Massa (28) + 25.121s 15pts
4. J. Button (8) + 42.709s 12pts
5. N. Heidfeld (14) + 46.227s 10pts
6. A. Randle (13) + 1.11.578s 8 pts
7. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 1:25.378s 6pts
8. S. Buemi (23) + 1 lap 4 pts
9. H. Kovalainen (12) + 2 laps 2pts
10. J. Trulli (11) + 3 laps 1pt
11. F. Montagny (26) + 3 laps
12. T. Glock (17) 54 laps Throttle + 6 laps
13. V. Petrov (20) 53 laps Mechanics + 7 laps
14. S. Vettel (1) 46 laps Engine
15. B. Senna (31) 45 laps Engine
16. L. Hamilton (7) 45 laps Driveshaft
17. R. Barrichello (5) 32 laps Gearbox
18. F. Alonso (27) 25 laps Accident
19. A. Sutil (15) 24 laps Accident
20. M. Webber (2) 17 laps Spun Off
21. R. Grosjean (25) 16 laps Spun Off
22. J. Alguersuari (24) 15 laps Spun Off
23. V. Liuzzi (16) Collision 0 laps
24. S. Perez (30) Collision 0 laps
25. K. Kobayashi (29) Collision 0 laps
26. R. Kubica (19) Mechanical DNS
F. Lap: F. Massa (28) 1:33.875 on lap 58
DOTR: M. Schumacher, dominant performance and would have had 92nd win if not to help his teammate gain in the title race. Almost back to his best
ROTR: Sauber, 1st laps collision could have been avoided and may have led to double points finish as were faster than the Lotus’
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (3) 148pts
2. J. Button (8) 141pts
3. F. Alonso (27) 100pts
4. L. Hamilton (7) 99pts
5. M. Webber (2) 89pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 85pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 68pts
8. F. Massa (28) 67pts
9. A. Randle (13) 59pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 52pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 49pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 44pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 31pts
14. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
15. 15. J. Alguersuari (24) 13pts
16. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
= R. Barrichello (5) 12pts
18. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
19. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
20. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
21. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= J. Trulli (11) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 1pt
25. P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 240pts
2. Mercedes 216pts
3. Red Bull 174pts
4. Ferrari 167pts
5. Randle BMW 111pts
6. Toleman 93pts
7. Williams 43pts
8. Minardi 31pts
9. Ligier Prost 12pts
10. Sauber 9pts
11. Team Lotus 8pts
12. Force India 5pts
13. Super Aguri 2pts
14. Arrows 1pt
15. Modena 0pts
= Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
25th July 2011 BBC
V8 likely to be successful at Hungary, Rosberg hoping to gain an extended lead and Mercedes want to build on the success in Germany.
26th July 2011 Autosport
Team Lotus aiming to match Force India, Liger and Sauber in the battle of the lower midfield, hoping to qualify higher in races.
27th July 2011 F1Fanatic
Pantano to sit out Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull will allow Daniel Riccardio in the Lambo car. Red Bull likely to sponsor team for 2012.
28th July 2011 Hungarian Grand Prequalifying
The 30 minute session brought some unease for the Modena team who were unfortunately off the pace. Pantano and Ricci struggled, while the HRT, Arrows and Virgin cars battled hard for the 4 positions. Glock had been revitalised by the result in Germany and comfortably topped the time sheets. The Hispanias were comfortably through and the circuit suited their set up perfectly, the team had rarely needed to make effort to get through. Maldonado gained the last spot ahead of Digrassi while De La Rosa was considering retiring after admitting that he did not have the speed anymore.
1. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G), 1:23.517
2. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:23.782
3. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M) 1:23.905
4. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10), (P), 1:24.764
5. L. Digrassi, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:25.234
6. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:25.647
7. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:26.884
8. G. Pantano, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:27.438
30th July 2011 Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:17.691
2. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:17.811
3. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:18.609
4. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:18.733
5. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:18.882
6. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:18.889
7. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:19.023
8. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:19.114
9. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:19.342
10. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:19.404
11. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:19.562
12. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:19.567
13. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:19.682
14. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:19.717
15. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:19.745
16. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:19.761
17. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:19.870
18. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:19.964
19. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1.20.133
20. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:20.489
21. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:20.688
22. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:20.890
23. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:21.013
24. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:21.345
25. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:21.456
26. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:21.678
27. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari (23) (P), 1:21.893
28. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:21.900
29. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:22.202
30. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:22.378
31st July 2011 Hungarian Grand Prix 70 laps
The Toleman were relieved that their cars were able to get out in time to set a lap in qualifying and it explained why they had just managed to get on the grid. It was expected to dry and the humidity was hot for the race. Tyre wear was expected to be an issue and those on the softs would need to possibly stop 3 times. The battle in the midfield for points was going to come down to who had the best pace as qualifying had meant 7th – 20th was covered by less then 1.5secs. Mercedes were confident of a strong finish as the car had a new out of the factory for Rosberg. The 26 cars set off on the parade lap of the Hungaroring, the years regulations meant that the cars would be able to use the long start straight to its maximum best. Lining up for the grid and waiting for the lights, the cars were waiting for the lights to go out. Out they went and the 11th race of the season began, Rosberg managed to keep the lead going into the first corner as 25 cars behind him joustled for positions. The car of Heidfeld going into turn 3 did not see his teammate approaching and the cars collided knocking each others wings off, a pit stop queued up meant both fell to the back of the back by some length. On lap 1 the positions in the top 10 were, 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. L. Hamilton (7), 3. M. Webber (2), 4. J. Button (8), 5. R. Barrichello (5), 6. M. Schumacher (3), 7. F. Alonso (27), 8. S. Vettel (1), 9. N. Hulkenberg (6), 10. A. Sutil (15). Massa was stuck trying to get pass the Lotus of Trulli in 12th. In this early stages Rosberg was setting the pace while in the lower midfield the Toleman’s had made a few places and were running 17th and 18th although being held up by a Virgin. The Saubers had dropped a few places but were not too off the pace of those around them, the circuits lack of overtaking places were helping the cars from dropping too far off the pace. An eager Massa’s race ended early when attempting to pass Trulli at turn 13 caused him to spin out after hitting the curb and loosing all front end grip. By lap 10 Rosberg was 5 secs ahead of Hamilton who had to contend with Webber trying to get pass. The positions were 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. L. Hamilton (7) +5.091s, 3. M. Webber (2) +5.798s, 4. J. Button (8) + 8.334s, 5. M. Schumacher (3) + 12.982s, 6. R. Barrichello (5) + 13.312s, 7. S. Vettel (1) +15.365s, 8. F. Alonso (27) + 17.021s, 9. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 19.875s, 10. J. Trulli (11) + 25.874s.
Lap 15 was expected for those on 3 stop strategies to change tyres, still trundling at the back having now caught up to Maldonado’s Arrows, the Randle BMW of Randle decided to change from softs onto hards in order to delay a stop till lap 47. This was done in order to stay out and make use of climbing through the field. Lap 20 saw the leaders come in for more softs as Hamilton, Webber and Schumacher all pitted for new rubber. This meant the Williams using mediums and going for a 1 stop were able to make some ground into the top 5. An electronics failure would end the race for Montagny on lap 23 and the Ligier was forced into the pits. Rosberg was able to open and lead ready for his stop when he went in on lap 26 and went for mediums. The Mercedes crew showed they were the fastest and his pit stop was 4.2s and this meant any ground lost by Hamilton going onto newer tyres first was lost as Rosberg was able to come out of the pits ahead. On lap 28 Button stopped and was able to come out infront of Webber for 3rd as he had been stuck behind the lapped cars of Glock, Randle, Grosjean and Klien. This 4 car battle for 18th was affected by the blue flags and this enabled Klien to almost hit the BMW powered car of Randle. The other Randle BMW was 15 seconds ahead in 17th and unable to get passed a very determined Perez. A problem with Senna’ gearbox which meant it could not find several of its gear caused the Super Aguri to retire from the race on lap 31. This was followed in quick succession with a wheel nut problem that ended the race for Kovalainen’s Lotus a lap later. A stewards investigation on the telemetry of the Electronics on the remaining Ligier meant Grosjean was blackflagged and the driver pitted from the race. At the midway point of the race the top 10 were 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. L. Hamilton (7) + 7.345s, 3. J. Button (8) + 14.467s, 4. M. Webber (2) + 17.521s, 5. R. Barrichello (5) + 19.145s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 20.876s, 7. M. Schumacher (3) + 30.014s, 8. S. Vettel (1) +32.137s, 9. F. Alonso (27) +39.782s, 10. A. Sutil (15) + 55.876s.
By now the Williams were enjoying strong performances and were hitting their stride with the pace of the tyres. Barrichello was the fastest on the track for a few laps as a battle for 3rd developed between himself Button, Webber and his teammate. On lap 40 in a moment that can only be described as sheer madness while attempting to make a move some meters from the corner the brakes locked for Liuzzi and the Force India collided with an aggrieved Kubica and put both cars out. The crash brought out yellow flags in that area which were failed to be noticed by Perez that earned the Sauber a drive through penalty for ignoring them. In a move that surprised both Vettel and Alonso who had been battling in the 1st corner, the Lotus of Trulli was able to move into 8th when in one corner both were passed. Force India’s quest for points ended when Sutil behind Vettel had to retire because of a problem with the suspension. Reliabiltiy from this point was stable and no other cars would retire leaving 18 finishers. A mistake by Rosberg on lap 50 allowed Hamilton to take the lead just before the two pitted on lap 52. Both came out in 4th and 5th as the Williams were still going well with the 2 just ahead behind a competent Button. Finally on lap 56 Hulkenberg pitted for which was surprisingly his only stop and as the super softs were likely to be the quickest and could last for 15 laps with low fuel, these were put on the car. Barrichello followed suit on lap 57 and both were now easily 4 seconds faster then any car. With the positions, 1. J. Button (8), 2. N. Rosberg (4) +5.983s, 3. L. Hamilton (7) + 8.129s, 4. R. Barrichello (5) + 13.145s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 15.892s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 18.753s, 7. M. Schumacher (3) + 48.787s, 8. J. Trulli (11) + 1.01.324s, 9. F. Alonso (27) + 1:02.769s, 10. S. Vettel (1) + 1:06.553s, it meant that Button wisely pulled off to change to super softs and allowed Rosberg back into the Lead. He came out just behind Webber and was immediately under pressure from Hulkenberg. Webber now on old tyres was no match and was dispatched off with ease. The lap times tumbled and it was almost qualifying pace as the 2 Williams and Button were trying to reduce the deficit to the front 2. By lap 63 the cars had caught up and now stuck behind Hamilton who had lost some ground to Rosberg. Barrichello set the fastest lap with an incredible 1:18.013s on lap 65 and this meant it was faster by almost 2 seconds from the 2010 pole position lap. Fortunately Rosberg hung on to take the chequered flag in a memorable finish ahead of Hamilton and Barrichello. Hulkenberg was 4th just a head of Button.
1. N. Rosberg (4) 1hr 32mins 23.456s 25pts
2. L. Hamilton (7) + 6.987s 18pts
3. R. Barrichello (5) + 8.002s 15pts
4. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 10.113s 12pts
5. J. Button (8) + 13.978s 10pts
6. M. Webber (2) + 26.224s 8pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) + 1.01.689s 6pts
8. J. Trulli (11) + 1.12.673s 4pts
9. S. Vettel (1) + 1 lap 2pts
10. F. Alonso (27) + 1 lap 1pt
11. V. Petrov (20) + 1 lap
12. K. Kobayashi (29) + 1 lap
13. N. Heidfeld (14) + 2 laps
14. S. Perez (30) + 2 laps
15. A. Randle (13) + 2 laps
16. T. Glock (17) + 2 laps
17. P. Maldonado (10) + 3 laps
18. C. Klien (22) + 3 laps
19. A. Sutil (15) 46 laps Suspension
20. R. Kubica (19) 40 laps Collision
21. V. Liuzzi (16) 40 laps Collision
22. R. Grosjean (25) 34 laps Disqualified
23. H. Kovalainen (12) 32 laps Wheel
24. B. Senna (31) 31 laps Gearbox
25. F. Montagny (26) 23 laps Electronics
26. F. Massa (28) 7 laps Spun Off
F. Lap: R. Barrichello (5) 1:18.013s on lap 65
DOTR: Rosberg, managed to put in a charging drive and withstand pressure from those who were faster in the closing stages.
ROTR: Liuzzi stupid manoeuvre that was too ambitious and stopped Kubica’s charge from the back.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 173pts
2. J. Button (8) 151pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 117pts
4. F. Alonso (27) 101pts
5. M. Webber (2) 97pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 87pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 74pts
8. F. Massa (28) 67pts
9. A. Randle (13) 59pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 52pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 49pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 44pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 43pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 27pts
15. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
16. J. Alguersuari (24) 13pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
18. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 6pts
= H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
21. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
22. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 2pts
25. P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 268pts
2. Mercedes 247pts
3. Red Bull 184pts
4. Ferrari 168pts
5. Randle BMW 111pts
6. Toleman 93pts
7. Williams 70pts
8. Minardi 31pts
9. Ligier Prost 12pts
= Team Lotus 12pts
11. Sauber 9pts
12. Force India 5pts
13. Super Aguri 2pts
14. Arrows 1pt
15. Modena 0pts
= Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0 pts
Post 26
1st August 2011 The Times
Sauber have decided to switch to a Ferrari V12 for 2012, they are rumoured to be having year old engines or having Minardi’s contract, who themselves have been seen speaking to Lamborghini engineers.
2nd August 2011 Autosport
Due to Liuzzi’s 2 race suspension, British Mercedes DTM driver and Force India reserve driver Paul DiResta will race in Belgium and Italy. With Sutil and Liuzzi’s contracts up at the end of the season, a good showing may give the Brit a seat for 2012.
3rd August 2011 BBC
Randle BMWs 2012 car looking good as it has started to have its first chassis made. The GR02 will be an evolution of the current years model but will be more than a simple ‘B Spec model’.
4th August 2011 FIA
Provisional 2012 Entrants
1. ART Grand Prix
2. Benetton Toleman Renault
3. Canon Williams F1 Team
4. Equipe Ligier Prost
5. European Minardi F1
6. Force India F1 Team
7. Hispania Racing Team
8. Lola Stefan Grand Prix
9. Marussia Virgin Racing
10. Mercedes GP Petronas
11. Mettis Randle Racing F1
12. Orange Arrows Team F1
13. Red Bull Racing
14. Sauber F1 Team
15. Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
16. Super Aguri Grand Prix
17. Team Modena Lamborghini
18. UPN Team Lotus
19. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Finally it will be up to the Race organisers how many cars will be allowed on the grid with a minium of 26 and a maximum of 32. In the event of more then 26, qualifying will have 32 contesting and prequalifying will battle for the slots. Top 13 carried from previous season wont have to qualify otherwise it will go to 14th, 15th and so forth. Art and Stefan will be in prequalifying till half point at least. 4 will go through from prequalifying and 4 will not make the race in main qualification.
5th August 2011 F1Fanatic
F1 bids fairwell to Turkey as contract is not renewed, this slot is likely to be taken by Paul Ricard in 2013.
6th August 2011 Autosport
Barcelona will be dropped in 2013 and Valencia will lose its race to Jerez due to race organisers unable to fund last two years of its contract.
7th August 2011 BBC
Sky and BBC to share F1 coverage in 2012 in a move that angers many.
Jean Todt: Turbos have been agreed to be allowed back but 1.5 litre, normally aspirated will be 3 litre engines.
8th August 2011 F1.Com
Sato will retire at end of season after disappointing year, quite possible Japan to be his last race.
9th August 2011 F1Fanatic
Anthony Davidson will run in last 4 races of the season as Sato’s replacement if Japan is last race.
10th August 2011 F1 Racing.com
Monaco organisers confirm only 26 will start the race, this means 12 cars will go into prequalifying. Cars that do not qualify will take part in a special non championship race at end of 2012 season. It will be known as the Prince’s Cup.
11th August 2011 F1Fanatic
ART GP have confirmed a contract with Cosworth has been made for a V10 engine. Cosworth revealed V10s will replace their V8s for 2 of their 4 contracts. This means that HRT and Virgin will likely have V8s and Williams will have the V10.
12th August 2011 Autosport
Mercedes sticking with V8s as developing L6 1.5 Turbo engine for 2013.
13th August 2011 F1.Com
Porsche return in 2013 with Williams with Turbo Engine, will have V10 Cosworth for 2012
14th August 2011 The Times
Ferrari and Lamborghini will continue with V12 until 2016, BMW will develop a Turbo for Sportscars only as happy with V12.
15th August 2011 FIA
Tyre choice will be reclassified in 2012 with lettering system
A. Supersoft
B. Soft
C. Medium
D. Hards
E. Intermediate Soft
F. Intermediate Medium
G. Intermediate Hard
H. Wets
I. Ultra Wets
Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli will remain Tyre Suppliers.
ART GP will use Michelins and Stefan will use Pirellis
17th August 2011 F1Fanatic
Teams on holiday until 24th and the first day prequalifying/practice at Spa for the Belgian GP
18th August 2011 BBC
Randle Racing will stick with Goodyear alongside Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams, Virgin and Sauber
19th August 2011 The Sun
Alonso: One more championship and I will defend it and retire from F1.
2007 F1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen rumoured to be in an ART, Stefan or Super Aguri for 2012?
20th August 2011 The Sun
We apologise for our F1 story on the possible seat for Kimi Raikkonen, a cease and decease was made as Kimi by his agent as he is contracted elsewhere.
21st August 2011 BBC
Marcus Winkelhock will drive for ART GP, the driver who had previously drove for Spyker for one race in 2007 is happy to be back in F1. Yamamoto likely to be in Super Aguri or Stefan GP for 2012.
22nd August 2011 Autosport
Sebastian Bourdais will take the second seat at ART. Teaming alongside Winkelhock both were photographed testing the ART12 at Paul Ricard.
V8 likely to be successful at Hungary, Rosberg hoping to gain an extended lead and Mercedes want to build on the success in Germany.
26th July 2011 Autosport
Team Lotus aiming to match Force India, Liger and Sauber in the battle of the lower midfield, hoping to qualify higher in races.
27th July 2011 F1Fanatic
Pantano to sit out Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull will allow Daniel Riccardio in the Lambo car. Red Bull likely to sponsor team for 2012.
28th July 2011 Hungarian Grand Prequalifying
The 30 minute session brought some unease for the Modena team who were unfortunately off the pace. Pantano and Ricci struggled, while the HRT, Arrows and Virgin cars battled hard for the 4 positions. Glock had been revitalised by the result in Germany and comfortably topped the time sheets. The Hispanias were comfortably through and the circuit suited their set up perfectly, the team had rarely needed to make effort to get through. Maldonado gained the last spot ahead of Digrassi while De La Rosa was considering retiring after admitting that he did not have the speed anymore.
1. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G), 1:23.517
2. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:23.782
3. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M) 1:23.905
4. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10), (P), 1:24.764
5. L. Digrassi, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:25.234
6. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:25.647
7. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:26.884
8. G. Pantano, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:27.438
30th July 2011 Hungarian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:17.691
2. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:17.811
3. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:18.609
4. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:18.733
5. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:18.882
6. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:18.889
7. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:19.023
8. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:19.114
9. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:19.342
10. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:19.404
11. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:19.562
12. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:19.567
13. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:19.682
14. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:19.717
15. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:19.745
16. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:19.761
17. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:19.870
18. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:19.964
19. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1.20.133
20. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:20.489
21. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:20.688
22. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:20.890
23. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:21.013
24. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:21.345
25. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:21.456
26. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:21.678
27. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari (23) (P), 1:21.893
28. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:21.900
29. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:22.202
30. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:22.378
31st July 2011 Hungarian Grand Prix 70 laps
The Toleman were relieved that their cars were able to get out in time to set a lap in qualifying and it explained why they had just managed to get on the grid. It was expected to dry and the humidity was hot for the race. Tyre wear was expected to be an issue and those on the softs would need to possibly stop 3 times. The battle in the midfield for points was going to come down to who had the best pace as qualifying had meant 7th – 20th was covered by less then 1.5secs. Mercedes were confident of a strong finish as the car had a new out of the factory for Rosberg. The 26 cars set off on the parade lap of the Hungaroring, the years regulations meant that the cars would be able to use the long start straight to its maximum best. Lining up for the grid and waiting for the lights, the cars were waiting for the lights to go out. Out they went and the 11th race of the season began, Rosberg managed to keep the lead going into the first corner as 25 cars behind him joustled for positions. The car of Heidfeld going into turn 3 did not see his teammate approaching and the cars collided knocking each others wings off, a pit stop queued up meant both fell to the back of the back by some length. On lap 1 the positions in the top 10 were, 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. L. Hamilton (7), 3. M. Webber (2), 4. J. Button (8), 5. R. Barrichello (5), 6. M. Schumacher (3), 7. F. Alonso (27), 8. S. Vettel (1), 9. N. Hulkenberg (6), 10. A. Sutil (15). Massa was stuck trying to get pass the Lotus of Trulli in 12th. In this early stages Rosberg was setting the pace while in the lower midfield the Toleman’s had made a few places and were running 17th and 18th although being held up by a Virgin. The Saubers had dropped a few places but were not too off the pace of those around them, the circuits lack of overtaking places were helping the cars from dropping too far off the pace. An eager Massa’s race ended early when attempting to pass Trulli at turn 13 caused him to spin out after hitting the curb and loosing all front end grip. By lap 10 Rosberg was 5 secs ahead of Hamilton who had to contend with Webber trying to get pass. The positions were 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. L. Hamilton (7) +5.091s, 3. M. Webber (2) +5.798s, 4. J. Button (8) + 8.334s, 5. M. Schumacher (3) + 12.982s, 6. R. Barrichello (5) + 13.312s, 7. S. Vettel (1) +15.365s, 8. F. Alonso (27) + 17.021s, 9. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 19.875s, 10. J. Trulli (11) + 25.874s.
Lap 15 was expected for those on 3 stop strategies to change tyres, still trundling at the back having now caught up to Maldonado’s Arrows, the Randle BMW of Randle decided to change from softs onto hards in order to delay a stop till lap 47. This was done in order to stay out and make use of climbing through the field. Lap 20 saw the leaders come in for more softs as Hamilton, Webber and Schumacher all pitted for new rubber. This meant the Williams using mediums and going for a 1 stop were able to make some ground into the top 5. An electronics failure would end the race for Montagny on lap 23 and the Ligier was forced into the pits. Rosberg was able to open and lead ready for his stop when he went in on lap 26 and went for mediums. The Mercedes crew showed they were the fastest and his pit stop was 4.2s and this meant any ground lost by Hamilton going onto newer tyres first was lost as Rosberg was able to come out of the pits ahead. On lap 28 Button stopped and was able to come out infront of Webber for 3rd as he had been stuck behind the lapped cars of Glock, Randle, Grosjean and Klien. This 4 car battle for 18th was affected by the blue flags and this enabled Klien to almost hit the BMW powered car of Randle. The other Randle BMW was 15 seconds ahead in 17th and unable to get passed a very determined Perez. A problem with Senna’ gearbox which meant it could not find several of its gear caused the Super Aguri to retire from the race on lap 31. This was followed in quick succession with a wheel nut problem that ended the race for Kovalainen’s Lotus a lap later. A stewards investigation on the telemetry of the Electronics on the remaining Ligier meant Grosjean was blackflagged and the driver pitted from the race. At the midway point of the race the top 10 were 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. L. Hamilton (7) + 7.345s, 3. J. Button (8) + 14.467s, 4. M. Webber (2) + 17.521s, 5. R. Barrichello (5) + 19.145s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 20.876s, 7. M. Schumacher (3) + 30.014s, 8. S. Vettel (1) +32.137s, 9. F. Alonso (27) +39.782s, 10. A. Sutil (15) + 55.876s.
By now the Williams were enjoying strong performances and were hitting their stride with the pace of the tyres. Barrichello was the fastest on the track for a few laps as a battle for 3rd developed between himself Button, Webber and his teammate. On lap 40 in a moment that can only be described as sheer madness while attempting to make a move some meters from the corner the brakes locked for Liuzzi and the Force India collided with an aggrieved Kubica and put both cars out. The crash brought out yellow flags in that area which were failed to be noticed by Perez that earned the Sauber a drive through penalty for ignoring them. In a move that surprised both Vettel and Alonso who had been battling in the 1st corner, the Lotus of Trulli was able to move into 8th when in one corner both were passed. Force India’s quest for points ended when Sutil behind Vettel had to retire because of a problem with the suspension. Reliabiltiy from this point was stable and no other cars would retire leaving 18 finishers. A mistake by Rosberg on lap 50 allowed Hamilton to take the lead just before the two pitted on lap 52. Both came out in 4th and 5th as the Williams were still going well with the 2 just ahead behind a competent Button. Finally on lap 56 Hulkenberg pitted for which was surprisingly his only stop and as the super softs were likely to be the quickest and could last for 15 laps with low fuel, these were put on the car. Barrichello followed suit on lap 57 and both were now easily 4 seconds faster then any car. With the positions, 1. J. Button (8), 2. N. Rosberg (4) +5.983s, 3. L. Hamilton (7) + 8.129s, 4. R. Barrichello (5) + 13.145s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 15.892s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 18.753s, 7. M. Schumacher (3) + 48.787s, 8. J. Trulli (11) + 1.01.324s, 9. F. Alonso (27) + 1:02.769s, 10. S. Vettel (1) + 1:06.553s, it meant that Button wisely pulled off to change to super softs and allowed Rosberg back into the Lead. He came out just behind Webber and was immediately under pressure from Hulkenberg. Webber now on old tyres was no match and was dispatched off with ease. The lap times tumbled and it was almost qualifying pace as the 2 Williams and Button were trying to reduce the deficit to the front 2. By lap 63 the cars had caught up and now stuck behind Hamilton who had lost some ground to Rosberg. Barrichello set the fastest lap with an incredible 1:18.013s on lap 65 and this meant it was faster by almost 2 seconds from the 2010 pole position lap. Fortunately Rosberg hung on to take the chequered flag in a memorable finish ahead of Hamilton and Barrichello. Hulkenberg was 4th just a head of Button.
1. N. Rosberg (4) 1hr 32mins 23.456s 25pts
2. L. Hamilton (7) + 6.987s 18pts
3. R. Barrichello (5) + 8.002s 15pts
4. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 10.113s 12pts
5. J. Button (8) + 13.978s 10pts
6. M. Webber (2) + 26.224s 8pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) + 1.01.689s 6pts
8. J. Trulli (11) + 1.12.673s 4pts
9. S. Vettel (1) + 1 lap 2pts
10. F. Alonso (27) + 1 lap 1pt
11. V. Petrov (20) + 1 lap
12. K. Kobayashi (29) + 1 lap
13. N. Heidfeld (14) + 2 laps
14. S. Perez (30) + 2 laps
15. A. Randle (13) + 2 laps
16. T. Glock (17) + 2 laps
17. P. Maldonado (10) + 3 laps
18. C. Klien (22) + 3 laps
19. A. Sutil (15) 46 laps Suspension
20. R. Kubica (19) 40 laps Collision
21. V. Liuzzi (16) 40 laps Collision
22. R. Grosjean (25) 34 laps Disqualified
23. H. Kovalainen (12) 32 laps Wheel
24. B. Senna (31) 31 laps Gearbox
25. F. Montagny (26) 23 laps Electronics
26. F. Massa (28) 7 laps Spun Off
F. Lap: R. Barrichello (5) 1:18.013s on lap 65
DOTR: Rosberg, managed to put in a charging drive and withstand pressure from those who were faster in the closing stages.
ROTR: Liuzzi stupid manoeuvre that was too ambitious and stopped Kubica’s charge from the back.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 173pts
2. J. Button (8) 151pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 117pts
4. F. Alonso (27) 101pts
5. M. Webber (2) 97pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 87pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 74pts
8. F. Massa (28) 67pts
9. A. Randle (13) 59pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 52pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 49pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 44pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 43pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 27pts
15. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
16. J. Alguersuari (24) 13pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
18. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 6pts
= H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
21. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
22. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 2pts
25. P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 268pts
2. Mercedes 247pts
3. Red Bull 184pts
4. Ferrari 168pts
5. Randle BMW 111pts
6. Toleman 93pts
7. Williams 70pts
8. Minardi 31pts
9. Ligier Prost 12pts
= Team Lotus 12pts
11. Sauber 9pts
12. Force India 5pts
13. Super Aguri 2pts
14. Arrows 1pt
15. Modena 0pts
= Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0 pts
Post 26
1st August 2011 The Times
Sauber have decided to switch to a Ferrari V12 for 2012, they are rumoured to be having year old engines or having Minardi’s contract, who themselves have been seen speaking to Lamborghini engineers.
2nd August 2011 Autosport
Due to Liuzzi’s 2 race suspension, British Mercedes DTM driver and Force India reserve driver Paul DiResta will race in Belgium and Italy. With Sutil and Liuzzi’s contracts up at the end of the season, a good showing may give the Brit a seat for 2012.
3rd August 2011 BBC
Randle BMWs 2012 car looking good as it has started to have its first chassis made. The GR02 will be an evolution of the current years model but will be more than a simple ‘B Spec model’.
4th August 2011 FIA
Provisional 2012 Entrants
1. ART Grand Prix
2. Benetton Toleman Renault
3. Canon Williams F1 Team
4. Equipe Ligier Prost
5. European Minardi F1
6. Force India F1 Team
7. Hispania Racing Team
8. Lola Stefan Grand Prix
9. Marussia Virgin Racing
10. Mercedes GP Petronas
11. Mettis Randle Racing F1
12. Orange Arrows Team F1
13. Red Bull Racing
14. Sauber F1 Team
15. Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
16. Super Aguri Grand Prix
17. Team Modena Lamborghini
18. UPN Team Lotus
19. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
Finally it will be up to the Race organisers how many cars will be allowed on the grid with a minium of 26 and a maximum of 32. In the event of more then 26, qualifying will have 32 contesting and prequalifying will battle for the slots. Top 13 carried from previous season wont have to qualify otherwise it will go to 14th, 15th and so forth. Art and Stefan will be in prequalifying till half point at least. 4 will go through from prequalifying and 4 will not make the race in main qualification.
5th August 2011 F1Fanatic
F1 bids fairwell to Turkey as contract is not renewed, this slot is likely to be taken by Paul Ricard in 2013.
6th August 2011 Autosport
Barcelona will be dropped in 2013 and Valencia will lose its race to Jerez due to race organisers unable to fund last two years of its contract.
7th August 2011 BBC
Sky and BBC to share F1 coverage in 2012 in a move that angers many.
Jean Todt: Turbos have been agreed to be allowed back but 1.5 litre, normally aspirated will be 3 litre engines.
8th August 2011 F1.Com
Sato will retire at end of season after disappointing year, quite possible Japan to be his last race.
9th August 2011 F1Fanatic
Anthony Davidson will run in last 4 races of the season as Sato’s replacement if Japan is last race.
10th August 2011 F1 Racing.com
Monaco organisers confirm only 26 will start the race, this means 12 cars will go into prequalifying. Cars that do not qualify will take part in a special non championship race at end of 2012 season. It will be known as the Prince’s Cup.
11th August 2011 F1Fanatic
ART GP have confirmed a contract with Cosworth has been made for a V10 engine. Cosworth revealed V10s will replace their V8s for 2 of their 4 contracts. This means that HRT and Virgin will likely have V8s and Williams will have the V10.
12th August 2011 Autosport
Mercedes sticking with V8s as developing L6 1.5 Turbo engine for 2013.
13th August 2011 F1.Com
Porsche return in 2013 with Williams with Turbo Engine, will have V10 Cosworth for 2012
14th August 2011 The Times
Ferrari and Lamborghini will continue with V12 until 2016, BMW will develop a Turbo for Sportscars only as happy with V12.
15th August 2011 FIA
Tyre choice will be reclassified in 2012 with lettering system
A. Supersoft
B. Soft
C. Medium
D. Hards
E. Intermediate Soft
F. Intermediate Medium
G. Intermediate Hard
H. Wets
I. Ultra Wets
Goodyear, Michelin and Pirelli will remain Tyre Suppliers.
ART GP will use Michelins and Stefan will use Pirellis
17th August 2011 F1Fanatic
Teams on holiday until 24th and the first day prequalifying/practice at Spa for the Belgian GP
18th August 2011 BBC
Randle Racing will stick with Goodyear alongside Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams, Virgin and Sauber
19th August 2011 The Sun
Alonso: One more championship and I will defend it and retire from F1.
2007 F1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen rumoured to be in an ART, Stefan or Super Aguri for 2012?
20th August 2011 The Sun
We apologise for our F1 story on the possible seat for Kimi Raikkonen, a cease and decease was made as Kimi by his agent as he is contracted elsewhere.
21st August 2011 BBC
Marcus Winkelhock will drive for ART GP, the driver who had previously drove for Spyker for one race in 2007 is happy to be back in F1. Yamamoto likely to be in Super Aguri or Stefan GP for 2012.
22nd August 2011 Autosport
Sebastian Bourdais will take the second seat at ART. Teaming alongside Winkelhock both were photographed testing the ART12 at Paul Ricard.
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
My apologies for why this was not uploaded months ago, but I had completely forgotten about this after doing a history dissertation so will now finish it. I hope there is still people who want to read it.
25th August 2011 Belgian Grand Prix Prequalifying
Only one change in this race and that was Pantano out and replaced by Ricciardio in the second Lambo. He got to grips with the car and surprisingly both easily went through setting the fastest times. It was not really a surprise as a V12 was expected to be dominant this weekend, the final 2 spaces were taken by Arrows who had shown some pace with their final upgrades on the car. Unfortunately the Virgins and HRT were just slighty off the pace, due to the special Pirelli tyres that had been made for the qualifying sessions that gave Arrows and Modena an edge. The final times were as followed
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:46.462
2. D. Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:46.687
3. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:46.911
4. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:47.234
5. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:47.419
6. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) M), 1:47.898
7. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:48.112
8. L. DiGrassi, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:48.765
27th August 2011 Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:43.673
2. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:43.813
3. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:43.921
4. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:44.148
5. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) (G), 1:44.165
6. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:44.228
7. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1;44.231
8. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:44.307
9. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:44.498
10. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:44.610
11. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:44.677
12. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:44.721
13. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:44.744
14. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:44.909
15. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:45.233
16. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:45.236
17. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:45.370
18. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:45.472
19. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:45.515
20. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:45.773
21. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:45.921
22. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:46.451
23. D.Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:46.725
24. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:46.799
25. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P) 1:46.801
26. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes (16) (M) 1:46.811
27. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes (15) (M) 1:46.834
28. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G) 1:46.863
29. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G) 1:46.888
30. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P) 1:46.922
The session was incredibly close and possibly closest of the year, V12 and Pirellis seemed to be the best combination with Goodyears a close second. Disappointment for Sauber who narrowly missed the cut.
28th August 2011 Belgian Grand Prix 44laps
The stage was set for one of most exciting and challenging circuits of the season, it is very popular with the drivers for several reasons. Weather is very important and rain was expected early around lap 12, this meant that making the right stop at the right time would be crucial for the race. Many Pirelli shod cars had excelled well in both Pre and main qualifying and this meant the Toleman team could make a gain on the Randle BMWs in the points. Realistically just under half the grid had a chance of winning the race as pace shown in practice had indicated this. The new regulations for 2011 had also put challenge back into Eau Rouge with only the bravest drivers taking it full throttle. 26 cars lined up for the lights, they went out and all 26 got down into La Source trying to navigate the hairpin. Fortunately no one collided and Alonso had taken the lead with a fast Rosberg chasing behind, Randle was up to 5th after a magnificent start that had seen him pass 2 cars through Eau Rouge. A breathtaking manoeuvre which had surprised those around him, the real loser at the start was Webber who had dropped from 6th on the grid down to 17th after locking up at La Source after getting a bad start. A few of the bumps had remained and as the cars were now lower to the ground sparks flew from the underneath of the cars. At the end of lap 1 the positions were 1. F. Alonso (27), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 1.102s, 3. S. Vettel (1) +1.565s, 4. A. Randle (13) + 1.798s, 5. M. Schumacher (3) + 3.344s, 6. F. Massa (28) + 5.786s, 7. J. Button (8) + 7.173s, 8. V. Petrov (20) +7.465s, 9. N.Heidfeld + 8.002s, 10. R. Kubica + 9.328s.
The early pace was set by Vettel who from lap 3 was starting to lap faster then everyone else, closing up behind Alonso and Rosberg and attempting to overtake going into the bus stop chicane. Behind this group of 3 was a battle for 4th which was being made with Randle, Schumacher, Massa and Button all matching and trying to put pressure on the car in front. Eau rouge was causing some cars a problem and a big crash there by Grosjean in the Ligier would bring out the safety car on lap 7. By now the rain had started and those that had pitted immediately would be on the right tyres when the race restarted on lap 14. The track conditions were variable with almost monsoon conditions at the furthest point of the circuit and a light drizzle near the pits. By now due to pit stops Schumacher had taken the lead, with few drivers willing to risk going fast in the rain it ment a few overtakes happen around the pack. On lap 19 Petrov was able to go into 4th after passing both Randle BMWs who had struggled in the wet conditions and had started to fall back. Gearbox failure would end Heidfelds race on lap 21 to the dismay of the Randle BMW crew. More retirements happen on lap 23 when the Engine in Buttons car went, Rosberg suffered fuel leak and had to retire after running out of fuel. Finally on that lap a Wheel came off Buemi’s Minardi and forced the car into the gravel. At the halfway point of the race the top 10 was 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. F. Alonso (27) + 12.356s, 3. F. Massa (28) + 15.521s, 4. M. Schumacher (3) + 20.121s, 5. V. Petrov (20) + 30.137s, 6. A. Randle (13) + 33.543s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 40.889s, 8. R. Kubica (19) + 43.221s, 9. G. Ricci (34) + 55.576s, 10. J. Alguersuari +1.03.454s.
At the rear of the field a battle for 16th was happening between the Lotus’s and the Super Aguri of Sato with the Arrows of De La Rosa. Webber passed Ricci and Alguersuari to go 9th on lap 29, however this was short lived as his Red Bull succumber to radiator trouble and had to retire on lap 31. The volatile engine of the Mercedes would claim both Hamilton and DiResta on lap 32, while this happened a rare mechanical fault on the remaining Randle BMW forced that into the pits and out of the race. With the rain still not easing up it meant Vettel lose control of the Red Bull and collided with Alonso putting both out on lap 35. This meant that Massa and Schumacher were battling for the lead and the German was able to take the lead and hold it till the end of the race. It also meant joy for Modena as Ricci was able to bring home points that would help towards not being in prequalifying for 2012. Toleman celebrated a wonderful 3rd and 4th. Montagny eased Ligier’s woes and Trulli scored again picking up valuable points for Lotus.
1. M. Schumacher (3) 1hr 48 mins 59.894s 25pts
2. F. Massa (28) + 13.323s 18pts
3. V. Petrov (20) + 19.774s 15pts
4. R. Kubica (19) + 30.875s 12pts
5. J. Alguersuari (24) + 59.030s 10pts
6. G. Ricci (34) + 1 Lap 8pts
7. R. Barrichello (5) + 1 Lap 6pts
8. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 1 lap 4 pts
9. J. Trulli (11) + 2 laps 2pts
10. F. Montagny (26) + 2 laps 1pt
11. H. Kovalainen (12) + 2 laps
12. D. Ricciardio (33) + 3 laps
13. T. Sato (32) + 3 laps
14. P. De La Rosa (9) + 3 laps
15. B. Senna (32) + 3 laps
16. F. Alonso (27) 35 laps Collision
17. S. Vettel (1) 35 laps Collision
18. A. Randle (13) 32 laps Mechanical
19. L. Hamilton (7) 32 laps Engine
20. P. DiResta (16) 31 laps Engine
21. M. Webber (2) 31 laps Radiator
22. S. Buemi (23) 22 laps Wheel
23. N. Rosberg (4) 22 laps Out of Fuel
24. J. Button (8) 22 laps Engine
25. N. Heidfeld (14) 20 laps Gearbox
26. R. Grosjean (25) 6laps Accident
F. Lap: S. Vettel (1) 1:51.878 on lap 8
DOTR: Schumacher earning his first win since 2006
ROTR: R. Grosjean, foolishly underestimating Eau Rouge and bringing out the Safety Car before the rain happened.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 173pts
2. J. Button (8) 151pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 117pts
4. F. Alonso (27) 101pts
5. M. Schumacher (3) 99pts
6. M. Webber (2) 97pts
7. S. Vettel (1) 87pts
8. F. Massa (28) 85pts
9. V. Petrov (20) 64pts
10. A. Randle (13) 59pts
11. R. Kubica (19) 56pts
12. N. Heidfeld (14) 52pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 47pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 33pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 23pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
18. G. Ricci (34) 8pts
= J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
23. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Mercedes 272pts
2. McLaren 268pts
3. Ferrari 186pts
4. Red Bull 184pts
5. Toleman 120pts
6. Randle BMW 111pts
7. Williams 80pts
8. Minardi 41pts
9. Team Lotus 14pts
10. Ligier Prost 13pts
11. Sauber 9pts
12. Modena 8pts
13. Force India 5pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0 pts
25th August 2011 Belgian Grand Prix Prequalifying
Only one change in this race and that was Pantano out and replaced by Ricciardio in the second Lambo. He got to grips with the car and surprisingly both easily went through setting the fastest times. It was not really a surprise as a V12 was expected to be dominant this weekend, the final 2 spaces were taken by Arrows who had shown some pace with their final upgrades on the car. Unfortunately the Virgins and HRT were just slighty off the pace, due to the special Pirelli tyres that had been made for the qualifying sessions that gave Arrows and Modena an edge. The final times were as followed
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:46.462
2. D. Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:46.687
3. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:46.911
4. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:47.234
5. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:47.419
6. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) M), 1:47.898
7. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:48.112
8. L. DiGrassi, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:48.765
27th August 2011 Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:43.673
2. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:43.813
3. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:43.921
4. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:44.148
5. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) (G), 1:44.165
6. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:44.228
7. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1;44.231
8. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:44.307
9. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:44.498
10. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:44.610
11. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:44.677
12. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:44.721
13. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:44.744
14. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:44.909
15. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:45.233
16. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:45.236
17. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:45.370
18. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:45.472
19. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:45.515
20. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:45.773
21. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:45.921
22. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:46.451
23. D.Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:46.725
24. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:46.799
25. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P) 1:46.801
26. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes (16) (M) 1:46.811
27. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes (15) (M) 1:46.834
28. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G) 1:46.863
29. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G) 1:46.888
30. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P) 1:46.922
The session was incredibly close and possibly closest of the year, V12 and Pirellis seemed to be the best combination with Goodyears a close second. Disappointment for Sauber who narrowly missed the cut.
28th August 2011 Belgian Grand Prix 44laps
The stage was set for one of most exciting and challenging circuits of the season, it is very popular with the drivers for several reasons. Weather is very important and rain was expected early around lap 12, this meant that making the right stop at the right time would be crucial for the race. Many Pirelli shod cars had excelled well in both Pre and main qualifying and this meant the Toleman team could make a gain on the Randle BMWs in the points. Realistically just under half the grid had a chance of winning the race as pace shown in practice had indicated this. The new regulations for 2011 had also put challenge back into Eau Rouge with only the bravest drivers taking it full throttle. 26 cars lined up for the lights, they went out and all 26 got down into La Source trying to navigate the hairpin. Fortunately no one collided and Alonso had taken the lead with a fast Rosberg chasing behind, Randle was up to 5th after a magnificent start that had seen him pass 2 cars through Eau Rouge. A breathtaking manoeuvre which had surprised those around him, the real loser at the start was Webber who had dropped from 6th on the grid down to 17th after locking up at La Source after getting a bad start. A few of the bumps had remained and as the cars were now lower to the ground sparks flew from the underneath of the cars. At the end of lap 1 the positions were 1. F. Alonso (27), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 1.102s, 3. S. Vettel (1) +1.565s, 4. A. Randle (13) + 1.798s, 5. M. Schumacher (3) + 3.344s, 6. F. Massa (28) + 5.786s, 7. J. Button (8) + 7.173s, 8. V. Petrov (20) +7.465s, 9. N.Heidfeld + 8.002s, 10. R. Kubica + 9.328s.
The early pace was set by Vettel who from lap 3 was starting to lap faster then everyone else, closing up behind Alonso and Rosberg and attempting to overtake going into the bus stop chicane. Behind this group of 3 was a battle for 4th which was being made with Randle, Schumacher, Massa and Button all matching and trying to put pressure on the car in front. Eau rouge was causing some cars a problem and a big crash there by Grosjean in the Ligier would bring out the safety car on lap 7. By now the rain had started and those that had pitted immediately would be on the right tyres when the race restarted on lap 14. The track conditions were variable with almost monsoon conditions at the furthest point of the circuit and a light drizzle near the pits. By now due to pit stops Schumacher had taken the lead, with few drivers willing to risk going fast in the rain it ment a few overtakes happen around the pack. On lap 19 Petrov was able to go into 4th after passing both Randle BMWs who had struggled in the wet conditions and had started to fall back. Gearbox failure would end Heidfelds race on lap 21 to the dismay of the Randle BMW crew. More retirements happen on lap 23 when the Engine in Buttons car went, Rosberg suffered fuel leak and had to retire after running out of fuel. Finally on that lap a Wheel came off Buemi’s Minardi and forced the car into the gravel. At the halfway point of the race the top 10 was 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. F. Alonso (27) + 12.356s, 3. F. Massa (28) + 15.521s, 4. M. Schumacher (3) + 20.121s, 5. V. Petrov (20) + 30.137s, 6. A. Randle (13) + 33.543s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 40.889s, 8. R. Kubica (19) + 43.221s, 9. G. Ricci (34) + 55.576s, 10. J. Alguersuari +1.03.454s.
At the rear of the field a battle for 16th was happening between the Lotus’s and the Super Aguri of Sato with the Arrows of De La Rosa. Webber passed Ricci and Alguersuari to go 9th on lap 29, however this was short lived as his Red Bull succumber to radiator trouble and had to retire on lap 31. The volatile engine of the Mercedes would claim both Hamilton and DiResta on lap 32, while this happened a rare mechanical fault on the remaining Randle BMW forced that into the pits and out of the race. With the rain still not easing up it meant Vettel lose control of the Red Bull and collided with Alonso putting both out on lap 35. This meant that Massa and Schumacher were battling for the lead and the German was able to take the lead and hold it till the end of the race. It also meant joy for Modena as Ricci was able to bring home points that would help towards not being in prequalifying for 2012. Toleman celebrated a wonderful 3rd and 4th. Montagny eased Ligier’s woes and Trulli scored again picking up valuable points for Lotus.
1. M. Schumacher (3) 1hr 48 mins 59.894s 25pts
2. F. Massa (28) + 13.323s 18pts
3. V. Petrov (20) + 19.774s 15pts
4. R. Kubica (19) + 30.875s 12pts
5. J. Alguersuari (24) + 59.030s 10pts
6. G. Ricci (34) + 1 Lap 8pts
7. R. Barrichello (5) + 1 Lap 6pts
8. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 1 lap 4 pts
9. J. Trulli (11) + 2 laps 2pts
10. F. Montagny (26) + 2 laps 1pt
11. H. Kovalainen (12) + 2 laps
12. D. Ricciardio (33) + 3 laps
13. T. Sato (32) + 3 laps
14. P. De La Rosa (9) + 3 laps
15. B. Senna (32) + 3 laps
16. F. Alonso (27) 35 laps Collision
17. S. Vettel (1) 35 laps Collision
18. A. Randle (13) 32 laps Mechanical
19. L. Hamilton (7) 32 laps Engine
20. P. DiResta (16) 31 laps Engine
21. M. Webber (2) 31 laps Radiator
22. S. Buemi (23) 22 laps Wheel
23. N. Rosberg (4) 22 laps Out of Fuel
24. J. Button (8) 22 laps Engine
25. N. Heidfeld (14) 20 laps Gearbox
26. R. Grosjean (25) 6laps Accident
F. Lap: S. Vettel (1) 1:51.878 on lap 8
DOTR: Schumacher earning his first win since 2006
ROTR: R. Grosjean, foolishly underestimating Eau Rouge and bringing out the Safety Car before the rain happened.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 173pts
2. J. Button (8) 151pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 117pts
4. F. Alonso (27) 101pts
5. M. Schumacher (3) 99pts
6. M. Webber (2) 97pts
7. S. Vettel (1) 87pts
8. F. Massa (28) 85pts
9. V. Petrov (20) 64pts
10. A. Randle (13) 59pts
11. R. Kubica (19) 56pts
12. N. Heidfeld (14) 52pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 47pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 33pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 23pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
18. G. Ricci (34) 8pts
= J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
23. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Mercedes 272pts
2. McLaren 268pts
3. Ferrari 186pts
4. Red Bull 184pts
5. Toleman 120pts
6. Randle BMW 111pts
7. Williams 80pts
8. Minardi 41pts
9. Team Lotus 14pts
10. Ligier Prost 13pts
11. Sauber 9pts
12. Modena 8pts
13. Force India 5pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0 pts
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
29th August 2011 BBC Sport
Announcement on the number of entrants allowed to start each race will be released by the FIA before the Italian Grand Prix, the new teams joining will definitely by in prequalifying, with the rest determined by championship position with the top 13 – 15 not having to prequalifying depending on number of available grid slots from 26 – 30.
31st August 2011 The Times
‘Massa: My last year with Ferrari and possibly in F1 will be next season’. This comes after Ferrari announce a deal involving Robert Kubica, Mark Webber or Sergio Perez to drive for the team in 2013.
1st September 2011 The Sun
Webber staying at Red Bull till 2014, then retiring to drive in WSC or V8 Supercars, The Red Bull team announce in a press release. There is still some uncertainty on the future of Vettel who has a contract till 2012.
2nd September 2011 FIA
Second American Grand Prix in New Jersey added to the calendar for 2013, Spa and Paul Ricard to share and Korea hit money troubles.
3rd September 2011 Sky Sports
Lucas DiGrassi sacked from Virgin and replaced by Jerome D’Ambrosio for remaining races. Virgin hoping of much needed extra money as been struggling to qualify for races.
4th September 2011 BBC
Barrichello announces retirement from Formula One effective from the end of the season. He will attempt Indycars and be partner to Jean Alesi at the indy 500. In other news Charles Pic, Giedo Van Der Garde, Jules Bianchi and Sam Bird all hoping to be in F1 next season with a lot of seats still up for grabs.
5th September 2011 The Times
Raikkonen rumoured to be driving for Toleman or Williams as he has announced a contract for 2012 with an F1 team.
6th September 2011 BBC
Riccardio in the Lambo for the weekend as Pantano has injured leg in testing crash.
7th September 2011 Italian Grand Prix Prequalifying
Modena dominated prequalifying and were able to comfortably set fast times, D’Ambrosio managed to sneak through in last place.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34), (P) 1:23.976
2. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P) 1:24.032
3. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G) 1:24.892
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G) 1:25.123
5. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P) 1:25.213
6. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M) 1:25.457
7. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M) 1:25.698
8. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P) 1:25.717
9th September 2011 Italian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:22.003
2. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:22.132
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:22.465
4. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:22.686
5. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:22.892
6. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) (G), 1:22.919
7. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:23.087
8. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:23.132
9. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:23.219
10. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:23.281
11. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:23.313
12. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:23.357
13. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:23.388
14. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:23.457
15. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:23.612
16. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:23.667
17. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:23.891
18. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:24.321
19. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault (12) (P), 1:24.403
20. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:24.517
21. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:24.675
22. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:24.717
23. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30), 1:24.759
24. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31), 1:24.910
25. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:25.231
26. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (M), 1:25.476
27. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:25.598
28. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:25.721
29. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:25.745
30. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda (32), 1:26.312
10th September 2011 Italian Grand Prix 53 laps
The sun was out for one of the most enjoyable races of the season, after a stunning pole position the tifosi were making a brilliant atmosphere that was almost louder than the cars. The brilliant high speed Monza circuit was going to be having a Ferrari V12 roaring round for the first time since 1995. The BMWs were hopeful that there V12 would make an impact and as the grid settled for the lights and the sound of 26 engines ready to be unleashed on the 3.6 mile circuit. The lights went out and Alonso got away cleanly followed by Rosberg who accelerated into 2nd, Randle managed to split the Red Bulls at the first chicane. Meanwhile the busy midfield containing Kubica, Hamilton, Petrov and Barrichello had difficulty going through the tight chicane and this resulted in a big collision that sprayed debris over the course and blocked the circuit. As there was no way a safety car could be deployed, the race was red flagged and Hamilton, Kubica and Barrichello ran back to the pits to grab the spare cars and Petrov had only lose a front and rear wing and was busy getting it repaired. 30 minutes later and the cars were ready for the restart, Vettel and Webber who on the original start had managed to lose positions this time started better. Alonso took a slight lead going into the rettifillio followed by Vettel, Randle, Webber and Rosberg who could not repeat the first start form. Fortunately all 26 cars made it through the first corner however not all 26 would complete the first lap when the Mercedes engine of Perez exploded along the straight before Ascari and the Mexican pulled off at the chicane to retire from the race. At the front the Red Bull of Vettel was struggling to contain the mighty V12 of Randle’s car and had to break quite late at lesmo to avoid losing 2nd. Alonso was able to pull away a little bit from the chasing pack, which the tifosi cheered in approval and were noticeable of the gap. By lap 5 the top 10 were Alonso, Vettel, Randle, Rosberg, Webber, Schumacher, Heidfeld, Button, Massa and Ricci whose Lamborghini was going well on the circuit.
What was startling was how Massa was falling behind while Alonso in the same car was leading the race and running well in the early stages of the race. On closer inspection through the corners it became obvious as Massa’s brakes were not working fully and this would sadly end his race on lap 13 when he pulled into the pits that put a dampner on Ferrari’s race. Randle was able to overtake Vettel for 2nd after a few laps of being the fastest on track and went on to try and close the 9 second gap to the leading Ferrari. Heidfeld as well was consolidating a strong 6th and running well with the trio of Rosberg, Webber and Schumacher. Lap 17 saw a horrible crash that was lucky to not bring the safety car out when the cars of Senna and Trulli collided at the 2nd Lesmo, fortunately both drivers were ok and many were relieved as it was a quite breathtaking collision. Elsewhere in the field the Williams duo were showing that its not just engine power that is vital to conquering Monza, it takes a strong chassis and a lack of fear as their V8 Cosworth powered cars were comfortably in the top 15 trying to get the vital point positions of the top 10. Ricci was showing his brilliant showing at Spa was no fluke as he battled Button for 8th as Hamilton closed on the back of the two. McLaren had been struggling over the weekend but their race pace was decent and it meant that points would likely come if both cars finished. Near the back of the field the Toleman’s had fallen and were battling with the Ligiers and the lone Force India of DiResta, this was likely due to the first start incident as the spare car was not set up adequately for Kubica and Petrov had been struggling with steering. To prove that Ferrari engines do not save their best performance for the home grand prix, the engine in Buemi’s Minardi would destruct on the start finish straight leaving the car to coast off the circuit and retire from the race on lap 23. At the mid point of the race on lap 26 the top 10 were 1. F. Alonso (27), 2. A. Randle (13) + 5.987s, 3. S. Vettel (1) + 12.342s, 4. N. Heidfeld (14) + 15.789s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 16.142s, 6. N. Rosberg (4) + 20.346s, 7. J. Button (8) + 24.124s, 8. M. Schumacher (3) + 24.567s, 9. G. Ricci (34) + 26.546s, 10. L. Hamilton (7) + 27.201s.
By now several cars had made stops for tyres and those that hadn’t were likely to be on harder tyres that lasted longer, perhaps a tyre change would have helped Kobayashi who in an attempt to give Sauber a good race had been attempting to not pit at all. This ended spectacularly when his right rear blew and damaged the rear suspension putting an end to Sauber’s weekend. At the front a brilliant worked stop for tyres at the same time as the Ferrari crew put the Randle BMW into the lead and Heidfeld was able to catch up with Vettel and pass the defending champion for 3rd a lap later. Heidfeld was setting the fastest lap as a stop for soft tyres on lap 32 that would not need another pit stop would put the driver at an advantage over Alonso and Randle whose tyres had been nearing their end and would require another stop. A gearbox failure would end Petrov’s race on lap 33 and the same would end Kubica’s two laps later. By now the battle for the top 3 was entertaining and close fought as the Randle BMW crew regularly checked with their drivers to make sure that the cars were running fine, sadly Alonso’s pace was dropping off due to the car not performing as well on its tyres on low fuel. With needing to conserve its lead over 4th place Webber the Ferrari was unable to keep up with the pace of the Randle BMWs. On lap 42 Adam pitted for new tyres and came out just in front of Heidfeld who was still going strong. Vettel suffered a rare problem when the steering broke on the red bull and it meant a retirement on lap 44 which now put his defence of the championship in danger with little races left to claw back lost points. Rosberg’s Mercedes also suffered a problem on the same lap when the driveshaft went and this would help the McLarens close some points to the champion leader. With two laps to go the Randle BMWs were close to each other and entering the parabolic, in a move which amazed commentators, Adam pulled over and allowed Heidfeld into the lead. Many thought the BMW had a problem or team orders had been called, fortunately this was not the case when over the radio came this ‘I want Nick to have this, the car is fine.’ This allowed Heidfeld to take the chequered flag and take a win that ended a long streak of 13 years of not winning and to remove the record of longest amount of races before winning. It was Heidfeld’s first win since his successful F3000 success going back to 1999 and meant he would not be a contender for De Cesaris’s total races without wins record. It was a brilliant 1 -2 for Randle Racing and the team were crazy and sobbing with joy. Alonso rounded out the podium to appease the Italian fans where a visibly crying German in Heidfeld celebrated a popular win.
Classification
1. N. Heidfeld (14) 1 hr 20mins 50.463s 25pts
2. A. Randle (13) + 5.987s 18pts
3. F. Alonso (27) + 20.003s 15pts
4. M. Webber (2) + 35.321s 12pts
5. M. Schumacher (3) + 50.321s, 10pts
6. J. Button (8) + 53.564s 8pts
7. G. Ricci (34) + 55.687s 6pts
8. L. Hamilton (7) + 1:08.442s 4pts
9. J. Alguersuari (24) + 1 lap 2pts
10. R. Barrichello (5) + 1 lap 1pt
11. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 1 lap
12. D. Riccardio (33) + 1 lap
13. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 2 laps
15. P. DiResta (16) + 2 laps
16. F. Montagny (26) + 2 laps
17. N. Rosberg (4) Driveshaft 44 laps
18. S. Vettel (1) Steering 44 laps
19. R. Kubica (19) Gearbox 35 laps
20. V. Petrov (20) Gearbox 33 laps
21. K. Kobayashi (29) Tyres 28 laps
22. S. Buemi (23) Engine 23 laps
23. J. Trulli (11) Collision 17 laps
24. B. Senna (31) Collision 17 laps
25. F. Massa (28) Brakes 13 laps
26. S. Perez (30) Engine 0 laps
F. Lap: N. Heidfeld 1:25.654 on lap 49
DOTR: Heidfeld, brilliant drive through the field from 8th gave a first emotional win
ROTR: Sauber, desperately need to finish races to take full advantage of scare points.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 173pts
2. J. Button (8) 159pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 121pts
4. F. Alonso (27) 116pts
5. M. Webber (2) 109pts
= M. Schumacher (3) 109pts
7. S. Vettel (1) 87pts
8. F. Massa (28) 85pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 77pts
= A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 64pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 56pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 47pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 25pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
17. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
18. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
23. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Mercedes 282pts
2. McLaren 280pts
3. Ferrari 201pts
4. Red Bull 196pts
5. Randle BMW 154pts
6. Toleman 120pts
7. Williams 81pts
8. Minardi 43pts
9. Modena 14pts
= Team Lotus 14pts
11. Ligier Prost 13pts
12. Sauber 9pts
13. Force India 5pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
17. HRT 0pts
Announcement on the number of entrants allowed to start each race will be released by the FIA before the Italian Grand Prix, the new teams joining will definitely by in prequalifying, with the rest determined by championship position with the top 13 – 15 not having to prequalifying depending on number of available grid slots from 26 – 30.
31st August 2011 The Times
‘Massa: My last year with Ferrari and possibly in F1 will be next season’. This comes after Ferrari announce a deal involving Robert Kubica, Mark Webber or Sergio Perez to drive for the team in 2013.
1st September 2011 The Sun
Webber staying at Red Bull till 2014, then retiring to drive in WSC or V8 Supercars, The Red Bull team announce in a press release. There is still some uncertainty on the future of Vettel who has a contract till 2012.
2nd September 2011 FIA
Second American Grand Prix in New Jersey added to the calendar for 2013, Spa and Paul Ricard to share and Korea hit money troubles.
3rd September 2011 Sky Sports
Lucas DiGrassi sacked from Virgin and replaced by Jerome D’Ambrosio for remaining races. Virgin hoping of much needed extra money as been struggling to qualify for races.
4th September 2011 BBC
Barrichello announces retirement from Formula One effective from the end of the season. He will attempt Indycars and be partner to Jean Alesi at the indy 500. In other news Charles Pic, Giedo Van Der Garde, Jules Bianchi and Sam Bird all hoping to be in F1 next season with a lot of seats still up for grabs.
5th September 2011 The Times
Raikkonen rumoured to be driving for Toleman or Williams as he has announced a contract for 2012 with an F1 team.
6th September 2011 BBC
Riccardio in the Lambo for the weekend as Pantano has injured leg in testing crash.
7th September 2011 Italian Grand Prix Prequalifying
Modena dominated prequalifying and were able to comfortably set fast times, D’Ambrosio managed to sneak through in last place.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34), (P) 1:23.976
2. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P) 1:24.032
3. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G) 1:24.892
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G) 1:25.123
5. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P) 1:25.213
6. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M) 1:25.457
7. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M) 1:25.698
8. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P) 1:25.717
9th September 2011 Italian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:22.003
2. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:22.132
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:22.465
4. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:22.686
5. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:22.892
6. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) (G), 1:22.919
7. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:23.087
8. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:23.132
9. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:23.219
10. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:23.281
11. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:23.313
12. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:23.357
13. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:23.388
14. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:23.457
15. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:23.612
16. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:23.667
17. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:23.891
18. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:24.321
19. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault (12) (P), 1:24.403
20. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:24.517
21. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:24.675
22. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:24.717
23. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30), 1:24.759
24. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31), 1:24.910
25. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:25.231
26. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (M), 1:25.476
27. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:25.598
28. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:25.721
29. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:25.745
30. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda (32), 1:26.312
10th September 2011 Italian Grand Prix 53 laps
The sun was out for one of the most enjoyable races of the season, after a stunning pole position the tifosi were making a brilliant atmosphere that was almost louder than the cars. The brilliant high speed Monza circuit was going to be having a Ferrari V12 roaring round for the first time since 1995. The BMWs were hopeful that there V12 would make an impact and as the grid settled for the lights and the sound of 26 engines ready to be unleashed on the 3.6 mile circuit. The lights went out and Alonso got away cleanly followed by Rosberg who accelerated into 2nd, Randle managed to split the Red Bulls at the first chicane. Meanwhile the busy midfield containing Kubica, Hamilton, Petrov and Barrichello had difficulty going through the tight chicane and this resulted in a big collision that sprayed debris over the course and blocked the circuit. As there was no way a safety car could be deployed, the race was red flagged and Hamilton, Kubica and Barrichello ran back to the pits to grab the spare cars and Petrov had only lose a front and rear wing and was busy getting it repaired. 30 minutes later and the cars were ready for the restart, Vettel and Webber who on the original start had managed to lose positions this time started better. Alonso took a slight lead going into the rettifillio followed by Vettel, Randle, Webber and Rosberg who could not repeat the first start form. Fortunately all 26 cars made it through the first corner however not all 26 would complete the first lap when the Mercedes engine of Perez exploded along the straight before Ascari and the Mexican pulled off at the chicane to retire from the race. At the front the Red Bull of Vettel was struggling to contain the mighty V12 of Randle’s car and had to break quite late at lesmo to avoid losing 2nd. Alonso was able to pull away a little bit from the chasing pack, which the tifosi cheered in approval and were noticeable of the gap. By lap 5 the top 10 were Alonso, Vettel, Randle, Rosberg, Webber, Schumacher, Heidfeld, Button, Massa and Ricci whose Lamborghini was going well on the circuit.
What was startling was how Massa was falling behind while Alonso in the same car was leading the race and running well in the early stages of the race. On closer inspection through the corners it became obvious as Massa’s brakes were not working fully and this would sadly end his race on lap 13 when he pulled into the pits that put a dampner on Ferrari’s race. Randle was able to overtake Vettel for 2nd after a few laps of being the fastest on track and went on to try and close the 9 second gap to the leading Ferrari. Heidfeld as well was consolidating a strong 6th and running well with the trio of Rosberg, Webber and Schumacher. Lap 17 saw a horrible crash that was lucky to not bring the safety car out when the cars of Senna and Trulli collided at the 2nd Lesmo, fortunately both drivers were ok and many were relieved as it was a quite breathtaking collision. Elsewhere in the field the Williams duo were showing that its not just engine power that is vital to conquering Monza, it takes a strong chassis and a lack of fear as their V8 Cosworth powered cars were comfortably in the top 15 trying to get the vital point positions of the top 10. Ricci was showing his brilliant showing at Spa was no fluke as he battled Button for 8th as Hamilton closed on the back of the two. McLaren had been struggling over the weekend but their race pace was decent and it meant that points would likely come if both cars finished. Near the back of the field the Toleman’s had fallen and were battling with the Ligiers and the lone Force India of DiResta, this was likely due to the first start incident as the spare car was not set up adequately for Kubica and Petrov had been struggling with steering. To prove that Ferrari engines do not save their best performance for the home grand prix, the engine in Buemi’s Minardi would destruct on the start finish straight leaving the car to coast off the circuit and retire from the race on lap 23. At the mid point of the race on lap 26 the top 10 were 1. F. Alonso (27), 2. A. Randle (13) + 5.987s, 3. S. Vettel (1) + 12.342s, 4. N. Heidfeld (14) + 15.789s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 16.142s, 6. N. Rosberg (4) + 20.346s, 7. J. Button (8) + 24.124s, 8. M. Schumacher (3) + 24.567s, 9. G. Ricci (34) + 26.546s, 10. L. Hamilton (7) + 27.201s.
By now several cars had made stops for tyres and those that hadn’t were likely to be on harder tyres that lasted longer, perhaps a tyre change would have helped Kobayashi who in an attempt to give Sauber a good race had been attempting to not pit at all. This ended spectacularly when his right rear blew and damaged the rear suspension putting an end to Sauber’s weekend. At the front a brilliant worked stop for tyres at the same time as the Ferrari crew put the Randle BMW into the lead and Heidfeld was able to catch up with Vettel and pass the defending champion for 3rd a lap later. Heidfeld was setting the fastest lap as a stop for soft tyres on lap 32 that would not need another pit stop would put the driver at an advantage over Alonso and Randle whose tyres had been nearing their end and would require another stop. A gearbox failure would end Petrov’s race on lap 33 and the same would end Kubica’s two laps later. By now the battle for the top 3 was entertaining and close fought as the Randle BMW crew regularly checked with their drivers to make sure that the cars were running fine, sadly Alonso’s pace was dropping off due to the car not performing as well on its tyres on low fuel. With needing to conserve its lead over 4th place Webber the Ferrari was unable to keep up with the pace of the Randle BMWs. On lap 42 Adam pitted for new tyres and came out just in front of Heidfeld who was still going strong. Vettel suffered a rare problem when the steering broke on the red bull and it meant a retirement on lap 44 which now put his defence of the championship in danger with little races left to claw back lost points. Rosberg’s Mercedes also suffered a problem on the same lap when the driveshaft went and this would help the McLarens close some points to the champion leader. With two laps to go the Randle BMWs were close to each other and entering the parabolic, in a move which amazed commentators, Adam pulled over and allowed Heidfeld into the lead. Many thought the BMW had a problem or team orders had been called, fortunately this was not the case when over the radio came this ‘I want Nick to have this, the car is fine.’ This allowed Heidfeld to take the chequered flag and take a win that ended a long streak of 13 years of not winning and to remove the record of longest amount of races before winning. It was Heidfeld’s first win since his successful F3000 success going back to 1999 and meant he would not be a contender for De Cesaris’s total races without wins record. It was a brilliant 1 -2 for Randle Racing and the team were crazy and sobbing with joy. Alonso rounded out the podium to appease the Italian fans where a visibly crying German in Heidfeld celebrated a popular win.
Classification
1. N. Heidfeld (14) 1 hr 20mins 50.463s 25pts
2. A. Randle (13) + 5.987s 18pts
3. F. Alonso (27) + 20.003s 15pts
4. M. Webber (2) + 35.321s 12pts
5. M. Schumacher (3) + 50.321s, 10pts
6. J. Button (8) + 53.564s 8pts
7. G. Ricci (34) + 55.687s 6pts
8. L. Hamilton (7) + 1:08.442s 4pts
9. J. Alguersuari (24) + 1 lap 2pts
10. R. Barrichello (5) + 1 lap 1pt
11. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 1 lap
12. D. Riccardio (33) + 1 lap
13. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 2 laps
15. P. DiResta (16) + 2 laps
16. F. Montagny (26) + 2 laps
17. N. Rosberg (4) Driveshaft 44 laps
18. S. Vettel (1) Steering 44 laps
19. R. Kubica (19) Gearbox 35 laps
20. V. Petrov (20) Gearbox 33 laps
21. K. Kobayashi (29) Tyres 28 laps
22. S. Buemi (23) Engine 23 laps
23. J. Trulli (11) Collision 17 laps
24. B. Senna (31) Collision 17 laps
25. F. Massa (28) Brakes 13 laps
26. S. Perez (30) Engine 0 laps
F. Lap: N. Heidfeld 1:25.654 on lap 49
DOTR: Heidfeld, brilliant drive through the field from 8th gave a first emotional win
ROTR: Sauber, desperately need to finish races to take full advantage of scare points.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 173pts
2. J. Button (8) 159pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 121pts
4. F. Alonso (27) 116pts
5. M. Webber (2) 109pts
= M. Schumacher (3) 109pts
7. S. Vettel (1) 87pts
8. F. Massa (28) 85pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 77pts
= A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 64pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 56pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 47pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 25pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
17. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
18. R. Grosjean (25) 12pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
23. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
= A. Sutil (15) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Mercedes 282pts
2. McLaren 280pts
3. Ferrari 201pts
4. Red Bull 196pts
5. Randle BMW 154pts
6. Toleman 120pts
7. Williams 81pts
8. Minardi 43pts
9. Modena 14pts
= Team Lotus 14pts
11. Ligier Prost 13pts
12. Sauber 9pts
13. Force India 5pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
17. HRT 0pts
-
RealRacingRoots
- Posts: 1941
- Joined: 21 Oct 2011, 06:25
- Location: Green Hill, Montana
- Contact:
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
gnrpoison wrote:As a fan of alternate history and a patron of Alternatehistory.com
Oh noes. Some of my friends in real life go on that site and take part in space battles and what not.
Must....resist....making.....jokes.....
The Truth Shall set you free. (no theme music plays)
Tomáš.......Ttaaaaaaaattaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
.
Watch this if you want to learn about what Canada is really like.
.
GT Super Series
Tomáš.......Ttaaaaaaaattaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
.
Watch this if you want to learn about what Canada is really like.
.
GT Super Series
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
lol, yes some of the stuff on there is a little odd. But it could be worse it could be the horror that is 4chan.
-
Backmarker
- Posts: 1126
- Joined: 19 Mar 2012, 17:59
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
gnrpoison wrote:As a fan of alternate history and a patron of Alternatehistory.com
Me too! Small world. I was considering a TL where Heidfeld got the McLaren seat ahead of Raikkonen, but I lack dedication. I posted a small version in the what if thread on here though.
P.S. I have never taken part in a space battle.
The Iceman Waiteth
What if Kimi Räikkönen hadn't got his chance in 2001?
What if Kimi Räikkönen hadn't got his chance in 2001?
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
12th September 2011 FIA
The following is the 2012 Grand Prix calendar of races and number of entrants allowed into main qualifying and the race. Top 13 placed teams of 2011 will automatically be in main qualifying and 14th and 15th team will be in main qualification at the respective races where 32 and 34 cars will be in main qualifying. All the rest will be in a prequalification session the Thursday before the race where top 4 will progress. Second half of season will be revised after German Grand prix with the same criteria as before.
1. Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park 18th March
28 start, 32 into Main qualifying
2. Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang 25th March
30 start, 34 into main qualifying
3. Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai International Circuit 15th April
30 start, 34 into main qualifying
4. Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit 22nd April
28 start, 32 into main qualifying
5. Spanish Grand Prix, Catalunya 13th May
28 start, 32 main qualifying
6. Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo 27th May
26 start, 30 main qualifying
7. Canadian Grand Prix, Circuit De Villeneuve 10th June
28 start, 32 main qualifying
8. European Grand Prix, Jerez 24th June
28 start, 32 main qualifying
9. British Grand Prix, Silverstone 8th July
30 start, 34 main qualifying
10. German Grand Prix, Hockenheim 22nd July
28 start, 32 main qualifying
11. Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring 29th July
28 start, 32 main qualifying
12. Belgian Grand Prix, Spa Francorchamps 2nd September
30 start, 34 main qualifying
13. Italian Grand Prix, Monza 9th September
28 start, 32 main qualifying
14. Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay 23rd September
28 start, 32 main qualifying
15. Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka 7th October
28 start, 32 main qualifying
16. Korean Grand Prix, Yeongam, 14th October
30 start, 34 main qualifying
17. Indian Grand Prix, Greater Noida, 28th October
30 start, 34 main qualifying
18. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina, 4th November
30 start, 34 main qualifying
19. USA Grand Prix, Austin, 18th November
30 start, 34 main qualifying
20. Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos 25th November
28 start, 32 main qualifying
13th September 2011 F1 Fanatic
Brilliant results by Randle GP means Heidfeld finally joins the winners circle
14th September 2011 BBC
Di Resta will be driving the No. 16 Force India as Liuzzi is unlikely to take part till the Indian Grand Prix.
15th September 2011 Autosport
Ricciardio is to drive for Modena for rest of the season as setback to Pantano’s injuries mean unlikely to drive till March.
16th September 2011 Sky
Rosberg: We need to put in some consistenacy to ensure Mercedes brings home the title.
17th September 2011 BBC
Vettel: I can still be world champion this year with a bit of luck as many teams are taking points of each other, we have some parts on the car which should help us for Singapore.
18th September 2011 FIA
Stefan Grand Prix will be allocated numbers 35 and 36 and Art Grand Prix will receive 37 and 38
19th September 2011 The Times
Glock confirmed at Virgin for 2012, Kovalainen for Team Lotus, Chandhock for Hispania are all confirmed
20th September 2011 BBC
Kimi Raikkonen confirms signature for Williams and happy to be alongside Nico Hulkenberg as Williams confirm driver lineup for 2012. Cosworth V10s are confirmed with backing from Canon replacing AT & T as Title Sponsor
21st September 2011 BBC
Minardi to continue to use V12 Ferrari engines, Sauber and Force India expecting to qualify in Singapore
22nd September 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Prequalifying
This session was very close and saw Arrows improve on their last results, sadly the Modena were not as competitive and this left a tough but brilliant fought session as it took less then 2 seconds to cover the session. This meant that Riccardio was less then .002 of a second from successfully going through.
1. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:47.800
2. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:47.982
3. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:48.312
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:48.367
5. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:48.369
6. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:48.501
7. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:48.781
8. P. De La Rosa, (Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:49.564
24th September 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying
1. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:44.381
2. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M), 1:44.531
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:44.589
4. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:44.721
5. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G), 1:44.801
6. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:44.874
7. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:44.923
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:45.030
9. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:45.079
10. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:45.120
11. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:45.171
12. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:45.224
13. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:45.345
14. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:45.454
15. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:45.457
16. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M) 1:45.871
17. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M) 1:46.012
18. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:46.134
19. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:46.212
20. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:46.267
21. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:46.313
22. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:46.465
23. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G), 1:46.515
24. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:46.671
25. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:46.717
26. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:46.789
27. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:46.815
28. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:46.919
29. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:47.101
30. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:47.231
The following is the 2012 Grand Prix calendar of races and number of entrants allowed into main qualifying and the race. Top 13 placed teams of 2011 will automatically be in main qualifying and 14th and 15th team will be in main qualification at the respective races where 32 and 34 cars will be in main qualifying. All the rest will be in a prequalification session the Thursday before the race where top 4 will progress. Second half of season will be revised after German Grand prix with the same criteria as before.
1. Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park 18th March
28 start, 32 into Main qualifying
2. Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang 25th March
30 start, 34 into main qualifying
3. Chinese Grand Prix, Shanghai International Circuit 15th April
30 start, 34 into main qualifying
4. Bahrain Grand Prix, Bahrain International Circuit 22nd April
28 start, 32 into main qualifying
5. Spanish Grand Prix, Catalunya 13th May
28 start, 32 main qualifying
6. Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo 27th May
26 start, 30 main qualifying
7. Canadian Grand Prix, Circuit De Villeneuve 10th June
28 start, 32 main qualifying
8. European Grand Prix, Jerez 24th June
28 start, 32 main qualifying
9. British Grand Prix, Silverstone 8th July
30 start, 34 main qualifying
10. German Grand Prix, Hockenheim 22nd July
28 start, 32 main qualifying
11. Hungarian Grand Prix, Hungaroring 29th July
28 start, 32 main qualifying
12. Belgian Grand Prix, Spa Francorchamps 2nd September
30 start, 34 main qualifying
13. Italian Grand Prix, Monza 9th September
28 start, 32 main qualifying
14. Singapore Grand Prix, Marina Bay 23rd September
28 start, 32 main qualifying
15. Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka 7th October
28 start, 32 main qualifying
16. Korean Grand Prix, Yeongam, 14th October
30 start, 34 main qualifying
17. Indian Grand Prix, Greater Noida, 28th October
30 start, 34 main qualifying
18. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina, 4th November
30 start, 34 main qualifying
19. USA Grand Prix, Austin, 18th November
30 start, 34 main qualifying
20. Brazilian Grand Prix, Interlagos 25th November
28 start, 32 main qualifying
13th September 2011 F1 Fanatic
Brilliant results by Randle GP means Heidfeld finally joins the winners circle
14th September 2011 BBC
Di Resta will be driving the No. 16 Force India as Liuzzi is unlikely to take part till the Indian Grand Prix.
15th September 2011 Autosport
Ricciardio is to drive for Modena for rest of the season as setback to Pantano’s injuries mean unlikely to drive till March.
16th September 2011 Sky
Rosberg: We need to put in some consistenacy to ensure Mercedes brings home the title.
17th September 2011 BBC
Vettel: I can still be world champion this year with a bit of luck as many teams are taking points of each other, we have some parts on the car which should help us for Singapore.
18th September 2011 FIA
Stefan Grand Prix will be allocated numbers 35 and 36 and Art Grand Prix will receive 37 and 38
19th September 2011 The Times
Glock confirmed at Virgin for 2012, Kovalainen for Team Lotus, Chandhock for Hispania are all confirmed
20th September 2011 BBC
Kimi Raikkonen confirms signature for Williams and happy to be alongside Nico Hulkenberg as Williams confirm driver lineup for 2012. Cosworth V10s are confirmed with backing from Canon replacing AT & T as Title Sponsor
21st September 2011 BBC
Minardi to continue to use V12 Ferrari engines, Sauber and Force India expecting to qualify in Singapore
22nd September 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Prequalifying
This session was very close and saw Arrows improve on their last results, sadly the Modena were not as competitive and this left a tough but brilliant fought session as it took less then 2 seconds to cover the session. This meant that Riccardio was less then .002 of a second from successfully going through.
1. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:47.800
2. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:47.982
3. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:48.312
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:48.367
5. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:48.369
6. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:48.501
7. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:48.781
8. P. De La Rosa, (Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:49.564
24th September 2011 Singapore Grand Prix Qualifying
1. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:44.381
2. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M), 1:44.531
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:44.589
4. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:44.721
5. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G), 1:44.801
6. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:44.874
7. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:44.923
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:45.030
9. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:45.079
10. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G), 1:45.120
11. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:45.171
12. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:45.224
13. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:45.345
14. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:45.454
15. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:45.457
16. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M) 1:45.871
17. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M) 1:46.012
18. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:46.134
19. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:46.212
20. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:46.267
21. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:46.313
22. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:46.465
23. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G), 1:46.515
24. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:46.671
25. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:46.717
26. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:46.789
27. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:46.815
28. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:46.919
29. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:47.101
30. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:47.231
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
Backmarker wrote:gnrpoison wrote:As a fan of alternate history and a patron of Alternatehistory.com
Me too! Small world. I was considering a TL where Heidfeld got the McLaren seat ahead of Raikkonen, but I lack dedication. I posted a small version in the what if thread on here though.
P.S. I have never taken part in a space battle.
That would have been fun to read and I reckon Heidfeld would have won by now. I mean the dedication part is difficult with this, as I am not sure if I am going to continue into 2012 as this has took me over a year to get to Singapore. As I am not basing it on any computer game results, it means a lot of time to decide who wins the race I have just pulled a name out of hat from the what I feel top 8 drivers and I didn't want it to be dominated by one team or the driver who is suppose to me doing so well. I still feel I would like this to go Alternate History as my first piece but would think I will do them on here as feel they are appreciated better.
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
25th September 2011 Singapore Grand Prix 61 laps
So the F1 circus reached what for many was the new jewel in the F1 crown, that of the special night race that had been held in Singapore, having made its debut in the 2008 season it had become a very enjoyable and somewhat at time controversial event. It was a clear night for the race and rain was not expected, the 61 laps of the race in the past years had came quite close to the two hour time limit that would be the standard for all races. The cars had lined up for the grid and were ready for the lights, when the lights went out the Red Bull of Vettel made a clean start and went into the first corner ahead of the chasing pack. A slow start by the Randle BMW of A. Randle would see that car fall to the rear of the pack and would be the start for a tough race for the young rookie of car no. 13. All 26 cars were able to complete the first lap and the field was spread, most were on the super soft tires and were looking at 1 – 2 stops depending on how the tyres would last with the fuel loads. Stops were expected around the 25 lap mark for 1 stoppers and this proved to enable a fascinating race to develop. The street circuit was perfectly suited to the nimble V8 powered cars as the V12s lost a lot of its power advantage on the tight turns. Vettel was attempting to pull away from a chasing Rosberg but was not able to extend a slender lead. The first casualty of the race happened on lap 7 when the gearbox of Schumacher’s Mercedes broke and caused the 5 time champions retirement. By lap 12 the top 10 were 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 4.334s, 3. J. Button (8) +13.789s, 4. F. Alonso (27) + 15.656s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 17.214s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 20.003s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 22.241s, 8. N. Heidfeld (14) + 24.414s, 9. F. Massa (28) + 27.982s, 10. V. Petrov (20) + 28.716s.
An incident brought out the safety car on lap 17 when the cars of Montagny and Kubica collided and sprayed debris across the track. The safety car was out for 4 laps and the race was back under way normally on lap 23, Rosberg had read the situation very well and was able to get past Vettel at the first corner, Hulkenberg had also pounced and had made short work of Alonso and Webber. The safety car was beneficial for Randle who was able to go from 16th to 13th in a few corners. This was not for long as when the car was attempting to pass Grosjean for 12th, the car missed its breaking and went wide, fortunately the car did not go into the wall as there was adequate run off but it mean the number 13 car fell back down to 19th. By lap 28 some of the leaders started to pit and an incident involving the Ferrari pit crew happened when the right rear tyre on Alonso’s car failed to fit properly and cost the Spaniard a lot of time. He emerged in 12th and this ruined his race for him as he had been in contention for a podium. The Ferrari V12 in the back of Buemi’s Minardi had enough and expired all over the track on lap 32 and brought an end to the Swiss’ race. Massa in lapping Kobayashi suffered a failure when his brakes went and left the Brazilian in the runoff area on lap 35. This then made it even worse for Ferrari when the dodgy right rear wheel succumbed to failure when the tyre had a puncture and the wheel broke off. Unable to get back to the pits the car was disqualified for unsafe driving. Rosberg was now fending off a charging Vettel as a magnificent fight for 1st emerged as both pulled away from the two McLarens and Webber’s Red Bull. On lap 40 the top 10 was 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. S. Vettel (1) + 2.032s, 3. J. Button (8) + 12.987s, 4. M. Webber (2) + 14.146s, 5. L. Hamilton (7) + 16.698s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 22.098s, 7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 25.987s, 8. R. Grosjean (25) + 39.765s, 9. V. Petrov (20) + 55.073s, 10. A. Sutil (15) + 1:01.876s
The Force India team were hopeful of some good luck as their drivers were running in 10th and 12th with Barrichello between them, as this had been a strong performance that had been a long time coming after some poor races. Vettel was now the fastest car on the circuit and was behind Rosberg as the two diced for the lead, tyres were going to play major factor as both needed to stop once more. Rosberg needed to on lap 49 and Vettel was stopping on lap 53, this meant that pressure was on Vettel to enable a pass otherwise risk losing the advantage as Rosberg’s tyres were fading quicker. McLaren were hoping for a coming together as this would have gave them a big lead in the constructors and put pressure on Mercedes in the driver’s championship. A. Randle called it a day when a problem with the cars gearbox left the car only able to select 4th gear, pulling off on the side of the course, a visibly frustrated driver disappeared aware from the press into the motor home. Red Bull had done a masterstroke when Vettel was able to come out first ahead of Rosberg during his pit stop and as Webber had managed to pass Button this would help Red Bull in the hunt for 3rd in the championship. However this was not the end of the race and this led to some frantic final laps as the top 6 places were still not finalised, as by now Hulkenberg was also in the race for 3rd having set what would be the fastest lap on lap 56 with a 1:47.698 to put pressure on the Red Bull and McLarens. A quite race for Modena’s Ricci would end on lap 57 as his car experienced electrical problems and retired from the race. Now though the TV cameras and the race feed were having a hard time on what fight to focus on as the front two battled each other while the race for 3rd was interesting as well as Webber tried to maintain the last podium. A mistake by Hamilton who was in 4th ended his charge on lap 60 while Button could not get past either, at the front Vettel was able to use his tyres to just keep Rosberg behind him to take his 3rd win of the season and still just about leave his title chances alive.
Classification
1. S. Vettel (1) 1 hr 49 mins 33.121s 25pts
2. N. Rosberg (4) + 1.321s 18pts
3. M. Webber (2) + 37.143s 15pts
4. J. Button (8) + 38.003s 12pts
5. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 39.465s 10pts
6. L. Hamilton (7) + 43.221s 8pts
7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 50.453s 6pts
8. R. Grosjean (25) + 1:13.313s 4pts
9. V. Petrov (20) + 1:41.573s 2pts
10. A. Sutil (15) + 1 lap 1pt
11. P. DiResta (16) + 1 lap
12. R. Barrichello (5) + 1 lap
13. J. Trulli (11) + 1 lap
14. S. Perez (30) + 1 lap
15. K. Kobayashi (29) + 1 lap
16. T. Glock (17) + 1 lap
17. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap
18. P. Maldonado (10) + 2 laps
19. G. Ricci (34) + 5 laps Electrical
20. A. Randle (13) 52 laps Gearbox
21. F. Alonso (27) 38 laps Disqualified
22. F. Massa (28) 35 laps Brakes
23. S. Buemi (23) 32 laps Engine
24. R. Kubica (19) 17 laps Collision
25. F. Montagny (26) 17 laps Collision
26. M. Schumacher (3) 7 laps Gearbox
F. Lap: N. Hulkenberg (6) 1:47.698 on lap 56
DOTR: S. Vettel, strong performance over the weekend keeps alive title hopes
ROTR: A. Randle, bad start, rookie mistakes after safety car and problematic gearbox blow what could have been strong points to help secure 5th for Randle BMW.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 191pts
2. J. Button (8) 171pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 129pts
4. M. Webber (2) 124pts
5. F. Alonso (27) 116pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 112pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 109pts
8. F. Massa (28) 85pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
10. A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 66pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 57pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 56pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 25pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 16pts
18. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
= A. Sutil (15) 3pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Mercedes 300pts
= McLaren 300pts
3. Red Bull 236pts
4. Ferrari 201pts
5. Randle BMW 160pts
6. Toleman 122pts
7. Williams 91pts
8. Minardi 43pts
9. Ligier Prost 17pts
10. Modena 14pts
= Team Lotus 14pts
12. Sauber 9pts
13. Force India 6pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
26th September 2011 F1 Fanatic
Honda giving Super Aguri extra support for home grand prix and hoping to give Sato a good send off.
27th September 2011 BBC
Davidson will be in the seat after Sato’s retirement after the Japanese Grand Prix, in terms of permanent seat; part of deal is that if he qualifies and matches Senna then he will be given a drive for 2012.
28th September 2011 The Sun
BMW will allow Heidfeld and Randle to test new engine for Le Mans and Sportscar pursuit.
29th September 2011 BBC
Super Aguri announce sponsorship from Shell Petroleum in a deal that should see the team receive a decent budget to compete next season.
1st October 2011 Autosport
Massa hoping for improved Ferrari performance on a track that should suit their V12 after the engine received its final upgrades of the season.
2nd October 2011 Autosport
Rosberg confident of a strong performance as grasp on championship becomes tighter.
6th October 2011 Japanese Grand Prix Prequalifying
Confidence was high for the lambo team as both of their cars comfortably prequalified ahead of the V8s. It was a tight battle for the remaining places that saw Hispania almost gets both cars through, only to be thwarted on the last run of Maldonado’s Arrows.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:33.789
2. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:33.923
3. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M) 1:34.513
4. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:34.854
5. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M) 1:34.912
6. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:35.662
7. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:35.798
8. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:36.832
8th October 2011 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying
1. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:31.210
2. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G) 1:31.334
3. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M) 1:31.461
4. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) 1:31.501
5. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes (8) (M) 1:31.532
6. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes (7) (M) 1:31.614
7. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault (2) (G) 1:31.689
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M) 1:31.822
9. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW (14) (G) 1:31.944
10. A. Randle, Randle BMW (13) (G) 1:32.043
11. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P) 1:32.143
12. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G) 1:32.312
13. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:32.376
14. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:32.465
15. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:32.501
16. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:32.553
17. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:32.687
18. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:32.717
19. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:32.883
20. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:32.949
21. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:33.132
22. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:33.314
23. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:33.402
24. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:33.655
25. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:33.761
26. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:33.901
27. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P) 1:33.910
28. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (M) 1:34.143
29. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:34.278
30. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:34.401
9th October 2011 Japanese Grand Prix 53 laps
The stands at Suzuka were packed, not surprisingly with the renewed interest in Formula One, with Honda returning as an engine supplier, two Japanese drivers and a team on the tenth row it meant that anticipation was high from the crowd. Sato had qualified his Super Aguri a very respectable 20th in his last race, many at Honda had attempted to convince him to continue. However as the season has been difficult the decision was made to allow a younger driver to take the reins and help develop the team for 2012. Vettel’s pole had placed the defending champion in a brilliant spot to try and stop Rosberg in 3rd from extending his championship lead. It was now out of Vettel’s hands as he had to overcome 79 points with 5 races remaining; now several wins and retirements for Rosberg would aid Vettel. The weather was warm and Sunny for the race and unusually no rain was expected, this meant that tyres would be the deciding factor and reliability on a circuit that was tough on Gearboxes and Engines. As the cars went round on the parade some luck for the championship chasers was given as Rosberg's engine broke on the parade lap and forced his retirement from the race. The cars lined up on the grid amidst a small confusion and delay as the blown Mercedes was removed from the circuit. The Lights went out and Vettel made a brilliant start into the first corner followed by Massa and Button. Alonso had a slow start and was down in 6th, towards the back of the grid a collision between Senna and Montagny would end their races at the first corner, this was further added with a broken gearbox for Randle after the esses leaving the number of participants down to 22. The early laps would see the field spread out a bit as high fuel loads and cold tyres meant that the race would be a slow burner and likely to really ignite around the late 30s. At lap 6 an electrical fault would put the end to Mercedes weekend when Schumacher’s car suffered the problem, the team were annoyed as their drivers as valuable points in their duel effort for the drivers and constructors championship. By lap 10 the top 10 positions were 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. J. Button (8) + 2.143s, 3. F. Massa (28) + 5.335s, 4. M. Webber (2) + 9.786s, 5. F. Alonso (27) + 12.121s, 6. L. Hamilton (7) +13.090s, 7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 13.876s, 8. S. Buemi (23) + 15.123s, 9. V. Petrov (20) + 15.789s, 10. R. Barrichello (5) + 17.390s.
With the cars reasonably close together it meant that mistakes would be costly as the track in places was hard to overtake on, the hairpin before spoon curve and the chicane before the start finish lane would see a few passes in the race. A brilliant move by Hamilton would see him demote Alonso to 6th as he overtook him on the outside going into 130R on lap 17; the Super Aguri of Sato had made some places and was in 14th ahead of the chasing Lamborghinis. Another gearbox would break on lap 21 as Hulkenberg’s Williams decided it had enough and it expired narrowly in front of Sutil and DiResta’s Force India’s. Fortunately those cars survived the scare and continued racing, on lap 24 some cars started to pit and changed to medium tyres as part of a 2 stop strategy. This muddled the midfield up a little as those on 1 stop were separated and meant that the battles for the teen places would be frantic and close matched between those on different tyre compounds. Confusion broke out in the Minardi pits as both Buemi and Alguersuari were brought in on the same lap, fortunately Buemi did not lose much time as he rejoined 12th, however Jaime would drop to 18th as the delay caused a lengthy pit stop. Lap 28 – 31 would see the leaders pit in and for those lap a different car was in the lead, with Vettel, Button, Webber and Hamilton each swapping places as Massa’s tyre wear saw the Brazilian drop to 8th. 2 drivers were disqualified on lap 33 for push starts after a collision at the chicane, this would end Barrichello’s and Petrov’s races as both were black flagged. Red Bull’s tyres were now coming into their own as both Webber and Vettel were able to set the fastest laps on the circuit and pull away from Button in 3rd place. On lap 36 the top 10 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. S. Vettel (1) + 5.546s, 3. J. Button (8) +14.571s, 4. F. Alonso (27) + 16.423s, 5. L. Hamilton (7) + 19.764s, 6. F. Massa (28) + 24.756s, 7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 35.848s, 8. A. Sutil (15) + 41.139s, 9. S. Buemi (23) + 43.212s, 10. R. Kubica (19) + 47.891s.
The last retirement would happen on lap 38 when Heidfeld who had been having a comfortable race in 7th suffered an engine blow up when the V12 BMW engine went. The Japanese drivers were having a battle for 14th that drew support from the crowd as the veteran Sato kept the young pretender Kobayashi behind him for a series of laps. Back at the front on lap 43 Webber would set the fastest lap of the race with a 1:35.783. This fast lap had built him 9 seconds of lead over Vettel who was now being caught by Button. The final 10 laps would see a surge of pace for the leading teams and help to narrow leads ahead of them. As there were no more retirements it would leave 17 cars to finish, Button almost passed Vettel on lap 47 when they were coming up to lap 13th place Grosjean. Vettel managed to guide his line and it made Button go on the outside of the turn at the chicane. Sato further caused cheers from the crowd as he passed Riccardio for 12th, however this was short lived as a lap later he fell down to 14th as the car had tyre wear problems. At the front a jubilant Webber took his 2nd win of the season ahead of a relieved Vettel that had been keeping a fast Button behind him for several laps. Di Resta stopped on the track some 3 laps down as the last few laps have seen him drop from 11th with car problems
Classification
1. M. Webber (2) 1hr 33mins 56.567 25pts
2. S. Vettel (1) + 14.364s 18pts
3. J. Button (8) + 15.876s 15pts
4. F. Alonso (27) + 25.365s 12pts
5. F. Massa (28) + 33.876s 10pts
6. L. Hamilton (7) + 36.987s 8pts
7. S. Buemi (23) + 59.093s 6pts
8. R. Kubica (19) + 1:04.678s 4pts
9. A. Sutil (15) + 1:10.564s 2pts
10. J. Alguersuari (24) + 1 lap 1pt
11. G. Ricci (34) + 1 lap
12. D. Riccardio + 1 lap
13. T. Sato + 1 lap
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 1 lap
15. K. Kobayashi (29) + 1 lap
16. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap
17. P. DiResta (16) + 3 laps
18. N. Heidfeld (14) 38 laps Engine
19. V. Petrov (20) 33 laps Disqualified
20. R. Barrichello (5) 33 laps Disqualified
21. N. Hulkenberg (6) 21 laps Gearbox
22. M. Schumacher (3) 6 laps Electrical
23. A. Randle (13) 0 laps Gearbox
24. F. Montagny (26) 0 laps Collision
25. B. Senna (31) 0 laps Collision
26. N. Rosberg (4) DNS Engine
F. Lap M. Webber (2) 1:35.783 on lap 43
DOTR: M. Webber, going from 7th to 1st and still giving Red Bull a shot at both titles
ROTR: Mercedes, A good result here could have placed both titles firmly in their grasp, now going to be looking over their shoulder more.
Championship (* indicates still in contention)
1. N. Rosberg (4) 191pts *
2. J. Button (8) 186pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 149pts*
4. L. Hamilton (7) 137pts*
5. S. Vettel (1) 130pts*
6. F. Alonso (27) 128pts*
7. M. Schumacher (3) 109pts*
8. F. Massa (28) 95pts*
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
10. A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 66pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 60pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 57pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 26pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 16pts
18. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 5pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors (* indicates still in contention)
1. McLaren 323pts*
2. Mercedes 300pts*
3. Red Bull 279pts*
4. Ferrari 223pts*
5. Randle BMW 160pts*
6. Toleman 126pts
7. Williams 91pts
8. Minardi 50pts
9. Ligier Prost 17pts
10. Modena 14pts
= Team Lotus 14pts
12. Sauber 9pts
13. Force India 8pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
So the F1 circus reached what for many was the new jewel in the F1 crown, that of the special night race that had been held in Singapore, having made its debut in the 2008 season it had become a very enjoyable and somewhat at time controversial event. It was a clear night for the race and rain was not expected, the 61 laps of the race in the past years had came quite close to the two hour time limit that would be the standard for all races. The cars had lined up for the grid and were ready for the lights, when the lights went out the Red Bull of Vettel made a clean start and went into the first corner ahead of the chasing pack. A slow start by the Randle BMW of A. Randle would see that car fall to the rear of the pack and would be the start for a tough race for the young rookie of car no. 13. All 26 cars were able to complete the first lap and the field was spread, most were on the super soft tires and were looking at 1 – 2 stops depending on how the tyres would last with the fuel loads. Stops were expected around the 25 lap mark for 1 stoppers and this proved to enable a fascinating race to develop. The street circuit was perfectly suited to the nimble V8 powered cars as the V12s lost a lot of its power advantage on the tight turns. Vettel was attempting to pull away from a chasing Rosberg but was not able to extend a slender lead. The first casualty of the race happened on lap 7 when the gearbox of Schumacher’s Mercedes broke and caused the 5 time champions retirement. By lap 12 the top 10 were 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 4.334s, 3. J. Button (8) +13.789s, 4. F. Alonso (27) + 15.656s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 17.214s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 20.003s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 22.241s, 8. N. Heidfeld (14) + 24.414s, 9. F. Massa (28) + 27.982s, 10. V. Petrov (20) + 28.716s.
An incident brought out the safety car on lap 17 when the cars of Montagny and Kubica collided and sprayed debris across the track. The safety car was out for 4 laps and the race was back under way normally on lap 23, Rosberg had read the situation very well and was able to get past Vettel at the first corner, Hulkenberg had also pounced and had made short work of Alonso and Webber. The safety car was beneficial for Randle who was able to go from 16th to 13th in a few corners. This was not for long as when the car was attempting to pass Grosjean for 12th, the car missed its breaking and went wide, fortunately the car did not go into the wall as there was adequate run off but it mean the number 13 car fell back down to 19th. By lap 28 some of the leaders started to pit and an incident involving the Ferrari pit crew happened when the right rear tyre on Alonso’s car failed to fit properly and cost the Spaniard a lot of time. He emerged in 12th and this ruined his race for him as he had been in contention for a podium. The Ferrari V12 in the back of Buemi’s Minardi had enough and expired all over the track on lap 32 and brought an end to the Swiss’ race. Massa in lapping Kobayashi suffered a failure when his brakes went and left the Brazilian in the runoff area on lap 35. This then made it even worse for Ferrari when the dodgy right rear wheel succumbed to failure when the tyre had a puncture and the wheel broke off. Unable to get back to the pits the car was disqualified for unsafe driving. Rosberg was now fending off a charging Vettel as a magnificent fight for 1st emerged as both pulled away from the two McLarens and Webber’s Red Bull. On lap 40 the top 10 was 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. S. Vettel (1) + 2.032s, 3. J. Button (8) + 12.987s, 4. M. Webber (2) + 14.146s, 5. L. Hamilton (7) + 16.698s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 22.098s, 7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 25.987s, 8. R. Grosjean (25) + 39.765s, 9. V. Petrov (20) + 55.073s, 10. A. Sutil (15) + 1:01.876s
The Force India team were hopeful of some good luck as their drivers were running in 10th and 12th with Barrichello between them, as this had been a strong performance that had been a long time coming after some poor races. Vettel was now the fastest car on the circuit and was behind Rosberg as the two diced for the lead, tyres were going to play major factor as both needed to stop once more. Rosberg needed to on lap 49 and Vettel was stopping on lap 53, this meant that pressure was on Vettel to enable a pass otherwise risk losing the advantage as Rosberg’s tyres were fading quicker. McLaren were hoping for a coming together as this would have gave them a big lead in the constructors and put pressure on Mercedes in the driver’s championship. A. Randle called it a day when a problem with the cars gearbox left the car only able to select 4th gear, pulling off on the side of the course, a visibly frustrated driver disappeared aware from the press into the motor home. Red Bull had done a masterstroke when Vettel was able to come out first ahead of Rosberg during his pit stop and as Webber had managed to pass Button this would help Red Bull in the hunt for 3rd in the championship. However this was not the end of the race and this led to some frantic final laps as the top 6 places were still not finalised, as by now Hulkenberg was also in the race for 3rd having set what would be the fastest lap on lap 56 with a 1:47.698 to put pressure on the Red Bull and McLarens. A quite race for Modena’s Ricci would end on lap 57 as his car experienced electrical problems and retired from the race. Now though the TV cameras and the race feed were having a hard time on what fight to focus on as the front two battled each other while the race for 3rd was interesting as well as Webber tried to maintain the last podium. A mistake by Hamilton who was in 4th ended his charge on lap 60 while Button could not get past either, at the front Vettel was able to use his tyres to just keep Rosberg behind him to take his 3rd win of the season and still just about leave his title chances alive.
Classification
1. S. Vettel (1) 1 hr 49 mins 33.121s 25pts
2. N. Rosberg (4) + 1.321s 18pts
3. M. Webber (2) + 37.143s 15pts
4. J. Button (8) + 38.003s 12pts
5. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 39.465s 10pts
6. L. Hamilton (7) + 43.221s 8pts
7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 50.453s 6pts
8. R. Grosjean (25) + 1:13.313s 4pts
9. V. Petrov (20) + 1:41.573s 2pts
10. A. Sutil (15) + 1 lap 1pt
11. P. DiResta (16) + 1 lap
12. R. Barrichello (5) + 1 lap
13. J. Trulli (11) + 1 lap
14. S. Perez (30) + 1 lap
15. K. Kobayashi (29) + 1 lap
16. T. Glock (17) + 1 lap
17. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap
18. P. Maldonado (10) + 2 laps
19. G. Ricci (34) + 5 laps Electrical
20. A. Randle (13) 52 laps Gearbox
21. F. Alonso (27) 38 laps Disqualified
22. F. Massa (28) 35 laps Brakes
23. S. Buemi (23) 32 laps Engine
24. R. Kubica (19) 17 laps Collision
25. F. Montagny (26) 17 laps Collision
26. M. Schumacher (3) 7 laps Gearbox
F. Lap: N. Hulkenberg (6) 1:47.698 on lap 56
DOTR: S. Vettel, strong performance over the weekend keeps alive title hopes
ROTR: A. Randle, bad start, rookie mistakes after safety car and problematic gearbox blow what could have been strong points to help secure 5th for Randle BMW.
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 191pts
2. J. Button (8) 171pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) 129pts
4. M. Webber (2) 124pts
5. F. Alonso (27) 116pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 112pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 109pts
8. F. Massa (28) 85pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
10. A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 66pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 57pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 56pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 25pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 18pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 16pts
18. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
= A. Sutil (15) 3pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Mercedes 300pts
= McLaren 300pts
3. Red Bull 236pts
4. Ferrari 201pts
5. Randle BMW 160pts
6. Toleman 122pts
7. Williams 91pts
8. Minardi 43pts
9. Ligier Prost 17pts
10. Modena 14pts
= Team Lotus 14pts
12. Sauber 9pts
13. Force India 6pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
26th September 2011 F1 Fanatic
Honda giving Super Aguri extra support for home grand prix and hoping to give Sato a good send off.
27th September 2011 BBC
Davidson will be in the seat after Sato’s retirement after the Japanese Grand Prix, in terms of permanent seat; part of deal is that if he qualifies and matches Senna then he will be given a drive for 2012.
28th September 2011 The Sun
BMW will allow Heidfeld and Randle to test new engine for Le Mans and Sportscar pursuit.
29th September 2011 BBC
Super Aguri announce sponsorship from Shell Petroleum in a deal that should see the team receive a decent budget to compete next season.
1st October 2011 Autosport
Massa hoping for improved Ferrari performance on a track that should suit their V12 after the engine received its final upgrades of the season.
2nd October 2011 Autosport
Rosberg confident of a strong performance as grasp on championship becomes tighter.
6th October 2011 Japanese Grand Prix Prequalifying
Confidence was high for the lambo team as both of their cars comfortably prequalified ahead of the V8s. It was a tight battle for the remaining places that saw Hispania almost gets both cars through, only to be thwarted on the last run of Maldonado’s Arrows.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:33.789
2. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:33.923
3. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M) 1:34.513
4. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:34.854
5. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M) 1:34.912
6. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:35.662
7. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:35.798
8. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:36.832
8th October 2011 Japanese Grand Prix Qualifying
1. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:31.210
2. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G) 1:31.334
3. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M) 1:31.461
4. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) 1:31.501
5. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes (8) (M) 1:31.532
6. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes (7) (M) 1:31.614
7. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault (2) (G) 1:31.689
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M) 1:31.822
9. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW (14) (G) 1:31.944
10. A. Randle, Randle BMW (13) (G) 1:32.043
11. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P) 1:32.143
12. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G) 1:32.312
13. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:32.376
14. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:32.465
15. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:32.501
16. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:32.553
17. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:32.687
18. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:32.717
19. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:32.883
20. T. Sato, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:32.949
21. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:33.132
22. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:33.314
23. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:33.402
24. P. DiResta, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:33.655
25. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M), 1:33.761
26. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:33.901
27. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P) 1:33.910
28. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (M) 1:34.143
29. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:34.278
30. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:34.401
9th October 2011 Japanese Grand Prix 53 laps
The stands at Suzuka were packed, not surprisingly with the renewed interest in Formula One, with Honda returning as an engine supplier, two Japanese drivers and a team on the tenth row it meant that anticipation was high from the crowd. Sato had qualified his Super Aguri a very respectable 20th in his last race, many at Honda had attempted to convince him to continue. However as the season has been difficult the decision was made to allow a younger driver to take the reins and help develop the team for 2012. Vettel’s pole had placed the defending champion in a brilliant spot to try and stop Rosberg in 3rd from extending his championship lead. It was now out of Vettel’s hands as he had to overcome 79 points with 5 races remaining; now several wins and retirements for Rosberg would aid Vettel. The weather was warm and Sunny for the race and unusually no rain was expected, this meant that tyres would be the deciding factor and reliability on a circuit that was tough on Gearboxes and Engines. As the cars went round on the parade some luck for the championship chasers was given as Rosberg's engine broke on the parade lap and forced his retirement from the race. The cars lined up on the grid amidst a small confusion and delay as the blown Mercedes was removed from the circuit. The Lights went out and Vettel made a brilliant start into the first corner followed by Massa and Button. Alonso had a slow start and was down in 6th, towards the back of the grid a collision between Senna and Montagny would end their races at the first corner, this was further added with a broken gearbox for Randle after the esses leaving the number of participants down to 22. The early laps would see the field spread out a bit as high fuel loads and cold tyres meant that the race would be a slow burner and likely to really ignite around the late 30s. At lap 6 an electrical fault would put the end to Mercedes weekend when Schumacher’s car suffered the problem, the team were annoyed as their drivers as valuable points in their duel effort for the drivers and constructors championship. By lap 10 the top 10 positions were 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. J. Button (8) + 2.143s, 3. F. Massa (28) + 5.335s, 4. M. Webber (2) + 9.786s, 5. F. Alonso (27) + 12.121s, 6. L. Hamilton (7) +13.090s, 7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 13.876s, 8. S. Buemi (23) + 15.123s, 9. V. Petrov (20) + 15.789s, 10. R. Barrichello (5) + 17.390s.
With the cars reasonably close together it meant that mistakes would be costly as the track in places was hard to overtake on, the hairpin before spoon curve and the chicane before the start finish lane would see a few passes in the race. A brilliant move by Hamilton would see him demote Alonso to 6th as he overtook him on the outside going into 130R on lap 17; the Super Aguri of Sato had made some places and was in 14th ahead of the chasing Lamborghinis. Another gearbox would break on lap 21 as Hulkenberg’s Williams decided it had enough and it expired narrowly in front of Sutil and DiResta’s Force India’s. Fortunately those cars survived the scare and continued racing, on lap 24 some cars started to pit and changed to medium tyres as part of a 2 stop strategy. This muddled the midfield up a little as those on 1 stop were separated and meant that the battles for the teen places would be frantic and close matched between those on different tyre compounds. Confusion broke out in the Minardi pits as both Buemi and Alguersuari were brought in on the same lap, fortunately Buemi did not lose much time as he rejoined 12th, however Jaime would drop to 18th as the delay caused a lengthy pit stop. Lap 28 – 31 would see the leaders pit in and for those lap a different car was in the lead, with Vettel, Button, Webber and Hamilton each swapping places as Massa’s tyre wear saw the Brazilian drop to 8th. 2 drivers were disqualified on lap 33 for push starts after a collision at the chicane, this would end Barrichello’s and Petrov’s races as both were black flagged. Red Bull’s tyres were now coming into their own as both Webber and Vettel were able to set the fastest laps on the circuit and pull away from Button in 3rd place. On lap 36 the top 10 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. S. Vettel (1) + 5.546s, 3. J. Button (8) +14.571s, 4. F. Alonso (27) + 16.423s, 5. L. Hamilton (7) + 19.764s, 6. F. Massa (28) + 24.756s, 7. N. Heidfeld (14) + 35.848s, 8. A. Sutil (15) + 41.139s, 9. S. Buemi (23) + 43.212s, 10. R. Kubica (19) + 47.891s.
The last retirement would happen on lap 38 when Heidfeld who had been having a comfortable race in 7th suffered an engine blow up when the V12 BMW engine went. The Japanese drivers were having a battle for 14th that drew support from the crowd as the veteran Sato kept the young pretender Kobayashi behind him for a series of laps. Back at the front on lap 43 Webber would set the fastest lap of the race with a 1:35.783. This fast lap had built him 9 seconds of lead over Vettel who was now being caught by Button. The final 10 laps would see a surge of pace for the leading teams and help to narrow leads ahead of them. As there were no more retirements it would leave 17 cars to finish, Button almost passed Vettel on lap 47 when they were coming up to lap 13th place Grosjean. Vettel managed to guide his line and it made Button go on the outside of the turn at the chicane. Sato further caused cheers from the crowd as he passed Riccardio for 12th, however this was short lived as a lap later he fell down to 14th as the car had tyre wear problems. At the front a jubilant Webber took his 2nd win of the season ahead of a relieved Vettel that had been keeping a fast Button behind him for several laps. Di Resta stopped on the track some 3 laps down as the last few laps have seen him drop from 11th with car problems
Classification
1. M. Webber (2) 1hr 33mins 56.567 25pts
2. S. Vettel (1) + 14.364s 18pts
3. J. Button (8) + 15.876s 15pts
4. F. Alonso (27) + 25.365s 12pts
5. F. Massa (28) + 33.876s 10pts
6. L. Hamilton (7) + 36.987s 8pts
7. S. Buemi (23) + 59.093s 6pts
8. R. Kubica (19) + 1:04.678s 4pts
9. A. Sutil (15) + 1:10.564s 2pts
10. J. Alguersuari (24) + 1 lap 1pt
11. G. Ricci (34) + 1 lap
12. D. Riccardio + 1 lap
13. T. Sato + 1 lap
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 1 lap
15. K. Kobayashi (29) + 1 lap
16. H. Kovalainen (12) + 1 lap
17. P. DiResta (16) + 3 laps
18. N. Heidfeld (14) 38 laps Engine
19. V. Petrov (20) 33 laps Disqualified
20. R. Barrichello (5) 33 laps Disqualified
21. N. Hulkenberg (6) 21 laps Gearbox
22. M. Schumacher (3) 6 laps Electrical
23. A. Randle (13) 0 laps Gearbox
24. F. Montagny (26) 0 laps Collision
25. B. Senna (31) 0 laps Collision
26. N. Rosberg (4) DNS Engine
F. Lap M. Webber (2) 1:35.783 on lap 43
DOTR: M. Webber, going from 7th to 1st and still giving Red Bull a shot at both titles
ROTR: Mercedes, A good result here could have placed both titles firmly in their grasp, now going to be looking over their shoulder more.
Championship (* indicates still in contention)
1. N. Rosberg (4) 191pts *
2. J. Button (8) 186pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 149pts*
4. L. Hamilton (7) 137pts*
5. S. Vettel (1) 130pts*
6. F. Alonso (27) 128pts*
7. M. Schumacher (3) 109pts*
8. F. Massa (28) 95pts*
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
10. A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 66pts
12. R. Kubica (19) 60pts
13. N. Hulkenberg (6) 57pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 26pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 16pts
18. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 8pts
20. K. Kobayashi (29) 7pts
21. H. Kovalainen (12) 6pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 5pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 3pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors (* indicates still in contention)
1. McLaren 323pts*
2. Mercedes 300pts*
3. Red Bull 279pts*
4. Ferrari 223pts*
5. Randle BMW 160pts*
6. Toleman 126pts
7. Williams 91pts
8. Minardi 50pts
9. Ligier Prost 17pts
10. Modena 14pts
= Team Lotus 14pts
12. Sauber 9pts
13. Force India 8pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
10th October 2011 BBC
Mercedes rue bad luck as title race opens up
11th October 2011 Autosport
Liuzzi will be back in the car for Korea and India as DiResta as DTM commitments
12th October 2011 F1Fanatic
Davidson confident of getting on grid as test went well at Fuji Speedway
13th October 2011 Korean Grand Prix Prequalifying
The Arrows team had some long awaited luck as both of their cars went into main qualifying with the two Lambos, HRT and Virgin would narrowly miss out in a close session.
1. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:37.896
2. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:37.935
3. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:38.112
4. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:38.267
5. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M) 1:38.302
6. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:38.414
7. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:38.476
8. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M) 1:38.515
15th October 2011 Korean Grand Prix Qualifying
1. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:33.897
2. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault (2) (G) 1:33.930
3. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M) 1:34.132
4. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes (8) (M) 1:34.216
5. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes (7) (M) 1:34.297
6. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G) 1:34.414
7. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M) 1:34.501
8. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth (6) (G) 1:34.546
9. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault (20) (P) 1:34.654
10. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault (19) (P) 1:34.717
11. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth (5) G) 1:34.764
12. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G) 1:34.775
13. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G) 1:34.812
14. A. Randle, Randle BMW (13) (G) 1:34.845
15. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault (11) (P) 1:34.997
16. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault (12) (P) 1:35.123
17. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P) 1:35.199
18. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M) 1:35.313
19. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes (29) (G) 1:35.456
20. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes (3) (G) 1:35.568
21. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P) 1:35.650
22. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes (16) (M) 1:35.765
23. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault (25) (M) 1:35.934
24. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:36.012
25. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda (31) (M) 1:36.021
26. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda (32) (M) 1:36.297
27. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari (24) (P) 1:36.425
28. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari (23) (P) 1:36.621
29. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault (26) (M) 1:36.815
30. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:36.987
16th October 2011 Korean Grand Prix 55 laps
The weather for this crucial weekend for both championships was dry to begin but would bring rain around lap 32. A good race was vital for the Red Bulls as they still had a chance to win both; the pressure was on Mercedes to reclaim a stronghold on both. McLaren had been running well and looked competitive, with race strategy likely to be decided on going on the right tyres in the right weather, teams would be unsure if the conditions would require intermediates or full wets. The cars lined up for the grid and the lights went out with Rosberg beating the two Red Bulls into the first corner, Massa lost a lot of places after being pushed off the track at the first corner and rejoined at the back of the pack. The first lap went without incident; however the course did make it quite competitive as cars frantically changed places in the dry. This was shown with how Rosberg and the Red Bulls battled on the opening few laps as each tried to control the race. A good start by Hulkenberg who had rose to 4th was keeping faster cars behind him as the front three pulled away at roughly a second a lap as the cars behind the Williams struggled to get past. The first retirement of the race happened on lap 12 when the steering of Barrichello’s Williams broke and the Brazilian retired from 8th. By lap 15 the race was heating up as Hulkenberg was going faster and the train behind him was spreading out but they were now some 12 laps off the front 3. The top 10 on this lap were: 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. M. Webber (2) + 1.324s, 3. S. Vettel (1) + 1.586s, 4. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 13.452s, 5. F. Alonso (27) + 14.717s, 6. J. Button (8) + 16.553s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 18.821s, 8. M. Schumacher (3) + 19.123s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 20.778s, 10. J. Trulli (11) + 24.143s.
Battle at the front intensified as the round of pit stops for new tyres on lap 21 caused some positions to change and problems for some drivers. A mistake by the Toleman pit crew would cause Petrov to retire as he exited the pits, a wheel fell off after not being put on properly. More rejectful moments happened when the Super Aguri of Davidson collided with the pit entry and damaged the car causing it to retire on the same lap. As the race resorted it out from these pit stops Vettel would post the fastest lap of the race with a 1:38.677s on lap 24 which would be one of the last dry laps of the race. This was because on lap 29 the expected rain came and it was heavy, in a matter of laps the track was wet due to torrential rain which forced the safety car to come out as several cars would slide off the track and retire from the race. On lap 35 after a big collision between Button, Rosberg and Alonso sprayed debris everywhere the race was red flagged due to the weather conditions. It would be some 45 minutes later before the race would be restarted as the rain eased off but was still a very wet track. The race would be restarted under safety car conditions and the positions of the remaining 15 drivers were: 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. M. Webber (2), 3. N. Hulkenberg (6), 4. M. Schumacher (3), 5. R. Kubica (19), 6. N. Heidfeld (14), 7. J. Trulli (11), 8. H. Kovalainen (12), 9. A. Sutil (15) 10. K. Kobayashi (29), 11. V. Liuzzi (16), 12. D. Riccardio (33), 13. B. Senna (31), 14. R. Grosjean (25) and 15. P. Maldonado (10). The cars were all on full wets and the safety car went in on lap 43 which leads to Webber passing Vettel for the lead of the race, as all the cars were on the lead lap it meant that the rain played a factor as cars tried to get into the top 10. The last two retirements of the race happened on lap 43 and 44 as the engine of Kubica blew and Heidfeld’s gearbox broke. The race if it was stopped now would be allocated full points as the 75% mark had been passed, fortunately the race would reach the end despite more rain hitting the track in the last few laps of the race. It would be in this pit that Vettel would pass Webber for the win and give Red Bull a vital 1 – 2 that gave them a good haul of points, celebrations for Team Lotus who had two drivers inside the top 6 and for Force India whose points haul would help the team in their quest to not have to prequalify for next season. Schumacher rounded out the podium and claimed vital points for Mercedes after a brilliant overtaking move on the last lap to claim 3rd.
Classification
1. S. Vettel (1) 1hr 55mins 23.542s 25pts
2. M. Webber (2) + 2.567s 18pts
3. M. Schumacher (3) + 12.674s 15pts
4. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 13.423s 12pts
5. H. Kovalainen (12) + 16.345s 10pts
6. J. Trulli (11) + 18.456s 8pts
7. K. Kobayashi (29) + 23.456s 6pts
8. R. Grosjean (25) + 25.717s 4pts
9. A. Sutil (15) + 26.512s 2pts
10. V. Liuzzi (16) + 28.345s 1pt
11. B. Senna (31) + 31.876s
12. D. Riccardio (33) +33.225s
13. P. Maldonado (10) +35.442s
14. N. Heidfeld (14) 44 laps Gearbox
15. R. Kubica (19) 43 laps Engine
16. J. Button (8) 35 laps Collision
17. N. Rosberg (4) 35 laps Collision
18. F. Alonso (27) 35 laps Collision
19. L. Hamilton (7) 31 laps Accident
20. F. Massa (28) 31 laps Collision
21. A. Randle (13) 31 laps Collision
22. G. Ricci (34) 30 laps Accident
23. S. Perez (30) 30 laps Accident
24. A. Davidson (32) 21 laps Collision
25. V. Petrov (20) 21 laps Wheel
26. R. Barrichello (5) 12 laps steering
F. Lap S. Vettel 1:38.677 on lap 24
DOTR: Vettel drove well in difficult conditions to aid a title bid that was fading.
ROTR: Davidson for amateur antics in the pit lane that could have lead to a better result for Super Aguri
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 191pts*
2. J. Button (8) 186pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 167pts*
4. S. Vettel (1) 155pts*
5. L. Hamilton (7) 137pts*
6. F. Alonso (27) 128pts*
7. M. Schumacher (3) 124pts*
8. F. Massa (28) 95pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
10. A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. N. Hulkenberg (6) 69pts
12. V. Petrov (20) 66pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 60pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 26pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
18. H. Kovalainen (12) 16pts
= J. Trulli (11) 16pts
20. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
21. K. Kobayashi (29) 13pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
25. B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 323pts*
2. Red Bull 322pts*
3. Mercedes 315pts*
4. Ferrari 223pts*
5. Randle BMW 160pts
6. Toleman 126pts
7. Williams 103pts
8. Minardi 50pts
9. Team Lotus 32pts
10. Ligier Prost 21pts
11. Sauber 15pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
17. HRT 0pts
Mercedes rue bad luck as title race opens up
11th October 2011 Autosport
Liuzzi will be back in the car for Korea and India as DiResta as DTM commitments
12th October 2011 F1Fanatic
Davidson confident of getting on grid as test went well at Fuji Speedway
13th October 2011 Korean Grand Prix Prequalifying
The Arrows team had some long awaited luck as both of their cars went into main qualifying with the two Lambos, HRT and Virgin would narrowly miss out in a close session.
1. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:37.896
2. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:37.935
3. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:38.112
4. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:38.267
5. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M) 1:38.302
6. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:38.414
7. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:38.476
8. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M) 1:38.515
15th October 2011 Korean Grand Prix Qualifying
1. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:33.897
2. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault (2) (G) 1:33.930
3. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M) 1:34.132
4. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes (8) (M) 1:34.216
5. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes (7) (M) 1:34.297
6. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G) 1:34.414
7. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M) 1:34.501
8. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth (6) (G) 1:34.546
9. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault (20) (P) 1:34.654
10. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault (19) (P) 1:34.717
11. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth (5) G) 1:34.764
12. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G) 1:34.775
13. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G) 1:34.812
14. A. Randle, Randle BMW (13) (G) 1:34.845
15. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault (11) (P) 1:34.997
16. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault (12) (P) 1:35.123
17. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P) 1:35.199
18. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M) 1:35.313
19. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes (29) (G) 1:35.456
20. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes (3) (G) 1:35.568
21. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P) 1:35.650
22. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes (16) (M) 1:35.765
23. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault (25) (M) 1:35.934
24. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:36.012
25. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda (31) (M) 1:36.021
26. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda (32) (M) 1:36.297
27. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari (24) (P) 1:36.425
28. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari (23) (P) 1:36.621
29. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault (26) (M) 1:36.815
30. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:36.987
16th October 2011 Korean Grand Prix 55 laps
The weather for this crucial weekend for both championships was dry to begin but would bring rain around lap 32. A good race was vital for the Red Bulls as they still had a chance to win both; the pressure was on Mercedes to reclaim a stronghold on both. McLaren had been running well and looked competitive, with race strategy likely to be decided on going on the right tyres in the right weather, teams would be unsure if the conditions would require intermediates or full wets. The cars lined up for the grid and the lights went out with Rosberg beating the two Red Bulls into the first corner, Massa lost a lot of places after being pushed off the track at the first corner and rejoined at the back of the pack. The first lap went without incident; however the course did make it quite competitive as cars frantically changed places in the dry. This was shown with how Rosberg and the Red Bulls battled on the opening few laps as each tried to control the race. A good start by Hulkenberg who had rose to 4th was keeping faster cars behind him as the front three pulled away at roughly a second a lap as the cars behind the Williams struggled to get past. The first retirement of the race happened on lap 12 when the steering of Barrichello’s Williams broke and the Brazilian retired from 8th. By lap 15 the race was heating up as Hulkenberg was going faster and the train behind him was spreading out but they were now some 12 laps off the front 3. The top 10 on this lap were: 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. M. Webber (2) + 1.324s, 3. S. Vettel (1) + 1.586s, 4. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 13.452s, 5. F. Alonso (27) + 14.717s, 6. J. Button (8) + 16.553s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 18.821s, 8. M. Schumacher (3) + 19.123s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 20.778s, 10. J. Trulli (11) + 24.143s.
Battle at the front intensified as the round of pit stops for new tyres on lap 21 caused some positions to change and problems for some drivers. A mistake by the Toleman pit crew would cause Petrov to retire as he exited the pits, a wheel fell off after not being put on properly. More rejectful moments happened when the Super Aguri of Davidson collided with the pit entry and damaged the car causing it to retire on the same lap. As the race resorted it out from these pit stops Vettel would post the fastest lap of the race with a 1:38.677s on lap 24 which would be one of the last dry laps of the race. This was because on lap 29 the expected rain came and it was heavy, in a matter of laps the track was wet due to torrential rain which forced the safety car to come out as several cars would slide off the track and retire from the race. On lap 35 after a big collision between Button, Rosberg and Alonso sprayed debris everywhere the race was red flagged due to the weather conditions. It would be some 45 minutes later before the race would be restarted as the rain eased off but was still a very wet track. The race would be restarted under safety car conditions and the positions of the remaining 15 drivers were: 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. M. Webber (2), 3. N. Hulkenberg (6), 4. M. Schumacher (3), 5. R. Kubica (19), 6. N. Heidfeld (14), 7. J. Trulli (11), 8. H. Kovalainen (12), 9. A. Sutil (15) 10. K. Kobayashi (29), 11. V. Liuzzi (16), 12. D. Riccardio (33), 13. B. Senna (31), 14. R. Grosjean (25) and 15. P. Maldonado (10). The cars were all on full wets and the safety car went in on lap 43 which leads to Webber passing Vettel for the lead of the race, as all the cars were on the lead lap it meant that the rain played a factor as cars tried to get into the top 10. The last two retirements of the race happened on lap 43 and 44 as the engine of Kubica blew and Heidfeld’s gearbox broke. The race if it was stopped now would be allocated full points as the 75% mark had been passed, fortunately the race would reach the end despite more rain hitting the track in the last few laps of the race. It would be in this pit that Vettel would pass Webber for the win and give Red Bull a vital 1 – 2 that gave them a good haul of points, celebrations for Team Lotus who had two drivers inside the top 6 and for Force India whose points haul would help the team in their quest to not have to prequalify for next season. Schumacher rounded out the podium and claimed vital points for Mercedes after a brilliant overtaking move on the last lap to claim 3rd.
Classification
1. S. Vettel (1) 1hr 55mins 23.542s 25pts
2. M. Webber (2) + 2.567s 18pts
3. M. Schumacher (3) + 12.674s 15pts
4. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 13.423s 12pts
5. H. Kovalainen (12) + 16.345s 10pts
6. J. Trulli (11) + 18.456s 8pts
7. K. Kobayashi (29) + 23.456s 6pts
8. R. Grosjean (25) + 25.717s 4pts
9. A. Sutil (15) + 26.512s 2pts
10. V. Liuzzi (16) + 28.345s 1pt
11. B. Senna (31) + 31.876s
12. D. Riccardio (33) +33.225s
13. P. Maldonado (10) +35.442s
14. N. Heidfeld (14) 44 laps Gearbox
15. R. Kubica (19) 43 laps Engine
16. J. Button (8) 35 laps Collision
17. N. Rosberg (4) 35 laps Collision
18. F. Alonso (27) 35 laps Collision
19. L. Hamilton (7) 31 laps Accident
20. F. Massa (28) 31 laps Collision
21. A. Randle (13) 31 laps Collision
22. G. Ricci (34) 30 laps Accident
23. S. Perez (30) 30 laps Accident
24. A. Davidson (32) 21 laps Collision
25. V. Petrov (20) 21 laps Wheel
26. R. Barrichello (5) 12 laps steering
F. Lap S. Vettel 1:38.677 on lap 24
DOTR: Vettel drove well in difficult conditions to aid a title bid that was fading.
ROTR: Davidson for amateur antics in the pit lane that could have lead to a better result for Super Aguri
Championship
1. N. Rosberg (4) 191pts*
2. J. Button (8) 186pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 167pts*
4. S. Vettel (1) 155pts*
5. L. Hamilton (7) 137pts*
6. F. Alonso (27) 128pts*
7. M. Schumacher (3) 124pts*
8. F. Massa (28) 95pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
10. A. Randle (13) 77pts
11. N. Hulkenberg (6) 69pts
12. V. Petrov (20) 66pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 60pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 34pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 26pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
18. H. Kovalainen (12) 16pts
= J. Trulli (11) 16pts
20. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
21. K. Kobayashi (29) 13pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
25. B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 323pts*
2. Red Bull 322pts*
3. Mercedes 315pts*
4. Ferrari 223pts*
5. Randle BMW 160pts
6. Toleman 126pts
7. Williams 103pts
8. Minardi 50pts
9. Team Lotus 32pts
10. Ligier Prost 21pts
11. Sauber 15pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
17. HRT 0pts
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
17th October 2011 Autosport
Red Bull stake claim for both titles with excellent result that saw rivals suffer
18th October 2011 Sky Sports
Stewart: Realistically the title is now between Rosberg, Button and the Red Bulls, this means that Schumacher and Hamilton need to take on a number 2 role.
19th October 2011 F1Fanatic
Fernandes jubilant after his drivers achieve Team Lotus’ first top 6 double finishes since 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix.
20th October 2011 BBC News
Alonso: I think our chance of the title has gone due to unreliability of the car.
21st October 2011 F1Fanatic
Seats still filled up after many teams still have unconfirmed line ups.
Red Bull
Vettel, Webber
Mercedes
Schumacher, Rosberg
Williams
Raikkonen, Hulkenberg
McLaren
Hamilton, Button
Arrows
Maldonado?
Randle BMW
A. Randle, Heidfeld
Force India
Paul DiResta, Sutil?, Liuzzi?
Virgin
Glock, D’ambrosio?
Toleman
Kubica, Petrov
HRT
Klien?, Chandhock
Minardi
Buemi?, Alguersuari?
Ligier
Grosjean, Montagny?
Ferrari
Alonso, Massa
Sauber
Kobayashi, Perez
Super Aguri
Senna, Davidson?
Modena
Riccardio?, Pantano?, Ricci
Art Grand Prix
Winklehock, Bourdais
Stefan Grand Prix
Nakajima?,
With at least 8 seats left to fill, it could be a good chance for young and ex drivers to have a chance to be on the books for 2012.
22nd October 2011 The Sun
India is ready to host the race at end of the month and expecting the track to be very fast due to the flowing layout.
23rd October 2011 F1.com
Virgin to be called Marussia from 2012 with Virgin remaining title sponsor after Russian car maker buys controlling stake in team.
24th October 2011 Autosport
Ligier confirm Grosjean and Montagny to continue for 2012, Di Resta is confirmed in one of the Force India seats. De La Rosa may be taking over Klien’s HRT seat.
27th October 2011 Indian Grand Prix Prequalifying
1. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:25.897
2. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:25.989
3. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:26.434
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:26.616
5. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:26.699
6. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:26.876
7. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:26.909
8. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:27.201
29th October 2011 Indian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:23.919
2. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:24.087
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:24.213
4. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:24.365
5. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:24.378
6. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:24.423
7. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:24.509
8. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:24.664
9. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:24.712
10. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:24.740
11. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:24.920
12. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:25.001
13. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:25.121
14. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:25.267
15. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G) 1:25.401
16. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:25.435
17. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:25.689
18. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:25.722
19. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:25.798
20. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:25.876
21. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:26.013
22. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:26.044
23. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:26.133
24. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:26.221
25. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:26.348
26. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:26.400
27. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes (15) (M), 1:26.451
28. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:26.598
29. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G), 1:26.801
30. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:27.378
30th October 2011 Indian Grand Prix 60 laps
The celebrations were wild in Hispania’s garage as they finally managed to make a race start since the European Grand Prix. Ferrari hoped for a good race as the team had locked out the front row, the V12 Ferrari engines had done well on the circuit, with the Minardi team in 12th and 13th. The cars set off on their parade lap in glorious sunshine with all 26 cars suffering no problems on the parade lap. The cars slotted in their grid positions ready for the lights to start the 60 lap race, when they went out, the Ferraris had made a strong start to go lead the race through the first corner. Not all 26 cars made it through as Kovalainen and Hulkenberg collided and both were out of the race, after a good result last time it meant disappointment for the two drivers. The massive straight was perfect for the V12 engines meaning the Ferraris were able to pull a lead and through the next few corners that were perfect for Massa and Alonso’s set ups. The lack of turbulent air produced by the cars meant that many cars were able to run quite closely together in the opening laps, Rosberg now running 7th was gaining on 6th place of Petrov as both went through turns 7 and 8. The Mercedes crew were hoping for both cars to achieve strong points finishes as both had struggled in the last few races. A gearbox failure happened to Montagny on the 7th lap that forced the Ligier driver to pull into the pits and out of 20th. On the 12th lap the top 10 were 1. F. Massa (28), 2. F. Alonso (27) + 1.089s, 3. M. Schumacher (3) + 8.903s, 4. S. Vettel (1) + 12.767s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 14.132s, 6. V. Petrov (20) + 15.023s, 7. N. Rosberg (4) + 15.989s, 8. J. Button (8) + 18.112s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 21.232s, 10. L. Hamilton (7) + 23.314s.
Those on the options which were on softs had to start pitting on lap 17 as part of a possible 3 stop strategy whilst those on mediums would not have to stop till lap 26. The Ferrari of Massa and Vettel would both pit on this lap while their teammates would pit a few laps later. As this was causing the top 10 to be mixed up as those on different strategies started to come into play, this was significant as the Randle BMWs of Heidfeld and Randle were able to race each other as both of their tyres were on the optimal limit and were able to get into the top 10 and displaced the McLaren of Hamilton and Kubica. The battle at the front took an exciting turn when Massa made a mistake and let Alonso threw and almost went down to 3rd as Webber had a chance on the outside of turn 10. There was disappointment for reigning champion Vettel as a fuel leak on lap 25 happened to certainly end the current champion’s hopes of regaining his championship; this was good news for Mercedes as it meant that Rosberg needed to pick up the pace to enable another challenger to be knocked out of the battle. Around the 30 lap mark the race was heating up as the Ferraris were not drawn into a battle with Webber and Schumacher who was having a strong race in the Mercedes, Button would make what would be a decisive overtake when on the long straight he was able to pass Rosberg into the hairpin. Hamilton’s charge in 7th was over when the Mercedes engine blew up throwing oil on the track on lap 32. By lap 35 the top 10 were 1. F. Alonso (27), 2. M. Webber (2) + 1.432, 3. F. Massa (28) +3.010s, 4. M. Schumacher (3) + 5.781s, 5. J. Button (8) +18.662s, 6. N. Rosberg (4) + 20.031s, 7. V. Petrov (20) + 22.280s, 8. A. Randle (13) + 24.412s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 30.304s, 10. J. Alguersuari (24) + 34.145s
The oil that had been spilled early claimed a victim when while attempting to overtake Petrov after he had left the pits and while going through the first few corners Heidfeld spun on the oil and crashed off the course. Back at the front Massa was able to catch up to the leading two and in a magnificent manoeuvre that saw him overtake Webber and Alonso into 1st going through turn 11 and then Webber went from 3rd to 2nd passing Alonso on the exit and going through turn 12. With the 3rd stoppers coming in on lap 47 after the 2nd stoppers on lap 39 meant that only 35 seconds covered the top 6 with 20secs covering the top 4 with a now chasing Button who was on the fastest tyres catching up with the top 4 who were on the slower primes. Rosberg’s race was effectively over when after speeding in the pits, the German was given a drive through penalty which dropped the Mercedes to 9th. Schumacher’s pace was also dropping off as he fell from 4th to 7th in the final laps of the race. With no retirements and the tyres at the optimum on a bedded in track Button was able to set the fastest lap on lap 54 with a 1:26.873. With the laps running out the McLaren was stuck behind Alonso in 4th as Webber was able to pass Massa on the last lap to take victory for Red Bull by a small margin.
Classification
1. M. Webber (2) 1hr 28 mins 56.342s 25pts
2. F. Massa (28) +1.001s 18pts
3. F. Alonso (27) +5.981s 15pts
4. J. Button (8) +6.787s 12pts
5. V. Petrov (20) + 12.098s 10pts
6. A. Randle (13) + 14.134s 8pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) + 23.143s 6pts
8. R. Kubica (19) + 30.142s 4pts
9. N. Rosberg (4) + 45.153s 2pts
10. R. Barrichello (5) + 1:01.778s 1pt
11. J. Alguersuari (24) + 1:12.987s
12. S. Buemi (23) + 1:15.626s
13. D. Riccardio (33) +1:23.079s
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 1 lap
15. G. Ricci (34) + 1 lap
16. S. Perez (30) + 1lap
17. V. Liuzzi (16) +1lap
18. K. Kobayashi (29) +1lap
19. J. Trulli (11) + 2laps
20. K. Chandhock (21) + 4 laps
21. N. Heidfeld (14) 37 laps spun off
22. L. Hamilton (7) 32 laps Engine
23. S. Vettel (1) 25 laps Fuel leak
24. F. Montagny (26) 7 laps Gearbox
25. H. Kovalainen (12) 0 laps Collision
26. N. Hulkenberg (6) 0 laps Collision
F.Lap: J. Button (8) 1:26.873 on lap 54
DOTR: Webber for making the most of his tyres and strategy to keep Red Bull in the hunt for the title with an emphatic 3rd win.
ROTR: Rosberg, pressure is getting to the championship leader as another race is squandered
Championship
1. J. Button (8) 198pts*
2. N. Rosberg (4) 193pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 192pts*
4. S. Vettel (1) 155pts*
5. F. Alonso (27) 143pts
6. L. Hamilton (7) 137pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 130pts
8. F. Massa (28) 113pts
9. A. Randle (13) 85pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 76pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 69pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 64pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 35pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 26pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
18. H. Kovalainen (12) 16pts
= J. Trulli (11) 16pts
20. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
21. K. Kobayashi (29) 13pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
25. B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Red Bull 347pts*
2. McLaren 335pts*
3. Mercedes 323pts*
4. Ferrari 256pts
5. Randle BMW 168pts
6. Toleman 140pts
7. Williams 104pts
8. Minardi 50pts
9. Team Lotus 32pts
10. Ligier Prost 21pts
11. Sauber 15pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
17. HRT 0pts
Red Bull stake claim for both titles with excellent result that saw rivals suffer
18th October 2011 Sky Sports
Stewart: Realistically the title is now between Rosberg, Button and the Red Bulls, this means that Schumacher and Hamilton need to take on a number 2 role.
19th October 2011 F1Fanatic
Fernandes jubilant after his drivers achieve Team Lotus’ first top 6 double finishes since 1993 Brazilian Grand Prix.
20th October 2011 BBC News
Alonso: I think our chance of the title has gone due to unreliability of the car.
21st October 2011 F1Fanatic
Seats still filled up after many teams still have unconfirmed line ups.
Red Bull
Vettel, Webber
Mercedes
Schumacher, Rosberg
Williams
Raikkonen, Hulkenberg
McLaren
Hamilton, Button
Arrows
Maldonado?
Randle BMW
A. Randle, Heidfeld
Force India
Paul DiResta, Sutil?, Liuzzi?
Virgin
Glock, D’ambrosio?
Toleman
Kubica, Petrov
HRT
Klien?, Chandhock
Minardi
Buemi?, Alguersuari?
Ligier
Grosjean, Montagny?
Ferrari
Alonso, Massa
Sauber
Kobayashi, Perez
Super Aguri
Senna, Davidson?
Modena
Riccardio?, Pantano?, Ricci
Art Grand Prix
Winklehock, Bourdais
Stefan Grand Prix
Nakajima?,
With at least 8 seats left to fill, it could be a good chance for young and ex drivers to have a chance to be on the books for 2012.
22nd October 2011 The Sun
India is ready to host the race at end of the month and expecting the track to be very fast due to the flowing layout.
23rd October 2011 F1.com
Virgin to be called Marussia from 2012 with Virgin remaining title sponsor after Russian car maker buys controlling stake in team.
24th October 2011 Autosport
Ligier confirm Grosjean and Montagny to continue for 2012, Di Resta is confirmed in one of the Force India seats. De La Rosa may be taking over Klien’s HRT seat.
27th October 2011 Indian Grand Prix Prequalifying
1. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:25.897
2. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:25.989
3. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:26.434
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G), 1:26.616
5. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P), 1:26.699
6. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M), 1:26.876
7. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G), 1:26.909
8. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P), 1:27.201
29th October 2011 Indian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:23.919
2. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:24.087
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G), 1:24.213
4. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G), 1:24.365
5. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M), 1:24.378
6. M. Schumacher, Mercedes, (3) (M), 1:24.423
7. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M), 1:24.509
8. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P), 1:24.664
9. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G), 1:24.712
10. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M), 1:24.740
11. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P), 1:24.920
12. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P), 1:25.001
13. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari, (24) (P), 1:25.121
14. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) (P), 1:25.267
15. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G) 1:25.401
16. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth, (6) (G), 1:25.435
17. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P), 1:25.689
18. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G), 1:25.722
19. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M), 1:25.798
20. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P), 1:25.876
21. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (G), 1:26.013
22. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G), 1:26.044
23. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P), 1:26.133
24. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M), 1:26.221
25. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M), 1:26.348
26. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M), 1:26.400
27. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes (15) (M), 1:26.451
28. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M), 1:26.598
29. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G), 1:26.801
30. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M), 1:27.378
30th October 2011 Indian Grand Prix 60 laps
The celebrations were wild in Hispania’s garage as they finally managed to make a race start since the European Grand Prix. Ferrari hoped for a good race as the team had locked out the front row, the V12 Ferrari engines had done well on the circuit, with the Minardi team in 12th and 13th. The cars set off on their parade lap in glorious sunshine with all 26 cars suffering no problems on the parade lap. The cars slotted in their grid positions ready for the lights to start the 60 lap race, when they went out, the Ferraris had made a strong start to go lead the race through the first corner. Not all 26 cars made it through as Kovalainen and Hulkenberg collided and both were out of the race, after a good result last time it meant disappointment for the two drivers. The massive straight was perfect for the V12 engines meaning the Ferraris were able to pull a lead and through the next few corners that were perfect for Massa and Alonso’s set ups. The lack of turbulent air produced by the cars meant that many cars were able to run quite closely together in the opening laps, Rosberg now running 7th was gaining on 6th place of Petrov as both went through turns 7 and 8. The Mercedes crew were hoping for both cars to achieve strong points finishes as both had struggled in the last few races. A gearbox failure happened to Montagny on the 7th lap that forced the Ligier driver to pull into the pits and out of 20th. On the 12th lap the top 10 were 1. F. Massa (28), 2. F. Alonso (27) + 1.089s, 3. M. Schumacher (3) + 8.903s, 4. S. Vettel (1) + 12.767s, 5. M. Webber (2) + 14.132s, 6. V. Petrov (20) + 15.023s, 7. N. Rosberg (4) + 15.989s, 8. J. Button (8) + 18.112s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 21.232s, 10. L. Hamilton (7) + 23.314s.
Those on the options which were on softs had to start pitting on lap 17 as part of a possible 3 stop strategy whilst those on mediums would not have to stop till lap 26. The Ferrari of Massa and Vettel would both pit on this lap while their teammates would pit a few laps later. As this was causing the top 10 to be mixed up as those on different strategies started to come into play, this was significant as the Randle BMWs of Heidfeld and Randle were able to race each other as both of their tyres were on the optimal limit and were able to get into the top 10 and displaced the McLaren of Hamilton and Kubica. The battle at the front took an exciting turn when Massa made a mistake and let Alonso threw and almost went down to 3rd as Webber had a chance on the outside of turn 10. There was disappointment for reigning champion Vettel as a fuel leak on lap 25 happened to certainly end the current champion’s hopes of regaining his championship; this was good news for Mercedes as it meant that Rosberg needed to pick up the pace to enable another challenger to be knocked out of the battle. Around the 30 lap mark the race was heating up as the Ferraris were not drawn into a battle with Webber and Schumacher who was having a strong race in the Mercedes, Button would make what would be a decisive overtake when on the long straight he was able to pass Rosberg into the hairpin. Hamilton’s charge in 7th was over when the Mercedes engine blew up throwing oil on the track on lap 32. By lap 35 the top 10 were 1. F. Alonso (27), 2. M. Webber (2) + 1.432, 3. F. Massa (28) +3.010s, 4. M. Schumacher (3) + 5.781s, 5. J. Button (8) +18.662s, 6. N. Rosberg (4) + 20.031s, 7. V. Petrov (20) + 22.280s, 8. A. Randle (13) + 24.412s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 30.304s, 10. J. Alguersuari (24) + 34.145s
The oil that had been spilled early claimed a victim when while attempting to overtake Petrov after he had left the pits and while going through the first few corners Heidfeld spun on the oil and crashed off the course. Back at the front Massa was able to catch up to the leading two and in a magnificent manoeuvre that saw him overtake Webber and Alonso into 1st going through turn 11 and then Webber went from 3rd to 2nd passing Alonso on the exit and going through turn 12. With the 3rd stoppers coming in on lap 47 after the 2nd stoppers on lap 39 meant that only 35 seconds covered the top 6 with 20secs covering the top 4 with a now chasing Button who was on the fastest tyres catching up with the top 4 who were on the slower primes. Rosberg’s race was effectively over when after speeding in the pits, the German was given a drive through penalty which dropped the Mercedes to 9th. Schumacher’s pace was also dropping off as he fell from 4th to 7th in the final laps of the race. With no retirements and the tyres at the optimum on a bedded in track Button was able to set the fastest lap on lap 54 with a 1:26.873. With the laps running out the McLaren was stuck behind Alonso in 4th as Webber was able to pass Massa on the last lap to take victory for Red Bull by a small margin.
Classification
1. M. Webber (2) 1hr 28 mins 56.342s 25pts
2. F. Massa (28) +1.001s 18pts
3. F. Alonso (27) +5.981s 15pts
4. J. Button (8) +6.787s 12pts
5. V. Petrov (20) + 12.098s 10pts
6. A. Randle (13) + 14.134s 8pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) + 23.143s 6pts
8. R. Kubica (19) + 30.142s 4pts
9. N. Rosberg (4) + 45.153s 2pts
10. R. Barrichello (5) + 1:01.778s 1pt
11. J. Alguersuari (24) + 1:12.987s
12. S. Buemi (23) + 1:15.626s
13. D. Riccardio (33) +1:23.079s
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 1 lap
15. G. Ricci (34) + 1 lap
16. S. Perez (30) + 1lap
17. V. Liuzzi (16) +1lap
18. K. Kobayashi (29) +1lap
19. J. Trulli (11) + 2laps
20. K. Chandhock (21) + 4 laps
21. N. Heidfeld (14) 37 laps spun off
22. L. Hamilton (7) 32 laps Engine
23. S. Vettel (1) 25 laps Fuel leak
24. F. Montagny (26) 7 laps Gearbox
25. H. Kovalainen (12) 0 laps Collision
26. N. Hulkenberg (6) 0 laps Collision
F.Lap: J. Button (8) 1:26.873 on lap 54
DOTR: Webber for making the most of his tyres and strategy to keep Red Bull in the hunt for the title with an emphatic 3rd win.
ROTR: Rosberg, pressure is getting to the championship leader as another race is squandered
Championship
1. J. Button (8) 198pts*
2. N. Rosberg (4) 193pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 192pts*
4. S. Vettel (1) 155pts*
5. F. Alonso (27) 143pts
6. L. Hamilton (7) 137pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 130pts
8. F. Massa (28) 113pts
9. A. Randle (13) 85pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 83pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 76pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 69pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 64pts
14. R. Barrichello (5) 35pts
15. J. Alguersuari (24) 26pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
17. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
18. H. Kovalainen (12) 16pts
= J. Trulli (11) 16pts
20. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
21. K. Kobayashi (29) 13pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
25. B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. Red Bull 347pts*
2. McLaren 335pts*
3. Mercedes 323pts*
4. Ferrari 256pts
5. Randle BMW 168pts
6. Toleman 140pts
7. Williams 104pts
8. Minardi 50pts
9. Team Lotus 32pts
10. Ligier Prost 21pts
11. Sauber 15pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
17. HRT 0pts
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
31st October 2011 F1 Fanatic
2 races to go and it the championship enters a thrilling finale with Button, Rosberg and Webber in a fight. Red Bull must support Webber as Vettel is surely too far behind.
1st November 2011 BBC
Arrows confirm Maldonado and DiGrassi for 2012, BMW customer engines and sticking with Pirelli and title sponsor Orange.
2nd November 2011 Sky
Vettel: I believe I can still win the title as I can do well on the final two tracks; realistically my teammate is my most serious rival.
3rd November 2011 The Times
Charles Pic hoping for a spot on the grid for 2012 with Stefan the most likely destination, Jean Eric Vergne likely to be announced at Minardi with Buemi or Alguersuari likely to make way.
4th November 2011 BBC
Force India: Neither Sutil or Liuzzi will be with us next season as we look to reclaim some lost ground in the midfield.
5th November 2011 F1.com
Liuzzi will now be driving for HRT alongside Chandhock; Pedro De La Rosa will now be at Stefan Grand Prix alongside Nakajima or Pic.
7th November 2011 Autosport
Force India sign up Buemi as Minardi confirm Alguersuari and Vergne as their 2012 driver line up.
8th November 2011 F1Fanatic
Modena will announce driver line-up before Brazil
10th November 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Prequalifying
1. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:40.365
2. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:40.576
3. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:40.712
4. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:40.891
5. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:41.045
6. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:41.235
7. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M) 1:41.567
8. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M) No Time
12th November 2011 Abu Dhabi Qualifying
1. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes (8) (M) 1:36.907
2. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M) 1:36.987
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault (2) (G) 1:37.056
4. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:37.107
5. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G) 1:37.231
6. M. Schumacher. Mercedes (3) (M) 1:37.387
7. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes (7) (M) 1:37.576
8. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault (20) (P) 1:37.616
9. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth (6) (G) 1:37.689
10. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth (5) (G) 1:37.790
11. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault (19) (P) 1:37.865
12. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault (12) (P) 1:37.987
13. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) (G) 1:38.210
14. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G) 1:38.346
15. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari (23) (P) 1:38.616
16. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari (24) (P) 1:38.698
17. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G) 1:38.821
18. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes (29) (G) 1:38.904
19. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault (11) (P) 1:39.112
20. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW (14) (G) 1:39.301
21. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M) 1:39.456
22. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M) 1:39.620
23. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:39.745
24. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault (25) (M) 1:39.876
25. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:39.964
26. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:40.045
27. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault (26) (M) 1:40.126
28. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda (32) (M) 1:40.341
29. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:40.380
30. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M) 1:40.465
13th November 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 55 laps
It was time for the second Middle East race of the season and it was to set up a thrilling finale for the World Championship, much pressure was on Vettel who needed to outscore his rivals to be within a chance of retaining his world championship that was won on this circuit a year before. Button had scored a brilliant pole the day before to set up an exciting race and this meant that a win would put the title in his hands going into the final race. The Lights went out and as the cars raced towards the first corner Vettel and Button were handed a golden opportunity as their rivals Webber and Rosberg collided leaving both cars almost out and with a lot to do. The two cars took some time to get to the pits and were almost a lap down when they rejoined after their pit stop to repair bodywork on the damaged cars. At the front Vettel went pass Button at the hairpin, the McLaren driver almost got caught by Alonso but fortunately was able to block the Ferrari driver enabling Hamilton to get passed. The first retirement of the race happened on lap 7 when the chassis of Trulli broke to put the Lotus out of the race. The race at the front was hotting up when Button set some fast laps to catch up with Vettel and to start putting pressure on the German to get pass. At the back of the grid a penalty was given to Maldonado for dangerous driving for cutting up both Virgins and almost causing a crash. By lap 10 Button was able to move pass the German by doing a dummy on the right to pass him on the outside of turn 14. Rosberg and Webber were able to reach the backmarkers on lap 11 to try and start getting back up the pack. On lap 12 the top 10 were 1. J. Button (8), 2. S. Vettel (1) + 1.321s, 3. F. Alonso (27) + 3.654s, 4. L. Hamilton (7) + 5.891s, 5. V. Petrov (20) + 9.432s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 13.045s, 7. M. Schumacher (3) + 16.243s, 8. H. Kovalainen (12) + 18.435s, 9. F. Massa (28) + 20.332s, 10. R. Kubica (19) + 22.103s.
Rosberg and Webber were able to make some places on lap 19 when some of the backmarkers pitted for new tyres, these meant that the two drivers were able to climb up to 17th and 19th. Some of the leaders would pit on lap 24 when Button pitted from the lead with Vettel coming in as well, the McLaren pit had a problem putting on the tyres and caused Button to drop down to 12th. The race was coming together for Vettel but it was still some 30 laps left till the end, Hamilton and Alonso put in some fast laps to stake a claim for the win as their tyres were performing well. Maldonado’s race was ended on lap 26 when he was black flagged for dangerous driving after causing the Force India of Sutil to crash. The cars of Webber and Rosberg would finally give up on lap 29 when the earlier collision caused a mechanical failure. This caused both of the drivers needing to be separated by their teams in the pit lane, meanwhile back at the front Alonso passed Vettel for the lead as the Ferrari was able to use its speed on the straight. Vettel had some luck on lap 33 when the Mercedes in Button’s car expired and caused the retirement, the race was now in his hands and he responded by lapping quicker than the Ferrari. The round of pit stops on lap 36 would go in Vettel’s favour as he was able to get out in front of the Ferrari to take the lead with 19 laps left to go on the one set of tyres; it would now be a matter of who could look after their tyres to who would win the race. The Randle BMW of Heidfeld managed to make a fine overtaking move going into turns 16 and 17, the German driver was able to pass his teammate and the Sauber of Perez to go into 10th. By lap 40 the top 10 were 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. F. Alonso (27) +2.576s, 3. L. Hamilton (7) + 5.464s, 4. M. Schumacher (3) + 15.967s, 5. V. Petrov (20) + 17.764s, 6. F. Massa (28) + 20.778s, 7. J. Alguersuari (24) + 30.567s, 8. H. Kovalainen (12) + 34.987s, 9. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 40.124s, 10. N. Heidfeld (14) + 42.789s.
The luck ran out for Vettel on lap 42 when his right rear tyre blew and caused the driver to get back to the pits and this left the Red Bull down in 9th with his championship hopes destroyed, it had been a bad race for the contenders as all suffered retirements, the race was still enjoyable to watch as it was now between a chasing Hamilton and Alonso. A win for Hamilton would help McLaren in the Constructors and help the team in the final race, Vettel was able to pass Hulkenberg for 8th and this became 7th when Petrov pulled out of the race with a driveshaft failure. The car of Schumacher would post the fastest lap on lap 50 with a 1:40.315. This was lead to Hamilton taking the win as Alonso’s tyres would go off in the last stages of the race.
Classification
1. L. Hamilton (7) 1Hr 36 mins 35.124s 25pts
2. F. Alonso (27) + 8.587s 18pts
3. M. Schumacher (3) + 14.571s 15pts
4. F. Massa (28) + 22.890s 12pts
5. J. Alguersuari (24) + 37.389s 10pts
6. H. Kovalainen (12) + 45.872s 8pts
7. S. Vettel (1) + 50.152s 6pts
8. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 59.067s 4pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) + 1:04.230s 2pts
10. A. Randle (13) + 1:14.684s 1pt
11. S. Perez (30) + 1:19.003s
12. S. Buemi (23) + 1:32.478s
13. V. Liuzzi (16) + 1 lap
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 1 lap
15. T. Glock (17) + 2 laps
16. J. D’Ambrosio + 2 laps
17. V. Petrov (20) 46 laps Driveshaft
18. R, Barrichello (5) 39 laps Gearbox
19. R. Kubica (19) 38 laps Fuel leakage
20. J. Button (8) 33 laps Engine
21. M. Webber (2) 29 laps Mechanical
22. N. Rosberg (4) 29 laps Mechanical
23. P. Maldonado (10) 26 laps Disqualified
24. A. Sutil (15) 24 laps Collision
25. K. Kobayashi (29) 15 laps Wheel
26. J. Trulli (11) 7 laps Chassis
F. Lap: M. Schumacher (3) 1:40.315 on lap 50
DOTR: Alguersuari, strong drive that saw a top 5 finish when many frontrunners struggled
ROTR: Championship Contenders, they could have sealed it here but mistakes could cost some of the drivers the chance.
Championship
1. J. Button (8) 198pts*
2. N. Rosberg (4) 193pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 192pts*
4. L. Hamilton (7) 162pts
5. S. Vettel (1) 161pts
= F. Alonso (27) 161pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 145pts
8. F. Massa (28) 125pts
9. A. Randle (13) 86pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 85pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 76pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 73pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 64pts
14. J. Alguersuari (24) 36pts
15. R. Barrichello (5) 35pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
= H. Kovalainen (12) 24pts
18. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 16pts
20. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
21. K. Kobayashi (29) 13pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 360pts*
2. Red Bull 353pts*
3. Mercedes 338pts*
4. Ferrari 286pts
5. Randle BMW 171pts
6. Toleman 140pts
7. Williams 108pts
8. Minardi 60pts
9. Team Lotus 40pts
10. Ligier Prost 21pts
11. Sauber 15pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
2 races to go and it the championship enters a thrilling finale with Button, Rosberg and Webber in a fight. Red Bull must support Webber as Vettel is surely too far behind.
1st November 2011 BBC
Arrows confirm Maldonado and DiGrassi for 2012, BMW customer engines and sticking with Pirelli and title sponsor Orange.
2nd November 2011 Sky
Vettel: I believe I can still win the title as I can do well on the final two tracks; realistically my teammate is my most serious rival.
3rd November 2011 The Times
Charles Pic hoping for a spot on the grid for 2012 with Stefan the most likely destination, Jean Eric Vergne likely to be announced at Minardi with Buemi or Alguersuari likely to make way.
4th November 2011 BBC
Force India: Neither Sutil or Liuzzi will be with us next season as we look to reclaim some lost ground in the midfield.
5th November 2011 F1.com
Liuzzi will now be driving for HRT alongside Chandhock; Pedro De La Rosa will now be at Stefan Grand Prix alongside Nakajima or Pic.
7th November 2011 Autosport
Force India sign up Buemi as Minardi confirm Alguersuari and Vergne as their 2012 driver line up.
8th November 2011 F1Fanatic
Modena will announce driver line-up before Brazil
10th November 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Prequalifying
1. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:40.365
2. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:40.576
3. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:40.712
4. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:40.891
5. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:41.045
6. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth (9) (P) 1:41.235
7. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth (22) (M) 1:41.567
8. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth (21) (M) No Time
12th November 2011 Abu Dhabi Qualifying
1. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes (8) (M) 1:36.907
2. N. Rosberg, Mercedes (4) (M) 1:36.987
3. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault (2) (G) 1:37.056
4. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault (1) (G) 1:37.107
5. F. Alonso, Ferrari (27) (G) 1:37.231
6. M. Schumacher. Mercedes (3) (M) 1:37.387
7. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes (7) (M) 1:37.576
8. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault (20) (P) 1:37.616
9. N. Hulkenberg, Williams Cosworth (6) (G) 1:37.689
10. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth (5) (G) 1:37.790
11. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault (19) (P) 1:37.865
12. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault (12) (P) 1:37.987
13. F. Massa, Ferrari (28) (G) 1:38.210
14. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G) 1:38.346
15. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari (23) (P) 1:38.616
16. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari (24) (P) 1:38.698
17. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G) 1:38.821
18. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes (29) (G) 1:38.904
19. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault (11) (P) 1:39.112
20. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW (14) (G) 1:39.301
21. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes, (16) (M) 1:39.456
22. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M) 1:39.620
23. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth (10) (P) 1:39.745
24. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault (25) (M) 1:39.876
25. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth (18) (G) 1:39.964
26. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth (17) (G) 1:40.045
27. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault (26) (M) 1:40.126
28. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda (32) (M) 1:40.341
29. D. Riccardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:40.380
30. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M) 1:40.465
13th November 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 55 laps
It was time for the second Middle East race of the season and it was to set up a thrilling finale for the World Championship, much pressure was on Vettel who needed to outscore his rivals to be within a chance of retaining his world championship that was won on this circuit a year before. Button had scored a brilliant pole the day before to set up an exciting race and this meant that a win would put the title in his hands going into the final race. The Lights went out and as the cars raced towards the first corner Vettel and Button were handed a golden opportunity as their rivals Webber and Rosberg collided leaving both cars almost out and with a lot to do. The two cars took some time to get to the pits and were almost a lap down when they rejoined after their pit stop to repair bodywork on the damaged cars. At the front Vettel went pass Button at the hairpin, the McLaren driver almost got caught by Alonso but fortunately was able to block the Ferrari driver enabling Hamilton to get passed. The first retirement of the race happened on lap 7 when the chassis of Trulli broke to put the Lotus out of the race. The race at the front was hotting up when Button set some fast laps to catch up with Vettel and to start putting pressure on the German to get pass. At the back of the grid a penalty was given to Maldonado for dangerous driving for cutting up both Virgins and almost causing a crash. By lap 10 Button was able to move pass the German by doing a dummy on the right to pass him on the outside of turn 14. Rosberg and Webber were able to reach the backmarkers on lap 11 to try and start getting back up the pack. On lap 12 the top 10 were 1. J. Button (8), 2. S. Vettel (1) + 1.321s, 3. F. Alonso (27) + 3.654s, 4. L. Hamilton (7) + 5.891s, 5. V. Petrov (20) + 9.432s, 6. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 13.045s, 7. M. Schumacher (3) + 16.243s, 8. H. Kovalainen (12) + 18.435s, 9. F. Massa (28) + 20.332s, 10. R. Kubica (19) + 22.103s.
Rosberg and Webber were able to make some places on lap 19 when some of the backmarkers pitted for new tyres, these meant that the two drivers were able to climb up to 17th and 19th. Some of the leaders would pit on lap 24 when Button pitted from the lead with Vettel coming in as well, the McLaren pit had a problem putting on the tyres and caused Button to drop down to 12th. The race was coming together for Vettel but it was still some 30 laps left till the end, Hamilton and Alonso put in some fast laps to stake a claim for the win as their tyres were performing well. Maldonado’s race was ended on lap 26 when he was black flagged for dangerous driving after causing the Force India of Sutil to crash. The cars of Webber and Rosberg would finally give up on lap 29 when the earlier collision caused a mechanical failure. This caused both of the drivers needing to be separated by their teams in the pit lane, meanwhile back at the front Alonso passed Vettel for the lead as the Ferrari was able to use its speed on the straight. Vettel had some luck on lap 33 when the Mercedes in Button’s car expired and caused the retirement, the race was now in his hands and he responded by lapping quicker than the Ferrari. The round of pit stops on lap 36 would go in Vettel’s favour as he was able to get out in front of the Ferrari to take the lead with 19 laps left to go on the one set of tyres; it would now be a matter of who could look after their tyres to who would win the race. The Randle BMW of Heidfeld managed to make a fine overtaking move going into turns 16 and 17, the German driver was able to pass his teammate and the Sauber of Perez to go into 10th. By lap 40 the top 10 were 1. S. Vettel (1), 2. F. Alonso (27) +2.576s, 3. L. Hamilton (7) + 5.464s, 4. M. Schumacher (3) + 15.967s, 5. V. Petrov (20) + 17.764s, 6. F. Massa (28) + 20.778s, 7. J. Alguersuari (24) + 30.567s, 8. H. Kovalainen (12) + 34.987s, 9. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 40.124s, 10. N. Heidfeld (14) + 42.789s.
The luck ran out for Vettel on lap 42 when his right rear tyre blew and caused the driver to get back to the pits and this left the Red Bull down in 9th with his championship hopes destroyed, it had been a bad race for the contenders as all suffered retirements, the race was still enjoyable to watch as it was now between a chasing Hamilton and Alonso. A win for Hamilton would help McLaren in the Constructors and help the team in the final race, Vettel was able to pass Hulkenberg for 8th and this became 7th when Petrov pulled out of the race with a driveshaft failure. The car of Schumacher would post the fastest lap on lap 50 with a 1:40.315. This was lead to Hamilton taking the win as Alonso’s tyres would go off in the last stages of the race.
Classification
1. L. Hamilton (7) 1Hr 36 mins 35.124s 25pts
2. F. Alonso (27) + 8.587s 18pts
3. M. Schumacher (3) + 14.571s 15pts
4. F. Massa (28) + 22.890s 12pts
5. J. Alguersuari (24) + 37.389s 10pts
6. H. Kovalainen (12) + 45.872s 8pts
7. S. Vettel (1) + 50.152s 6pts
8. N. Hulkenberg (6) + 59.067s 4pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) + 1:04.230s 2pts
10. A. Randle (13) + 1:14.684s 1pt
11. S. Perez (30) + 1:19.003s
12. S. Buemi (23) + 1:32.478s
13. V. Liuzzi (16) + 1 lap
14. R. Grosjean (25) + 1 lap
15. T. Glock (17) + 2 laps
16. J. D’Ambrosio + 2 laps
17. V. Petrov (20) 46 laps Driveshaft
18. R, Barrichello (5) 39 laps Gearbox
19. R. Kubica (19) 38 laps Fuel leakage
20. J. Button (8) 33 laps Engine
21. M. Webber (2) 29 laps Mechanical
22. N. Rosberg (4) 29 laps Mechanical
23. P. Maldonado (10) 26 laps Disqualified
24. A. Sutil (15) 24 laps Collision
25. K. Kobayashi (29) 15 laps Wheel
26. J. Trulli (11) 7 laps Chassis
F. Lap: M. Schumacher (3) 1:40.315 on lap 50
DOTR: Alguersuari, strong drive that saw a top 5 finish when many frontrunners struggled
ROTR: Championship Contenders, they could have sealed it here but mistakes could cost some of the drivers the chance.
Championship
1. J. Button (8) 198pts*
2. N. Rosberg (4) 193pts*
3. M. Webber (2) 192pts*
4. L. Hamilton (7) 162pts
5. S. Vettel (1) 161pts
= F. Alonso (27) 161pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 145pts
8. F. Massa (28) 125pts
9. A. Randle (13) 86pts
10. N. Heidfeld (14) 85pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 76pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 73pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 64pts
14. J. Alguersuari (24) 36pts
15. R. Barrichello (5) 35pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
= H. Kovalainen (12) 24pts
18. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
19. J. Trulli (11) 16pts
20. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
21. K. Kobayashi (29) 13pts
22. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
23. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
24. S. Perez (30) 2pts
= B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
Constructors
1. McLaren 360pts*
2. Red Bull 353pts*
3. Mercedes 338pts*
4. Ferrari 286pts
5. Randle BMW 171pts
6. Toleman 140pts
7. Williams 108pts
8. Minardi 60pts
9. Team Lotus 40pts
10. Ligier Prost 21pts
11. Sauber 15pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
14th November 2011 F1Fanatic
Rosberg annoyed at Webber for error that could have seen the title wrapped, Stewards were asked to give penalties but have decided any further action.
15th November 2011 BBC
Webber feels the blame is at Mercedes for the incident
16th November 2011 Autosport
Modena decides on Ricci and Riccardio for 2012 and hope to have a new V12 engine, but will use old chassis for Australia. Pantano decides to retire from F1 and take a role in the management of the Modena Team.
17th November 2011 The Times
Stefan GP will partner Pic alongside De La Rosa, Nakajima is granted test driver status
18th November 2011 F1Fanatic
Brazil anticipating 3 way title fight and the race will likely to be a classic and it appears it will be in changing conditions.
19th November 2011 Autosport
Seats still available at Marussia and Super Aguri for 2012 as Team Lotus reveal D’Ambrosio has a test contract with them.
20th November 2011 the Sun
Massive support for British driver Jenson Button to take home the Drivers Championship
21st November 2011 BBC
Button: I can do it this weekend; the team and Lewis are behind me
22nd November 2011 Autosport
Hamilton: Jenson has my support for the race, I wish I was fighting for it but it will be nice to McLaren the constructors.
23rd November 2011 F1Fanatic
Barrichello is hoping for a good race in his F1 swansong, Williams looking strong to do that for him in his 326th and final race.
24th November 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix Prequalifying
The final prequalifying session was a very close affair and would see Modena take full advantage of it. The session was delayed because heavy rain and most of the session was wet until the last 20 minutes which saw most of the cars on track as the times went quicker. Arrows had their setup wrong and were expecting it to remain wet and were quite slow.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:14.672
2. D. Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:14.818
3. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M) 1:15.013
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G) 1:15.102
5. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G) 1:15.113
6. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M) 1:15.329
7. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P) 1:17.876
8. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P) 1:18.247
26th November 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G) 1:10.785
2. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M) 1:10.790
3. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G) 1:10.983
4. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G) 1:11.053
5. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:11.143
6. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:11.199
7. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M) 1:11.213
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M) 1:11.355
9. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M) 1:11.425
10. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G) 1:11.489
11. N. Hulkenberg, William Cosworth, (6) (G) 1:11.647
12. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P) 1:11.790
13. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G) 1:11.976
14. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G) 1:12.213
15. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M) 1:12.435
16. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M) 1:12.556
17. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (M) 1:12.589
18. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P) 1:12.717
19. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P) 1:12.890
20. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P) 1:13.034
21. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P) 1:13.212
22. D. Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) 1:13.442
23. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P) 1:13.601
24. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari (24) (P) 1:13.645
25. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M) 1:13.689
26. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M) 1:13.745
27. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M) 1:14.143
28. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G) 1:14.301
29. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M) 1:14.587
30. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes (16) (M) No Time
27th November 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix 71 laps
Finally it was the last race of the season and it was expected to be an exciting one, with both championships still to be decided it meant that a thrilling conclusion was going to unfold in Sao Paulo. Barrichello had qualified a brilliant 4th to bid farewell at his home circuit after nearly twenty seasons at the pinnacle of motorsport. The rain was expected on lap 20 and to end around lap 56 to give the occasion a feeling of uncertainty. With several teams looking strong it would all come down to strategy and being on the right tyres in the right conditions. The 26 cars lined up for the race, with eyes on the front row featuring two of the title contenders, the lights went out and all the cars managed to get through the first corner with Webber getting away brilliantly to take the lead. Vettel had moved into second after Button had tried to block Webber’s path. This meant Red Bull was leading 1 and 2 on the first lap. Elsewhere Rosberg had passed both Ferraris and was behind Button and Barrichello; Kubica had fallen to 20th after a slow start and was stuck in traffic. With most of the cars on soft tyres as the switch to wets was expected when the rain would come on lap 20. With fully fuelled cars it meant that some of the cars were quite sluggish as they battled for grip and maximum performance. Button was able to find this performance but was stuck behind Vettel who was doing his all to aide Webber’s title bid, at the end of lap 6 the lead have built to around seven seconds as Webber was able to use the clean air to build it. Button on lap 8 was able to get passed but was now ten seconds behind the Red Bull; this meant that Webber pull out a few fast laps and gain a tyre stop when the teams need to stop for wets. At the end of lap 10 the top 10 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. J. Button (8) + 11.871s, 3. S. Vettel (1) + 14.321s, 4. N. Rosberg (4) + 16.891s, 5. F. Alonso (27) +19.354s, 6. R. Barrichello (5) + 23.462s, 7. F. Massa (28) +25.143s, 8. A. Randle (13) + 28.345s, 9. L. Hamilton (7) +29.013s, 10. S. Perez (30) +31.351s.
Rosberg being stuck in the traffic meant that he had to make sure he was fast during the rain to make up the seconds, the pit crew were sure this would happen as the rain would bunch the grid back up. The fortunate thing with being stuck behind Vettel was that the tyres on Button’s car were slightly better off so for the next few laps, that lead was reduced as Button and Webber swapped fastest laps to begin an interesting battle for the lead. With Rosberg about to lose touch with the front two he was able to pass Vettel on the start finish straight and pursue the leaders. The first casualty of the race happened on lap 13 when the Toleman of Petrov suffered a mechanical failure. By lap 16 Button had gained five seconds on Webber and Rosberg had been able to close to nine seconds off the Australian thanks to setting some very quick laps. If the positions were to stay the same till the end of the race the championship would look like 1. M. Webber 217, J. Button 216, 3. N. Rosberg 208. The driver who would end up losing out if it was decided by wins would be Button as he had only had 1 win and several 2nd places, Rosberg had enjoyed a good haul of wins, yet had been let down by unreliability and amateur mistakes. In the constructors if the positions stayed the same Red Bull would be crowned champions by virtue of winning more races as they would be tied with points with McLaren. By lap 17 the clouds had visibly covered the sky and the temperature had dropped, with the first pit stops expected past lap 20 most of the grip on the soft tyres was going. The top 10 on lap 20 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. J. Button (8) + 4.527s, 3. N. Rosberg (4) + 9.102s, 4. S. Vettel (1) + 17.462s, 5. R. Barrichello (5) + 21.785s, 6. F. Massa (28) +25.154s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 27.986s, 8. F. Alonso (27) + 30.688s, 9. M. Schumacher (3) + 32.776s, 10. S. Perez (30) + 35.220s
The rain came down as planned and it was reasonably heavy that if it persisted wets would be needed, however as it quick to wet the circuit the leaders was pitted for intermediates as a precaution although Rosberg took the gamble on wets. As the top 4 had pitted the Brazilian crowd cheered as it meant briefly that Barrichello led in his final race. Hamilton, Randle, Perez and Kobayashi took risks and went onto wets instead of inters. On lap 23 Barrichello pitted from the lead for wets as the track was too wet for inters. This meant that Webber and Button had to pit again and they lost a lot of time and fell to 6th and 7th. The lap times grew as the track was now very wet and it was hard to see the car in front. This caught a few cars out as from lap 24 to lap 29 several cars slid off the track, of these only Hulkenberg and a disappointed Massa were permanent retirements. As there was no sign of the rain easing up, race control decided on whether to bring the safety car out on lap 30, Rosberg was driving brilliantly and was fastest on the circuit at almost 4 seconds a lap and quickly built up a huge lead of 28 seconds. Webber also was lapping reasonably but was still 1.5 seconds a lap slower then Rosberg; Button struggled with the conditions the most and had dropped down to 12th. The race took a another turn into the unknown on lap 34 when in a big crash the Lotus of Trulli ploughed into the barriers at Curva Do Sol, as debris had spread onto the track, the safety car had to come out and bunch the field. Several of the Mercedes personnel ran to race control to plead for the safety car to not be out for long as Rosberg was easily fastest in these tricky conditions. As Rosberg slowed down to behind the safety car, Webber took a risk and pitted for brand new wets to take advantage of the slow speeds. This would mean despite being down in 8th he could easily dispatch the cars in front before having to come in for inters or slicks when the rain stopped. The top 10 on lap 35 were 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. F. Alonso (27), 3. L. Hamilton (7), 4. A. Randle (13), 5. S. Perez (30), 6. J. Button (8), 7. K. Kobayashi (29), 8. M. Webber (2), 9. R. Barrichello (5), 10. S. Vettel (1)
Fortunately the rain had eased up a little by lap 39 and with the circuit cleared of Trulli’s accident, it meant the race restarted, Rosberg managed to pull away but was no longer the faster as Webber was able to use the fresher tyres to easily pass Button and Kobayashi into 6th place, a lap later this became 4th as he easily dispatched Randle and Perez. With Alonso slowing the pack it went in 3 laps Rosberg had a 9 second lead and Webber in 3rd stuck behind despite on newer tyres this went to 11 seconds on lap 44 but back down to 8 seconds on lap 45 as Rosberg tyres were wearing out. Rosberg pitted on lap 47 to take advantage of the rain slowing for a final pair of wets, Webber was now in the lead and had to lap consistently in order to have enough to come out in the lead when the change to non wet tyres would happen which was expected on lap 58. The wonderful drive from Barrichello ended on lap 45 in the usual luck that always happened to him in his home race, the Cosworth in his William’s blew and the Brazilian was out. Waving to the crowd, he shrugged his shoulders and walked back to the pits as the crowd and marshals showed their respect to the veteran. The championship and race would end dramatically for one participant on lap 50, this would be that of the McLaren of Button whose gearbox broke and ended the race for the Brit. The look of resignation and sadness was on his face as he took off his helmet and went back to the pits. By now news hit both Webber and Rosberg as they passed the McLaren parked off the track and both were encouraged by their pit crews to go for it. On lap 52 the top 10 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 7.895s, 3. L. Hamilton (7) + 20.868s, 4. F. Alonso (27) + 23.301s, 5. A. Randle (13) + 26.752s, 6.
S. Vettel (1) +28.362s, 7. S. Perez (30) +32.339s, 8. K. Kobayashi (29) +34.698s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 39.075s, 10. M. Schumacher (3) + 42.241s
With the rain stopped and the track starting to dry but not as quick as expected, it was now up to decide to switch to inters or hope it will dry enough for slicks. A fuel leak for Kovalainen ended Lotus’ race on lap 53, this was followed by an engine failure for Alguersuari a lap later and a gearbox failure for Sutil on the same lap. With the track drying both Webber and Rosberg decided to stay out and wait for slicks, this meant that they were losing time to those that pitted for inters as positions 3 – 5 had stopped for them. It was still only about 0.95 seconds a lap and this worked brilliantly on lap 58 when the call came to pit for dry tyres, both took the soft option and as both rejoined behind Vettel and Schumacher who also hadn’t pitted for inters. By lap 61 with everyone on slicks and the track becoming dry and faster this meant Webber and Rosberg were lapping the same as everyone. The final retirement happened on lap 60 for Randle when the throttle on his Randle BMW broke. Rosberg passed Webber for 3rd on lap 63 and was now in control to keep the Red Bull behind him, only problem was Vettel in 2nd slowed down to hold Rosberg up so that Webber could close in on lap 65. This worked brilliantly as Vettel blocked Rosberg and round the outside Webber was able to go into 2nd on the Senna S, Rosberg infuriated passed Vettel into Curva De Sol to take third and to chase after Webber who was now eight seconds behind Hamilton who was leading the race. What this did for both the championships was that Webber would win with 210pts, with Rosberg on 208 and it would give the constructors to McLaren on 385pts with Red Bull 2nd on 383pts. However Vettel and Hamilton’s tyres were fading quicker and this meant that it would be very close with the top 10 spread out on lap 66 by 1. L. Hamilton (7), 2. M. Webber (2) + 6.143s, 3. N. Rosberg (4) + 7.526s, 4. S. Vettel (1) + 10.452s, 5. F. Alonso (27) +11.452s, 6. S. Perez (30) +13.462s, 7. K. Kobayashi (29) +14.078s, 8. M. Schumacher (3) + 16.353s, 9. N. Heidfeld (14) +17.654s, 10. R. Kubica +28.703s.
Webber was able to pass Hamilton two laps later to take the lead with Rosberg stuck behind the McLaren, Vettel had dropped down to 6th. This still would give the constructors to Red Bull but Vettel was in trouble and on lap 69 was passed by Heidfeld to be in 9th and Hamilton was still keeping Rosberg behind to aide McLaren. Finally Rosberg on lap 70 he passed Hamilton but was still 1.5 seconds from Webber who was lapping slower than Rosberg. Rosberg still was not giving up and had set the fastest lap of 1:14.345s on lap 70 and entering turn 4 was now 0.6 seconds from Webber whose tyres were going but so were Nico’s just not as much. Many TV viewers could barely look at what was unfolding and Christian corner gasped as Webber ran wide at turn 8, this was Rosberg’s only chance and his was side by side as they went through turn 9 and 10. However briefly getting ahead Rosberg locked his brakes going into lap 12. (Brundle) Webber’s got the inside, this is fantastic, Rosberg has blown it, and Mark Webber is going to be the champion. (Coulthard) Rosberg isn’t giving up they are side by side going into turn 13 its going to be who can get most acceleration out of the corner. With the crowd cheering the Red Bull was able to get the momentum and go on to win the race and give the Australian his first championship and Red Bull retaining the Constructors. Mercedes were in dismay as a title that had been in their grasps a few rounds ago. Commiserations to McLaren who an hour earlier could have had both wrapped up and ended up with nothing.
Classification
1. M. Webber (2) 1hr 49mins 54.336s 25pts
2. N. Rosberg (4) + 0.020s 18pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) + 6.354s 15pts
4. F. Alonso (27) + 19.775s 12pts
5. S. Perez (30) + 24.646s 10pts
6. K. Kobayashi (29) +27.778s 8pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) + 30.117s 6pts
8. N. Heidfeld (14) +31.288s 4pts
9. S. Vettel (1) +33.300s 2pts
10. R. Kubica (19) +46.674s 1pt
11. B. Senna (31) +59.907s
12. R. Grosjean (25) + 1.06.557s
13. S. Buemi (23) + 1 lap
14. G. Ricci (34) + 1 lap
15. D. Ricciardio (33) + 1 lap
16. C. Klien (22) + 2 laps
17. A. Randle (13) 60 laps Throttle
18. A. Sutil (15) 54 laps Gearbox
19. J. Alguersuari (24) 54 laps Engine
20. H. Kovalainen (12) 53 laps Fuel Leakage
21. J. Button (8) 50 laps Gearbox
22. R. Barrichello (5) 45 laps Engine
23. J. Trulli (11) 34 laps Accident
24. F. Massa (28) 28 laps spun off
25. N. Hulkenberg (6)26 laps spun off
26. V. Petrov (20) 13 laps Mechanical
F. Lap N. Rosberg (4) 1:14.345s on lap 70
DOTR: Webber and Rosberg, for putting on one of the performances in the history of the championship.
ROTR: Modena, barely passed any cars and struggled in the conditions
Final Championship Table
1. M. Webber (2) 217pts World Champion
2. N. Rosberg (4) 211pts
3. J. Button (8) 198pts
4. L. Hamilton (7) 177pts
5. F. Alonso (27) 173pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 163pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 151pts
8. F. Massa (28) 125pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 89pts
10. A. Randle (13) 86pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 76pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 73pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 65pts
14. J. Alguersuari (24) 36pts
15. R. Barrichello (5) 35pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
= H. Kovalainen (12) 24pts
18. K. Kobayashi (29) 21pts
19. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
20. J. Trulli (11) 16pts
21. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
22. S. Perez (30) 12pts
23. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
24. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
25. B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
28. P. DiResta (16) 0pts
=D. Ricciardio (33) 0pts
= P. De La Rosa (9) 0pts
= T. Glock (17) 0pts
= T. Sato (32) 0pts
= C. Klien (22) 0pts
= K. Chandhock (21) 0pts
= J. D'Ambrosio (18) 0pts
= L. Di Grassi (18) 0pts
= G. Pantano (33) 0pts
NC A. Davidson (32)
NC S. Yamamoto (21)
Final Constructors Table
1. Red Bull 380pts Champions
2. McLaren 375pts
3. Mercedes 362pts
4. Ferrari 298pts
5. Randle BMW 175pts
6. Toleman 141pts
7. Williams 108pts
8. Minardi 60pts
9. Team Lotus 40pts
10. Sauber 33pts
11. Ligier Prost 21pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
Rosberg annoyed at Webber for error that could have seen the title wrapped, Stewards were asked to give penalties but have decided any further action.
15th November 2011 BBC
Webber feels the blame is at Mercedes for the incident
16th November 2011 Autosport
Modena decides on Ricci and Riccardio for 2012 and hope to have a new V12 engine, but will use old chassis for Australia. Pantano decides to retire from F1 and take a role in the management of the Modena Team.
17th November 2011 The Times
Stefan GP will partner Pic alongside De La Rosa, Nakajima is granted test driver status
18th November 2011 F1Fanatic
Brazil anticipating 3 way title fight and the race will likely to be a classic and it appears it will be in changing conditions.
19th November 2011 Autosport
Seats still available at Marussia and Super Aguri for 2012 as Team Lotus reveal D’Ambrosio has a test contract with them.
20th November 2011 the Sun
Massive support for British driver Jenson Button to take home the Drivers Championship
21st November 2011 BBC
Button: I can do it this weekend; the team and Lewis are behind me
22nd November 2011 Autosport
Hamilton: Jenson has my support for the race, I wish I was fighting for it but it will be nice to McLaren the constructors.
23rd November 2011 F1Fanatic
Barrichello is hoping for a good race in his F1 swansong, Williams looking strong to do that for him in his 326th and final race.
24th November 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix Prequalifying
The final prequalifying session was a very close affair and would see Modena take full advantage of it. The session was delayed because heavy rain and most of the session was wet until the last 20 minutes which saw most of the cars on track as the times went quicker. Arrows had their setup wrong and were expecting it to remain wet and were quite slow.
1. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini (34) (P) 1:14.672
2. D. Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini (33) (P) 1:14.818
3. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M) 1:15.013
4. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G) 1:15.102
5. T. Glock, Virgin Cosworth, (17) (G) 1:15.113
6. K. Chandhock, HRT Cosworth, (21) (M) 1:15.329
7. P. De La Rosa, Arrows Cosworth, (9) (P) 1:17.876
8. P. Maldonado, Arrows Cosworth, (10) (P) 1:18.247
26th November 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix Qualifying
1. M. Webber, Red Bull Renault, (2) (G) 1:10.785
2. J. Button, McLaren Mercedes, (8) (M) 1:10.790
3. S. Vettel, Red Bull Renault, (1) (G) 1:10.983
4. R. Barrichello, Williams Cosworth, (5) (G) 1:11.053
5. F. Massa, Ferrari, (28) (G), 1:11.143
6. F. Alonso, Ferrari, (27) (G), 1:11.199
7. N. Rosberg, Mercedes, (4) (M) 1:11.213
8. M. Schumacher, Mercedes (3) (M) 1:11.355
9. L. Hamilton, McLaren Mercedes, (7) (M) 1:11.425
10. A. Randle, Randle BMW, (13) (G) 1:11.489
11. N. Hulkenberg, William Cosworth, (6) (G) 1:11.647
12. R. Kubica, Toleman Renault, (19) (P) 1:11.790
13. S. Perez, Sauber Mercedes, (30) (G) 1:11.976
14. N. Heidfeld, Randle BMW, (14) (G) 1:12.213
15. B. Senna, Super Aguri Honda, (31) (M) 1:12.435
16. R. Grosjean, Ligier Prost Renault, (25) (M) 1:12.556
17. K. Kobayashi, Sauber Mercedes, (29) (M) 1:12.589
18. V. Petrov, Toleman Renault, (20) (P) 1:12.717
19. H. Kovalainen, Lotus Renault, (12) (P) 1:12.890
20. S. Buemi, Minardi Ferrari, (23) (P) 1:13.034
21. G. Ricci, Modena Lamborghini, (34) (P) 1:13.212
22. D. Ricciardio, Modena Lamborghini, (33) 1:13.442
23. J. Trulli, Lotus Renault, (11) (P) 1:13.601
24. J. Alguersuari, Minardi Ferrari (24) (P) 1:13.645
25. A. Sutil, Force India Mercedes, (15) (M) 1:13.689
26. C. Klien, HRT Cosworth, (22) (M) 1:13.745
27. F. Montagny, Ligier Prost Renault, (26) (M) 1:14.143
28. J. D’Ambrosio, Virgin Cosworth, (18) (G) 1:14.301
29. A. Davidson, Super Aguri Honda, (32) (M) 1:14.587
30. V. Liuzzi, Force India Mercedes (16) (M) No Time
27th November 2011 Brazilian Grand Prix 71 laps
Finally it was the last race of the season and it was expected to be an exciting one, with both championships still to be decided it meant that a thrilling conclusion was going to unfold in Sao Paulo. Barrichello had qualified a brilliant 4th to bid farewell at his home circuit after nearly twenty seasons at the pinnacle of motorsport. The rain was expected on lap 20 and to end around lap 56 to give the occasion a feeling of uncertainty. With several teams looking strong it would all come down to strategy and being on the right tyres in the right conditions. The 26 cars lined up for the race, with eyes on the front row featuring two of the title contenders, the lights went out and all the cars managed to get through the first corner with Webber getting away brilliantly to take the lead. Vettel had moved into second after Button had tried to block Webber’s path. This meant Red Bull was leading 1 and 2 on the first lap. Elsewhere Rosberg had passed both Ferraris and was behind Button and Barrichello; Kubica had fallen to 20th after a slow start and was stuck in traffic. With most of the cars on soft tyres as the switch to wets was expected when the rain would come on lap 20. With fully fuelled cars it meant that some of the cars were quite sluggish as they battled for grip and maximum performance. Button was able to find this performance but was stuck behind Vettel who was doing his all to aide Webber’s title bid, at the end of lap 6 the lead have built to around seven seconds as Webber was able to use the clean air to build it. Button on lap 8 was able to get passed but was now ten seconds behind the Red Bull; this meant that Webber pull out a few fast laps and gain a tyre stop when the teams need to stop for wets. At the end of lap 10 the top 10 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. J. Button (8) + 11.871s, 3. S. Vettel (1) + 14.321s, 4. N. Rosberg (4) + 16.891s, 5. F. Alonso (27) +19.354s, 6. R. Barrichello (5) + 23.462s, 7. F. Massa (28) +25.143s, 8. A. Randle (13) + 28.345s, 9. L. Hamilton (7) +29.013s, 10. S. Perez (30) +31.351s.
Rosberg being stuck in the traffic meant that he had to make sure he was fast during the rain to make up the seconds, the pit crew were sure this would happen as the rain would bunch the grid back up. The fortunate thing with being stuck behind Vettel was that the tyres on Button’s car were slightly better off so for the next few laps, that lead was reduced as Button and Webber swapped fastest laps to begin an interesting battle for the lead. With Rosberg about to lose touch with the front two he was able to pass Vettel on the start finish straight and pursue the leaders. The first casualty of the race happened on lap 13 when the Toleman of Petrov suffered a mechanical failure. By lap 16 Button had gained five seconds on Webber and Rosberg had been able to close to nine seconds off the Australian thanks to setting some very quick laps. If the positions were to stay the same till the end of the race the championship would look like 1. M. Webber 217, J. Button 216, 3. N. Rosberg 208. The driver who would end up losing out if it was decided by wins would be Button as he had only had 1 win and several 2nd places, Rosberg had enjoyed a good haul of wins, yet had been let down by unreliability and amateur mistakes. In the constructors if the positions stayed the same Red Bull would be crowned champions by virtue of winning more races as they would be tied with points with McLaren. By lap 17 the clouds had visibly covered the sky and the temperature had dropped, with the first pit stops expected past lap 20 most of the grip on the soft tyres was going. The top 10 on lap 20 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. J. Button (8) + 4.527s, 3. N. Rosberg (4) + 9.102s, 4. S. Vettel (1) + 17.462s, 5. R. Barrichello (5) + 21.785s, 6. F. Massa (28) +25.154s, 7. L. Hamilton (7) + 27.986s, 8. F. Alonso (27) + 30.688s, 9. M. Schumacher (3) + 32.776s, 10. S. Perez (30) + 35.220s
The rain came down as planned and it was reasonably heavy that if it persisted wets would be needed, however as it quick to wet the circuit the leaders was pitted for intermediates as a precaution although Rosberg took the gamble on wets. As the top 4 had pitted the Brazilian crowd cheered as it meant briefly that Barrichello led in his final race. Hamilton, Randle, Perez and Kobayashi took risks and went onto wets instead of inters. On lap 23 Barrichello pitted from the lead for wets as the track was too wet for inters. This meant that Webber and Button had to pit again and they lost a lot of time and fell to 6th and 7th. The lap times grew as the track was now very wet and it was hard to see the car in front. This caught a few cars out as from lap 24 to lap 29 several cars slid off the track, of these only Hulkenberg and a disappointed Massa were permanent retirements. As there was no sign of the rain easing up, race control decided on whether to bring the safety car out on lap 30, Rosberg was driving brilliantly and was fastest on the circuit at almost 4 seconds a lap and quickly built up a huge lead of 28 seconds. Webber also was lapping reasonably but was still 1.5 seconds a lap slower then Rosberg; Button struggled with the conditions the most and had dropped down to 12th. The race took a another turn into the unknown on lap 34 when in a big crash the Lotus of Trulli ploughed into the barriers at Curva Do Sol, as debris had spread onto the track, the safety car had to come out and bunch the field. Several of the Mercedes personnel ran to race control to plead for the safety car to not be out for long as Rosberg was easily fastest in these tricky conditions. As Rosberg slowed down to behind the safety car, Webber took a risk and pitted for brand new wets to take advantage of the slow speeds. This would mean despite being down in 8th he could easily dispatch the cars in front before having to come in for inters or slicks when the rain stopped. The top 10 on lap 35 were 1. N. Rosberg (4), 2. F. Alonso (27), 3. L. Hamilton (7), 4. A. Randle (13), 5. S. Perez (30), 6. J. Button (8), 7. K. Kobayashi (29), 8. M. Webber (2), 9. R. Barrichello (5), 10. S. Vettel (1)
Fortunately the rain had eased up a little by lap 39 and with the circuit cleared of Trulli’s accident, it meant the race restarted, Rosberg managed to pull away but was no longer the faster as Webber was able to use the fresher tyres to easily pass Button and Kobayashi into 6th place, a lap later this became 4th as he easily dispatched Randle and Perez. With Alonso slowing the pack it went in 3 laps Rosberg had a 9 second lead and Webber in 3rd stuck behind despite on newer tyres this went to 11 seconds on lap 44 but back down to 8 seconds on lap 45 as Rosberg tyres were wearing out. Rosberg pitted on lap 47 to take advantage of the rain slowing for a final pair of wets, Webber was now in the lead and had to lap consistently in order to have enough to come out in the lead when the change to non wet tyres would happen which was expected on lap 58. The wonderful drive from Barrichello ended on lap 45 in the usual luck that always happened to him in his home race, the Cosworth in his William’s blew and the Brazilian was out. Waving to the crowd, he shrugged his shoulders and walked back to the pits as the crowd and marshals showed their respect to the veteran. The championship and race would end dramatically for one participant on lap 50, this would be that of the McLaren of Button whose gearbox broke and ended the race for the Brit. The look of resignation and sadness was on his face as he took off his helmet and went back to the pits. By now news hit both Webber and Rosberg as they passed the McLaren parked off the track and both were encouraged by their pit crews to go for it. On lap 52 the top 10 were 1. M. Webber (2), 2. N. Rosberg (4) + 7.895s, 3. L. Hamilton (7) + 20.868s, 4. F. Alonso (27) + 23.301s, 5. A. Randle (13) + 26.752s, 6.
S. Vettel (1) +28.362s, 7. S. Perez (30) +32.339s, 8. K. Kobayashi (29) +34.698s, 9. R. Kubica (19) + 39.075s, 10. M. Schumacher (3) + 42.241s
With the rain stopped and the track starting to dry but not as quick as expected, it was now up to decide to switch to inters or hope it will dry enough for slicks. A fuel leak for Kovalainen ended Lotus’ race on lap 53, this was followed by an engine failure for Alguersuari a lap later and a gearbox failure for Sutil on the same lap. With the track drying both Webber and Rosberg decided to stay out and wait for slicks, this meant that they were losing time to those that pitted for inters as positions 3 – 5 had stopped for them. It was still only about 0.95 seconds a lap and this worked brilliantly on lap 58 when the call came to pit for dry tyres, both took the soft option and as both rejoined behind Vettel and Schumacher who also hadn’t pitted for inters. By lap 61 with everyone on slicks and the track becoming dry and faster this meant Webber and Rosberg were lapping the same as everyone. The final retirement happened on lap 60 for Randle when the throttle on his Randle BMW broke. Rosberg passed Webber for 3rd on lap 63 and was now in control to keep the Red Bull behind him, only problem was Vettel in 2nd slowed down to hold Rosberg up so that Webber could close in on lap 65. This worked brilliantly as Vettel blocked Rosberg and round the outside Webber was able to go into 2nd on the Senna S, Rosberg infuriated passed Vettel into Curva De Sol to take third and to chase after Webber who was now eight seconds behind Hamilton who was leading the race. What this did for both the championships was that Webber would win with 210pts, with Rosberg on 208 and it would give the constructors to McLaren on 385pts with Red Bull 2nd on 383pts. However Vettel and Hamilton’s tyres were fading quicker and this meant that it would be very close with the top 10 spread out on lap 66 by 1. L. Hamilton (7), 2. M. Webber (2) + 6.143s, 3. N. Rosberg (4) + 7.526s, 4. S. Vettel (1) + 10.452s, 5. F. Alonso (27) +11.452s, 6. S. Perez (30) +13.462s, 7. K. Kobayashi (29) +14.078s, 8. M. Schumacher (3) + 16.353s, 9. N. Heidfeld (14) +17.654s, 10. R. Kubica +28.703s.
Webber was able to pass Hamilton two laps later to take the lead with Rosberg stuck behind the McLaren, Vettel had dropped down to 6th. This still would give the constructors to Red Bull but Vettel was in trouble and on lap 69 was passed by Heidfeld to be in 9th and Hamilton was still keeping Rosberg behind to aide McLaren. Finally Rosberg on lap 70 he passed Hamilton but was still 1.5 seconds from Webber who was lapping slower than Rosberg. Rosberg still was not giving up and had set the fastest lap of 1:14.345s on lap 70 and entering turn 4 was now 0.6 seconds from Webber whose tyres were going but so were Nico’s just not as much. Many TV viewers could barely look at what was unfolding and Christian corner gasped as Webber ran wide at turn 8, this was Rosberg’s only chance and his was side by side as they went through turn 9 and 10. However briefly getting ahead Rosberg locked his brakes going into lap 12. (Brundle) Webber’s got the inside, this is fantastic, Rosberg has blown it, and Mark Webber is going to be the champion. (Coulthard) Rosberg isn’t giving up they are side by side going into turn 13 its going to be who can get most acceleration out of the corner. With the crowd cheering the Red Bull was able to get the momentum and go on to win the race and give the Australian his first championship and Red Bull retaining the Constructors. Mercedes were in dismay as a title that had been in their grasps a few rounds ago. Commiserations to McLaren who an hour earlier could have had both wrapped up and ended up with nothing.
Classification
1. M. Webber (2) 1hr 49mins 54.336s 25pts
2. N. Rosberg (4) + 0.020s 18pts
3. L. Hamilton (7) + 6.354s 15pts
4. F. Alonso (27) + 19.775s 12pts
5. S. Perez (30) + 24.646s 10pts
6. K. Kobayashi (29) +27.778s 8pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) + 30.117s 6pts
8. N. Heidfeld (14) +31.288s 4pts
9. S. Vettel (1) +33.300s 2pts
10. R. Kubica (19) +46.674s 1pt
11. B. Senna (31) +59.907s
12. R. Grosjean (25) + 1.06.557s
13. S. Buemi (23) + 1 lap
14. G. Ricci (34) + 1 lap
15. D. Ricciardio (33) + 1 lap
16. C. Klien (22) + 2 laps
17. A. Randle (13) 60 laps Throttle
18. A. Sutil (15) 54 laps Gearbox
19. J. Alguersuari (24) 54 laps Engine
20. H. Kovalainen (12) 53 laps Fuel Leakage
21. J. Button (8) 50 laps Gearbox
22. R. Barrichello (5) 45 laps Engine
23. J. Trulli (11) 34 laps Accident
24. F. Massa (28) 28 laps spun off
25. N. Hulkenberg (6)26 laps spun off
26. V. Petrov (20) 13 laps Mechanical
F. Lap N. Rosberg (4) 1:14.345s on lap 70
DOTR: Webber and Rosberg, for putting on one of the performances in the history of the championship.
ROTR: Modena, barely passed any cars and struggled in the conditions
Final Championship Table
1. M. Webber (2) 217pts World Champion
2. N. Rosberg (4) 211pts
3. J. Button (8) 198pts
4. L. Hamilton (7) 177pts
5. F. Alonso (27) 173pts
6. S. Vettel (1) 163pts
7. M. Schumacher (3) 151pts
8. F. Massa (28) 125pts
9. N. Heidfeld (14) 89pts
10. A. Randle (13) 86pts
11. V. Petrov (20) 76pts
12. N. Hulkenberg (6) 73pts
13. R. Kubica (19) 65pts
14. J. Alguersuari (24) 36pts
15. R. Barrichello (5) 35pts
16. S. Buemi (23) 24pts
= H. Kovalainen (12) 24pts
18. K. Kobayashi (29) 21pts
19. R. Grosjean (25) 20pts
20. J. Trulli (11) 16pts
21. G. Ricci (34) 14pts
22. S. Perez (30) 12pts
23. A. Sutil (15) 7pts
24. V. Liuzzi (16) 4pts
25. B. Senna (31) 2pts
26. F. Montagny (26) 1pt
= P. Maldonado (10) 1pt
28. P. DiResta (16) 0pts
=D. Ricciardio (33) 0pts
= P. De La Rosa (9) 0pts
= T. Glock (17) 0pts
= T. Sato (32) 0pts
= C. Klien (22) 0pts
= K. Chandhock (21) 0pts
= J. D'Ambrosio (18) 0pts
= L. Di Grassi (18) 0pts
= G. Pantano (33) 0pts
NC A. Davidson (32)
NC S. Yamamoto (21)
Final Constructors Table
1. Red Bull 380pts Champions
2. McLaren 375pts
3. Mercedes 362pts
4. Ferrari 298pts
5. Randle BMW 175pts
6. Toleman 141pts
7. Williams 108pts
8. Minardi 60pts
9. Team Lotus 40pts
10. Sauber 33pts
11. Ligier Prost 21pts
12. Modena 14pts
13. Force India 11pts
14. Super Aguri 2pts
15. Arrows 1pt
16. Virgin 0pts
= HRT 0pts
Re: Alternate Future History 2011 F1 World Championship
Full Term Report
Red Bull:
Managed to fix reliability issues to take both championships, very strong in the second half of the season and this will be vital for next season. They will now need good management to handle inner team battles now that both of their drivers are champions.
Mercedes:
Will feel that the championship was squandered by the team given how far Rosberg was ahead in the race. With 2012 likely to be Schumacher’s last season, the team need to make sure it can handle being in a title fight psychologically otherwise the team will underperform considering the talent it has driving for them.
Williams:
Did well with package but did lose ground to Toleman and Randle BMW due to weaker overall package. A promising 2012 is on the cards with the return of Raikkonen and Hulkenberg looking to be a consistent driver. Problems with the engine power should be vanquished with the arrival of a V10 engine and with a good start could consistently score podiums with good race pace.
McLaren:
Were consistently good but need to make a more dominant car to ensure that both drivers can fight on a more stable platform. One lap pace is vital for improving in 2012 and the team need to ensure the car can dominate when it is strong.
Arrows:
Struggled with prequalifying, however with improved engines coming from BMW they should start being able to make it into races. The driver lineup will still have questions over it but should be able to battle the lower teams next year with a stronger campaign.
Lotus:
Did very well despite a small budget and were able to take advantage of Force India and Sauber’s bad form. The performances from the two drivers meant that they were able to capitalise on the bad reliability of others and with their decent pace were able to score points. If they can improve the car some more then it should stabilise the team and Kovalainen is performing very well to enable this.
Randle BMW:
One of the most successful first campaigns for a brand new team, next season will be about consolidation and enabling that it was not a fluke. Heidfeld finally was able to get an overdue win and Randle proved to be a very capable driver. With support from BMW they should be able to be stable in midfield and occasionally challenge the frontrunners. The V12 needs to make sure it can get it’s optomised performance.
Force India:
Disappointing campaign and with both drivers released by the team, new blood should help the team next season. However it will need to be done quickly to ensure that the team do not decline after many years of improvement. Stability is vital in making sure decline is not permanent and temporary, the acquiring of DiResta and Buemi should rejuvenate them next season.
Virgin:
Struggled due to budget and with new teams coming in, they could disappear altogether if they do not have progress next year. A new owner should help the team to grow but the team might find it hard to be in many races in 2012.
Toleman:
Started well and looked like they were closing on the top 4 but then fell behind as the season progressed. Were consistent point scorers but need to take advantage to claim podiums in the futre as Randle BMW and Williams should be making progress in 2012. Petrov and Kubica are strong enough drivers to aid with this.
Hispania:
Struggled to qualify but at times did look quite strong to do it, will need to make sure they do not fall behind new teams and ensure they can follow Lotus’ into making a move up the grid. Liuzzi should be able to regularly get more out of the car but Chandhock would still need to prove himself, perhaps if no improvement is made, new investment will badly be needed.
Minardi:
Did relatively well but will feel the team did not get the best out of its engines, will be happy to be so solid in the midfield and will need to carry that momentum into 2012. Will hope the new driver can get on the pace quickly to help develop the team.
Ligier Prost:
Did well and progressed decently over the season, were hampered though by some of Montagny’s performances but should be able to qualify well for 2012. Perhaps Montagny will need to improve if he is to keep his seat.
Ferrari:
Alonso and Massa performed well but at times Ferrari did not have the momentum to make a proper go of the championship. More development of their engine should see it being more powerful then the Lamborghini and BMW powerplants. With no championship for their drivers since 2007, they will hope they can get Alonso a third title in the new season.
Sauber:
Struggled but will look better with Ferrari engines and with Perez and Kobayashi looking stronger a place in the upper midfield should be possible for 2012.
Super Aguri:
Did better than hoped but would like to keep a hold of the Modena team and with more support from Honda this should be helpful. An experienced driver alongside Senna will help the team and this will help the team progress.
Modena:
Improved once they were able to qualify more regularly and were able to get some points, next season hopefully they can gain more points and with a good package the team has potential.
Driver Rankings (Half term Rank):
39. (35) S. Yamamoto: Was bad in his appearances and F1 is better now he is no longer attempting to race.
38. (34) G. Pantano: Struggled but the experience was vital to a new team, will be disappointed more races weren’t started.
37. (N/A) A. Davidson: Did not really have a chance to show what he could do
36. (29) L. DiGrassi: Rightly dropped by Virgin and perhaps next year will be his last chance if he does not perform.
35. (N/A) J. D’Ambrosio: Did better than DiGrassi but be a surprise if he returns.
34. (28) C. Klien: Wasn’t helped by HRT but then didn’t really help HRT.
33. (23) K. Chandhock: Showed promise but was quite average in a poor car
32. (32) P. De La Rosa: Helped Arrows a little and very fortunate to get another drive with a new team due to experience.
31. (30) T. Glock: Not long left for this driver who was uninterested during the season and will likely not be in a drive by 2013.
30. (33) T. Sato: Made the right decision to retire as was just not up to the level anymore for the growth the team needed.
29. (31) F. Montagny: Will need to improve to keep his seat during next season and will need to make sure Grosjean does not overshadow him.
28. (22) A. Sutil: Struggled a little with the car and hopefully will be picked up by a new team as it could make him better.
27. (N/A) P. DiResta: Showed good form and with a full season next year will get better
26. (27) P. Maldonado: Will hope to build on a decent season and help develop Arrows into the midfield.
25. (N/A) D. Ricciardio: Helped give Modena some regular appearances but still a question mark on true potential.
24. (24) V. Liuzzi: Unlucky to miss a few races and should aid HRT next year but his career is in its twilight years in F1.
23. (21) S. Perez: Some improvement but will be able to demonstrate some ability next year with the new package.
22. (12) K. Kobayashi: Will be helped by Sauber if they improve next year, otherwise could get complacent.
21. (26) B. Senna: Did exceptionally well and a strong season might see him move up the grid
20. (19) R. Grosjean: Showed he was more then capable and deserving of F1, will look to improve and help Ligier to grow.
19. (16) J. Trulli: Helped Lotus to a strong season but is his F1 career over as does not really offer anything new and perhaps now needs to move on.
18. (13) S. Buemi: Will help Force India next season and had a solid season in the Minardi
17. (16) R. Barrichello: Not a bad way to say goodbye to F1 and will be missed, however one more season would have been too much.
16. (19) J. Alguersuari: Showed good form and should be pleased with a strong season, will need to develop in order to become a true team leader in 2012.
15. (25) G. Ricci: Was above average and very good at times, perhaps the surprise of the season.
14. (17) M. Schumacher: Good to see him win again and did improve during the season but will feel that Rosberg has outraced him. 2012 may be his last season to prove he deserves the seat.
13. (11) R. Kubica: Raced well but did struggle at times, will hope to improve for 2012
12. (9) F. Massa: Suffered with reliability but was a solid pointsscorer but was a definite no. 2 driver.
11. (14) N. Hulkenberg: Showed good form and will be interesting if he can match a world champion in 2012.
10. (8) V. Petrov: A bit more consistency and Toleman should have a driver who can perform when the car is not doing well.
9. (15) H. Kovalainen: Some strong drives were rewarded with strong points and showed to be a really underrated driver. Perhaps in better teams he would have more wins.
8. (10) N. Heidfeld: Finally won, had a consistent season and his experience aided Randle BMW, was not completely outraced but looked like it worn him out at times with a younger teammate.
7. (6) L. Hamilton: On his days was simply superb but these were not frequent enough in a trying season.
6. (3) J. Button: Was consistent if not spectacular and this was what led to a strong charge, perhaps a few more outstanding drives and he would be a 2 time world champion.
5. (2) A. Randle: Drove above expectations and unlucky to not to have won, if can focus on maturity of drives then could be quite successful.
4. (4) S. Vettel: Was unlucky in some race, very good in some and will hope for a strong 2012
3. (5) F. Alonso: Drove brilliantly and could take the fight to the other drivers, still getting the most out of his car than any other driver.
2. (1) N. Rosberg: At one stage the championship was going to him and it was a matter of time, will need to be mentally strong to get past that the championship went.
1. (7) M. Webber: Drove well and strong, showed good character and a popular world champion
ROTY: Force India, Under achieved and at some races were outpaced by the likes of Super Aguri, Arrows, HRT and Virgin. Should have cemented a strong midfield and regular points only to not qualify for several races and were even in danger of going into prequalifying at one point.
1. Force India
2. S. Yamamoto
3. Virgin/HRT
There we go the season has finished and I hope you have enjoyed reading it, I do have a 2012 in the timeline as a sequel so will be putting it on here at some point which I will link on this thread. Any suggestions will be appreciated and who knows what the new season will bring.
Red Bull:
Managed to fix reliability issues to take both championships, very strong in the second half of the season and this will be vital for next season. They will now need good management to handle inner team battles now that both of their drivers are champions.
Mercedes:
Will feel that the championship was squandered by the team given how far Rosberg was ahead in the race. With 2012 likely to be Schumacher’s last season, the team need to make sure it can handle being in a title fight psychologically otherwise the team will underperform considering the talent it has driving for them.
Williams:
Did well with package but did lose ground to Toleman and Randle BMW due to weaker overall package. A promising 2012 is on the cards with the return of Raikkonen and Hulkenberg looking to be a consistent driver. Problems with the engine power should be vanquished with the arrival of a V10 engine and with a good start could consistently score podiums with good race pace.
McLaren:
Were consistently good but need to make a more dominant car to ensure that both drivers can fight on a more stable platform. One lap pace is vital for improving in 2012 and the team need to ensure the car can dominate when it is strong.
Arrows:
Struggled with prequalifying, however with improved engines coming from BMW they should start being able to make it into races. The driver lineup will still have questions over it but should be able to battle the lower teams next year with a stronger campaign.
Lotus:
Did very well despite a small budget and were able to take advantage of Force India and Sauber’s bad form. The performances from the two drivers meant that they were able to capitalise on the bad reliability of others and with their decent pace were able to score points. If they can improve the car some more then it should stabilise the team and Kovalainen is performing very well to enable this.
Randle BMW:
One of the most successful first campaigns for a brand new team, next season will be about consolidation and enabling that it was not a fluke. Heidfeld finally was able to get an overdue win and Randle proved to be a very capable driver. With support from BMW they should be able to be stable in midfield and occasionally challenge the frontrunners. The V12 needs to make sure it can get it’s optomised performance.
Force India:
Disappointing campaign and with both drivers released by the team, new blood should help the team next season. However it will need to be done quickly to ensure that the team do not decline after many years of improvement. Stability is vital in making sure decline is not permanent and temporary, the acquiring of DiResta and Buemi should rejuvenate them next season.
Virgin:
Struggled due to budget and with new teams coming in, they could disappear altogether if they do not have progress next year. A new owner should help the team to grow but the team might find it hard to be in many races in 2012.
Toleman:
Started well and looked like they were closing on the top 4 but then fell behind as the season progressed. Were consistent point scorers but need to take advantage to claim podiums in the futre as Randle BMW and Williams should be making progress in 2012. Petrov and Kubica are strong enough drivers to aid with this.
Hispania:
Struggled to qualify but at times did look quite strong to do it, will need to make sure they do not fall behind new teams and ensure they can follow Lotus’ into making a move up the grid. Liuzzi should be able to regularly get more out of the car but Chandhock would still need to prove himself, perhaps if no improvement is made, new investment will badly be needed.
Minardi:
Did relatively well but will feel the team did not get the best out of its engines, will be happy to be so solid in the midfield and will need to carry that momentum into 2012. Will hope the new driver can get on the pace quickly to help develop the team.
Ligier Prost:
Did well and progressed decently over the season, were hampered though by some of Montagny’s performances but should be able to qualify well for 2012. Perhaps Montagny will need to improve if he is to keep his seat.
Ferrari:
Alonso and Massa performed well but at times Ferrari did not have the momentum to make a proper go of the championship. More development of their engine should see it being more powerful then the Lamborghini and BMW powerplants. With no championship for their drivers since 2007, they will hope they can get Alonso a third title in the new season.
Sauber:
Struggled but will look better with Ferrari engines and with Perez and Kobayashi looking stronger a place in the upper midfield should be possible for 2012.
Super Aguri:
Did better than hoped but would like to keep a hold of the Modena team and with more support from Honda this should be helpful. An experienced driver alongside Senna will help the team and this will help the team progress.
Modena:
Improved once they were able to qualify more regularly and were able to get some points, next season hopefully they can gain more points and with a good package the team has potential.
Driver Rankings (Half term Rank):
39. (35) S. Yamamoto: Was bad in his appearances and F1 is better now he is no longer attempting to race.
38. (34) G. Pantano: Struggled but the experience was vital to a new team, will be disappointed more races weren’t started.
37. (N/A) A. Davidson: Did not really have a chance to show what he could do
36. (29) L. DiGrassi: Rightly dropped by Virgin and perhaps next year will be his last chance if he does not perform.
35. (N/A) J. D’Ambrosio: Did better than DiGrassi but be a surprise if he returns.
34. (28) C. Klien: Wasn’t helped by HRT but then didn’t really help HRT.
33. (23) K. Chandhock: Showed promise but was quite average in a poor car
32. (32) P. De La Rosa: Helped Arrows a little and very fortunate to get another drive with a new team due to experience.
31. (30) T. Glock: Not long left for this driver who was uninterested during the season and will likely not be in a drive by 2013.
30. (33) T. Sato: Made the right decision to retire as was just not up to the level anymore for the growth the team needed.
29. (31) F. Montagny: Will need to improve to keep his seat during next season and will need to make sure Grosjean does not overshadow him.
28. (22) A. Sutil: Struggled a little with the car and hopefully will be picked up by a new team as it could make him better.
27. (N/A) P. DiResta: Showed good form and with a full season next year will get better
26. (27) P. Maldonado: Will hope to build on a decent season and help develop Arrows into the midfield.
25. (N/A) D. Ricciardio: Helped give Modena some regular appearances but still a question mark on true potential.
24. (24) V. Liuzzi: Unlucky to miss a few races and should aid HRT next year but his career is in its twilight years in F1.
23. (21) S. Perez: Some improvement but will be able to demonstrate some ability next year with the new package.
22. (12) K. Kobayashi: Will be helped by Sauber if they improve next year, otherwise could get complacent.
21. (26) B. Senna: Did exceptionally well and a strong season might see him move up the grid
20. (19) R. Grosjean: Showed he was more then capable and deserving of F1, will look to improve and help Ligier to grow.
19. (16) J. Trulli: Helped Lotus to a strong season but is his F1 career over as does not really offer anything new and perhaps now needs to move on.
18. (13) S. Buemi: Will help Force India next season and had a solid season in the Minardi
17. (16) R. Barrichello: Not a bad way to say goodbye to F1 and will be missed, however one more season would have been too much.
16. (19) J. Alguersuari: Showed good form and should be pleased with a strong season, will need to develop in order to become a true team leader in 2012.
15. (25) G. Ricci: Was above average and very good at times, perhaps the surprise of the season.
14. (17) M. Schumacher: Good to see him win again and did improve during the season but will feel that Rosberg has outraced him. 2012 may be his last season to prove he deserves the seat.
13. (11) R. Kubica: Raced well but did struggle at times, will hope to improve for 2012
12. (9) F. Massa: Suffered with reliability but was a solid pointsscorer but was a definite no. 2 driver.
11. (14) N. Hulkenberg: Showed good form and will be interesting if he can match a world champion in 2012.
10. (8) V. Petrov: A bit more consistency and Toleman should have a driver who can perform when the car is not doing well.
9. (15) H. Kovalainen: Some strong drives were rewarded with strong points and showed to be a really underrated driver. Perhaps in better teams he would have more wins.
8. (10) N. Heidfeld: Finally won, had a consistent season and his experience aided Randle BMW, was not completely outraced but looked like it worn him out at times with a younger teammate.
7. (6) L. Hamilton: On his days was simply superb but these were not frequent enough in a trying season.
6. (3) J. Button: Was consistent if not spectacular and this was what led to a strong charge, perhaps a few more outstanding drives and he would be a 2 time world champion.
5. (2) A. Randle: Drove above expectations and unlucky to not to have won, if can focus on maturity of drives then could be quite successful.
4. (4) S. Vettel: Was unlucky in some race, very good in some and will hope for a strong 2012
3. (5) F. Alonso: Drove brilliantly and could take the fight to the other drivers, still getting the most out of his car than any other driver.
2. (1) N. Rosberg: At one stage the championship was going to him and it was a matter of time, will need to be mentally strong to get past that the championship went.
1. (7) M. Webber: Drove well and strong, showed good character and a popular world champion
ROTY: Force India, Under achieved and at some races were outpaced by the likes of Super Aguri, Arrows, HRT and Virgin. Should have cemented a strong midfield and regular points only to not qualify for several races and were even in danger of going into prequalifying at one point.
1. Force India
2. S. Yamamoto
3. Virgin/HRT
There we go the season has finished and I hope you have enjoyed reading it, I do have a 2012 in the timeline as a sequel so will be putting it on here at some point which I will link on this thread. Any suggestions will be appreciated and who knows what the new season will bring.