Ex-pat in Bahrain

A view and written by my Father, an ex-pat in Bahrain:

Well it happened! What a great event put on at the Bahrain International Circuit – a true carnival of motor sport. Even a few spots of rain in the desert did not spoil this parade! I half expected Vettel to perform well – much like he did here two years ago before mechanical failure ended his day prematurely. He turned in a truly accomplished performance from the moment the red lights went out to taking the chequered flag.

For those interested in the support card; a day of contrasting fortunes Siedler in the Porsche Super cup completed an excellent double podium (3-1) as did Rene Rast (1-3). A solid second from Sean Edwards in race one though became 14th after an incident into turn one left him with a punctured rear right and with no Safety Car to bunch the field back up his day was over almost as soon as it had started! At least there is a promising season ahead.

The WGA Supercars ME Championship an Australian copy – produced its own excitement. With some excellent driving, there was a double victory for Batelco Racing Team driver Ramez Azzam. Over the two days, the final rounds of the class took place with championships victory for Alban Varutti. This contrasted with a particularly spectacular example of out-braking at end of Oasis straight, resulting in Nasser Al Alawi sliding across the outfield into the sand trap. His subsequent punching of the vehicle’s roof in frustration was brilliantly caught by some great camera work.
Mention also of GP2 and double victory for DAMS driver Davide Valsecchi. Two terrific drives with spectacular overtaking move on turn one of the last lap in race two, to gain top spot. Fabio Leimar had looked certain to win the second race but by ignoring waved yellow flags incurred a drive through penalty dropping him to 12th.

So as the strains of The Toreador’s March by Bizet fade away who else are left as the real winners and are there any genuine losers?

A winner was Lotus. Raikkonen and Grosjean were the surprise package and a welcome addition to the podium committee along with Vettel and Christian Horner for Red Bull Racing.

Certainly a firm loser was McLaren – two poor pits stops for Hamilton and finally an exhaust failure for Button. Ferrari would have wished for better – as did their drivers both running out of fuel on the slowdown lap the cars being carried in on recovery trucks.

Also a firm loser is the credibility of the western news media who, throughout the weekend, have seen fit to link the GP event with political unrest – even after the opposition openly stated it was because of the GP that they were stepping up their protests to sucker in world attention. Just why Channel 4 believed it correct to enter the country on grand prix tourist visas and then start interviewing protesters is difficult to imagine. Do they not realise that this abuse was unlawful and causes problems for all British workers on the island – ask my wife who was delayed by 45 minutes due to additional security checks after the last batch of activists came in. Perhaps they should be asking why they were refused accreditation in the first place.

As to all the tanks and barbed wire reported as being along the highway to the circuit, plus the ring of steel around the BIC this was complete fabrication. During the three days travelling to and from the circuit I did not see any tanks – yes quite a few police vehicles and three APV’s parked on the circuit perimeter but no more than you would expect and no more security level than a visit to Wembley Stadium.

Sport for the many thousands of fans on Bahrain went ahead without incident. Perhaps it is worth remembering that although Shia hold majority representation, in fact half of the Bahrain population is ex-pat and, along with guests, were clearly in evidence at the Circuit.

Economically the country gained $2-400,000 seems the ball park range. The impact though was best seen in the group of stadium attendants laughing and giving themselves a round of applause after completing their three day stint. Common purpose of a different kind with goals achieved. I am sure they did not earn a lot but a lot better than nothing at all!

All of those here in Bahrain are neither offering judgement on the government nor judging the level of violence which the opposition engaged in. Media seemed content to give them credibility for lobbing half-heartedly Molotov cocktails to incite police? If someone sets out to make a bomb let alone throw it so as to put me in fear, I do not stand and think whether this is even remotely related to a Grand Prix?

Maybe there is success for the moderates in government as King Hamad has reaffirmed his commitment to reform. Bernie Ecclestone’s interview on Press day was direct and the Crown Prince has again gained credibility in trying to navigate the path to peace. Those who relate to Ireland know this will be long. David Cameron in support of the process showed knowledge and understanding in complete contrast to the ignorance should by some Labour MP’s in the UK.

The opposition had their voice heard – they were winners of sort but the violence was not needed. Hopefully both sides can now start talking meaningfully.

But the real success is the fact the event went ahead. The Crown Prince wanted the race to be for the greater good. What the western world does not understand is the bloodbath which has been avoided by the race taking place. It never is good to empower extremism yet it is equally good the ruling monarchy understand not only the significant internal problem but that the eyes of the world have been turned on them. What is needed is increase in pace of reform and to achieve this requires peaceful engagement by all sides.

Did FIA breach its own objectives in taking on the event? Certainly sectors of the media have taken the opportunity to decry F1 as a gaudy spectacle and set it up as supporting a despotic regime. In the latter they failed and contracting with Bahrain was no different to contracting with places such as China and Brazil. Being more pragmatic sport has won – there will now be a vacuum, a chance to draw breath and seek a way to peace. If supporting this race pushes that a small way I for one will be proud to have been part of such a well organised event.

Should F1 race in Bahrain?

Bahrain has been on the lips of many journalists over the past few weeks in anticipation for the Formula 1 race to be held in the Kingdom over the weekend of the 20th, 21st and 22nd of April.

Once again though sport and politics clash. What started as an all-party Bahraini call for improved constitutional rights has, twelve months on, degenerated into sectarian aggression. For those old enough to understand the religious polarisation in N. Ireland there are stark parallels.

To gain some perspective and understanding it is crucial to point out that Bahrain is a Sunni led government with a Shia Muslim majority people. The security forces comprise Sunni’s though many do not have Bahraini ancestry. For many years Shia have considered themselves the underclass and have been treated as second class by the Sunni monarchy who has consistently favoured their own sect. Many felt though opportunities for Shia were better than similar unfavoured classes in the region which coupled with a feeling of Bahraini first had led to a peaceful co-existence.

The geopolitical position of Bahrain in the in the Gulf has also to be understood. Linked by causeway to eastern Saudi Arabia and its oil fields it faces, across the water, Iran. Bahrain is also home to the US Fifth fleet, demonstrating why it is so important to Western economic and security interests.

Bahrain’s unrest which led to cancellation of last year’s Grand Prix came on the coat tails of the Arab Spring – the wave of civil unrest which swept N. Africa and into the Middle East and indeed still continues today in Syria.

The crackdown though was brutal even in Arab terms and with free reign given to the security forces backed by Peninsula shield troop’s sent in from Saudi Arabia, human rights abuses did one could say inevitably occur. Remember Mubarak in Egypt had fallen, Tunisia had changes and all eyes were on how long Gaddafi in Libya would last. Turkeys do not vote for Christmas and the reaction from hard liners in the ruling family was entirely predictable. Remember also that the Crown Prince all but pulled off a peace deal – which side scuppered it at the last moment remains one for the historians.

King Hamad though took the unprecedented step to set up an independent commission to deal with the failings and accepted without reservation recommendations for future reform published with final report on 23 November 2011.

This gave an unparalleled opportunity for the opposition Al Wefaq National Islamic Society to enter into serious dialogue.
Talking, as in Ireland, takes time. Healing will take even longer.
Wary Al Wefaq remain and it is only time which will judge the success of the road to unification – if indeed it can be achieved.

What is true though is that reforms are in progress; some still remain interned, even on hunger strike but what is more disappointing is the continuing apparently meaningless daily violence. Burning tyres on highways, Molotov cocktails thrown into schools, gas bottle explosions, even beating of Asian ex patriot’s interference with daily life of the working population has an attritional effect.

The response by the now monitored security forces is measured but the drone of helicopters and use of tear gas during regular confrontations shows that divisions continue to run deep. Let us be clear the Sunni Royal family are not going to cede power yet are setting about improving life for its population. This is difficult with the economy on the rocks and limited oil revenues – it relies on support from its GCC counterparts.

At the end of last year most believed in the UniF1ied banner, that the GP was part of the healing process. Only in recent months has it become a fulcrum over which sectarian see-saw has swung.
The level of violence has risen with casualties of security personnel rising with seven injured in a bombing and others injured as they tried to clear road blocks. Wefaq have resorted to guerrilla style tactics setting alight tyres on roads and raiding shops, throwing Molotov cocktails into schools and burning banks – the attempt to disrupt daily life and thus those coming to visit Bahrain is clear.

They have been supported by the media and some non-government organisations – in particular Amnesty International who are guilty of double standards in not providing a balanced report, have caused a lot of negative speculation, uncertainty and damaging effects to the country and rising the fear in those attending the event.

I am lucky, in some respects, that I am able to receive better information than most due to the fact my parents live in the Bahrain. I had first-hand experience there last year for the GP that did not take place my first Formula 1 race outside of England.

Formula One Management (FOM) and the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) called the race off back in 2011 due to the political unrest when the demonstrations were at their highest. Manama the capital had been flooded by protests surrounding the Pearl Roundabout which was ultimately torn down and the intersection remains closed.

While I was there thankfully my Dad and I were able to take a drive and were fortunate enough to cover a lot of ground and I was able to see a lot of Bahrain. Manama was a tricky area to still get in and out of but the surrounding areas at that point were still quiet. We were able to get down to the track and as a facility the Bahrain International Circuit is exceptional. A lot of people dislike the track in Bahrain; there is a lot more to the circuit than meets the eye, notably the undulation changes and it has been further modified since.

I also got to see the oil fields which uniquely give off a form of beauty to the landscape that is otherwise decimated by sand. The only time I personally was affected was when both my Dad and I were on the wrong end of tear gas. Still even after that I did not feel threatened or at any unease. Passing through barricades was no issue when the locals saw you were from the Western World they waved you on by.

I was asked by many friends and family why on earth was I still going to Bahrain when the race has been cancelled. Two reasons, firstly I wanted to see my parents but also I wanted to see experience a new country for myself even if the uprising had broken out. My Dad was asked many times why was he not returning to England, beyond the protests and stereotyping the Middle East he still had to work and peoples day to day lives still continued.

Fast forward to 2012 and the same questions that were being asked prior to the start of the 2011 race are being asked now. I find it difficult to see why though. Bahrain has changed in the past 12 months and while protests still happen they have spread to the smaller surrounding villages and are nowhere near the scale they were when Pearl Roundabout was occupied. The government have promised reform and while minimal changes have been implemented, it was always going to be a long drawn out process for it to be concluded.

It has been asked if Formula 1 should be going to Bahrain because it backs the government making it look like that Bahrain is fine. Bahrain is not fine and will not be for a period of time but it is significantly better than it was. Formula 1 then also has been looked at as a catalyst for Bahrainis to protest and “show the world” through the Formula 1 media what is going on in their country.
Significantly it is Al Wefaq who openly declares they intend disrupting the week leading up to the GP with daily protests. Of equal significance is that these are approved rallies by the government supporting the concept of peaceful demonstration. Let us all hope this remains the case. What is in no doubt is that the government will make sure the event takes place.

Monitoring of this will be the world’s media. It is unfortunate only a few weeks ago that activists from the West thought they could enter Bahrain on visit visas and then join the protests. No country is going to accept this situation. Access has thus become stricter but the same could be said for America for those attending the race in Austin, Texas they are going to need a visa. Dare I mention China – the double standards are obvious.

Two weeks ago my mother touched down in Bahrain and had to wait forty five minutes for clearance but still got through customs after a small amount of questioning. The Formula 1 teams and media have special visas for the country and will be welcomed with warm open arms I expect.

Last year England had protests in London, Manchester and other cities but you do not see Silverstone under any threat. I live in Manchester and was very close to the violence. In the space of a few months I had gone from protests in the Middle East to protests on my doorstep. The reality is that all countries have their political problems. The world is not in a very healthy state as it is. A few years ago local Brazilians attempted to kidnap Jenson Button while driving away from the circuit. Sao Paulo is still on the calendar and no one has said anything.

The media as ever have massively blown up what is going on because it is the Middle East and it is an easy target due to the religious state of the region. Mexico is vying to have a Formula 1 race in the next few years. The police and government are in a constant head to head battle with drug cartels and yet Mexico might get a race. China has daily human rights questions hung above its head and they blacked out Twitter and Facebook. Russia hosts its first race in 2013 and is hardly renowned for warm welcoming hospitality.

Bahrain is no worse than any other country on our planet but because it is small, vulnerable, in the middle of the two power houses of Iran and Saudi Arabia the media and I include social media sites think they can swarm all over.

Even if Bahrain was not going through the current unrest it is going through, should Formula 1 race there anyway? My answer is why not. Every country we visit has some form of unrest or some sort of dispute. Human rights are questioned in every country in what is “right” or “fair” for a country in the first instance it is for them to decide – Syria is a case in point as to how the international community wishes to respond.

So where does this leave the contractual position. Frankly it is in neither side’s interest for the event to be cancelled but Al Wefaq will step up their protests like, just as a hooked fish, the media reacts.
As long as safety is guaranteed the right to demonstrate peacefully can go ahead.

Freight and display cars have already arrived: Today the main circus lands. The GP is on despite the last minute protestations on top on the Bahrain Embassy in London (why did Met Police not see that coming?) or Amnesty International being given air time.

Next week the paddock and western media move on, what then, Bahrain 2013?

A View From Down Under

Rather than writing a full review I thought I would do a round up from Melbourne as I suspect most of our readers watched the race.

After a couple of difficult Free Practice sessions it was interesting to see that the McLaren’s had the outright qualifying pace. It has been documented that Jenson Button made a mistake on his flying lap and still was only a tenth of Hamilton highlighting the speed he had.

It was surprising to see Red Bull not deliver, Vettel made an uncharacteristic error along with Webber having no KERS. It is evident that the car is quick though even without KERS.

Shock and delight rolled in to one for position three. Romain Grosjean showing the magnificent work the Lotus team has done over the winter. The Enstone based team shook the entire field with the Frenchman’s lap, not least Mercedes.

Mercedes backed up their pace from winter testing with fourth position from Michael Schumacher.

Early hours in Europe and bleary eyed race fans were rolling out of the bed in anticipation for the first race of the season. Jenson Button won the McLaren battle in turn one after making a not so great start himself, but his team mates was even worse. The early pace from Button and the McLaren had shades of Red Bull from last year.

The unfortunate Grosjean went out early doors after a collision with Pastor Maldonado, the Venezuelan keen to show his ability immediately in 2012 trying to silence his critics. An early shower was also required for Michael Schumacher after hydraulic issues plagued him in to turn one where Vettel would capitalise.

Safety car out and the pack is closed up, Petrov’s Caterham grinded to a halt on the start/finish straight. Quick thinking McLaren pits their cars back to back but due to regulations they had to meet a specific delta behind the safety car gifting second position to Vettel.

Ferrari’s poor winter testing had gone from bad to worse in Qualifying but the skill, talent and ability of Fernando Alonso allowed him to greatly improve on his qualifying position in the race but he was hunted ferociously by Maldonado in a Williams that has some very encouraging pace about it.

Sauber’s regular vendettas towards the top echelons of the field in the early season were prominent again as both Perez and Kobayashi secured top ten finishes. Perez again only doing one stop in Melbourne this time though thankfully both cars not disqualified unlike 2011.

After the restart Button showed his raw pace again and from the sounds of his race engineer had plenty in reserve in terms of engine mix. Button drove a faultless race and looks to be in a very good position for the season. He appears settled and has little pressure on him as it is expected that Hamilton will beat him.

It is clear to see Hamilton is still not at one with this current era of Formula 1. If refuelling was still here and he could get rid of the tyres then arguably he would be controlling the McLaren. Currently he is not as there are underlying issues that he still is currently unhappy with. Red Bull is still an option at the end of the season with Webber likely to leave. Hamilton appeared to be more surprised at Button’s pace than his own.

After a wonderful race for Williams hearts sank as Maldonado crashed off of Turn 8 spearing in to the wall on the final lap. The Williams showed awesome pace and Maldonado was on to pass Alonso for fifth position, so unlucky for the team from Grove.

What have we learnt?

McLaren have built a very good car and the drop nose has little to no effect as it has been stated recently it is more what goes on at the rear of the car than the front.

Red Bull has a little bit of work to do but they are there and they will be challenging with both drivers and Webber looks to step his game up to Vettel.

Sauber looks to have a built a good car but it will need continued season development to secure a good championship finish.

Ferrari has issues. It has been reported that Stefano Domenicali and technical director Pat Fry both flew back to the team’s Maranello factory on Monday for an emergency meetings.

Lotus need a competitive race run at the front and not from the rear. Therefore it will be easier to call after Malaysia.

Toro Rosso surprise package and both Vergne and Ricciardo look closely matched on pace, like Sauber will need a full season of development.

Force India lucky with a point. Race pace is required as it lacked in comparison to testing.

Mercedes need to work on degradation but signs are that they have a good car.

Williams nearly were on for one of their best results in a few seasons just a slight mistake from Maldonado cost the team a sixth place finish. Commitment required from the team to update it but potential surprise package of the season.

Marussia finally got some running and Glock performed well, Pic had issues but clear that the car needs work.

Caterham will be disappointed. Car did not show a great deal of pace and reliability has hindered them.

HRT. Little to say, hugely disappointing but it is expected when you change 80% of the team members.

Formula 1 2012 Preview (Part 2)

Force India – Questions have surrounded the team due the financial issues Kingfisher are having, Vijay Mallya’s airline. It would appear that it is only that side of his wealth that is struggling and as of the moment not affecting the team. Sahara India Pariwar, became co-owner of the team with an investment of $US 100 million. The team since has been renamed Sahara Force India. This could be vital the teams longevity. Force India has had an encouraging winter test with some very competitive times elevating them in to the dizzy heights of top of the tree on a few days and tyre degradation seems solid on the VJM05.

Paul di Resta – Enters his second season of Formula 1 have an impressive opening campaign. Coming off the back of solid races and beating his more experienced team mate at the time, along with qualifying sixth at Silverstone it was a great 2011 for the Scot. 2012 is di Resta’s time to really shine. Now knowing all the tracks, the team and what he wants from the car he will have to lead this season.

Nico Hülkenberg – I for one am extremely pleased to see ‘The Hulk’ back in Formula 1. He had a testing period at Williams even after a sensational pole position in Brazil in wet conditions. I have watched Hulkenberg since A1GP and always thought he was a star and he star is set to rise again this year. Massively looking forward to seeing him drive again and I think he will give di Resta a run for his money.

Overall Verdict – Positive signs after uncertainty with finances and with two very sharp and quick drivers I think they could boost each other to push themselves and lift themselves to the echelons of the “big three”. Quietly confident, I would call Force India.

Lotus – Just one Lotus name and livery for fans to contest this year thankfully. Working out of the factory at Enstone, the Lotus team sprung a wonderful surprise in bringing back 2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen. This is a massive coo for the team and from winter testing can clearly see it has fully motivated and galvanized the squad after the Briatore era. Huge issues surrounded the car at the second test where the mount points for suspension had damaged the chassis. This required the team to close the doors and fly the chassis back to England. Much speculation surrounded if the problem was worse but the team worked flat out and got it back for the final test. Very impressive times coming from the team and a real prospect for making Ferrari sweat in the early races.

Kimi Räikkönen – The Iceman returns to Formula 1 after a couple of years out driving a Citroen in WRC. There is no doubt he is straight to the point with the media but his honesty makes him an incredible character to have around the paddock. A driver that has quite an aggressive style and likes to express himself more on the track than off it. Good thing.

Romain Grosjean – GP2 champion graduates back to the big time and ironically back to the same team. Under the Briatore era, Grosjean did not fit in well and the time away has done him a world of good. In pre-season interviews I do not think I have ever seen a grin wider than his. He is very happy about being back in Formula 1 and has good speed that could challenge Raikkonen.

Overall Verdict – The driver pairing are likely to spur each other this season and want to impress from the outset. With drives coming up in 2013, Raikkonen will want to put himself in the shop window if an opportunity arises. Boullier appears to have created a solid team around him at Enstone and will want to make sure development continues throughout the season.

Mercedes – Now with the AMG brand joining them the German outfit will want a big improvement on last season. Both drivers are retained but another season like last and they may not be around long. They have gone through significant personnel changes bringing in Aldo Costa and Geoff Willis to name but two. Ross Brawn has clearly set out his intentions for this year and it is apparent to see that the team are making strides. Some stunning times in pre-season has left Red Bull and McLaren more than looking over their shoulders. Initial times indicate that Mercedes has the quickest car but gets through its tyres sharpish also.

Michael Schumacher – No longer the oldest man on the grid and a man striving for success. Troublesome two years has led to Michael’s final year of his contract without a win or a podium. His current demeanour suggests that he is a kid a Christmas. He believes he may have the tools to be able to push for podiums this year and this excites him greatly, along with many fans.

Nico Rosberg – The most points man without a victory. Successive years of great qualifying, stuttering race pace at times and pretty boy looks has left many questioning him. Rosberg was significantly better in qualifying last year but was often close if not beaten by Schumacher. His consistency in 2012 may need to be lifted before he sees the top step of the podium. Personally I think he has a little more to prove yet.

Overall verdict – Mercedes are oozing potential but they really have to kick off the season well and give Schumacher and Rosberg a car that they can translate it to results. The management, drivers, all now fit together. The race results are the biggest key for this season. Get it right, they will challenge Red Bull. Get it wrong, they could fall to the clutches of Lotus.

Ferrari – Something has gone wrong at Ferrari. Wonderful success with Todt/Byrne/Brawn/Schumacher has led to the Maranello team questioning the staff’s ability and whether they have got the “radical design” right. Testing would indicate not. Flashes of speed met with unknowns of why the car is behaving the way it is. Ferrari just seems to be all at sea. A pointless media blackout in Barcelona did not help their cause in an age where the media need their kick for the week.

Fernando Alonso – Will start to wonder why he signed such a long deal. He fits the team perfectly but the people around him are letting him down, big time. He is arguably still the best all round driver on the grid, closely matched now by Vettel. He deserves another shot at the title but is has to be quizzed if he will get in any time soon.

Felipe Massa – Unfortunately, the writing is on the wall. I think even the least knowledgeable Formula 1 fan realises that he is out at the end of 2012 and it is a chance for him to put himself in the shop window for 2013. The master class of 2008 is gone and no matter what people say since his accident in 2009, has not been the same driver. I wish him all the best but the end is nigh.

Overall verdict – Too many issues surround Ferrari. I do not think they are well prepared and can give the drivers any sort of opportunity in the first races. Unless they pull of a McLaren of last year and have miraculous two week turn around. Ferrari does not have to come from as far back as what McLaren did but the unknown of how the car will react is the worry.

McLaren – Got about winter testing in a very purposeful and professional manner. Went a little quicker than I think they would have liked to of at one stage and through the anchors out to not show the cars real pace. A different design philosophy for the MP4-27 which sees the monocoque to nose section dropped. It would appear this has not been a hindrance though as times dictate that the McLaren is quick and good on tyres.

Jenson Button – No-one expected him to do what he did last year but he proved it to a lot of people and himself. He has the capabilities of being world champion again and with his driving style will suit the Pirelli tyres even more so this year. Stable surroundings unlike his team mate promote the chance to be at one with the car.

Lewis Hamilton – Frustratingly wonderful, a contradiction I know. It is fantastic to see Hamilton’s speed and ability on track. His whinging and whining off track lets him down though. We all look for someone special in our lives but there is no need to make it as public as what he did. The winter hopefully has re-focussed his mind and we will see the Hamilton of old and his raw, tenacious talent.

Overall Verdict – It could get a little spicy between the two Brits this year. The car looks to have the speed to challenge the Red Bull. A lot of hope and promise for the McLaren team but for some reason I have an overwhelming feeling tedium about the team. Some sort of vigour is missing from them, Hamilton may re-light it.

Red Bull – Adrian Newey, enough said. It is hard to look beyond his design capabilities and see where anyone can challenge them. The ban on the blown diffuser has certainly closed up the pack but he usually finds a way around certain obstacles. The only boundary that Red Bull may have to overcome is complacency after a great amount of success in the past two seasons.

Sebastian Vettel – Proved many doubters wrong last year with his overtake on Alonso at Monza. He has become the full product of a quality racing driver and is a very cool, calm and collected individual all at 24 years old. He has achieved a lot and it will be whether his hunger and desire is still enough to guide the team again this year. I suspect it is as he is so young but he may see a few more cars around him this year.

Mark Webber – Quite simply has to do better than last year. Has come to winter testing with a spring in his step and feels good. He has to put together a good season to stay in Formula 1 though. It is very likely the Aussie is gone from Red Bull at the end of 2012 so will want to show through his performances he can cut it with a top team.

Overall Verdict – Favourites for both Championships but must guard against complacency. All signs indicate that they have the speed of Mercedes but have better tyre degradation allowing them to run longer. Spend a lot, get a lot.

Formula 1 2012 Preview (Part 1)

With just a few days to go until the start of the Formula 1 season. I thought it would be to look at season’s competitors and try to evaluate the winter season and see where we stand at the start of 2012.

Marussia – Name change over the winter switching from Virgin Racing to Marussia after the Russian car manufacturer took a larger stake in the team. It has been a very strenuous winter for the team after failing the new crash tests. The new test imposed mean that teams have to pass prior to attending pre-season tests. Marrusia were unable to do this and only completed a few laps on a filming day on demonstration tyres. The team recently announced María de Villota as test a reserve driver but this appears to be more about marketing than ability.

Timo Glock  - Retained for a further season but it may be his last I feel. I think since leaving Toyota it has been nothing but pain for Timo. A very accomplished driver striving for more but is not getting it. His dedication to the team has to be admired though.

Charles Pic – Promoted from the Barwa Addax Team in GP2 up to a full race driver. After impressing throughout the GP2 season and the young driver test, Pic looks to continue his upward rise. Pic secured three pole positions in 2011 but his race consistency may need work. After a serious lack of preparation for the season, Pic may struggle early on the season while he adapts.

Overall verdict – The team now receive wind tunnel support from McLaren but it is unlikely that Marussia will do much again this season. It will take a lot for them to bounce back and it may not be until the in season test where the start to make any sort of in roads.

HRT – Suffered the same fate as Marrusia in failing crash tests meaning they were also only able to do laps on demonstration tyres. HRT will be looking for early data in Free Practice 1 at Melbourne. The team move to a new home in May after recently being based in Valencia they will now have a new facility in Madrid.

Pedro de la Rosa – Seasoned peddler with a wealth of experience and knowledge and knows how to develop a car. Unfortunately Pedro has to do this in race trim and a testing environment would have suited him better. At 41 years old it has to be questioned why this comeback and now.

Narain Karthikeyan – Great to have an Indian on the grid, but it should be Karun Chandhok. Karthikeyan has improved over the past few years but is still not Formula 1 material. I think it reflects the economic times and money has prevailed in this instance.

Overall verdict – Some serious work needed for this team. Finances are rather questionable still at this stage and have the weakest line up on the grid. I expect them to fall behind Marussia this season.

Caterham – The second team to go through a name change in the winter season after agreeing a deal with Lotus-Renault. Caterham went in the winter very happy after scoring tenth place in the constructors creating extra revenue. Caterham are another team in transition in mid-season as they move to the Leafield factory. Promising start to the season with being the first team to launch their car moreover has put in good mileage in pre-season.

Heikki Kovalainen – Retained for another season after greatly impressing last year with the car ever improving, Heikki looks to move up the order and start to challenge the mid-field. If Heikki plays this year right, there could be a few top line drives available to the Finn next season.

Vitaly Petrov – Replaces Jarno Trulli for 2012. The Russian brings Russian investment in to the team amongst and steady rise in performance last year. A great podium in Melbourne then was met with interesting races especially flying in Malaysia. A steady pair of hands but Heikki will look to lead the team.

Overall verdict – Mike Gascoyne has worked many wonders in his time in F1 and we may just start to see another. The team is gaining in strength and appear to be gaining financial stability but in their third season need to start producing the results.

Williams – A team decorated with success over many moons but financial constraints, engine disputes and driver changes, Williams look set to find 2012 difficult once again. Renault engines are likely to be the most positive point for the start of the Williams season. Loved by many and have seen an increase in revenue recently. Lacking desire, heart and direction the team are trying to galvanize themselves together with South American investment. It is going to be a tremendous task for the team to really crack the mid-field this season.

Pastor Maldonado – Retained for a second season by Williams. Impressed in a few races last year, namely Monaco where he unfortunately had a coming together with Hamilton but had little else to offer throughout the year. Some quarters stating the Venezuelan money just about held the seat down.

Bruno Senna – The Senna-Williams combination haunting us all returns to the grid for a full season. After having solid success in the lower categories, Senna is yet to emulate his Uncle. Senna is his own man though and will do things his way. This is a staggeringly good opportunity for the Brazilian to stamp his mark on Formula 1 this year.

Overall Verdict – Drafting in Alex Wurz as a driver mentor clearly shows Williams’s concerns with its drivers, or is it actually a very clever ploy and will help them in their development? Time will only tell but they need the car to really help them out. I whole heartedly wish them all the best but I do not see a strong year for them.

Toro Rosso – The team went through a significant shift after replacing Alguarsuari and Buemi. Some very impressive laps turned in pre-season and appeared to be one of the most consistent cars throughout the winter season. As the Red Bull junior team they are looking to progress the drivers and in doing so have created a solid mid-table team.

Daniel Ricciardo – Moves back from HRT to in to the Toro Rosso where he was always going to end up. Out qualified his more experienced team mate last season in a very average car and has shown glimpses have some great raw speed.

Jean-Éric Vergne – Runner up in World Series by Renault, product of the Red Bull Young Driver programme and rather arrogant. The Frenchman very boldly stated that ‘he could beat Webber’ in a Red Bull. Let see if his arrogance can be backed up on track.

Overall Verdict – As long as the two drivers do not squabble between them the team could potentially start knocking on the door of the top teams but it will be a tall order for the two young men.

Sauber – Stability, gained great stability over the winter break. The only significant change was James Key’s departure but all signs lead to a strong winter still. The Sauber in Barcelona set some great times and on the soft compound where others had been on super-soft. A very encouraging sign for the Swiss based team and times of old returning.

Kamui Kobayashi – Heads in to his third season with Sauber after a turbulent 2012. Racing seemed not an issue but a few qualifying sessions left questions of the one lap speed. If resolved, Kamui could be on far a very good year as he a great racer.

Sergio Pérez – The young Mexican in his second year will hope to build on an encouraging first year other than his shunt at Monaco. A wonderful debut at Melbourne last year along with sterling drives throughout the year allowed him to build on his experience. His confidence is starting to show with some great times coming out of winter testing.

Overall Verdict – Quiet assassins they could really shake the Top 10 if they match maintainable tyre wear with raw speed. Sauber have a lot of potential and hopefully they will show their wealth of knowledge and depth on track.

Youth in Sport

These past few weeks have been about making a comeback. None more so than in the Sports I love, Motorsport and Football.

Formula 1 has already welcomed a great back to its grid in the shape of Michael Schumacher, two years ago. Recently Formula 1 welcomed the return of Kimi Raikkonen and Pedro de la Rosa. There are still some unknowns to be answered when it comes to F1’s old boys of Rubens Barrichello and Jarno Trulli.

In Football, Thierry Henry graces the Emirates pitch and Paul Scholes embraces the Theatre of Dreams once again, while Robbie Keane turns up at Aston Villa.

This led me to the question of – why? Why is that we are seeing these older drivers, older players and even retired sportsmen being brought back out of their cosy arm chairs. We live in age where the pinnacle of sport is pushing every boundary possible. That statement I would agree with on a physical level but on a mental level, I think we are just at the tip of the iceberg.

Recently one of England’s most loved and adored Cricketers, Freddie Flintoff, made an incredible documentary on depression in sport. Depression is often looked at in different ways but many people but it’s the person inside us that takes the most convincing. Nobody wants to appear weak or vulnerable in any situation, especially on a sporting and national scale. There is no hiding the fact that when you are a professional sportsman you take on more than just playing the sport you loved as a child. Sports men and women have to overcome a whole raft of pressures that can take its toll and can lead to depression. It is too easy to say just go talk to someone or “man up”. We have to realise that this is fundamental and these people need the support and guidance of all around them.

The youth of today are faced with increasing pressures of gazing media eyes, public interrogation and who is the latest person they are dating. No longer are the days where you can be 18 years old, play in the youth team and progress to the first team without anyone noticing. Young South American starlets are snapped up as early as 14/15 by clubs in Europe with the prospect of being “the next Lionel Messi”.

The same applies in Motorsport. Unless you have a contract when karting, it is very unlikely you are going to progress through the ranks without substantial cash investment behind you. The Motorsport industry is trying to change this philosophy and promote youngsters to just go along and enjoy the sport for what it is, fun.

Week-in, week-out, I often see young protagonists sitting on the bench for top line Football clubs waiting for their chance. Season-by-season I see the lower formula categories with teenagers that have phenomenal speed that could be utilised. So why is it we still have to revert back to the “old guard”?

Sport goes with the nature of modern life, especially in Britain. We have become more conservative and reserved, quicker to protect ourselves than consider others. We live in a culture whereby we make sure number one is looked after first than consider the consequences it may have on others. Formula 1 and Football teams are more likely to protect their investment of millions of pounds, dollars, euros than leave it to some young un-tested hot shot. The investment also needs sustainability and longevity though.

So much so that we look to those that have established themselves in the past to help a club or team to become stable rather than move forward. You are never going to move forward if you are standing still. I for one do not like this outlook. This again reflects society in being selfish and wanting everything now than building youth and consistency for that future. I would prefer to see the youth been given the chance to learn, build and develop. The only way they will learn is by playing or driving regularly so that they become familiar with their surroundings and become better athletes. The pressure put on youngsters to perform so early on is staggering when in reality they are growing as people.

I have no problem with youth being mixed with experience, but there is a difference between experience and retired. Hispania Racing Team (HRT) has recruited Pedro de la Rosa for the 2012 season. On the front it looks like they are trying to mix youth with experience. Vitaly Petrov has just led Renault for the entire year after Kubica’s accident while seeing two different drivers alongside him. Petrov was thrown in at the deep end and I am sure that a years’ experience in being a team leader would have helped him as a driver and a person. Currently Petrov has no drive for 2012 and I find that a shame considering he would be significantly more eager, keen and quicker than de la Rosa and can build with him for the future.

Buemi and Alguersuari have been dropped from Toro Rosso to be replaced by two drivers of a similar age. Both drivers are still in their very early twenties and even with three years’ experience under their belt they are still developing. Personally I would have at least kept Alguersuari who was improving race-by-race at the end of 2011.

In complete contrast we have a club like Barcelona and the driver development system of Nissan. The GT Academy that is run on Gran Turismo 5 for Playstation is an incredible route way in to Motorsport for any youngster. Just this weekend, Nissan had four GT Academy winners in a Nissan GTR at the Dubai 24 hours claiming a podium in class. That is an incredible accomplishment for those young men along with an outstanding commitment from Nissan.

La Masia, the home of young, talented football players of Football Club Barcelona. Nurtured and schooled all in one environment. Brought up with their friends around them playing the game they love and developing from childhood in to adulthood while becoming some of the world’s greatest footballers. Barcelona is a team that took Lionel Messi out of his native land, knowing how tough it would be for a young man. They invested in bringing his entire family to Catalonia along with paying for his growth hormones. Barcelona knew they found someone special and did everything they could to make him feel happy and wanted. Pep Guardiola continues to believe in his youth and just this week fielded players such as Cuenca and Sergi Roberto. The latter scoring two goals in four games and this is a youth player from Barcelona ‘B’.

We live in two very different cultures and they provide with two very different outcomes. But it teams like Barcelona and motor companies like Nissan that make me feel and believe that the sporting youth of our world is not lost and that there are people willing to give youngsters a chance. Unless youth is given a chance how do we expect them to get better and improve? University students walk about with plush degrees but cannot get a job.

Give the youth of today a chance… they may just surprise you.

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A New Year

Firstly I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year. I have left it a few weeks to write a fresh blog as the festive period takes over, naturally.

To briefly look back at 2011, it for me again was not a classic. While Red Bull were flawless it was also pleasing to see consistency for once. 2010 was more about who could lose the title the quickest rather than who could win the title. I got that same feeling from Vettel in his interviews. This championship feels more earned to him and the team. They quite simply did the best job, and that is what it really takes. Others make mistakes and you capitalise, but to truly earn it, you do the best job. Well done Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel.

So what is the current state of Formula One?

2012 is shaping up well. We have new regulations, new drivers and new tracks. In terms of regulation we have raft of changes, most notably being the off throttle blow diffuser. We saw last season this made the mid part of the corner easier for the driver when they lifted off the throttle thanks to the diffuser being blown by hot exhaust gasses. Not to mention it made a horrible racket and Red Bull were the pioneers in mastering it. That has now gone and the exhausts have been placed higher up on the body work to stop this from happening. Good thing but if the young driver test is anything to go by, very ugly.

Williams Young Driver Test 2011 Exhaust

The new season welcomes back in-season testing. This is an area I do not think the FIA have got right yet. While cost cutting and cost restrictions ideally need to be implemented, it is clear to see that there is nothing like testing on the track. Pounding laps out on a track rather than a simulator will always make pay higher dividends. No matter how good a simulator is. The FIA could exploit this, turn it in to a media day or fan day at Mugello. I rather think it has been pushed under the carpet and will just pop up on the day. Not to mention we are down to only three pre-season tests with no sign off a fourth being added. Do Mercedes really want to run the risk of missing the first test? I think a grey matter still looms over this one.

A re-profiling of the front nose has been introduced on safety grounds. We move from the high noses of 62.5 centimetres (24.6 in) to 55 centimetres (22 in). I doubt we will see a reshape of the nose in terms of a ’98 McLaren but it will be lower and hopefully more aesthetically pleasing. I for one was not a fan of the 2011 noses.

A regulation that has been re-introduced is that of lapped cars being allowed to pass the safety car under full course caution (American term but applies well). I have seen a lot written on this one regarding the time it would take. Seeing as Formula 1 cars are the quickest racing cars in the world, even under yellow flag conditions I doubt it would take a significant amount of time to let cars re-join the back of the queue. Besides, I would rather see first against second at a restart rather than waiting for the second car to lap the already lapped traffic. Logic has played out here and it is a good regulation to be brought back.

Race times have been increased to four hours if a Red Flag situation occurs. Standard two hours if not. This is down to the longest race in history at the Canadian Grand Prix last year (Hats off to those that stayed in the grandstands). Logic again played out here while most do not take the original two hours anyway, it creates flexibility.

Back in December, Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and Sauber exited FOTA, the Formula One Teams Association, following prolonged debate over the implementation of the controversial Resource Restriction Agreement. This is an on-going battle between the teams to try and come to a compromise on what can and cannot be used, along with the personnel and the amount of personnel that can be used. All parties are trying to reach a common ground on how to cost cut. There are further complexities within, but on the front of it is that a balance is required. While FOTA try to thrash it out, Red Bull and Ferrari are sitting back getting on with testing. I suspect when something viable is put forwards, all teams will return to FOTA before the start of the season.

Circuit of the Americas

Formula 1 welcomes the return of an American Grand Prix in 2012… allegedly. The situation surrounding the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas is still murky and unknown. It seems the land has been paid for but the promoter had not been and work ground to halt. Prior to Christmas a deal came to fruition and work restarted. Question is now is if it was too late and if the track will be built in time. There is uncertainty surrounding the Bahrain Grand Prix also. I am going to write a blog on this at a later date.

Unfortunately the Formula 1 fraternity has lost the Turkish Grand Prix. It was not overly popular circuit to go as a spectator and a new contract compromise could not be reached. I think F1 has lost a great track. If you could pick the Istanbul track up and put it in a denser populated F1 spectator country, then it would a huge success. While it may be a “Tilke-drome” it has to be one of his best creations. We lose the magnificent triple apex turn eight. I would welcome the track back with open arms.

Fresh uncertainty surrounds the European Grand Prix in Valencia and the Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam. These venues I can find more understandable if they were lost. Valencia is a wonderful idea, racing around the port of the America’s Cup but it is an awful track. I do not want to sound too harsh but the Valencia street track really is woeful and puts on a very poor spectacle, unlike Turkey. It would not surprise me if this was lost from 2013 onwards. Korea could be great, but they have done everything backwards. Korea has built a very technical track in the middle of a shipping port with no community around it. In contrast they are trying to build a city around the circuit to help promote the region. That to me does not work. To promote and create a race you need it near the major amenities, an airport being the major one. The freight of Formula One is not exactly light and the travel down to the track is a long one. Even journalists complain about the distance from Seoul, and that is on a bullet train.

There have been a few changes already throughout the winter and I expect many more to come. The drivers market is yet to fully play out with HRT and Williams yet to announce their second drivers. So as we leave the cold, dark, depths of winter we are met with the ideas of spring and the anticipation of an enthralling season.

Happy 2012.

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