World champion Sebastian Vettel was unapologetic this week, having shown his Indian rival Narain Karthikeyan the middle finger recently in Malaysia.

The German also called the HRT-driving backmarker a “gherkin” and “idiot” in the aftermath of their Sepang clash that cost Vettel fourth place.

“I lost a solid fourth place so that’s obviously disappointing,” the 24-year-old is quoted by German media, including Sport Bild, after being asked this week about his loss of temper at Karthikeyan.

It was suggested Vettel might have breached the FIA’s code of conduct, but it is believed the governing body has decided the stewards properly investigated the incident in Malaysia.

And Vettel is unapologetic.

“Sometimes you let some emotion show and I don’t think someone should be ashamed about that,” he said. “It’s part of the sport.”

Vettel, having utterly dominated a year ago, is now just sixth in the drivers’ points standings after two races.

“Of course I would have preferred a slightly better start (to 2011),” he admitted, “but it’s a long season.

“We have a very good car and I still have a good chance — it is still the goal to fight for the title,” he said in Paris, where he accepted the ‘Grands Prix de l’Academie des Sports 2011′ award.

“Only a few hours ago I was in the simulator, preparing for China and Bahrain. We should hopefully have a few good improvements, but we need to prove that at the tracks,” said Vettel.

 After putting his tumultuous 2011 season behind him, Lewis Hamilton has kicked off this year’s world champion in downbeat mood.
The 2008 world champion had put his well-documented personal problems and on-track struggles behind him with a positive approach to his sixth season in F1.

But after his teammate Jenson Button beat him in the 2011 standings, Hamilton could not hide his disappointment on Sunday when the 2009 title winner also beat him to the first corner in Melbourne, before Button and reigning champion Sebastian Vettel filled the top two podium spots.

“I just struggled out there,” confused pole-sitter Hamilton said afterwards.

David Coulthard, the former long-time McLaren driver and now paddock analyst, expressed concern about Hamilton’s “striking” post-race body-language and “stony-faced” performance on the podium.

“Has it (Button’s win) knocked Lewis?” he wondered in his Telegraph column.

Many in F1 are astonished by how Button, described as having entered Hamilton’s “lion’s den” at McLaren two years ago, is now being described by the famous British team as its title-winning hope.

“People underestimate him,” said team boss Martin Whitmarsh. “He’s such a calm, mature and easygoing fellow that people don’t realise necessarily the hunger that’s in him to compete and to win.

“He must now believe he’s in a good chance of a proper title run this year and providing we can continue to improve the car, not make mistakes, be reliable there’s no reason why he can’t do that,” he added.

On Hamilton’s side of the garage, meanwhile, is a downcast driver and an expiring contract.

“On his day, Lewis is unbeatable, and yet I suspect McLaren are wondering whether or not they want to keep him, because he brings so much baggage with him,” another former McLaren driver-turned commentator, Martin Brundle, told April’s Motor Sport magazine.

As for Whitmarsh, McLaren’s team principal insists there is no concern yet that Hamilton has already re-entered another spiral of despair so early in 2012.

Downplaying Hamilton’s post-race mood in Australia, he said: “When he starts getting happy with being third, or beaten by his teammate, then he won’t be the Lewis we all love and admire.”

Jacques Villeneuve has denied he threw away a good chance to return to formula one in 2011.

A French Canadian radio commentator had implied that the 1997 world champion was offered the Indycar drive in Lotus colours this year and would then have progressed to F1 when the sports car marque announced its 2011 tie-up with Renault.

“That was never discussed,” Villeneuve insisted, according to French language Rue Frontenac.

Late last year, the 39-year-old visited Lotus’ Norfolk headquarters for talks with his friend Gino Rosato.

“There was never any discussion of F1,” Villeneuve said.

“Everyone knows how hard I worked on my return to F1. If the only thing I needed to do was spend a year in Indycar, I would have done it!

“The truth is that F1 only came into the plans of Lotus Cars in the last few months,” he explained.

Rosato, who for a long time worked in F1 with Ferrari before moving to Lotus as vice-president of corporate affairs, backed Villeneuve’s story.

“F1 was not in our plans when I spoke to Jacques about Indycar,” he said. “I would have loved for him to race with us. In my head, Villeneuve and Lotus was a natural fit but the planets were not aligned.”

Villeneuve agreed: “It’s true that we talked about Indycar, but Takuma Sato had already been hired as their first driver and I was asked to bring some of the budget that my partners at the time wanted to invest for F1.

“It was not an option,” he clarified. “And Indycar and the Indy 500 — I’ve already done that. And that was before the separation, when the series was more competitive.

“If I have to bring a budget, it will be for a new challenge like NASCAR, not to go back to something I have already ticked off and achieved,” added Villeneuve

F1′s globalisation has made it harder for drivers from the sport’s traditional markets to find places on the grid.

That is the claim of Austrian Christian Klien, who raced a few times with the struggling new team HRT in 2010 and is hoping for a full season next year.

But with pay-drivers now wielding more power than in the recent past, Klien admitted the task is tough.

“Nico Hulkenberg’s case shows that there are no guarantees,” he is quoted by Vorarlberg Online.

“He had a great debut year with a pole position in Brazil, and he’s out,” said Klien.

“In my own case, I have some options,” he revealed.

“The most obvious one of course is HRT, who are on the verge of establishing themselves as a serious competitor, even if there are some setbacks from time to time.

“In February there was not much of a team and I would not have believed I would contest three grands prix this year. And there’s still some time until March (2011),” added Klien.

He thinks part of his difficulty in establishing a strong full-time return to F1 is geographic.

“It is pretty hard when you are from central Europe,” said Klien, 27.

“F1 has internationalised very quickly and previously as a Briton, an Italian, a Frenchman, you had a good chance,” said the Austrian.

“Today there are more cockpits from before, but the driver market is being fed from many more countries; Russia, India, the southeast Asian region, and now probably Korea and China.

“And if you’re the eighth German, then it is very difficult. Look at France and Italy — 20 years ago there were ten of each. And today?”

The other problem is the economic climate, and the power wielded by drivers who carry substantial commercial backing.

“Even a big name like Kimi Raikkonen in the world rally championship is relying on sponsors to get his cockpit,” said Klien.

“And in F1 the teams are under enormous cost pressure,” he added.

Karun Chandhok will test the 2011 GP2 car this week in France.

The Indian driver has been asked by his old team ORT to give the new car its maiden test in Paul Ricard beginning on Thursday.

“I really hope my experience in formula one and in GP2 will be helpful to the team,” he said.

“My goal for 2011 is to remain in formula one, but for the time being it’s good to have the opportunity of knowing the new GP2 car,” said Chandhok, 26.

The new GP2 car has been designed by Dallara, who also penned the Hispania that Chandhok raced early in 2010.

Chandhok wrote on Twitter that the Paul Ricard test is a “good chance to try (the) Pirelli tyres and knock the rust off!”

According to rumours in the Singapore paddock, the Toro Rosso and Sauber teams could be set for new ownership.

The Basler Zeitung newspaper claims Nick Heidfeld’s new tenure at Sauber could be short-lived because Mexican GP2 driver Sergio Perez stands a good chance of becoming Kamui Kobayashi’s 2011 teammate.

The rumours linking the Swiss team with Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, who sponsors Perez through his Telmex company, have been circulating for some time.

Sauber has already signed a Mexican, the teenaged Esteban Gutierrez, as its 2011 reserve driver.

Meanwhile, the Swiss newspaper Le Matin reports that Dietrich Mateschitz wants to sell Red Bull’s second formula one team Toro Rosso.

The report said the Austrian billionaire stands to make a handsome profit from the deal, because after buying Minardi for $40 million in 2006, the Faenza based team is now be worth three times that much.

Jacques Villeneuve/Durango was mentioned as a possible buyer.

Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug looks for Paul di Resta is a good chance to rise from the test used driver in Formula 1.

Although Force India formally protested to want to continue with Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi, it is likely that Paul di Resta. Next year will take one of the two cockpits. At least Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug sees considerable scope for a change of his protege in the premier class.

“I think he has a good chance in the formula first I hope of course that he stays with us, but I also know that he perform the Formula 1 now has a chance if he has one. I would support that, “said Haug, adding: ‘It may be that he will drive next year in Formula 1. It is not certain, but he has a good chance.”
The German needs to know, finally, he is not only di Resta’s head of sport in the DTM, but also an engine supplier for Force India, where the 24-year-old cousin of IndyCar star Dario Franchitti as the third driver is under contract. Is very possible that Mercedes will have to play his influence to obtain a Ohata carriage of the Mercedes factory pilots.

“Many said that the double burden of Formula 1 does not work, but Paul has shown that he can,” says Haug. Moreover, speaking for the DTM, if one can be developed from the series in the formula first Gary Paffett did that once before, at least up to the test driver. “

Fernando Alonso saw a British Grand Prix to forget. The Spaniard had a good chance at some points, in the end he was only at position 14, the checkered flag.

The Ferrari driver by race officials conceded a penalty, since it is the opinion of the Stewards that Robert Kubica overtook incorrect when he shortened in the chicane by the grass.

The drive-through, he just had to pass after a safety car period, so far he fell back. To make matters worse he got at the end of the race when a tire failure to overtake Vitantonio Liuzzi.
“I accept everything they do,” Alonso said to Spanish television stations at the decision of the stewards. “They are, after all the judges.” The former Formula 1 world champion appeared calm after the race, even if he was after the penalty at the wheel of his car quite aggressively than usual. But he had every reason, as he is already before the race in Valencia in a controversial situation during the Safety Car.

Alonso now has 47 championship points behind Lewis Hamilton shows, but still optimistic: “This is only half of the season. All the points which we have lost in the first half, we lost because we are not so good have worked as the others. ”

“In the second half of the championship we will try to work better than others, and to bring a point more than they have now. The season is very long, and we will not give up.”

Williams was able to improve the FW32 in recent days and weeks ahead. In Valencia again to some new parts will be bolted to the car. Is still uncertain is the use of the F-Duct. Fix seems that the system that provides more speed on the straight line is tested in the training sessions. After deciding on a bet in the race. Williams had the system already in use in Shanghai and Barcelona.

With or without F-Duct, the Williams drivers expect from the street circuit in the port of Valencia a good chance. Rubens Barrichello remembers only too happy to return to the last season. “I have fond memories of Valencia. I have won the race here last year, it was my tenth race win to date. He was also outstanding on the ground because he me brought back into the title race,” said the Brazilian.
Just hours before the triumph of the veterans had Nico Hulkenberg his finest hour. Namely, he won the GP2 sprint race. “Valencia is a great track that I like very much. I know them very well from the GP2 and I am already bringing them to drive the FW32, since I feel very comfortable here. As in Monaco and Montreal everywhere walls, but the track is slightly wider, at least I like the challenge, “says the GP2 champion last season.

The Pilotenduo is convinced that the new developments have made their cars faster. “We are coming closer and closer to the top ten, as we showed in qualifying in Montreal. But we must keep up the pressure and take out a few tenths so we end up constantly in the top ten,” says Hulkenberg. Barrichello praises even the least seasoned of engine partner criticism: “Cosworth is making good progress in improving the durability.” His goals for Valencia has formulated the veteran clear: “I will enter into Q3 and points.”

The Technical Director Sam Michael knows the challenge to be made on the car: “At the beginning, the way only little grip. The numerous combinations of corners provide for the tires a not insignificant challenge by the coastal location can also always pay breezes, the affect the balance of the car. ” Michael also formulated the objectives for the weekend clear: “We have in the two previous races ever run in points, which is also the target for this time”

After the project is USF1 is finally broken the 13 Launch site for 2011 at stake. Several teams have applied to participate in Formula 1 next year. In addition to the successful GP2 team ART by Frédéric Vasseur and Nicolas Todt also Joan Villadelprat has applied again with his Epsilon-Euskadi team.

“I’m optimistic, but also a bit worried, because the FIA will publish its decision until probably the end of August,” says the former Benetton team manager in the magazine ‘Auto Sprint’. The Spaniard has claimed a good chance of being awarded. Epsilon-Euskadi has experience in prototyping, the company is as a showcase with a direct connection to the university. Sergio is ready Rinland an experienced Formula 1 designer.
“That team, which gets the award, has only very little time for the construction of Formula 1 cars,” criticized Villadelprat. “For us, this means that we now have to invest in a project that we do not even know whether we can realize it 2011.” The funding would seem to Epsilon Euskadi not be a big problem.

“We have been a very long time in intensive discussions with major international companies wishing to invest in us,” reports the team boss. “In two weeks we have accurate numbers, and then know how much money we can take control. One thing is certain: Our approach is long term. The budget must from the outset for at least two seasons to be sure. As a Formula 1 team you can not think from year to year. ”

With interest Villadelprat pursued the development of three new teams, Lotus, Virgin and HRT. In particular, the team of Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi’s view of the Spaniard is underfunded. have “I think if you really want to build a promising team, then you have to start at least 100 million euros. Sure, you can ride with 40 million €. But then, stay out of the progress every year and you may start over again .

(TMS)

As predicted by many experts, it managed to Fernando Alonso at the Canadian Grand Prix third place on the podium. The Ferrari driver had the finish 9.214 seconds behind the winner.

“I think that was a good day for us,” the former Formula 1 world champion. “The car was very competitive here in Canada. Today I had a good chance to win, struggled with Lewis. Thanks to a fantastic work we overtook him in the pit lane.”
The Spaniard was relieved, because two weeks ago showed the Italian racing team in Istanbul is a disappointing performance. You could keep up with the competition again. Even a second place was possible, but in the end when lapping Alonso had bad luck when Karun Chandhok was before him, he lost the momentum and Jenson Button was able to use the situation for themselves.
“We lost by a transport position. In terms of the championship but we have made good ground. We were in Turkey, 50 seconds behind McLaren, and here we are fighting for the win. We are moving in the right direction.”

“I think we are fighting back. We are really close. We had some good fights. It was for me a good feeling to return to the position where I can win races, and finally on the podium to stand. ”

(TMS)

For Michael Schumacher is the Canadian Grand Prix is always something very special hopes – team-mate Nico Rosberg on other Mercedes-progress

For Michael Schumacher is the Canadian Grand Prix “is really one of the highlights of the year. That is not because he is the most successful driver on the Cirucit Gilles Villeneuve. But the Mercedes star cites two other reasons: “One is that he always gives me the opportunity to do outside of Europe, something unusual, something entertaining.”

“The other reason is that one senses here that the whole city the Grand Prix. The emotion and the fans – this is very spectacular. This makes it so special,” said Schumacher. The track itself is not so demanding: “In a way it is a stop-and-go course. But the mood and the track characteristics to allow overtaking, ensure that there is something else.” For Mercedes, the goal is to continue the upward trend heralded in Canada.

“We find ourselves with the team in a construction process that is extremely good. I’m very pleased with the way we work and how we move forward,” said Schumacher. “We have not yet the package to be very front. After the winter testing we had not expected. But when I see where we are moving, which is very good.” The new aerodynamics package that Mercedes was in Turkey this has brought the silver arrows from Ferrari. But Schumacher a limit, “But that does not mean that this will be the case here.”

“We have seen how a team was in front and then back again – it’s sometimes a bit difficult to understand and strange, why is this the case,” says Schumacher continued. “We hope that we stay at the front end and so far we could always get the most from the package. Nico Rosberg did a fantastic job, as he has brought the podium.”

And this weekend, a podium is there? “In a wet race there are many opportunities,” replies Schumacher.

Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg agrees, that the “development process” comes on, the silver arrows, even if it is his opinion, still not gone quite according to plan: “We could close the gap still not quite what we had hoped,” says he. “But we really make good progress. In Turkey, we had the F-shaft, which has brought us a long way forward.”

Rosberg hopes that in Montreal goes even further ahead: “Here we have another route. I am confident that we can cut a little bit better and have a good chance at many points. With any luck, could even a podium or something in there a little. They also depends on the weather. I think it will be an interesting weekend. ”

A strength of the Mercedes, the braking performance. Rosberg sees this as an area that could meet the Silver this weekend, finally, the brakes will be charged in Montreal was stuck above average. “I personally really like the track, hence, I think it may be good,” he concludes.

Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali agrees there should be some specific track testing for F1′s new 2011 tyre supplier.

FOTA technical chief Ross Brawn said in Turkey that despite the in-season testing ban, there should be some running exempted for the development of the new tyres in the “late summer and early winter”.

Mercedes reserve driver Nick Heidfeld recently put his hand up to do some tyre testing this year, as current supplier Bridgestone is set to be replaced by either Pirelli or Michelin for the 2011 season.

Domenicali agrees that tyre testing will be a priority.

“Yes, this is what we have to discuss with the tyre manufacturer as soon as we have decided and we know who will be the supplier for next year,” he said.

It is suggested that, due to the late appointment of a new supplier, tyre tests have become even more necessary, given the short development lead-time and the danger that cars and tyres will not be ideally optimised.

“Clearly we need to have some specific testing to make sure the tyres are sorted properly,” agreed Brawn.

“It may take a few iterations to get where we want to be and undoubtedly there will be a degree of conservatism at the beginning because we can’t afford to have any problems with compounds.

“But we’re all there to help the new tyre supplier and I think we’ve got a good chance of success,” he added.

(GMM)

When it comes to racing or sports that are centered on cars, there are a number of different sports that automatically come to mind. One of those sports is NASCAR. Although NASCAR could easily be considered one of the most popular sports, in the United States, there is another sport that is rapidly increasing in popularity. That sport is known as Formula D Racing or Formula Drifting.
Have you heard of Formula D Racing before? Although there is a good chance that you have, there is also a good chance that you haven’t. This is mostly due to the fact that professional drifting is relatively new in the United States. The first professional drifting event was held in the United States in 2004. That event and the popularity that it generated led to the creation of the Formula Drift Championship series.
Since it was first officially brought to the United States, in 2004, Formula Drifting has been seen by thousands, if not millions of Americans. Many of these Americans choose to watch coverage of Formula Drifting events on television, while others make the journey to see a live Formula D event. In addition to fans, there has also been a general interest in the sport. In fact, many fans want to become professional drifters, just like their favourite drivers. As previously mentioned, you may or may not be familiar with the sport. If you are unfamiliar with Formula D Racing, you may be wondering what all the hype is about. If you are, you are definitely not alone.
When examining the popularity of Formula Drifting, it is important to remember that there are a number of different reasons for its popularity. Formula Drifting has a fairly large fan following. Each of those fans has their own reasons for following the sport, often on a regular basis. Despite the fact that many fans have their own reasons for watching and enjoying Formula D Racing, there are a number of common reasons. Perhaps, the most common reason being the excitement of the sport.
Formula D Racing is unlike a number of other popular racing sports. Drivers must successfully manoeuvre themselves around the course; a course that is regularly filed with a turns. In those turns, drivers must use unique drifting techniques. These techniques, performed by inexperienced drivers could be disastrous, but most professional drivers are able to control their cars, especially when the cars begin to lose control. Formula D Racing events typically comprise of a qualifying race and a head-to-head battle. The qualifying races are individually done, but they are still exciting. The head-to-head battles, also known as tandem battles, are often where the most excitement can be found.
In addition to it action packed excitement, Formula D Racing is also popular because it is easy to watch. As previously mentioned, you can easily watch a live Formula Drifting event or watch coverage of one on television. Formula D Racing has teamed up with G4TV. This popular television network is available with a wide variety of different cable and satellite providers, including Direct TV and Time Warner Cable. By checking your programming guide, you should easily be able to determine whether or not you currently subscribe to the G4TV network. If you do not, in most cases, you should easily be able to upgrade for only a few dollars a month.
Formula D Racing is also popular in the United States, because like with televised events, it is fairly easy to see a live event. Live events take place all across the United States. In 2006, there were seven events; however, it is expected that more will be added in the future. If you are live near one of these events, you will find that tickets are fairly easy to afford. On average, tickets range from twenty to twenty-five dollars a person. Considering the excitement that you will get for the day, the ticket prices are well worth it.
As you can easily see, there are a number of different reasons why Formula Drifting is so popular in the United States. As the sport continues to grow, it is likely that the popularity will as well.