Tag Archives: F1

Pirelli has decided that today will be the mandatory day of wet running for all the F1 teams.

The 2014 rules call for one of the pre-season test days to be given over to wet tyres.

Pirelli has originally planned to use Friday, but with rain due today anyway the company has decided to make the switch, and a tanker is wetting the track before the session starts in order to give nature a helping hand.

Meanwhile the McLaren MP4-29 is due to run its first laps this morning.

Mercedes unveiled its new W05 in the Jerez pitlane today, four days after Nico Rosberg gave it a brief 40kms shakedown at Silverstone. Lewis Hamiltion is due to drive the car today.

“For 2014 we have probably the greatest change in regulations in Formula One history and the start of a new era for our sport,” said Executive Director (Technical) Paddy Lowe. “From a technical and also a racing perspective, this is an incredibly exciting time for Formula One. We are introducing technologies that are new not just to racing but to the wider automotive world as well. The headline is that of improved efficiency and the fact that we will be completing races with advanced Hybrid systems on just 100 kg of fuel sends a great message about the technology that Formula One can deliver.

“But it is also about the technology that Mercedes-Benz can develop compared with our competition, both for the chassis and the new Power Unit. The whole team has done a fantastic job on the management of the project and its delivery. We have hit our milestones and hit our targets but, as ever, we will only begin to understand how successful we have been once we begin running in anger on track. The new car is an elegant but aggressive design and, as is often the way, its beauty is much more than skin deep; the internal engineering of the car is extremely innovative and intelligent. Our team can be justifiably proud of its work so far – but none of us are under any illusions about the amount we still have to do before the first race in six weeks’ time.”

Sauber has confirmed that Adrian Sutil will join the Swiss team next year, as previously predicted here.

The announcement follows lengthy negotiations. The German driver had expected to stay at Force India, but found himself squeezed out after Sergio Perez came onto the market. He had already laid the groundwork for a possible move to the Hinwil outfit, but over the weeks since the Brazilian GP the move has at times been in the balance due to uncertainty over the team’s future plans.

An added complication was that he could not proceed until the long rumoured Perez move to Force India was officially confirmed yesterday.

“We are pleased, that we were able to sign Adrian, particularly as we have been wanting to work together with him for a while,” said team boss Monisha Kaltenborn. “Adrian had already visited the factory at the end of September to have a look at the infrastructure. Adrian is not only very fast, but also brings a lot of experience, which is very important looking at the new regulations for next year. We welcome Adrian to the Sauber F1 Team and look forward to a successful collaboration.”

“I am very happy that we found common ground,” said Sutil. “Although I have known for a while where I wanted to go, in the end the negotiations took a bit longer than planned. However, now I will have all the more reason to celebrate during the Christmas season. I’ve been in contact with Monisha for a while, and she always gave me the feeling my qualities are valued. After six good years driving for Force India, with a lot of highlights, it’s now time to embark on a new challenge.

“I am determined to do my part in order to have a successful future together with the Sauber F1 Team. The long and successful tradition in motorsport, combined with an impressive factory and one of the best wind tunnels in F1, have been fascinating me for a long time. Thank you to Peter Sauber and Monisha Kaltenborn for your trust in me.”