YallaF1 Issue 1

11.01.2012 ISSUE.01

FORMULA 1 MAGAZINE & NEWS DIGEST

THE ICEMAN COMETH AND OTHER STORIES

IN THIS ISSUE RAIKKONEN RETURNS AND FLASHBACK TO HIS 2007 TITLE WIN LOTUS CALL UP FOR GROSJEAN RICCIARDO GETS PROMOTED VERGNE IS THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK TOST EXPLAINS TORO ROSSO MASSACRE FIGHTING TALK FROM FERRARI BOSS ALONSO FEELS THE WEIGHT OF EXPECTATION HULKENBERG BACK WHERE HE BELONGS DI RESTA WANTS TO RESUME BATTLE WITH VETTEL PHOTOS: EXPENSIVE SHUNTS IN 2011 AND MORE...

11.01.2012

FIRST FRAME 11 January 2012

For some time now we have tried to figure out how to numerous Formula 1 reports that are published on Y greater longevity, longer shelf life if you wish, the website an average of 20 stories a day. Last year 6,976 articles were many get swamped and too often ‘disappear’ far too quickl Keeping interesting reports at the fore and ‘bubbling’ on a a tough task. Thus we hit on the idea of creating an emag selected content from YallaF1.com.

Our emagazine technology enables us to use photos far bi effectively and dramatically than on websites. Thus we will b justice to great photography, that is produced by F1 photo With this project meets our objectives of delivering a ne which documents news and developments in F1 for the re great visuals, all of which is easily accessible online or offlin Hopefully this adds value for our website visitors. And, w perhaps the YallaF1 magazine develops a life of its own. Fo an extension of YallaF1.com, featuring the website’s ‘greate The aim is to produce several issues in the off season, wh out with an edition on the Wednesday after each grand pr around 30 issues per year including special editions. D will be primarily through YallaF1.com and hopefully read impressed enough to spread the word.

YallaF1 magazine is best viewed full screen in a b (downloadable) offline version. It also can be read on iPad a devices too.

We embark on an interesting journey and it is hoped that m will enjoy the ride with us.

Welcome to the first edition of YallaF1 magazine!

Content & Credits

• All content sourced from YallaF1.com • Content providers: PVM, Reuters, FIA, Red Bull, Ferrari Lotus, Mercedes, Force india, Sauber, Toro Rosso, Williams Caterham, HRT, Pirelli, Cosworth, Renault and other related organisations.

• Photography: Sutton Images and services provided by including Getty Images, LAT, Hoch Zwei, Ercole Colombo • eMagazine production by Motorsport27 • Contact: info@yallaf1.com 2

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

o give the YallaF1.com e publishes published, ly. a website is gazine with

igger, more being doing ographers. ews digest ecord, with ne. who knows, or now it is est hits’. hile coming rix - expect Distribution ders will be

browser or and similar

many of you

i, McLaren, s, Marussia, Formula 1

y F1 teams o

3

INTERVIEW KIMI RAIKKONEN

KIMI RAIKKONEN: I HAVE NEVER LOOKED AT WHAT PEOPLE SAY

K

imi Raikkonen - and his decision to return to F1 was without doubt the biggest sto the off-season. The most popular driver of the current era is back where he belong The Iceman enjoyed his return to a Formula 1 cockpit when he visited Enstone for his first Lotus seat fitting shortly after New Year. Here is a Q&A with him on the day.

Today marked the first time you have been back in the cockpit of a Formula 1 car since 2009 Kimi Raikkonen: The last time I was at Enstone I quickly jumped into a seat, but this is indeed t properly sat in an F1 car with a helmet on since the last race of 2009. It felt a bit odd at first be a bit small, but that’s normal. It’s just like in the past when I have done seat fittings – it feels a b first step into the car but you quickly adjust. It will be nice to get back to racing.

How important is the seat fitting?

Raikkonen: It is one of the most important jobs. You spend so much time sitting in the car so is really crucial, it needs to be 100% right. I’d rather spend a lot of time getting it right at this t the year because there are many races in the season and you sit behind the wheel a lot. Gettin right the first time is imperative.

Were you surprised by all the interest your comeback has generated?

Raikkonen: There has been quite a bit of noise in the press about my comeback and there have been a lot of rumours. For me, coming back to Formula 1 is a good thing and I hope it will be for the team and the fans also! I love this time of the year at the factory. There’s a real buzz surrounding the new car, every single department is working flat out in order to have everything ready on time. You can really feel people’s dedication and it’s nice to be a part of it.

There have been a lot of comments about your comeback… sometimes really positive and other times a bit more negative…

Raikkonen: It has no effect on me – sometimes you hear some nonsense and sometimes you hear nice things. The main thing is that coming back is what I wanted and I have a good opportunity with the team so I’m happy. I have never really looked at what people say or think. I do my own thing and as long as I’m happy with it then that’s the main thing for me.

11.01.2012

4

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

ory of gs.

9. How did it feel? the first time I have ecause the cockpit seems bit strange when you

o the position time of ng it

5

FLASHBACK KIMI RAIKKONEN

RAIKKONEN 2007 WORLD I AM SO HAPPY IT ALMOST HURTS Zurich 23 October 2007

I

am so happy it almost hurts! This is like a dream come true. This is something I wanted to reach since I’ve been a child.

I was seven years old when I first saw a race track: it was an old, small kart circuit called Bembole; just five kilometres from where I lived.

It was like a second home for me.

Now, 22 years later, I have many favourite race tracks, but the most important one is Interlagos, more than 5,000 kilometres away from home! I’ve always said that the aim of my career is to become world champion. I came very close a couple of times and in the end everything turned out fine.

We have always given our best to try to win. Doing that in sport you have to always push to the max until the end. You never know what may happen in a race; you only have to look at the last three races and you know what I’m talking about. Fuji was really terrible for us: we were at the back of the pack and our race was over almost immediately.

We left Japan and were 17 points behind, without the possibility to fight back. I think I can say that not more than ten people outside of the team would have bet on us. But we didn’t give up. In a certain sense we believe in miracles.

China was our joker: we won and the driver on the top of the standings didn’t make any points. That gave us some hope, but there weren’t many chances for us left. The last race

11.01.2012

6

7

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

D CHAMPION

FLASHBACK KIMI RAIKKONEN

was really emotional. The first four drivers in the field didn’t retire, but there was a tough fight for positions between us and our competitors.

Maybe I had the best start of the season [Interlagos, Brazilian GP] and maybe I could have passed also Felipe at the first corner, but I had a plan and it didn’t involve a fight with my teammate. I could see in my mirrors that Hamilton was next to Alonso in turn 3 and that he had a problem. I realized that we had the

11.01.2012

8

chance we had hoped for: this first lap seemed to be decisive for the whole championship.

It was a great race and I think that I’ve never experienced such emotions in the cockpit.

Everything worked perfectly fine. It was like a birthday present from heaven! We could have had more pace and I want to thank Felipe again for his support: he did what he could do, just like a perfect teammate. As a team we couldn’t do more than a double-win, but when I had crossed the line the most important thing to

I dreamt about winning the title with Ferrari and I bet that this is every driver’s dream. This team never stops: they work at the max and never give up. We had some difficult moments, but we always managed to come back. And this shows the quality of the people working there.

Thanks again! But I also want to thank the sponsors and partners: together with them we really have the package of a world champion!

Kimi Raikkonen 9

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

know was what Hamilton had done.

I asked for information over the radio but there was just silence for a couple of seconds: finally Chris told me that he came in seventh and my heart nearly went into flames due to happiness!

This is it: now we’re world champions!

I want to thank all those who have been close to me over all these years, all my fans.

Thanks to the team: it is fantastic being a part of the greatest team of all times. This year I really enjoyed Formula One more than ever.

FLASBACK KIMI RAIKKONEN

RAIKKONEN 2007: I WANT TO FEEL THIS JO ONE MORE TIME Maranello 29 October 2007

T

hese were joyful days with many celebrations. It seems I can’t stop smiling,” said Kimi Raikkonen. “Wherever I go there are people who congratulate me. It seems that everybody in Italy is as happy as I am!

Wednesday in Maranello was wonderful, when we celebrated the wins of the two Championships with everybody from the Scuderia. But I have to say that yesterday in Mugello was even better. In front of thousands of fans and numerous Ferrari clients.

When I was going to the race track in Tuscany I remembered the first time I drove a race car, back when I was driving in the Formula Renault and then my first race in Formula One with Peter Sauber. I remember these feelings, but it is really something else driving the car, with which I just won the Championship, here at Mugello: it was like a second triumph.

I was really happy and very proud being part of the Ferrari family when I saw all the fans celebrating. Thank you all so much, with all my heart!

There was a great surprise waiting for me after the celebrations at Mugello. I should have gone back to Switzerland but Jenni and my friends had planned something else. We went to Helsinki and celebrated the win with people who have always been close to me. This was a great way of coming back home for the first time as a World Champion.

This year was really special to me. I can say that I fell in love again with this sport. I won’t go to the tests in November in Barcelona, but I might be back on the track in December.

It will be great to start my second year with Ferrari now that I won the title. It will be a new challenge, even more exciting, because I want to feel this joy again, one more time!

11.01.2012

10

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

OY AGAIN

11

INTERVIEW ROMAIN GROSJEAN

ROMAIN GROSJEAN MAKES HIS RETURN AND LEADS THE FRENCH RENAISSANCE

F

ew drivers get a first chance at proving themselves in Formula 1, even fewer get the chance to do it twice in a career, Romain Grosjean is fortunate to have been given another opportunity to prove himself at the pinnacle of the sport, after an unremarkable debut a couple of year ago.

This past week Lotus Renault announced that Swiss born Frenchman Grosjean would partner Kimi raikkonen in the Enstone based squad as they go all out to reclaim former glory, a fact that 25 year old Grosjean is relishing as he prepares himself for the most important year of his life.

Romain Grosjean, Formula 1 race driver for 2012 – how does that sound?

A Formula 1 driver! Wow! It’s a dream come true. It’s difficult to find the right words to describe what I feel. It’s quite simply fantastic and I can’t wait to be at the start of the Australian Grand Prix on 18th March next year!

When you heard you were to drive FP1 in Abu Dhabi and Brazil, you described it as feeling like a child at Christmas time – this must be a whole new level of excitement?

When I got back into the car two years afterwards, I compared that sensation to the way a child feels on Christmas Day. Now that I’ve got the seat for next year I still have difficulty expressing everything I feel. It’s a bit like a flame that been lit inside me that’s growing in intensity.

I know it’s going to make me feel happy every day and I’m fully aware of the chance I’ve been given to get back into Formula 1 – it’s extraordinary!

11.01.2012

12

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

13

INTERVIEW ROMAIN GROSJEAN How much of an influence do you think your GP2 Series victory had, and how much influence did your FP1 drives have in helping stake your place in next year’s car?

I think that my season in GP2 helped me get the seat as a nominated driver, because what people expected from me was to show that I’d grown up and matured – that at that level I was already capable of being a team leader. The two free practice sessions in the Abu Dhabi and Brazilian Grand Prix were also a kind of real live assessment to see if I’d improved, if I was able to cope better with pressure and if I was still as quick. All these factors added to my two GP2 titles with DAMS were certainly major influential factors that helped me get the drive with LRGP in 2012.

You’ve always liked the technical side of F1 and motor racing – how useful will this skill be?

With the reduction of the number of test sessions in F1, the driver’s technical know-how assumes even greater importance. Something I like very much is working with the engineers, trying to understand how to improve the car and pointing the work in the right direction: all this interests me very much. I was able to learn and deepen my knowledge in the various branches of the sport in which I raced as well as in the Pirelli tests. I hope, and I’m convinced, that the team and me will manage to do a great job, and that we’ll find the right paths to explore to achieve a very good level for the first race in the championship.

Alongside you next year will be none other than former world champion Kimi Raikkonen – you must be getting used to driving alongside champions…

I’m beginning to get used to having a world champion as team-mate! After Fernando Alonso, now it’s Kimi Räikkönen. But it’s a real stroke of luck as you learn a lot from these people. And as we’ve got the same car matching their level is proof of the quality of the driver.

11.01.2012

14

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

15

INTERVIEW ROMAIN GROSJEAN

What can you learn from Kimi, and what impact will he being your team mate have on your driving?

Kimi Raïkkönen is a great driver, he’s got nothing to prove anymore and I’m delighted to have the opportunity of working with him.

11.01.2012

16

I believe that I too can bring something to the team with my understanding of the Pirelli tyres. He knows the ones in rallying but not those in Formula 1. I think we’ll make a great pair and that speed will be one of the major pluses of the team.

be an F1 driver. That’s the main idea plus how much I’ll enjoy every moment I’m in the car throughout the season. Obviously, we’re there to score results. My aim will be to always get out of the car with a big smile on my face!

17

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

What are your ambitions and expectations for this season?

My greatest expectations and ambitions for next year are to enjoy my season. It shouldn’t be forgotten that we’re living a dream, and just how extraordinary it is to

INTERVIEW DANIEL RICCIARDO

BACK TO THE BULL PEN AS DANIEL RICCIARDO GETS TORO ROSSO BREAK

A

day after being promoted to the Toro Rosso team, by order of Red Bull, Daniel Ricciardo spoke about the best Christmas gift in his life and what it means to his career. The Australian also looks ahead as he enters a vital phase of his young Formula 1 career.

Congratulations on getting a drive with Scuderia Toro Rosso. How does it feel?

Daniel Ricciardo: It feels amazing! It’s nice coming into next season knowing what I’m doing and being able to focus solely on that. I am looking forward to working with a good group of people that I already spent a lot of time with this year. So there’s plenty to look forward to in 2012.

How did you find out you had the drive?

Ricciardo: I was actually at home, it was after dinner and the phone call came. It was short, sharp and to the point, but it contained all the news I wanted to hear. It was an awesome Christmas present and a big relief. I was with Mum and Dad at the time and I came out of my room and told them the news and it felt pretty special.

Since the last race of 2011 in Brazil, were you ever concerned you might not have a drive for 2012?

Ricciardo: Until something is done you are always going to be a little bit concerned, but I know everyone at Red Bull is looking after my interests and I felt I had done a good enough job this year for them to try and find me a seat for 2012. I had faith something would come through.

11.01.2012

18

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

N

19

INTERVIEW DANIEL RICCIARDO You’ve had a busy year, starting out driving Free Practice 1 for us and then actually racing in the last eleven Grands Prix from Silverstone onwards.

What are the main lessons you learned this year?

Ricciardo: Looking back at the whole year, I did more travelling than ever before in my life and I found out it can be really tiring and can take it out of you. So I learned how important it is to be on time and to manage my time as efficiently as possible and to rest when I can. There was so much to take in this year and from the driving point of view, as a reserve driver you can see everything the job involves, but until you are actually racing, you do not realise the demands it puts on you, so that was another important lesson. I learned to get my priorities right and not waste my energy elsewhere.

How well do you know your new team mate, Jean-Eric Vergne?

Ricciardo: Pretty well. We were signed up as part of the Red Bull Junior team on the same day and we were team-mates back then, in the Renault 2.0 series. I spent some time with him at his house in France, going karting together. We had a pretty good relationship by the standard of racing driver team-mates. As we progressed, the rivalry got stronger between us, but the important thing is that we respect one another. We both want to beat each other more than anyone else and it’s been like that since we first raced together. It’s a good thing and means we will get the maximum out of the equipment we are given. Next year will be a proper test for both of us.

When will you be coming back to Europe?

Ricciardo: I have spoken to Laurent (Mekies, Chief Engineer) and we are putting together a pre-season programme now. I imagine that very early in the new year I will have to abandon the beautiful Australian summer and head for freezing Italy and get down to business, making sure I am as well prepared as possible.

It means you’ve best incentive to push hard on your winter training.

Ricciardo: Yes, my trainer told me I could take it easy until Christmas, but once I heard I got the drive I wanted to go out and bash myself up in the gym.

Having signed up now, does it mean you can actually have an input on the technical side of next year’s Toro Rosso car?

Ricciardo: Yes, there are some areas where we can start early. For example, there are different options for my position in the cockpit and the layout of the steering wheel and the team has already asked me about my preferences for this. It means that coming into testing I should be comfortable and feel the car is mine.

11.01.2012

20

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

21

INTERVIEW JEAN-ERIC VERGNE

JEAN-ERIC VERGNE THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

S

hortly after being announced as a race driver for Scuderia Toro Rosso for the forthcoming 2012 Formula 1 world championship season, Jean Eric Vergne (aka Jev) was hard at work preparing for his rookie season, at the very top, which for him cannot come quick enough.

We see you’re celebrating your drive by working in the simulator. Must be a good feeling knowing you will be getting the benefit of all this work yourself next year?

Jean Eric Vergne: I think it’s a good thing to be working today, just a few hours after hearing that I have the drive with Toro Rosso next season. It helps me keep my feet on the ground, but in any case, I love the work, driving either the real car or in the simulator. It also makes a difference knowing that the work I’m doing in the simulator is now for my own benefit on track and not just for other drivers.

How did you get the news that you were a fully fledged F1 driver?

Vergne: I was at home in Paris when I got the call. I was very excited and keen to tell everyone, but I did not dare phone anyone until the team told me that it had put out the official press release. Once I knew it was out there, I started calling my parents and my family of course and my trainer and others who have helped me along the way. After that, I could not make any calls because people

11.01.2012

22

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

23

INTERVIEW JEAN-ERIC VERGNE were ringing me nonstop.

You mentioned that a lot of people have helped you with your career, so this might be a good time to thank them.

Vergne: Obviously, Red Bull is top of the list and without them I would not be in Formula 1; maybe I’d still be in college. After that, I have to say that the FFSA, the French motor sport federation has been a great help, backing me ever since I was racing karts. Then I won a Federation championship called the Autosport Academy, so they got me on my way before I became part of the Red Bull programme.

Did you have any other plans in place for 2012?

Vergne: I think I might have been the third driver for the team, running in Friday practice again and maybe tackling another season of World Series. But now I don’t have to think about that because my plans for next year are fixed in the best way possible.

After finishing in the silver medal position in the Renault 3.5 championship, you then had a busy time running three practice sessions with Scuderia Toro Rosso and doing the Young Driver Test for Red Bull Racing. Were they very different kinds of pressure?

Vergne: It’s all the same for me, because, whenever I am behind the wheel, whatever the car, whatever the formula, I always enjoy myself and do not feel any pressure. I just try to always give my best and to be as professional as possible.

Daniel Ricciardo has been your team-mate before, so how do you think the two of you will get along together this time?

Vergne: I think it’s fantastic for me to be team-mates with him. He’s a great guy and I like him as a friend. We joined the Red Bull programme together so we have known one another for a long time, working together in other series. In Formula 1, you only get one team-mate, so you have to make the best of it, working together to do as good a job as possible for the team. We have similar driving styles and we get on well and that will

11.01.2012

24

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

25

INTERVIEW JEAN-ERIC VERGNE

be a positive factor for us next year. Dan could probably have a slight edge over me at first as he has done eleven races this year, but let’s see how it develops, as we have all the winter testing ahead of us before we start racing. I know that I have a lot to learn, so I hope I can do that quickly. I am conscious it could be very tough, but I also know that in general, I learn and I adapt very quickly: certainly that was the case in every category that I have raced in so far. Formula 1 is different, tougher than all the rest, but I feel confident.

11.01.2012

26

What are your plans between no Vergne: After some time in the si with my family and the rest of th because it will be important to b possible for what will be a very lo

Having signed up now, does it m an input on the technical side o Vergne: Over the past couple of m

mean you can actually have of next year’s Toro Rosso car? months, when I have been

working with the team, along with the engineers, we have already looked into things like my position in the car and other areas. Of course, in the next few weeks, I will be going to the factory in Faenza to meet with the engineers and also to try and get to know everyone in the team a bit better, even if we established a good relationship when I was with the team in the last part of this season. I’ve got quite a few questions going round in my head, so it will be good to get to Italy and discuss everything calmly before it’s time to get in the cockpit again.

27

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

ow and February testing? imulator, I will spend Christmas he time will be spent training, be as fit and as well prepared as ong and tough season.

INTERVIEW FRANZ TOST

FRANZ TOST: TORO ROS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A ROOKIE TRAINING SCHO

T

he axing of Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi at Toro Rosso and replacing with them with rookies Daniel Ricciardo and Jean Eric Vergne took the Formula 1 world by surprise. Team principal Franz Tost talks about the decision, the team’s 2012 driver line-up and the team’s philosophy to nurture young drivers When was the decision taken to appoint Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne?

Franz Tost: Our driver line-up had been under discussion for a long time as it is obviously a vital component of the team’s performance. The final decision was taken in a meeting at Red Bull headquarters in Austria on 13 December 2011.

Do the drivers have a one year agreement or is it longer than that?

Tost: We do not wish to discuss our driver contracts, but let’s just say that it is their performance level in the car that is the deciding factor and if they do a good job, this will help their cause in terms of how long they stay with us.

Will Ricciardo be the number one driver in the team?

Tost: No, although given that he has some actual F1 racing experience, it would be natural for him to settle into the job more quickly. However, Jean-Eric has shown he learns rapidly so I expect him to be on the pace quite soon. It will be important for the team to ensure we give them as many kilometres

11.01.2012

28

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

SSO

OOL

29

INTERVIEW FRANZ TOST

as possible in winter testing.

Why did you decide to replace Buemi and Alguersuari?

Tost: Sebastien has been with us for three seasons and Jaime for two and a half. Both of them worked hard for the team, doing their very best and achieving some good results.

However, Scuderia Toro Rosso’s ethos has always been that of the “rookie training school” and with over two seasons under your belt, you are no longer a rookie. In an ideal world, drivers would move from Scuderia Toro Rosso to Red Bull Racing, but there are no vacancies

11.01.2012

30

with our sister team right now. It might be seen as a harsh decision, but Formula 1 is a tough environment and Toro Rosso has always been very clear about the principles behind its driver choice.

Was the decision to change the two drivers taken purely on the basis of needing to give new Red Bull Young drivers a chance in Formula 1?

Tost: No, because we had to be sure they were ready to make the step up. With Daniel the decision was easier, because, like I said, he has actually raced in F1 already.

In a couple of months, testing starts again, so how important was it to decide on your driver choices now?

Tost: It is always good to know who your drivers are as early as possible. For one thing, weeks of speculation are usually disruptive to the work of a team. Although we know our two new drivers quite well, it also means they can already start working with the engineers, assimilating information and even having some input into minor details regarding the new car. It also means I can be sure they are taking their winter fitness training very seriously!

31

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

Is it not frustrating to have to use young and inexperienced drivers? Without the Red Bull Young Driver programme, you could choose more experienced drivers who have already proved their ability and have experience in Formula 1.

Tost: No, it’s not frustrating, in fact quite the opposite. It is a very interesting experience for everyone in the team to work with young drivers and it means you can educate them the way you want. Everyone, from the race engineers to the communications people can try and give the new drivers good habits, which they can use for the rest of their career.

FEATURE FERRARI

LUCA DI MONTEZEMOLO INGREDIENTS ARE IN PL TO START WINNING AGA

I

t’s a tradition, but this year it took on a special significance. Scuderia Ferrari’s Christmas lunch saw all the men and women who work on the racing side for the Maranello company, gather together in the logistics building, along with the drivers who are the team’s standard bearers on tracks all over the world.

11.01.2012

32

Alongside them were representatives from all the sponsors and suppliers, whose support is vital to the Scuderia. There were over a thousand people in total and they all wanted to give a special round of applause to Luca di Montezemolo, to mark his twenty years as Ferrari president.

The occasion was also celebrated with

a film that told the story of these past two decades, its good times and the more difficult moments, all of them expressing a great passion for the marque.

“It’s the best present I could get,” said a clearly emotional Montezemolo when the film ended. “My life is here and, after my family, this company is the most important thing to me.

There are people I want to thank for the help they have given me over all these years. Some are here with us today, such as Piero Ferrari, Amadeo Felisa and Mario Mairano.”

“Others are no longer with us, such as the “Avvocato” Agnelli: I owe him so much, both on a personal level and professionally and, seeing some of these images again, 33

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

O: LACE AIN

FEATURE FERRARI I can’t help but think of how close he was to Ferrari through the many difficult years.

Others still have chosen to move on, such as Jean Todt: I cannot forget the great job he did with us and with Michael Schumacher, who won like no one else has ever done in the history of Ferrari and with whom we went through many dramatic and amazing moments.”

Montezemolo’s words were punctuated by applause and there was also thunderous and emotional applause when Stefano Domenicali recalled the memory of Pasquale Danza, recently departed, described by the Scuderia’s Team Principal as a symbol of the passion and dedication that drives the people who work at Ferrari. The Christmas festivities provided an opportunity for the usual look back at the year just ended, but more importantly, a look ahead to the future.

“I want to be optimistic, because I can see the concentration and the attention to detail which characterises the efforts being made by Domenicali and his people, by Fry, Marmorini, Lanzone and Tombazis,” said Montezemolo. “Work is going on in all areas to improve: from the design of the new car, to the simulation work, from preparing for the pit stops, to the starts and so on. We cannot be happy with the way this year went and there is a great desire to redeem ourselves, because results don’t come on their own, they are not delivered by a stork: it will take hard work from every one of you, it will come from the ability to be perfect, to start from pole position and that ability is the strength of this company. Behind amazing products there are amazing men and women.

“All the ingredients are in place to start winning again,” continued Montezemolo.

“Great things are also expected from our drivers for next season. Felipe knows next year

11.01.2012

34

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

35

FEATURE FERRARI

is very important for him, but it is up to us to give him a competitive car. If we manage it, then I am sure we will rediscover the Felipe who delivered so much and who could be quicker than Michael and Kimi. Fernando has had an amazing season, even though he did not have a competitive car and he made us

11.01.2012

36

all happy at Silverstone, with an emblematic victory, given it came at the same circuit and in the same month in which, sixty years ago, Ferrari took its first ever Formula 1 win. What I like about our drivers is their ability to work with the team: I knew that about Felipe and it was a pleasant surprise to find out

well,” concluded Montezemolo. “Winning depends on us, not on others. We have all we need, starting with the suppliers and exceptional partners such as Philip Morris, Santander and Shell, to name just the main ones. I cannot wait to once again share good times with all of you.”

37

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

the same applied to Fernando. I don’t like drivers who turn up at the track with their briefcase and do not share in the daily life of the team: they are not Ferrari people.

“My job is to provide the best possible conditions for you to do yours: I expect a big effort from you and a great desire to do

FEATURE FERNANDO ALONSO

FERNANDO ALONSO: FERRARI IS BURDENED WITH EXPECTATIONS OF VICTORY

F

ernando Alonso’s build-up to Christmas was a flurry of activity involving trips to Italy and Spain to partake in the inevitable festivities that demand his time in both countries. Along the way the Spaniard still managed to exchange seasonal good wishes with a group of journalists, as well as throwing in some pragmatic views on the Formula 1 season just ended and the one that will be getting underway shortly.

some key areas like suspension and aerodynamics.”

“We know that Ferrari is burdened with the expectations of victory and if it does not happen, in the winter the papers devote page after page to the whys and wherefores as to how things can change, while the others have to make do with the crumbs in terms of media coverage.

It’s one of the things that make Ferrari different to all the other teams.”

However, now’s the time to take it easy for a few weeks,” concluded the “This is the time when one is always man from Oviedo. “Time to recharge optimistic, but then we must wait for the batteries and be one hundred the start of the season to see where percent ready for next season, which I we really are. It’s true that in the past expect will be much more of an equal few days, there was a good feeling fight than the one just gone. Red Bull at Maranello and there’s an air of will still be very strong, but I think they confidence about it,” said Fernando. will have less room for improvement

“We want to reacquaint ourselves than us, as we were so far behind this with the taste of winning that has year.” eluded us for a while. Last spring,

In the morning, Alonso received we made important changes to the a special recognition from the structure of the technical part of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, team and now we have adopted a who awarded him the International new approach, a less conservative Prize for Sport. Fernando was presented one, in the design of the new car. The with the award by the President, philosophy behind the 2012 car is very Esperanza Aguirre, during a ceremony different to that of 2011, especially in at the Community headquarters.

11.01.2012

38

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

39

INTERVIEW NICO HULKENBERG

NICO HULKENBERG BAC THE DRIVING SEAT WITH WITH FORCE INDIA

T

he worst kept secret was let out the bag when Force India announced that Nico Hulkenberg would be a Sahara Force India race driver for 2012. Having made his F1 debut with Williams in 2010, the German spent the past season as a reserve driver for Vijay Mallya’s team, and while his track mileage was restricted to Friday morning practice, he learned a lot.

He spoke about his good fortune.

How excited are you to have the Sahara Force India race seat for 2012?

“I’m lucky that the year of being a reserve driver is over and now hopefully I’m looking forward to a brighter future. I did 14 free practice sessions, which kept me very sharp, and kept me in there. I think also if you look at all the lap times, I have been close to – or even in front of – the race drivers. Establishing myself in F1 is the initial goal, not just for one year, but for many more years. And then we’ll see where it goes.”

We’ve seen quite a few drivers take a year out of racing as a third driver – for example Fernando Alonso in 2002 – but nevertheless mentally it must be tough to take a step back.

“We all love driving these cars, we all love the sport very much, how professional it is, working with the team and so on. If you have to take a step back in terms of having a year

11.01.2012

40

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

CK IN H

41

INTERVIEW NICO HULKENBERG

as a third driver, you’re still going to take that when you know that there is a chance that you’ll be back the next year. That’s what you’ve got to accept, and then work hard in that one year when you’re out, trying to convince the team to give you a chance. Although Fernando’s example is a bit different, because there was still plenty of testing back in those days!”

The track is often dirty on Friday mornings, and also you had to look after the car. Did that make it difficult for you to make an

11.01.2012

42

impression?

“In FP1 track conditions are the same for every driver. But you’re driving the car that the other guy has to race with for the weekend, so you always have to be a bit careful not to shunt it, like Valencia, which was a bit of an unlucky and bad situation. You can’t always push fully, you always have to drive within yourself a couple of tenths, just to be safe and not shunt the car. Also, if you divide 14 FP1s over the eight or nine months we were racing, there were quite a few big gaps – three, four, five weeks from one session to another.

How much could you learn from just doing Fridays?

“You learn a lot, but in a different way. Now I know very much how it works from the outside, how the team operates in the garage and on the pitwall, which might help in

the future. Obviously not having the racing experience in 2011 is hurting more, but I had quite a bit of experience in 2010 and before that in GP2 and F3, so I know what to expect.

It’s just a question of how quickly I can get back into that weekend rhythm, getting your mindset for qualifying, and for the race.”

How much of an advantage is it starting a new season when you’re already established in the team?

“I know everyone in the team, I know the engineers, I know how they operate. In the 43

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

Getting it all right with the KERS, the DRS, all the switches you use when you are running the car, that was more of a challenge. With the little driving I did, I got adapted and used to it very quickly all the time, which was very positive, and I’m very happy about that.”

INTERVIEW NICO HULKENBERG winter there’s plenty of time to discuss other stuff with them, how we handle race weekends, how we communicate. I’m comfortable with everyone in the team and at the factory, and I’m looking forward to working full time with them.”

Your team mate is always your biggest rival. What do you think of Paul?

“He’s a very ambitious, talented and intelligent guy. I rate him highly. He’s shown a lot of good stuff in his first season. It’s not going to be easy to beat him, but it’s a good challenge, and I think together we can push ourselves and the team forward.”

Do you like the same sort of things in the car?

“We’re not too dissimilar, I would say. Nowadays set-up between drivers is not hugely different. Maybe one prefers this and one prefers that, but it’s a question of how well you translate that in a race weekend, and work efficiently so that you’ve got your car ready for qualifying and the race.”

Will it take you a few race weekends to get back into the swing of things?

“I hope that within one or two weekends it will all be back!

I know from 2010 what to expect. You need to get yourself sharp for qualifying, and the same in the race. Also during the races I need to see what the Pirelli tyres are like, how they develop. That kind of stuff I couldn’t learn this year, so that’s something I have to refresh a little bit. I can’t do it in theory, I have to do it practice. So therefore I have to get in the car, get out there and drive it, and that way it will come back the fastest.”

The team finished sixth in 2011, but the likes of Williams, Toro Rosso and Sauber will be pushing hard. Will it be hard to maintain that form?

“Normally it’s a very competitive midfield there, with all the teams you mentioned. But I think we proved this year that we’re also a very strong team. We started a little bit on the back foot, not having the blown floor working, but we showed we were able to turn that around, and we made a very competitive car out of it. We definitely have the strength to build another competitive car, and maybe even gain one more place.”

11.01.2012

44

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

45

FEATURE PAUL DI RESTA

PAUL DI RESTA WANTS T BEAT SEBASTIAN VETTE

F

orce India’s Paul di Resta who once raced against, and beat, Sebastian Vettel in Formula 3 is keen to take on the double world champion, this time battling at the front of the Formula 1 pack.

“We were team-mates in Formula 3 in 2006 and we had the same equipment.

11.01.2012

46

Fortunately, I came out on top that year and we had a great battle that went right down to the wire,” Di Resta told the Daily Star, referring to when the pair raced as team mates for the ASM F3 squad in the 2006 Formula 3 Euro Series which Di Resta went on to win with Vettel taking the runner-up spot in the title race.

Fast forward to 2012 and Vettel has

two Formula 1 world titles under his belt, while Di Resta has only just completed his rookie season, albeit impressively and now the Scot is hankering to resume his battle his rival from the junior series.

“I’d like to be racing him at the front of Formula One. I have a lot of respect for what he’s done. You can’t take away what he’s achieved this year or diminish his success, but

he’s been in the best car,” observed the 25 year old.

Di Resta will be up against a new teammate in 2012, as Nico Hulkenberg has replaced Adrian Sutil in the Force India team.

“I don’t care which driver I have as a team-mate as long as I am beating them. But you need someone pushing you along at the same time,” declared Di Resta.

47

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

TO BATTLE AND EL AGAIN

FEATURE JENSON BUTTON

JENSON BUTTON: WE HAVE TO START THE SEASON STRONGER

J

enson Button believes that McLaren can challenge the dominance of Red Bull in 2012, but is urging his McLaren team to start the season strong from the outset and avoid last year’s pre-season fiasco which had them on the back foot from the outset.

Button told TotalRace, “We have to start the new season stronger, this is something we want to do. Let’s make things more difficult for them [Red Bull]. Our weakness last year was

11.01.2012

48

the winter and we must work to prevent this from happening again.”

Last year McLaren delivered the MP4-26 a test late and thereafter had huge problems that forced them to burn the midnight oil to deliver a competitive car in Australia for the season opener. By the end of the season the team were best of the rest behind the pace setting Red Bull team.

Button believes that the energy drinks stable still have the edge, “We are still not fast

enough. But we were their closest rivals and beat them on occasion. So we can beat them, but they still have a bit more pace and that’s what we fight to find in the winter.”

For many pundits Button has been a revelation since he moved to McLaren, growing in stature and beating his highly rated team mate Lewis Hamilton.

The 2009 world champion makes no secret of the fact that he is thoroughly enjoying his tenure with one of the most

successful F1 teams in history.

“It’s a great foundation and I think the team should be happy, as our partnership is still very new. It was often difficult to fight against Red Bull, but when we beat them it was even more special because we know how competitive they were,” said Button who will start his 13th year in F1 and will be making his 209th start when he lines up on the grid the season opener in Melbourne on 18 March.

49

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

E

NEWS PIT TALK

VERSTAPPEN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER

INDIAN DRIVE THE SIDELINES

Former grand prix driver Jos Verstappen has been charged with attempted murder after his arrest in the first week of January.

Dutchman Verstappen in Roermond (southern Netherlands) after being charged with assaulting his 24 year old ex-girlfriend. Now the 39 year old has been charged with attempted murder by the region’s

District Attorney.

According to reports in Dutch media Verstappen, who has a history of assault, surrendered to police after beating his girlfriend and fleeing the scene of the crime.

In 2008, Verstappen was fined and sentenced to three months in prison after an assault case involving his ex-wife, but was not imprisoned and served a suspended sentence.

About ten years ago, he was also convicted of assault after fracturing the skull of a man during at a karting track.

Verstappen made his F1 debut at the 1994 Brazilian GP and dove his final grand prix in Japan in 2003. He made 106 starts and drove for: Benetton, Simtek, Footwork, Tyrrell, Stewart, Arrows and Minardi.

HAMILTON SAYS NEW CAR A LOT BETTER Lewis Hamilton has sounded a warning to rivals that the new McLaren, designated MP4-27, will be a great deal better than its predecessor, but acknowledges that Red Bull are still the team to beat.

“From what I’ve seen, the new McLaren seems a lot better than last year’s,” Hamilton told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Basically Red Bull is an evolution of the aerodynamic concepts introduced in 2009. By contrast, when [McLaren] had the same reliability, we lacked the same performance,” explained the 2008 F1 world champion. During winter you always dream of arriving at the start of the season with a car that goes quick immediately. This hasn’t happened in the last two seasons. I want it to happen this year. If we start well, we’ll stay at the top more easily,” said Hamilton.

11.01.2012

50

After the euphoria of the first eve the country’s two Formula 1 drive Narain Karthikeyan are set to spe sidelines.

Chandhok was Team Lotus reserv Jarno Trulli for the German GP, bu a Friday reserve role with the tea races with HRT, including the ina forthcoming season neither appe seat.

Chandhok said to PTI, “It’s frustra not doing it. But it is unlikely that best option is to continue as test that I am still talking to teams.”

“You know the way F1 is. A lot of commercial considerations. It’s to people from the corporate world they are still analysing the sport,” Karthikeyan explained, “Things h honest, with the Christmas and N holiday season now behind us w with our discussions as nothing h “There are only a few seats availa so it’s open I guess. We are hopin of many things coming together, all up in the air as of now,” he add

er grand prix in India in 2011, ers Karun Chandhok and end the 2012 season on the

ve driver last year, replaced ut was largely confined to am. Karthikeyan did several augural Indian GP. But the ear to have options for a race

ating to watch the races and t I will race in 2012. The next t and reserve driver and for

decisions are made on ough for us. It’s not that d have not spoken to us but ” added the 27 year old. have been a little slow to be New Year’s break. But with the we should be able to go ahead has been finalised yet.” able on the grid for next year, ng for the best. It is a question r, not just what I want. So it is ded.

unveiled their new logo when sending out New Year greetings to associates and media. The FIA granted, last year, that Virgin Racing could change their name to Marussia F1 Team as the latter ramped up their investment in the team, while Richard Branson’s concern relinquished the naming rights but still maintain an involvement with the squad.

Marussia is one of three teams permitted to change names in between the 2011 and 2012 season. the others are the Lotus Renault GP team which becomes Lotus, while Team Lotus changes to Caterham F1 Team.

WILLIAMS AUCTIONING OFF SECOND RACE SEAT? A leading F1 journalist has reported that Williams are in the process of auctioning their remaining 2012 seat to one of three candidates: Bruno Senna, Rubens Barrichello and Adrian Sutil – with one destined to end up as partner to Pastor Maldonado for the forthcoming season.

Folha de Sao Paulo journalist Fabio Seixas,` suggests that the Grove (UK) based team, which is beset with financial woes, is looking not only for a driver capable of doing the job required, but who can also bring along much needed cash.

Seixas argues: “Barrichello has the experience with 11 wins in Formula 1, 14 pole positions and has been around since 1993. Bruno Senna has all the potential from a marketing perspective and is a talented driver, but did not make the most of his chances he had at Renault last year. And then there’s Adrian Sutil, the German, who has an advantage because it has experience of five seasons, and could take sponsorship to the team.”

Seixas added that he believes Williams management will not rush into making a decision, and it will be some time before they reveal their second driver.

51

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

ERS SET FOR MARUSSIA UNVEIL NEW LOGO During the festive season the S Marussia F1 Team unofficially

NEWS PIT TALK

ALONSO SAYS SCHUMACHER STILL THE BENCHMARK Michael Schumacher is still held in high esteem by one of the best Formula 1 drivers of the current generation, despite the seven times world champion’s lacklustre return to F1, Fernando Alonso still regards him as the sport’s benchmark.

When asked, by TotalRace, which F1 driver he would most like to challenge in any form of race, Alonso did not hesitate in his response, “I would choose Michael Schumacher, who will always be a champion for all of us, because we respect a a driver who was seven times world champion. He is a driver who has nothing more to prove and was always very fast.”

Even though 42 year old Schumacher has not yet scored a podium finish since returning to Formula 1 in 2010, Alonso believes that the Mercedes GP car has done little to help the German in his comeback.

“We know that in F1, the car is the most important part and we know that Mercedes did not have a very good year. But I believe that if they have a competitive car, capable of winning races, both [Nico] Rosberg and Michael can be favorites. We have to respect them,” said Alonso.

HAMILTON THE MOST TALENTED SAYS ZANARDI Former F1 driver and Indycar champion Alex Zanardi says that Lewis Hamilton is the most talented driver he has ever met or seen and disagrees with the 2008 world champion’s critics who say he lacks maturity.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Zanardi declared, “Lewis Hamilton is the most talented driver I have ever seen or ever met, in my view, but even from a maturity point of view 99 per cent of the people I’ve met in my life are not even close to Lewis Hamilton.”

11.01.2012

52

Regarding the controversial, and below par, season endured by the McLaren driver, Zanardi explains, “What is happening to him this year simply means that he’s human. Even Lewis Hamilton is vulnerable. I mean if at his age what has happened to him had happened to me, I would probably have been in Monte Carlo with the biggest boat, with the gold Rolex watch, looking down at people and asking: what the hell do you want from me?

I’m the best guy on the planet.”

“Lewis Hamilton is a very wise guy. I had the privilege of interviewing him once for an Italian magazine and I really discovered a guy who is very, very mature for his age. So this tells me that basically he put one foot out of step but I’m sure next year he will have learned his lesson,” observed Zanardi.

“I’m sure he has already learned his lesson.

And he will be able to perform again in the way in which he is capable, in spite of the huge pressure he gets being in England, being Lewis Hamilton,” concluded the Italian.

Press release landed in our email on 5 January: Red Bull Racing is pleased to confirm that Sébastien Buemi will continue his relationship with Red Bull as Red Bull Racing’s test and reserve driver for 2012.

The 23 year old joins Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, who are already confirmed. Sébastien Buemi said: “It’s good to remain with Red Bull for another year and have this opportunity with the World Championship winning team. I would prefer to be driving at the races of course, but working with Red Bull Racing on the development of their car and providing them with feedback throughout the season is the next best thing.”

Christian Horner commented: “It was entirely logical for Sébastien to continue with Red Bull having been a member of the Junior Team since 2004. He already knows the team well from his time with us in 2008 and has gained significant race experience over the past three years. He will complete important test and simulation work for us throughout the year and will be in attendance at each grand prix.”

53

WROOM EVENT SIGNALS START OF THE YEAR FOR FERRARI The 22nd running of Wrooom, the Press Ski Meeting organised by Philip Morris International gets underway this evening at the Salone Hofer in Madonna di Campiglio, signaling the imminent arrival of a new season for Formula 1 and MotoGP. The event started on Monday night with the traditional welcome dinner, featuring members of Scuderia Ferrari and their twowheeled colleagues from the Ducati team.

Also in attendance will be the Maranello team drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, the Spaniard making his third visit to this event dating back to 2010, while the Brazilian is now a veteran on the snow covered peaks of Campiglio. Awaiting everyone is a week of spectacle, sport and meetings with the international media, all set against the background of the Dolomites.

Also on the cards is ice racing on the lake, when Giancarlo Fisichella and Marc Gene will also attend. Journalists from around eighty different media from a dozen countries are expected, with interview sessions for the Ferrari men with team principal Stefano Domenicali under the spotlight, followed by Alonso and Massa’s.

YallaF1.com will cover every angle as it happens.

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

BUEMI GETS RED BULL RESERVE LIFELINE

FOR THE RECORD QUOTES OF THE YEAR 2011

THEY SAID IT: QUOTES OF THE YEAR 2011

Y

es they said it! Some were spot on, others way off the mark. others outrageous . We’ve chosen quotes of the 2011 season which will probably have you saying: can you believe he said that…

January 2011 • • • • • • • •

Raikkonen: I didn’t miss F1 at all in 2010 Sutil: The odd podium would very welcome!

Domenicali: Ferrari aim to win both F1 titles Patrick Head: We’ve built an adventurous car Domenicali: I nearly resigned after Abu Dhabi Barrichello: I see only good signs at Williams Kubica: I hope to battle with the big teams Montezemolo: Our car must win immediately

February 2011 • • • • • •

Schumacher: Yes, I am still good enough Perez: I feel I’m well prepared for Formula 1 Horner: Vettel can go to Ferrari in ten years Alonso: I like the F150 but too early to tell Vettel: I intend keeping F1 champion trophy Kubica: I’m facing long difficult rehabilitation

March 2011 • • • • • • • •

Ricciardo: I had mum and dad at my debut Newey: I’m not interested in working for Ferrari Bernie: Jean Todt travels the world kissing babies Alonso: Schumacher stands out above the rest Hamilton: I want to be a Formula 1 legend Alonso: I want to win the title in 2011, 2012 and more Rosberg: I hope to win my first GP this year Schumacher: We will fight for the top places

25.01.2012

54

• • • • • • • • •

Dr Ceccarelli: Kubica’s recovery will be long Hamilton: I don’t believe I have a car to win Alonso: Ferrari legend better than I expected Brawn: We’re about a second off the pace Vettel: Number one is cool but no advantage Webber: Not good if your teammate’s winning Vettel: I don’t really like the word dominant Webber: I’m mystified by the gap to Sebastian Hamilton: Red Bull is just a drinks company

April 2011 • • • • • • • • • • • •

Vettel: It would be an honour to drive for Ferrari Kovalainen: I’m at my very best this season Ecclestone: Mr Murdoch show me the money Petrov: It is clear that our car is very strong Costa: We’re quite behind and must catch up Massa: Our situation not as bad as some say Marko: Our enemies will not sleep Hamilton: Red Bull have half second more Button: I don’t know if we can beat Red Bull Petrov: I know we can have a great season Karthikeyan: If we have the parts I will qualify Kubica: Thank you fans you helped me a lot

May 2011 • • • • • • • • • • •

Alguersuari: Me racing cars made mum happy Sutil: We want an amicable solution with Lux Alonso: There is no better place than Ferrari Glock: Why are we not on par with Lotus?

Alonso: We will be able to fight for the title Button: We might as well f***ing go home Alonso: I’d like Flavio to return we miss him Ecclestone: I can’t do my job when I’m dead Patrick Head: My retirement is news to me Domenicali: I am also under the microscope Hamilton: Maybe it’s because I’m black 55

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

March 2011 (continued)

FOR THE RECORD QUOTES OF THE YEAR 2011 June 2011 • • • • • • • • • • • •

Hamilton: Sometimes you say the wrong thing Todt: I wanted to ban Hamilton for six races Schumacher: It’s worse than we really expected Button: We know we can fight for the title Brawn: We don’t have the technical strength Coughlan: I apologise to McLaren and Ferrari Webber: Wrong decision to have Bahrain GP Heidfeld: My race pace is as good as it can be Gene: Alonso is better than Schumacher Boullier: Heidfeld’s good but not good enough Whiting: We’re stopping people breaking rules Alguersuari: No, Ricciardo is not a threat

July 2011 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Brawn: Yes, I’ve made some mistakes Heidfeld: It’s not been a perfect season so far Button: McLaren does not have team orders Horner: Both our drivers get the same chance Webber: Need to make it difficult for Vettel Domenicali: We can’t be happy winning one race Kubica: My team is keeping my seat for me Kubica: I will be ready for 2012 F1 season Webber: I am not fine with team orders Vettel: I don’t see why there is a big fuss Webber: I’d love to start winning some races Ricciardo: I didn’t expect to race F1 this year Alonso: There is motivation to win every race Alonso: I’ve no regrets turning down Red Bull Montezemolo: At Ferrari we never give up Vettel: I am not 100 percent happy Vettel: I think we need to raise our game

August 2011 • • • •

Maldonado: The first point is always special Schumacher: Difficult to drive on three wheels Heidfeld: I have a valid contract with Renault Alonso: It has been an honour racing Michael

11.01.2012

56

• • • • • • • • • •

Grosjean: It’s quite funny to hear rumours Schumacher: I lied to Jordan to get F1 debut Alonso: Hamilton and I grew together in 2007 Button: I never give up let’s see what happens Buemi: Red Bull happy with my performance Ecclestone: Pay TV would be suicidal for F1 Montezemolo: I expect more wins this season Ecclestone: Briatore made a payment for me Marko: Webber will probably retire next year Webber: Alonso knows when enough is enough • Ferrari: Let’s not react in emotional manner • Button: We need to stop the little mistakes September 2011 • • • • • • • • • • •

Domenicali: We could’ve won more this year Alonso: I would bet on Vettel winning the title Hamilton: Jenson’s done better job all season Anthony Hamilton: Where’s my son’s manager?

Webber: I am pretty happy to be honest Alonso: This year’s been too easy for Vettel Barrichello: We’ve had a terrible year Horner: Vettel grows stronger and stronger Hamilton: I am willing to risk a little bit more Rosberg: Mercedes GP not big enough to win Vettel on the Monza podium: Life doesn’t get much better than this • Montezemolo: Domenicali has all my support • Vettel: I imagine sitting in a red car one day October 2011 • • • • • •

Hamilton: If I have to go let it be in a race car Vettel: Many things might have looked easy Newey: A great adventure joining Red Bull Alonso during Korean GP: I give up Vettel: Yes, yes, yes. Ten wins my friends!

Hamilton: I’ve always had respect for Felipe 57

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

August 2011 (continued)

FOR THE RECORD QUOTES OF THE YEAR 2011 October 2011 (continued) • • • • • • •

Massa: I have nothing to say to Hamilton Vettel: I wanted to become Michael Jackson Alonso: I don’t like cars overtaking me Newey: Next year’s RB8 will amaze everyone Marko: Vettel’s success makes Webber suffer Tombazis: Our 2012 Ferrari has ‘Wow’ factor Smedley to Massa: Destroy Hamilton’s race

November 2011 • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Button on Massa vs Hamilton: I don’t give a f**k Horner: Winning so often makes us unpopular Alonso: I will remember it as a not bad season Vergne: I would do no worse than Webber Raikkonen: In a sh*t car you’ll never win Boullier: Vitaly apologised and matter is closed Petrov: How much have we lost on pitstops? How much have we lost on tactics?

Hamilton: My season is like a bad round of golf Schumacher: Do I feel it? Do I want it or not?

Ecclestone: I paid him not to do silly things Mallya: I have a big decision to make Montezemolo: Without Ferrari there is no F1 Alguersuari: I want to be champ with Red Bull Raikkonen: I never really lost the passion for racing in F1

December 2011 • • • • • • • • • •

Verstappen: Schumacher cheated in 1994 Vettel: Red Bull RB8 is like a child being born Domenicali: Santa knows what to bring for me Tost: Changing drivers might be seen as harsh Buemi: I’m shocked and not expecting it at all Alguersuari: Toro Rosso decision a big surprise Alonso: Ferrari is burdened with expectations Grosjean: I met Kimi and he is a nice guy Button: I’m not blowing smoke up my arse…

Raikkonen: People must have missed me!

11.01.2012

58

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

59

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Felipe Massa Valencia testing

11.01.2012

60

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

61

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Nico Rosberg Monaco GP free practice 3

11.01.2012

62

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

63

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Sergio Perez Monaco GP qualifying

11.01.2012

64

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

65

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Nick Heidfeld Spanish GP free practice 3

11.01.2012

66

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

67

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Sebastian Vettel Canadian GP free practice 1

11.01.2012

68

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

69

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Kamui Kobayashi Canadian GP free practice 2

11.01.2012

70

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

71

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Kamui Kobayashi British GP free practice 1

11.01.2012

72

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

73

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Nick Heidfeld versus Sebastien Buemi German GP race

11.01.2012

74

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

75

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Nick Heidfeld Hungarian GP race

11.01.2012

76

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

77

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Bruno Senna Belgian GP free practice 1

11.01.2012

78

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

79

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Lewis Hamilton versus Kamui Kobayashi Belgian GP race

11.01.2012

80

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

81

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Vitantonio Liuzzi versus Vitaly Petrov versus Nico Rosberg Italian GP race

11.01.2012

82

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

83

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Sebastian Vettel Japanese GP free practice 1

11.01.2012

84

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

85

BIG PICTURE EXPENSIVE MOMENTS 2011 Vitaly Petrov versus Michael Schumacher Korean GP race

11.01.2012

86

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

87

MARKETPLACE SPORTSWEAR

11.01.2012

88

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

89

MARKETPLACE MERCHANDISE & SPORTS GEAR

11.01.2012

90

2012 PRE-SEASON: THE QUIET BEFORE THE STORM AND ALL THE OTHER STUFF

91