Albert park, March 15-18 2012
Kimi Raikkonen ready for F1 return
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Four official pre-season tests took place during the Spanish winter, with the new McLaren - driven here by Lewis Hamilton - proving to be one of the pace-setters.
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Introduction
Into the unknown
Albert park EDITOR: Stefan Bartholomaeus DESIGN: Kirstie Fuentes SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson IMAGES: Red Bull Racing McLaren Ferrari Mercedes Lotus Force India Sauber Toro Rosso Caterham HRT Marussia PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Money Choice, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, Lucky 7, Bisley, Norton
Once again in 2012, Australia has been bestowed with the honour of hosting the opening round of the new Formula 1 World Championship season. Few sports can rival Grand Prix racing for the sheer number of unknowns heading into each new year. This year more than ever, the pecking order among the 24 car field is largely unknown, with the four pre-season tests in Spain providing more questions than answers. While it is expected that the Red Bulls and McLarens will be at the front and the HRTs and Marussias at the back, the form of the eight mid-ranking squads proved impossible to chart across the early testing. There will be nowhere to hide come Saturday afternoon qualifying in Melbourne, and with the possibility that mere tenths of a second will spell the difference between the third row of the grid and Q2 elimination, the teams are sure to be as on-edge as the fans. Adding to the excitement for Australian observers this weekend is the fact that there will be two local drivers on the grid for the first time since the World Championship first headed Down Under in 1985. Season 2011 may have been a difficult one for Mark Webber, but the 35year-old appears genuinely optimistic about the year ahead. Having struggled to come to grips with the Pirelli tyres last year, Webber will be banking on this year’s softer construction rubber being more closely matched to his style. If not, new Toro Rosso recruit Daniel Ricciardo could well find himself in Webber’s seat come the 2013 AGP. The 22-year-old has proven himself to be as ferocious on the track as he is relaxed off it, and will be looking to outshine fellow new signing Jean-Eric Vergne in the second Red Bull team this year. Vergne is one of three young Frenchman on the 2012 grid - a welcome change following two seasons without representation from Grand Prix racing’s founders. With drivers from Brazil, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, India, Japan Mexico, Russia, Spain and Venezuela also descending on Melbourne for the race, the world truly will be watching. Green means go!
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Stefan Bartholomaeus Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides
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Round 1 - Albert Park
What’s new for 2012? Teams: There are no new teams for 2012, although three have undergone name changes over the off season. Team Lotus has become the Caterham F1 Team, while Lotus Renault GP is now known as the Lotus F1 Team, ending the confusion caused by both outfits using the Lotus brand in their names last season. The former Virgin Racing team meanwhile has completed its identity switch to the Marussia F1 Team, following the Russian sports car manufacturer purchasing a controlling stake in the squad last year. Mercedes GP has also tweaked its handle, with the Mercedes AMG moniker now used to promote the company’s performance car arm. Drivers: While the top four squads, Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes, have all opted for stability, just one of the remaining eight teams heads into the new season with its 2011 driver line-up intact. Here is a summary of the changes: Lotus: IN: Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean, OUT: Nick Heidfeld and Vitaly Petrov Force India: IN: Nico Hulkenberg, OUT: Adrian Sutil Toro Rosso: IN: Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne, OUT: Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari Williams: IN: Bruno Senna, OUT: Rubens Barrichello Caterham: IN: Vitaly Petrov, OUT: Jarno Trulli HRT: IN: Pedro de la Rosa and Narain Karthikeyan, OUT: Tonio Liuzzi and Daniel Ricciardo Marussia: IN: Charles Pic, OUT: Jerome D’Ambrosio
Nose height: Regulations forcing teams to lower the nose height of their cars has proven to have a major effect on the look of the 2012 contenders. While the height of the noses has been reduced by 75mm, the majority of teams have chosen to keep the front bulkhead of their chassis at the previous height in order to maximise undercar airflow - resulting in the ‘stepped nose’ phenomenon. Flexi-wing tests: The FIA has again ramped up the severity of its static load testing on aerodynamic pieces this year, with less deflection permitted during scrutineering tests. Red Bull Racing’s successful 2010 and 2011 championship campaigns both came amid allegations that the team had developed front wings that could withstand the FIA tests, but would then flex (therefore increasing downforce) while on-track.
Technical regulations: Sporting regulations: As per usual, the new season has seen several key technical changes designed to reign in recent developments and improve safety. Exhaust positioning: The biggest change for 2012 has come in the area of exhaust positioning, with the outlets now required to exit via the sidepods in a rearward facing manner. This has been implemented with the aim of stopping the practice of increasing downforce by ‘blowing’ the diffusers using exhausts outlets that exit through the floor. Development of the complex systems came at high costs, and proved the biggest performance differentiator between teams since the double-deck diffusers were banned for 2010.
Lapped traffic: During Safety Car periods, this season will see lapped cars waved passed those on the lead lap and the Safety Car in order to rejoin on the tail of the lead lap. The rule has been reintroduced to ensure that lapped traffic does not interfere with the lead lap contenders on restarts. Blocking: The regulations regarding blocking have been altered, with any defending driver now officially required to leave at least a car width between themselves and the edge of the circuit if choosing to regain the racing line before the corner.
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Cover Story
LET’S RACE!
Kimi Raikkonen ready for F1 return
Kimi Raikkonen is not the first Formula 1 World Champion to re-enter Grand Prix racing after several years away, and he’s highly unlikely to be the last. Nevertheless, the return of the Finn with Lotus this season has been highly anticipated since it was announced last November. Raikkonen quit the sport at the end of 2009 following a nine-year career that netted 18 wins, 16 pole positions and 35 fastest laps from 156 starts. Like his return, the lead-up to Raikkonen’s debut race at Albert Park in 2001 also captured plenty of headlines. The then22-year-old had just 23 car races to his name when he lined up on the grid for his first Grand Prix with Sauber, with many questioning just how he had been given an FIA Super License in the first place. The fact that he scored points that day in Melbourne soon put an end to such talk.
An up and down five seasons with McLaren followed the Sauber experience, before a move to Ferrari yielded an unlikely title against a fierce two-pronged attack from his former British employers in 2007. Having seemingly lost interest in the sport, Raikkonen was eventually paid-out of his Ferrari contract at the end of the 2009 season, after which point both rallying and NASCAR were sampled with limited success. The Finn’s F1 comeback began with the fastest time on the opening day of 2012’s first winter test at Jerez. Things took a turn for the worse in the second test, where a suspension issue forced Lotus to abandon its four-day program after just a handful of laps, but were seemingly put back on track for the remaining running in Valencia and Barcelona. While Raikkonen’s previous stint in F1 was largely spent in the open tyre,
open testing era, he says that he feels prepared for the first race at Albert Park this weekend. “You always wish you had more days to prepare but it’s the situation we have and you just have to deal with it,” says Raikkonen. “In the first week in Jerez we had pretty good running and no major reliability issues with the car, which is a good thing. We only had one problem at the second test in Barcelona – and we fixed that and it won’t be an issue again. “Now we just have to get everything at a level where we are happy and make sure I press the right buttons at the right times. Maybe a few more days would have done no harm but I’m very confident that we’ll get it right when the time comes.”
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The Formula One World hasn’t stood still since Raikkonen left it in 2009. The introduction of the fast-wearing Pirelli tyres and the Downforce Reduction Systems were both shown to dramatically increase overtaking last season, which in turn had significant implications for race strategy. Typically, the ice-cool Finn believes that the changes will not affect his competitiveness this season, even in the early races. “Of course I think that racing has changed a bit since I was last in it with the overtaking, but it’s not a completely different sport,” he says. “With the DRS and the KERS they are just buttons to press. In testing, sometimes you press it too late or too early but it’s not going to change an awful lot. Pit stops are a bit shorter than before but nothing really different; you stop the car and then you go.” Despite the top-level teams all clocking up thousands of miles across the four pre-season tests, the various development programs in play left little clue as to the pecking order of the field before heading to Australia. While Red Bull and McLaren appear to head the pack, Lotus, Mercedes, Ferrari and Force India are expected to wage a mighty battle for the remaining points positions. Raikkonen says he expects the Albert Park layout to suit Renault’s E20 chassis, but is making no bold predictions prior to the race. “You need a car with good traction and everything from testing says that the E20 has good traction so that will help us,” he says of Melbourne. “Strong turn-in and stable braking help too, and those areas also feel good with the car so we are well placed. The track can be a bit slippery at the beginning of the weekend and the Melbourne weather is not always very warm; the Melbourne weather can definitely be a bit tricky. “This will be the first race so I don’t know how we’ll compare to the other teams. My engineers have been running simulations and looking at the test data so we have an idea of how the car should work at Albert Park, but we won’t know for sure until we get out on track. “It’s very difficult to say before we’ve been out on track, but I think and hope we’ll be reasonably strong.”
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Track Details
Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit
Technical preview with Lotus F1 Team technical chief Alan Permane
the weekend. It’s particularly attractive to cars on the first lap.
The Circuit
Turn 3 Turn 3 offers a good overtaking opportunity.
This is one of the tracks where there is a reasonable amount of track evolution. Between first practice and qualifying, with a similar fuel load, the track can be up to three seconds per lap quicker. The weather can be blistering hot one day and freezing cold the next. There have been race weekends with 14ºC during qualifying and 40ºC during the race. It can change very quickly, and you have to set the car up to be able to cope with both. Normally at this time of year it’s in the mid-twenties and very pleasant, which causes no trouble at all, but you do have to keep one eye on the forecast as it can change rapidly. This affects not just engine temperatures and so on but also how you use the tyres. If there’s a chance that the temperature may significantly rise or fall you have to have a compromise between qualifying and race setup. Turns 1-2 The end of the straight is the fastest section of the track, with speeds of 300kph achieved. There’s then significant braking into turn 1. The gravel trap at the end of the start-finish straight sees a lot of action over
Turns 11-12 The high speed chicane of turns 11 and 12 is taken in excess of 200 kph, with a reasonable kerb providing an extra challenge. Turns 13-15 This final sector is relatively low speed compared to the rest of the track; conversely, there’s a good amount of gain to be made here. Turns 15-16 The last two turns, 15 and 16, are where you want the car to work best. These are very slow, and are where the most lap time can be gained from the car. If you increase grip through here by 5% you see a difference of around 0.2s per lap which is huge.
The Car Downforce Relatively high levels of downforce are required for Albert Park so the car runs with a lot of rear wing. Not to Monaco levels, but comparable amounts to Barcelona and Silverstone.
Proportionally more front wing is used as a counter to the low-grip nature of the track which can provoke understeer. Brakes It’s a circuit that is medium to high in terms of brake wear. Certainly nowhere near as fierce as Canada, but it won’t be a track where we have our smallest brake ducts on. Tyres Medium and soft compounds. It’s not a circuit that’s particularly hard on tyres. Suspension A reasonably soft car is required to be able to maximise the grip potential from the slippery Albert Park surface. Set-up evolves over the weekend to match the improving track surface, as the park roads grow into a race track through cars racing on them for the only time in the year. As a counterpoint to the requirement for a soft car, there are sufficient change of direction requirements to need a stiffer set-up to aid responsiveness. It’s important to have a strong front end, as understeer is potentially the main factor. Although there are some sections where good traction is important the priority is to have good turn in and change of direction through the chicanes.
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Round 1 - Albert Park I The Bag Man
THE BAGMAN
Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
Red Bull Racing Base: Milton Keynes, UK Team Principal: Christian Horner Technical Chief: Adrian Newey Chassis: RB8 Engine: Renault RS27-2012
Debut: Albert Park, 2005 Constructors’ titles: 2 Wins: 27 Pole Positions: 38 Fastest Laps: 22
2012 FORM Sebastian Vettel
Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Mark webber
Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Sebastian Vettel heads into the new season looking for a third consecutive championship, and it’d take a brave punter to bet against the German THE achieving his goal. BAGMAN Full of confidence after winning 11 of last year’s 19 races, the 24-year-old looks to once again have a highly competitive Red Bull package beneath him. Mark Webber may not be the only Australian on the grid this season, but armed with a Red Bull, the 35-year-old remains as the home crowd’s best chance of a result. Having been dominated by his team-mate from the outset last year, Webber knows that turning the tide is a matter of now or never.
Sebastian Vettel Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/07/1987 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007 World Championships: 2 Wins: 21 Poles: 30 Fastest Laps: 9 Career Highlights: 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2006 F3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC
Mark Webber Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 27/08/1976 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 World Championships: 0 Wins: 7 Poles: 9 Fastest Laps: 13 Career Highlights: 3rd 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 2001 International F3000, 1st 1996 British FF Festival
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
Vodafone Mclaren Mercedes Base: Woking, UK Team Principal: Martin Whitmarsh Technical Chief: Paddy Lowe Chassis: MP4-27 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z
Debut: Monte Carlo, 1966 World Championships: 8 Wins: 175 Pole Positions: 147 Fastest Laps: 148
2012 FORM JENSON BUTTON Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:LEWIS HAMILTON Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Since switching to McLaren as the reigning World Champion two years ago, Jenson Button has surprised many by largely outshining team-mate THE Lewis Hamilton. BAGMAN What Button may lack in pure speed is often made up for by his smooth driving style and mastery of wet conditions, ensuring the Briton is always a podium threat. That said, Hamilton will be out to re-assert himself as a leading force in Grand Prix racing this season after two years of off-track distractions and on-track disappointments. With the new McLaren appearing strong in pre-season testing, the 2008 world champion is likely to be Sebastian Vettel’s stiffest competition.
Jenson Button Nationality: British Date of Birth: 19/01/1980 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 World Championships: 1 Wins: 12 Poles: 7 Fastest Laps: 6 Career Highlights: 2009 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1998 British FF Festival, 1998 British FF Champion
Lewis Hamilton Nationality: British Date of Birth: 07/01/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 World Championships: 1 Wins: 17 Poles: 19 Fastest Laps: 11 Career Highlights: 2008 World Drivers’ Champion, 2006 GP2 Champion, 2005 F3 Euroseries Champion
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
SCUDERIA FERRARI Base: Maranello, Italy Team Principal: Stefano Domenicali Technical Chief: Pat Fry Chassis: F2012 Engine: Ferrari 056
2012 FORM FERNANDO ALONSO Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:FELIPE MASSA Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Debut: Monte Carlo, 1950 World Championships: 16 Wins: 216 Pole Positions: 205 Fastest Laps: 227
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Ferrari has been under the microscope more than ever during the lead-up to this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix, with the Italian squad’s new THE car struggling to meet expectations. BAGMAN While Fernando Alonso is arguably the most complete driver currently competing in Formula One, the Spaniard will be doing well to even see the podium in Melbourne this year. Felipe Massa meanwhile enters this season with a ‘lost cause’ stamp hanging over his head. The likeable Brazilian did not see a podium finish last year, and has rarely been competitive since returning from a head injury that abruptly ended his 2009 campaign. An uncompetitive car will only add further to his troubles.
FERNANDO ALONSO Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 29/07/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 2 Wins: 27 Poles: 20 Fastest Laps: 19 Career Highlights: 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Champion, 1st 1999 Euro Open by Nissan
FELIPE MASSA Nationality: Brazilian Date of Birth: 25/04/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 World Championships: 0 Wins: 11 Poles: 15 Fastest Laps: 14 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 World Drivers’ Championship, 1st 2001 Euro F3000, 1st 2000 Formula Renault Eurocup
Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Base: Brackley, UK Team Principal: Ross Brawn Technical Chief: Bob Bell Chassis: F1 W03 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z
Debut: Albert Park, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0
2012 FORM MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:NICO ROSBERG Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Season 2012 marks the third year of Michael Schumacher’s comeback, and the jury remains out on whether the veteran still has the speed THE that won him seven world titles. BAGMAN The 43-year-old has not finished a race in the top three since returning to the sport, but has occasionally shown signs that victories aren’t out of the question should Mercedes finally find form. The latest car from Brackley is not expected to challenge the Red Bulls and McLarens in Melbourne, but should be right in the mix for ‘best of the rest’ honours after a solid pre-season. Nico Rosberg has beaten team-mate Schumacher in both of the last two seasons, and will grow increasingly frustrated if the new Mercedes does not prove to be competitive.
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/01/1969 Debut: Spa, 1991 World Championships: 7 Wins: 91 Poles: 68 Fastest Laps: 76 Career Highlights: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 World Drivers’ Champion, 1990 German F3 Champion
NICO ROSBERG Nationality: German Date of Birth: 27/06/1985 Debut: Sakhir, 2006 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 2 Fastest Laps: 2 Place of Birth: Wiesbaden Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
LOTUS F1 TEAM Base: Enstone, UK Team Principal: Eric Boullier Technical Chief: James Allison Chassis: E20 Engine: Renault RS27- 2012
Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0
2012 FORM KIMI RAIKKONEN Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:ROMAIN GROSJEAN Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Kimi Raikkonen returns to Formula One in 2012 after a two-year absence, and has garnered plenty of attention in the lead-up to the season opener. THE Renowned for his devastating speed, wandering BAGMAN motivation and dislike of the media, expect to see a bit of everything as the Finn attempts to rally his former title winning team. Team-mate Romain Grosjean has done the hard yards to earn a return to Formula One, winning races in a variety of lower categories since being dumped by Lotus (under its former name of Renault) at the end of 2009. Naturally gifted and determined to cement his place in the top flight, Grosjean will be out to push his famous team-mate hard this year.
KIMI RAIKKONEN Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 17/10/1979 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 1 Wins: 18 Poles: 16 Fastest Laps: 35 Career Highlights: 2007 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2005 World Driver’s Championship, 2000 British Formula Renault champion
ROMAIN GROSJEAN Nationality: French Date of Birth: 17/04/1986 Debut: Valencia, 2009 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2011 GP2 and GP2 Asia Series Champion, 2010 Auto GP champion, 2007 F3 Euro Series Champion
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
SAHARA FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM Base: Silverstone, UK Team Principal: Vijay Mallya Technical Chief: Andrew Green Chassis: VJM05 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z
2012 FORM PAUL DI RESTA Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:NICO HULKENBERG Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Debut: Albert Park, 2008 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 1
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Force India are fancied to be well and truly in the midfield fight this weekend after a promising pre-season with the new VJM05. THE Paul di Resta returns to the team this year BAGMAN looking to build upon a solid rookie season. Although four years of racing touring cars in Germany was an unconventional path to Formula One, the Scot proved a match for Sebastian Vettel earlier in his open-wheel career, and is highly rated by Force India engine supplier Mercedes. Nico Hulkenberg steps back into a Formula One race seat after playing the role of reserve driver with Force India last season, and has both the speed and motivation to threaten his team-mate.
PAUL DI RESTA Nationality: Scottish Date of Birth: 16/04/1986 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 DTM Champion, 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries Champion, 1st 2006 Masters of F3
NICO HULKENBERG Nationality: German Date of Birth: 19/08/1987 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: Pole Position for 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, 2009 GP2 Series Champion, 2005 Formula BMW ADAC champion
Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
SAUBER F1 TEAM Base: Hinwil, Switzerland Team Principal: Peter Sauber Technical Chief: Matt Morris Chassis: C31 Engine: Ferrari 056
2012 FORM KAMUI KOBAYASHI Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:SERGIO PEREZ Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Debut: Kylami, 1993 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 2
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... While Sauber spent its share of the pre-season testing at the top of the time sheets, points finishes will be the aim in Melbourne. THE Kamui Kobayashi has come a long way since BAGMAN entering Formula One as an unheralded and seemingly patriotic choice from the now defunct Toyota team, but will need to focus on beating his increasingly competitive team-mate Sergio Perez if he wishes to move back to a bigger squad. Perez’s smooth driving style quickly drew attention during his rookie 2011 season, and after shaking off the effects of a sizeable qualifying accident in Monaco, the 22-year-old proved well capable of mixing it inside the top 10.
KAMUI KOBAYASHI Nationality: Japanese Date of Birth: 13/09/1986 Debut: Interlagos, 2009 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series Champion, 4th 2007 F3 Euroseries, 1st 2005 FRenault Eurocup
SERGIO PEREZ Nationality: Mexican Date of Birth: 26/01/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2010 GP2 Series, 4th 2007 British F3 Championship Class, 1st 2007 British F3 National Class
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO Base: Faenza, Italy Team Principal: Franz Tost Technical Chief: Giorgio Ascanelli Chassis: STR7 Engine: Ferrari 056
2012 FORM DANIEL RICCIARDO Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:JEAN-ERIC VERGNE Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Debut: Sakhir, 2006 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 0
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Having spent the second half of 2011 gaining experience with the backmarker Hispania squad, West Australian Daniel Ricciardo will be out to make the most THE of his Toro Rosso opportunity this year. BAGMAN Ricciardo has won races in every class he has contested during his junior career, and can be expected to push Red Bull’s small second team into the coveted points scoring positions on multiple occasions this season. Ricciardo’s main yard stick will undoubtedly be his team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne. Having succeed Ricciardo as the winner of Britain’s Formula 3 Championship, Vergne has proven himself in the junior formula, but may suffer from a lack of Formula One miles early in the season compared to the Australian.
DANIEL RICCIARDO Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 01/07/1989 Debut: Silverstone, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2009 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd 2010 Formula Renault 3.5, 2008 Formula Renault 2.0 Champion
JEAN-ERIC VERGNE Nationality: French Date of Birth:25/04/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: – Wins: – Poles: – Fastest Laps: – Career Highlights: 2nd 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2010 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd European Formula Renault 2.0 series
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
WILLIAMS Base: Grove, UK Team Principal: Frank Williams Technical Chief: Mike Coughlan Chassis: FW34 Engine: Renault RS27- 2012
2012 FORM PASTOR MALDONADO Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:BRUNO SENNA Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Debut: Aires, 1978 World Championships: 9 Wins: 113 Pole Positions: 126 Fastest Laps: 130
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Williams has re-united with former engine partner Renault this season after three years of Cosworth power. THE Although it is being denied by all parties, the BAGMAN team appears to be heading into a season with two heavily financed drivers - a stark contrast to its 1990s glory days. Pastor Maldonado’s rookie 2011 year yielded just a single point, and is yet to show that he truly belongs in the top level of the sport. Bruno Senna too will be out to prove himself, having previously enjoyed mixed results during partial seasons with HRT and Lotus.
PASTOR MALDONADO Nationality: Venezuelan Date of Birth: 09/03/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 GP2 Champion, 3rd 2006 Formula Renault 3.5, 1st 2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italia
BRUNO SENNA Nationality: Brazilian Date of Birth: 15/10/1983 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 GP2 Series, 3rd 2006 British F3 Championship, 5th 2008 GP2 Asia Series
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
CATERHAM F1 TEAM Base: Hingham, UK Team Principal: Tony Fernandes Technical Chief: Mike Gascoyne Chassis: CT01 Engine: Renault RS27-2012
Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships : 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0
2012 FORM HEIKKI KOVALAINEN Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:VITALY PETROV Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Caterham is expected to push itself up into the midfield battle this year after three seasons at the back. THE Heikki Kovalainen, a former Grand Prix winner BAGMAN with McLaren, will continue to lead the team after trouncing his recently dumped former team-mate Jarno Trulli last year. Making Q2 on Saturdays will be a key target for the Finn across the season. Vitaly Petrov joins the squad after two seasons at Renault (now Lotus). While Caterham has openly admitted that Petrov brings considerable funding to the squad, the Russian has proven a competent driver in his first two Grand Prix seasons, and even saw the podium in Australia last year.
HEIKKI KOVALAINEN Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 19/10/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2 Career Highlights: 1st 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, 2nd 2005 GP2 Series, 1st 2004 World Series by Nissan
VITALY PETROV Nationality: Russian Date of Birth: 08/09/1984 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 3rd 2011 Australian Grand Prix, 2nd 2009 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 GP2 Asia Series
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
HRT F1 TEAM Base: Madrid, Spain Team Principal: Luis Perez-Sala Technical Chief: Jean-Claude Martens Chassis: F112 Engine: Cosworth CA2012
2012 FORM PEDRO DE LA ROSA Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 WIns: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Having competed in just 28 Grands Prix since making his debut in 2005, the persistent Narain Karthikeyan has once again put together a Formula THE One deal for the new season. BAGMAN The well connected Indian and his team-mate Pedro de la Rosa will be doing well to simply qualify for the first Grand Prix of the season - a feat which HRT failed to achieve with either of its cars in 2011. Ten years since completing his last full Grand Prix season, 41-year-old Pedro de la Rosa is also a curious addition to this year’s Formula One grid. Having made his greatest mark on the sport as a test driver for McLaren, the struggling Hispania outfit is undoubtedly hoping that de la Rosa can unlock the best from its new car, which missed all four pre-season tests.
PEDRO DE LA ROSA Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 24/02/1971 Debut: Albert Park, 1999 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 1997 Formula Nippon F3000 Champion, 1995 Japanese Formula 3 Champion
NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Nationality: Indian Date of Birth: 14/01/1977 Debut: Albert Park, 2005 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 4th 2005 US Grand Prix, 4th 2000 British F3 Championship, 4th 2003 Formula Nissan WS
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Driver Profiles
MARUSSIA F1 TEAM Base: Banbury, UK Team Principal: John Booth Technical Chief: Pat Symonds Chassis: MR01 Engine: Cosworth CA2012
2012 FORM TIMO GLOCK Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:CHARLES Championship Position: Best Qualifying: Average Qualifying:Best Finish:Average Finish:-
Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0
THE BAGMAN’s SAY... Like the HRT F112, Marussia’s latest car also missed the entire pre-season following delays caused by a failed crash test. THE The lack of running sets up what is expected to BAGMAN be another dismal season in Timo Glock’s once promising career. While Glock is a former podium finisher in Grand Prix racing with Toyota, the third-year Marussia squad is currently rebuilding itself from a mid-2011 shakeup and will be doing well to qualifying in Melbourne. The situation is even more difficult for rookie Charles Pic, who has joined the team following solid stints in Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2. The Frenchman will be doing well to hang onto the back of Glock given his lack of testing miles.
TIMO GLOCK Nationality: German Date of Birth: 18/03/1982 Debut: Montreal, 2004 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 2 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, 2007 GP2 Champion, 1st 2001 Formula BMW ADAC
CHARLES pic Nationality: French Date of Birth: 15/02/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 4th 2011 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 and 2009 World Series by Renault FR 3.5
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Race Stats
Previous AGP Winners Year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985
Driver Sebastian Vettel Jenson Button Jenson Button Lewis Hamilton Kimi Raikkonen Fernando Alonso Giancarlo Fisichella Michael Schumacher David Coulthard Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Eddie Irvine Mikka Hakkinen David Coulthard Damon Hill Damon Hill Nigel Mansel Ayrton Senna Gerhard Berger Ayrton Senna Nelson Piquet Thierry Boutsen Alain Prost Gerhard Berger Alain Prost Keke Rosberg
Constructor Location Red Bull-Renault Albert Park McLaren-Mercedes Albert Park Brawn-Mercedes Albert Park McLaren-Mercedes Albert Park Ferrari Albert Park Renault Albert Park Renault Albert Park Ferrari Albert Park McLaren-Mercedes Albert Park Ferrari Albert Park Ferrari Albert Park Ferrari Albert Park Ferrari Albert Park McLaren-Mercedes Albert Park McLaren-Mercedes Albert Park Williams-Renault Albert Park Williams-Renault Adelaide Parklands Williams-Renault Adelaide Parklands McLaren-Ford Adelaide Parklands McLaren- Honda Adelaide Parklands McLaren-Honda Adelaide Parklands Benetton-Ford Adelaide Parklands Williams-Renault Adelaide Parklands McLaren-Honda Adelaide Parklands Ferrari Adelaide Parklands McLaren-TAG Adelaide Parklands Williams-Honda Adelaide Parklands
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Race Stats
Past Champions Year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982
Driver Nat Sebastian Vettel GER Sebastian Vettel GER Jenson Button GBR Lewis Hamilton GBR Kimi Räikkönen FIN Fernando Alonso ESP Fernando Alonso ESP Michael Schumacher GER Michael Schumacher GER Michael Schumacher GER Michael Schumacher GER Michael Schumacher GER Mika Häkkinen FIN Mika Häkkinen FIN Jacques Villeneuve CAN Damon Hill GBR Michael Schumacher GER Michael Schumacher GER Alain Prost FRA Nigel Mansell GBR Ayrton Senna BRA Ayrton Senna BRA Alain Prost FRA Ayrton Senna BRA Nelson Piquet BRA Alain Prost FRA Alain Prost FRA Niki Lauda AUT Nelson Piquet BRA Keke Rosberg FIN
Constructor Red Bull Red Bull Brawn McLaren Ferrari Renault Renault Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari McLaren McLaren Williams Williams Benetton Benetton Williams Williams McLaren McLaren McLaren McLaren Williams McLaren McLaren McLaren Brabham Williams
Wins 11 5 6 5 6 7 7 13 6 11 9 9 5 8 7 8 9 8 7 9 7 6 4 8 3 4 5 5 3 1
Poles 15 10 4 7 3 6 6 8 5 7 11 9 11 9 10 9 4 6 13 14 8 10 2 13 4 1 2 0 1 1
Points 392 256 95 98 110 134 133 148 93 144 123 108 76 100 81 97 102 92 99 108 96 78 76 90 73 72 73 72 59 44
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Round 1 - Albert Park I Race Stats
Schedule of Events Thursday Start
Event
Saturday Start
Event
10:30
Gates open to public
12:00 - 12:15
FERRARI IN AUSTRALIA 60TH ANNIVERSARY
11:00 - 11:15
SHANNONS HISTORIC DEMONSTRATION
ROAD CAR PARADE LAPS
11:25 - 12:10
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR HOT LAPS
12:00 - 12:15
Crusty Demons Practice
12:15 - 12:25
FORMULA SAE DEMONSTRATION
12:30 - 12:50
PORSCHE CARRERA CUP Race 2 (8 laps)
12:15 - 12:30
Crusty Demons Practice
13:05 - 13:20
RED BULL RACE OFF Race 1 (5 laps)
12:25 - 12:45
RED BULL RACE OFF Practice
13:30 - 13:45
RAAF ROULETTES AERIAL DISPLAY
12:55 - 13:15
FORMULA FORD Practice
13:30 - 13:45
Crusty Demons Practice
13:15 - 13:30
RAAF ROULETTES Aerial display
14:00 - 15:00
FORMULA 1™ Practice session 3
13:30 - 14:00
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR CHALLENGE Practice 1
15:20 - 16:05
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR CHALLENGE
14:10 - 14:30
SHANNONS GROUP A/C TOURING CARS Practice
Race 3 (40 mins)
14:15 - 14:30
Crusty Demons Practice
16:00 - 16:30
Crusty Demons Qualifying
14:40 - 15:00
PORSCHE CARRERA CUP Practice
16:05 - 16:20
ULTIMATE SPEED COMPARISON
15:10 - 15:30
ULTIMATE SPEED COMPARISON Practice
16:30 - 16:40
RAAF F/A - 18 HORNET JETS Aerial display
15:40 - 16:00
FORMULA FORD Qualifying
17:00 - 18:00
FORMULA 1™ Qualifying session
15:45 - 16:00
Crusty Demons Practice
18:25 - 18:45
SHANNONS GROUP A/C TOURING CARS
16:10 - 16:40
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR CHALLENGE Practice 2
Race 1 (8 laps)
16:50 - 17:10
PORSCHE CARRERA CUP Qualifying
20:00
Gates close to public
17:20 - 17:30
ULTIMATE SPEED COMPARISON
17:40 - 18:00
SHANNONS GROUP A/C TOURING CARS Qualifying
18:10 - 18:20
RED BULL RACE OFF Qualifying
18:30 - 19:00
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR CHALLENGE Qualifying
20:00
Gates close to public
Sunday Start
Event
10:30
Gates open to public
11:00 - 11:15
SHANNONS HISTORIC PARADE
11:20 - 11:40
SHANNONS GROUP A/C TOURING CARS
Race 2 (8 laps)
11:45 - 11:55
V8 SUPERCARS DRIVERS PARADE & CAMS
Gates open to public
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS PARADE
11:00 - 11:30
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR CHALLENGE
12:00 - 12:15
DISNEY-Pixar Cars JUNIOR GP CHALLENGE
Race 1 (30 mins)
12:25 - 12:40
RED BULL RACE OFF Race 2 (5 laps)
11:35 - 11.40
Impossible Airfield Stunt
12:45 - 13:00
Crusty Demons Practice
11:40 - 11:55
SHANNONS HISTORIC DEMONSTRATION
12:50 - 13:05
FORMULA FORD Race 3 (6 laps)
11:45 - 12:00
Crusty Demons Practice
13:20 - 13:55
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR CHALLENGE
12:05 - 12:20
RAAF ROULETTES Aerial display
Race 4 (35 mins)
12:30 - 14:00
FORMULA 1™ Practice session 1
14:10 - 14:30
PORSCHE CARRERA CUP Race 3 (8 laps)
14:00 - 14:15
Crusty Demons Practice
14:40 - 14:50
ULTIMATE SPEED COMPARISON
14:20 - 14:50
MSS Sec urit y V8 SUPERCAR CHALLENGE
15:00 - 15:10
PAST AUSTRALIAN F1 DRIVERS PARADE LAP
Race 2 (30 mins)
15:10 - 15:25
Crusty Demons Practice
15:00 - 15:15
THE ULTIMATE SPEED COMPARISON
15:25
FORMULA 1™ DRIVER PHOTOGRAPH
15:25 - 15:45
FORMULA FORD Race 1 (8 laps)
– MAIN STRAIGHT
16:00 - 16:15
Crusty Demons Practice
15:30 - 15:40
FORMULA 1™ DRIVERS PARADE
16:30 - 18:00
FORMULA 1™ Practice session 2
15:40 - 15:55
RAAF ROULETTES Aerial display
18:20 - 18:45
PORSCHE CARRERA CUP Race 1 (10 laps)
16:10 - 16:20
RAAF F/A-18 HORNET JETS Aerial display
20:00
Gates close to public
16:50 - 16:52
NATIONAL ANTHEM
16:52
QANTAS JET FLYOVER
17:00 - 19:00
2012 FORMULA 1™ Qantas AUSTRALIAN
GRAND PRIX (58 laps or 120 mins)
Gates open to public
19:00 - 20:15
Crusty Demons Cup
11:00 - 11:15
SHANNONS HISTORIC DEMONSTRATION
21:00
Gates close to public
11:30 - 11:50
FORMULA FORD Race 2 (8 laps)
Friday Start
Event
10:30
Saturday Start
Event
10:30
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Red Bull Racing undertaking pitstop practice at Circuit de Catalunya
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