Speedcafe.com Race Guide - 2012 European Grand Prix

European Grand Prix, Valencia, June 22-24

2

Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing have been the class of the field in Valencia over recent years, winning the 2010 and 2011 European Grands Prix.

3

4

Stainless Steel Security Screens & Doors “Beat more burglars with the only security mesh that uses Screw-Clamp™ technology.”

Crimsafe uses high tensile 304 grade 0.9mm stainless steel.

All of our doors and windows feature the unique Crimsafe Screw-Clamp™ technology.

Tamper resistant screws go through a metal clamp, then through the Tensile Tuff™ mesh and finally they’re driven right into the frame to hold the mesh in a vice-like grip which gives the door enormous strength against attack.

s Security Windows s Security Doors s Keyless exits s Sliding, Stacking & Bi-fold doors

Like us on Facebook/Crimsafe Watch on YouTube/Crimsafe

Call

1800 688 188 www.crimsafe.com.au

Round 8 - Valencia I Introduction

Fool me once... valencia EDITOR: Stefan Bartholomaeus DESIGN: Kirstie Fuentes SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson IMAGES: Red Bull Racing McLaren Ferrari Mercedes Lotus Force India Sauber Toro Rosso Williams Caterham HRT Marussia PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Money Choice, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, Lucky 7, Bisley Workwear, Norton by

Tyre strategy has dominated the 2012 Formula 1 World Championship so far, and there’s nothing to suggest that it won’t continue to do so until the conclusion of the season in November.

It appears that the equation will be particularly carefully balanced this weekend in Valencia, where a mix of one and twostop strategies are again expected to be employed.

Two weeks ago, the Canadian Grand Prix looked for much of its duration to be a battle between the traditional heavy-hitters McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso all taking turns to head the field in the early stages.

Much to the horror of Vettel and Alonso, however, the frontrunning squads failed to truly appreciate the merits of the onestop strategies being employed by Lotus and Sauber, which eventually enabled Romain Grosjean and Sergio Perez to steal second and third respectively.

While Hamilton was committed to a two-stop from the outset and sailed on to victory, Vettel and Alonso had hung onto the possibility of a one-stop far too long, and by the time it became apparent that two would be necessary in order to avoid being swallowed by their rivals in the closing stages, it was too late.

This weekend, the sure-footed Lotus and Sauber entries can be expected to employ a similarly stealthy one-stop strategy, and it’ll be up to the other teams to find a way to combat their tactic.

The McLarens, Red Bulls, Ferraris and, in all likelihood, the Mercedes, can be expected to qualify at the front, but if tyre degradation takes the possibility of one-stopping off the table, then making two-stops work on the notoriously tough-to-pass port-side circuit will be quite a challenge.

The only thing for certain is that teams of the calibre of Red Bull and Ferrari are highly unlikely to be fooled by the same trick two races running.

Green means go!

Symantec, Coates Hire, Toshiba, Armor All

Stefan Bartholomaeus

Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides

5

6

Magnificent Seven Lewis Hamilton became the seventh winner from seven races last-time out in Montreal.

7

www.bisleyworkwear.com.au VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL US ON 1300 247 539 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTS

8

Round 8 - Valencia I Cover Story

r e m glim

of

e p Ho

around n o s a e s is turning h n o a s s a Felipe M

A

fter what can only be described as a disastrous start to the season, Felipe Massa’s form in Monaco and Montreal indicates that there may just be a glimmer of hope for the ‘other’ side of the Ferrari garage yet.

Turning consecutive Q3 performances into points finishes may be expected at the Scuderia, but after missing both targets across the first five events, sixth and 10th place finishes for Massa in Monaco and Montreal respectively were reason for celebration.

The results have temporarily put the brakes on rampant speculation that Massa will be replaced at season’s end.

What was thought to be a wide-open driver market for 2013 is beginning to solidify, with the out-of-contract Lewis Hamilton, Mark Webber and Michael Schumacher all now appearing likely to extend their current deals with McLaren, Red Bull and Mercedes respectively.

With Ferrari having already stated that the likes of second-year Sauber driver Sergio Perez remains too inexperienced for a drive

at Maranello, a resurgent Massa could just hang onto his seat next season.

In the meantime, the 31-year-old Brazilian knows that continuing his recent upswing in form throughout the mid-part of the year will be vital to his future.

According to Massa, his return to the top 10 in recent races has come as part of a concerted effort from the team to adapt the F2012 more to his personal liking.

“We have many new parts, compared to the beginning of the season when we were

9

far from how happy with our development,” says Massa of the F2012’s evolution. “In the last three races, things have started to move much more in the right direction, with the right level of development producing a good level of performance. We have seen that in Barcelona, Monaco and Canada and from now on, I know there are many more updates coming and I expect that improving trend to continue.

“It’s true, I’m much happier, because I can drive the F2012 much more in the way I like now,” he adds. “This means I am much more pleased with my driving, and with the balance of the car and the pace I can run at. When that happens, of course, you feel good and for sure, all the modifications and updates introduced on the car helped in this process, but also important was the way we worked on the set-up with my engineers. We changed many things in terms of the balance and found a good direction that suits me.”

Does this mean the Brazilian is going in a different direction to his World Championship-contending team-mate,

Fernando Alonso? “I think so, not totally, but certainly we are working in a different way,” says Massa. “Every driver has his own style, the way he turns the steering wheel, or uses the throttle pedal and if you don’t feel comfortable with something then it definitely doesn’t help. You know how it is with Formula 1 and in fact, not just Formula 1 but all sports at the top level, it involves working on the very small details. When something is not working for you, you move away from the right direction and lose performance, as you are not operating at 100 percent yourself.”

While getting closer to the performance of Alonso has been a clear target over the opening races, the extremely tight nature of the 2012 grid has seen the relative performance of the Ferrari ebb and flow.

Extracting pace from the ‘harder’ of Pirelli’s compound options and the F2012’s Downforce Reduction System have been two of Ferrari’s main challenges so far this year, with a tough fight again expected against the likes of Red Bull, McLaren, Mercedes and Lotus this weekend.

Having won the inaugural race held on the Valencia street circuit in 2008, Massa says he looks forward to returning to the portside venue each and every year.

“I like the track and even if people say it’s a street circuit, it’s not, because the major part of it is more like a permanent circuit, quite wide and not too tight,” says Massa. “It always puts you in a positive frame of mind coming to a place where you have won before.

So, I hope we can have another good weekend this time, especially given the fact our car is now more competitive in the races and also in qualifying, because we know how important your Saturday afternoon performance can be for the Sunday.

“You can overtake at Valencia, especially with the DRS, but starting from the front, being able to run at your own pace immediately right from the beginning, changes everything. It means you don’t get stuck behind cars that are quick in qualifying but slower in the race, which can carry a high price.”

10

TO TEST OUR STRONGEST OIL WE ENGINEERED THE ULTIMATE TESTS OF STRENGTH.

New Castrol EDGE with Titanium Fluid Strength TechnologyTM is put through extreme tests of strength to ensure unsurpassed ability to minimise metal on metal contact and provide top engine performance no matter how you drive.

Find out more at castroledge.com.au

Round 8 - Valencia I Track Details

Valencia Street Circuit Technical preview with Lotus F1’s trackside operations director Alan Permane

THE CAR Rear wing Although Valencia is a street course, it doesn’t require maximum downforce like you would see at Monaco or Singapore.

It does however require more downforce than the last race at Montréal. Set-up here is a compromise between achieving low levels of drag to maximise speed on the straights, whilst creating sufficient downforce to cope with the large number of corners around the lap.

Brakes There are reasonably high demands on the brakes here, but not on the same level as what we saw in Canada. The nature of the circuit requires the brakes to be progressive, thus reducing the risk of flat spotting tyres; especially early in the weekend when the track is at its dirtiest.

Suspension As mentioned previously, traction out of the low speed corners is essential, meaning a soft rear end is required with a corresponding front suspension setup. The key here is to avoid excessive understeer at high steering angles around what is an inherently tight circuit.

Tyres This will be the fourth time that the combination of medium and soft compound Pirelli tyres have been used this season. The medium compound is quite hard for a street course and is likely to lack grip, particularly early in the running when the circuit is still green through lack of use.

Front wing More downforce is required here than last time out in Montréal, but not as much as at a traditional permanent race track. To help eradicate understeer in the low speed corners, the front wing needs to generate sufficient load to create good grip on turn-in.

Engine There are a quite a few low speed corners in Valencia which require good traction under acceleration on exit. Not only does this put a reasonable demand on the engine but it also requires a smooth pickup, making power delivery from the engine an important factor.

THE Circuit Turn 1 One of the fastest corners on the circuit, the drivers are pushing 300kph through this quick right hander. Maximum requirement for downforce here to get the best grip from the tyres.

Turns 2-5 Turn 2 can get very crowded on the first lap, with heavy braking on cold tyres creating a high risk of collisions. Good change of direction and traction are required through the right-left and leftright of Turns 2-5.

Turns 9 & 10 Another chicane, this time left-right and much lower speed than the first, with the drivers needing to ride the kerbs once again for the fastest route.

Turn 12 approach One of the fastest sections of the circuit leads into the one of the slowest corners at Turn 12, requiring a delicate touch on the brake pedal from the drivers to avoid flatspotting the tyres; especially early in the weekend when the track is at its dirtiest.

Turns 14-17 Another fast curve leading into a slow right hander. The same challenges as encountered in turn twelve apply, with the added twist of a high speed series of kinks from turn eighteen right through to the final corner.

11

12

THAT’S TOSHIBA THINKING

MY TOSHIBA.COM.AU

The Bagman

13

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: 29 Pole Positions: 41 Fastest Laps: 24

2012 FORM Sebastian Vettel

Championship Position: 3 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 6.1 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 4.7

Mark webber

Championship Position: 4 Best Qualifying: 2 Average Qualifying: 5.3 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 5.0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Red Bull Racing has reason to be confident heading into this weekend’s European Grand Prix, with the layout having suited the team’s cars down to the ground over the last two seasons.

Sebastian Vettel is looking for a hat-trick of Valencia wins, and comes off the back of a pole position in Canada.

High tyre wear proved the German’s downfall in Montreal however, and not surprisingly looms as the RB8’s Achilles Heel once again this weekend.

Tyres aside, a front-row start for either Red Bull driver will go a long way towards ensuring a podium finish on this hard-to-pass layout.

Sebastian Vettel Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/07/1987 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007 World Championships: 2 Wins: 22 Poles: 32 Fastest Laps: 11 Career Highlights: 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2006 F3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC

Our proud platinum partners

Mark Webber Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 27/08/1976 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 World Championships: 0 Wins: 8 Poles: 9 Fastest Laps: 13 Career Highlights: 3rd 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 2001 International F3000, 1st 1996 British FF Festival

™

All-In-One Security

14

Round 8 - Valencia 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

2012 FORM JENSON BUTTON Championship Position: 8 Best Qualifying: 2 Average Qualifying: 6.9 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 10.9 LEWIS HAMILTON Championship Position: 1 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 1.9 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 9.4

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1966 World Championships: 8 Wins: 177 Poles Positions: 148 Fastest Laps: 149

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Montreal saw McLaren return to the top step of the podium for the first time Albert Park’s season opener, with the team finally allying solid strategy and pitstops to the car’s pace.

Lewis Hamilton’s win has returned the Briton to the head of the championship standings, and set-up the 2008 WDC for a run at a second title.

Another win this weekend looms as a strong possibility.

Team-mate Jenson Button meanwhile remains in all sorts of bother having finished a disastrous Canadian race a lap down in 16th. Button has just three points finishes from the first seven races, and hasn’t qualified on the first four rows of the grid since Bahrian.

Jenson Button Nationality: British Date of Birth: 19/01/1980 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 World Championships: 1 Wins: 13 Poles: 8 Fastest Laps: 7 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: 18 Poles: 20 Fastest Laps: 11 Career Highlights: 2008 World Drivers’ Champion, 2006 GP2 Champion, 2005 F3 Euroseries Champion

15

, ( (' / 1* #&)*(.#'! (-* ' ,/(*$ . *0 0 /#," #%%#(' #'. +,& ', . * ," % +, 0 * / 1. *(%% (-, ,"(-+ ' + ( ' / (* -)!* +#, + ' ," * 1+ &(* ,( (& %% +#!' ,( %#. * +, * (/'%( + +,*('! * +#!' %+ ' ,, * #' ((* (. * ! ," ' . * (* *(& ( ('

( (' ,0 #&#,

16

Round 8 - Valencia 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: 2 Best Qualifying: 3 Average Qualifying: 7.3 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 4.6 FELIPE MASSA Championship Position: 14 Best Qualifying: 6 Average Qualifying: 12.0 Best Finish: 6 Average Finish: 12.1

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1950 World Championships: 16 Wins: 217 Pole Positions: 205 Fastest Laps: 227

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Following its troubled start to the campaign, Ferrari’s season is now undoubtedly back on track following another strong showing from Fernando Alonso in Canada.

Although ultimately finishing fifth after a gamble to one-stop the race failed to pay-off, Montreal marked the third consecutive Grand Prix in which Alonso had been a genuine contender for victory. Importantly, the failed one-stop strategy had been an attempt to win the race rather than simply minimise points damage, as had been the team’s focus earlier in the season.

Although a spin ruined his Canadian Grand Prix, Felipe Massa has also shown signs of form in recent races, and should be on for more points here.

FERNANDO ALONSO Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 29/07/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 2 Wins: 28 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 8 - Valencia 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: 1 Pole Positions: 2 Fastest Laps: 0

2012 FORM MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Championship Position: 18 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 6.7 Best Finish: 10 Average Finish: 18.4 NICO ROSBERG Championship Position: 5 Best Qualifying: 1 Average Qualifying: 5.1 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 6.6

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Michael Schumacher may have scored just two points from the opening seven races, but his 18th place in the championship standings hasn’t stopped the seven-time World Champion from being tipped to become the season’s eighth different winner this weekend.

Schumacher’s season has been hampered by a series of embarrassing technical gaffs, including a DRS failure last-time out in Canada.

Repeating his Monaco qualifying heroics could set-up the German for a return the podium - if not its highest step - this weekend.

Team-mate Nico Rosberg meanwhile remains just one win away from the top of the points standings and is one of many in the mix for a top result.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/01/1969 Debut: Spa, 1991 World Championships: 7 Wins: 91 Poles: 69 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: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2 Place of Birth: Wiesbaden Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC

17

18

It’s security software.

Only the 630 horsepower, high speed, V8 version.

NEW

NORTON 360 v6 Available now

Protect your Stuff without sacriďŹ cing performance.

We engineer our products to give you the highest level of protection and performance on your PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet. Test drive our product range at au.norton.com or nz.norton.com

Round 8 - Valencia I Driver Profiles

LOTUS F1 TEAM Base: Enstone, UK Team Principal: Eric Boullier Technical Chief: James Allison Chassis: E20 Engine: Renault RS27- 2012

2012 FORM KIMI RAIKKONEN Championship Position: 6 Best Qualifying: 5 Average Qualifying: 9.1 Best Finish: 2 Average Finish: 6.9 ROMAIN GROSJEAN Championship Position: 7 Best Qualifying: 3 Average Qualifying: 6.1 Best Finish: 2 Average Finish: 12.6

Debut: Albert Park, 2012 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 2

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Look for Lotus to attempt a repeat of the one-stop strategy it used to catapult Romain Grosjean onto the podium in Canada. The E20’s characteristic of being relatively gentle on its tyres allowed the Frenchman to secure his best result in Grand Prix racing despite starting just seventh on the grid.

With the field again expected to be split between one and two stoppers this weekend, the team may again look to make-up for its apparent qualifying speed deficit by completing one less stop in the race.

Raikkonen missed Q3 for the third time this season in Montreal and will need to start further up if he is to truly make an impact.

KIMI RAIKKONEN Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 17/10/1979 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 World Championships: 1 Wins: 18 Poles: 16 Fastest Laps: 36 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: 1 Career Highlights: 2011 GP2 and GP2 Asia Series Champion, 2010 Auto GP champion, 2007 F3 Euro Series Champion

19

20

Round 8 - Valencia 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: 12 Best Qualifying: 8 Average Qualifying: 12.9 Best Finish: 6 Average Finish: 9.6 NICO HULKENBERG Championship Position: 15 Best Qualifying: 9 Average Qualifying: 13.1 Best Finish: 8 Average Finish: 12.6

Debut: Albert Park, 2008 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 1

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Force India will simply be aiming to return to the points this weekend after Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg recorded frustrating 11th and 12th place finishes respectively last time out in Canada.

Di Resta’s result was especially disappointing, having come after the Scot had made Q3 for just the second time all season.

While team principal Vijay Mallya continues to target podium finishes for his squad this year, emulating the top results from the likes of fellow mid-field squads Sauber and Williams remains highly optimistic.

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 8 - Valencia 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: 11 Best Qualifying: 4 Average Qualifying: 11.3 Best Finish: 5 Average Finish: 12.4 SERGIO PEREZ Championship Position: 9 Best Qualifying: 6 Average Qualifying: 12.6 Best Finish: 2 Average Finish: 9.4

Debut: Kylami, 1993 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 4

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Like Lotus, Sauber’s tyre economy enabled Sergio Perez to trump the majority of the front-runners in Canada, with the Mexican employing a one-stop strategy on the way to his second podium finish of the season.

Having come following one of Perez’s worst qualifying efforts of the season that saw him start 15th, the result underlined the fact that almost anything is possible this season with the right combination of car characteristics and tyre strategy.

A repeat of such heroics cannot be ruled out this weekend, with Perez and team-mate Kamui Kobayashi can both to be thought of as outside chances to become the season’s eighth different winner.

KAMUI KOBAYASHI Nationality: Japanese Date of Birth: 13/09/1986 Debut: Interlagos, 2009 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1 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: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2010 GP2 Series, 4th 2007 British F3 Championship Class, 1st 2007 British F3 National Class

21

22

92 Service and Supply Locations Nationwide Servicing your Performance Hose needs anywhere... anytime

24 Hours - 7 Days Brake Hoses

Stainless Steel and Braided * Not available at all locations

All hoses are manufactured to comply with ADR42/04 s #ARS s 2ACE #ARS s /FF 2OAD X -OTOR "IKES s 'O +ARTS

Motorsport Hose Ends Available in reusable and push lock

Aero

Stealth

Ultra

Alumna

Shadow

Teflon

Adaptors

Automotive Hoses s 2ADIATOR s &UEL s 4RANSMISSION #OOLER s Water - Emission Vacuum s "RAKE 6ACUUM (OSE s Air Brake s Stainless Steel Braided Teflon

Also available...

s !UTOMOTIVE HOSES

s 0OWER 3TEERING AND #LUTCH (OSES

s ,0' (OSE AND !IR #ONDITIONING (OSE s "RAKE (OSES

www.pirtek.com.au

Round 8 - Valencia 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: 17 Best Qualifying: 6 Average Qualifying: 13.4 Best Finish: 9 Average Finish: 13.9 JEAN-ERIC VERGNE Championship Position: 16 Best Qualifying: 11 Average Qualifying: 16.9 Best Finish: 8 Average Finish: 12.6

Debut: Sakhir, 2006 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Pole Positions: 1 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Toro Rosso remains mired in a points drought that has shown no signs of abating as the season’s halfway mark approaches.

Daniel Ricciardo qualified and finished 14th in Montreal, with his STR package simply proving off the pace of those contending for the top 10 places.

Jean-Eric Vergne meanwhile will be hoping to have a mistake-free weekend in Valencia after a practice crash and an in-race pitlane speeding penalty hurt his weekend in Montreal.

The Frenchman currently faces a 1:6 qualifying deficit to his Australian team-mate after seven races.

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

23

24

Round 8 - Valencia 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: 10 Best Qualifying: 2 Average Qualifying: 11.0 Best Finish: 1 Average Finish: 14.3 BRUNO SENNA Championship Position: 13 Best Qualifying: 13 Average Qualifying: 14.9 Best Finish: 6 Average Finish: 14.4

Debut: Aires, 1978 World Championships: 9 Wins: 114 Pole Positions: 127 Fastest Laps: 130

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Having failed to score a point or have either of its cars in Q3 since Pastor Maldonado’s victory in Spain three races ago, Williams heads to Valencia with a lot to prove.

The squad has insisted that, despite its lean results in Monaco and Montreal, it isn’t far away from the pace required to add to its points tally.

The team’s situation hasn’t been helped by a pair of scrappy qualifying sessions from Maldonado. A return to the points this weekend may well hinge on a more sure-footed Saturday performance from the Venezuelan.

PASTOR MALDONADO Nationality: Venezuelan Date of Birth: 09/03/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 World Championships: 0 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 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

25

26

Round 8 - Valencia 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: 19 Best Qualifying: 16 Average Qualifying: 18.4 Best Finish: 13 Average Finish: 17.6 VITALY PETROV Championship Position: 23 Best Qualifying: 19 Average Qualifying: 19.6 Best Finish: 16 Average Finish: 17.9

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

This weekend will mark the first phase of a two-part roll-out of aerodynamic upgrades for Caterham. The team remains optimistic of scoring its first ever Grand Prix point this season, despite having so far failed to make the in-roads into the midfield pack that it had hoped.

Heikki Kovalainen and team-mate Vitaly Petrov came home in their ‘default’ positions of 18th and 19th respectively in Canada after a largely uneventful race.

The result was still a relatively impressive effort from the Finn however after being forced to recover from a heavy shunt in Friday practice.

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

27

With more than 1.5 million items of equipment, plus over 200 branches nationwide, Coates Hire is the largest and most experienced hire company in Australia. So talk to the experts at Coates Hire, they’ll make sure you get the right advice and right gear for your project.

13 15 52 coateshire.com.au

Coates Hire – Proudly Supporting the V8 Supercars Championship

28

RIP A TRIP TO BRISTOL!

WIN A TRIP to the IRWIN Night Race in Bristol, Tennessee! Just purchase an IRWIN

product to receive a promotional card and enter the draw.

Visit WWW.IRWIN.COM.AU for full details and participating retailers.

Permit Numbers: ACT: TP 12/00727 - SA: T12/315 - VIC: 12/357 - NSW: LTPS-12-01157

1 IN 2 CARD S WIN S

IRWIN M ER CHAN DI SE

INSTANTLY!

Competition closes June 31st, 2012. See IRWIN.com.au for full terms and conditions.

Round 8 - Valencia 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: 24 Best Qualifying: 21 Average Qualifying: 22.3 Best Finish: 19 Average Finish: 21.4 NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Championship Position: 22 Best Qualifying: 23 Average Qualifying: 23.9 Best Finish: 15 Average Finish: 21.3

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 WIns: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

This weekend marks the HRT’s second ‘home race’ in just five weeks, with the team naturally hoping to make the most of any commercial interest that can be gained from racing in-front of its country.

The squad had a mixed weekend in Montreal, with Pedro de la Rosa brilliantly out-qualifying both Marussia’s on Saturday before brake trouble took the two HRTs out of the race.

The more flowing nature of Valencia’s layout may make de la Rosa’s task of once again showing the Marussia’s the way a difficult one this weekend.

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

29

30

Round 8 - Valencia 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: 20 Best Qualifying: 20 Average Qualifying: 21.4 Best Finish: 14 Average Finish: 17.4 CHARLES pIC Championship Position: 21 Best Qualifying: 21 Average Qualifying: 21.9 Best Finish: 15 Average Finish: 19.7

Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Pole Positions: 0 Fastest Laps: 0

THE BAGMAN’s SAY...

Marussia will head to Valencia looking to put its Montreal form behind it. The squad’s car endured a difficult time adapting to the Canadian street circuit, while Timo Glock’s race eventually ended with brake problems.

Having not seen the Montreal layout prior to the weekend, Charles Pic says he’s looking forward to returning to a more familiar circuit in Valencia.

Having sat on pole for last year’s GP2 event at the Spanish venue, qualifying this weekend will be a good test of Pic’s credentials against Glock at this stage of the season.

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

31

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT CONVENIENCE STORE

+

$

5

Pauls Full Cream Milk 2Lt plus Buttercup & Local Bake 650-700g Bread (White, Thick, Wholemeal or Multigrain). While stocks last. Available at participating stores.

“Lucky 7 is My Store with More”

For your nearest store visit

Tim Slade

Lucky 7 Racing

www.luckyseven.com.au

32

.FNCFS PG "6453"-*"/ 45&&- */45*565&

Round 8 - Valencia I Race Stats

Championship Standings World Drivers Championship NO

Driver

Nat

Car

Points

1

Lewis Hamilton

Great Britain

McLaren

88

2

Fernando Alonso

Spain

Ferrari

86

3

Sebastian Vettel

Germany

Red Bull

85

4

Mark Webber

Australia

Red Bull

79

5

Nico Rosberg

Germany

Mercedes

67

6

Kimi Raikkonen

Finland

Lotus

55

7

Romain Grosjean

France

Lotus

53

8

Jenson Button

Great Britain

McLaren

45

9

Sergio Perez

Mexico

Sauber

37

10

Pastor Maldonado

Venezuala

Williams

29

11

Kamui Kobayshi

Japan

Sauber

21

12

Paul Di Resta

Great Britain

Force India

21

13

Bruno Senna

Brazil

Williams

15

14

Felipe Massa

Brazil

Ferrari

11

15

Nico Hulkenberg

Germany

Force India

7

16

Jean-Eric Vergne

France

Toro Rosso

4

17

Daniel Ricciardo

Australia

Toro Rosso

2

18

Michael Schumacher

Germany

Mercedes

2

19

Heikki Kovalainen

Finland

Caterham

0

20

Timo Glock

Germany

Marussia

0

21

Charles Pic

France

Marussia

0

22

Narain Karthikeyan

India

HRT

0

23

Vitaly Petrov

Russia

Caterham

0

24

Pedro de la Rosa

Spain

HRT

0

World Constructors Championship Pos

Constructor

Points

1

Red Bull Racing

164

2

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

133

3

Lotus F1 Team

108

4

Scuderia Ferrari

97

5

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

69

7

Sauber F1 Team

58

6

Williams F1 Team

44

8

Sahara Force India F1 Team

28

9

Scuderia Toro Rosso

6

11

Caterham F1 Team

0

10

Marussia F1 Team

0

12

HRT F1 Team

0

33

34

Round 8 - Valencia I Race Stats

Past European GP Winners Year 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1985 1984 1983

Driver Sebastian Vettel Sebastian Vettel Rubens Barrichello Felipe Massa Fernando Alonso Michael Schumacher Fernando Alonso Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Rubens Barrichello Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Johnny Herbert Mika H채kkinen Jacques Villeneuve Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Ayrton Senna Nigel Mansell Alain Prost Nelson Piquet

Car Red Bull-Renault Red Bull-Renault Brawn-Mercedes Ferrari McLaren-Mercedes Ferrari Renault Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Ferrari Sauber-Ford McLaren-Mercedes Williams-Renault Benetton-Renault Benetton-Ford McLaren-Ford Williams-Honda McLaren-TAG Brabham-BMW

Location Valencia Valencia Valencia Valencia Nurburgring Nurburgring Nurburgring Nurburgring Nurburgring Nurburgring Nurburgring Nurburgring Nurburgring Jerez Nurburgring Nurburgring Jerez Donington Brands Hatch Nurburgring Brands Hatch

35

/RRNLQJ IRU LQYHVWPHQW SURSHUW\" 'LVFRYHU WKH VPDUW DSSURDFK 3XUFKDVLQJ WKURXJK VHOI PDQDJHG VXSHU IXQGV 0D[LPLVLQJ OHYHUDJH 0LQLPLVLQJ KROGLQJ FRVWV &DSLWDO JURZWK IRFXVHG SURSHUW\ 3OHDVH FRQWDFW 'HDQ 2UU %HQ 6PDOO RU 1LFN )RVWHU RQ

YLVLW ZZZ PRQH\FKRLFH FRP RU HPDLO XV RQ LQIR#PRQH\FKRLFH FRP

36

Round 8 - Valencia I Race Stats

Previous World Driv

Year 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 1981 1980

Driver Sebastian Vettel Jenson Button Lewis Hamilton Kimi Räikkönen Fernando Alonso Fernando Alonso Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Mika Häkkinen Mika Häkkinen Jacques Villeneuve Damon Hill Michael Schumacher Michael Schumacher Alain Prost Nigel Mansell Ayrton Senna Ayrton Senna Alain Prost Ayrton Senna Nelson Piquet Alain Prost Alain Prost Niki Lauda Nelson Piquet Keke Rosberg Nelson Piquet Alan Jones

Nat GER GBR GBR FIN ESP ESP GER GER GER GER GER FIN FIN CAN GBR GER GER FRA GBR BRA BRA FRA BRA BRA FRA FRA AUT BRA FIN BRA AUS

Constructor 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 Brabham Williams

Wins 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 3 5

Poles 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 4 3

Points 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 50 67

Round 8 - Valencia I Race Stats

rivers’ Champions

Year 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950

Driver Jody Scheckter Mario Andretti Niki Lauda James Hunt Niki Lauda Emerson Fittipaldi Jackie Stewart Emerson Fittipaldi Jackie Stewart Jochen Rindt Jackie Stewart Graham Hill Denny Hulme Jack Brabham Jim Clark John Surtees Jim Clark Graham Hill Phil Hill Jack Brabham Jack Brabham Mike Hawthorn Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Juan Manuel Fangio Alberto Ascari Alberto Ascari Juan Manuel Fangio Giuseppe Farina

Nat RSA USA AUT GBR AUT BRA GBR BRA GBR AUT GBR GBR NZL AUS GBR GBR GBR GBR USA AUS AUS GBR ARG ARG ARG ARG ITA ITA ARG ITA

Constructor Ferrari Lotus Ferrari McLaren Ferrari McLaren Tyrell Lotus Tyrell Lotus Matra Lotus Brabham Brabham Lotus Ferrari Lotus BRM Ferrari Cooper Cooper Ferrari Maserati Ferrari Mercedes Maserati/Mercedes Ferrari Ferrari Alfa Romeo Alfa Romeo

Wins 3 6 3 6 5 3 5 5 6 5 6 3 2 4 6 2 7 4 2 5 2 1 4 3 4 6 5 6 3 3

Poles 1 8 2 8 9 2 3 3 6 3 2 2 0 3 6 2 7 1 5 3 1 4 4 6 3 5 6 5 4 2

Points 51 64 72 69 64.5 55 71 61 62 45 63 48 51 42 54 40 54 42 34 43 31 42 40 30 40 42 34.5 36 31 30

37

38

Fans clamor to catch a glimpse of the in-form Sebastian Vettel in Valencia last year.

39

40