US Grand Prix Race Guide

UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX, AUSTIN, NOVEMBER 15-17

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Round 18 - United States I Editorial

UNITED STATES

GUEST EDITOR: Tom Howard ART DIRECTOR: Steven Neumann DESIGN: Kirstie Fuentes SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson PARTNERS: Armor All Castrol Edge OzSpeedShop Dunlop Coates Hire Crimsafe Finance Ezi Tata Motors Jobstop IRWIN Pirtek Proton

The plot thickens After a build up consisting of 2014 driver line-up shuffling, team bust-ups, new contracts and injuries, it is easy to forget there is a race to be won at Austin this weekend.

To say its been a busy week in Formula 1 is certainly an understatement but with so much news and speculation flying around, this weekend’s United States Grand Prix can only add to the intrigue surrounding the 2014 season.

The F1 silly season opened its DRS and kicked up a gear this week with rumours emanating from the McLaren Technology Centre. There had been some paddock rumblings indicating Sergio Perez’s future at the team was not secure and now it appears certain that he will be replaced by Formula Renault 3.5 champion Kevin Magnussen.

While Perez is facing an uncertain future, Felipe Massa has secured his place on the 2014 grid by signing a deal with Williams to replace Pastor Maldonado. The move could be a smart one for the Brazilian with the introduction of a set of radical rule changes for 2014 for the smaller teams to capitalise upon. This leaves Maldonado searching for work and he, along with Nico Hulkenberg, are being linked to the Lotus seat vacated by Kimi Raikkonen.

Raikkonen has not shied away from the headlines either with his salary spat now resolved, according to current employers Lotus. However, the Finn has already driven his last race for the outfit after announcing he will miss the final two Grand Prix of the season to undergo surgery on a long term back injury.

It will be interesting to see how his replacement, Heikki Kovalainen, goes this weekend.

The Finn’s F1 return could add yet more spice to the fight for the remaining 2014 seat.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Raikkonen’s 2014 Ferrari team mate, Fernando Alonso, also revealed this week that he was close to missing this weekend’s race with a back injury of his own. It seems like the stuff of a very good novel but unlike Raikkonen he has put off surgery until the end of the season and will battle through the pain this weekend.

After so many headlines away from the track and several drivers racing for their futures, the plot for the United States Grand Prix is poised very nicely indeed.

TOM HOWARD

Guest Editor

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Round 18 - United States I Cover Story

Daniil Kvyat

Age: 19 Nationality: Russian Racing History: 2010 - Formula BMW 10th - Formula Renault UK Winter Series 4th 2011 - Eurocup Formula Renault 3rd - Formula Renault 2.0 NEC 2nd Formula Renault UK Finals Series 3rd - Toyota Racing Series 5th 2012 - Eurocup Formula Renault 2nd - Formula Renault Alps champion 2013 - GP3 2nd - only seven points behind championship leader

The next Sebastian Vettel?

Toro Rosso surprised many by signing Daniil Kvyat for 2014 The decision to promote teenage F1 rookie Daniil Kvyat to replace Daniel Ricciardo at Toro Rosso next season is one of the most surprising stories of the year and only time will tell if he is the right choice.

The 19-year-old’s sudden elevation from GP3 to Formula One will be viewed as both a shock and a huge risk for Toro Rosso and Kvyat’s burgeoning career. However, on the flip side could this be another stroke of genius from Red Bull by unearthing the next Sebastian Vettel to join its sister team.

The overwhelming favourite to climb into Ricciardo’s seat at Toro Rosso was Portugal’s Antonio Felix Da Costa. Backed heavily by Red Bull since last year, Da Costa successfully tested the RB9 F1 car at Abu Dhabi and Silverstone and has impressed the organisation in both GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5.

He also won the iconic Macau GP on his debut last year, but a disappointing 2013 season in Formula Renault 3.5 appears to have ultimately cost him.

Also in the frame was Carlos Sainz junior, the son of the legendary world rally star.

The young Spaniard has also tested Red Bull F1 machinery and has worked his

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way up through Formula 3 and now finds himself in GP3. However, Da Costa and Sainz jnr have both been overlooked for Kvyat, which begs the question; why?

Sceptics will suggest this move is purely political with the Russian Grand Prix making its debut next season. Kvyat is not the only Russian tipped to be on the grid in 2014 with Sergey Sirotkin appearing likely to join Sauber. Having a local driver for the inaugural event will surely be a major boost for Red Bull in what is a very large energy drinks market.

But cynicism aside and despite his tender age, the longtime Red Bull junior team driver has proved to be a potential superstar in the making. The Italian-based Russian has proved himself in the lower formulas, most notably in Formula Renault, following in the path of Ricciardo. But Kvyat’s location and fluent Italian may have played a part in the decision too.

Kvyat has carried his Formula Renault Alps championship winning form into GP3 this year and remains in contention to take the title in his debut season, lying just seven points adrift of Facu Regalia. A victory in the hotly contested FIA Formula 3 championship and a successful test with

Toro Rosso at Silverstone this year has increased his stock too.

A baptism of fire and the steepest of learning curves awaits Kvyat in 2014 and the stories of previous failed Toro Rosso drivers Sebastien Buemi, Jamie Alguersuari and Scott Speed serve just how important it is for him to be a success next year.

However, the Russian’s story closely follows that of Vettel’s rise prominence. The new four-time world champion had very limited experience before stepping up to Formula 1 in 2007 with Sauber, which led to him netting the 2008 Toro Rosso full time seat.

In fact Vettel’s highest accolades before making the jump to Formula One were the 2004 German Formula BMW Championship title and the runner up in 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries championship, and he has gone on to dominate the sport for the last four years.

For sure the safe option for Toro Rosso would undoubtedly have been to hand the seat to the more experienced Da Costa. So do Red Bull and Toro Rosso believe they’ve unearthed the next Vettel in Kvyat or will this decision come back to haunt them?

Only time will tell...

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Round 18 - United States I Cover Story

The Big Shake Up Speedcafe.com’s Tom Howard takes a look at driver market rumours and changes as 2014 grows ever closer Formula 1 is undergoing its biggest shake up in regulations for a decade and it appears this is being reflected in the driver market with the silly season in full swing.

The Australian is yet to record a podium in Formula 1 but Red Bull believe Ricciardo is ready for a chance to prove himself among F1’s top tier.

As this Race Guide went to press just one of the 11 teams was confirmed to field an unchanged driver line up for the 2014 season, prompting an unprecedented amount of movement in the driver market.

Mercedes 2014 Line up (Unchanged) Lewis Hamilton Nico Rosberg

The introduction of new 1.6 litre turbo charged more environmentally friendly V6 engines with built in KERS systems plus changes to car design, means next year will provide teams with a new set of challenges.

To some extent the changes will level the playing field and could produce a season similar to 2009, when Brawn GP and Red Bull capitalised on new rules by turning themselves from midfield runners to title contenders.

Coupled with more focus on weight saving considering the addition of heavier engine units, which will affect tyre wear, selecting the right driver line up has never been more crucial.

Red Bull Racing 2014 Line up: Sebastian Vettel IN: Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) OUT: Mark Webber (WEC Porsche) Reigning world champions Red Bull Racing have not escaped the silly season with their foray into the driver market the most talked about this season. The team were forced into a change for the first time since 2009 following the news of Mark Webber’s retirement and move into sportscar racing with Porsche.

For several weeks speculation grew surrounding the identity of Sebastian Vettel’s new team mate with Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso linked to the vacant seat.

Toro Rosso drivers Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo were thrown into the mix with Red Bull electing to promote Ricciardo from the sister team to the world champions.

As it stands Mercedes are the only team to field an unchanged driver line up for 2014 with Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg both being retained by the Brackley squad.

Arguably one of the strongest pairings in Formula One with both drivers recording wins this year, this continuity could prove to be a key factor in 2014.

Ferrari 2014 Line up Fernando Alonso (Unchanged) IN: Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) OUT: Felipe Massa (Williams) Ferrari dropped the biggest bombshell of the silly season by announcing the return of ex-driver and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen to partner Fernando Alonso.

Recruiting Raikkonen, who has starred at Lotus since his return to the sport, has created potentially the most explosive and talented driver line up on the grid. The Finn may have secured a world championship when he drove for the prancing horse in 2007, but it is well documented that his attitude doesn’t fit the mould set by boss Luca Di Montezemolo. This could produce fireworks both on and off the track. It also signifies that the team are trying to push Alonso to his very limits.

Raikkonen’s arrival also forced the Scuderia into the hard decision to release the loyal Felipe Massa, who has been a part of Ferrari since 2006. The Brazilian, who has struggled against Alonso in the last four seasons, has now found himself a new home at Williams.

Lotus 2014 Line up Romain Grosjean (Unchanged) OUT: Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) Linked: Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber), Pastor Maldonado (Williams) Kimi Raikkonen’s vacated seat at Lotus is becoming the most hotly contested and the epicentre of various paddock rumours.

Outgoing Ferrari driver Felipe Massa was initially linked to the seat but has agreed a deal this week to sign for Williams.

This news has now thrown Pastor Maldonado, who is being replaced by the Brazilian, into the running for the seat.

Continued backing from Venezuelan oil company PVDSA could fast track him to becoming the favourite with the Lotus squad in need of funds.

However, Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg is another driver vying for the seat and has been ever since Raikkonen announced his departure. The German would be the smart choice having shown talent and speed previously at Williams, Force India and most notably this year, by extracting the very best from an underperforming Sauber. But further intrigue has been added with Hulkenberg turning down an offer to fill in for Raikkonen for the remaining two races of the season.

Meanwhile Romain Grosjean’s sudden transformation from crash king to genuine race win contender has ensured his future at the team.

McLaren 2014 Line up Jenson Button (Unchanged) OUT: Sergio Perez (McLaren) Linked: Kevin Magnussen (Formula Renault 3.5) The news of the week leading into Austin surrounds McLaren’s second seat and the confirmation that Sergio Perez will not be staying with the team for next season.

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Round 18 - United States I Cover Story

Sources close to the squad have revealed that the Woking team are planning to replace the Mexican with new Formula Renault 3.5 champion and McLaren development driver Kevin Magnussen.

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has declined to publicly comment on the possibility of Magnussen replacing Perez but reiterated that the team hasn’t confirmed their driver line up for 2014. It is understood that McLaren have not been overwhelmed

by Perez, who has amassed just 35 points compared to Button’s 60 in what has been the team’s worst season since 1980.

Magnussen, son of former McLaren driver Jan, has tested McLaren F1 machinery at Abu Dhabi last year and at the Young Drivers test at Silverstone in July, impressing on both occasions.

Force India 2014 Line up Linked: Paul Di Resta (Force India), Pastor Maldonado (Williams), Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber), Sergio Perez (McLaren) With both seats up for grabs, Force India is fast becoming an important part in this year‘s silly season.

Current driver Paul Di Resta and Adrian Sutil have gone on record to say they are keen to stay with the team and performances suggest they have done enough to warrant a seat. Both await news on 2014 deals.

However, Pastor Maldonado’s release from Williams has brought him into play. The former Williams driver is a lucrative option for a team in need of a cash injection with the backing of Venezuelan oil company PVDSA. A return to the team for Nico Hulkenberg could also be on the cards if he is unable to secure his favoured seat at Lotus. Reports have already circled stating that the German has been seen in meetings with the team.

For Sergio Perez, meanwhile, this could be his best opportunity to stay in the sport.

Sauber 2014 Line up Linked: Esteban Gutierrez (Sauber), Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber), Pastor Maldonado (Wiliams), Sergey Sirotkin (Formula Renault 3.5), Sergio Perez (McLaren) At least one of Sauber’s seats seemed to be

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sewn up with the arrival of Russian rookie Formula Renault 3.5 racer Sergey Sirotkin.

However, this deal, which came as a result of the team’s new Russian partners, could now be in doubt and at the moment both drives are available.

Sauber are due to make a decision soon on 18-year-old Sirotkin, who is currently undergoing a development programme in older F1 machinery in preparation for the 2014 season.

While Sirotkin will be confirmed if he is deemed ready for the seat, Nico Hulkenberg, Pastor Maldonado, current driver Esteban Gutierrez and Sergio Perez are all linked with moves to the team. If disregarded by McLaren, Perez’s previous history at the team will put him in good stead while Maldonado could bring much needed funds.

Meanwhile Gutierrez is eager to stay at the team with the possibility of a Mexican Grand Prix next year. His team mate Hulkenberg has turned down an offer to replace Kimi Raikkonen at Lotus until the end of the season showing his loyalty to Sauber too. It will be a busy few weeks at the Swiss squad.

Toro Rosso 2014 Line up Jean-Eric Vergne (Unchanged) IN: Daniil Kvyat (GP3) OUT: Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) Daniel Ricciardo’s promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull opened up a seat and the Italian based team sprung another surprise in the 2014 driver market. Red Bull young driver and Macau GP winner Antonio Felix Da Costa appeared to be set for the role having impressed Red Bull in F1 tests, but the drive was handed to new GP3 champion Daniil Kvyat.

The 19-year-old Russian has limited Formula 1 experience but has impressed by securing the GP3 title along with race wins in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship. He faces a steep learning curve alongside Jean-Eric Vergne next year but Red Bull and Toro Rosso have high hopes.

Williams 2014 Line up Valtteri Bottas (Unchanged) IN: Felipe Massa (Ferrari) OUT: Pastor Maldonado (Linked to Lotus and Sauber) Williams have once again been active for the fifth consecutive year by securing Ferrari

refugee and proven race winner Felipe Massa to partner Finn Valtteri Bottas.

The acquisition of the Brazilian could prove to be one of the smartest decisions of the silly season as Pat Symonds’ squad bid to reinvent themselves at the front of the grid in 2014 with a new Mercedes engine deal.

However, dispatching Pastor Maldonado could hurt the team financially.

Marussia 2014 Line up Jules Bianchi (Unchanged) Linked: Max Chilton (Marussia) Marussia are on course to finish above rivals Caterham for the first time since they joined Formula 1. The team have been renowned for changing their driver line up but they are likely to keep both their drivers for 2014.

Frenchman Jules Bianchi has impressed and has already confirmed he will be with the team for next season. Max Chilton is keen to stay and although unconfirmed he would be the favourite to stay in the second seat.

Caterham 2014 Line up Linked: Charles Pic (Caterham), Giedo Van De Garde (Caterham), Heikki Kovalainen (out of contract) After a poor season, there could be changes at Caterham for 2014 with Heikki Kovalianen in the frame to return to a full time drive at the team. Caterham have relied on pay drivers in the recent past but the desire for results could see the talented Finn rejoin the team. Both seats are available at the moment but it is likely Charles Pic will stay while Giedo Van De Garde is not out the running either.

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Round 18 - United States I Track Details

CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS Technical preview with the Lotus F1 team

THE CAR Rear wing This will be set at a similar level to that used in Abu Dhabi. Maximum speed reached on the straight is around 315kph so it has a long straight, but this is intermingled with a diverse mix of corners; both high speed and low speed.

Brakes Brake cooling levels must be set to maintain sufficient heat at the end of the long straight, while avoiding potential overheating in the technical section.

Balancing temperatures will be the name of the game, with no issues expected in terms of wear.

here. The layout and track surface will make unlocking maximum tyre performance quite challenging, whilst the allocation of the two hardest compounds means degradation is unlikely to be too much of a factor in the race.

Front wing Relatively more front wing is required here to counter understeer through Turns 16 – 18 where the car would otherwise push through the turn; killing speed and wearing the front tyres.

Engine Average engine revs sit at around 15,500rpm here [mid to high range vs. other tracks] with 60% of the lap spent with the throttle wide open.

THE CIRCUIT

Suspension This is a balance between high speed stability for the flat out Turns 2 – 4 and the change of direction requirements later in the lap.

Turn 1 There is a sizeable elevation change here where the circuit rises steeply and drops away.

Tyres The most conservative allocation of hard and medium compounds will be in use

Turns 2-4 Turns 2, 3 & 4 are flat out at very high speed; around 280kph in seventh gear.

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Turns 5-6 Turns 5 & 6 Not quite as quick as the previous trio, but nonetheless fast; around 220kph in fifth gear.

Turn 11 Turn 11 provides a good potential overtaking opportunity, as drivers exit the third gear Turn 9 into the flat-out Turn 10 before braking heavily for this hairpin.

Turn 12 Brakes need to be set up to ensure that they are not too cool by the end of the straight, as they will receive heavy usage into this tight left-hander.

Turns 13 - 15 Turns 13, 14 & 15 are fairly low speed, second gear corners. The best line through this combination is determined by the kerbs.

Turn 16 - 18 Front wing levels are tailored to counter understeer in this continuous, double-apex combination of corners.

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Round 18 - United States I Bagman

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The Bagman says...

T

he Circuit of the Americas is one of the few venues Sebastian Vettel is yet to conquer which should give drivers and teams a crumb of hope heading into this weekend’s United States Grand Prix.

In fact the challenging Austin circuit witnessed one of the few times in recent memory where Vettel has been beaten fair and square on the road, courtesy of Lewis Hamilton’s pursuit and pass on the German en route to victory at the inaugural event last year.

While speculation surrounding the 2014 season has dominated the lead up to this weekend’s race, there is still a closely fought battle for second in the Constructors‘ Championship.

Mercedes currently hold the position by just 11 points and their own Nico Rosberg

is coming into form at the right time with back-to-back podium finishes. Aided by points finishes from Lewis Hamilton, the Silver Arrows have proved they still have one of the fastest cars in the sport right now and will be eager to hold on to that fact.

Ferrari are bearing down on the Brackley squad but they could be in store for a tough weekend with their lead driver Fernando Alonso recovering from a back injury sustained in Abu Dhabi. The Spaniard has revealed he will be driving through the pain barrier this weekend.

Also Felipe Massa has no need to impress after securing his F1 2014 future with Williams this week, however you can be sure his current employers will be pushing him.

Lotus are also in the hunt for second but they head into this weekend without their number one driver Kimi Raikkonen. The

Finn, who has been at the centre of a falling out with the team after failing to receive any payment this season, will undergo surgery for a long term back injury and will be replaced by Heikki Kovalainen.

But in the other side of the garage, Romain Grosjean continues to impress and will no doubt resume his position challenging the front runners.

Further back McLaren’s Sergio Perez will be desperate to prove he is a prodigious talent just days after officially confirming his exit from the team at the end of the season.

Likewise it appears Force India duo of Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta are also in the same boat fighting for their drives along with Sauber’s Nico Hulkenburg and now Williams refugee Pastor Maldonado.

With so many drivers fighting for survival the midfield battle should produce arguably the best battles in Austin.

2013 Formula 1 World Championship Entry List #

Driver

Team

Chassis

Engine

1

Sebastian VETTEL (DEU)

Infiniti Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing

Renault

2

Mark WEBBER (AUS)

Infiniti Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing

Renault

3

Fernando ALONSO (ESP)

Scuderia Ferrari

Ferrari

Ferrari

4

Felipe MASSA (BRA)

Scuderia Ferrari

Ferrari

Ferrari

5

Jenson BUTTON (GBR)

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

McLaren

Mercedes

6

Sergio PEREZ MENDOZA (MEX)

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

McLaren

Mercedes

7

Kimi RAIKKONEN (FIN)

Lotus F1 Team

Lotus

Renault

8

Romain GROSJEAN (FRA)

Lotus F1 Team

Lotus

Renault

9

Nico ROSBERG (DEU)

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

Mercedes

Mercedes

10

Lewis HAMILTON (GBR)

Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

Mercedes

Mercedes

11

Nico HULKENBERG (DEU)

Sauber F1 Team

Sauber

Ferrari

12

Esteban GUTIERREZ (MEX)

Sauber F1 Team

Sauber

Ferrari

14

Paul DI RESTA (GBR)

Sahara Force India F1 Team

Force India

Mercedes

15

Adrian SUTIL (DEU)

Sahara Force India F1 Team

Force India

Mercedes

16

Pastor MALDONADO (VEN)

Williams F1 Team

Williams

Renault

17

Valtteri BOTTAS (FIN)

Williams F1 Team

Williams

Renault

18

Jean-Eric VERGNE (FRA)

Scuderia Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso

Ferrari

19

Daniel RICCIARDO (AUS)

Scuderia Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso

Ferrari

20

Charles PIC (FRA)

Caterham F1 Team

Caterham

Renault

21

Giedo VAN DER GARDE (NDL)

Caterham F1 Team

Caterham

Renault

22

Jules BIANCHI (FRA)

Marussia F1 Team

Marussia

Cosworth

23

Max CHILTON (GBR)

Marussia F1 Team

Marussia

Cosworth

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Round 17 - Abu Dhabi I Driver Profiles

Chassis: RB9 Engine: Renault RS27-2013 Base: Milton Keynes, UK Team principal: Christian Horner Chief technical officer: Adrian Newey Chief designer: Rob Marshall World Championships: 3

Sebastian Vettel

Mark Webber

Nationality: German Date of Birth: 03/07/1987 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007 Wins: 37 Best championship finish: 1st (2010-2012) Other career Highlights: 2nd 2009 Formula 1 World Championship, 2nd 2006 Formula 3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC

Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 27/08/1976 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 Wins: 9 Best championship finish: 3rd (2010 & 2011) Other career Highlights: 2nd 2001 International F3000, , 3rd 1998 FIA GT Championship, 1st 1996 British Formula Ford Festival

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: F138 Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Maranello, Italy Team principal:Stefano Domenicali Chassis director: Pat Fry Chief designer: Nikolas Tombazis World Championships: 16

Fernando Alonso

Felipe Massa

Nationality: Spanish Date of Birth: 29/07/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 Wins: 32 Best championship finish: 1st (2005 & 2006) Other career highlights: 2nd 2010 & 2012 F1 World Championship, 3rd 2007 F1 World Championship, 1st 1999 Euro Open by Nissan

Nationality: Brazilian Date of Birth: 25/04/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 Wins: 11 Best championship finish: 2nd (2008) Other career highlights: 3rd 2006 F1 World Championship, 4th 2007 F1 World Championship, 1st 2001 Euro Formula 3000, 1st 2000 Formula Renault Eurocup

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: MP4-28 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z Base: Woking, UK Team principal: Martin Whitmarsh Technical director: Tim Goss Chairman: Ron Dennis World Championships: 8

Jenson Button

Sergio Perez

Nationality: British Date of Birth: 19/01/1980 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 Wins: 15 Best championship finish: 1st (2009) Other career highlights: 1st 1998 British Formula Ford Festival, 1998 British Formula Ford Champion

Nationality: Mexican Date of Birth: 26/01/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 10th (2012) Other career highlights: 2nd 2010 GP2 Series, 4th 2007 British F3 Championship Class, 1st 2007 British Formula 3 National Class

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: E21 Engine: Renault RS27- 2013 Base: Enstone, UK Team principal: Eric Boullier Technical chief: James Allison Gerard Lopez: Chairman World Championships: 4 (1994, 1995, 2005, 2006)

Heikki Kovalainen

Romain Grosjean

Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Wins: 1 Best championship finish: 7th (2007 & 2008) Other career highlights: 2nd 2005 GP2 Series, 1st 2004 World Series by Nissan, 2nd 2003 World Series by Nissan, 2nd 2002 Macau GP

Nationality: French Date of Birth: 17/04/1986 Debut: Valencia, 2009 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 8th Other career highlights: 2011 GP2 and GP2 Asia Series champion, 2010 Auto GP champion, 2007 F3 Euro Series champion

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: F1 W04 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z Base: Brackley, UK Team principal: Ross Brawn Technical director: Bob Bell Head of motorsport: Toto Wolf World Championships: 0

Nico Rosberg

Lewis Hamilton

Nationality: German Date of Birth: 27/06/1985 Debut: Sakhir, 2006 Wins: 2 Best championship finish: 7th (2009, 2010 & 2011) Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC

Nationality: British Date of Birth: 07/01/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Wins: 22 Best championship finish: 1st (2008) Other career highlights: 2nd 2007 F1 World Championship, 2006 GP2 champion, 2005 Formula 3 Euroseries champion

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: C32 Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Hinwil, Switzerland Team founder: Peter Sauber Team principal: Monisha Kaltenborn Chief designer: Matt Norris World Championships: 0

Nico Hulkenberg

Esteban Gutierrez

Nationality: German Date of Birth: 19/08/1987 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 11th (2012) Other career highlights: Pole Position for 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, 2009 GP2 Series Champion, 2005 Formula BMW ADAC champion

Nationality: Mexican Date of Birth: 05/08/1991 Debut: Albert Park, 2013 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: Career Highlights: 2010 GP3 Series champion, 3rd 2012 GP2 Series, 1st 2008 Formula BMW Europe, 3rd 2008 Formula BMW World Final

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: VJM06 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z Base: Silverstone, UK Team principal:Vijay Mallya Deputy team principal: Bob Fernley Technical director: Andrew Green World Championships: 0

Paul Di Resta

Adrian Sutil

Nationality: Scottish Date of Birth: 16/04/1986 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 13th (2011) Career Highlights: 2010 DTM Champion, 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries Champion, 1st 2006 Masters of Formula 3

Nationality: German Date of Birth: 11/01/1983 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 9th (2011) Other career highlights: 2006 All-Japan Formula 3 champion, 3rd 2006 Macau Grand Prix, 2nd 2003 Formula 3 Euro Series

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: FW35 Engine: Renault RS27- 2013 Base: Grove, UK Team principal:Frank Williams Technical director: Mike Coughlan Chief engineer: Xevi Pujolar World Championships: 9

Pastor Maldonado

Valtteri Bottas

Nationality: Venezuelan Date of Birth: 09/03/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Wins: 1 Best championship finish: 15th (2012) Career Highlights: Pole position for 2012 Spanish Grand Prix, 2010 GP2 Champion, 3rd 2006 Formula Renault 3.5, 1st 2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italia

Nationality: Finnish Date of Birth: 28/08/1989 Debut: Albert Park, 2013 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: Career Highlights: 1st 2011 GP3 Series, 3rd 2009 & 2010 Formula 3 Euro Series, 1st 2009 & 2010 Masters of Formula 3

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: STR8 Engine: Ferrari 056 Debut: Sakhir, 2006 Base: Faenza, Italy Team principal:Franz Tost Technical director: James Key Chief designer: Luca Furbatto World Championships: 0

Jean-Eric Vergne

Daniel Ricciardo

Nationality: French Date of Birth: 25/04/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 17th (2012) Career Highlights: 2nd 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2010 British Formula 3 champion, 2nd European Formula Renault 2.0 series

Nationality: Australian Date of Birth: 01/07/1989 Debut: Silverstone, 2011 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 18th (2012) Career Highlights: 2009 British Formula 3 champion, 2nd 2010 Formula Renault 3.5 series

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: CT03 Engine: Renault RS27-2013 Base: Hingham, UK Team principal:Cyril Abiteboul Technical director: Mark Smith Team owner: Tony Fernandes World Championships: 0

Charles Pic

Giedo Van Der Garde

Nationality: French Date of Birth: 15/02/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: 21st (2012) Other career highlights: 4th 2011 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 and 2009 Formula Renault 3.5

Nationality: Dutch Date of Birth: 25/04/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2013 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: Career highlights: 3rd 2011 GP2 Asia Series, 5th 2011 GP2 Series, 1st 2008 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2nd 2006 Masters of Formula 3

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Round 18 - United States I Driver Profiles

Chassis: MR02 Engine: Cosworth CA2012 Base: Banbury, UK Team principal:John Booth Technical director: Pat Symmonds Sporting director: Graeme Lowdon World Championships: 0

Jules Bianchi

Max Chilton

Nationality: French Date of Birth: 03/08/1989 Debut: Albert Park, 2013 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: Career Highlights: 2nd 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2nd 2011 GP2 Asia Series, 3rd 2010 & 2011 GP2 Series, 1st 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series

Nationality: British Date of Birth: 21/04/1991 Debut: Albert Park, 2013 Wins: 0 Best championship finish: Career Highlights: 4th 2012 GP2 Series, 4th 2009 British Formula 3 Championship, 10th 2008 British Formula 3 Championship

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Round 18 - United States I Race Stats

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CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP NO

Driver

Nat

Car

Points

1

Sebastian Vettel

German

Red Bull Racing-Renault

347

2

Fernando Alonso

Spanish

Ferrari

217

3

Kimi RäikkÜnen

Finnish

Lotus-Renault

183

4

Lewis Hamilton

British

Mercedes

175

5

Mark Webber

Australian

Red Bull Racing-Renault

166

6

Nico Rosberg

German

Mercedes

159

7

Romain Grosjean

French

Lotus-Renault

114

8

Felipe Massa

Brazilian

Ferrari

106

9

Jenson Button

British

McLaren-Mercedes

60

10

Paul di Resta

British

Force India-Mercedes

48

11

Nico Hulkenberg

German

Sauber-Ferrari

39

12

Sergio Perez

Mexican

McLaren-Mercedes

35

13

Adrian Sutil

German

Force India-Mercedes

29

14

Daniel Ricciardo

Australian

STR-Ferrari

19

15

Jean-Eric Vergne

French

STR-Ferrari

13

16

Esteban Gutierrez

Mexican

Sauber-Ferrari

6

17

Pastor Maldonado

Venezuelan

Williams-Renault

1

18

Valtteri Bottas

Finnish

Williams-Renault

0

19

Jules Bianchi

French

Marussia-Cosworth

0

20

Charles Pic

French

Caterham-Renault

0

21

Giedo van der Garde Dutch

Caterham-Renault

0

22

Max Chilton

Marussia-Cosworth

0

British

WORLD CONSTRUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP Pos

Constructor

Points

1

Red Bull Racing-Renault

513

2

Mercedes

334

3

Ferrari

323

4

Lotus-Renault

297

5

McLaren-Mercedes

95

6

Force India-Mercedes

77

7

Sauber-Ferrari

45

8

STR-Ferrari

32

9

Williams-Renault

1

10

Marussia-Cosworth

0

11

Caterham-Renault

0

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Round 18 - United States I Race Stats

RECENT WORLD DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONS Year

Driver

Nat

Constructor

Wins

Poles

Points

2012

Sebastian Vettel

GER

Red Bull

5

6

281

2011

Sebastian Vettel

GER

Red Bull

11

15

392

2010

Sebastian Vettel

GER

Red Bull

5

10

256

2009

Jenson Button

GBR

Brawn

6

4

95

2008

Lewis Hamilton

GBR

McLaren

5

7

98

2007

Kimi Räikkönen

FIN

Ferrari

6

3

110

2006

Fernando Alonso

ESP

Renault

7

6

134

2005

Fernando Alonso

ESP

Renault

7

6

133

2004

Michael Schumacher

GER

Ferrari

13

8

148

2003

Michael Schumacher

GER

Ferrari

6

5

93

2002

Michael Schumacher

GER

Ferrari

11

7

144

2001

Michael Schumacher

GER

Ferrari

9

11

123

2000

Michael Schumacher

GER

Ferrari

9

9

108

1999

Mika Häkkinen

FIN

McLaren

5

11

76

1998

Mika Häkkinen

FIN

McLaren

8

9

100

1997

Jacques Villeneuve

CAN

Williams

7

10

81

1996

Damon Hill

GBR

Williams

8

9

97

1995

Michael Schumacher

GER

Benetton

9

4

102

1994

Michael Schumacher

GER

Benetton

8

6

92

1993

Alain Prost

FRA

Williams

7

13

99

1992

Nigel Mansell

GBR

Williams

9

14

108

1991

Ayrton Senna

BRA

McLaren

7

8

96

1990

Ayrton Senna

BRA

McLaren

6

10

78

1989

Alain Prost

FRA

McLaren

4

2

76

1988

Ayrton Senna

BRA

McLaren

8

13

90

1987

Nelson Piquet

BRA

Williams

3

4

73

1986

Alain Prost

FRA

McLaren

4

1

72

1985

Alain Prost

FRA

McLaren

5

2

73

1984

Niki Lauda

AUT

McLaren

5

0

72

1983

Nelson Piquet

BRA

Brabham

3

1

59

1982

Keke Rosberg

FIN

Williams

1

1

44

1981

Nelson Piquet

BRA

Brabham

3

4

50

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