Speedcafe.com Race Guide - 2011 European Grand Prix

RACE

D GUIDE

Round 8 – European Grand Prix – June 24-26

www.speedcafe.com

VALENCIA

: t l u a n Re

e c n e f e D g n i Play

Opinion Profiles Pictures Bagman Pat Symmonds

POWERED BY...

Race Guide If Monaco was an industrial port, it’d probably look like Valencia.

2

Round 8 – Valencia

3

Race Preview

GREAT PERFORMANCE

DEMANDS STRENGTH. No matter the challenge in-front of you, it takes strength to perform at your best.

That’s why we seek out the toughest environments to test Castrol EDGE, so you know you can drive the way you want whenever you want.

Castrol EDGE. Strength to perform. Freedom to drive.

Round 8 – Valencia

INTRODUCTION RACE GUIDE VALENCIA EVENT 2 – Clipsal 500, Adelaide – March 17-20

www.speedcafe.com

EDITOR: Stefan Bartholomaeus PRODUCTION: Stefan Bartholomaeus SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson IMAGES: Scuderia Ferrari Red Bull Racing Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Mercedes GP Lotus Renault GP GUEST COLUMNIST: Greg Rust PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Jack Daniel’s, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, HDT, Norton 360, Toshiba

The Fernando Factor

W

hile the Valencia Street Circuit might not be the most spectacular race track in the world, its very existence is an extraordinary feat in itself.

Spurred by the achievements of Fernando Alonso, Spanish interest in Formula One has grown astronomically in the last decade, to the point where Spain is the only country in the world to be bestowed with the honour of holding two Grands Prix each season.

Although the merits of using the ‘European Grand Prix’ tag to award a country two races is often debated, Formula One’s efforts to capture the Spanish market fail to come close to that of MotoGP, which will again hold four races in the country in 2011.

Sadly for local fans, Alonso has had a tough run around Valencia’s portside circuit since its inaugural event in 2008.

The 29-year-old, who won consecutive World Drivers’ Championships with Renault in 2005 and 2006, even claimed that the race was being ‘manipulated’ against him last year after a Safety Car mix-up!

While such outbursts have ensured Alonso has plenty of critics among the English speaking press and fan base, only those with a serious axe to grind will argue against the notion that the Spaniard will be Ferrari’s greatest asset over the coming seasons.

As well as being incredibly quick, Alonso’s focus, tenacity and ability to rally a team around him means he has all the qualities to go down in history as an all-time great.

The speed of the Red Bulls and McLarens will ensure that Alonso is again in for a tough fight this weekend. It should make for spectacular viewing.

Green means go!

STEFAN BARTHOLOMAEUS Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides

5

Race Guide

COVER STORY

Renault: Playing Defence Having slipped down the order in recent races, Lotus Renault is aiming for a return to the podium this weekend

L

otus Renault GP team principal Eric Boullier says his team must return to the podium in the coming races if it is to fend off a charging Mercedes GP in the Constructors’ Championship.

The Genii Capital owned squad started the season with third place finishes for Vitaly Petrov and Nick Heidfeld in Australia and Malaysia respectively, but has since slipped considerably behind the Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari powerhouses in the development race.

Currently sitting just eight points above fifth-placed Mercedes, Lotus Renault will need to improve its qualifying form if it is to have a genuine chance of a podium return this weekend, with the team having recorded just one top six qualifying performance since Malaysia.

“We are still struggling a bit in qualifying – we need to be higher up on the starting grid,” says Boullier.

“We need another podium or two in this time (prior to the mid-season break) to

6

cement our position amongst the grid’s elite teams, and to remain competitive ahead of Mercedes GP whose season has clearly improved.

“Retaining our position in the top four in the Constructors’ Championship is an absolute priority for us, and we must continue to lay down the marker over the next four races.”

The team’s drivers have been very evenly matched so far this season, with Petrov currently seventh in the Drivers’ Championship - two points ahead of Heidfeld.

While the German, rushed into the team at the last minute to replace the injured Robert Kubica, has come under scrutiny in recent weeks

for his lack of outright speed, Petrov says the process of moving forward will be about minimising mistakes.

“I think we can do much, much more,” says Petrov in reference to his tally of 32 points.

“We’ve had good results, but together we can achieve greater things. Sometimes I’ve made mistakes, sometimes our pit stops could have been improved, but generally I think we can take it up a level.

“We need to minimise the mistakes, and the points will keep on coming.

“It would be much better to take our summer break in the knowledge that we had scored some well-deserved points in the lead-up to it.”

Round 8 – Valencia

7

Race Guide

The Liquid Maestro

vitably a wet track, Jenson Button is ine h wit ed fac is ld fie e On ula rm When the Fo ttle of pion knows his way around a bo am Ch rld Wo 09 20 e Th at. be to the man bubbly, too.

8

Event 12 – Symmons Plains

9

EW

N

Race Guide

V5.0

V8 Supercars Bonus Pack IN STORE

Easy, All-in-One Security for up to 5 PCs BONUSES with this Pack • 2 x 3-Day Circuit Admission Passes to the Norton 360 Sandown Challenge 2011* • 8 GB V8 Supercar-shaped USB key* • V8 Supercars DVD featuring official highlights of the 2010 V8 Supercars action and 2011 preview (INSIDE BOX) • 16 GB USB key (INSIDE BOX)

Hurry into your preferred software retailer – stocks are limited.

For more information click here.

10

*by redemption

Round 8 – Valencia

TRACK DETAILS

Key Characteristics

Set-up Insight

- longitudinal “stop and go” track - many hard braking & traction areas - very smooth track surface with no bumps and kerbs are not an issue - run very low ride height but plank wear is high due to kerb usage - possible high impact load on steering column when driver use kerbs through the T18 - T24 high-speed section - overtaking is difficult and hard on brake temperature & wear - overall grip gradually increases over weekend as the circuit is used infrequently

Bumpiness Very smooth Overtaking chance Very low Kerbs Low/medium Ride-height setting Low front RH possible Engine severity High Gearbox severity High Lat/long grip Longitudinal Aero efficiency ratio High Weekend grip evolution Very high Aero settings Medium/high Brake wear sensitivity High Brake cooling necessity High Pirelli tyre compounds Medium and soft Data supplied by Team Lotus

11

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

OPINION by GREG RUST

The contrast at McLaren

I

think it’s going to be a really interesting weekend in Valencia for a number of reasons.

The emergence of the Medium compound tyre and what effect that has will be something to watch.

We’ve seen some very hot weather in Valencia in years gone by. We did an overseas trip there some years ago, and like any street circuit, the track really holds the heat, so how the Pirellis stack up will again be key to the result.

With talk of the FIA clamping down on engine mapping and how it’s used, in addition to the changes to the off-throttle diffuser regulations scheduled for Silverstone, the stage is set for a bit of a mid-season shake-up. Ferrari had a difficult start to the championship last year after winning Bahrain, and I think we could see some things start to turn around in the coming races.

T

he way Lewis Hamilton reacts to the recent criticism of his aggressive driving is something that we’re all waiting to see this weekend. There’s obviously been a fair bit of angst about the way that he’s driven and the things that he’s said. I think we need to remember that this guy is a bloody fast, extremely special driver, and he hasn’t lost that talent.

What has become clear is that the threat of someone like a Sebastian Vettel and the emergence of Red Bull Racing in the last few years as a real force in Formula One has changed the complexion of the game.

It’s not as though they rolled out the red carpet and make it easy for Lewis when in his first seasons in Formula One, but I think now he’s having to work a lot harder to achieve what he wants to achieve, which is win races and championships. Has he been guilty of over-driving the car on occasions to get that? Absolutely.

People need to look also at the full context of what he said with the Ali G comments in Monaco, for example. It was a throw-away comment in the heat of the moment.

Should he have said it? No, but that’s easy for me to say,

not having been a Formula One driver or having been in that position.

The big onus I think is on McLaren to give him the car and put him in the position to be able to win every weekend.

What he can’t do is make impetuous decisions when the chips are down. It’s like something clicks in him, a switch is flicked, he gets fired up and that’s when he makes bad calls.

Although we’re underlining the mistakes that Hamilton is making at the moment, we can’t forget that he is a very special driver with enormous talent.

Hamilton’s style has always been to go for the win no matter what - settling for points isn’t an option. I think McLaren in that sense have a very good combination as far as their drivers are concerned.

There’s been talk this week that they’re trying to resign Jenson Button in the wake of the success in Canada.

Jenson is a brilliant thinker when he’s in the cockpit. He can absolutely understand how the race is playing out, and adapt accordingly.

Obviously there is more than just one person behind the sort of success he had in Canada, but I think it is incredible that a driver can do what he does from the cockpit, in terms of understanding what needs to be done to get the right result.

While this weekend is not going to be as bad as Canada, where we had the tooth picks holding the eyes open at a crazy hour of the morning, a double-header with MotoGP always makes things exciting. Assen is one of the great MotoGP venues, it’s a Saturday night race, and we’re really looking forward to an action packed weekend.

F1 TV TIMES Sunday; Qualifying - 12:00am-1:15am (One HD), Race - 9:15pm-12:00am (One HD), 10:30pm-12:40am (Ten).

Check local guides for details

11 13

Race Guide

THE BAG MAN

THE N A M G A B SPEEDCAFE.COM’S

AN’S SAY

K FORM – THE BAGM

AC RECENT FORM - TR

14

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

RED BULL RACING SEBASTIAN VETTEL Nationality: German Wins: 15 DoB: 03/07/1987 Poles: 21 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007 Fastest Laps: 6 Career Highlights: 2010 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2006 F3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

DNF

1

1

1

1

2

1

1

1

2

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

6

DNF

1

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing may have lost out to Jenson Button and McLaren in Monaco, but the Austrian/German alliance is expected to turn the tables this weekend.

The team locked out the frontrow in Valencia last year, and with the RB7’s class-leading blown diffuser allowing Vettel and Mark Webber to make full use of the open DRS rules in qualifying this season, one should not bet against a repeat of the team’s 2010 performance.

A strong Saturday will make this team very hard to beat, regardless of the large DRS zone.

RED BULL RACING

MARK WEBBER Wins: 6 Nationality: Australian Poles: 7 DoB: 27/08/1976 Fastest Laps: 10 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 Career Highlights: 3rd 2010 World Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 2001 International F3000, 1st 1996 British FF Festival Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

DNF

2

8

5

4

3

2

4

4

3

Chassis: Red Bull RB7 Engine: Renault RS27-2011 Base: Milton Keynes, UK Team nationality: Austrian Team principal: Christian Horner Technical leader: Adrian Newey Debut: Albert Park, 2005 Wins: 20 Poles: 27 Fastest Laps: 16 Constructors’ Championships: 1

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

12

9

DNF

13 15

Race Guide

McLAREN MERCEDES LEWIS HAMILTON

Nationality: British Wins: 15 DoB: 07/01/1985 Poles: 18 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Fastest Laps: 9 Career Highlights: 2008 World Drivers’ Champion, 2006 GP2 Champion, 2005 F3 Euroseries Champion Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON CAN

2

4

2

2

8

1

4

2

6

DNF

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

2

2

JENSON BUTTON

VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES

Nationality: British Wins: 10 DoB: 19/01/1980 Poles: 7 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 Fastest Laps: 4 Career Highlights: 2009 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1998 British FF Festival, 1998 British FF Champion

Chassis: McLaren MP4-26 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Y Base: Woking, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Martin Whitmarsh Technical leader: Paddy Lowe Debut: Monte Carlo, 1966 Wins: 171 Poles: 146 Fastest Laps: 144 Constructors’ Championships: 8

Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

12

5

3

6

2

4

6

3

3

1

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

13

7

3

16

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Full of confidence after defeating Vettel in Canada, Jenson Button has boasted of his championship credentials in the lead up to this weekend’s race.

As brilliant as Button is in changeable conditions, the wallto-wall sunshine expected in Valencia this weekend, combined with the Red Bull’s apparent downforce advantage, is likely to see quite a gap between the Briton and Vettel in qualifying.

While Vettel may have too much, the team may get two cars on the podium regardless. Although Hamilton has been in the wars in the last two races, a driver of his calibre is unlikely to stay down for long.

Round 8 – Valencia

Intensifying Rugby World Cup 2011.

Imagine a 3D/HD TV crafted by design house Jacob Jensen that marries leading design with leading innovations. Innovations like Toshiba’s AutoView sensors that automatically adjust to light every picture perfectly, and Toshiba Resolution+ technology which converts low-res content to HD-like quality. Imagine a TV that wirelessly streams content from your PC and smartphone and you’re imagining a Regza WL700 in your living room. Make television come alive. That’s Toshiba Thinking.

For more details visit www.mytoshiba.com.au

15 17 TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008-2011. All rights reserved. TOS0072/AV

Race Guide

FERRARI FERNANDO ALONSO Nationality: Spanish Wins: 26 DoB: 29/07/1981 Poles: 20 Debut: Albert Park, 2001 Fastest Laps: 18 Career Highlights: 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Champion, 1st 1999 Euro Open by Nissan Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON CAN

1

3

7

4

6

7

3

5

2

DNF

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DNF

6

8

SCUDERIA FERRARI MARLBORO

FELIPE MASSA Nationality: Brazilian Wins: 11 DoB: 25/04/1981 Poles: 15 Debut: Albert Park, 2002 Fastest Laps: 13 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 World Drivers’ Championship, 1st 2001 Euro F3000, 1st 2000 Formula Renault Eurocup Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

3 15 10

Recent Valencia Form

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

7

5

6

11

DNF

DNF

6

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

-

11

18

THE BAGMAN’S SAY With Fernando Alonso having driven the wheels off of the 150th Italia in order to finish on the podium in Monaco and qualify on the front-row in Montreal, the somewhat more downforce critical Valencia circuit is likely to see the local hero in for a tougher weekend.

Alonso has had a wretched time at this circuit in the past, and a podium would be an impressive performance this year.

Felipe Massa will have taken heart from qualifying third in Montreal - his first visit to a weekend press conference for the season. His future with the team may depend on solid results in the coming races.

Chassis: Ferrari 150th Italia Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Maranello, Italy Team nationality: Italian Team principal: Stefano Domenicalli Technical leader: Pat Fry Debut: Monte Carlo, 1950 Wins: 215 Poles: 205 Fastest Laps: 225 Constructors’ Championships: 16

MERCEDES MICHAEL SCHUMACHER Nationality: German Wins: 91 DoB: 03/01/1969 Poles: 68 Debut: Spa, 1991 Fastest Laps: 76 Career Highlights: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1990 German F3 Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

4

7

DNF

DNF

9

8

12

6

DNF

4

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

15

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Michael Schumacher’s fourth place finish in Montreal was a great result, not only for the eighttime champion, but for the entire Mercedes team.

Both Schumacher and Nico Rosberg suffered from extreme rear graining on the super soft tyres at Monaco, and all eyes will be on the team’s long practice runs on Friday to see if the issue was track specific.

While Schumacher was close to his first podium since rejoining the sport in Montreal, a top six finish may still be the best either Mercedes driver can hope for in a conventional race.

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS F1 TEAM

NICO ROSBERG Wins: 0 Nationality: German Poles: 0 DoB: 27/06/1985 Fastest Laps: 2 Debut: Sakhir, 2006 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

DNF

6

4

DNF

12

5

5

7

11

11

Chassis: Mercedes MGP W02 Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Y Base: Brackley, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Ross Brawn Technical leader: Bob Bell Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

8

5

10

19 15

Race Guide

6

Round 1 – Australia

17

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

RENAULT NICK HEIDFELD Nationality: German Wins: 0 DoB: 10/05/1977 Poles: 1 Debut: Albert Park, 2000 Fastest Laps: 2 Career Highlights: 2nd 2005 Monaco Grand Prix, 1999 Formula 3000 Champion, 1996 German F3 Champion Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

9

17

11

12

3

12

7

8

8

DNF

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9

11

-

LOTUS RENAULT GP

VITALY PETROV Wins: 0 Nationality: Russian Poles: 0 DoB: 08/09/1984 Fastest Laps: 1 Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Career Highlights: 3rd 2011 Australian Grand Prix, 2nd 2009 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 GP2 Asia Series Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

DNF 16 6

Recent Valencia Form

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Team principal Eric Boullier has target the top six for his drivers in qualifying this weekend - a somewhat optimistic aim.

Both Vitaly Petrov and Nick Heidfeld have struggled on Saturdays in 2011, which is making their task in the races all the more difficult.

Whether it’s the car or the drivers causing the problem is somewhat unclear, although wild rumours in the French press of Romain Grosjean being lined up to replace Heidfeld are sure to spur on the German.

The team should again be fighting Mercedes, Massa and Kobayashi in the back half of the 10.

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

3

17

9

8

11

DNF

5

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

14

Chassis: Renault R31 Engine: Renault RS27-2011 Base: Enstone, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Eric Boullier Technical leader: James Allison Debut: Silverstone, 1977 Wins: 35 Poles: 51 Fastest Laps: 31 Constructors’ Championships: 2

21

Race Guide

Round 8 – Valencia

WILLIAMS

RUBENS BARRICHELLO

Nationality: Brazilian Wins: 11 DoB: 23/05/1972 Poles: 14 Debut: Kyalami, 1993 Fastest Laps: 17 Career Highlights: 2nd 2002 and 2004 World Drivers Championship, 1991 British Formula 3 Champion Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON CAN

7

14

12

DNF

DNF

13

15

17

9

9

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

16

1

4

AT&T WILLIAMS

PASTOR MALDONADO Nationality: Venezuelan Wins: 0 DoB: 09/03/1985 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2010 GP2 Champion, 3rd 2006 Formula Renault 3.5, 1st 2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italia Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

Recent Valencia Form

DNF

DNF

18

17

15

18

DNF

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

22

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Having been scoreless prior to Monaco, Williams is targeting the top 10 for both of its cars this weekend.

The team will bring yet more diffuser upgrades for its FW33, as it finally starts to come to terms with the off-throttle exhaust blowing technology.

Barrichello returns to a venue which he won at in 2009 on the back of two ninth place finishes., and is a genuine top 10 chance.

Having been the star of Monaco up until his collision with Hamilton, Maldonado will look to use his GT and GP2 experience at the venue to propel himself to his first points finish.

Chassis: Williams FW33 Engine: Cosworth CA2011 Base: Grove, UK Team nationality: British Team principal: Frank Williams Technical leader: Sam Michael Debut: Buenos Aires, 1978 Wins: 113 Poles: 126 Fastest Laps: 130 Constructors’ Championships: 9

19 21

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

FORCE INDIA ADRIAN SUTIL Nationality: German Wins: 0 DoB: 11/01/1983 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2006 All-Japan F3 Champion, 2nd 2005 F3 Euroseries, 2nd 2005 Masters of F3 Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

DNF

12

13

9

11

15

13

13

7

DNF

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DNF

10

6

FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM

PAUL DI RESTA Wins: 0 Nationality: Scottish Poles: 0 DoB: 16/04/1986 Fastest Laps: 1 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Career Highlights: 2010 DTM Champion, 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries Champion, 1st 2006 Masters of F3 Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

Recent Valencia Form

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Much like Williams, Force India will bring aerodynamic revisions to Valencia, largely focussed on its blown diffuser set-up.

Aside from Adrian Sutil’s strategy assisted seventh place result in the Monaco Grand Prix, Force India has failed to score points since Malaysia.

It’s been a disappointing slide back through the midfield since the starting the season with a double points finish.

Making Q3 and adding more points to the tally may be again beyond the German and the Scot this weekend, with the high downforce layout not expected to suit to the VJM04.

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

10

10

11

DNF

12

12

18

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Chassis: Force India VJM04 Engine: Mercedes FO 108Y Base: Silverstone, UK Team nationality: Indian Team principal: Vijay Mallya Technical leader: Andrew Green Debut: Albert Park, 2008 Wins: 0 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 1 Constructors’ Championships: 0

23

Race Guide

6

Round 1 – Australia

21

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

SAUBER KAMUI KOBAYASHI Nationality: Japanese Wins: 0 DoB: 13/09/1986 Poles: 0 Debut: Interlagos, 2009 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series Champion, 4th 2007 F3 Euroseries, 1st 2005 FRenault Eurocup Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

8

10

14

DSQ

7

10

10

10

5

7

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

7

SERGIO PEREZ

SAUBER F1 TEAM

Wins: 0 Nationality: Mexican Poles: 0 DoB: 26/01/1990 Fastest Laps: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Career Highlights: 2nd 2010 GP2 Series, 4th 2007 British F3 Championship Class, 1st 2007 British F3 National Class

Chassis: Sauber C30 Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Hinwil, Switzerland Team nationality: Swiss Team principal: Peter Sauber Technical leader: James Key Debut: Kylami, 1993 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2 Constructors’ Championships: 0

Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Despite looking a podium threat at the halfway mark of the Canadian Grand Prix, a seventh place finish was still an impressive performance from Kamui Kobayashi and Sauber.

The Japanese has now finished in the points (ignoring his DSQ in Australia) in nine of the last 10 Grand Prix, and little is expected to change this weekend. The youngster is staking his claim to a drive with one of the better funded squads next season.

Team-mate Sergio Perez was a late withdrawal from Montreal thanks to his Monaco accident, and will be looking to ease back into things this weekend.

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

Recent Valencia Form

DSQ

DNF

17

14

9

DNS

-

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

25

Race Guide

TORO ROSSO SEBASTIEN BUEMI Nationality: Swiss Wins: 0 DoB: 31/10/1988 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2009 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 GP2 Asia, 2nd 2007 F3 Euroseries, 2nd 2005 Formula BMW World Final Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON CAN

DNF

13

15

8

13

14

9

14

10

10

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DNF

9

SCUDERIA TORO ROSSO

JAIME ALGUERSUARI Nationality: Spanish Wins: 0 DoB: 23/03/1990 Poles: 0 Debut: Budapest, 2009 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2008 British F3 Champion, 2nd 2007 Formula Renault Italia, 1st 2006 FR Italia Winter Series Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

11 11 9

Recent Valencia Form

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

1

14

DNF

16

16

DNF

8

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

16

13

26

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Toro Rosso moved ahead of Force India in the Constructors’ Championship standings after a credible double points finish in Montreal.

The changeable conditions provided the Italian squad with an opportunity to fight through in the race, after another disastrous Saturday saw Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari qualify just 15th and 18th respectively.

The Spaniard will be desperate to avoid the embarrassment of being knocked out in Q1 again at his home circuit.

More points are unlikely in a conventional race.

Chassis: Toro Rosso STR6 Engine: Ferrari 056 Base: Farenza, Italy Team nationality: Italian Team principal: Franz Tost Technical leader: Giorgio Ascanelli Debut: Bahrain, 2006 Wins: 1 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

23 25

Race Guide

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

LOTUS HEIKKI KOVALAINEN Nationality: Finnish Wins: 1 DoB: 19/10/1981 Poles: 1 Debut: Albert Park, 2007 Fastest Laps: 2 Career Highlights: 1st 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, 2nd 2005 GP2 Series, 1st 2004 World Series by Nissan Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

13

18

17

DNF

15

16

19

DNF

14

DNF

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

4

DNF

TEAM LOTUS

JARNO TRULLI Wins: 1 Nationality: Italian Poles: 4 DoB: 13/07/1974 Fastest Laps: 1 Debut: Albert Park, 1997 Career Highlights: 1st 2004 Monaco Grand Prix, 1996 German F3 Champion, 2nd 1995 Macau Grand Prix Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

DNF 19 21

Recent Valencia Form

THE BAGMAN’S SAY While the Lotus T128 proved just 0.5s shy of the hapless Alguersuari in Montreal’s low-downforce trim qualifying, the gap is likely to be a little larger in Valencia this weekend. It will still take a significant slip-up from another team to allow either Heikki Kovalainen or Jarno Trulli into Q2.

Both drivers will be buoyed by the team’s recent announcement of a major partnership with United States based technology firm GE. While benefits from the partnership are unlikely to appear in the short-term, the deal underlines the team’s pledge that it’s in the sport for the long haul.

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

13

DNF

19

18

18

13

16

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

5

13

21

Chassis: Lotus T128 Engine: Renault RS27-2011 Base: Norfolk, UK Team nationality: Malaysian Team principal: Tony Fernandes Technical leader: Mike Gascoyne Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

27

Race Guide

6

Round 1 – Australia

25

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

HRT NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN Nationality: Indian Wins: 0 DoB: 14/01/1977 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2005 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 4th 2003 Nissan World Series, 4th 2000 British F3, 1st 1994 British FF Winter Series Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

-

-

-

DSQ

DNF

23

21

21

17

17

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

HRT F1 TEAM

TONIO LIUZZI Wins: 0 Nationality: Italian Poles: 0 DoB: 06/08/1981 Fastest Laps: 0 Debut: Imola, 2005 Career Highlights: 3rd 2008/09 Speedcar Series, 2004 F3000 Champion, 2nd 2001 Formula Renault Germany Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Like Lotus and Virgin Racing, race results for the Hispania drivers are being dictated largely by the fortunes of others.

This places a premium on putting in good performances on high-attrition days, such as that seen in Canada.

An opportunistic 13th place from Tonio Liuzzi on the Montreal street circuit has moved Hispania above Virgin in the Constructors’ Championship.

The team has made it known in recent days that it has its sights set on 10th place, and will therefore continue to develop the F111 in the pursuit of Team Lotus..

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

Recent Valencia Form

DSQ

DNF

22

22

DNF

16

13

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

DNF

-

16

Chassis: HRT F111 Engine: Cosworth CA2011 Base: Madrid, Spain Team nationality: Spanish Team principal: Colin Kolles Technical leader: Tony Cuquerella Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

29

Race Guide

Round 8 – Valencia

VIRGIN TIMO GLOCK Nationality: German Wins: 0 DoB: 18/03/1982 Poles: 0 Debut: Montreal, 2004 Fastest Laps: 1 Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, 2007 GP2 Champion, 1st 2001 Formula BMW ADAC Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON CAN

DNF

20

DNF

DNF

16

21

DNS

19

DNF

15

Recent Valencia Form 2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

7

14

19

MARUSSIA VIRGIN RACING

JEROME D’AMBROSIO Nationality: Belgian Wins: 0 DoB: 27/12/1985 Poles: 0 Debut: Albert Park, 2011 Fastest Laps: 0 Career Highlights: 2nd 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series, 1st 2007 International Formula Master, 1st 2003 FRenault Belgium Recent Grand Prix Form KOR

BRA

ABU

Recent Valencia Form

AUS

MAL

CHI

TUR

ESP

MON

CAN

14

DNF

20

20

20

15

14

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

30

THE BAGMAN’S SAY With Virgin Racing currently in the midst of a major Pat Symondsled technical reshuffle, things are likely to get worse before they get better for this second year squad.

Both Timo Glock and Jerome D’Ambrosio were out-qualified

by Tonio Liuzzi’s HRT in Montreal, such has been the Dinningtonbased team’s stagnation.

Slipping to the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship standings in the process, race finishes may be the only positive to take away from Canada as the team heads to Spain.

Chassis: MVR-02 Engine: Cosworth CA2011 Base: Dinnington, UK Team nationality: Russian Team principal: John Booth Technical leader: TBA Debut: Albert Park, 2010 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0 Constructors’ Championships: 0

27 29

Race Guide

22

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

7

Race Guide

PAST EUROPEAN GP WINNERS Year 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1985 1984 1983

32

Driver Constructor Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault Rubens Barrichello Brawn-Mercedes Felipe Massa Ferrari Fernando Alonso McLaren-Mercedes Michael Schumacher Ferrari Fernando Alonso Renault Michael Schumacher Ferrari Michael Schumacher Ferrari Rubens Barrichello Ferrari Michael Schumacher Ferrari Michael Schumacher Ferrari Johnny Herbert Sauber-Ford Mika H채kkinen McLaren-Mercedes Jacques Villeneuve Williams-Renault Michael Schumacher Benetton-Renault Michael Schumacher Benetton-Ford Ayrton Senna McLaren-Ford Nigel Mansell Williams-Honda Alain Prost McLaren-TAG Nelson Piquet Brabham-BMW

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

29 31

Race Guide

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

7

Race Guide

Round Round28––Malaysia Valencia

PAST CHAMPIONS Year Driver Nat Constructor Wins Poles Points 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

34

23 33

Race Guide

32

Race Guide

Round 8 – Valencia

33 35

Race Guide

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS WORLD DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP no

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Driver Sebastian Vettel Jenson Button Mark Webber Lewis Hamilton Fernando Alonso Felipe Massa Vitaly Petrov Nick Heidfeld Michael Schumacher Nico Rosberg Kamui Kobayashi Adrian Sutil Sébastien Buemi Jaime Alguersuari Rubens Barrichello Sergio Perez Mendoza Paul di Resta Pedro de la Rosa Jarno Trulli Vitantonio Liuzzi Heikki Kovalainen Pastor Maldonado Jérôme D’Ambrosio Timo Glock Narain Karthikeyan

Nat DEU GBR AUS GBR ESP BRA RUS DEU DEU DEU JPN DEU SUI ESP BRA MEX GBR ESP ITA ITA FIN VEN BEL DEU IND

Car Red Bull McLaren Red Bull McLaren Ferrari Ferrari Renault Renault Mercedes Mercedes Sauber Force India Toro Rosso Toro Rosso Williams Sauber Force India Sauber Lotus HRT Lotus Williams Virgin Virgin HRT

Points 161 101 94 85 69 32 31 29 26 26 25 8 8 4 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

WORLD CONSTUCTORS CHAMPIONSHIP Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

36

Constructor Red Bull Racing Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Lotus Renault GP Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team Sauber F1 Team Scuderia Toro Rosso Force India F1 Team AT&T Williams Team Lotus HRT F1 Team Marussia Virgin Racing

Engine Renault Mercedes Ferrari Renault Mercedes Ferrari Ferrari Mercedes Cosworth Renault Cosworth Cosworth

Points 255 186 101 60 52 27 12 10 0 0 0

37

Race Guide

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

Lewis Hamilton and NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart brought their cars to Watkins Glen in order to better appreciate each others’ craft. It made for a great picture, too.

38

23 37

RoundRound 8 – Valencia 2 – Malaysia

39

36