Reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel has ended the second practice session fastest for this weekends European Grand Prix, just ahead of the Force India of Nico Hulkenberg and the Sauber of Kamui Kobayashi. As the track temperature gradually rose, many drivers opted for longer race simulations in the afternoon session. The session began with hardly any immediate action on track, until Frenchman Romain Grosjean took to the track after two minutes of the session going green. Instead of completing only one installation lap, many drivers […]

An HRT mechanic has escaped serious injury after being struck by Pedro de la Rosa's car in the pitlane on Friday. Craig Stubley, the first mechanic on de la Rosa's car, had hearts racing after morning practice when an ambulance rushed to his aid. The first rumours were that he was seriously injured, and many were then relieved to hear that his worst injury could be a broken leg. Actually, there were no broken bones. "No, no," said technical director Antonio Cuquerella. Stubley was, however, […]

In only a month and half’s time, Chinese driver Ma Qing Hua will enjoy his first opportunity to step into a Formula 1 car and will do so at the wheel of the F112 at the legendary Silverstone circuit. The member of the Spanish team’s new-born driver development programme will thereby accomplish one of his first objectives on his road to the pinnacle of motorsport. As opposed to previous years, this season there will be two Young Driver Tests, the traditional one celebrated in Abu […]

After five different teams won the opening five races of 2012, a debate has exploded: is it good for Formula One? "Take a pack of playing cards, throw them up in the air and make a note of those that land on top," wrote Paul Weaver in Britain's The Guardian newspaper. "Then do it again, and again, and again. That's five. Enthralled? Perhaps you should get out more." Triple world champion Niki Lauda, an almost permanent presence on the F1 scene since the 70s, agrees […]

HRT has unveiled their new headquarters, located in the Caja Magica district of Spanish capital city Madrid. HRT team principal Luiz Perez Sala was joined at the opening by drivers Pedro de La Rosa, Dani Clos and Ma Qing Hua, as well as the Mayoress of Madrid and the vice president of the FIA. HRT Press Release: Honourable Madam Ana Botella, Mayoress of Madrid:  "I would like to thank HRT for choosing Madrid to set up its headquarters. I congratulate them for being the first […]

After an incredibly cruel day yesterday which saw Lewis Hamilton plummet from 1st on the grid to 24th, the former World Champion has vowed to race his heart out in what will be an exceedingly tough race this afternoon. Only moments after clinching a superlative pole-position in yesterday’s qualifying session, the British driver was instructed by his team to stop the car on track. McLaren explained this decision was because a technical fault prevented the correct amount of fuel entering the car prior to Lewis’ […]

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel set the fastest time in final practice ahead of this afternoon's qualifying session for the Spanish Grand Prix. Vettel's late lap of 1:23.168 meant that it was the German on top, just as it appeared as if Pastor Maldonado was to deliver a shock in his Williams. Sergio Perez was on top for much of the session after setting a competitive time on hard tyres. He was usurped by Nico Rosberg and Jean Eric Vergne, but snatched the top place […]

McLaren’s Jenson Button has ended the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya fastest, ahead of reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel and the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg. Local hero Fernando Alonso, who topped FP1, failed to finish within the top 10 in the second practice session. With the softer tyre expected to make an appearance on the cars in the session, the first true indications of tyre degradation were expected to unfold throughout the 90 minute session. The Toro Rosso’s of Jean-Eric Vergne and […]

Narain Karthikeyan has played down reports he could lose his seat at HRT because of a lack of sponsorship. An Indian newspaper this week said the 35-year-old is a million euros short of guaranteeing his place at the struggling Spanish team through November's Brazil finale. "Right now, everything is as it should be," he is quoted by France's autohebdo.fr. "Early in the season, (team boss) Luis (Perez Sala) said that if I was not close enough to my teammate, there is a chance I will […]

Narain Karthikeyan is not guaranteed his HRT seat for the whole of the 2012 season. Following what the reporter referred to as a 'chat' with the Indian driver, the Times of India claimed Karthikeyan is "a million euros" short of a contract that will see him definitely race through November's Brazil finale. The 35-year-old also began the 2011 season for the struggling Spanish team, but was replaced by the Red Bull-funded Daniel Ricciardo mid-season. The Times of India said securing the extra million in sponsorship […]

F1 is back in Europe for Round 5 of the season in Spain. Ole!

Jean-Eric Vergne has admitted his F1 debut would be easier if he was sharing the Toro Rosso garage with an experienced driver. Instead, the French rookie made his grand prix debut in Australia alongside Daniel Ricciardo, the young Australian with only a handful of races for struggling HRT under his belt. The Toro Rosso duel this year is one of F1's most interesting, given owner Red Bull's clean sweep of its 2011 lineup, and the expectation that either Vergne, 22, or Ricciardo could succeed Mark […]