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While testing yesterday around the notoriously bumpy Circuit de Catalunya, it appears that David Coulthard has picked up a minor injury in his neck. The Scot has apparently tweaked his neck and has since decided to rest in case the problem is further exacerbated. So while Coulthard sits on the sidelines Red Bull have drafted in Sebastian Vettel to help out with the team’s testing programme. Vettel, who drives for partner team Scuderia Toro Rosso, will see the benefits from testing with the Red Bull squad as it has been said that the new STR3 will be a direct derivative of the RB4. The new STR is due to be delivered to the team in time for the European season. Continue Reading

Lewis Hamilton put his McLaren MP4-23 at the top of the timing sheets on the day that saw Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen share the tarmac in equal equipment. The times were tight, with one second separating the top thirteen and the top half of the tables showing some interesting names. The track was damp in the morning, but unlike last week a dry line appeared relatively quickly and the teams were able to get some decent running in. Continue Reading

In his new role of developing Ferrari’s Formula One machines, seven-times champion Michael Schumacher will take control of the 2008 car next week at the final group test prior to the new season starting in March. Schumacher has been lying low recently, following his tests in the F2007 late last year. At that time the German demonstrated some handy skill, setting decent lap times and showed the world he still had some pace. Schumacher will take to the Barcelona track with reigning champion Kimi Raikkonen in the sister car on Monday, the first time both drivers have been on the same circuit in the same car. Schumacher will hand over the reins to Felipe Massa for Tuesday and Wednesday. Continue Reading

As Clive was so keen to point out earlier, Kazuki Nakajima has topped the timing sheets on the third and final day of testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. Nakajima, a driver of only one race so far, set a time of 1m22.153s and beat not only his more experienced team mate Nico Rosberg, but also the Ferraris and McLarens. Both previous days of testing had been a wash out, but the Williams duo had looked quite strong this week with Rosberg topping out on the first day. However, on a finally dry track and with more teams running, Nakajima popped in a time when it mattered. Which according to Clive, shows his real pace and why many fans might be a little surprised by his form this upcoming season. Continue Reading

The second day of testing was finalised earlier today with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa going fastest on the rain-soaked Circuit de Catalunya. Massa was partnering test driver Luca Badoer today as they worked on a revised aerodynamic package on the F2008. Massa did suffer a spin on the damp tarmac, but his new car escaped unscathed and the Brazilian was able to complete 46 laps, with Badoer making 33 passes on the start/finish line. Continue Reading

Day one of the Barcelona test wound up earlier with wet weather interrupting many of the runs and hindering progress for the teams present. Currently, only Williams, Toyota, Red Bull and Renault are setting times with Super Aguri shelving plans to join their rivals earlier in the week. Rosberg comfortably went to the top of the timing sheet, setting a 1m30.675s, just shy of two seconds quicker than team mate Kazuki Nakajima. Continue Reading

Following the disgraceful behaviour of ‘fans’ at the Spanish Circuit de Catalunya this weekend, the FIA have responded by saying that any further repeats would not be tolerated, suggesting that if the circuit doesn’t respond appropriately and effectively, the track will be on the receiving end of repercussions, possibly losing their race. As I stated on F1Fanatic earlier today, racism should absolutely not be tolerated in Formula One and the incidents of this weekend are a stark reminder of the sport’s popularity and widening appeal. Continue Reading

On the final day of this weekend test at the Catalan circuit, Mark Webber managed to beat the opposition and put his Red Bull Racing in the top spot. Beating the McLarens, Webber went less than 0.05s faster than Heikki Kovalainen, but it was enough to claim the fastest lap of the day and adds to Scuderia Toro Rosso’s success yesterday. Lewis Hamilton finished the day in third with Robert Kubica for BMW in fourth and Fernando Alonso in fifth in the new Renault R28. Continue Reading

This week I have been reminded of the 2005 United States Grand Prix; it’s something I try not to think about too often, but occasionally my mind is forced in that direction. Interestingly though, it wasn’t the usual trigger that sent me off towards the empty and puzzled feeling I get over the debacle. No, for once it wasn’t Max Mosley who reminded me of the race. Instead, and perhaps for the first time since the race, it was a beer can that made me recollect the farcical event. Continue Reading

Williams have abandoned their test programme at Barcelona this weekend and are heading back to Grove a day early following the problems that have arisen with their front wing. On the first day of the test Kazuki Nakajima suffered a mounting failure on the wing and ploughed off the circuit at high speed. The team immediately suspended Nico Rosberg from running until they had figured out exactly what the problem was. This morning the team ran both cars having repaired Nakajima’s chassis by flying parts out to Spain on Frank Williams’s private jet. However, the squad aren’t entirely convinced the issue has been resolved are instead returning to the factory to prepare for the Jerez test next week. Continue Reading