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  1. The promoter of this giveaway is The Pit Crew Online in conjunction Hype Energy Drinks
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  10. The prize is as stated and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. Giveaway winners (2) will receive 3 Assorted Cans of Hype Energy (Hype Energy MFP, Hype Energy MFP Sugarfree and Hype Energy TWISTED Tropical Punch), 1 Signed Force India Cap and Hype Energy Stickers.
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Carlos Sainz hails first day with McLaren “a dream come true”

New McLaren signing Carlos Sainz has called his first day with the team “a dream come true”, as he completed 150 laps on the second day of the post-season test.

“Going out of the garage today on my first day as a McLaren driver was pretty much a dream come true,” he said. “When I finally completed my first run I felt extremely good, and I must say it’s been a very straightforward day.

“The team has made me feel at home from lap one and from day one yesterday when I started working with them. I did a lot of laps today and I’m grateful to the team for giving me such a reliable car to be able to initiate me in this new chapter and new style of car.”

Sainz made the jump to McLaren on the back of a 2018 campaign that saw him help Renault secure P4 in the constructors’ championship alongside Nico Hulkenberg, the team’s best performance since their return to F1.

Sainz himself finished P10 in the drivers’ championship with 53 points, three points ahead of the man he has replaced at McLaren, Fernando Alonso, with the highlights of the Sainz’s campaign being a fifth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and a sixth-place finish in Abu Dhabi.

Renault released Sainz early once the chequered flag fell on the last race, allowing him to drive for McLaren in the test just two days later, and he was pleased with the initial results from his outing despite having a lot to learn.

“From the first lap to the 150th lap, I enjoyed them all; the feeling was good and we’ve been able to end the season in the best way possible. As soon as I got out of the box I felt comfortable in the car. Of course, there are always going to be details to improve and new things to adapt to, like the seat and driving style, but from the first lap I could spend time adapting and getting to know all the new controls and procedures. It’s been great.

“It’s been an intense few days after the race finished here in Abu Dhabi, learning a lot of names and understanding how the car works. I’m looking forward to spending more time back at the factory over the winter getting to know the team better and preparing as much as we can for 2019.”

McLaren will be the third team Sainz will have driven for in his career, having made his debut at the 2015 Australian Grand Prix at Toro Rosso alongside Max Verstappen and switching to Renault in the later stages of 2017 to replace Jolyon Palmer.

Renault team principal Cyril Abiteboul praised Sainz’s efforts for the Enstone-based team, saying he’d “like to thank [him] for all he has done for the team since joining us. He’s been a massive team player and wish him all the best as he joins our partner McLaren next year.”

 

Featured image: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

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Fernando Alonso and Jimmie Johnson complete Bahrain car-swap

A mere 14 hours after his emotional goodbye to F1, Fernando Alonso was already back at a race track and at the wheel of an F1 car. The car in question was the 2013 McLaren, the last of the V8’s in F1, though that was not his main focus for the day. Alonso was there to try out Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR, with growing speculation around a potential Daytona 500 entry for the Spaniard in the coming years. While Alonso got his first taste of NASCAR, Johnson, in turn, got his first experience in an F1 car, having already spent a day in the McLaren simulator in Woking.

As day broke at the Bahrain International Circuit, Johnson headed out for an installation lap in his #48 NASCAR. He gave Alonso a few pointers and showed him how to exit the car in the customary NASCAR way… through the window. After that, Alonso emerged onto the Bahrain track for the first time since his seventh-place finish in April, with the two-time F1 champion also completing installation laps in the McLaren.

They’d given their own cars a run, but now it was time for them to have a go in each other’s cars, as that was the whole reason they were all there in the first place! Alonso, impatient as ever, was the first to head out, taking time to adapt to the different challenges that the NASCAR posed compared to his F1 car. The biggest change for Alonso was the braking and downforce of the NASCAR, which were nowhere near the levels of F1, as well as the sheer weight of the #48 and its tendency to slide through corners.

For all the difficulties Alonso had, Johnson had them pretty much in reverse. He had to deal with huge levels of acceleration and deceleration, not to mention the G-forces that go with it, and the increased downforce of the F1 car, meaning he had to completely rethink his driving style. While some of that could’ve been recreated on the simulator, the over 6 Gs of loading could not, so Johnson was in for quite a shock when he hit the brakes for the first time. Afterwards, he took to Twitter to say how this loading made his eyes ‘lose focus’ and his ‘vision to go blurry’.

But, despite the challenges, Johnson certainly impressed Alonso with his attitude and times, ending the day only a few tenths shy of the Spaniard’s morning benchmark. Equally, Alonso impressed in the NASCAR, but then that was to be expected – he’s already proven he’s a weapon in any car he drives, and this was no exception.

Alonso ended his F1 career by doing donuts on the start/finish straight at Abu Dhabi with fellow champions Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. He ended the car swap by doing donuts with Johnson, with both soon mastering the donut technique needed in their new cars.

Although this was all posed as a bit of fun, it did have true meaning, for Alonso at least, as he eyes up opportunities across the racing world. He’s likely to be driving a NASCAR in anger in the not too distant future while Johnson, as impressive as his times were, is unlikely to climb in an F1 car again unless it’s for an event like this. But, either way, both drivers seemed to have a brilliant time in Bahrain, getting a taste of each other’s worlds and attracting a lot of media attention in the process.

Knowing Alonso and Johnson, that probably won’t be the last of their adventures together… who knows what the next chapter might involve!

#JJxALO

Featured image courtesy of Andy Hone/McLaren

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Esteban Ocon aiming to finish season “on a high”

Heading into this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Esteban Ocon has said he is hoping to finish the season “on a high”, with his future beyond the floodlights of Yas Marina currently uncertain.

“It’s always a bittersweet feeling when you get to the end of the season,” he said, “but the main motivation is to finish on a high, especially when there is so much at stake in the championship. The last couple of races have been very disappointing, but there’s still one last chance to score a good result before the end of the year.”

Force India currently lie seventh in the constructors’ championship on 48 points, sandwiched between McLaren and Sauber. They, of course, had to start from scratch at the Belgian Grand Prix following their buy-out and rebranding over the summer break. Their fight-back has been rather remarkable, ignoring the coming together between Ocon and team-mate Sergio Perez on the first lap in Singapore.

Heading into Abu Dhabi, tens of millions of dollars worth of prize money is at stake for the team, and Ocon is keen to deliver.

“Abu Dhabi is always good fun. We travel there when it’s getting cold in Europe so it feels a bit like you’re going on holiday. It’s a wonderful paddock too – one of the best – and I always feel very relaxed there.

Esteban Ocon (FRA) Racing Point Force India F1 VJM11.
Brazilian Grand Prix, Friday 9th November 2018. Sao Paulo, Brazil.

“I have a lot of good memories from Abu Dhabi: it’s the place where I first drove during a Formula One weekend and I was crowned GP3 champion there. The start of that race in 2015 was incredible – I knew I had to take the title right there on lap one and I did it.”

Ocon knew that his future at Force India was in doubt even before the summer break when, as mentioned, a consortium led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll bought out the team, making it more than likely that son Lance would make the jump from Williams for 2019. Ocon’s fate at Force India was then sealed when Sergio Perez renewed his contract with his team, leaving the Frenchman out in the cold. For a long while Ocon had been linked to the second seat at Williams alongside fellow Mercedes junior George Russell, however it was announced this morning that Robert Kubica had been signed instead.

Ocon has since been linked to a role with Mercedes as simulator and reserve driver, with some suggesting that he is being primed to be brought in as a Mercedes race driver in 2020.

For now and for one last race, though, Ocon’s allegiances lie with Force India, and he is hoping the partnership ends on a high under the lights of Abu Dhabi.

Esteban Ocon (FRA) Racing Point Force India F1 VJM11.
Brazilian Grand Prix, Friday 9th November 2018. Sao Paulo, Brazil.

 

Featured image – Racing Point Force India

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F3 Macau: Horror crash for Floersch

The Macau Grand Prix has always been  a dangerous event. This year it  would be no exception: A massive airborne crash took place during the F3 race. Sophia Floersch,  went backwards at full speed, hitting the car of Japanese Sho Tsuboi which caused her car to fly into the air. The Van Amersoort driver then flew Some distance, searing the top of the fencing at  Lisboa Corner and straight in to the very crowded area full of photographers and marshals.

An official statement by FIA, later removed from their website, said: “A serious incident has occurred on lap 4 of the 2018 FIA World Cup at Macau involving car #25 Sophia Florsch (GER). Following evaluation by the medical staff, the driver is conscious and has subsequently been taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”

In a later statement by the MacauGP Organizing Committe, it was confirmed that “Five individuals were involved in the accident at Lisboa Bend. All were conscious during transit to the hospital and are now receiving medical treatment: Two drivers, two photographers and one marshal.”

Floersch confirmed she was conscious, sending out a tweet:

In the latest statement by Van Amersfoort Racing, it became clear that she was diagnosed with a spinal fracture.

The accident caused a red flag, which lasted over an hour, after the restart,  Dan Ticktum was the eventual winner.

Featured image: Thomas Suer/Van Amersfoort Racing

 

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Moto3 Preview: What does the Island have in store for Moto3?

Combining one of the most thrilling tracks and the most unpredictable classes, makes for very entertaining viewing. Moto3 is descending upon Phillip Island in Australia and it looks to be a promising one with defending champion Joan Mir no longer in Moto3, the win could be anyone’s.

As has been the case for the majority of this season, it’s Jorge Martin (Gresini) and Marco Bezzecchi (Prustel) who need to score big points as the 2018 season draws to a close soon. With just one point between them, Martin will be looking to extend his lead and Bezzecchi will be doing all he can to overtake Martin and clinch a possible Championship title.

The three Italians who make up 3rd-5thshouldn’t be overlooked as Fabio Di Giannantonio (Gresini) looks to come back from his awful Motegi high side (his participation at Phillip Island was hit or miss for a second). Enea Bastianini (Leopard Racing) is in 4thand will want to secure some much needed points (33 to draw level with Di Giannantonio) to make it to the top 3 in time for the season ending, and Lorenzo Della Porta (Leopard Racing) will want to continue to fine form he’s had and maybe step onto the podium once again.

However, the Island is formidable and when the weather is wreaking havoc with races, the wildlife can get in the way too. And both of these things can play a huge part in how makes it to the end of a race, let alone scores points. The possible wet weather will mean that the likes of Martin, who ride well in rainy conditions, have the chance to do well but T1 is arguable the fastest corner on the racing calendar so when all the riders pile into this corner first time round – it could catch a few riders out. It’s also been very cold the last few days, meaning that cold tyres will be something all riders need to be aware of.

There are 7 left hand corners (to 5 right hand corners) so the tyres should warm on all side relatively evenly but this could still catch riders out in the opening laps before their tyres are properly heated. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Phillip Island preview if the wildlife isn’t brought up. The main culprits are seagulls but other wildlife has wondered on track in the past, and it’s hard enough racing but dodging animals makes the AusGP a unique experience.

With 2018 bringing in the 29th Phillip Island GP, only Sunday will reveal whether it was the weather, wildlife or the own fault of the riders that messes up someone’s Grand Prix weekend.

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British F3 – Lundqvist: This feels unreal! Swedish British F3 Champion pays tribute to Double R Racing

Linus Lundqvist was full of praise for his Double R team after securing the BRDC British F3 Championship on Saturday.

A win for the Swede coupled with a DNF for Danish rival Nicolai Kjaergaard meant that Lundqvist took an unassailable 85-point lead with 72 available.

A delighted Lundqvist was quick to acknowledge the role of his team.

“This feels unreal! Mainly a big thank you to my team Double R Racing. They’ve been amazing all year, it’s been a rollercoaster from the start and we’ve kept our head down and kept on going, and here we can stand and say we’re champions. Unbelievable and very emotional.”

Lundqvist was unaware that his championship rival had hit strife until he pulled into the pits after the race to see his jubilant team.

“I didn’t know that Nicolai had gone off. I saw at the chequered flag on the pit board it said ‘Linus, P1 2018’ and I thought ‘That is usually another way’ and when I came in they had it up and the whole team was gathered and I put one and one together realised that I might have done it.”

He didn’t have it all his own way in the first race of this weekend, after fending off a challenge from the fast-starting Tom Gamble.

“Tom made a better start than I did and while he wasn’t totally alongside, he was halfway there going into Maggots. I just held my line because I had the inside for the next one and from there I kept my head down and tried to push on. The car has been great and Silverstone is one of my personal favourite circuits anyway, that always brings me a bit of a boost.”

Lundqvist refused to be drawn on his plans for 2019 with a move to international racing now looking a certainty, preferring to focus on enjoying the rest of his championship-winning weekend.

“My focus isn’t totally on next year but we’re keeping an eye on things for the future, but I want to fulfil this year and stand here and say ‘I am champion’. We’ll see, I want to see this weekend through and enjoy the last two races and the Sunoco Challenge is still at stake. Hopefully there’s more exciting things next year.

“Maybe (there is) no pressure but you still want to enjoy it and I still want to win so let’s see what we can do for the rest of this weekend, I’m just going to enjoy this.”

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British F3 – Double R Racing’s Linus Lundqvist wraps up 2018 British F3 Championship

Linus Lundqvist won Round 22 of the 2018 BRDC British F3 Championship to seal the British F3 title after his only remaining challenger Nicolai Kjaergaard retired early on.

Lundqvist, who took his seventh victory of the season, had earlier taken pole position in tricky conditions and held off a challenge from the fast-starting Tom Gamble, who demoted Billy Monger to third.

Kjaergaard started fourth and had stayed there until halfway round the first lap, where misfortune would strike the Dane not for the first time this season.

Running behind Carlin teammate Monger, Kjaergaard was forced to take evasive action when Monger ran wide at Abbey corner to see his Championship challenge end in the gravel after spinning off as a result.

Lundqvist would never again be troubled by Gamble as the two settled into a rhythm, but behind there was plenty of action.

Manuel Maldonado briefly held third position before a lock up saw him slip back to fourth, where he would stay, while Krish Mahadik also challenged for positions in the top five but was eventually held off by a stoic Ayrton Simmons.

Jusuf Owega finished a strong seventh ahead of an improving Hampus Ericsson, with the top ten being rounded out by Jamie Chadwick and Sassakorn Chaimongkol  edging out a disappointed Kush Maini.

Lundqvist is on the verge of winning the 2018 Sunoco Challenge, with the prize including a race seat in January’s Daytona 24 Hour race. He needs just 15 points, after scoring 120 for a win and fastest lap in Race One.

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British F3 – Kjaergaard: Win is the goal despite a damaged hand

Nicolai Kjaergaard overcame a possible broken hand to qualify fourth and keep his British F3 championship hopes alive at Silverstone.

However, Championship rival Linus Lundqvist is on pole and leads Kjaergaard by 50 points with just three races to go.

The Carlin racer has his work cut out but remains positive despite the circumstances.

“(On why his hand is in a cast) I had an accident yesterday and hit my hand on the steering wheel so there is a bit of difficulty holding onto the steering wheel but it’s not too bad as I could still manage fourth on the grid. The pain does sometimes take the focus away a little bit but I can still race.

“With my hand fourth isn’t too bad, with how everything is I could maybe have got third or second but pole was out of the question. But for the race I have to go for it, a win is the goal because we won’t be thinking about taking fourth or third.”

After qualifying was held in wet conditions, the first British F3 race of the weekend this afternoon looks set to be held in the dry and Kjaergaard feels that a change in weather could help his Carlin team.

“It’s difficult to say whether drier conditions will help us, we didn’t have a lot of dry running yesterday. It might serve us in that we’ve been fast in the wet and in the dry and we’ve been very quick since the summer. Some of the drivers that were faster in the wet might struggle in the dry and the other way round, so in that sense the change in conditions is probably good for us.”

And with very little to lose, he suggested that windy conditions will favour overtaking.

“It’s wide and there is quite a headwind going down the Hangar Straight which should help with a tow. If you can stay close enough to the car ahead you should be able to get close and drive past hopefully but it depends on how well you can follow.”

CREDIT: Jakob Ebery via British F3

 

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British F3 – Billy Monger takes fairytale Donington pole

Carlin Motorsport’s Billy Monger took pole position for British F3’s race one on Saturday on his return to Donington Park.

Teammate Nicolai Kjaergaard took second place as he seeks to close the 111-point gap on championship leader Linus Lundqvist, who could only manage 14th.

Ayrton Simmons was third on his second British F3 weekend ahead of young German Jusuf Owega, Manuel Maldonado and Kush Maini.

Monger last raced at Donington last year in British F4, when a horrendous accident cost him both legs.

The 19-year-old from Reigate says that he did not fear returning to the scene of a life-changing accident 18 months ago.

“Donington has always been one of my favourite circuits to drive at so I was actually looking forward to driving it again. With the race, it might feel different but at the minute I am not fazed by it at all. It’s funny how these things work out.

“I knew that the car was going to be quick after testing as we were really strong, but it was about doing the job in qualifying. Obviously this is a circuit holds a few weird memories for me but it’s been coming and we have been quick enough.

“I was a bit nervous because a lot of people have come here to support me but it may have given me that extra energy to do the job.”

Monger felt better in a car that has shown consistent pace all season, but felt better in the car today having threatened pole position all session.

“I just haven’t had that edge or felt quite as comfortable as today, the Carlin car was amazing and it’s great to deliver what we could have had the last couple of races.”

At Brands Hatch he declared that should he win a race, the entire Carlin team would have to drink some champagne from his prosthetic leg. That hasn’t changed.

“That is still happening (Drinking from the leg).

“Fingers crossed for this afternoon whether it is dry or wet we just have to make sure I get away well enough and after that, I don’t see many problems as our pace is strong, but anything can happen in a race.”

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