2011 Predictions - Round 19, Brazil

So, the season finale is upon us already! 18 races completed, one cancelled and just the popular Interlagos circuit remaining.

After a record breaking season on track, we simply need now to find out who is the best F1 Predictor!

Over the season, our two top predictors (each with a score of five correct) are Gary Marshall of MarshallGP.com, and Chris from F1 Cartoonz.
Therefore, it has been decided that Brazil should be the Grand Final, to find an outright winner!

To make it a bit different for the final, we asked Gary and Chris to also pick the seven slowest and three fastest drivers from qualifying!

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Gary's Predictions - Round 19, Brazil

Qualifying 1

18. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
19. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
20. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania

Qualifying 3

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
3. Jenson Button - McLaren

Race

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Jenson Button - McLaren
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
4. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
5. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
7. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
8. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
9. Adrian Sutil - Force India
10. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
11. Paul di Resta - Force India
12. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
13. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
14. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
15. Bruno Senna - Renault
16. Sergio Perez - Sauber
17. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
18. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
19. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
20. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania

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Chris' Predictions - Round 19, Brazil

Q1

18. Bruno Senna - Renault
19. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
20. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
23. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
24. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania

Q3

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
3. Jenson Button - McLaren

Race

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Jenson Button - McLaren
3. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
5. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
7. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
8. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
9. Paul di Resta - Force India
10. Sergio Perez - Sauber
11. Adrian Sutil - Force India
12. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
13. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
14. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
15. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
16. Bruno Senna - Renault
17. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
18. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
19. Timo Glock - Virgin
20. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
21. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
22. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
23. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
24. Pastor Maldonado - Williams

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Formula 1 Results Predictor Predictions - Round 19, Brazil

Q1

18. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
20. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
21. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
22. Timo Glock - Virgin
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania

Q3

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren

Race

1. Sebastian Vettel - Reed Bull Racing
2. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
3. Jenson Button - McLaren
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
5. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
7. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
8. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
9. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
10. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
11. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
12. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
13. Adrian Sutil - Force India
14. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
15. Sergio Perez - Sauber
16. Paul di Resta - Force India
17. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
18. Bruno Senna - Renault
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
20. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
21. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
22. Timo Glock - Virgin
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin

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So, the predictions have been made!

Let us know what you think of our predictions - or make your own - by commenting below!

Follow the Predictors on Twitter (Gary) @MarshallGP and (Chris) @F1Cartoonz

2011 Predictions - Round 18, Abu Dhabi

In 2010, this Grand Prix saw a new driver crowned World Champion. Will this year's race be as exciting, now that the Championship has already been decided? We can certainly hope so!

There is certainly a great deal to fight for, as the difference between one place and the next in the Constructors Championship usually equates to tens of millions of dollars!

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2011 Predictions - Round 18, Abu Dhabi

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Jenson Button - McLaren
3. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
5. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
6. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
7. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
8. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
9. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
10. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
11. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
12. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
13. Sergio Perez - Sauber
14. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
15. Adrian Sutil - Force India
16. Paul di Resta - Force India
17. Bruno Senna - Renault
18. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
20. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
23. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
24. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania

The Formula 1 Results Predictor is expecting further strong performances from this seasons top two drivers, Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) and Jenson Button (McLaren).
However, it is expecting Force India and Williams to struggle this weekend.

Let us know your predictions by commenting below.

Indian Grand Prix - 30 October 2011

Formula 1's first ever visit to India provided some entertaining racing, however, Sebastian Vettel managed to leave the field trailing from the very beginning.
Despite comfortably winning both the Drivers and Constructors Championships, Vettel and his Red Bull team are not letting up, and are now pushing to beat all the current records!

Results:

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Jenson Button - McLaren
3. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
4. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
5. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
7. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
8. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
9. Adrian Sutil - Toro Rosso
10. Sergio Perez - Sauber
11. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
12. Bruno Senna - Renault
13. Paul Di Resta - Force India
14. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
15. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
16. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
17. Narain Karthikeyan - Hispania
18. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
DNF Felipe Massa - Ferrari
DNF Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso
DNF Pastor Maldonado - Williams
DNF Timo Glock - Virgin
DNF Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber

The Formula 1 Results Predictor only correctly predicted Jarno Trulli's (Team Lotus) 19th place.
Not a great result, and certainly something we will be hoping to improve next time!

The Drivers of the Weekend, based on the F1RP Predictions, were Adrian Sutil (Force India) and Narain Karthikeyan (Hispania).

2011 Predictions - Round 17, India

We hope to have our ongoing system issues resolved prior to the next Grand Prix!

In the meantime, please see below our predictions for the first ever Indian Grand Prix, which will see HRT's Narain Karthikeyan regain his first team drive.

Team Lotus' Indian driver Karun Chandhok, however, will only participate in Friday Practice.

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India Predictions

1. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
2. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
3. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
4. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
5. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
6. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
7. Jenson Button - McLaren
8. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
9. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
10. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
11. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
12. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
13. Sergio Perez - Sauber
14. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
15. Paul di Resta - Force India
16. Adrian Sutil - Force India
17. Bruno Senna - Renault
18. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
20. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Narain Karthikeyan - Hispania

The F1RP is still expecting Red Bull to face tough competition in the remaining races. Also, Force India may not be too impressed with these predictions!

Make your own predictions for the race by commenting below.

Korean Grand Prix - 16 October 2011

Apologies again for ongoing system issues limiting the information which can be provided in these posts.

Despite having already seen this year's World Champion crowned, there was no reduction in the competitivness on track!

Results (To Be Updated)

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
3. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing

The Formula 1 Results Predictor correctly predicted the 2nd place finish of Lewis Hamilton (McLaren).

Read more about the race at www.formula1.com

Condolences

F1 Predict would like to extend sincere sympathy to the family of Indy Car driver #77 Dan 'Lionheart' Wheldon, and to MotoGP rider #58 Marco 'Super Sic' Simoncelli, who both tragically lost their lives recently.

2011 Predictions, Round 16 - Korea

Apologies once again for another update briefer than we would like!

This weekend will see the second ever Korean Grand Prix. A race which last year, neither Red Bull managed to finish! How will that affect the Formula 1 Results Predictors estimations?

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Korea Predictions:

1. F Alonso - Ferrari
2. L Hamilton - McLaren
3. F Massa - Ferrari
4. S Vettel - Red Bull Racing
5. M Schumacher - Mercedes
6. M Webber - Red Bull Racing
7. J Button - McLaren
8. K Kobayashi - Sauber
9. V Petrov - Renault
10. N Rosberg - Mercedes
11. R Barrichello - Williams
12. S Buemi - Toro Rosso
13. S Perez - Sauber
14. J Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
15. P di Resta - Force India
16. A Sutil - Force India
17. B Senna - Renault
18. V Liuzzi - Hispania
19. P Maldonado - Williams
20. J Trulli - Team Lotus
21. H Kovalainen - Team Lotus
22. T Glock - Virgin
23. J D'Ambrosio - Virgin
24. D. Ricciardo - Hispania

So the F1RP is expecting Red Bull to struggle again this year.

What do you think? Comment below!

Japanese Grand Prix - 09 October 2011

Apologies in advance for the brief nature of this update. Due to IT issues we are currently without  full access to the internet.
Once normal service resumes, this post will be updated with the usual information.
Greg

The Japanese Grand Prix did indeed see Sebastian Vettel crowned World Champion.
However, a first corner incident in which he appeared to force Jenson Button off the circuit, may have dampened some of the celebrations.

Results (To Be Updated)

1. Jenson Button - McLaren
2. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
3. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing

Our Guest Predictor this week was Krit from www.litetalf1.com who correctly predicted the finishing position for 11th placed Adrian Sutil (Force India).

The Formula 1 Results Predictor successfully predicted 9th place for Vitaly Petrov (Renault) and 10th placed Nico Rosberg (Mercedes).

Read more about the race at www.formula1.com, and follow @LiteralF1 on Twitter.

2011 Predictions, Round 15 - Japan

This weekend will see what will surely be a very emotional Grand Prix at Suzuka, Japan.

The track is a favourite for most drivers, and will be the first time Formula 1 has returned to Japan since the tragic earthquakes shook the Country earlier in the year.

This race will also likely see Sebastian Vettel deservedly crowned World Champion. The dominant German requires just one point from the race to make it back-to-back World Driver's Championship titles.

To see how the Formula 1 Results Predictor performed Singapore two weeks ago, click here.


Our Guest Predictor for this weekend is Krit from Literal F1.

Literal F1 is a well written Formula 1 blog by a Medical student. It focuses on items and stories away from those much of the mainstream media seem to concentrate on.

Visit their website www.literalf1.com, and follow them on Twitter @LiteralF1

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Guest Predictions, Round 15 - Japan

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing (Plus Pole Position)
2. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
3. Jenson Button - McLaren
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
5. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
7. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
8. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
9. Paul di Resta - Force India
10. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
11. Adrian Sutil - Force India
12. Sergio Perez - Sauber
13. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
14. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
15. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
16. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
17. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
18. Timo Glock - Virgin
19. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
20. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
21. (DNF - Mechanical) Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
22. (DNF - Accident) Bruno Senna - Renault
23. (DNF - Mechanical) Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
24. (DNF - Mechanical / Accident) Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso

"Suzuka is one of my favourite circuits. It’s a true test of both the technical prowess of the car and the racing ability of the driver. We’ve had races like 2005 where Kimi Raikkonen ripped through the field to take the victory on the last lap, Senna-Prost duels of ‘88, ‘89 and ‘90 and emotions like Ferrari and Michael Schumacher’s romantic ascendence to world champions in 2000.

Sebastian Vettel has been simply outstanding at Suzuka. For the last two years, he’s taken pole position, lead from the front and then taken the chequered flag. Red Bull’s previous iterations of the dominant RB7 were good enough to flex their high speed cornering muscles so give them a sufficient advantage. Mark Webber goes well at Suzuka too, as he admitted in his recent BBC blog. He qualified within few thousandths of a second of Vettel last year, with a fractured shoulder that too,

The McLaren’s are my pick for the being next best. Jenson’s my pick because of his recent form and ability to manage the tyres better on a very demanding tyre track. Ferrari will a race by themselves, where they are faster than Mercedes and others but not as fast as Red Bull or McLaren. Force India will be the best of the midfield and Kobayashi scoring a point will make the day.

I’ve predicted quite a few DNF’s and that’s my hunch going by the high attrition rate and demand Suzuka puts on the car."

This prediction will obviously see Vettel celebrating the World Championship this weekend.

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F1RP Prediction, Round 15 - Japan

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Jenson Button - McLaren
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
4. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
5. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
6. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
7. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
8. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
9. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
10. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
11. Sergio Perez - Sauber
12. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
13. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
14. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
15. Paul di Resta - Force India
16. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
17. Adrian Sutil - Force India
18. Bruno Senna - Renault
19. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
20. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
23. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
24. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania

The Formula 1 Results Predictor is expecting a strong performance from Kamui Kobayashi at his home Grand Prix.
Team Lotus would also be happy if Jarno Trulli can manage to split the quick Force India cars!
This result would again see Sebastian Vettel crowned Champion, but would also extend Jenson Button's second place cushion over his rivals.

The two Predictors agree on the positioning of Vettel (1st) and Schumacher (7th).

Make your own Predictions by commenting below!

Squire's First Release

Ever wondered what a Formula 1 driver does, when they're not busy racing, testing, or entertaining sponsors?

Well Toro Rosso driver Jaime Alguersuari has an alter-ego, Squire, a house DJ with a number one selling single (admittedly in his home Country of Spain).

Check out Jaime Alguersuari Presents Squire - Organic Life below - good video too!



Buy the album from iTunes

Singapore Grand Prix - 25 September 2011

On Sunday, the spectacular night time race around the streets of Singapore took place. A race which could see the ever dominant Sebastian Vettel take a second World Championship title, if his main competitors struggled to compete.

It was a very exciting race, with Michael Schumacher almost replicating Mark Webber's backflip attempt at Valencia last year, and Lewis Hamilton coming to blows with his regular sparring partner Felipe Massa, which he was consequently penalised for.

Sebastian Vettel was in a race of his own again this weekend, untroubled by the excitement going on behind him.
The results mean that only one man can now beat the German in his quest for the Championship crown - McLaren's Jenson Button. However, all Vettel needs is one solitary point to win, and with over 100 still up for grabs, it's fair to say that this seems likely!


This weekend's Guest Predictor is Tom from WTF1. Can he beat the current Guest record of five correct predictions?


Provisional Race Results:

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing - Tom's (WTF1) Prediction 2nd - F1RP Prediction 1st
2. Jenson Button - McLaren - WTF1 4th - F1RP 3rd
3. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing - WTF1 3rd - F1RP 4th
4. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - WTF1 1st - F1RP 2nd
5. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - WTF1 23rd - F1RP 5th
6. Paul di Resta - Force India - WTF1 7th - F1RP 17th
7. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - WTF1 6th - F1RP 7th
8. Adrian Sutil - Force India - WTF1 24th - F1RP 13th
9. Felipe Massa - Ferrari - WTF1 5th - F1RP 6th
10. Sergio Perez - Sauber - WTF1 12th - F1RP 14th
11. Pastor Maldonado - Williams - WTF1 14th - F1RP 16th
12. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - WTF1 9th - F1RP 11th
13. Rubens Barrichello - Williams - WTF1 15th - F1RP 8th
14. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - WTF1 22nd - F1RP 10th
15. Bruno Senna - Renault - WTF1 8th - F1RP 18th
16. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus - WTF1 16th - F1RP 20th
17. Vitaly Petrov - Renault - WTF1 10th - F1RP 9th
18. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - WTF1 19th - F1RP 22nd
19. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania - WTF1 21st - F1RP 24th
20. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania - WTF1 20th - F1RP 23rd
21. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - WTF1 13th - F1RP 12th
DNF Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus - WTF1 17th - F1RP 21st
DNF Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - WTF1 11th - F1RP 15th
DNF Timo Glock - Virgin - WTF1 18th - F1RP 19th

Many thanks to Tom for being this week's Guest Predictor.
By my calculations, that's honours even with three correct predictions each. Not a bad result at all!

The much sought after 'Top Driver' of the weekend accolade, based on our predictions, is Adrian Sutil.

For more information on the race, visit www.formula1.com

Visit the WTF1 website, and follow them on Twitter @wtf1_co_uk

2011 Predictions - Round 14, Singapore

Two weeks on from the popular Italian Grand Prix of Monza, this weekend Formula 1 visits Singapore for the season's only night race.

Notably, this weekend could see Sebastian Vettel become the first person since Fernando Alonso to secure back-to-back Driver's World Championships!

To find out how the Formula 1 Results Predictor did at Monza, click here.


For this possibly title-deciding race, our Guest Predictor is Tom from WTF1.

WTF1 is a website which looks at the lighter side of Formula 1. As they put it themselves "ignoring all the important news and giving you F1 fun, fails and photoshops"

Visit the website www.wtf1.co.uk and follow them on Twitter @wtf1_co_uk

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Guest Predictions - Round 14, Singapore

1. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
3. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
4. Jenson Button - McLaren
5. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
7. Paul Di Resta - Force India
8. Bruno Senna - Renault
9. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
10. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
11. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
12. Sergio Perez - Sauber
13. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
14. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
15. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
16. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
17. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
18. Timo Glock - Virgin
19. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
20. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
21. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
22. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
23. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
23. Adrian Sutil - Force India

Tom has suggested another win for Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard won here last year, and also previously won here in an uncompetitive Renault (albeit controversially). He is expecting strong performances from Bruno Senna and Paul di Resta, although is also predicting a possible retirement for Hamilton, a result which would almost certainly see the Brit eliminated from the Championship battle.

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F1RP Prediction - Round 14, Singapore

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
3. Jenson Button - McLaren
4. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
5. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
7. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
8. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
9. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
10. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
11. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
12. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
13. Adrian Sutil - Force India
14. Sergio Perez - Sauber
15. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
16. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
17. Paul di Resta - Force India
18. Bruno Senna - Renault
19. Timo Glock - Virgin
20. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
21. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
22. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
23. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
24. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania

The Formula 1 Results Predictor is expecting Sebastian Vettel's dominance to continue here. However, a podium for Alonso will mean that the Championship will not be decided here.
The F1RP does not share Tom's high expectations of Bruno Senna, suggesting a poor finish here.
A fifth place for Hamilton would likely mean he will be out of the running for the 2011 crown.

Make your own predictions for the race by commenting below!

Italian Grand Prix - 11 September 2011

Sunday saw an interesting race take place at Monza, Italy. The tifosi were out in force, hoping to see their favourite scarlet cars battling for the lead over the fast circuit.

The main highlights were the first corner accident, which saw three cars eliminated from the race and the safety car deployed, and the ongoing battles between a very defensive Michael Schumacher and an unusually restrained Lewis Hamilton.

Sebastian Vettel won the race comfortably, meaning that he can mathematically win a second World Championship crown at the next Grand Prix in Singapore.

Vettel's team mate Mark Webber crashed out of the Grand Prix, unable to navigate the quick track after losing his front wing tangling Ferrari's Felipe Massa. Incredibly, this was the first time this season that a Red Bull hadn't finished in the top five!


Our Guest Predictor for this race is aspiring F1 journalist Jack Leslie. He has a tough job if he wants to match the previous Guest Predictor who managed five correct predictions.


Provisional Race Results:

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing - Jack's (JL) Prediction 4th - F1RP Prediction 2nd
2. Jenson Button - McLaren - JL 1st - F1RP 1st
3. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - JL 2nd - F1RP 3rd
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - JL 3rd - F1RP 10th
5. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - JL 10th - F1RP 9th
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari - JL 6th - F1RP 4th
7. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - JL 11th - F1RP 12th
8. Paul di Resta - Force India - JL 7th - F1RP 16th
9. Bruno Senna - Renault - JL 22nd - F1RP 17th
10. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - JL 19th - F1RP 13th
11. Pastor Maldonado - Williams - JL 23rd - F1RP 18th
12. Rubens Barrichello - Williams - JL 14th - F1RP 6th
13. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus - JL 16th - F1RP 19th
14. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus - JL 21st - JL 22nd
15. Timo Glock - Virgin - JL 17th - F1RP 21st
NC. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania - JL 18th - F1RP 23rd
DNF Sergio Perez - Sauber - JL 15th - F1RP 14th
DNF Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - JL 12th - F1RP 7th
DNF Adrian Sutil - Force India - JL 9th - F1RP 15th
DNF Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing - JL 5th - F1RP 5th
DNF Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - JL 20th - F1RP 24th
DNF Vitaly Petrov - Renault - JL 13th - F1RP 11th
DNF Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - JL 8th - F1RP 8th
DNF Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania - JL 24th - F1RP 20th

Many thanks to Jack for being the Guest Predictor this week.
Jack managed two correct predictions, including deciding that Tonio Liuzzi would be the first retirement!
The Formula 1 Results Predictor managed just one solitary correct prediction.

The joint Top Drivers of the weekend, based on our predictions, were Bruno Senna and Pastor Maldonado.

For more information on the race, visit www.formula1.com

Visit Jack's website www.talkfromjackleslief1.blogspot.com and follow him on Twitter @JackLeslieF1

2011 Predictions - Round 13, Italy

Two weeks since the Formula 1 Championship reached the historic circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, this weekend sees the Italian Grand Prix at the equally popular Monza circuit.

The Formula 1 Results Predictor was beaten by our Guest Predictor last time. To see how we did, click here.


For Monza, our Guest Predictor is young aspiring motorsport journalist Jack Leslie, who runs his own Formula 1 blog.

Visit Jack's blog www.talkfromjackleslief1.blogspot.com, and follow him on Twitter @JackLeslieF1.

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Guest Predictions, Round 13, Italy

1. Jenson Button - McLaren
2. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
4. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
5. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
7. Paul di Resta - Force India
8. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
9. Adrian Sutil - Force India
10. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
11. Jaime Alguersari - Toro Rosso
12. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
13. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
14. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
15. Sergio Perez - Sauber
16. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
17. Timo Glock - Virgin
18. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
19. (RET) Sebastian Buemi - Toro Rosso
20. (RET) Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
21. (RET) Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
22. (RET) Bruno Senna - Renault
23. (RET) Pastor Maldonado - Williams
24. (RET) Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania

Jack believes that the Red Bull drivers may struggle at the fast Monza circuit.
The local fans will surely be pleased if Fernando Alonso acheives the second place suggested for him!

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F1RP Prediction - Round 13, Italy

1. Jenson Button - McLaren
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
3. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
4. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
5. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
6. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
7. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
8. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
9. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
10. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
11. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
12. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
13. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
14. Sergio Perez - Sauber
15. Adrian Sutil - Force India
16. Paul di Resta - Force India
17. Bruno Senna - Renault
18. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
19. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
20. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin

The Formula 1 Results Predictor also thinks that Ferrari will have a strong weekend. However, it expects Vettel to continue his podium run.
It is expecting another difficult weekend for Lewis Hamilton though.

Jack and the F1RP agree on the finishing positions of Jenson Button (1st), Mark Webber (5th) and Nico Rosberg (8th).

Make your own predictions for Monza by commenting below.

Belgian Grand Prix - 28 August 2011

Yesterday saw a highly eventful race take place at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

Unusually for Spa, the race was dry from beginning to end, but this does not mean that the race was any less exciting!

Several collisions between drivers occured during the Grand Prix, eliminating both Toro Rossos and Championship contender Lewis Hamilton, and lots of overtaking saw several different drivers leading the race.

The dominant Red Bull's managed another one - two finish, despite safety concerns regarding the wear rate of their tyres.

Several drivers who qualified lowly managed to improve considerably in the race, with Jenson Button failing to make it out of Q2 on Saturday, and Michael Schumacher - celebrating the 20th anniversary of his first Grand Prix - making up lots of ground from last on the grid after a crash in qualifying.


Our Guest Predictor for this race actually watched the race from the trackside in Belgium, and made a few famous friends whilst at the Grand Prix.
Chris from F1Cartoonz met BBC F1 Presenter Jake Humphrey at the track, who agreed to take part in a special cartoon!
See the cartoon here.


Provisional Race Results:

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing - Chris' (CZ) Prediction 5th - F1RP Prediction 2nd
2. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing - CZ 4th - F1RP 1st
3. Jenson Button - McLaren - CZ 3rd - F1RP 7th
4. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - CZ 2nd - F1RP 10th
5. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - CZ 10th - F1RP 9th
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - CZ 6th - F1RP 5th
7. Adrian Sutil - Force India - CZ 9th - F1RP 14th
8. Felipe Massa - Ferrari - CZ 7th - F1RP 4th
9. Vitaly Petrov - Renault - CZ 8th - F1RP 8th
10. Pastor Maldonado - Williams - CZ 17th - F1RP 20th
11. Paul di Resta - Force India - CZ 11th - F1RP 17th
12. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - CZ 15th - F1RP 6th
13. Bruno Senna - Renault - CZ 14th - F1RP 11th
14. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus - CZ 20th - F1RP 21st
15. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus - CZ 16th - F1RP 18th
16. Rubens Barrichello - Williams - CZ 23rd - F1RP 16th
17. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - CZ 21st - F1RP 24th
18. Timo Glock - Virgin - CZ 18th - F1RP 19th
19. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania - CZ 19th - F1RP 22nd
DNF Sergio Perez - Sauber - CZ 24th - F1RP 12th
DNF Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania - CZ 22nd - F1RP 23rd
DNF Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - CZ 1st - F1RP 3rd
DNF Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - CZ 13th - F1RP 13th
DNF Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - CZ 12th - F1RP 15th

Thank you to Chris for participating this weekend!
Chris managed a very impressive five correct predictions, and seemed to be closer overall to the correct results than the Formula 1 Results Predictor, which managed just a singular correct prediction.

There are a couple of weeks now before the next Grand Prix, so the F1RP should have time to carefully consider it's next set of predictions!

The Top Driver for Spa based on our predictions was the controversial Pastor Maldonando.

For more information on the race, visit www.formula1.com

Visit F1Cartoonz Twitpic page here, and follow them on Twitter @F1Cartoonz

Heidfeld Dropped

Rumours are starting to emerge that Renault's most experienced driver, Nick Heidfeld, is to be replaced by the team's test driver, Bruno Senna, for the remainder of the season.

The German's recent poor form has led to speculation that his position at the may be under review, with the Group Lotus sponsored Renault team having two respected reserve drivers - Senna, and former Renault F1 driver Romain Grosjean. The latter is currently participating in the 'World Series by Renault' Championship, so is likely to want to continue with this until the end of the season.

This change does mean that our Predictions for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix will now need to be updated!

2011 Predictions - Round 12, Belgium

It has been a long time since the last Grand Prix, but this coming weekend will see the Formula 1 teams and drivers arrive at the historic circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

The Formula 1 Results Predictor managed two correct predictions last time in Hungary. To see the results, click here.


For the Belgian Grand Prix, we are pleased to announce as this weekend's Guest Predictor, Chris from F1Cartoonz.

F1Cartoonz, as the name suggests, make funny cartoons using Formula 1 drivers, people and events.

You can view all of F1Cartoonz cartoons on Twitpic.

Also, follow them on Twitter @F1Cartoonz

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Guest Predictions - Round 12, Belgium

1. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
2. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
3. Jenson Button - McLaren
4. Mark Webber - Red Bull
5. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
7. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
8. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
9. Adrian Sutil - Force India
10. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
11. Paul di Resta - Force India
12. Nick Heidfeld - Renault
13. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
14. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
15. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
16. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
17. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
18. Timo Glock - Virgin
19. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
20. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
21. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
22. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
23. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
24. Sergio Perez - Sauber

Chris has suggested that Red Bull may continue to struggle in Spa, with McLaren and Ferrari waiting to pounce on any mistakes made by the reigning Champions.

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F1RP Prediction - Round 12, Belgium

1. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
4. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
5. Nick Heidfeld - Renault
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
7. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
8. Jenson Button - McLaren
9. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
10. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
11. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
12. Sergio Perez - Sauber
13. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
14. Adrian Sutil - Force India
15. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
16. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
17. Paul di Resta - Force India
18. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
19. Timo Glock - Virgin
20. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
21. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin

Unlike Chris, the Formula 1 Results Predictor thinks the Red Bull team will return to winning ways! The F1RP is expecting strong performances from the Renault team and from Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi.
It is suggested that Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso may struggle though.

Funnily, both Chris and the F1RP agree on the predicted finishing results for both Mercedes drivers, Nico Rosberg (6th) and Michael Schumacher (10th).

Feel free to make your own suggestions by commenting below!

Tony Fernandes Linked To Premier League

According to the Financial Times Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes is set to purchase the majority of Bernie Ecclestone's shares in Queens Park Rangers football club.

Ecclestone bought his shares in 2007 along with (at the time) Renault boss, Flavio Briatore, who has since surrendered most of his stake in the team to Ecclestone.

Fernandes is expected to purchase 51% of the team, with a further 11% being sold to Steel billionaire Lakshmi Vittal, who already owns 33%.

QPR were promoted to the Premier League for the 2011-2012 campaign, after winning the Championship the previous season. However, their first match saw them lose 0-4 at home to Bolton Wanderers.

For more on this story, visit www.en.espnf1.com


So, should Tony Fernandes purchase a stake in Queens Park Rangers?

Pros:
> Fernandes is a big fan of football, and follows the Premier League closely.
> Purchasing shares from Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone (who apparently is keen to sell his stake in the club quickly) would be a good way to get in the F1 supremo's good books.

Cons:
> Fernandes is a West Ham United fan, and is not shy to admit it. Although not being direct rivals (it's not like he's looking to purchase Millwall), they are still both London clubs.
> A cynical observer might suggest that if there was much more money to be obtained from the club, Ecclestone would probably stay involved.
> After a poor start to the season (albeit only after one game) QPR sit joint bottom. If they can't find their feet in the league quickly, they may find themselves heading back to the Championship - a league notoriously difficult to get out of!

Alternatives 1
> Tony Fernandes could look to invest in his favourite club, West Ham. Admittedly the Hammers already have a pair of millionaire owners, but after getting relegated to the Championship last season, they may be looking for an easy way out.

Alternative 2
> Fernandes runs the green and yellow Team Lotus Formula 1 team from their base on the outskirts of Norwich, Norfolk, UK. If only there was a green and yellow football team in the region, he could keep all of his sporting enterprises in one location.
Oh well, never mind eh?

Jenson To Drive F1 Car Through Manchester

On bank holiday Monday 29 August 2011, the 2009 World Champion Jenson Button is to drive a McLaren Formula 1 car through the streets of Manchester as part of a Vodafone sponsorship event in the city.

"Driving an F1 car through Manchester is going to be a unique experience for me" the Briton told the official Formula 1 website. "There's a chance for the public to win some great prizes so I hope Manchester is going to be out in force and are looking forward to the bank holiday as much as I am."

Button is expected to take his car along Deansgate, turning on to John Dalton Street and then into Albert Square. As well as the demonstration, there will be an F1 fan zone, a go-kart track, an F1 simulator and a working pit garage for visitors to enjoy.

The city of Manchester is currently recovering from the wake of mass rioting which gripped many cities in England, so security at the event is understandably expected to be high.

For more on this story, visit www.formula1.com


If you wanted to bring Jenson a present to say thank you for making an appearance, but weren't sure what to get him, perhaps this video will help:

Pirelli Considering Qualifying Tyres

Pirelli have offered teams the opportunity to reintroduce qualifying spec tyres for future seasons.

Qualifying tyres feature a super soft compound rubber, which provide exceptional grip, but just for a single flying lap.

The tyres last featured in the sport 20 years ago, when Pirelli were previously a tyre supplier.

The Italian company stress that this is only a suggestion. If the teams don't want them, or don't think they will work, then they will not be introduced.

- - -

Qualifying has become less vital this season, due primarily to the introduction of the faster wearing Pirelli tyres. Several drivers so far this year have opted to save a set of tyres, rather than try and improve their qualifying time. As a result, qualifying isn't always as exciting as it could be.

The introduction of qualifying tyres would meant that drivers would give 100% in every time on the Saturday sessions (as saving a set of tyres would not be an option).

The disadvantage of qualifying tyres, is that the best car / driver combination may be able to produce an even bigger gap to the field than they would otherwise have with standard tyres.

Additionally, at a time when Formula 1 is trying to show it's environmentally friendly credentials, the idea of a set of tyres which only last one lap may not go down well with the sport's stakeholders.

For more on this news story, visit www.autosport.com

Ecclestone Concerned By Electric Cars

Bernie Ecclestone has expressed concerns over the newly published 2014 technical regulations (see separate story here)

It has been proposed that as well as KERS playing a larger role and being available for a longer period per lap, cars would be powered only by an electric motor when in the pitlane.

Ecclestone, however, believes that this could be dangerous: "people could be killed because they won't hear the cars coming."

This seems a slightly extreme view. Surely no one would cross the pitlane without looking - regardless of how much noise the cars made?

The full story is at www.planet-f1.com

Pirelli To Drop Hard Compound

Pirelli have confirmed that they are unlikely to use their hard compound tyre again this season.

The company make two compounds available for each race, which are usually announced a few weeks in advance of the race.

Pirelli produce four compounds of dry weather tyre (hard, medium, soft and super soft), but as the medium tyre has proved more durable than originally expected. Pirelli's boss Paul Hembrey confirmed that "the medium is proving sufficiently robust for the aggressive circuits we've still got to come. So don't think we'll be going the hard route."

Some critics have suggested that Italian Pirelli have made this decision to assist Maranello based Ferrari, who's car seems better suited to the softer compounds, something which Pirelli have fervently denied.

The removal of the hard tyres means that the coloured markings may now be more distinguishable, as the white marked tyres will be dropped, leaving silver, yellow and red.

For more on this story, visit www.autosport.com

2012 Driver Market

Many involved with Formula 1 refer to the 'silly season' - the time when rumours are flying about daily, linking different drivers with different race seats.
However, this 'season' seems to be most of the year, rather than just a month or two.

So, F1Predict takes a look at the current driver market as it stands for next season.

Red Bull Racing
> Driver 1 - Sebastian Vettel - recently signed a contract extension. Will be at the team in 2012.
> Driver 2 - Mark Webber - lots of suggestions about where he may be next year. Now looks highly likely to remain at Red Bull.

McLaren-Mercedes
> Driver 1 - Lewis Hamilton - despite suggestions he's looking to move to either a red car or a 'Red' car, looks set to remain at McLaren, certainly for 2012.
> Driver 2 - Jenson Button - a few rumours that he may move to Ferrari, but most likely to stay put for next year.

Ferrari
> Driver 1 - Fernando Alonso - a new contract extension sees him remaining at Ferrari for the long term.
> Driver 2 - Felipe Massa - suggestions that he may be dropped for 2012 seem highly unlikely, as the Italian marque have publicly backed the Brazilian for next year.

Mercedes
> Driver 1 - Nico Rosberg - isn't realistically going to find a more competitive drive for next year, and as a consistent performer, his team would be wrong to try and disinterest him.
> Driver 2 - Michael Schumacher - still hasn't found the success he wanted, but is still improving. Likely to return for a third year with the German team.
> Alternative 1 - Paul di Resta - driving a Mercedes-powered car in his debut season, the Scot has impressed Mercedes so far.
> Alternative 2 - Nico Hulkenberg - Mercedes may want to continue their theme of German drivers. If so, Hulkenberg would be the obvious choice as only currently a third driver.

Renault
> Driver 1 - Robert Kubica - missed all of the 2011 season (so far). If he makes a full recovery he will certainly make it straight back into the team.
> Driver 2 - Vitaly Petrov - his performances have improved race on race. Likely to be retained for next year.
> Alternative 1 - Romain Grosjean - ready for a second chance at the top level. Recently backed by team bosses.
> Alternative 2 - Nick Heidfeld - probably won't be given another chance after a disappointing season, but stranger things have happened!

Sauber-Ferrari
> Driver 1 - Kamui Kobayashi - confirmed for 2012 after a good couple of seasons.
> Driver 2 - Sergio Perez - confirmed for 2012 after a strong debut season.

Force India-Mercedes
> Driver 1 - Adrian Sutil - has been with the team since they began. Should continue provided his court case doesn't come to anything.
> Driver 2 - Paul di Resta - making a good argument for 'best rookie', should be retained.
> Alternative 1 - Nico Hulkenberg - if either driver leaves, or the team fancy a change, the Hulk will be available. They may lose him to another sport if he doesn't get a drive in 2012 though.

Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari
> Driver 1 - Sebastien Buemi - has had some strong results, but not always consistent.
> Driver 2 - Jaime Alguersuari - has improved as the season has progressed. Often outperforming his team mate.
> Alternative 1 - Daniel Ricciardo - on the Red Bull books. Will get a full time drive with one of the Red Bull teams sooner rather than later.

Williams-Cosworth
> Driver 1 - Rubens Barrichello - should continue next season, but Williams do historically make unusual driver selections...
> Driver 2 - Pastor Maldonado - has shown some potential this season. Still more to learn though, but has a good team mate.
> Alternative 1 - Valtteri Bottas - the GP3 driver is probably too inexperienced for F1 currently, but is an option for the team.

Team Lotus-Renault
> Driver 1 - Heikki Kovalainen - has clearly become the team's number one driver this season.
> Driver 2 - Jarno Trulli - was looking set to be dropped for next year, but the Italian's performance improved once his power-steering was sorted for Hungary.
> Alternative 1 - Karun Chandhok - seems likely that Chandhok will get a regular drive with the team in the near future, but after a fairly poor performance in Germany, this may not happen as early as 2012.

Hispania-Cosworth
> Driver 1 - Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania have never kept a driver for a whole season, let alone resign one for a second. Could Liuzzi be the first? Surely he's as good as any the team will get?
> Driver 2 - Daniel Ricciardo - if Red Bull decide they want their prodigy to continue in a race environment, they may loan him out again until a Red Bull seat is available.
> Alternative 1 - ?? - the team will probably have at least one pay driver on their team next year. Therefore, any driver could realistically end up in a Hispania seat next year!

Marussia Virgin-Cosworth
> Driver 1 - Timo Glock - recently signed a new deal with the team, keeping the German in the team for 2012 and beyond.
> Driver 2 - Jerome D'Ambrosio - has driven well so far this season, should be rewarded with a new contract for next year.
> Alternative 1 - Could possibly pick up the unrequired Renault driver (either Petrov or Grosjean) for a season.

To summarise - there are not many Formula 1 driver vacancies for 2012. A lot seems to hinge on whether Robert Kubica will return and whether Michael Schumacher will continue on his comeback with Mercedes.

Any more suggestions? Use the comments field below!

Heidfeld's Hot Lap

One of the more dramatic scenes of the Hungarian Grand Prix yesterday was the sight of Nick Heidfeld's black and gold Renault emerging from the pits, flames pouring from the side of the car.

This is not the first time the German has had to escape from a fiery car this season, his machine also caught fire during a Free Practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix.

Heidfeld pitted for a planned pit stop, but a wheel-nut issue meant he was stationary for longer than usual, with his engine running at high revs. As a result of this, his car apparently overheated. However, due to the unique front-exiting exhaust system the Renault team run, the heat and flames appeared at the front of the sidepods rather than at the back of the car which would be the case for any other team.
The bodywork around the sidepods ignited, and Heidfeld had to make a quick exit from cockpit, clearly aware of the vast heat being produced.

The marshalls were quickly on the scene, armed with fire extinguishers, but the flaming sidepod unexpectedly exploded, appearing to slightly injure a marshall.

Although the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined, technical expert Craig 'Scarbs' Scarborough explains possible causes:

"Sidepods contain a multitude of systems; many items being solely in the left or right hand sidepods, rarely are any internals symmetrical left to right.
Typical components in this area are.
• Water radiator (LHS)
• Oil radiator (RHS)
• Hydraulic reservoir (varies)
• Nitrogen cylinder for the engine Pneumatic valve return system (varies)
• KERS battery water radiator (RHS)
• SECU, PCU, Battery, Lap time beacon (typically RHS)
• KERS PCU (RHS)

It's important to note, sidepods do not contain the KERS batteries or the MGU. Also the gearbox oil and hydraulic fluid coolers are mounted atop the gearbox. There is very in the of little hydraulic systems being in the front of the sidepods, only the lines for the power steering passes this far forward in the car."

This is a spectator's impressive video of the events which unfolded on track:



To read Scarb's article in full, visit scarbsf1.wordpress.com

Hungarian Grand Prix - 31 July 2011

Yesterday saw another typically exciting Grand Prix, this time in Hungary - the last race before the sport's summer break.

The weather once again played a key part in the race today, as did some stewards decisions, with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton penalised for forcing the Force India of Paul di Resta off the track whilst attempting to recover from a spin.

A strong performance from di Resta saw him acheive his best ever Formula 1 result, and Sebastien Buemi drove an impressive race considering he started from the back row of the grid!


Ewan Marshall of GPFocus.com had the task of being this weekend's Guest Predictor. How would he manage in a race which was Jenson Button's 200th, Nico Rosberg's 100th, Toro Rosso's 100th and the 100th race since V8 engines were introduced?!


Provisional Race Results:

1. Jenson Button - McLaren - Ewan's (EM) Prediction 5th - F1RP Prediction 4th
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing - EM 1st - F1RP 2nd
3. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - EM 2nd - F1RP 5th
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - EM 3rd - F1RP 6th
5. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing - EM 4th - F1RP 1st
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari - EM 6th - F1RP 3rd
7. Paul di Resta - Force India - EM 14th - F1RP 18th
8. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - EM 17th - F1RP 14th
9. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - EM 8th - F1RP 10th
10. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - EM 15th - F1RP 15th
11. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - EM 12th - F1RP 8th
12. Vitaly Petrov - Renault - EM 7th - F1RP 7th
13. Rubens Barrichello - Williams - EM 16th - F1RP 13th
14. Adrian Sutil - Force India - EM 13th - F1RP 16th
15. Sergio Perez - Sauber - EM 9th - F1RP 11th
16. Pastor Maldonado - Williams - EM 18th - F1RP 17th
17. Timo Glock - Virgin - EM 21st - F1RP 20th
18. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania - EM 24th - F1RP 23rd
19. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - EM 22nd - F1RP 24th
20. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania - EM 23rd - F1RP 22nd
DNF Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus - EM 20th - F1RP 19th
DNF Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - EM 11th - F1RP 12th
DNF Nick Heidfeld - Renault - EM 10th - F1RP 9th
DNF Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus - EM 19th - F1RP 21st

Thank you to Ewan for participating this week. If Jenson Button hadn't finished the race, Ewan would have managed to get the top four correct!
However, as Button drove impressively to win, this was not to be.
Ewan managed one correct prediction, whereas the Formula 1 Results Predictor managed a double. Overall though, it looks like Ewan was closer!

A few weeks now until the next Grand Prix, with a compulsory two week closure for all team's factories, and of course for the F1RP.

The Top Driver in Hungary, based on our predictions, was Paul di Resta.

For more information on the race, visit www.formula1.com

Don't forget to visit GPFocus.com, and follow Ewan on Twitter @EwanMarshall

Sky In F1 Swoop

It was announced yesterday that from 2012 the BBC will share television broadcasts of Formula 1 with Sky Sports.

The move will see the BAFTA award winning BBC showing just ten live races, the remainder are likely to still be broadcast on BBC, but later in the day.

This announcement has been met with anger by many fans, as the cost of Sky Sports in HD for a year can reach £600.

F1Predict's opinion of the announcement is that it cannot be in the best interests of fans or the sport in the long term.

Let us know your opinions by commenting below.

Virgin Yet To Announce Second Driver

It was announced prior to the German Grand Prix that Timo Glock has agreed a new deal, which will keep him with the Marussia Virgin team until 2014.

However, upon completing his qualifying laps at the Nurburgring on Saturday, Glock was heard apparently criticising his mechanics on the radio "You make my life difficult in the last two races - the car is just so difficult to drive at the moment". Comments which he later claimed were made in jest.

The Virgin team however have not yet made a decision regarding his team mate for 2012. The team's CEO, Graeme Lowdon, said that now Glock has signed there is no need to rush the decision on a second driver. A decision will probably be made once the season has finished.

Virgin's current number two, Jerome D'Ambrosio, has clearly impressed the team so far this year. However in 2010, Lucas di Grassi outperformed Glock in several races and actually finished higher in the Championship standings than the experienced German, yet despite this he was not retained for a second year.
D'Ambrosio, however, is believed to have brought sponsorship with him. Whether this funding will continue for a second year remains to be seen.

For more on this story, visit www.autosport.com

2011 Predictions - Round 11, Hungary

Just one week since the German Grand Prix which signalled the half way point in the 2011 season, Formula 1 visits the Hungaroring circuit in Budapest, Hungary.

Germany didn't prove very fruitful for the Formula 1 Results Predictor, which did not manage one correct prediction! Considering that it only acheived one prediction at Silverstone, a definite improvement will be required this weekend! To see for yourself how badly the F1RP did last time, click here.


For this race, we are pleased to introduce as our Guest Predictor, Ewan Marshall. Ewan writes for GPFocus.com, and has appeared as a guest writer for FinalSector Magazine. I have reliably been informed that Ewan is no relation to Gary Marshall, who was our Guest Predictor a couple of weeks ago!

GPFocus.com is a site with news, blogs and information - and they also run their own podcast!

You can also follow Ewan on Twitter @EwanMarshall

- - -

Guest Predictions - Round 11, Hungary

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
2. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
3. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
4. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
5. Jenson Button - McLaren
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
7. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
8. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
9. Sergio Perez - Sauber
10. Nick Heidfeld - Renault
11. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
12. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
13. Adrian Sutil - Force India
14. Paul di Resta - Force India
15. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
16. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
17. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
18. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
20. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
23. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
24. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania

Ewan has suggested that we may once again see three different teams on the podium. He is also expecting a return to form of the Renault team.

- - -

F1RP Prediction - Round 11, Hungary

1. Mark Webber - Red Bull Racing
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull Racing
3. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
4. Jenson Button - McLaren
5. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
6. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
7. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
8. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
9. Nick Heidfeld - Renault
10. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
11. Sergio Perez - Sauber
12. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
13. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
14. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
15. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
16. Adrian Sutil - Force India
17. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
18. Paul di Resta - Force India
19. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
20. Timo Glock - Virgin
21. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin

Although Red Bull seemed to struggle last weekend, the Formula 1 Results Predictor is expecting this to just be a small blip. It is also expecting strong performances from Felipe Massa and the Renault team.

Both Ewan and the F1RP agree on the positioning of Vitaly Petrov (7th) and Jaime Alguersuari (15th).

If you would like to make some predictions, feel free to do so by commenting below!

Button Approaching Milestone Race

Jenson Button is looking forward to starting his 200th Grand Prix at Hungary on Sunday, at the track where he won his first race back in 2006.

Coming off the back of two consecutive DNFs, the McLaren man will be looking for a strong result this weekend.

Button doesn't expect it to be easy though: "The hot weather conditions make this one of the most gruelling races of the year for the drivers. Cockpit temperatures regularly exceed 50 degrees and we're always pulling g-force in the car because there are so many corners. It's tough, but this is definitely a circuit when all the training pays dividends."

Admitting that his Championship is now as good as over, falling 25 points behind team mate Lewis Hamilton, and 107 points behind Championship leader Sebastian Vettel after retiring from the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, it will be interesting to see what the Briton can do. Could team orders may affect any strong finishes?

For more information, visit www.jensonbutton.com

The Flying Lap

The Flying Lap is a podcast created and hosted by Peter Windsor, a man who is a Formula 1 journalist, manager and broadcaster, all rolled into one.

Despite having been involved with Formula 1 for decades, he is one of only a small handful of jornalists who seem to fully appreciate the affect of new media - such as podcasts, Facebook and Twitter - and the new opportunities this presents for fans to get much closer to the sport they love.

Each Wednesday, Peter presents the show which can be viewed online, and can then be downloaded as either a video or audio pocast.
The show involves lots of audience participation, and viewers are encouraged to pose questions to Peter and his guests.

The Flying Lap has at least one guest each week. Recently, these have included former commentators; Maurice Hamilton and James Allen; people involved directly in the sport, Toro Rosso driver Sebastien Buemi, Renault engineer James Allison and Pirelli boss Paul Hembrey; as well as online journalists Craig 'Scarbs' Scarborough and Keith Collantine of F1Fanatic.co.uk

Here is a preview of tomorrow's show:



To watch the show live, vist www.smibs.tv/live
To ask a question to Peter, visit his FaceBook page here
Visit Peter's blog www.theracedriver.com
And follow Peter on Twitter @peterdwindsor
To download the podcast, click here

Renault To Switch Drivers

Renault have confirmed that test driver Bruno Senna will participate in the Friday practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Rumours have started to circulate that Nick Heidfeld may not maintain his race seat for much longer, following a string of poor results, including a number of uncharacteristic 'DNFs' for the man who holds the record for the most consecutive race finishes.

However, it is not Senna who is expected to replace the German - who himself is standing in for the injured Robert Kubica - instead, it is Renault's other reserve driver, Romain Grosjean, due to get the call up.

Current GP2 Championship leader Grosjean is not entirely new to the Formula 1 scene, having replaced Nelson Piquet Jr for the second half of the 2008 season.

If this change is made, it will be interesting to see how the Swiss-French driver does given a second opportunity.

For more information about the drivers, visit www.lotusrenaultgp.com

German Grand Prix - 25 July 2011

Yesterday saw a very exciting (although unexpectedly dry) Grand Prix take place at the legendary Nurburgring circuit in Germany.

Several rare mistakes were made during the race, including spins for Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher, and several drivers struggled to keep their cars on the tarmac at the treacherous first corner - a hair-pin which also features significant camber towards the inside.

It must be said that Hamilton drove a superb race, starting from second after an impressive display in qualifying, the McLaren man was leading by the first corner. A few laps later, Mark Webber passed Hamilton in the last corner, but Hamilton had regained the lead by the end of the start/finish straight.
Later, Webber again tried to pass Hamilton, this time on the outside of the second corner, but the Briton held his nerve (and the racing line) forcing the Australian wide and back into second place.
Amusingly, just a couple of laps later, Alonso - who had taken the lead due to a clever Ferrari pit strategy - was overtaken by Hamilton around the outside of turn two, just as Webber had attempted previously. The Australian could only watch as Hamilton showed how it was done.

A big deciding factor in the race appeared to be the weather. The cool conditions meant the Pirelli tyres didn't heat up as quickly as had been seen in previous races. This meant that the first driver to pit for tyres (in the case of the front runners - Mark Webber) lost time, and therefore could be leap-frogged by rivals.

The battle for fourth place was interesting, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa trying to keep Vettel - unusually in the thick of the action for once - at bay. Both drivers entered the penultimate lap having used only the option (soft) tyres, but were required to use both option and prime (harder) tyres during the race. Both drivers pitted at the last possible opportunity, but Vettel was able to jump his rival, with the Red Bull team having a significantly quicker pit stop.

After the race, the FIA decided that Sebastien Buemi, who had started the race in last due to a fuel discrepancy (click here for story) caused an accident with Renault's Nick Heidfeld, and will therefore receive a five place grid penalty for the next Grand Prix in Hungary.


Our Guest Predictor for this race, Matt from FinalSector, had the difficult job of following our last two Guests who both correctly predicted the podium! (Click here for our British Grand Prix results).

Cleverly, Matt's predictions matched the first four qualifying positions for the Grand Prix. This means that in order to continue the podium predicting streak, we would probably need a fairly unexciting race, but Matt assured us he would rather fail and have an exciting race than a procession!


Provisional Race Results:

1. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - Matt's (FS) Prediction 2nd - F1RP Prediction 8th
2. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - FS 4th - F1RP 5th
3. Mark Webber - Red Bull - FS 1st - F1RP 2nd
4. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - FS 3rd - F1RP 1st
5. Felipe Massa - Ferrari - FS 6th - F1RP 4th
6. Adrian Sutil - Force India - FS 14th - F1RP 16th
7. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - FS 9th - F1RP 6th
8. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - FS 8th - F1RP 11th
9. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - FS 7th - F1RP 10th
10. Vitaly Petrov - Renault - FS 17th - F1RP 9th
11. Sergio Perez – Sauber – FS 10th – F1RP 13th
12. Jaime Alguersuari – Toro Rosso – FS 13th – F1RP 15th
13. Paul di Resta – Force India – FS 12th – F1RP 19th
14. Pastor Maldonado – Williams – FS 11th – F1RP 20th
15. Sebastien Buemi – Toro Rosso – FS 16th – F1RP 14th
16. Heikki Kovalainen – Team Lotus – FS 21st – F1RP 17th
17. Timo Glock – Virgin – FS 22nd – F1RP 18th
18. Jerome D’Ambrosio – FS 20th – F1RP 24th
19. Daniel Ricciardo – FS 23rd – F1RP 23rd
20. Karun Chandhok – FS 19th – F1RP 21st
DNF Vitantonio Liuzzi - FS 24th - F1RP 22nd
DNF Jenson Button - FS 5th - F1RP 3rd
DNF Rubens Barrichello - FS 15th - F1RP 12th
DNF Nick Heidfeld - FS 18th - F1RP 7th

Thanks go to Matt for participating this week.

Unusually both Matt and the Formula 1 Results Predictor struggled this week, with Matt picking up the only correct prediction - Schumacher's 8th place.
Both were close on quite a few, but the just the one on the nose!

We will be looking to improve on this result next week in Hungary!

The Top Driver for this race based on our predictions, was certainly Adrian Sutil who put in an excellent performance.

For more information on the race, visit www.formula1.com

Visit Matt's website, FinalSector.co.uk and follow them on Twitter @FinalSector

Ecclestone Facing Bribery Charge

Formula 1 top man Bernie Ecclestone has admitted paying $44 million to a former bank executive in relation to a previous sale of the sport, five years ago.

Ecclestone, however, denies any wrong doing claiming he was blackmailed by the banker, saying he would cause the 80-year-old Briton trouble with the Inland Revenue.

Ecclestone said that his lawyers advised him to pay the demand, as alternative investigations by HMRC would take years and likely end up costing more.

Giving his side of the story, he explained: "You know it's a very strange system here. If someone wants to prosecute you, the prosecutor comes out and says what he thinks you've done. He then gives it to a court. The court will look at it and say, 'this is a load of --------' or they will say, 'now we charge you'. They haven't charged me."

For more on this story, visit www.telegraph.co.uk

Buemi's Qualifying Times Void

Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Sebastien Buemi has been disqualified from Saturday's qualifying session due to a fuel irregularity.

Buemi, who had qualified 16th, one place ahead of his team mate Jaime Alguersuari, was disqualified from the session following standard post-race checks.

The Swiss driver will be able to compete in Sunday's Grand Prix, but will start from the back of the grid.

An FIA statement read: "The stewards, having received a report from the FIA Technical Delegate that the fuel sample taken after Qualifying from Car 18 showed an increase in one given GC (gas chromatography) Peak Area of an absolute amount greater than 0.1 per cent for the component present at a concentration below 0.8 per cent, and having heard from the FIA Formula One Analytical Chemist and the Team Representatives and examined the fuel test graphs, determine this to be a breach of Article 19.8.3 of the 2011 FIA Formula One Technical Regulations and decide to impose a penalty of exclusion of Car 18 from the results of Qualifying."

Toro Rosso confirmed that Buemi had been struggling with fuel pump issues all weekend: "During Friday's FP1, Buemi's car had a fuel pressure problem, which then got worse at the start of FP2 which is why he did not do a timed lap in that session," Toro Rosso said in a statement on Saturday evening.

"After FP2 the entire fuel system on his car was changed. When the fuel sample was taken from his car after qualifying, it did not match the one provided to the FIA prior to the start of the season.

"The team believes that some part of the new fuel system contained a chemical that contaminated the fuel and caused the non-conformity."

For more details on this story, visit www.autosport.com

Trulli Dropped For Germany

Team Lotus have confirmed that reserve driver Karun Chandhok will take Jarno Trulli's place for the German Grand Prix this weekend.

The switch is only expected to be for the German Grand Prix, yet it would not be surprising if it was to happen again at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, which Chandhok and his family have been  heavily involved with.

It is not clear whether this is simply a contract 'bonus' for Chandhok, who is believed to bring a small sponsorship deal to the team.

Either way, it is clear that Trulli hasn't been having the best time recently, struggling with power-steering issues, and being openly critical of his season so far. He was quoted as saying that he would rather leave the sport than continue as he currently is.

Trulli fans needn't fear too much though, as team boss Tony Fernandes has confirmed that they are currently in negotiations with the veteran Italian over a possible contract extension. Whether this new contract will see Trulli continue as a driver, or perhaps switch to an advisory role remains to be seen.
Indian Chandhok is a popular character in the F1 paddock and occasional BBC 5Live commentator. He drove for the Hispania team for much of last season.
Chandhok would be a logical replacement for Trulli in the team, which is keen on promoting Formula 1 in Asia.

F1 journalist and "The Flying Lap" presenter Peter Windsor is not surprised by this switch, explaining that "it is a waste of Jarno's talent to have him in the car at present", as it does not suit his driving style.

Annoyingly for both the Formula 1 Results Predictor, and our Guest Predictor, Matt from FinalSector - this 11th hour announcement came after our predictions were published!

For more on this story, visit www.autosport.com
Or follow Peter on Twitter, @peterdwindsor

FIA Publish 2014 Regulations

The FIA have now published the technical guidelines for the 2014 season - nice and early it has to be said!

Some of the major changes include:

> The introduction of self starting motors - so that the driver can start the engine without the need for an army of mechanics.

> Cars may only use electric power in the pitlane - although this electric power will come from both an increased KERS ability, and the conversion of exhaust gasses.

> The minimum weight of the cars will be increased slightly, along with a reduction to maximum front wing widths.

> An introduction of an eighth forward gear.

To read the full FIA guidelines, visit www.fia.com

Also, read more about the key changes at www.f1fanatic.co.uk

2011 Predictions - Round 10, Germany

This weekend will see the Formula 1 teams descend on Germany, the Country with the most current F1 drivers. This year, the race will be held at the famous Nurburgring circuit, rather than Hockenheim as per recent seasons.

On it's last attempt, at the British Grand Prix, the Formula 1 Results Predictor managed just one correct prediction. It will definitely be looking to improve on this result this weekend! To see how we got on last time, click here.


This week, our Guest Predictor is Matt from FinalSector. Matt has a difficult task this weekend, as both our previous two Guests have correctly predicted the podium! Can he continue this streak?

FinalSector.co.uk is a Formula 1 news and information website, and they also publish a very smart online magazine.

Read the German Grand Prix Preview edition of the FinalSector magazine here.

Follow Matt and the team on Twitter @FinalSector

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Guest Predictions - Round 10, Germany

1. Mark Webber - Red Bull
2. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
3. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
4. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
5. Jenson Button - McLaren
6. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
7. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
8. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
9. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
10. Sergio Perez - Sauber
11. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
12. Paul di Resta - Force India
13. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
14. Adrian Sutil - Force India
15. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
16. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
17. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
18. Nick Heidfeld - Renault
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
20. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
21. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
22. Timo Glock - Virgin
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania

Matt has suggested that the first time that current Championship leader Sebastian Vettel doesn't finish in the top two may be on his home soil.
He is also expecting the Renault and Toro Rosso teams to struggle this weekend.

- - -

F1RP Prediction - Round 10, Germany

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
2. Mark Webber - Red Bull
3. Jenson Button - McLaren
4. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
5. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
7. Nick Heidfeld - Renault
8. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
9. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
10. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
11. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
12. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
13. Sergio Perez - Sauber
14. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
15. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
16. Adrian Sutil - Force India
17. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
18. Timo Glock - Virgin
19. Paul di Resta - Force India
20. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
21. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin

The Formula 1 Results Predictor is not expecting this weekend to mark the end of Red Bull's dominance.
However, it is suggesting that Lewis Hamilton may struggle, whilst the Team Lotus and Virgin outfits may start to close the gap to the midfield.

The only prediction that Matt and the F1RP share in common is Daniel Ricciardo in 23rd place.

If you would like to suggest some results for Sunday, please use the comments field below!

Were Red Bull Right To Give Team Orders?

In the aftermath of the British Grand Prix, which saw one of the most exciting finishes to a Grand Prix for a while (since Canada at least), it emerged that Mark Webber had ignored at least two team orders, instructing him to "maintain the gap" to his team mate Sebastian Vettel.

Vettel, as now appears customary, led most of the Grand Prix. In the closing stages the Australian's pace was much quicker than his team mate's, and was catching him considerably each lap.

A radio message from Red Bull boss Christian Horner to Webber was braodcast during the final laps. "Maintain the gap, Mark" was played for all TV audiences to hear, but all radio messages are delayed before being broadcast. It was immediately clear that Webber had either not received, or was deliberately ignoring the instruction, as he continued to gain on his younger team mate.

Webber attempted an overtaking manoeuver on Vettel on the former start/finish straight, but Vettel defended well and prevented the pass.

Webber defended his decision to disobey his team in the post-race press conference, and again on his column on the BBC website, saying that he knew that provided he acted sensibly and didn't collide with his team mate, then he would be able to sleep easily, which he wouldn't have been able to do if he obeyed his team and maintained the gap.

Were Red Bull right to give this instruction?

Sebastian Vettel is so far ahead in the Championship race (80 points ahead) he could afford to miss the next three races and he would still be leading.
If the two drivers had collided and they had both retired from the race, Vettel's lead would have been reduced to 71 points, and Mark Webber would have fallen from second in the Championship to fourth, with Hamilton benefiting the most - overtaking Webber and Alonso to move second.

Arguably, the team orders - if they were to be used - should perhaps have been given to Vettel, instructing him to let his faster team mate through. If this would have happenend, Vettel's lead would be reduced to 74 points, with Webber still second, Alonso third and Hamilton fourth.

However, it must be said that Red Bull should perhaps not have used team orders at all.

In Germany last year, Ferrari caused an uproar amongst fans and rival teams by instructing Felipe Massa to let his team mate Fernando Alonso through. As team orders were outlawed in 2010, Ferrari were fined for bringing the sport into disrepute.
For this season, the team order ban has been dropped, and therefore Red Bull were within their rights to instruct their drivers as they did in Silverstone.

Despite the two Red Bull drivers colliding in spectacular style in the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix, the team insisted that they would not use team orders, and the drivers would be free to race each other for the remainder of the 2010 season.

Horner explained the reasons for this decision: "was it wrong to allow the drivers to race each other? I don't think it was. If we wanted processions we would tell the drivers after the start to hold positions. But that is not what Red Bull is about, and that is not what our beliefs of what grand prix racing should be about."

Red Bull managed to win both the 2010 Drivers and Constructors World Championships in the final race of the 2010 season, despite keeping true to their no team orders promise, and it looking like Alonso would win the title, leading the Championship into the final race.

Red Bull again promised that their drivers would be free to race in 2011, and yet, despite Vettel appearing to have the title already wrapped up, they have chosen to apply the orders at their home Grand Prix, where in 2010 Webber said of his hard fought victory "Not bad for a number two driver".

Read Red Bull's 2010 comments at www.planetf1.com

Hamilton Engaged?

The Daily Mail has reported that Lewis Hamilton and girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger are engaged after dating for four years.

In an interview with the Pussycat Dolls singer's father, it is revealed that Hamilton - who he referred to as his future son-in-law - recently proposed to the new US X Factor judge.

Hamilton's spokesman denied the engagement.

For more, visit www.dailymail.co.uk

Massa To Stay With Ferrari

Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has confirmed that Felipe Massa will stay on at the team in 2012, saying that "the drivers are not a problem".

Several drivers have been rumoured to replace Massa after this season, with Mark Webber and Jenson Button (separate story here) suggested as favourites. However, the Italian marque look set to remain with their current line-up.

Brazilian Massa narrowly missed out on the World Championship in 2008, being pipped to the post by McLaren's Lewis Hamilton in a dramatic climax to the season. Massa was relegated to a clear number two driver by the arrival of double World Champion Fernando Alonso, emphasised by the team orders controversy in 2010 when Massa was instructed to let the Spaniard pass.

For more on Montezemolo's statement, visit www.autosport.com

Teams Unite Against Diffuser Ban - Even Hispania

It has been reported that the Formula 1 teams have agreed to revert back to the pre-Silverstone car set-ups with regards to the ban proposed by the FIA on exhaust blown diffusers.

The FIA would only withdraw the ban if all 12 teams were in agreement, which is believed now to be case. It was reported that Ferrari and (Ferrari-powered) Sauber were the teams hesitant on making a decision.

However, it seems unusual that Hispania were apparently happy to sign the agreement. As we reported prior to the Monaco Grand Prix (click here) the team were considering appealing the use of the blown diffusers, which they described as "illegal".

It would be interesting to see how much politics comes into a decision like this, as it is Red Bull who look to lose out the most if the ban remained in place, and it is Red Bull of course, who have loaned their brightest young driver Daniel Ricciardo, to the Hispania team. Coincidence?

Read more about the ban at www.autosport.com

British Grand Prix - 10 July 2011

The European Grand Prix two weeks ago saw the Formula 1 Results Predictor correctly predict six finishing positions, and our first ever Guest Predictor managed to correctly predict the podium! Surely we weren't going to improve on that this week? Click here to see our results from the last race.

An unusual race took place at Silverstone today. The cars lined up on the bone dry grid, yet on the opposite side of the track, there was lots of standing water. Sauber's Sergio Perez almost became an early casualty of the weather, aquaplaning through a puddle and ending up bouncing through the gravel - and that was only on the warm-up lap!
In light of Perez's adventures, all teams decided to fit their cars with intermediate tyres, which could cope easily with the wet track, but would overheat quickly in the dry.

Due to the typically British weather conditions, the race became quite an exciting affair, particularly in comparison to the last race in Valencia.

Lots of drivers were affected by problems in the pit lane. Sebastian Vettel lost the lead due to a dodgy wheel nut, Jenson Button's race was ended after he didn't receive a wheel nut, and Paul di Resta's race was hampered by his Force India team bringing his team mate's tyres to the pit box instead of his own.

So taking all this into consideration, how did this affect our predictions? Our Guest Predictor for Silverstone was Gary Marshall who runs the Formula 1 blog Marshall GP.

Provisional Race Results:

1. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari - Gary's (GM) Prediction 1st - F1RP Prediction 13th
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull - GM 2nd - F1RP 2nd
3. Mark Webber - Red Bull - GM 3rd - F1RP 1st
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren - GM 4th - F1RP 5th
5. Felipe Massa - Ferrari - GM 20th - F1RP 7th
6. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes - GM 7th - F1RP 4th
7. Sergio Perez - Sauber - GM 14th - F1RP 9th
8. Nick Heidfeld - Renault - GM 21st - F1RP 10th
9. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes - GM 13th - F1RP 12th
10. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso - GM 15th - F1RP 14th
11. Adrian Sutil - Force India - GM 12th - F1RP 17th
12. Vitaly Petrov - Renault - GM 5th - F1RP 11th
13. Rubens Barrichello - Williams - GM 10th - F1RP 8th
14. Pastor Maldonado - Williams - GM 23rd - F1RP 18th
15. Paul di Resta - Force India - GM 11th - F1RP 16th
16. Timo Glock - Virgin - GM 22nd - F1RP - 21st
17. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin - GM 18th - F1RP 24th
18. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania - GM 17th - F1RP 22nd
19. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania - GM 19th - F1RP 23rd
DNF Jenson Button - McLaren - GM 6th - F1RP 3rd
DNF Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso - GM 8th - F1RP 15th
DNF Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber - GM 9th - F1RP 6th
DNF Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus - GM 24th - F1RP 19th
DNF Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus - GM 16th - F1RP 20th

Many thanks to Gary for being the Guest Predictor this week.

Not as many thanks though for showing the Formula 1 Results Predictor up, and correctly predicting five places, in comparison to our single correct prediction!

Also, once again, our Guest Predictor has managed to correctly predict the podium (well, top four actually) - very impressive!

This week's Top Driver, based on our predictions, goes to Felipe Massa.

For more information on the race, visit www.formula1.com

Visit Gary's website marshallgp.wordpress.com and follow him on Twitter @marshallgp

FIA In U-Turns Galore

In a rapidly changing series of events (so much so that this will probably be out of date by the time you read it), the exhaust blown diffusers - used by most teams - have been banned, allowed, and now the position appears undecided.

The whole debacle has annoyed many associated with the sport, and the disagreement reached a very public boiling point during the press conference on Friday afternoon where a very heated debate took place between Red Bull's Christian Horner, and McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh.

However, things seemed calmer by the evening, as the FIA announced they had agreed more lenient terms with the two main protagonists, Renault (Red Bull) and Mercedes (McLaren).

Saturday morning, things had changed again. The FIA decided that they would not be able to be as lenient with the Really powered cars as they had hoped on Friday.
This clearly angered Horner and chief Red Bull designer Adrian Newey, yet their two cars managed to acheive 1-2 in qualifying.
After qualifying, the FIA performed a further U-turn, confirming that if all teams are in agreement, they rules can revert back to how thet were pre-Silverstone.

It's a rather complicated issue even for the teams and drivers tofor anyone to understand, let alone fans - something which Mark Webber referred to in the post qualifying press conference.
The best person to explain it in detail is everyone's favourite technical guru, Scarbs. Visit scarbsf1.wordpress.com for more!

Skoda Recreate Kubica Accident

As part of a road safety campaign, Skoda have recreated the horrific rally accident which has ruled Renault's number one driver Robert Kubica, out of most, if not all of the 2011 Formula 1 season.



It is not clear yet how soon Kubica will be able to return, but updates will be given on this site, and on www.lotusrenaultgp.com

F1 Bosses Happy With V6 Engines

Recently Bernie Ecclestone has expressed concerns that the new, smaller, V6 engines which will be introduced from the 2014 season will disinterest fans, which would be very costly to the sport.

However, Renault's Rob White and Williams' Adam Parr have jumped to the defence of the new power plants, claiming that the concerns raised are misplaced.

White told Autosport that the future of F1 is not going to be "like shopping cars" explaining that "a single turbo will join together the six exhaust outlets and have a single tailpipe from the back, so that would tend to make the frequency of the engine note much higher than the frequency note from either a four-cylinder engine or from a V6 with separate exhausts."
He also added "These engines are going to be very loud. They are going to be very high-revving engines."

Parr told of the other benefits the smaller units bring to the sport "we will be having the most energy efficient power unit ever created – and that is what really matters. I am thrilled that all the car makers have reached a common situation."

Of course, fans are not likely to be able to hear the new sounds of F1 for themselves until testing begins for the 2014 season, due to the secrecy which all teams enjoy operating under! At least now fans can sleep easy, knowing that the sport will remain just as much of a spectacle as it currently is.

For more on this, visit www.autosport.com

2011 Predictions - Round 9, Britain

This weekend will see the Formula 1 World Championship return to Silverstone. Home Grand Prix to three drivers, and the majority of the teams.

This is the first Grand Prix at the Northamptonshire circuit since the opening of the new paddock complex, and now with the introduction of much talked about rookie Daniel Ricciardo, it will be the first Grand Prix for several decades that two Australian drivers lined up on the grid together.

The European Grand Prix last time out was rather successful for the Formula 1 Results Predictor. We managed to make six correct predictions, and our guest predictor got the podium correct! Read about Valencia here.


This weekend, we are pleased to introduce as guest predictor, popular F1 blogger Gary Marshall.

Gary runs his own blog, Marshall GP, giving his views on all the goings on in the World of Formula 1.

Visit marshallgp.wordpress.com or folow Gary on Twitter @MarshallGP

- - -

Guest Predictions - Round 9, Britain

1. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
3. Mark Webber - Red Bull
4. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
5. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
6. Jenson Button - McLaren
7. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
8. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
9. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
10. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
11. Paul di Resta - Force India
12. Adrian Sutil - Force India
13. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
14. Sergio Perez - Sauber
15. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
16. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
17. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
18. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin
19. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
DNF Felipe Massa - Ferrari
DNF Nick Heidfeld - Renault
DNF Timo Glock - Virgin
DNF Pastor Maldonado - Williams
DNF Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus

Once again, our guest predictor has also tried to predict which drivers will fail to finish! This didn't work out too well at the last race, as all drivers were classified. Surely this can't happen in consecutive races?!

Gary has suggested that a return to form may be on the cards for Fernando Alonso, but it is not expected to be too great a race for the British trio.

- - -

F1RP Prediction - Round 9, Britain

1. Mark Webber - Red Bull
2. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull
3. Jenson Button - McLaren
4. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes
5. Lewis Hamilton - McLaren
6. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber
7. Felipe Massa - Ferrari
8. Rubens Barrichello - Williams
9. Sergio Perez - Sauber
10. Nick Heidfeld - Renault
11. Vitaly Petrov - Renault
12. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes
13. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari
14. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso
15. Sebastien Buemi - Toro Rosso
16. Paul di Resta - Force India
17. Adrian Sutil - Force India
18. Pastor Maldonado - Williams
19. Jarno Trulli - Team Lotus
20. Heikki Kovalainen - Team Lotus
21. Timo Glock - Virgin
22. Vitantonio Liuzzi - Hispania
23. Daniel Ricciardo - Hispania
24. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin

Interestingly, the Formula 1 Results Predictor has offered a very different idea of where Alonso may finish. Gary has suggested a race win, whilst the F1RP doesn't think the Spaniard will even score points!
The only matching prediction is second place for reigning World Champion Sebastian Vettel.
Both sets of predictions also expect Rubens Barrichello and Kamui Kobayashi to score points on Sunday.

If you would like to attempt to predict the results for the Grand Prix, please use the comments section below!