speedcafe.com race guide - 2012 abu dhabi grand prix

2012 Abu DhAbi GrAnD Prix, YAs MArinA, noveMber 2-5

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Sebastian Vettel looked the goods heading into the first turn of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The wheels literally fell off his campaign in Turn 2, however, leaving Lewis Hamilton to take a relatively untroubled victory.

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Abu dhAbiEDITOR:Stefan Bartholomaeus

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F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Introduction

It’s a credit to the crews involved that there will be a full field of V8 Supercars on the grid this weekend as the category supports the Formula 1 circus offshore for the first time.

Garry Rogers Motorsport and Kelly Racing put in the hard yards between the Armor All Gold Coast 600 and the plane leaving for Abu Dhabi in order to prepare spare cars for Alex Premat and Karl Reindler respectively. Tony D’Alberto Racing also had a big task on its hands to rebuild its crashed Falcon, while the remaining battle-weary squads still had to undertake the task of tearing down and refurbishing their cars after the punishing event.

It’s extraordinary to think that the 2013 calendar has the Surfers Paradise and Yas Marina circuits hosting V8 Supercars events on consecutive weekends. The per unit cost of a Car of the Future may turn out to be below current levels, but it’s a big ask to expect teams to have spare cars prepared to the point that they can be finished in less than a day before being packed into a container for a fly-away race.

At least this time next year the teams won’t have to deal with quite such a heavy COTF build and development program as they’re currently facing. Three teams - GRM, the Holden Racing Team and Kelly Racing - have or are expected to test their Car of the Future cars while the race crews are away in the UAE. Having separate ‘test teams’ is not something we’re all that accustomed to in Australian motorsport before, and gives a clear insight into the drain that’s currently being placed on each team’s resources.

The post-Bathurst races in the V8 Supercars Championship always have a bit of a ‘staggering the end of a long season’ feel to them. Unfortunately this year, the workload for many may not much relent over the entire off-season...

Fighting on

Stefan BartholomaeuSJournalist, Speedcafe.comEditor, Speedcafe Race Guides

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7F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Cover Story

For the first time ever, this weekend in Abu Dhabi sees the Formula 1 World Championship and V8 Supercars

Championship link up outside of Australian shores.

While the format for the V8 Supercars event, slashed from the twin 200km races seen at the Yas Marina Circuit in recent years to just three 65km affairs, puts the Australian class firmly in its place as a support category, the event is still a full points paying round.

Both categories head to the Middle East at a crucial time in their seasons. Just three events remain on both championship calendars, and it almost goes without saying that this weekend could play a significant role in the final result.

The Formula 1 and V8 Supercars Championships come together this weekend at a crucial time

Crunch time for title contenders

Ferrari Formula 1 charger Fernando Alonso and Ford Performance Racing V8 Supercars pilot Mark Winterbottom arrive in Abu Dhabi with similar equations on their hands. If they are to overhaul the respective championship leaders Sebastian Vettel and Jamie Whincup, they’re quite simply going to need to start winning races.

Alonso has not won since the German Grand Prix in July, a full eight races ago. Likewise, it’s been a dry spell for Winterbottom, who last took the top step at Phillip Island in mid-May. Both have led their respectively championships this year but enter the final three races as clear underdogs.

“We know that we need to improve,” says

Alonso, who now sits 13 points behind Vettel after seeing his Red Bull Racing rival win the last four consecutive races.

“I think we need to bring some new parts to Abu Dhabi, hopefully improve a little bit more then competitiveness of the car, try to be a little bit closer to Red Bulls on Saturday and hopefully on Sunday as well. “Obviously three races remaining; championship is the main target so we need to recover some points and will be nice to finish in front of Sebastian in Abu Dhabi, whatever the position it is. And if we can win the race it will be even better – but for that we need to make a step forward. At the moment we are not able to win.”

Continued on page 8 >>

8 F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Cover Story

Continued on page 10 >>

me that it always comes down to a handful of points on the last race on the last day,” he says of the title fight.

“I’m predicting that this thing is going to be a dog fight until the end. The longer the year goes on, the more desperate the other guys will get, so I just have to make sure I just do what I do – focus and just drive the car as fast as I can.

“Three rounds doesn’t seem like much, but in my mind, there’s a long way to go. I’m just looking forward to doing what I do and going as hard as I can. To be honest, I don’t want the end of the year to come fast. I want to make the most of these last three events and hopefully my best race of the year is yet to come.”

Says Winterbottom simply of his weekend: “It will be tight but we need to win races and score more points than Jamie (Whincup) – that is our goal for the weekend.”

Winterbottom is perhaps better placed than Alonso to end his winless streak this weekend. The 31-year-old has scored three podium finishes in his four previous starts at the venue, with only a Safety Car debacle keeping him well down in the second race last year. The format change for this year, he says, could be the catalyst for a breakthrough victory.

“The sprint races will reward good qualifying and that has been our strength of late so hopefully that works for us,” he says. “Using the F1 layout means past results (at Abu Dhabi) don’t mean too much as the racing will be different. We

saw at Sandown in the sprint races the racing was frantic and that should be a good gauge for Abu Dhabi.”

Whincup, of course, has other ideas. The three-time and reigning champion has won six times since Winterbottom’s last triumph, including the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. Whincup has won three of the four V8 Supercar races held in Abu Dhabi, and more success this weekend could see his 218 point lead blow-out to near unassailable proportions.

Having come out on both sides of the end-of-season title fight each year since 2007, Whincup isn’t expecting to have it easy in the remaining races.

“The thing I have on my side is experience in this situation, and my experience tells

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11F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Cover Story

He adds of the weekend’s format: “If Sandown was any indication, it’s going to be pretty loose. If anyone thinks that a 12 lap race is going to be boring, they’re kidding themselves. There’s going to be action. It will be a wild weekend.”

And what of Vettel? The 25-year-old is closing in on his third consecutive world title - a feat only previously achieved by Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.

While victory in the Indian Grand Prix was not only Vettel’s fourth consecutive victory, but the third consecutive race in which he led every lap, he’s refusing to get carried away just yet.

“If we speak about the world championship, obviously this was another good step for us, but still a long way to go and we have seen this year how quickly things can change,” he said after last weekend’s race. “There’s a lot more to come and we’ll try to take things step by step.”

12 F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Event Info

Circuit overviewlocation: Yas Island, Abu Dhabilength: 5.55 kilometresDirection: Anti-Clockwise

Circuit DescriptionBuilt on top of the man-made Yas Island at a reported cost of $1.3 billion, the Hermann Tilke-designed Yas Marina Circuit held the distinction of hosing the first ever ‘evening’ Grand Prix when it joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2009.

The circuit added the V8 Supercars Championship to its calendar in 2010, with this year marking the first time the two classes have run on the same weekend. The change will see the Australian category taste the full circuit for the first time, having previously run on the 4.7km version.

formula 1 lap record:Sebastian Vettel, 1:40.279s, Red Bull-Renault, 2009

formula 1 event format:

friday:Practice: 2 x 90 min

Saturday:Practice: 1 x 90 minQualifying: 1 x 60 min

Sunday: 1 x 305km (55 laps)

formula 1 tyre format:Each car will be allocated six sets of the prime (Pirelli’s medium/white compound) and five sets of the option (Pirelli’s soft/yellow compound) tyres this weekend. Both compounds must be used in Sunday’s race.

V8 Supercars lap record:N/A

V8 Supercars event format:

friday:Practice: 2 x 30 min

Qualifying: 1 x 20 minNote: The fastest time set by each driver in qualifying sets their grid position for Race 1, while their second fastest time counts towards the Race 2 grid, and their third fastest time the Race 3 grid.

Saturday:Race: 2 x 65km (12 laps)

Sunday:Race: 1 x 65km (12 laps)

V8 Supercars tyre format:Each car will be allocated 12 hard and 12 soft tyres for the weekend, with no pre-marked tyres to be brought. Only the hard tyres can be used for the opening race (Race 24), with only the softs to be used in Races 25 and 26.

YAS MARInA CIRCuIt

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14 F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I track Details

YAS MARInA CIRCuIt

turn 1Turn 1 is medium speed, around 130kph, leading into the high speed Turns 2 and 3 which should be flat out in qualifying and only something for the drivers to think about when they are on heavy fuel loads.

turn 2Turn 2 is a defining corner for set-up. You need sufficient front wing to eradicate high speed understeer and this defines

Technical preview with Lotus F1’s trackside operations director Alan Permane

the Car

rear wingThe recent tracks - Suzuka, Korea, India have been a high-medium downforce level whereas Yas Marina is more towards a Monaco level of downforce - almost maximum because of the section between Turn 11 and 21 which is all very low speed with a lot of second gear corners.

BrakesThere are reasonable braking demands, especially into Turns 5, 8, 11 which have quite high speed approaches to the low speed corners. Temperatures will need to be monitored as will wear; these are not likely to be an issue, but more attention is paid to them here than at other tracks.

SuspensionThe kerbs are more pronounced than seen at some other tracks, in particular Turns 8, 9 and through the last sector. A soft car which rides the kerbs well helps here, but it’s a trade-off between having a soft car which will ride over the kerbs and one which is stiff enough for the driver to have a sharp change of direction which is necessary for the chicanes – 8-9 and 11-13.

tyresThe consecutive allocation of the medium

and soft compound Pirelli tyres should not present too many issues, with both tyres likely to suit the circuit – opening up the potential strategy permutations.

front wingTurn 2 is the crucial corner for determining how much front wing is used. More front wing is required here than for any other corner, so you need sufficient front wing for Turn 2 without causing too much detriment elsewhere..

engineThe day to night schedule makes ambient conditions vary significantly and grip levels, tyre warm up and air pressure will change. The engine needs to respond to this new set of parameters, so careful engine management and flexibility is crucial.

the CirCuit

how much front wing is used as the other corners can all use less than this one.

turn 5Turn 5 has one of the bigger braking demands on the circuit, down from around 300kph..

turn 7Good engine pickup out of Turn 7 is vital for to enter the longest straight of the track. Turn 7 is a second gear corner, taken at around 70kph.

turns 8 - 9The fastest part of the circuit, at the end of one of the longest straights in F1 with a maximum speed of around 320kph. It’s followed by heavy braking down to second gear and around 80kph. The kerbs are used aggressively through Turns 8-9 so a soft car is beneficial here.

approaching turn 11Another long straight with a top speed of over 300kph which leads into a heavy braking zone for Turn 11. Turns 11-13 need a good change of direction from the car.

turns 11 - 21Between Turns 11 and 21 is all very low speed with a lot of second gear corners, very reminiscent of a street course without actually being a street course.

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16 F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I tech Preview

The race format certainly makes the strategy simple this weekend - take the lead off the start and then run

flat-out until the chequered flag!

Qualifying

The most interesting part of the weekend will be qualifying as each car’s three fastest laps in the 20 minute session sets the grid positions for Races 24, 25 and 26 respectively. I’m not sure how well thought through this concept was to be honest as on a 5.5km track you’re only going to have time to do either three lots of one-lap runs or two lot of two-lap runs. Effectively everyone’s slowest time in the session will set the Race 26 grid.

Where it could really come undone is if there’s a red flag. Usually the clock stops for

TECH PREVIEW withCAMPBELL LITTLE

the first 15 minutes of red flag intervention, but because we’re running with Formula 1 that won’t be the case. With this format we certainly can’t afford to be losing time with a session stoppage.

tyres

We’ve been allocated 12 hard and 12 soft compound tyres this weekend, which is an interesting combination given that qualifying and two of the races need to be done on the softs. While we’ll be scratching for softs, chances are that we’ll be leaving with an unused set of hards. Seeing that they don’t get delivered back into the country until the 20th of December, we’ll likely be taking them off the boat and putting them straight into the bin...

track

The biggest difference for us this year is the time of day that we’ll be on track. Obviously we race with the Formula 1 guys at Albert Park each year so we’ve got some idea of how the track evolution is shaped by their Pirelli rubber, but the difference there is that we are on in the evening when

we race there. This year for example we only had one race that could be considered hot at around 35 degrees or so of track temperature.

In Abu Dhabi we’re expecting it to be 40 degrees or more when we’re on track and it’ll come down into the 30s when the F1 cars are out. Qualifying at 9:30am and racing at 3:00pm will mean about 20 degrees different in the track temperature, which will take a very different car I would have thought.

Brakes

The combination of running in hotter ambient temperatures and running the longer configuration circuit means that it’ll be quite a lot harder on brakes this year. Using the full back straight gives you a 270km/h to 50km/h stop into Turn 8, and you’ve got another ‘sixth-to-first’ braking area into Turn 11. Even though each race is only 65km I think they’ll be extremely hard on brakes.

17F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Did you know

Russell Ingall will rack up a career milestone in Abu Dhabi - his 500th Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars Championship race start.

The 2005 V8 Supercar champion will bring up the ‘500’ in Race 25 in Abu Dhabi (the second Saturday race) and remains the most experienced driver in the current field.

His 500th race start will come up in Ingall’s 217th ATCC/V8SC event.

The Supercheap Auto Racing driver sits 12th in the V8 Supercars

Holden’s VE Commodore is closing in on a special milestone in the history of the Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercars Championship.

The VE and its current VE II model have won a record 97 ATCC/ V8SC races since it was debuted at the 2007 Clipsal 500 with victory in the hands of Todd Kelly and the Holden Racing Team, left.

Three more race wins will see it become the first model to hit 100 race wins in the history of the ATCC/V8SC - a clean sweep in Abu Dhabi would bring up the century.

Prior to this weekend’s event in Abu Dhabi, there have been a total of 50 V8 Supercars Championship races held on foreign soil outside Australia.

Those races have been held since 2001 in New Zealand (Pukekohe and Hamilton), China (Shanghai), Bahrain and Abu Dhabi with the United States to be added next year with the Circuit of The Americas.

Jamie Whincup is the most successful driver with 12 race wins overseas clear of Greg Murphy (nine), Garth Tander (seven), Mark Skaife (five), Todd Kelly (four), Jason Bright and Mark Winterbottom (three each).

The most successful team has been Triple Eight (13), clear of HRT and Kmart Racing/HSV Dealer Team (12 each), Ford Performance Racing and PWR Racing (five each), Stone Brothers Racing (two) and Kelly Racing (one).

DID YOUKNOW ?

V8 Supercars Championship leader Jamie Whincup holds a 218 point lead over Mark Winterbottom heading to Abu Dhabi, but it’s his record at fly-away races that must also have his rivals nervous.

The three-time V8 Supercar champion has won three of the four races at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi (in 2010 and 2011, right) and finished on the podium in all four of them.

He also has a brilliant recent strike rate in the Middle East, amassing eight race wins from his last nine starts since 2008 across both Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

The battle for the V8 Supercars Champion Manufacturer award looks set to go down to the wire in 2012.

Holden is attempting to claim its third straight Champion Manufacturers crown and

Whincup has won more races than any other driver in the championship in 2012 - eight - and a pair of pole positions on the Gold Coast has moved him to the top of the chase for the Armor All Pole Position Award, which he has won for the last four years straight.

Championship, but has never had much luck in Abu Dhabi in his two previous trips in 2010 and 2011 with a 27th, 9th, 24th and DNF in the four races.

has a total of 13 race wins - all claimed by TeamVodafone - to Ford’s 10 - all claimed by Ford Performance Racing.

The two dominant teams have claimed all 23 race wins this season and have a winning streak between them that now stands at an amazing 26 dating back to November 2011.

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Formula 1 team profiles

19

reD Bull raCing

SEbASTIAN VETTEL

the Bagman’S SaY...Sebastian Vettel heads to Abu Dhabi as the red hot

favourite to win a fifth consecutive Grand Prix. The 25-year-old German has led every lap in the last three races having started on the front-row on each occasion.

Red Bull’s recent qualifying dominance, locking out the front-row for the last three races, has effectively shut-out its opposition from the outset. Mark Webber has used his improved starting positions to score two of his season tally of four podiums in the last two races, with his third place finish in India coming despite a KERS issue.

A one-two finish would be just the ticket for Vettel’s championship campaign this weekend.

Base: Milton Keynes, UKTeam Principal: Christian HornerTechnical Chief: Adrian NeweyChassis: RB8Engine: Renault RS27-2012

Debut: Albert Park, 2005Constructors’ titles: 2Wins: 34Pole Positions: 45Fastest Laps: 27

Nationality: GermanDate of Birth: 03/07/1987 Debut: Indianapolis, 2007World Championships: 2 Wins: 26Poles: 34 Fastest Laps: 13Career Highlights: 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2006 F3 Euro Series, 2nd 2004 Formula BMW ADAC

Nationality: AustralianDate of Birth: 27/08/1976 Debut: Albert Park, 2002World Championships: 0 Wins: 9Poles: 11 Fastest Laps: 14Career Highlights: 3rd 2010 and 2011 World Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 2001 International F3000, 1st 1996 British FF Festival

MARK WEbbER

SEBASTIAN VETTELChampionship Position: 1Best Qualifying: 1Average Qualifying: 4.5Best Finish: 1Average Finish: 5.5

MARK WEBBERChampionship Position: 5Best Qualifying: 1Average Qualifying: 6.0Best Finish: 1Average Finish: 6.3

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20 F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Driver Profiles

VoDafone mClaren merCeDeS

JENSON buTTON

the Bagman’S SaY...McLaren and Lewis Hamilton were victorious in last year’s

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but will return to the Yas Marina Circuit with realistic expectations of what can be achieved.

Both Hamilton and team-mate Jenson Button were left behind by the Red Bulls of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, as well as the Ferrari of Fernando Alonso, last time out in India.

With both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships having slipped through the team’s grasp this year, there is little to lose over the remaining races.

Base: Woking, UKTeam Principal: Martin WhitmarshTechnical Chief: Paddy LoweChassis: MP4-27Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1966World Championships: 8Wins: 180Poles Positions: 153Fastest Laps: 150

Nationality: BritishDate of Birth: 19/01/1980 Debut: Albert Park, 2000World Championships: 1 Wins: 14Poles: 8 Fastest Laps: 8Career Highlights: 2009 World Drivers’ Champion, 1st 1998 British FF Festival, 1998 British FF Champion

Nationality: BritishDate of Birth: 07/01/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2007World Championships: 1 Wins: 20Poles: 24 Fastest Laps: 11Career Highlights: 2008 World Drivers’ Champion, 2006 GP2 Champion, 2005 F3 Euroseries Champion

LEWIS HAMILTON

JENSON BUTTONChampionship Position: 6Best Qualifying: 1Average Qualifying: 6.5Best Finish: 1Average Finish: 9.5

LEWIS HAMILTONChampionship Position: 4Best Qualifying: 1Average Qualifying: 3.4Best Finish: 1Average Finish: 8.8

2012 FORM

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SCuDeria ferrari

FERNANDO ALONSO

the Bagman’S SaY...Fernando Alonso will continue his struggle to stay in the

championship fight at Yas Marina. The Spaniard dragged a second place finish from his Ferrari in India despite proving unable to qualify among the first two rows for the sixth time in seven races.

While the team clearly cannot match the pace of the Red Bulls at the moment, Alonso trails Sebastian Vettel in the standings by just 13 points and is not the type to panic. Another podium this weekend will still have the pressure on the German heading into the final two races.

Base: Maranello, ItalyTeam Principal: Stefano DomenicaliTechnical Chief: Pat FryChassis: F2012Engine: Ferrari 056

Debut: Monte Carlo, 1950World Championships: 16Wins: 219Pole Positions: 207Fastest Laps: 227

Nationality: SpanishDate of Birth: 29/07/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2001World Championships: 2 Wins: 30Poles: 22 Fastest Laps: 19Career Highlights: 2005 and 2006 World Drivers Champion, 1st 1999 Euro Open by Nissan

Nationality: BrazilianDate of Birth: 25/04/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2002World Championships: 0 Wins: 11Poles: 15 Fastest Laps: 14Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 World Drivers’ Championship, 1st 2001 Euro F3000, 1st 2000 Formula Renault Eurocup

FELIPE MASSA

FERNANDO ALONSOChampionship Position: 2Best Qualifying: 1Average Qualifying: 6.3Best Finish: 1Average Finish: 5.7

FELIPE MASSAChampionship Position: 9Best Qualifying: 3Average Qualifying: 10.4Best Finish: 2Average Finish: 9.1

2012 FORM

23F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Driver Profiles

merCeDeS amg PetronaS f1 team

MICHAEL SCHuMACHER

the Bagman’S SaY...Mercedes continues to stagger towards the end of the

2012 season, failing to score points in each of the last three races.

The Brackley based squad could at least take solace from the fact that its Sauber rivals also failed to score last time out in India, leaving the gap between the pair in the Constructors’ Championship at 20 points.

The team insists, however, that it has not turned the development tap off of its current car, a statement at least partially proven by the exhaust upgrades it has brought to recent events.

Both Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher made Q3 in India and Korea, giving the team hope it can end its scoreless run this weekend.

Base: Brackley, UKTeam Principal: Ross BrawnTechnical Chief: Bob BellChassis: F1 W03Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z

Debut: Albert Park, 2010World Championships: 0Wins: 1Pole Positions: 2Fastest Laps: 3

Nationality: GermanDate of Birth: 03/01/1969 Debut: Spa, 1991World Championships: 7 Wins: 91Poles: 69 Fastest Laps: 77Career Highlights: 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 World Drivers’ Champion, 1990 German F3 Champion

Nationality: GermanDate of Birth: 27/06/1985 Debut: Sakhir, 2006World Championships: 0 Wins: 1Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 4Place of Birth: WiesbadenCareer Highlights: 2nd 2008 Singapore Grand Prix, 2005 GP2 Champion, 1st 2002 Formula BMW ADAC

NICO ROSbERG

MICHAEL SCHUMACHERChampionship Position: 14Best Qualifying: 1Average Qualifying: 8.6Best Finish: 3Average Finish: 14.7

NICO ROSBERGChampionship Position: 7Best Qualifying: 1Average Qualifying: 9.1Best Finish: 1Average Finish: 9.9

2012 FORM

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lotuS f1 team

KIMI RAIKKONEN

the Bagman’S SaY...Lotus now appears destined to go winless this

year having failed to capitalise on the early season unpredictability or develop its car into a fully blown contender.

The main focus for Kimi Raikkonen heading into the final three races should be to maintain his third placing in the Drivers’ Championship, which will be far from an easy task given that Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton trail the Finn by just six and eight points respectively.

The team at least has one big question out of the way heading into the weekend having announced that Raikkonen will stay with the team in 2013.

Base: Enstone, UKTeam Principal: Eric BoullierTechnical Chief: James AllisonChassis: E20Engine: Renault RS27- 2012


Nationality: FinnishDate of Birth: 17/10/1979 Debut: Albert Park, 2001World Championships: 1 Wins: 18Poles: 16 Fastest Laps: 37Career Highlights: 2007 World Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2005 World Driver’s Championship, 2000 British Formula Renault champion

Nationality: FrenchDate of Birth: 17/04/1986 Debut: Valencia, 2009World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1Career Highlights: 2011 GP2 and GP2 Asia Series Champion, 2010 Auto GP champion, 2007 F3 Euro Series Champion

ROMAIN GROSJEAN

KIMI RAIKKONENChampionship Position: 3Best Qualifying: 4Average Qualifying: 7.9Best Finish: 2Average Finish: 5.4

ROMAIN GROSJEANChampionship Position: 8Best Qualifying: 2Average Qualifying: 7.6Best Finish: 2Average Finish: 14.3

2012 FORM


Sahara forCe inDia f1 team

PAuL DI RESTA

the Bagman’S SaY...The worst kept secret surrounding this team, that Nico

Hulkenberg will be leaving for Sauber next season, was finally made public as the Formula 1 circus arrived in Abu Dhabi.

The German has enjoyed a strong season, out-qualifying his highly-rated team-mate Paul di Resta on nine occasions and currently sits five points (and one place) ahead in the championship standings.

Although a chance to score points in each of the remaining races, the team appears highly unlikely to be able to overhaul the 23 point gap to Sauber, which currently sits sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.

Base: Silverstone, UKTeam Principal: Vijay MallyaTechnical Chief: Andrew GreenChassis: VJM05Engine: Mercedes-Benz FO108Z


Nationality: ScottishDate of Birth: 16/04/1986 Debut: Albert Park, 2011World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0Career Highlights: 2010 DTM Champion, 2006 Formula 3 Euroseries Champion, 1st 2006 Masters of F3

Nationality: GermanDate of Birth: 19/08/1987 Debut: Sakhir, 2010World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 1Career Highlights: Pole Position for 2010 Brazilian Grand Prix, 2009 GP2 Series Champion, 2005 Formula BMW ADAC champion

NICO HuLKENbERG

PAUL DI RESTAChampionship Position: 13Best Qualifying: 4Average Qualifying: 11.4Best Finish: 4Average Finish: 10.5

NICO HULKENBERGChampionship Position: 12Best Qualifying: 5Average Qualifying: 11.8Best Finish: 4Average Finish: 10.9

2012 FORM


SauBer f1 team

KAMuI KObAYASHI

the Bagman’S SaY...Despite failing to score in either of the last two races,

Sauber says its determined to overcome the 20 point deficit it currently faces in the Constructors’ Championship to fifth placed Mercedes. In order to do so, the team will likely need to score points with both of its cars - a feat not easily achievable.

Kamui Kobayashi and Sergio Perez have managed to find themselves together in the top 10 at the end of a Grand Prix just four times in the 17 races contested thus far, with the former having failed to score a point on the three occasions that the Mexican has finished on the podium.

Base: Hinwil, SwitzerlandTeam Principal: Peter SauberTechnical Chief: Matt MorrisChassis: C31Engine: Ferrari 056

Debut: Kylami, 1993World Championships: 0Wins: 1Pole Positions: 1Fastest Laps: 4

Nationality: JapaneseDate of Birth: 13/09/1986 Debut: Interlagos, 2009World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1Career Highlights: 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series Champion, 4th 2007 F3 Euroseries, 1st 2005 FRenault Eurocup

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

SERGIO PEREZ

KAMUI KOBAYASHIChampionship Position: 11Best Qualifying: 2Average Qualifying: 11.1Best Finish: 3Average Finish: 12.7

SERGIO PEREZChampionship Position: 10Best Qualifying: 5Average Qualifying: 12.0Best Finish: 2Average Finish: 12.2

2012 FORM

28

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SCuDeria toro roSSo

DANIEL RICCIARDO

the Bagman’S SaY...Toro Rosso pair Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne

head into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend knowing that there 2013 future is secured after the team’s confirmation that it will keep both drivers.

Although the second-tier Red Bull squad has proven ruthless with its drivers in the past, few would be surprised to see the Australian and the Frenchman stay on after promising seasons for both.

While the car has been largely a disappointment, the more experienced Ricciardo has repeatedly out-qualified his team-mate, while Vergne has shown flashes of speed, taking three eighth place finishes.

More points will be a tough ask here but are far from out of the question.

Base: Faenza, ItalyTeam Principal: Franz TostTechnical Chief: Giorgio AscanelliChassis: STR7Engine: Ferrari 056

Debut: Sakhir, 2006World Championships: 0Wins: 1Pole Positions: 1Fastest Laps: 0

Nationality: AustralianDate of Birth: 01/07/1989 Debut: Silverstone, 2011World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0Career Highlights: 2009 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd 2010 Formula Renault 3.5, 2008 Formula Renault 2.0 Champion

Nationality: FrenchDate of Birth:25/04/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012World Championships: – Wins: –Poles: – Fastest Laps: –Career Highlights: 2nd 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, 2010 British Formula 3 Champion, 2nd European Formula Renault 2.0 series

JEAN-ERIC VERGNE

DANIEL RICCIARDOChampionship Position: 18Best Qualifying: 6Average Qualifying: 14.5Best Finish: 9Average Finish: 12.4

JEAN-ERIC VERGNEChampionship Position: 17Best Qualifying: 11Average Qualifying: 16.8Best Finish: 8Average Finish: 14.3

2012 FORM


WilliamS

the Bagman’S SaY...Pastor Maldonado provided some encouragement for the

Williams team in India when he made Q3 for the first time in three events. The Venezuelan’s chances of points, however, were dashed thanks to a clash with Kamui Kobayashi and a subsequent punctured tyre, leaving Maldonado to finish 16th.

Burno Senna was also his usual self at the Buddh International Circuit, qualifying four places behind his team-mate in 13th before driving quietly to pick--up the final point in the race.

Maldonado again looms as the only one of this pair capable of making the points this weekend on pure pace.

Base: Grove, UKTeam Principal: Frank WilliamsTechnical Chief: Mike CoughlanChassis: FW34Engine: Renault RS27- 2012

Debut: Aires, 1978World Championships: 9Wins: 114Pole Positions: 127Fastest Laps: 131

Nationality: VenezuelanDate of Birth: 09/03/1985 Debut: Albert Park, 2011World Championships: 0 Wins: 1Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 0Career Highlights: 2010 GP2 Champion, 3rd 2006 Formula Renault 3.5, 1st 2004 Formula Renault 2000 Italia

Nationality: BrazilianDate of Birth: 15/10/1983 Debut: Sakhir, 2010 World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 1Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 GP2 Series, 3rd 2006 British F3 Championship, 5th 2008 GP2 Asia Series

bRuNO SENNA

PASTOR MALDONADOChampionship Position: 15Best Qualifying: 2Average Qualifying: 9.2Best Finish: 1Average Finish: 14.5

BRUNO SENNAChampionship Position: 16Best Qualifying: 9Average Qualifying: 15.0Best Finish: 6Average Finish: 13.1

PASTOR MALDONADO

2012 FORM


Caterham f1 team

HEIKKI KOVALAINEN

the Bagman’S SaY...Caterham is running out of race in which is snatch back

10th spot in the Constructors’ Championship from Marussia, which benefited from attrition in Singapore to score a surprise 12th place with Timo Glock.

While matching that mark will be a tough ask this without a spate of mechanical issues or driver errors further up the field, previous form suggests that the team will at least be able to out-pace its Marussia rivals, however.

Base: Hingham, UKTeam Principal: Tony FernandesTechnical Chief: Mike GascoyneChassis: CT01Engine: Renault RS27-2012

Debut: Sakhir, 2010World Championships : 0Wins: 0Pole Positions: 0Fastest Laps: 0

Nationality: FinnishDate of Birth: 19/10/1981 Debut: Albert Park, 2007World Championships: 0 Wins: 1Poles: 1 Fastest Laps: 2Career Highlights: 1st 2008 Hungarian Grand Prix, 2nd 2005 GP2 Series, 1st 2004 World Series by Nissan

Nationality: RussianDate of Birth: 08/09/1984 Debut: Sakhir, 2010World Championships: 0 Wins: 0 Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0Career Highlights: 3rd 2011 Australian Grand Prix, 2nd 2009 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 GP2 Asia Series

VITALY PETROV

HEIKKI KOVALAINENChampionship Position: 20Best Qualifying: 16Average Qualifying: 18.8Best Finish: 13Average Finish: 16.8

VITALY PETROVChampionship Position: 21Best Qualifying: 19Average Qualifying: 19.7Best Finish: 13Average Finish: 17.4

2012 FORM

32

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hrt f1 team

PEDRO DE LA ROSA

the Bagman’S SaY...The HRT will simply be aiming to get both of its cars

to the finish this weekend after enduring a poor run of reliability over recent races, including the brake failure that pitched Pedro de la Rosa into the barriers last time out in India.

Although neither de la Rosa nor Narain Karthikeyan have raced on the Yas Marina Circuit before, the Spaniard at least has extensive experience of the venue having tested there with Pirelli’s tyre program.

For the third time this season, Chinese driver Ma Qing Hua will take to the wheel during Free Practice 1.

Base: Madrid, SpainTeam Principal: Luis Perez-SalaTechnical Chief: Jean-Claude MartensChassis: F112Engine: Cosworth CA2012

Debut: Sakhir, 2010World Championships: 0WIns: 0Pole Positions: 0Fastest Laps: 0

Nationality: SpanishDate of Birth: 24/02/1971 Debut: Albert Park, 1999World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0Career Highlights: 1997 Formula Nippon F3000 Champion, 1995 Japanese Formula 3 Champion

Nationality: IndianDate of Birth: 14/01/1977 Debut: Albert Park, 2005World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0Career Highlights: 4th 2005 US Grand Prix, 4th 2000 British F3 Championship, 4th 2003 Formula Nissan WS

NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN

PEDRO DE LA ROSAChampionship Position: 25Best Qualifying: 21Average Qualifying: 22.4Best Finish: 17Average Finish: 20.3

NARAIN KARTHIKEYANChampionship Position: 24Best Qualifying: 22Average Qualifying: 23.5Best Finish: 15Average Finish: 21.0

2012 FORM


maruSSia f1 team

TIMO GLOCK

the Bagman’S SaY...Marussia is sitting pretty in 10th in the Constructors’

Championship with three races remaining. While neither Timo Glock nor team-mate Charles Pic have much chance of scoring the team’s first-ever point before the season’s out, Glock’s 12th place finish in Singapore should be enough to secure the position.

Pic meanwhile will be looking to a smoother pre-race run this weekend after his Indian Grand Prix build-up was hampered by mechanical issues.

Base: Banbury, UKTeam Principal: John BoothTechnical Chief: Pat SymondsChassis: MR01Engine: Cosworth CA2012

Debut: Sakhir, 2010World Championships: 0Wins: 0Pole Positions: 0Fastest Laps: 0

Nationality: GermanDate of Birth: 18/03/1982 Debut: Montreal, 2004World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 2 Fastest Laps: 1Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 Singapore Grand Prix, 2007 GP2 Champion, 1st 2001 Formula BMW ADAC

Nationality: FrenchDate of Birth: 15/02/1990 Debut: Albert Park, 2012World Championships: 0 Wins: 0Poles: 0 Fastest Laps: 0Career Highlights: 4th 2011 GP2 Series, 3rd 2008 and 2009 World Series by Renault FR 3.5

CHARLES PIC

TIMO GLOCKChampionship Position: 19Best Qualifying: 20Average Qualifying: 21.3Best Finish: 12Average Finish: 17.6

CHARLES PICChampionship Position: 23Best Qualifying: 21Average Qualifying: 22.1Best Finish: 15Average Finish: 18.7

2012 FORM

35

V8 Supercars team profiles

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thE BAgMAnthe Bagman’s SayJamie Whincup has the runs on the board both in recent races and in the four previous Abu Dhabi encounters to be a well deserved favourite heading into this weekend.It won’t be easy for the championship leader however, as the three FPR entries are in fine form and will again provide a major challenge to the Vodafone Holdens.The format meanwhile could well work against Whincup, who can’t afford to repeat his occasionally tardy starts in these short sprints.Team-mate Craig Lowndes meanwhile cannot be discounted, although besting his team-mate in a straight-fight appears unlikely.

triple eightBase: Banyo, QueenslandCar: Holden Commodore VEIIChassis: Triple Eight Race EngineeringEngines: KRE Team principal: Roland Dane

#1 Jamie Whincup

Team: TeamVodafoneBorn: 6 February 1983V8SC debut: Queensland, 2002Starts: 266 Wins: 59Career Highlights: 2008, 2009 & 2011 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 2006, 2007 & 2008 Bathurst 1000, 2002 Australian Formula Ford Champion

#888 Craig LowndesTeam: TeamVodafoneBorn: 21 June 1974V8SC debut: Calder Park, 1996Starts: 462 Wins: 86Career Highlights: 1996, 1998 & 1999 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 1996, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010 Bathurst 1000, 1993 Australian Formula Ford Champion

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the Bagman’s SayThere’ll be plenty of eyes on James Courtney this weekend as the 2010 champ returns to the scene of his only HRT win. While Courtney has proven a top 10 contender in each of the last six races, the fact that his 2011 Yas win was largely down to fuel strategy should be kept in mind when making predictions for this weekend. Toppling the Triple Eight/FPR juggernaut once again will be a very big ask.Courtney, however, should fancy his chances of edging team-mate Garth Tander. The West Australian had a poor run in Abu Dhabi both in 2010 and 2011, and was out-qualified by Courtney for both races on the Gold Coast - just the second time all year Courtney has come out on top in consecutive qualifying sessions.

Walkinshaw racingBase: Clayton, VictoriaCar: Holden Commodore VEIIChassis: Walkinshaw RacingEngines: Walkinshaw RacingTeam principal: Steve Hallam

#2 Garth Tander

Team: Toll Holden Racing TeamBorn: 31 March 1977V8SC debut: Phillip Island, 1998Starts: 431 Wins: 50Career Highlights: 2007 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 2000, 2009 & 2011 Bathurst 1000, 1997 Australian Formula Ford Champion

#22 James Courtney

Team: Toll Holden Racing Team Born: 29 June 1980V8SC debut: Sandown, 2005Starts: 210 Wins: 9Career Highlights: 2010 V8 Supercars Champion, 2001 British Formula Ford Champion, 2002 Jaguar F1 test driver, 2000 British Formula Ford Champion

#66 Russell Ingall

Team: Supercheap Auto RacingBorn: 24 February 1964V8SC debut: Eastern Creek, 1996Starts: 496 Wins: 27Career Highlights: 2005 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 1995 & 1997 Bathurst 1000,1st 1998 Sandown 500 & 1999 Queensland 500, 1993 British Formula Ford Champion

39

the Bagman’s SayStone Brothers Racing enjoyed one of its most successful outings of the season in Abu Dhabi last year and will no doubt be keen to pick up where it left off.More so than ever thanks to the format, qualifying will be critical this year - an area where SBR particularly struggled on the Gold Coast, with a pair of 10ths for Van Gisbergen the pick of a disappointing litter.Van Gisbergen still appears the best chance for this team, while Holdsworth - who hasn’t qualified better than 10th in 11 races - is in danger of falling out of the top 10 in points with another bad result.

Stone Brothers racingBase: Yatla, QueenslandCar: Ford Falcon FGChassis: Stone Brothers RacingEngines: Stone Brothers RacingTeam principal: Ross Stone

#4 Lee Holdsworth

Team: IRWIN RacingBorn: 2 February 1983.V8SC debut: Sandown, 2004Starts: 218 Wins: 2Career Highlights: 1st 2010 V8 Supercars Race 26 (Sydney), 1st 2007 V8 Supercars Round 8 (Oran Park), 3rd 2009 Bathurst 1000, 7th 2010 V8 Supercars Championship

#9 Shane van GisbergenTeam: SP Tools RacingBorn: 9 May 1989V8SC deubt: Oran Park, 2007 Starts: 155 Wins: 2Career Highlights: 1st 2011 ITM400 Hamilton (Race 6), 1st 2011 Skycity Triple Crown (Race 12), 2005/06 NZ FFord Champion, 2nd 2006/07 Toyota Racing Series

#47 Tim Slade

Team: Lucky 7 RacingBorn: 3 August 1985V8SC debut: Adelaide, 2009Starts: 100 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2nd 2005 Australian Formula Ford Championship, 7th 2008 V8 Supercars Development Series, 9th 2011 V8 Supercars Championship

F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Driver Profiles

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the Bagman’s SayFPR ended TeamVodafone’s winning streak at 11 last time out on the Gold Coast, where Will Davison bounced back from a Saturday faux pas to take a brilliant Sunday victory alongside Mika Salo.Davison, Winterbottom and Reynolds should all be considered chances to jag a win this weekend. The Orrcon-backed pilot clearly needs to start beating Jamie Whincup if he wants to enter the final races with a realistic shot at championship glory. Winterbottom’s double-podium on the Gold Coast was the result of some magnificent disaster-recovery, but thirds won’t be enough from here on in.

ford Performance racingBase: Campbelfield, VictoriaCar: Ford Falcon FGChassis: Ford Performance RacingEngines: Ford Performance RacingTeam principal: Tim Edwards

#5 Mark Winterbottom

Team: Orrcon Steel FPRBorn: 20 May 1981V8SC debut: Sandown, 2003Starts: 265 Wins: 20Career Highlights: 1st 2006 Sandown 500, 1st 2003 V8 Supercars Development Series , 2nd 2008 V8 Supercars Championship, 2nd 2002 Australian Formula Ford Championship

#6 Will DavisonTeam: Tradingpost FPRBorn: 30 August 1982V8SC debut: Winton, 2004Starts: 215 Wins: 13Career Highlights: 1st 2009 Bathurst 1000, 1st 2009 Phillip Island 500, 2nd 2009 V8 Supercars Championship, 2001 Australian Formula Ford Champion

#55 David Reynolds

Team: The Bottle-O RacingBorn: July 1985.V8SC debut: Sandown, 2007Starts: 70 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2007 Australian Carrera Cup Champion, 2004 Australian Formula Ford Champion, 4th 2008 V8 Supercars Development Series

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the Bagman’s SayRick Kelly’s qualifying speed was arguably the biggest surprise of the entire Gold Coast event, with the #15 Jack Daniel’s Racing Holden lining-up inside the top five for both races. Kelly had entered the event with just one top five qualifying effort to his name and a season average starting slot of 15th. Race results of eighth and 11th, however, snuffed out any hopes that a true miracle had occurred.Finishing in the top half of the field will again be strong results for Kelly this weekend, while his three team-mates will likely be outside the top 20.The Car of the Future era clearly can’t come quickly enough for this team...

Kelly racingBase: Braeside, VictoriaCar: Holden Commodore VEIIChassis: Kelly RacingEngines: Kelly RacingTeam principals: Rick and Todd Kelly

#7 Tim blanchard

Team: Jack Daniel’s RacingBorn: 21 June 1972V8SC debut: 2010Starts: 7 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2007 Australian Formula Ford Champion, 2nd 2008 British Formula Ford Championship, 2nd 2010 V8 Development Series

#11 Karl ReindlerTeam: Fair Dinkum Sheds RacingBorn: 18 April 1985V8SC debut: Bathurst, 2008Starts: 76 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2004 Australian F3 Champion, 8th 2008 V8 Supercars Development Series, 3rd 2006 A1GP Shanghai Feature Race


#15 Rick Kelly

Team: Jack Daniel’s RacingBorn: 7 January 1983V8SC debut: Queensland, 2001Starts: 318 Wins: 12Career Highlights: 2006 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 2003 & 2004 Bathurst 1000 , 2001 Australian Drivers’ Champion, 2nd 2000 Australian Formula Ford Championship

#51 Greg Murphy

Team: Pepsi Max CrewBorn: 23 August 1972V8SC debut: 1997Starts: 429 Wins: 28Career Highlights: 1st 1996, 1999, 2003 & 2004 Bathurst 1000, 1st 1996 & 97 Sandown 500, 1st 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour

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the Bagman’s SayBrad Jones Racing heads to Abu Dhabi off the back of a difficult series of races. A 10th place finish for Fabian Coulthard and co-driver Nicholas Minassian on Sunday in Surfers Paradise is the only top 10 that the three-car squad has scored since Sydney Motorsport Park in August. The Gold Coast weekend in fact saw Coulthard drop out of the top 10 in points - a deeply disappointing development after a highly encouraging mid-season run for the Lockwood entry.Jason Bright used a mix of fuel strategy and speed to star in Abu Dhabi last year. A repeat podium finish will likely be too much to ask, but top 10s for either Bright or Coulthard are far from out of the question.

Brad Jones racingBase: Albury, VictoriaCar: Holden Commodore VEIIChassis: Walkinshaw RacingEngines: Noonan Race EnginesTeam principals: Brad and Kim Jones

#8 Jason bright

Team: Team BOCBorn: 7 March 1973V8SC debut: Symmons Plains, 1997 Starts: 404 Wins: 30Career Highlights: 1st 1998 Bathurst 1000, 1995 Australian Formula Ford Champion, 1997 Australian Drivers’ Champion, 1st 2006 Sandown 500

#14 Fabian CoulthardTeam: Lockwood RacingBorn: 28 July 1982V8SC debut: Oran Park, 2004Starts: 177 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2005 Australian Carrera Cup Champion, 2001 NZ Formula Ford Champion, 3rd 2004 Australian Carrera Cup, 4th 2000 NZ Formula Ford Championship

#21 David Wall

Team: Wilson Security RacingBorn: 1 January 1983V8SC debut: Phillip Island, 2009Starts: 27 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2009 & 2010 Australian GT Champion, 3rd 2007 Australian GT Championship, 11th 2011 V8 Supercars Development Series

F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Driver Profiles


the Bagman’s SayUnfortunately for DJR, the subject of the team’s downsizing for the 2013 season has been far more newsworthy that its results over recent events.Team drivers Steven Johnson, Dean Fiore, Steve Owen and James Moffat sit just 17th, 19th, 20th and 24th respectively in the championship after 23 of 30 races, scoring just one top 10 between them across the last six encounters.It’s difficult to see much of an upswing in results this weekend in Abu Dhabi, although this event is as good as guaranteed to be kinder to James Moffat than Surfers Paradise, where the son-of-a-gun failed to take the wheel in either race.

Dick Johnson racingBase: Yatla, QueenslandCar: Ford Falcon FGChassis: Triple Eight Race EngineeringEngines: InnoV8 (Roger Higgins)Team principal: Dick Johnson

#12 Dean Fiore

Team: Jim Beam RacingBorn: 1 December 1983V8SC debut: Adelaide, 2009Starts: 101 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Australian Carrera Cup Championship, 4th 2005 Australian Formula Ford Championship, 5th 2007 Australian Carrera Cup Championship

#17 Steven JohnsonTeam: Jim Beam RacingBorn: 6 September 1974V8SC debut: Oran Park, 1994Starts: 406 Wins: 3Career Highlights: 1st 2001 Queensland 500, 1st 2001 Canberra 400, 5th 2001 V8 Supercars Championship, 6th 2009 V8 Supercars Championship


#49 Steve Owen

Team: VIP Petfoods RacingBorn: 18 December 1974V8SC debut: Bathurst, 1999Starts: 155 Wins: 1Career Highlights: 1st 2008 & 2010 V8 Supercars Development Series, 1st 2010 V8 Supercars Race 20 (Gold Coast), 2nd 1999 Australian Formula Ford Championship

#18 James Moffat

Team: Team Norton DJRBorn: 1 8 June 1984V8SC debut: Phillip Island, 2010Starts: 51 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 V8 Development Series, 3rd 2008 Australian Carrera Cup Championship, 3rd 2007 Australian Formula Ford Championship

48

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the Bagman’s SayThe two Tekno Autosports Holdens head to Abu Dhabi sporting identical major sponsors for the first time all season, but few can expect that the two cars will be turning in similar results.Jonathon Webb continued his impressive run of form on the Gold Coast. Having scored Tekno’s first podium finish on Saturday, only a kerb-hopping penalty prevented the Gold Coast based driver from recording a fourth consecutive top 10 finish. Team-mate Michael Patrizi meanwhile has had a shocking run in the last four races, with a single 11th place finish coming amid DNFs at Sandown and Bathurst and a DNS due to a qualifying crash on Sunday at Surfers. Banking solid finishes should be Patrizi’s aim this weekend while Webb guns for the top runners.

tekno autosportsBase: Stapylton, QueenslandCar: Holden Commodore VEIIChassis: Triple Eight Race EngineeringEngines: KRETeam principal: Jonathon Webb

#19 Jonathon Webb

Team: Tekno AutosportsBorn: 10 December 1983V8SC debut: Sandown, 2006Starts: 82 Wins: 1Career Highlights: 1st 2009 V8 Supercars Development Series, 3rd 2005 Australian Carrera Cup Championship, 2010 V8 Supercars Race 26 winner

#91 Michael PatriziTeam: Tekno AutosportsBorn: 4 May 1984V8SC debut: Adelaide, 2008Starts: 50 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2nd 2005 Formula BMW Asia,, 8th 2006 Formula BMW UK, 18th 2007 Formula 3 Euroseries, 6th 2011 Australian Carrera Cup Championship


the Bagman’s SayAlexandre Premat returns to the GRM fold this weekend after being forced to watch the Gold Coast event unfold from the sidelines. Premat finds himself in one of the team’s spare chassis following the Race 22 startline accident involving the #33 entry, and going on the Frenchman’s season-long form, it’s hard to see him making much of an impact. Being more familiar with open, European-style, circuits like the Tilke-designed Yas Marina venue may at least help Premat’s quest to finish in the top 20.Team-mate Michael Caruso meanwhile may also struggle on a style of circuit not traditionally suited to the GRM cars. The top 10 may be a stretch.

garry rogers motorsportBase: Knoxfield, VictoriaCar: Holden Commodore VEIIChassis: Garry Rogers MotorsportEngines: Walkinshaw RacingTeam principal: Garry Rogers

#33 Alexandre Premat

Team: Fujitsu Racing GRMBorn: 5 April 1982V8SC debut: Adelaide, 2012Starts: 19 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 2008 Le Mans Series Champion, 1st 2005-06 A1 GP Series (Team France), 1st 2004 Macau Grand Prix, 1st 2004 Masters of F3

#34 Michael CarusoTeam: Fujitsu Racing GRMBorn: 25 May 1983V8SC debut: Bathurst, 2006Starts: 141 Wins: 1Career Highlights: 2003 Australian Formula 3 Champion, 3rd 2009 Bathurst 1000, 1st 2009 V8 Supercars Race 10 (Hidden Valley), 2nd 2007 V8 Supercars Development Series


the Bagman’s SayTony D’Alberto says he’s simply hoping for some luck this weekend in Abu Dhabi, and when one looks at this entry’s recent record, few can blame him. Following frustrating campaigns at Sandown and Bathurst, being taken out of the Gold Coast event at the start of the opening race was a major blow.D’Alberto’s soft tyre qualifying form has been strong in the back half of the year, and with the Yas layout expecting to suit the FPR cars, this entry could be a surprise top 10 contender.

the Bagman’s SayStaying out of trouble was the hallmark of Taz Douglas’ Gold Coast campaign, which yielded a 14th and a 16th place finish from two typically lowly starting positions. The end result was a gain of two places in the points standings and a solid base on which to build this weekend.Douglas is among just three drivers (alongside Tim Blanchard and David Wall) never to have driven at the Yas Marina Circuit before. With such limited pre-race running, this could hurt the former Dunlop Series runner’s chances of qualifying higher than the bottom couple of rows.

tony D’alberto racingBase: Knoxfield, VictoriaCar: Ford Falcon FGChassis: Ford Performance RacingEngines: Ford Performance RacingTeam principal: Al D’Alberto

lucas Dumbrell motorsportBase: Nunawading, VictoriaCar: Holden Commodore VEIIChassis: Triple Eight Race EngineeringEngines: KRETeam principal: Lucas Dumbrell

#3 Tony D’Alberto

Team: Tony D’Alberto RacingBorn: 9 December 1985V8SC debut: Sandown, 2005Starts: 142 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 1st 2007 V8 Supercars Development Series, 6th 2007 Bathurst 1000, 5th 2005 V8 Supercars Development Series, 9th 2011 Bathurst 1000

#30 Taz Douglas

Team: Lucas Dumbrell MotorsportBorn: 11 February 1985V8SC debut: Phillip Island, 2009Starts: 26 Wins: 0Career Highlights: 1st 2010 V8 Supercars Development Series Sandown Race 2, 8th 2007 Australian Formula Ford Championship, 9th 2009 V8 Supercars Development Series

52 F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Race Stats

ChAMPIonShIP StAnDIngSWorlD DriVerS ChamPionShiP

no Driver nat Car Points

1 Sebastian Vettel Germany Red Bull 240

2 Fernando Alonso Spain Ferrari 227

3 Kimi Raikkonen Finland Lotus 173

4 Mark Webber Australia Red Bull 167

5 Lewis Hamilton Great Britain McLaren 165

6 Jenson Button Great Britain McLaren 141

7 Nico Rosberg Germany Mercedes 93

8 Romain Grosjean France Lotus 90

9 Felipe Massa Brazil Ferrari 89

10 Sergio Perez Mexico Sauber 66

11 Kamui Kobayshi Japan Sauber 50

12 Nico Hulkenberg Germany Force India 49

13 Paul Di Resta Great Britain Force India 44

14 Michael Schumacher Germany Mercedes 43

15 Pastor Maldonado Venezuala Williams 33

16 Bruno Senna Brazil Williams 26

17 Jean-Eric Vergne France Toro Rosso 12

18 Daniel Ricciardo Australia Toro Rosso 9

19 Timo Glock Germany Marussia 0

20 Heikki Kovalainen Finland Caterham 0

21 Vitaly Petrov Russia Caterham 0

22 Jérôme D’Ambrosio Belgium Lotus 0

23 Charles Pic France Marussia 0

24 Narain Karthikeyan India HRT 0

25 Pedro de la Rosa Spain HRT 0

WorlD ConStruCtorS ChamPionShiPPos Constructor Points

1 Red Bull Racing 407

2 Scuderia Ferrari 316

3 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes 306

4 Lotus F1 Team 263

5 Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team 136

6 Sauber F1 Team 116

7 Sahara Force India F1 Team 93

8 Williams F1 Team 59

9 Scuderia Toro Rosso 21

10 Marussia F1 Team 0

11 Caterham F1 Team 0

12 HRT F1 Team 0

53

1300 003 003

FINANCE MADE EZI

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BIKESBIKESBOATSBOATS

TRUCKSTRUCKS BUSINESSBUSINESS

http://www.financeezi.com.au/


V8 SuPERCARS ChAMPIonShIP PoIntStoP 28 AFtER 23 oF 30 RACES

Pos Driver team Car Pts

1 Jamie Whincup TeamVodafone Holden Commodore VE 3060

2 Mark Winterbottom Orrcon Steel FPR Ford Falcon FG 2842

3 Craig Lowndes TeamVodafone Holden Commodore VE 2815

4 Will Davison Trading Post FPR Ford Falcon FG 2503

5 Shane Van Gisbergen SP Tools Racing Ford Falcon FG 2182

6 Tim Slade Lucky 7 Racing Ford Falcon FG 2085

7 Garth Tander Holden Racing Team Holden Commodore VE 2030

8 David Reynolds The Bottle-O Racing Holden Commodore VE 1746

9 James Courtney Holden Racing Team Holden Commodore VE 1725

10 Lee Holdsworth IRWIN Racing Ford Falcon FG 1719

11 Fabian Coulthard Lockwood Racing Holden Commodore VE 1691

12 Russell Ingall Supercheap Auto Racing Holden Commodore VE 1628

13 Michael Caruso Fujitsu Racing GRM Holden Commodore VE 1517

14 Jonathon Webb Tekno Autosport Holden Commodore VE 1515

15 Rick Kelly Jack Daniel’s Racing Holden Commodore VE 1488

16 Jason Bright Team BOC Holden Commodore VE 1438

17 Steven Johnson Jim Beam Racing Ford Falcon FG 1359

18 Todd Kelly Jack Daniel’s Racing Holden Commodore VE 1263

19 Dean Fiore Jim Beam Racing Ford Falcon FG 1147

20 Steve Owen VIP Petfoods Racing Ford Falcon FG 1073

21 Michael Patrizi Tekno Autosports Holden Commodore VE 1072

22 David Wall Wilson Security Racing Holden Commodore VE 949

23 Tony D’Alberto Tony D’Alberto Racing Ford Falcon FG 917

24 James Moffat Team Norton DJR Ford Falcon FG 892

25 Taz Douglas Team iSelect Holden Commodore VE 852

26 Karl Reindler Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing Holden Commodore VE 830

27 Alexandre Premat Fujitsu Racing GRM Holden Commodore VE 782

28 Greg Murphy Pepsi Max Crew Holden Commodore VE 613

55F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Race Stats

2012 SEASon StAtIStICSrace WinsJamie Whincup 8, Will Davison 7, Craig Lowndes 5, Mark Winterbottom 3, Warren Luff 1, Paul Dumbrell 1, Sebastien Bourdais 1, Mika Salo 1

Pole PositionsJamie Whincup 6, Craig Lowndes 5, Will Davison 5, Mark Winterbottom 3, Garth Tander 2, David Reynolds 1, Shane van Gisbergen 1, Luke Youlden 1

fastest lapsCraig Lowndes 5, Mark Winterbottom 5, Garth Tander 3, Jamie Whincup 2, Jonath-on Webb 2, James Courtney 1, Will Davison 1, Russell Ingall 1, Lee Holdsworth 1, David Reynolds 1, Shane van Gisbergen 1

PodiumsJamie Whincup 19, Mark Winterbottom 17, Will Davison 13, Craig Lowndes 10, Garth Tander 4, Shane van Gisbergen 2, Warren Luff 2, Paul Dumbrell 2, Sebastien Bourdais 2, Will Power 2, Tim Slade 1, Jason Bright 1, Steven Richards 1, David Reynolds 1, Dean Canto 1, Jonathon Webb 1, Marc Leib 1, Mika Salo 1

results overview Qualifying results race results

# Driver Best Worst Average Best Worst Average

1 Jamie Whincup 1 10 3.6 1 26 4.0

2 Garth Tander 1 24 10.3 3 28 10.7

3 Tony D'Alberto 5 26 15.5 8 28 19.0

4 Lee Holdsworth 4 25 13.7 4 27 13.0

5 Mark Winterbottom 1 10 3.6 1 23 4.2

6 Will Davison 1 9 3.3 1 25 7.2

7 Todd Kelly 11 25 18.4 8 23 16.0

8 Jason Bright 2 27 14.7 3 28 14.6

9 Shane Van Gisbergen 2 18 8.7 2 22 9.1

11 Karl Reindler 21 28 25.9 14 25 21.3

12 Dean Fiore 11 27 20.7 11 25 18.2

14 Fabian Coulthard 5 20 10.3 4 27 12.6

15 Rick Kelly 3 23 13.2 5 27 14.9

17 Steven Johnson 7 24 15.7 10 27 15.7

18 James Moffat 8 28 17.0 13 28 20.8

19 Jonathon Webb 2 23 10.7 2 28 14.8

21 David Wall 18 28 24.7 14 28 21.0

22 James Courtney 6 28 15.0 4 26 12.9

30 Taz Douglas 8 28 23.4 12 27 21.2

33 Alexandre Premat 11 28 21.8 13 28 21.6

34 Michael Caruso 4 22 14.9 4 27 14.8

47 Tim Slade 5 20 12.5 3 21 9.3

49 Steve Owen 4 26 14.3 6 28 17.6

51 Greg Murphy 17 27 22.5 11 27 18.2

55 David Reynolds 1 17 6.4 2 26 13.3

66 Russell Ingall 5 28 18.1 4 28 13.6

91 Michael Patrizi 7 28 18.0 5 29 16.5

888 Craig Lowndes 1 20 6.2 1 28 5.0

Note: The Sandown qualifying result in the above panel has been taken from the 20 minute session, rather than the final grid order, which was determined following two qualifying races


PASt ABu DhABI gRAnD PRIx WInnERS

PASt ABu DhABI V8 SuPERCARS RACE WInnERS

Year Driver Car Circuit

2011 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes Yas Marina

2010 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault Yas Marina

2009 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault Yas Marina

Year Driver Car Circuit

2011 James Courteny Holden Commodore VE Yas Marina

Jamie Whincup Holden Commodore VE Yas Marina

2010 Jamie Whincup Holden Commodore VE Yas Marina

Jamie Whincup Holden Commodore VE Yas Marina

57F1 Round 18 + V8 Races 24, 25 & 26 - Abu Dhabi I Event Schedule

Schedule of Events

fridayStart finish Category Duration Session1015 1045 V8 Supercars 30 minutes Practice – Part 11145 1215 V8 Supercars 30 minutes Practice – Part 21300 1430 F1 90 minutes Practice 11500 1520 V8 Supercars 20 minutes Qualifying1700 1830 F1 90 minutes Practice 2

SundayStart finish Category Duration Session1315 V8 Supercars Pit Exit Open

1320 V8 Supercars Pit Exit Closed1330 (Green flag –formation lap)

V8 Supercars 12 laps or 1 lap after 1400

Race 26 65 km

1700 F1 Race

SaturdayStart finish Category Duration Session0945 V8 Supercars Pit Exit Open

0950 V8 Supercars Pit Exit Closed1000 (Green) flag – formation lap)


Race 24 65 km

1140 V8 Supercars Pit Exit Open1145 V8 Supercars Pit Exit Closed

1155 (Green flag – formationlap)


Race 25 65 km

1400 1500 F1 60 mins Practice 31700 F1 Qualifying

58

A trip to Abu Dhabi always means pre-event PR in the dunes. Last year Alex Davison led fellow V8 Supercars drivers Jason Bright, Will Davison, Karl Reindler and Tim Slade through the sand.

60

THE NEW HOUSE OF COOLLEGENDS - APPAREL - USED RACE GEAR - LIFESTYLE - CARTOONS

COLLECTABLES - ARTWORK - WATCHES - MEMORABILLIA

Over the years we have ammassed a collection of rare items never before o�ered to the public combined with some cool new brands!

Alan Jones’ Go Kart Helmet Jamie Whincup’s Championship Tyre

Alan Jones’ Personal Team BagBob Jane’s Last Bathurst Helmet

speedcafe.com race guide - 2012 abu dhabi grand prix

Documents

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field of v8 supercars

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