New Motorsport Week article: Non-championship F1 races - time to bring them back?

Following last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix you'll be familiar with the concept of the 1000th F1 grand prix.

Martin Lee [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.
org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

And why it wasn't. As the pedants were out in force, noting that between Indianapolis 500s and two years under Formula 2 regulations we hadn't quite reach the one grand total yet.

But there was something else a few threw into the mix. Non-championship F1 races. Which were exactly what they say on the tin. And there used to be loads of them...

Might they have some use if brought back today? They'd certainly have plenty of advantages.

For Motorsport Week I explore it all and how doable it all would be. You can have a read on my take in full here: https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/22417

Memories of Imola 1994, by Ibrar Malik

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of that horrific race weekend and the passing of two Formula 1 drivers there will be three separate blogs over the coming days. The next blog pays tribute to Roland Ratzenberger and how his accident helped spark an important safety legacy within F1. The third blog will remember Ayrton Senna's final 24 hours.

However, today's blog gives a more personal recollection. Mike Fairholme is well known and respected among F1 circles having provided the finest bespoke helmets to over 60 Formula One drivers since the 1980s.

Mike with his other love, Toffee. In March 2018 Motor Sport Magazine wrote an article about him entitled "Racing's artist in residence"…it is well worth a read for his wonderful stories

Inside Line F1 Podcast - Sebastian Vettel Is Trolling The Trolls

Sebastian Vettel - from spinning on track, he's now spinning in the simulator. Is this Vettel's way of trolling his trolls? Let's remember, the German has an impeccable sense of humour too. Instead of wins, pole positions and fastest laps, his spin count (four in the last 10 races) leads the chatter among Formula 1 fans. One thing is for sure, Vettel will bounce back. But which race will it be?

Photo: Octane Photography

In this week's episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we discuss the celebrations around Formula 1's 1000th Grand Prix, a possible Verstappen-Ocon pairing at Mercedes, which driver prodigies will place his hands on the title trophy first - Leclerc or Verstappen, Formula E's new ambassadors - Bernie Ecclestone and Lewis Hamilton and of course, the possible addition of a Q4 to our ever-so-fun qualifying session. By the way, there's a 'What Villeneuve Said This Week' section. But worry not, it isn't replacing our ever-famous 'What Wolff Said This Week' section. Okay, now tune in!

(Season 2019, Episode 14)
Subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on iTunes, audioBoom (RSS feed) and Google Podcasts for your weekly dose of Formula 1 humour

Inside Line F1 Podcast - Kym Illman, F1 Photographer - Feature Episode

Photo: Octane Photography

In this week's episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, we have a special guest from the Formula 1 paddock. Kym Illman, the famous Australian Formula 1 photographer, joins us on our show to talk about his journey to becoming one of the sport's best-known photographers, the art of clicking Formula 1 cars and drivers in action and some expert tips, in case you go snapping! Finally, if you are eager to turn your interest in Formula 1 photography into a career, Kym's got some great advice for you. Tune in as we celebrate Formula 1's 1000th Grand Prix this week.

Check out Kym Illman's work and buy his prints: https://www.kymillman.com

(Season 2019, Episode 13)
Subscribe to the Inside Line F1 Podcast on iTunes, audioBoom (RSS feed) and Google Podcasts for your weekly dose of Formula 1 humour

Inside Line F1 Podcast - Strange Start To F1 2019 - Agree or Disagree?

NEW EPISODE: The start to the 2019 Formula 1 season has been strange. For starters, we were almost on course to see Ferrari and Mercedes' (supposed!) number two drivers win the opening two races while their superstar drivers were have been found lacking. Okay, more so for Sebastian Vettel than Lewis Hamilton, but we still stand by our assessment.    

Photo: Octane Photography

In this week's episode, we also discuss the strange form, pace and events at Renault, Red Bull Racing and most other teams on the grid. Will Fernando Alonso's next target be to race and win the Bathurst 1000? We tell you why Alonso believes that Lando Norris is more suited to race the 2019 McLaren car and of course, should Ferrari favour Charles Leclerc over Sebastian Vettel already? Tune in! 

(Season 2019, Episode 12) 

Here's what's in store for you in this episode: 

0:00-3:00: The 2019 Formula 1 Season seems like the 2018 Formula 1 Season; and this is not just for Sebastian Vettel alone  

3:00-6:00: Is Renault testing Daniel Ricciardo's overtaking skills? Renault are going a long way to proving equal treatment to both their drivers  

6:00-9:00: What Ferrari-Mercedes might ask for to participate in the Netflix-F1 show season 2. Any guesses? 

9:00-12:00: From being paid to drive, is Sergio Perez being paid to speak...?  

12:00-15:00: How did Ralf Schumacher get himself to be one of Formula 1's top-earners? And did you know that Romain Grosjean is one of France's highest paid sportsmen?

15:00-end: Could Fernando Alonso be racing in the Bathurst 1000 any time soon? Should Ferrari favour Charles Leclerc over Sebastian Vettel?

New Motorsport Week article: The calm before the storm – when 1994 looked like F1’s salvation

Marlon Hammes, cropped/retouched by Morio
[CC BY 2.0 (https://creative
commons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]

Cite the year 1994 to a Formula 1 fan and you'll likely get a distinct reaction. And almost certainly not a positive one. Few seasons in history have provided even close to its rancour and tragedy. Even now it lingers like a festering sore.

And yet. For all 1994's storm the year in fact started with an incongruous calm. Exactly 25 years ago today the season kicked off with the Brazilian Grand Prix. Believe it or not therein it looked, briefly, like the year would provide the scene of an F1's renaissance.

For Motorsport Week I outlined the tale. You can have a read here: https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/22107

Paul Tracy's Benetton Test, September 1994 - by Ibrar Malik

Many believe Schumacher ran illegal driver aids during 1994 because one of Benetton's former drivers, Jos Verstappen, once claimed so during an interview in 2011. This along with all the other arguments are analysed extensively in the book however, what is not commonly appreciated is five other drivers stepped inside the B194 that year also. Michael Schumacher, JJ Lehto, Johnny Herbert and Allan McNish all drove the 1994 Benetton and their views on it will become clear either in the book or in upcoming blogs. However it is often forgotten that rising IndyCar star, Paul Tracy, also tested the car. So what were his thoughts?

Paul Tracy in the Penske. Although the cars looked similar, IndyCar drivers have not always adapted to F1. Most notably Michael Andretti in 1993.

Bernie Ecclestone organised the Paul Tracy/Benetton test because IndyCar racing was growing in popularity at the time and becoming a serious rival for F1. Nigel Mansell, Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi all raced in the US series and even Ayrton Senna investigated a move Stateside at the end of 1992. It is believed that Ecclestone wanted to steal IndyCar stars (like Paul Tracy) to weaken the American series but also to widen grand prix racing's appeal. F1's commercial supremo had been instrumental in moving the 1991 and 1995 IndyCar champions (Michael Andretti and Jacques Villeneuve) across the pond during the mid-1990s.

New Motorsport Week article: Albon - the case for F1's forgotten rookie

Photo: Octane Photography

You'll have seen by now the various George Russell/Lando Norris F1 season preview articles. Often talking of the two as synonymous. And it's little wonder. Rookies will commonly get attention prior to the season start, particularly if they have plenty of promise based on the junior formulae and even more particularly if they're British.

But there's a third rookie who (sort of) meets these criteria. And yet he's got nothing like the focus, instead appears to have an odd man out status. Yet he just might be best of the lot. I'm talking about Alexander Albon, making his bow this season with Toro Rosso.

In my latest for Motorsport Week I state his case. You can have a read here: https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21933

The 2019 Property Grand Prix, by AnyVan.com

New Motorsport Week article: Why Sebastian Vettel at last has Red Bull at Ferrari

Photo: Octane Photography

Sebastian Vettel is about to embark on another season at Ferrari; his fifth. And his first title there yet eludes him, having won four of the things at Red Bull.

It's all given rise to theorising about what Vettel needs around him to perform, but perhaps on the basis of pre-season testing things are coming together for Vettel at Ferrari at last. As perhaps Vettel now has at Ferrari a lot of what he once had at Red Bull. And not just that his car looks like a very good one.

In my latest feature article for Motorsport Week I outline my thinking. You can have a read here: https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/21762

4 things you can do with 4d results

One of the best ways to increase your chances of winning in 4d games is to join a good predictions pool. The best pools such as 4d in Singapore have a good history of positive results. From a look at the 4d results of this pool, there is so much one can infer about it, and 4d prediction pools in general.  For context, on the importance of these results, here are four things you can do with 4d results.

1.    Use them to determine the viability of a pool
It doesn't matter whether you are looking at the results of the 4d in Singapore pool or any other pool, results can help you gauge the viability of a pool. If the results have a high incidence of winning numbers, it means that the pool is good and worth a try. For instance, with the latest 4d in Singapore results, the winning rate is high, which makes it a worthy company.

2.    Use them to decide whether to pay for premium membership
4d prediction pools have different categories of membership, each with its own privileges. By looking at the results, you can easily determine whether paying for membership is worth it. For instance, if you notice that the paid membership package has a high incidence of winning numbers, it would make sense to go for it. The premium fee you have to pay is easily compensated with the higher probability of winning. The reverse holds true, if you notice that you still have a good chance of winning by going for the free service.

5 Tips to Taking Care Of Your Motorcycle

You love your motorcycle, right? Nothing beats that feeling of 'owning' the road while cruising on a motorcycle. With the wind, the sun, the landscape - everything provides a unique sensation and an overall feeling of freedom. However, owning a motorcycle calls for immense care and worries. This is the price you have to pay to enjoy all those exceptional experience. Place your safety and other's first. Also, take care of your motorcycle to highlight your love for wheels. Put your helmet on, and be prepared for the ride of your life. Here are five tips to help you take care of your motorcycle:

1) Always Choose the Best Parts
Quality should always be your priority when buying new parts for your motorcycle. At SoloMotoParts, you can find everything, from top brands to speciality brands, all at the best prices in the market. From customisation, to safety gear, you have a wide range to choose from and give a new life to your motorcycle. They have excellent support. You can rest assured that your motorcycle will be in good hands when you need advice on buying new parts. Always use quality parts to ascertain the durability of your motorcycle. Moreover, its performance will be much better.