Archives for March 2011

In Melbourne

McLaren are renowned for their ability to get themselves out of trouble with feverish car development but the Formula 1 community are wondering if they can pull off their biggest Houdini act yet at the Australian Grand Prix.

After three winter tests where they struggled for reliability and pace, McLaren marched to the top of the timesheets as Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton set the fastest times on the opening day of practice at the first race of the season.

McLaren personnel were seen arriving at Melbourne airport laden with boxes and boxes of new parts as the English team instigated a major overhaul of the lagging MP4-26.

Read the rest of this entry

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?

There is an adage in Formula 1 that if a team shows form at Barcelona's demanding Circuit de Catalunya in the winter then they are in good shape to go racing.

Over the final two pre-season tests in Barcelona, team analysts have been poring over reams of data, calculating fuel levels and conjuring tyre tactics to try to find out where their team falls in 2011's pecking order.

The teams were unanimous in one thing - Red Bull will once again be the ones to watch in 2011.

But as the field of 12 teams prepares to race under new regulations for the new season, the champions may not have it all their own way.

Just like last season, Ferrari are not far behind Red Bull.

Read the rest of this entry

• Bookmark with:
• del.icio.us |
• Digg |
• Reddit
• - What's this?