Nico Hulkenberg is to join the Sauber team for 2013, the long-expected announcement having duly been made.
The German's career is without doubt on an upward curve, and the move to Sauber would appear consistent with this momentum, but the switch also gives rise to a few questions.
Is this what could be described as a sideways move? And if so, would he have been better off remaining at Force India? Does the move to Sauber indicate a growing closeness to Ferrari, with the long-term hope of securing a race seat at Maranello?
Although Sauber have undoubtedly displayed more dynamism and flair than Force India during the 2012 season, a glance at the Constructors' standings lends weight to the notion that this is a sideways move. Force India have been consistent if admittedly largely unspectacular. On the other hand, Hulkenberg may fear losing career impetus if Force India do not progress from their current place in the order of things. If the move to the Swiss team can be viewed as a gamble, then he possibly feels that it is one worth taking. In addition, Sauber have a sound reputation for stability and permanence.
It would seem that Hulkenberg has gradually begun to attract the notice of the leading teams, and his name was tentatively linked with the second seat at McLaren before Sergio Perez got the nod there. When the future of Felipe Massa at Ferrari was in jeopardy, the young German was mentioned as a possible candidate to replace him. Time will tell whether the decision to join Sauber is part of a strategy to strengthen these links with Ferrari.
In amongst the bright young things of Formula 1, it has taken some time for Hulkenberg's potential to be more widely recognised, but it seems that many in the sport, and its followers, are beginning to wake up to it. It is up to him to capitalise on this opportunity, and to the Sauber team to equip him with a competitive car, to ensure that the aforementioned upward curve maintains its current direction.
Showing posts with label force india. Show all posts
Showing posts with label force india. Show all posts
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
Monday, 5 March 2012
F1 Testing
Well, the serious pre-season testing activity has thus been concluded, and the journey to Melbourne beckons.
Several respected and learned observers are of the opinion that 2012 will be a very closely contested season. For a change, these bold statements stand up to scrutiny, and have some foundation based in what we have seen and deduced.
Yes, the times are close and the overall running order volatile, but the very top echelon still consists of Red Bull and McLaren, when all is said and done. Mercedes are very probably next in line, but Ferrari is the subject of too many imponderables for comfort.
Some of the midfield teams, such as Force India, Sauber and Lotus have been very assertive during the recent tests, but they need to back up these flourishes with cold hard consistent form when it really matters. Whilst it is awkward to judge and precisely quantify, the form of these three teams in particular appears slightly more than a mere flash in the pan, but of course we do not know for sure. Thank goodness that the time for sandbagging and deception will soon be over!
By some measures, Red Bull and McLaren are very close. The birth of the new McLaren creation has been slightly more stable and comfortable than that of their closest rivals, and the Woking-based outfit has given the impression of quiet diligence and focus, without over-ebullience.
The Red Bull has encountered the odd glitch, but is demonstrably swift. The team is by no means invincible or infallible, judging by the tests. When assessing these things,it is tempting to attach excessive importance and significance to the merest weakness or minor occurrence.
Ferrari have been busying themselves seeking to dampen and manage expectations, and throughout these tests they have exuded a certain irritability and unease, if not anxiety. Could they be swamped by the eager and ambitious midfield pack? That question remains to be answered. There is, though, historical precedent for teams seemingly beset by maladies suddenly finding that everything falls into place when the season proper commences. The reverse often happens to those whose preparations have gone swimmingly.
Some of us are frankly glad that the testing is over, and that things from now on can be taken at face value. Let competition commence!
Several respected and learned observers are of the opinion that 2012 will be a very closely contested season. For a change, these bold statements stand up to scrutiny, and have some foundation based in what we have seen and deduced.
Yes, the times are close and the overall running order volatile, but the very top echelon still consists of Red Bull and McLaren, when all is said and done. Mercedes are very probably next in line, but Ferrari is the subject of too many imponderables for comfort.
Some of the midfield teams, such as Force India, Sauber and Lotus have been very assertive during the recent tests, but they need to back up these flourishes with cold hard consistent form when it really matters. Whilst it is awkward to judge and precisely quantify, the form of these three teams in particular appears slightly more than a mere flash in the pan, but of course we do not know for sure. Thank goodness that the time for sandbagging and deception will soon be over!
By some measures, Red Bull and McLaren are very close. The birth of the new McLaren creation has been slightly more stable and comfortable than that of their closest rivals, and the Woking-based outfit has given the impression of quiet diligence and focus, without over-ebullience.
The Red Bull has encountered the odd glitch, but is demonstrably swift. The team is by no means invincible or infallible, judging by the tests. When assessing these things,it is tempting to attach excessive importance and significance to the merest weakness or minor occurrence.
Ferrari have been busying themselves seeking to dampen and manage expectations, and throughout these tests they have exuded a certain irritability and unease, if not anxiety. Could they be swamped by the eager and ambitious midfield pack? That question remains to be answered. There is, though, historical precedent for teams seemingly beset by maladies suddenly finding that everything falls into place when the season proper commences. The reverse often happens to those whose preparations have gone swimmingly.
Some of us are frankly glad that the testing is over, and that things from now on can be taken at face value. Let competition commence!
Friday, 16 December 2011
Formula 1 News Round-Up
So, as we approach the end of 2011, F1 news is coming thick and fast, as the driver line-ups for next season firm up and some teams reorganise themselves.
We have learned that Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will make up the Toro Rosso driving strength for 2012. At first glance, this might appear harsh on the previous incumbents, Buemi and Alguersuari, but we need to remind ourselves that STR exists to a large extent as a "feeder" team to the main Red Bull outfit. If drivers are unable to demonstrate that they are potentially the new Sebastian Vettel, then they are unlikely to keep their rides for long. Whatever the rights and wrongs of this particular case, it is still good to see young talent being given a chance. KRV5NNY3UDU3
Also recently confirmed was the appointment of Luis Perez-Sala as team principal at HRT. I always liked Perez-Sala during his F1 driving days, but he will have his work cut out to move HRT forward, and the record of former drivers as team bosses has not always been a happy one. Good luck to him, anyway.
The latest announcement on driver line-ups has emanated from Force India, and their confirmation of Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for their race seats. Di Resta certainly deserves more opportunities, and Hulkenberg is also a worthy choice. All of this presumably makes it even more likely that Adrian Sutil will make his way to Williams.
We have learned that Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne will make up the Toro Rosso driving strength for 2012. At first glance, this might appear harsh on the previous incumbents, Buemi and Alguersuari, but we need to remind ourselves that STR exists to a large extent as a "feeder" team to the main Red Bull outfit. If drivers are unable to demonstrate that they are potentially the new Sebastian Vettel, then they are unlikely to keep their rides for long. Whatever the rights and wrongs of this particular case, it is still good to see young talent being given a chance. KRV5NNY3UDU3
Also recently confirmed was the appointment of Luis Perez-Sala as team principal at HRT. I always liked Perez-Sala during his F1 driving days, but he will have his work cut out to move HRT forward, and the record of former drivers as team bosses has not always been a happy one. Good luck to him, anyway.
The latest announcement on driver line-ups has emanated from Force India, and their confirmation of Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for their race seats. Di Resta certainly deserves more opportunities, and Hulkenberg is also a worthy choice. All of this presumably makes it even more likely that Adrian Sutil will make his way to Williams.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Indian Grand Prix 2011 - Talking Points
I must confess that until Sunday I had not given the Indian Grand Prix my undivided attention, because of other commitments. However, having now watched the race, and caught up with some of the gossip and paddock talk, I thought I would offer a few observations.
First of all, the circuit itself. Granted, it is not exactly the Nurburgring Nordschleife, but equally it is a cut above some of the other much-criticised "identikit" tracks which have come on stream in recent seasons. There are some nice sweeping corners, a good long straight and, (whisper it quietly,) some changes in elevation.
By and large, the track seems to have received a favourable verdict from the assembled drivers, pundits and fans. Admittedly, we did not witness a particularly scintillating contest at the front of the field today, but the racing lower down the field served notice that the Buddh International Circuit is a worthwhile addition from a spectacle viewpoint.
For me, another thing to emerge from the weekend has been the continuing crystallization of Sebastian Vettel's status as the undisputed "benchmark" driver of the present era, the man whose sheer excellence all others drivers must now aspire to. His name may not yet resonate like those of Senna, Clark, Stewart, Schumacher et al, but the German increasingly sets the standards against which others are judged.
Of course, the pre-eminence of Vettel brings with it problems for the sport itself. While fans and those directly involved would no doubt champion F1 as the ultimate triumph of excellence over mediocrity, not everyone sees it that way. Indeed, it is surprising that the non-specialist mainstream media has not made more capital out of Vettel's perceived domination. Perhaps I am doing them a disservice, and even they may have taken note of some of the spirited racing going on throughout the field this season.
On the question of the Hamilton/Massa incident, my initial reaction was "six of one, half a dozen of the other", feeling that whilst the Brazilian did turn it, Lewis could hardly claim that the corner was "his". I'm not sure whether mine is a minority view. In any event, Massa received a penalty from the stewards!
The collision with Massa was just another disappointment for Hamilton. One can only hope that he is able to enjoy a positive, problem-free winter, and emerge reinvigorated for the 2012 season. Of course, one of the issues he will have to face is the shifting balance of power within the McLaren team, as Jenson Button continues his quiet ascendancy.
Further back, Toro Rosso had another solid race, and in particular Jaime Alguersuari. There was some good dicing involving the Force India cars, the Renaults and Perez. Mercedes were only slightly less lacklustre than usual.
On a slightly lighter note, two other things occurred to me from this weekend. Michael Schumacher is still in great physical shape, and Alguersuari currently has the best "designer stubble" in Formula 1!
Bring on the last two races!
First of all, the circuit itself. Granted, it is not exactly the Nurburgring Nordschleife, but equally it is a cut above some of the other much-criticised "identikit" tracks which have come on stream in recent seasons. There are some nice sweeping corners, a good long straight and, (whisper it quietly,) some changes in elevation.
By and large, the track seems to have received a favourable verdict from the assembled drivers, pundits and fans. Admittedly, we did not witness a particularly scintillating contest at the front of the field today, but the racing lower down the field served notice that the Buddh International Circuit is a worthwhile addition from a spectacle viewpoint.
For me, another thing to emerge from the weekend has been the continuing crystallization of Sebastian Vettel's status as the undisputed "benchmark" driver of the present era, the man whose sheer excellence all others drivers must now aspire to. His name may not yet resonate like those of Senna, Clark, Stewart, Schumacher et al, but the German increasingly sets the standards against which others are judged.
Of course, the pre-eminence of Vettel brings with it problems for the sport itself. While fans and those directly involved would no doubt champion F1 as the ultimate triumph of excellence over mediocrity, not everyone sees it that way. Indeed, it is surprising that the non-specialist mainstream media has not made more capital out of Vettel's perceived domination. Perhaps I am doing them a disservice, and even they may have taken note of some of the spirited racing going on throughout the field this season.
On the question of the Hamilton/Massa incident, my initial reaction was "six of one, half a dozen of the other", feeling that whilst the Brazilian did turn it, Lewis could hardly claim that the corner was "his". I'm not sure whether mine is a minority view. In any event, Massa received a penalty from the stewards!
The collision with Massa was just another disappointment for Hamilton. One can only hope that he is able to enjoy a positive, problem-free winter, and emerge reinvigorated for the 2012 season. Of course, one of the issues he will have to face is the shifting balance of power within the McLaren team, as Jenson Button continues his quiet ascendancy.
Further back, Toro Rosso had another solid race, and in particular Jaime Alguersuari. There was some good dicing involving the Force India cars, the Renaults and Perez. Mercedes were only slightly less lacklustre than usual.
On a slightly lighter note, two other things occurred to me from this weekend. Michael Schumacher is still in great physical shape, and Alguersuari currently has the best "designer stubble" in Formula 1!
Bring on the last two races!
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