It was an action packed qualifying session, the traffic snarls at the venue were legendary with the snarls extending to late evening when I was passing by the track. Spotted a few team folks in various cars Team Lotus prefers the Renault Fluence to travel in style.

Sebastian Vettel grabbed another pole position showing the dominance of his Red Bull, he is just three wins shy of Michael Schumacher’s record of most wins in a formula one season and looks all set to equal that if he continues his current form.

“The car was fantastic since yesterday and throughout qualifying,” said Sebastian Vettel. “In the end there was a little bit left in the first sector.

“I’m extremely happy and it’s good to be here. It will be a very interesting race on a challenging circuit.

“You have to really make sure you stay on the line and the circuit here is not forgiving mistakes. It’s not easy but I enjoy what I do and I was excited when I came here.”

Lewis Hamilton was second fastest in qualifying however due to a penalty he was given on Friday, he got thrown back three places and will start fifth on the grid. Fernando Alonso who will start third on the grid and seemed pleased with Hamilton’s penalty :

“With Hamilton’s penalty, starting third will be even better,” The Spaniard said

Teammate Brazilian Felipe Massa could manage only sixth position in contrast. He has been quite a press favorite with certain Indian tabloids going gaga over his resemblance to his brother whatshisname Massa.

Meanwhile Narain Karthikeyan would have entered the bad books of Michael Schumacher. Narain impeded the German champion in his hot lap and was penalized five places. Needless to say that generally means Narain Karthikeyan would be starting last on the grid. However since Timo Glock is approved to race despite being too slow, Narain wont be last on the grid.

Adrian Sutil of Force India qualified in eight position impressing new boss Subrata Roy (in photo with Nico Hulkenberg). Force India fans will remember Sahara bought stake in the team rechristening it the Sahara Force India formula one team.

I write this post as the latest game in the series ‘F1 2011’ is launched and yes it includes the new Buddh International circuit at Noida. Its coded by codemasters and is marketed by Zapak in India.

The game has a number of new gameplay options, one of which is the much awaited co-op mode, you and your friend compete as formula one racing partners for a team. I have just got my review copy and cant wait to play it out. If you are looking for features, they are all listed here. You can also view the release trailer here, the graphics look simply awesome ! Am awaiting my Xbox copy to really see the HD graphics

The game is available on PC, Xbox 360 and PS3.

F1 2011™ is the sequel to the BAFTA winning FORMULA ONE™ videogame from Codemasters®, the developer and publisher of award-winning racing games. Developed under Codemasters’ exclusive worldwide agreement with Formula One   World Championship Limited, F1 2011 will come complete with all the official drivers, teams and circuits featuring in the 2011 FIA FORMULA ONE World Championship™. Zapak Games, the licensing & merchandising arm of Zapak Digital Entertainment Ltd. will distribute the title in India.

Developed using Codemasters’ EGO Game Technology Platform F1 2011 will deliver an unrivalled FORMULA ONE experience that puts players into the heart of the world’s most exciting sport, powered by cutting edge graphics, advanced physics systems and integrated network play.

· Go Compete!  F1 2011 builds extensively on the multiplayer options from F1 2010. Split-screen racing is included for the first time in a high-definition FORMULA ONE title. Competitive online racing is extended with 16 players going head-to-head in GRAND PRIX™ with up to 8 AI drivers added to simulate the full grid of 24 drivers. An innovative new co-op Championship enables two players to lead their favourite FORMULA ONE team to Driver and Constructor glory across the course of a FORMULA ONE season. These enhancements are complimented by additional quick fire modes including Time Attack.

· New Circuits for 2011. Two stunning new additions to the race calendar extend the number of circuits to feature in F1 2011 to 19. Players will be able to debut ahead of the drivers on the Buddh International Circuit, the home of the first FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX OF INDIA and players will be able to test themselves on the iconic Nürburging circuit for the first time in High Definition, as this legendary track returns for the 2011 season.

· Be the driver, live the life.  From the paddock to the track, F1 2011 takes players closer to the experience of being a FORMULA ONE driver than ever before. A new Parc Ferme area, an expanded and revamped Paddock, new Pit Lane, celebration and reaction cinematics and an enhanced media interaction system fully immerse players in the glamour, pressure and excitement of being a FORMULA ONE driver. Players progress from rookie to FIA FORMULA ONE DRIVERS’ WORLD CHAMPION in an extensive career mode where gamers fight to become priority driver and shape the development of the car by performing well in races and earning performance upgrades.

· All the cars, all the stars. Fully licensed, F1 2011 features all the drivers set to contest the 2011 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, including Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button. All 2011 teams are represented including Ferrari, Red Rull Racing, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Lotus Renault GP in their iconic black and gold livery.

· KERS, DRS and more! F1 2011 includes all the new rule changes set to make this year’s season the most exciting yet. F1 2011 debuts DRS (Drag Reduction System) – the new system which enables drivers to adjust the rear wing on the car to give a boost of up to 10km. KERS also returns, giving players an extra 80BHP for up to 6.67 seconds, enabling drivers to blast past rivals. Combined, these systems encourage close wheel-to-wheel racing with new options for both defence and attack. This season’s new Pirelli tyres are faithfully simulated in the game, and if players push their car too hard they may experience a range of authentic new damage failures.

· Full Day / Night Racing. The 2011 FORMULA 1 ETHIAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX comes alive with a full day/ night transition which recreates the special atmosphere at this unique track. Every one of the existing circuits from the 2010 roster has been given a complete visual overhaul. New atmospheric effects, including dynamic clouds, compliment a weather system which features an advanced rain model that affects on-track grip.  Powered by the EGO Game Technology Platforms, F1 2011 pushes forward the graphical standard of what can be achieved in a racing game.

· The world’s greatest cars, the most exciting racing. Building on the heritage of producing award-winning racing games for over a decade, Codemasters is uniquely placed to realise the spectacle and exhilaration of racing 200MPH+ FORMULA ONE cars for all fans. F1 2011 can be tuned for players from a wide range of skill levels, from the casual gamer to the hardcore simulation enthusiast and those in between, with a range of differing skill levels. A huge range of vehicle variables can be tuned to suit each player’s unique driving style, or drivers can entrust their Race Engineer to set their car up and head straight onto the track. F1 2011 will support a comprehensive range of racing wheels for the ultimate racing experience.

· Unprecedented authenticity. Codemasters has used its unprecedented access to the world of FORMULA ONE to connect the development team directly with FORMULA ONE teams and tyre manufacturers. Extensive consultancy has taken place with a range of FORMULA ONE professionals, including race engineers, mechanics and drivers. This has been combined with real world data including CAD and on-board telemetry to deliver a race experience complete with authentic handling, accurate circuits and precisely modelled racing cars.

· EGO powered FORMULA ONE. F1 2011 is being developed on the EGO Game Technology platform, evolved from the award winning EGO engine. Enabling Codemasters development talent to share tools and technology across Studios and Central Technology teams, the EGO Game Technology Platform empowers Codemasters game designers to realise their creative visions across multiple platforms featuring cutting edge graphics, powerful AI, advanced physics systems and integrated network play.

Michael Schumacher’s old teammate Johhny Herbert in an interview/article has predicted that Michael Schumacher will go back into retirement at the end of the season.

Critical of Michael Schumacher, the Brit driver said that the new generation of F1 drivers had raised the bar and Michael Schumacher couldn’t keep up with the new formula one blood.

In related news, in an interview Michael Schumacher said that he didn’t feel big joy racing anymore. This has further fuelled speculation that the German might call it quits from formula one at the end of this season. Schumacher further said :

“What I feel in my hands is the same as it’s always felt.”

Coming back to Johhny Herbert’s interview though :

“The simple fact is that he is no longer the best driver on the track,”

“Schumacher has not lost any of his skill – the new generation of young drivers are just better than him. It is a case that the level required to win in F1 has gone up and he is not at that standard anymore.

“I do not think he is any slower than he was when he was winning seven world titles; he is just struggling to cope with a situation he is not used to – he is no longer the best guy in the field and he does not have the best machinery at his disposal, as well as the fact that he has a team-mate in Nico Rosberg who is consistently beating him.”

“He did not return just to run in the middle order. His dream was to win again and make Mercedes race winners, but it has not turned out that way and I would be surprised if he chose to continue.”

It does seem like Michael is not feeling the magic he was known for, he had put his legacy on the line, very few people have the guts to do that. We as Schumi fans would support him in whatever decision he takes

Last year was Michael Schumacher’s return to the world of formula one, the veteran with multiple championships under his belt was beaten pretty convincingly by most teams and a little less convincingly by his teammate Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes GP car.

However he indicated that this season would be much better. He seemed confident of podium finishes and at least some victories this season.

“I am confident that we can compete for podium finishes, and I am hopeful we can fight for victories at some of the races,” Schumacher said

On being prodded further about the story this year, this is what he had to say :

“This year feels very different indeed. Last year everything was new again; the testing situation, the car, the team, the structures. It was very exciting but it was still something you had to find your way through,” Michael Schumacher said.

“Now, one year later, I know much better which areas to work in. I am much more familiar with the team and we have a great group of very skilled and dedicated people. I enjoy what I do, I enjoy working with Mercedes, and I have never regretted my decision to return … if that is what you wanted to ask next!”

“My feeling is a good one. The team has been working very hard over the (European) winter to shape our car in all of the areas which had been identified by us as needing improvement,” he said.

“The data I have seen over the winter has been quite encouraging, but then we all know that the realities of data and the race track can be quite different.

“As a driver, you obviously hope for a good step forward and I think this is what we have achieved.

“Saying that, we will only see the truth once the season gets underway, so I can hardly wait to go to Melbourne to finally see what the real picture is.”

Mercedes Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug was quick to come to Schumacher’s defence and admitted that the car was certainly a bit part of the problem.

“Well, this is an interpretation of what was said, but of course there was no ultimatum.

“We are currently a little bit handicapped with our car but I have no complaints and no regrets that we’re going to achieve our target. We need to work hard.

“We are sticking together and Michael is, for me, as good as he ever was and probably even better. He’s relaxed, concentrated. He doesn’t need anybody to defend him, certainly not me but we are very happy with the job he’s doing.

“If you take into consideration that he was not in Formula One for three years, we are heading in the right direction and there is certainly not an ultimatum.”

Till the start of the season he was being linked to Stefan GP who weren’t able to secure a slot for the 2010 formula one season. Since the Stefan GP outfit are trying desperately hard to get a slot for next year, its very much possible that Villeneuve might be able to get a seat with them if he is able to convince them.

“I’m quite happy right now being busy raising kids. I would obviously be happier behind a wheel. Once you’ve been a racer, I think you’re a racer all your life,” Villeneuve said.

“I worked hard on it in 2010. I’m giving myself until 2011. There’s still a few months,” he added.

“The teams don’t want to take a risk. There comes a point where you’ve been out for too long and the teams just won’t give you a chance,” he said.

Meanwhile German rival Michael Schumacher who has had a controversial relationship with the Canadian agreed with Villeneuve.

“I have proved this year F1 is not like football and other sports, you don’t need to be a young age to perform,” said Michael Schumacher.

“The point is, as Jacques was saying, we are racers, and we have that in our blood. So, what you have there, you always keep.” The German ace added.

Mercedes boss Ross Brawn confessed in Turkey that he would like to retain his all German pair of Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher for the 2011 season. Pre season speculation had suggested that Michael Schumacher had a three year deal with Mercedes.

However the initial bad performances by Michael Schumacher which saw the relatively inexperienced Nico Rosberg beating him were enough for critics to hint to an early exit for the seven time world champion at the end of the 2010 season. But the speculation about the early exit seems to be fizzling with more and more input coming about Schumacher staying back for the 2011 season atleast.

In Turkey, when asked about the future of his drivers and if they shall be retained, Ross Brawn was quoted :

“I hope so.

“Do you know something I don’t? We’re pleased with the drivers, they’re both enjoying themselves, so yes,”

Michael’s younger brother Ralf Schumacher too joined in on the rumour brigade and was separately quoted as saying :

“I think he’s pretty happy with what he’s doing and, as far as I know, it’s a three-year plan, so I’m sure we’ll see him around for a while”

Meanwhile Michael Schumacher  seems to be finally enjoying the comeback. The German had a small battle with Jenson Button in the Turkish Grand Prix, he spoke fondly about the encounter :

“We saw each other a couple of times this year,” said Michael Schumacher.

“This time he had clearly the better end of it. I was trying my best, but it wasn’t good enough this time. Anyway, as I understood, he had a nice fight with Lewis, so he must have been putting in some very good laps.

“Honestly, I was just trying to focus and do the maximum I could with my car. Forward, there was no chance, obviously. I was watching the mirrors and making sure that I keep the tires in shape so that whenever I had to have some reserves that they are available.” He added.

Now the F1 circus heads to Canada and the German has asked his team to improve the top line speed to ensure a better result. Lets hope Mercedes deliver and its a good result for Schumacher.

Image : Mercedes Media

The Ferrari F1 team is all set to achieve an important milestone at this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix to be held at Istanbul. It will be the Marranello based team’s 800th Grand Prix. To commemorate the occasion the F1 cars will have special 800 races logo somewhere where the Marlboro used to be and the subsequent barcodes and the subsequent white blocks instead of the barcodes. Its a big day for the team that is also the most successful team in formula one (credit to Michael Schumacher, Ross Brawn and Jean Todt).

The Ferrari F1 team is also the oldest still surviving formula one team with a history that goes back to 1948 (1st formula one race in 1950). Here are some stats from Wikipedia :

Races competed till now :
799

Constructors’ Championships
16 (1961, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008)

Drivers’ Championships
15 (1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1977, 1979, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007)

Race victories
211

Pole positions
203

Fastest laps
220

Meanwhile Ferrari’s chairman was also happy at the occasion.

“Eight-hundred Formula One Grands Prix represents a milestone in the life of Ferrari, which fills us with satisfaction and pride,” chairman Luca di Montezemolo was quoted  in an interview

“I want to share our delight in this achievement with all the drivers who have driven our cars in the world championship, and with our fans. It is nice to look back and see what we have done together, aware we are part of a story that is without equal and is ongoing.”

Meanwhile we have the photos of the special livery (not a huge change) including its design phase, Fernando Alonso needs a shave.

Photos : Ferrari SPA media

In what has come as a fresh impetus to peoples’ call for a Mercedes appeal against the FIA punishment, the FIA today acknowledged that the rule 40.13 used to punish Michael Schumacher for overtaking Fernando Alonso at the Monaco Grand Prix was ambiguous and open to multiple interpretations. In their words, problems showed a ‘lack of clarity’.

What is unclear is that why its own stewards and Damon Hill couldn’t see this obvious flaw and ended up penalising Michael Schumacher for no fault of his. Also, since the FIA admits the rule was unclear , something should be done about the Schumacher penalty but under another rule they cant do anything about it.

So basically, FIA goofed up folks and Schumacher gets the short end of the stick. The statement from the site with a spelling mistake corrected

2010 FIA Formula One World Championship Monaco Grand Prix

The problems identified during the final lap of the Monaco Grand Prix, counting for the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, showed a lack of clarity in the application of the rule prohibiting overtaking behind the Safety Car.

Adjustments to the regulations are necessary to clarify the procedure that cars must meet when the last lap is controlled by the Safety Car whilst also ensuring that the signalling for teams and drivers is made more clear.

These adjustments will help to avoid the problem which occurred during the Monaco Grand Prix from happening in the future.

The Formula One Commission, upon a proposal of the F1 Sporting Working Group will submit an amendment to the Sporting Regulations to address this issue. These amendments will be considered by the World Motor Sport Council at its next meeting in Geneva on June 23.

It seems Mercedes was right when it said that the FIA agreed the rule breakage if any was not their fault. Still doesn’t explain why they withdrew the appeal.

The move seems to be a late reaction to a realisation that they had a losing appeal which is quite contrary to popular opinion on the Internet and press. The press release in its full glory follows, sad day for Michael Schumacher and Mercedes and the sport of formula one. Maybe green flags would be redefined as stop racing.

The press release also addresses the charges of bias against Damon Hill, the team shares no such feelings.

Mercedes Press Release :

Brackley/Stuttgart
18 May 2010

2010 MONACO GRAND PRIX

On the final lap of the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS instructed our drivers, Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg, to race from safety car line one until the finish line as permitted under articles 40.7 and 40.11.

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS were fully aware of article 40.13 which states that no overtaking is permitted if the race finishes under safety car conditions. However we believed that the combination of the race control messages ‘Safety Car in this lap’ and ‘Track Clear’ and the green flags and lights shown by the marshals after safety car line one  indicated that the race was not finishing under the safety car and all drivers were free to race.

This opinion appears to have been shared by the majority of the teams with cars in the top ten positions who also gave their drivers instructions to race to the finish line.

It was clear from our discussions with the stewards after the race that they understood the reasons for our interpretation and acknowledged that this was a new and previously untested situation but ultimately disagreed with our interpretation.

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS would like to emphasise that we fully support the inclusion of past drivers on the stewards panel and are completely satisfied that the Monaco Grand Prix stewards acted professionally, impartially and properly in this matter.

The FIA has agreed to include article 40.13 on the agenda of the next Sporting Working Group for discussion and to consider the scale of post race penalties. We believe that the 20 second penalty imposed on Michael to be disproportionate in the circumstances.

Whilst we cannot be happy with the outcome, we are pleased that the FIA has recognised the reasons for our interpretation. Therefore in the best interests of the sport, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS will not be submitting an appeal.

Image : Mercedes GP Media