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.

Force India’s Adrian Sutil is in the news for all the wrong reasons. Renault F1’s owner Eric Lux (CEO of Genii Capital) has decided to file a criminal complaint against Adrian Sutil for causing Grievous Bodily Harm.

In the after party of the Chinese Grand Prix, Adrian Sutil while celebrating with friend Lewis Hamilton apparently injured Lux with a champagne glass (broken ?). This didn’t go well with Mr. Lux who will now be suing Sutil.

Lux’s lawyer released a public statement :

“In view of the recent events which occurred in Shanghai on 17 April, Mr Eric Lux has decided to file a criminal complaint against Mr Adrian Sutil for physical assault and grievous bodily harm”

“As soon as the complaint is registered, the Fration Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the team Force India will be notified.

“Furthermore, please note that Mr Eric Lux does not exclude commencing an action against any other persons involved in this matter.”

Adrian Sutil too issued a statement saying that the actions were unintentional :

“During a private event, there was a very unfortunate action by me in which I hurt another person completely unintentionally.

“I regret the incident and have apologized accordingly.

“Since this was a private event and not directly related to Formula One or my job as a Formula One driver, I ask for understanding that I will say no more on this incident.”

Meanwhile Force India felt the need to clarify its position on the matter :

Force India Formula One Team is aware of the statements made by both its driver, Adrian Sutil, and Mr. Eric Lux of Genii Capital, pertaining to events following the Chinese Grand Prix.

Although the team continues to monitor the situation, it remains fully committed to its driver line-up at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.

Remains to be seen what will happen to their lineup if Adrian Sutil is arrested or summoned during the race weekend.

Lewis Hamilton was on an unconventional three stop strategy and in the end that seemed to have made the difference with his McLaren outclassing the Red Bull of Vettel. The fresher tyres ensured he was able to overtake the Red Bull. It was nice to see strategy again playing a part in the races after the Red Bulls have truly shown technological dominance on the racetrack (Interpretation of Rules again ?, someone please enlighten !). Sebastien Vettel has already won the 1st 2 formula one races and does seem to be on-track for a successful title defense.

Mark Webber was third and Jenson Button took the 4th place. Mercedes GP’s Nico Rosberg outclassed Michael Schumacher once again and was 5th while the veteran German could manage only 8th. Questions are again being asked about the German’s comeback decision and whether it was a disastrous decision to make. Personally I am proud of him, it takes courage to put your legacy on the line like he has

Sorry for the short and intermittent updates, too much work these day ! But like all things , this too shall pass !

Jenson Button catapulted himself to first place in the formula one driver’s championship with an incredible drive and 1st place at the Chinese Grand Prix. Jenson Button now leads the championship table with 60 points. Teammate and fellow Briton Lewis Hamilton took second place at the Chinese Grand Prix to make it a McLaren 1-2.

Lewis Hamilton had his brush with the wrong side of the F1 law when he almost took out Sebastien Vettel in the pits. He later blamed the incident on painted advertisements on the tarmac which  reduce grip. It was another matter that to remain wheel to wheel with Vettel he actually was on the wrong side of the driveway. They briefly touched wheels and Hamilton again came into focus for dangerous driving that is becoming his trademark. Sebastien Vettel of the Red Bull team did not mince words while blaming Lewis Hamilton :

“At the stop I was ahead. I don’t know why he pulled to the left and was keen to touch me,” Sebastien Vettel said.

“His front wing was at my rear wheel. I hoped I didn’t get a puncture from that .I don’t really understand why he did that as I was a bit ahead of him and had the advantage. He didn’t have to make contact.” The German added

Jenson Button had a less eventful race by comparison, only looking uncomfortable once when he lost the grip at the hairpin of turn 6 as a result of aquaplaning. Jenson Button called the victory special after the race showing his mastery of the wet track and good judgement in choosing the right tyres.

“This is so special,”  Jenson Button said.

“For me it is my best victory. Every time that you win I think it becomes your best victory, but this one was very special as it was very tough conditions. I had a job keeping it on the road at the end and the great thing is our pace was good. It wasn’t just the luck of calling the weather.” he added

Nico Rosberg finished third for the Mercedes GP team while teammate Michael Schumacher again struggled and finished 10th. Adrian Sutil had a decent race in his Force India car finishing 11th.

The Ferrari team had a mixed race with Fernando Alonso finishing 4th and teammate Felipe Massa finishing a dismal but still points earning 9th.

Final classification of the 2010 Chinese Formula One Grand Prix :

  1. Jenson Button (Britain)       McLaren 1hr 46mins 42.163secs
  2. Lewis Hamilton (Britain)      McLaren           +00:01.530
  3. Nico Rosberg (Germany)        Mercedes           00:09.484
  4. Fernando Alonso (Spain)       Ferrari            00:11.869
  5. Robert Kubica (Poland)        Renault            00:22.213
  6. Sebastian Vettel (Germany)    Red Bull           00:33.310
  7. Vitaly Petrov (Russia)        Renault            00:47.600
  8. Mark Webber (Australia)       Red Bull           00:52.172
  9. Felipe Massa (Brazil)         Ferrari            00:57.796
 10. Michael Schumacher (Germany)  Mercedes           01:01.749
 11. Adrian Sutil (Germany)        Force India        01:02.874
 12. Rubens Barrichello (Brazil)   Williams           01:03.665
 13. Jaime Alguersuari (Spain)     Toro Rosso         01:11.416
 14. Heikki Kovalainen (Finland)   Lotus                  1 lap
 15. Nico Huelkenberg (Germany)    Williams               1 lap
 16. Bruno Senna (Brazil)          HRT                   2 laps
 17. Karun Chandhok (India)        HRT                   4 laps
 Ret.  Jarno Trulli (Italy)          Lotus                30 laps
 Ret.  Lucas Di Grassi (Brazil)      Virgin               48 laps
 Ret.  Pedro de la Rosa (Spain)      BMW Sauber           49 laps
 Ret.  Sebastien Buemi (Switzerland) Toro Rosso           56 laps
 Ret.  Kamui Kobayashi (Japan)       BMW Sauber           56 laps
 Ret.  Vitantonio Liuzzi (Italy)     Force India          56 laps
 Ret.  Timo Glock (Germany)          Virgin               56 laps

Image : McLaren Media

In a statement to the press, Ecclestone was quoted as saying :

“We’ve talked to them all the time about everything, we’re happy with everything, no dramas,” Bernie Ecclestone told reporters at Shanghai.

“The contract is ongoing here, it will go on as a rolling contract. I’ll be here next year also.”

Bernie Ecclestone further went on to blame the organisers for the poor run of the race.

“It’s a shame, the whole venue’s good, everything’s good, they’re not promoting it properly, it’s a simple as that,” Bernie Ecclestone added.

“These people that run the place should do a bit more, in the centre of Shanghai, you wouldn’t even know there’s a race here.”

He is right on that part, I was searching for the website of the Chinese Grand Prix and drew a big blank. Even in a  neighbouring country like India there are no ads for the Chinese Grand Prix nor are there any education campaigns.

Compare that to Malaysia and Singapore who spend so much time and money in promoting their annual formula one races (both print and TV advertisements) and are rewarded with high footfall from all around the world. Infact both Singapore and Malaysia have local contracts with travel agents who also popularise the events on their behalf.

China needs to do a lot more to promote the race at one of the swankiest race tracks in the world if it wants to make a profit on the race. As Bernie points out most people are not even aware of the race. No awareness = no profit

Nico Rosberg of the Mercedes GP team was third in the practive session while teammate and veteran Michael Schumacher who is looking to redeem himself at the Chinese Grand Prix was fourth. Sebastien Vettel for the Red Bull team was the fifth fastest during the session.

The biggest news of the circuit during the session was Sebastien Buemi’s crash in which both of his wheels seemed to fly off as he braked. The suspension on his car seemed to have broken and in some of the photos one can see extensive damage to tyres done on his car. Buemi thankfully escaped unhurt and was seen gesticulating to his team engineers. Scuderia Torro Rosso later gave a clarifying statement about the crash that read :

“Sebastien Buemi’s incident in FP1 was caused by the failure of the front-right upright “

Ferrari was ok in the practice but reliability woes hit them again. Fernando Alonso suffered an engine failure with smoke and fire coming out of the rear of his Ferrari 2010 challenger. At the hairpin of turn 6 Fernando Alonso’s car suffered this breakdown. Ferrari are going through their engines very fast with a limited number of engines allowed in the season and later on might have to deal with extra engine penalties.

Felipe Massa thankfully did not suffer an engine failure and was 10th fastest. Force India continued their good run with Adrian Sutil finishing the session 9th fastest ahead of Felipe Massa’s Ferrari. Force India also had some beautiful photos of the track (and their sponsors in the side profile ) :

Felipe Massa – 39

Michael Schumacher – 9

The above is not the equation most anticipated when the season started, Michael Schumacher is 30 points behind the championship leader just 3 races into the season. Schumacher, who was supposed to make a remarkable comeback is struggling in his Brawn GP, oops, Mercedes GP car, fans are starting to lose hope but the 41 year old German still has his eyes set on the title and says its too soon to write him off.

If we have quick development speed, there is no reason we can’t fight for the championship,” Michael Schumacher said

“Its far from thinking and feeling the season is over for Nico and myself.”

Not only has Schumacher been beaten by McLaren, Ferrari and Red Bull. His own partner the young Nico Rosberg has been beating Schumacher consistently in the Mercedes GP car. Michael however remains unfazed by the sharp criticism

He went on to justify his optimism and his comeback :

“I have been long enough around to know the wave of emotion, In the winter, everyone was very emotional and supportive and positive and when you are up on this wave, its a natural happening that you fall over it.

“Yes, I would have loved to have better results, but the competition is high. Having all this experience, coming back after this break, I feel more than happy with what is going on.”

Sign of a true champion, wont you say ?

“I don’t know how we can say we have credibility,” Briatore exclaimed.

“It is impossible to recover the ground we have lost on those teams. In three or four races the championship will be decided and I don’t know what the interest of the TV viewers will be when Button has 60 points and Nakajima has 50. It will be better to listen only on radio and watch something else.”

He said that the 2009 formula one season is dull and has been ruined by the likes of Brawn GP. He even attacked Jenson Button saying :

“The drivers in our teams have been and are world champions, while the championship is now fought between a driver who was almost retired and another one who is a good guy but a paracarro (A concrete milepost)”

He further slammed the FIA who have been proposing budget cuts for acting in a Hypocritical manner.

“Just when there’s talk of setting a budget cap to 30 million, we’ve spent 15m for KERS and 10m more for the diffusers. We’re left with five to travel and to pay the employees.”

Meanwhile, Jenson Button who had indeed been written off by anyone and everyone also had something to say about the issue.

“It hurts the credibility of Formula One. He also needs to remember that he tried to employ me for this year.”  Jenson Button said

“He’s obviously a very angry man after the diffuser issues, he’s obviously very disappointed that he hasn’t produced a car that’s as competitive as ours.

“We’ve produced a very competitive car because of the workforce we’ve got  and you can’t take that away from them.”

Lets see if the other teams join this unique war of words.

Lewis Hamilton came one step closer to winning his maiden formula one driver’s title by winning the 2008 formula one Chinese Grand Prix from pole. His closest competitor Felipe Massa was second in his Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton was fast from the start pulling away easily and making the Ferraris look gasping for pace. What is interesting though is that Kimi Raikkonen had slowed down to let Felipe Massa through much like a lot of the other formula one teams do within their teams. So when are team orders prohibited ? It did affect the outcome of the race. The swap reduced the damage to the Massa championship campaign but may just prove to be futile in the last race.

Fernando Alonso put in another strong(er?) performance to get a 4th place finish. The BMWs were 5th and 6th with Heidfeld finishing ahead of Robert Kubica this time.

The Red Bull of David Coulthard was 10th while teammate Mark WEbber was way back in 14th place.

Force India were as dismal as ever with Adrian Sutil not finishing the race and Fisichella finishing in 17th place (last).

The top 8 drivers were :

1 L. Hamilton  Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
2 F. Massa      Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
3 K. Raikkonen  Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
4 F. Alonso    ING Renault F1 Team
5 N. Heidfeld  BMW Sauber F1 Team
6 R. Kubica    BMW Sauber F1 Team
7 T. Glock      Panasonic Toyota Racing
8 N. Piquet Jr. ING Renault F1 Team

So the title fight goes down to Brazil now, stay tuned for a post on that

Image: McLaren.com Media

Lewis Hamilton snatched the pole position for the formula one Shanghai Grand Prix, with the Ferrari duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa in 2nd and 3rd respectively. However Kimi had a word of caution for Lewis saying that their 2nd place was primarily due to the fuel strategy of Ferrari. Kimi was quicker than Lewis in the practice sessions and the earlier qualifying sessions.

“If you look at Qualifying One and Qualifying Two, we were a lot quicker.

“So I would say we are running on different fuel loads. I’m happy and comfortable with our position and strategy.” Kimi Raikkonen said

Lewis Meanwhile was ecstatic after he was not disqualified from the the formula one Japanese Grand Prix. Many speculate it was his driving style behind the safety car which led to a crash:

“It has been a rollercoaster week and an emotional journey for me over the last couple of days,” he said.

“I tried as best as I could to put the Japan GP inquiry behind me but it’s not easy. Then we came here this morning not really having the pace of the Ferraris or Fernando Alonso and perhaps it wasn’t looking good.

“But it’s my first time here and I slowly got to grips with it and I’m absolutely chuffed to grab pole.” Lewis Hamilton said

Formula One Chinese Grand Prix 2007 Qualifying Results :
1. Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren 1 min 35.908 seconds
2. Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari 1:36.044
3. Felipe Massa (Bra) Ferrari 1:36.221
4. Fernando Alonso (Spa) McLaren 1:36.576
5. David Coulthard (GB) Red Bull 1:37.619
6. Ralf Schumacher (Ger) Toyota 1:38.013
7. Mark Webber (Aus) Red Bull 1:38.153
8. Nick Heidfeld (Ger) BMW Sauber 1:38.455
9. Robert Kubica (Pol) BMW Sauber 1:38.472
10. Jenson Button (GB) Honda 1:39.285
11. Vitantonio Liuzzi (Ita) Toro Rosso 1:36.862
12. Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Toro Rosso 1:36.891
13. Jarno Trulli (Ita) Toyota 1:36.959
14. Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) Renault 1:36.991
15. Anthony Davidson (GB) Super Aguri 1:37.247
16. Nico Rosberg (Ger) Williams-BMW 1:37.483
17. Rubens Barrichello (Bra) Honda 1:37.251
18. Giancarlo Fisichella (Ita) Renault 1:37.290
19. Alexander Wurz (Aut) Williams-BMW 1:37.456
20. Takuma Sato (Jap) Super Aguri 1:38.218
21. Adrian Sutil (Ger) Spyker 1:38.668
22. Sakon Yamamoto (Jap) Spyker 1:39.336