Formula-1 2012 Season : 5 Awesome facts

Posted on by Runal

As we look back at one of the most entertaining F1 seasons, we list down some of the awesome facts which we witnessed since March this year.

1. 6 Champions on the starting Grid : 2012 saw 6 champions start the season out the 24 drivers. We had Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button & Sebastian Vettel.
Not only was there a possibility for one of these to clock another championship, we had the likes of … Read more

i1 Super Series.. Carkhana’s Exclusive Interview!!

Posted on by Runal

Motorsports has definitly come of age in India. From the days of Narain Karthekeyan getting trials with Jordan to India hosting its inaugural F1 GP in 2011, its been roller coaster ride.

Now, Machdar Motorsports is working towards the next chapter in Indian Motorsports Scene with a brand new concept – i1 SuperSeries which promises to reach the broader masses.

We talk to Darshan M, who is the CEO of Machdar Motorsports about i1, Motorsports in India and much more.… Read more

Indian driver enters VW Scirocco Cup 2012

Posted on by Runal

When VW started the Polo R Cup in India, it was thought to be an extension to the Polo brand ; but VW has been looking at the bigger picture.

The seeds sown last year are already shaping up well with the first Indian to benefit from the experience in the form of Pune boy Oshan Kothadiya.
He will race in the revered VW Scirocco R Cup 2012 in Germany.

The Polo R Cup in India has shaped well into … Read more

Rally Portugal : Ford’s Ostberg declared winner!

Posted on by Runal

Hirvonen stripped of his win!
The rain stricken Portugal round of WRC started off with Loeb’s retirement on Day 1.

Day 2 ended with Hirvonen leading the times and turning a page towards his first Citroen win.

He won the rally as per best times but was stripped the win thanks to a faulty clutch plate which did not make up according to the regulations.
Day 2 mistakes by Ford driver Latvala and Solberg meant Mads Ostberg won the first … Read more

Rally Portugal : Day 2 – Heartbreak for Ford

Posted on by Runal

Its been pouring in Portugal for last two days which has created havoc for the cars, teams and drivers.

The latest victim was Ford duo of Latvala and Solberg who after Sebastian Loeb’s retirement on Day 1 were in a position to grab maximum points for Ford.

Ford team principle, Malcolm Wilson was not very pleased with the performance of the experienced two.

Ford mistakes meant Citroen could catchup with Miko Hirvonen going to the top of standings after Day … Read more

Rally Portugal – Loeb crashes : Day 1 Updates

Posted on by Runal

Rally Portugal was going to be a tricky phase for both Ford and Citroen but never could you predict such drama.

Day 1 @ Rally Portugal started with some smart moves by both Ford drivers who had qualified 1-2 to start late for the track to be cleared of the loose gravel.

Latvala and Solberg (Petter) were super fast closely followed by Loeb and his teammate Hirvonen in their Citroens’

Later in the day, Loeb went wrong with his co-driver’s … Read more

F1 goes the IPO way : $10 billion is the word

Posted on by Runal

Formula 1 has always been the rich sport which is out of bounds for most people to participate/own/operate.

But nonetheless, it has grown multi-bounds in the last 2 decades.
Television took Formula 1 to newer markets and now it wants to go bazooka into the next decade.

The Plan : IPO and raising a staggering $10 Billion. This bonkers money is what “Formula One Group” (the F1 owning consortium) wants, to take F1 to newer countries and audience.

Formula One … Read more

Aussie GP Buttoned!

Posted on by Runal

And we thought, the guy had his best gone by!

The Race : Jenson Button drove better than the Knightrider to come home first in the first F1 race of 2012. Teammate Lewis Hamilton was third split by the Red Bull of defending champ (music) Sebastian Vettel.

You just cannot count the German out ; Post qualifying (where a Lotus was better than the Red Bull), it was pretty much expected to be a normal affair for Mclaren to get … Read more

Why Force India’s fate rests with Kingfisher Airlines

Posted on by Runal

When Force India was formed in 2007, the old Spykar team got a lease of life from the flamboyant Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya.

And it was perfectly executed. An Indian name with Indian colors with Kingfisher name all around.

Since then, the team has surpassed all expectations but the airline has not.
The famous 5 star airline is broke and so are its owners (plural refers to V.Mallya and the various group companies, multiple banks who are as grumpy as a mad wife)

The … Read more

Dakar : Post Day 5

Posted on by Runal

Cars : Krzysztof Holowczyc driving the only non Monster (Drink) colored Mini scored a win on stage 5. Not only he drove fast but gained more than 2 minutes on the overall leader Stephen Peterhansel.
Second was Robbie Gordon. Its a delight to watch the Hummer run fast through the vast deserts of South America. Peterhansel finished third and still is the overall rally leader.

Bikes : The dog fight is growing into an epic battle. Cyril Despres is back riding … Read more