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Ayrton Senna calls Prost a coward

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:12:05 +0100

POST-RACE REPORT - 2013 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:28:36 +0100

VODAFONE - McCLAREN MERCEDES

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Sunday June 9

“Not the race we were hoping to have”

SERGIO PEREZ

MP4-28A-02

Started:	12th
Finished:	11th
Fastest lap:	1m17.369s (+1.187s, 7th)
Pitstops:	One: lap 13 (2.83s) and 43 (3.15s) [Opt-Pri-Pri]
Points:	12 (13th)

“This wasn’t the race we were hoping to have.

“We tried our best to try and score a few points, but it was impossible to do any better than we did out there today. It’s a pity, because the car felt quite good during our installation laps. But the car didn’t work that well on the Option tyre, and we struggled to find enough grip.

“At Silverstone, I hope we can make a step forward. We brought some upgrades to this race, but didn’t really get the running we needed to verify them. Hopefully, they’ll work better at Silverstone.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-28A-01

Started:	14th
Finished:	12th
Fastest lap:	1m17.458s (+1.276s, 8th)
Pitstops:	One: lap 27 (2.29s) [Opt-Pri]
Points:	25 (10th)

This wasnt the race for us as a team. Its particularly tough because this circuit is usually very good to us.

Wth hindsight, I think we would have been better off starting on the Prime tyre, rather than the option. During my first stint, all the two-stoppers pitted ahead of me, then came back to overtake me, so it was a bit tricky.

However, we showed today that, irrespective of strategy, we wouldnt have gone any faster.

Our car tends to work better on fast and flowing circuits such as Malaysia or China so Im looking forward to my home race at Silverstone at the end of the month. We tried some new parts this weekend, but they werent really suited for this type of circuit they should work better at Silverstone, so Im feeling positive about the future.

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

This was a difficult afternoon. Credit goes out to Jenson and Checo both drivers performed brilliantly, attacking when necessary, and driving with the foresight and caution needed to look after their tyres across long stints. They deserved to score points.

Unfortunately, with the benefit of hindsight, we were a touch too conservative with our tyre management this afternoon. The Prime turned out to be a stronger tyre than we anticipated, and we could have exploited it for longer and further in the race than we did.

The data that we have accumulated this weekend will nonetheless provide us with a useful basis from which to move forwards, and we have learnt some valuable lessons this weekend.

Our focus now turns to our home race at Silverstone. We will be doing our utmost to score a better result for the many British fans who will be supporting Vodafone McLaren Mercedes on home soil.

MURRAY WALKER ON SENNA vs PROST

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:07:49 +0100

Post-Race Report - 2013 Monaco Grand Prix

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:04:47 +0100

VODAFONE - McCLAREN MERCEDES

Circuit de Monaco, Sunday May 26

Anything can happen at Monaco and today it did.

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-28A-03

Started:	9th
Finished:	6th
Fastest lap:	1m18.720s (+2.143s, 8th)
Pitstops:	One: lap 26 (3.14s) [Opt-Pri. Restart: Opt]
Points:	25 (10th)

Thing werent looking very good initially, but the Monaco Grand Prix is one of those races where you need to hang in there until the very end, because anything can happen and today it did.

My opening laps were very good; I overtook Adrian [Sutil] and tried to have a go at Fernando [Alonso] at the hair pin. I tapped his rear wheel, so I wasnt really paying attention when Checo put a really good move on me out of the tunnel under braking for the Harbour Chicane.

After the restart, Adrian also made a really good move on me into the hairpin I didnt actually think it would be possible because Id tried it on Fernando earlier and it didnt work.

Then, in the last few laps, Checo and Kimi [Raikkonen] tangled and suddenly there was a battle behind them because they were circulating slowly in their damaged cars. So I took the opportunity to jump up the inside of Fernando at Racasse, which was quite fun, and came home sixth.

It was a pity that Checos late-race retirement meant that he couldnt score more heavily today that would have been a big boost for the team but I bagged a decent number of points and our pace is clear air was good, so there are positives we can take away from today.

SERGIO PEREZ

MP4-28A-04

Started:	7th
Finished:	Ret overheating front brakes
Fastest lap:	1m19.530s (+2.953s, 14th)
Pitstops:	One: laps 29 (2.91s) [Opt-Pri. Restart: Opt]
Points:	12 (12th)

Id had a great race Id been overtaking cars through the afternoon- but in my opinion Kimi didnt leave me enough room when I tried to pass him as we exited the tunnel, and as a result I got squeezed into the wall on the entry to the Chicane.

That was a real shame Id overtaken both Jenson and Fernando there, and Jenson had overtaken me there too, but I couldnt have avoided the crash with Kimi. Of course, any passing manoeuvre at Monaco is risky, but, at the end of the day, you have to leave each other a little room.

As a result of our contact, my cars brake ducts were affected and my front brakes overheated in fact, I basically ran out of brakes.

Its particularly frustrating to retire from a grand prix in which youve driven hard and fast, especially when youre so near to the finish. So, all in all, Im extremely disappointed for the team as much as for myself.

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Jenson drove well all afternoon to finish sixth and thereby score a useful eight world championship points.

Checo would have claimed a decent haul of world championship points but for a coming-together with Kimi that compromised the efficacy of his brake ducts and eventually caused him to lose his braking.

Hes disappointed, understandably, but the up-side is that he was combative and entertaining on almost every lap and, more importantly still, he was very quick.

McLaren has won the Monaco Grand Prix 15 times in the past considerably more than any other marque so of course were disappointed not to have been able to notch up win number 16 here today. But we were in the mix throughout, and its clear that MP4-28s developmental trend is positive.

Our next race will be the Canadian Grand Prix, which weve won 13 times in the past, which puts McLaren first-equal in the all-time Canadian Grand Prix win tally alongside Ferrari. Were not predicting Canadian Grand Prix win number 14 for McLaren in a fortnights time, but undoubtedly well be giving it 100% between now and then in our efforts to make ourselves as competitive as well possibly can.

Post-Race Report - 2013 Spanish Grand Prix

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:36:16 +0100

VODAFONE - McCLAREN MERCEDES

Circuit de Catalunya, Sunday May 12

“A solid platform from which to move forwards from here on in.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-28A-03

Started:	14th
Finished:	8th
Fastest lap:	1m27.957s (+1.740s, 14th)
Pitstops:	Three: laps 11 (2.20s), 28 (2.64s) and 46 (2.80s)
Points:	17 (10th)

“This was an interesting race.

“The lap to the grid was very slow, which hurt us, and my start wasn’t great. I had no grip, so Turn One was a mess. I was unlucky to end up 17th at the end of lap one.

“We took the same approach as China, adopting a different strategy from the others. To finish eighth shows what a good job the team did with strategy. I don’t know whether we’ve improved our package or not, but we certainly beat some cars that we possibly shouldn’t have beaten.

“Still, it’s a positive that both cars finished in the points and hopefully this’ll be the start of an upward trend. We gathered a lot of useful information today and we’ll be working on that over the next few races in order to continue developing MP4-28.

“I want to say a big thank you for all the support I’ve received from the British fans this weekend. It’s great to see so many Vodafone ‘rocket red’ caps and T-shirts in the grandstands. Hopefully we’ll have a full house at Silverstone and we’ll be stronger there.

“There’s still a lot of work to do. It’s tough at the moment, but I’m pleased that we’re making the best of what we have.”

SERGIO PEREZ

MP4-28A-04

Started:	8th
Finished:	9th
Fastest lap:	1m27.251s (+1.034s, 10th)
Pitstops:	Four: laps 10 (2.39s), 23 (3.96s), 30 (2.98s) and 50 (3.51s)
Points:	12 (11th)

“This wasn’t the race I’d hoped for. It’s so difficult to manage these tyres. We didn’t do a perfect job and like many drivers I required four pit stops.

“So I didn’t maximise the pull potential of our car today, so I wasn’t happy in that respect, but, having said that, I think it’s been a stronger weekend overall for us.

“Our car is still improving and I think we can do a slightly better job at Monaco. After that I hope we’ll be able to gradually close the gap to the cars in front of us over the next few races.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Jenson drove a typically classy race to work his way back from a very unlucky start, which saw him drop almost to the back of the field, all the way to eighth place at the finish.

“To do that, on this circuit, where overtaking is notoriously difficult, and in this car, which we know is not yet as competitive as we need it to be, was a seriously impressive feat. And to do it on a three-stop strategy, managing the tyres with impeccable care yet still keeping the pace consistently strong while so doing, was more remarkable still.

“By contrast, like most drivers here today, Checo opted for a four-stop strategy – but, like Jenson, he also drove a very good race, finishing in ninth place not far behind his far more experienced team-mate. At the end of the race, Checo’s tyres required diligent nursing, but like Jenson he managed the situation very capably.

“We scored six world championship points today and of course we aren’t satisfied with that. Nonetheless, to score points with both cars in what was decidedly a technical race is a very creditable achievement, and constitutes a solid platform from which to move forwards from here on in.

“Next we go to Monaco, a grand prix that McLaren has won a record 15 times in the past – and, although we aren’t predicting a 16th McLaren victory on those famously tortuous streets this year, we’ll be doing our utmost there to score as many world championship points there as we possibly can.”

POST-RACE REPORT - 2013 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:51:58 +0100

VODAFONE - McCLAREN MERCEDES

Bahrain International Circuit, Sunday April 21

“That’s what this sport is all about; it’s called racing.”

SERGIO PEREZ

MP4-28A/02

Started:	12th
Finished:	11th
Fastest lap:	1m37.913s (+0.952s, 7th)
Pitstops:	Three: laps 10 (2.76s, 20 (2.69s) and 39 (2.92s)
Points:	10 (11th)

“That was an incredible race – really enjoyable.

“I have to thank the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team first of all – we’ve been through some difficult times recently but they kept on supporting me. All in all, it’s been a solid weekend – we got pretty much the maximum from the car, ran a great strategy, looked after the tyres and scored some very useful points.

“I guess I was a little aggressive on the track today; banging wheels with Jenson was perhaps a little too risky, a little too hard, but the team never came on the radio to tell us to stop racing. There were no team orders.

“There was a lot of adrenaline from both of us and Jenson is always a very strong racer, but hopefully we’ll help each other a little more in the future.

“He was calm and friendly after the race, though, which was great; but that isn’t surprising because he’s a great guy as well as a great driver.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-28A/03

Started:	10th
Finished:	10th
Fastest lap:	1m37.743s (+0.782s, 5th)
Pitstops:	Four: laps 9 (4.43s), 21 (3.46s), 34 (3.04s) and 46 (2.81s)
Points:	13 (10th)

““Today wasn’t brilliant for me. Okay, the race was a lot of fun, but I didn’t get the result I wanted because I used up my tyres fending off Checo.

“There was a lot of action out there, and as I say I wasn’t really able to conserve my tyres as a result. That was partly because I had to work my way back through after my second pitstop, when I’d been fighting with Romain [Grosjean].

“But there was a lot of clean racing out there too – although as I say Checo was a bit tough, which was a little unusual. He did a good job overall though; he has a good pace and he looked after his tyres well. So, congratulations to him, because together we scored some very useful points for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.”

“We still don’t have the speed in the car, but it’s been a useful learning weekend for the whole team, we got some useful points on the board, and we head to the next race with a clearer idea of just what we can do.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

The 2013 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix was a fantastic motor race, and Im not sure it was hugely entertaining for the tens of millions of viewers who watched it at home as well as for those lucky enough to be here at Sakhir to see it for real.

Checo drove his best race for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes so far, passing both Fernando [Alonso] and Mark [Webber] in the closing stages, to finish a fighting sixth at the flag.

It was a very good drive, especially when you consider that he was able to maintain such a strong race pace despite having sustained damage to his rear wing and one of his front-wing endplates.

Jenson would have finished right up there, too, had he not had to make an extra tyre stop with just 10 laps to go. Nonetheless, he too finished in a solid points-scoring position.

The two of them spent much of the afternoon in close proximity to each other sometime in nail-bitingly close proximity actually but thats motor racing. Both Jenson and Checo are fast, forceful and hungry for success and thats exactly how it should be. Its called racing, and we at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes always allow our drivers to race. Its what this sport is all about. Having said that, its probably fair to say that Checo was a little too combative with Jenson this afternoon, and I think he knows that.

From here we travel back to Woking [Surrey, UK] where well work hard on our upgrade package for Spain, where in three weeks time we hope to continue the process of demonstrating the fruits of our steady development of MP4-28 into the competitive machine we need it to be.

Post-Race Report - Stewart Haas Racing STP 400

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:58:49 +0100

Date:	April 21, 2013
Event:	STP 400(Round 7 of 36)
Series:	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Location:	Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. (1.5-mile oval)
Winner:	Matt Kenseth of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
SHR Finish:	Ryan Newman (Started 9th, Finished 14th) Tony Stewart (Started 18th, Finished 21st) Danica Patrick (Started 25th, Finished 25th)
SHR Points:	Ryan Newman(17th with 200 points, 111 out of first) Tony Stewart (21stwith 181 points, 130 out of first) Danica Patrick(25th with 154 points, 157 out of first)

Ryan Newman led the way for Stewart Haas Racing (SHR) Saturday night at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. by finishing 14th in the STP 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 21st.

Danica Patrick, driver of the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 25th in her 18th career Sprint Cup start and her second at Kansas.

Matt Kenseth won the STP 400 to score his 26th career Sprint Cup victory, his second of the season and his second at Kansas.

Kasey Kahne finished .150 of a second behind Kenseth in the runner-up spot, while Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr and Clint Bowyer rounded out the top-five.

With round either of 36 completed, Newman leads the SHR contingent in the championship point standings but dropped one spot to 17th. He has 200 points, 111 back of series leader Johnson and 40 points behind 10th place Menard. Stewart moved up one spot to 21st in the standings and has 181 points, 130 out of first and 59 behind Menard.

Eighteen races remain before the 12-driver, 10-race Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup begins September 15 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. Only the top-10 points are locked into the Chase. Positions 11 and 12 in the Chase are wild cards, awarded to the two drivers between 11th and 20th in points with the most wins. In the event of multiple drivers having the same number of wins, a driver’s point standing serves as the tiebreaker.

The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the Toyota Owners 400 Saturday, April 27 at Richmond (Va.)International Raceway. The race starts at 7:30 pm EDT, with live coverage provided by FOX.

Post-Race Report - Stewart Haas Racing NRA 500

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:59:53 +0100

Date:	April 13, 2013
Event:	NRA 500 (Round 7 of 36)
Series:	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Location:	Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth (1.5-mile oval)
Winner:	Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
SHR Finish:	Ryan Newman (Started 31st, Finished 10th) Tony Stewart (Started 13th, Finished 21st) Danica Patrick (Started 42nd, Finished 28th)
SHR Points:	Ryan Newman (17th with 169 points, 100 out of first) Tony Stewart (22ndwith 158 points, 111 out of first) Danica Patrick (26th with 135 points, 134 out of first)

Ryan Newman led the way for Stewart Haas Racing (SHR) Saturday night at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth by leading once for three laps en route to a 10th-place finish in the NRA 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Newman, driver of the No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet for SHR, scored his fourth top-10 finish of the season and his fourth top-10 in 20 career Sprint Cup starts at the 1.5-mile oval.

Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 21st.

Danica Patrick, driver of the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 28th.

Kyle Busch won the NRA 500 to score his 26th career Sprint Cup victory, his second of the season and his first at Texas. Busch is now tied for 23rd on the all-time Sprint Cup win list with Fred Lorenzen.

Martin Truex Jr finished .508 of a second behind Busch in the runner-up spot, while Calr Edwards, Greg Biffle and Joey Logano rounded out the top-five. Jimmie Johnson, Aric Almirola, Brian Vickers, Brad Keselowski and Newman comprised the remainder of the top-10.

With round seven of 36 complete, Newman leads the SHR contingent in the championship point standings. He moved up six spots to 17th and is 100 points behind series leader Johnson. Stewart maintained his 22nd-place standing and is 111 points out of first. Patrick maintained her 26th-place standing and is 134 points behind Johnson.

Patrick, who is competing for Rookie of the Year honours against Ricky Stenhouse Jr finished 12 spots ahead of Stenhouse, who placed 40th.

The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the STP 400 Sunday, April 21 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. The race starts at 1 pm EDT, with live coverage provided by FOX.

Post-Race Report - 2013 Chinese Grand Prix

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:32:24 +0100

VODAFONE - McCLAREN MERCEDES

Shanghai International Circuit, Sunday April 14

“We can take a lot of positives away from this weekend.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-28A/03

Started:	8th
Finished:	5th
Fastest lap:	1m38.058s (+1.250s, 2nd)
Pitstops:	Two: laps 23 and 49 [Pri-Pri-Opt]
Points:	12 (8th)

“I’m very happy to have finished fifth today – and the team should be too. The race was always going to be tricky; we weren’t quick enough to adopt the same strategy as the others, so we had to run longer that the rest and make two pitstops, rather than three.

For us, a two-stopper was the fastest way to he end of the race. It meant I had to let others past me and protect the tyres. If we couldn’t run to our target lap, it would’ve destroyed our race.

“I had to cruise when I’d normally fight the others. It’s not the most exciting way to go racing but we got 10 points today because we did it.

“We know we still have a lot of work to do to challenge at the front, but we can take a lot of positives away from this weekend.”

SERGIO PEREZ

MP4-28A/02

Started:	12th
Finished:	11th
Fastest lap:	1m41.281s (+4.473s, 14th)
Pitstops:	Two: laps 24 and 31 [Pri-Opt-Pri]
Points:	2 (14th)

“This was a difficult afternoon for me – there’s a lot for us to analyse, and a lot to learn. It wasn’t my best weekend in terms of pace, so there’s some work to do.

“Congratulations to Jenson – he drove a fantastic race today. He found a better rhythm and really made the strategy work. I couldn’t find a flow throughout the whole race and was struggling with the car.

“I had a reasonably good first stint and thought we could achieve a good result with the strategy, but then we encountered degradation with the tyres and that compromised our pace.

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Jenson drove a brilliantly executed race. He was extremely controlled throughout, completely understood the requirements of the strategists, and withstood the temptation to push when the right thing to do was conserve the tyres.

“Obviously the team had decided to opt for a two-stop strategy – a call that gave both drivers some work to do in the ace. They each had to drive in a very controlled way, look after their tyres, and be mindful that the result would be determined at flag-fall, not before. That requires a lot of discipline.

“The fact that we’re not yet in a position to realistically finish higher than fifth further highlighted the brilliance of Jenson’s drive.

“It was a long, hard race for Sergio today. Starting from 12th, the strategy didn’t quite work as well for him, but he did a great job today. He’s still learning, and he’ll take a lot away from this weekend – all of which will make him comeback stronger for the next race in a week’s time.”

Post-Race Report - Stewart Haas Racing STP Gas Booster 500

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:32:43 +0100

Date:	April 7, 2013
Event:	STP Gas Booster 500 (Round 6 of 36)
Series:	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Location:	Martinsville (Va.) Speedway (.526-mile oval)
Winner:	Jimmie Johnson of Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet)
SHR Finish:	Danica Patrick (Started 32nd, Finished 12th) Tony Stewart (Started 26th, Finished 17th) Ryan Newman (Started 10th, Finished 31st)
SHR Points:	Tony Stewart (22ndwith 135 points, 96 out of first) Ryan Newman (23rd with 134 points, 97 out of first) Danica Patrick (26th with 119 points, 112 out of first)

Danica Patrick led the way for Stewart-Haas racing (SHR) Sunday at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway by finishing 12th in the STP Gas Booster 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Patrick, driver of the No.10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet SS for SHR, scored her best Sprint Cup result finishing eighth in the season-opening Daytona 500.

Patrick’s drive came at one of the most difficult Sprint Cup venues. Martinsville is a .526-mile, paperclip-shaped track, with tight corners and short straightaways. The STP Gas Booster 500 marked Patrick’s 16th career Sprint Cup start but her first at Martinsville. Her rookie performance bested those of some other name drivers in their Martinsville debuts, most notably her team owner, as Tony Stewart finished 20th in his first Martinsville start (1999.) Five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson finished 35th in his Martinsville debut (2002.) NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace finished 15th (1984.) Dale Jarrett finished 14th (1984.) Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 26th (2000.) Kyle Busch finished 39th (2005.) Matt Kenseth finished 21st (2000.) Kurt Busch finished 37th (2000.)

Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Rush Truck Centers/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS, finished 17th Sunday in the STP Gas Booster 500.

Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet for SHR, finished 31st after sustaining back-to-back, flat right-front tyres that left him eight laps down.

Johnson won the STP Gas Booster 500 to score his 62nd career Sprint Cup victory, his second of the season and hi eighth in Martinsville. Johnson is the winningest active Sprint Cup driver in Martinsville history. He trails only Richard Petty (15 wins) and Darrell Waltrip (11 wins) on the track’s all-time win list, which has played host to the Sprint Cup Series since 1949.

Clint Bowyer finished .627 of a second behind Jihnson in the runner-up spot, while Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne and Kyle Busch rounded out the top-five. Brad Keselowski, Jamie Mc Murray, Marcos Ambrose, Greg Biffle and Mark Martin comprised the remainder of the top-10.

There were 12 caution periods for 85 laps, with five drivers failing to finish the 500-lap race.

With round six of 36 complete, Stewart leads the SHR contingent in the championship point standings. He maintained his 22nd-place standing and is 96 points behind new series leader, Johnson. Newman fell three positions to 23rd, 97 point out of first. Patrick gained three spots to climb to 26th, 112 points behind Johnson.

Patrick, who is competing for Rookie of the Year honours against Ricky Stenhouse Jr., finished 13 spots ahead of Stenhouse, who placed 25th.

The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the NRA 500 Saturday, April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The race starts at 7:30 pm EDT, with live coverage provided by FOX beginning with its pre-race show at 7 pm.

Tony Stewart has some advice for Danica Patrick

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:36:01 +0100

Stewart on Patrick's first visit to Martinsville Speedway: 'As an owner, I'm going to be very nervous. As a driver, I'm going to be laughing a lot, because I remember my first time here.'

MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Tony Stewart has advice for Danica Patrick's first visit to Martinsville Speedway, but he's not sure he wants to tell her.

"I'm trying to decide whether I want to or not," he said. "Part of me as an owner wants to tell her everything I know to help her get through it, but part of me is like, 'You know what? It doesn't matter what you say. You kind of just have to go do the first experience of it and get a feel for it on your own.' "

Stewart, speaking to Martinsville area business leaders Wednesday, chuckled as he looked out the window from a suite high above the speedway. He originally included Martinsville on Patrick's difficult 10-race schedule last season but said it fell through due to logistics.

Now, Patrick is running her rookie season in the Sprint Cup Series and will show up for the April 5-7 race weekend having never seen the paperclip-shaped track. Stewart said it will be interesting – and entertaining -- to watch Patrick learn.

"As an owner, I'm going to be very nervous," he said. "As a driver, I'm going to be laughing a lot, because I remember my first time here."

Stewart compared racing at Martinsville for the first time to being a kid jumping in a bounce house. A kid might be bouncing along on the inflated surface, he said, when another kid suddenly jumps at exactly the same time.

"It throws you this way and off this way and you'll be like, 'What happened?' "he said. "There will be a lot of those moments when we come back here."

Stewart has three wins and 15 top-10s in 28 starts at the 0.526-mile track.

Ninety percent of the bumping incidents at Martinsville, Stewart said, are accidental. But Patrick isn't used to getting bumped, and Stewart has noticed his driver quickly gets defensive when she believes someone is trying to take advantage of her.

"If there's one thing she won't put up with, she won't put up with anybody bullying her," he said. "She may be this tall, but I don't even pick at her very much, because she just throws it back.

"The hard part will be pulling the reins back. Somebody will bump into her and she'll want to knock them through the fence. It'll be like, 'Wait a minute, it was probably just an accident!' "

Source : USA Today 20 / 03 / 2013

Post Race Report - Stewart Haas Racing Auto Club 400

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:31:12 +0000

Date:	March 24, 2013
Event:	Auto Club 400 (Round 5 of 36)
Series:	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Location:	Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (2-mile oval)
Winner:	Kyle Busch of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
SHR Finish:	Ryan Newman (Started 20th, Finished 10th) Tony Stewart (Started 8th, Finished 22nd) Danica Patrick (Started 40th, Finished 26h)
SHR Points:	Ryan Newman (20th with 121 points, 78 out of first) Tony Stewart (22nd with 108 points, 91 out of first) Danica Patrick (29th with 87 points, 112 out of first)

Ryan Newman led the way for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) Sunday at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., by finishing 10th in the Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Newman, driver of the No.39 WIX Filters Chevrolet SS, earned his fourth straight top-10 finish at Fontana, his eighth overall at the two-mile oval and his third this season.

Tony Stewart, driver of the o. 14 Rush Truck Centers/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS for SHR, led twice for 18 laps and was in position for a top-five finish with 10 laps to go until a block by Joey Logano on the lap-190 restart forced Stewart low and impeded his momentum. Stewart lost valuable positions n the closing laps and finished a disappointing 22nd.

Kyle Busch won the Auto Club 400 to score his 25th career Sprint Cup victory, his first of the season and his second at Fontana.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished behind Busch in the runner-up spot as the raced ended under caution for a last-lap crash involving Logano and Denny Hamlin. Logano, Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch rounded out the top-five, while Greg Biffle, Matt Kenseth, Paul Menard, Kasey Kahne and Newman comprised the remainder of the top-10.

With round five of 36 complete, Newman leads the SHR contingent in the championships point standings. He gained three spots to climb to 20th, 121 points behind new series leader Earnhardt. Stewart picked up two positions to rise to 22nd, 108 points out of first. Patrick dropped one spot to fall to 29th, 112 points behind Stenhouse, who placed 20th.

The Series takes a rare weekend off for Easter before returning to action April 7 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway for the STP Gas Booster 500. The race starts at 1 p.m. EDT, with live coverage provided by FOX.

Post Race Report - 2013 Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:56:32 +0000

VODAFONE - McCLAREN MERCEDES

Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Sunday March 24

“It’s fair to say that we can see that progress is being made.”

SERGIO PEREZ

MP4-28A/02

Started:	10th
Finished:	9th
Fastest lap:	1m39.199s (1st)
Pitstops:	Four: laps 7, 22, 33 and 54 [Int-Opt-Opt-Pri-Pri]
Points:	2 (10th)

“This afternoon my engineers sorted out a very good race strategy that enabled me to pass the cars immediately in front of me early on – so thank you and well done for that, guys.”

“Unfortunately, towards the end of the race, my tyres began to degrade a bit too much, especially my front left, and we therefore felt it would be too risky to drive to the finish on that set.”

“Consequently, we had no real option other than to make an extra pitstop, which caused me to lose position.”

“I still ended up ninth, which is two places better than I finished in Melbourne last weekend, so I think it’s fair to say that we can see that progress is being made.”

“In Shanghai in two weeks’ time let’s hope that that upward trend continues.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-28A/03

Started:	8th
Finished:	DNF
Fastest lap:	1m40.556s (+1.357s, 5th)
Pitstops:	Three: laps 7, 21 and 35 [Int-Opt-Opt-Pri]
Points:	0 (DNF)

“We drove a good race today. Strategy-wise, we did everything right. We pitted on the correct laps and looked after the tyres exactly as we should have done."

“We’d have finished fifth but for the problem in the pitstop – maybe we’d have been in the battle for third and fourth. It’s very disappointing that we weren’t able to demonstrate that, of course."

“Even at the end we had a chance of scoring a point, but unfortunately I was struggling with my front left [tyre] by that stage. It kept locking up, and it was producing such a bad vibration that I think the guys were worried that it might damage the front left suspension if I carried on."

“However, as I say, apart from the pitstop problem, I think we did a pretty good job. We’ve made improvements over the past week, and the result of those improvements was that we were more competitive here in Malaysia than we were in Australia last weekend, so there are definitely positives that we can take away with us."

“Hopefully, in China in two weeks’ time, we can continue that steady improvement and score a few more points.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“After having finished only ninth and 11th last weekend in Melbourne, today in Sepang we saw clear evidence that all the hard work we’ve been doing over the past week has resulted in some significant gains in terms of car development."

“Obviously, however, we’re very disappointed that Jenson lost a hard-earned and we;;-deserved fifth place, perhaps even third of fourth, as a consequence of a pitstop problem caused by a wheel-gun issue. Jenson did absolutely nothing wrong and reacted correctly to the green light, by the way."

“Checo, too, put in a solid and plucky performance all weekend, earning his first points for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes this afternoon, and recorded fastest lap at the very end of the race."

“Clearly, therefore, although as I say we’re very disappointed for Jenson, the truth is that he could and should have finished at least fifth – and, although by our own high standards that’s not remotely good enough, it plainly shows that we’re going in the right direction from a car-development point of view."

Stewart-Haas Racing Food City 500

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 11:58:59 +0000

Date:	March 17, 2013
Event:	Food City 500 (Round 4 of 36)
Series:	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Location:	Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway (.533-mile oval)
Winner:	Kasey Khane of Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet)
SHR Finish:	Ryan Newman (Started 31st, Finished 7th / Running, completed 500 of 500 laps) Danica Patrick (Started 41st, Finished 128h / Running, completed 495 of 500 laps) Tony Stewart (Started 8th, Finished 31st / Running, completed 464 of 500 laps)
SHR Points:	Ryan Newman (23rd with 87 points, 79 out of first) Tony Stewart (24th with 85 points, 81 out of first) Danica Patrick (28th with 69 points, 97 out of first)

Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Haas Automation Chevrolet SS, led the Stewart-Haas Racing(SHR) contingent Sunday at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway by finishing seventh in the Food City 500 NASCARSprint Cup Series race. IT was Newman’s second top-10 finish of the season and his 13th top-10 in 23 career Sprint Cup starts at Bristol.

Danica Patrick, driver of the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 28th. It was Patrick’s 14th career Sprint Cup and her second at the .533-mile oval.

Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet for SHR, finished 31st after a cut left-rear tire sent him spinning into the turn one wall on lap nine of the 500-lap race. His crew repaired the No. 14 machine after a lengthy stay on the pit road. After returning to the track in 41st, Stewart gained 10 positions by the time the checkered flag dropped.

Kasey Kahne won the Food City 500 to score his 15th career Sprint Cup victory, his first of the season and his first at Bristol.

With round four of 36 complete, Newman leads the SHR contingent in the championship point standings. He gained eight spots to climb to 23rd, 79 points behind series leader and reigning Sprint Cup champion Keselowski. Stewart dropped six positions to 24th, 81 points out of first.

Patrick, who is competing for Rookie of the Year honors against Ricky Stenhouse Jr., finished 12 spots behind Stenhouse, who placed 16th.

The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the Auto Club 400 Sunday, March 24 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. The race starts at 3 p.m. EDT, with live coverage provided by FOX.

Stewart-Haas Racing Kobalt Tools 400

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:00:08 +0000

Date:	March 10, 2013
Event:	Kobalt Tools 400 (Round 3 of 36)
Series:	NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Location:	Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile oval)
Winner:	Matt Kenseth of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
SHR Finish:	Tony Stewart (Started 9th, Finished 11th / Running, completed 267 of 267 laps) Danica Patrick (Started 37th, Finished 33rd / Engine, completed 234 of 267 laps) Ryan Newman (Started 14th, Finished 38th / Running, completed 234 of 267 laps)
SHR Points:	Tony Stewart (18th with 72 points, 57 out of first) Danica Patrick (30th with 53 points, 76 out of first) Ryan Newman (31st with 50 points, 79 out of first)

Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet SS, led the way for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by finishing 11th in the Kobalt Tools 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

Danica Patrick, driver of the No. 10 GoDaddy.com Chevrolet SS for SHR, finished 33rd. Ryan Newman, driver of the No. 39 Quicken Loans Chevrolet for SHR finished 38th. Newman’s car suffered an engine failure and he completed only 234 of 267 laps.

Matt Kenseth won the Kobalt Tools 400 to score his 25th career Sprint Cup victory, his first of the season and his third at Las Vegas. Kenseth celebrated his 41st birthday Sunday and became the third driver in Sprint Cup history to win on his birthday. Cale Yarborough accomplished it twice, while Kyle Busch did it once.

Kasey Kahne, who led six times for a race high 114 laps, finished .594 of a second behind Kenseth in the runner up spot, while Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch and Carl Edwards rounded out the top five. Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex Jr, Kevin Harvick and Paul Meard comprised the remainder of the top 10.

With round three of 36 complete, Stewart leads the SHR contingent in the championship point standings. He is 18th, 57 points behind series leader Johnson. Patrick is 30th, 76 points out of first. Newman is 31st, 79 points behind Johnson.

Patrick, who is competing for Rookie of the Year honors against Ricky Stenhouse Jr, finished 15 spots behind Stenhouse, who placed 18th.

The next event on the Sprint Cup schedule is the Food City 500 Sunday, March 17 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. The race starts at 1 p.m. EDT, with live coverage provided by FOX.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Ford EcoBoost 400 Race Report

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:17:40 +0000

2012 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 11:35:15 +0000

Circuit Of The Americas, Sunday November 18

“What made the difference today? I wanted it more, that’s what!”

LEWIS HAMILTON

MP4-27A-04

Started 2nd

Finished 1st

Fastest lap 1m39.709s (+0.362s, 5th)

Pitstops One: lap 20 (2.39s) [Opt-Pri]

Points 190 (4th)

“I’m massively proud and extremely happy. I nearly lost my voice because I was screaming so much on the in-lap – not cool at all!

“To overtake both Red Bulls in the race was the coolest thing for me. The backmarkers really came into play today – and, finally, they worked in my favour. I’ve often been caught out when I’ve been trying to get through traffic, but things finally went my way today.

“When Seb [Vettel] was delayed by a backmarker, I knew I had to grab my chance, so I turned the engine up to maximum revs and pushed like crazy. Along the back-straight I went to the to the outside, but Seb closed the door, so I moved to the inside, and he came back towards me. I was very lucky. It was very close.

“What made the difference today between Seb and me? I wanted it more, that’s what!

“I won the last United States Grand Prix, in 2007, so, to come back and win it again – in front of such a great crowd – feels very special indeed. There are a couple of grands prix that are somehow out on their own: there’s Monaco, Silverstone, Montreal, Spa and Monza. Now you can this circuit to that list – it’s already one of the best racetracks in the world, maybe even right up there in the top three.

“It’s a brilliant feeling to be finishing the season on a high. Hopefully, we’ll go to Brazil next week with the same level of performance – I’d love to win my final two races for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-27A-03

Started 12th

Finished 5th

Fastest lap 1m40.150s (+0.803s, 6th)

Pitstops One: lap 35 (2.90s) [Opt-Pri]

Points 163 (6th)

“Starting on the dirty side of the racetrack was very tough – I ended up 15th by the end of the first lap. So fifth was probably the best result I could have had. I had a lot of fun this afternoon, and fought a lot of good battles on my way through.

“There was lots of action and lots of overtaking – and most of it was very clean, which was good to see.

“Obviously, however, fifth place wasn’t the result I’d have ideally liked, but the car was working really well, and, with a better grid position, I could definitely have been right up there. Still, big congratulations to Lewis and the whole Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.

“It was great to race in front of so many fantastically enthusiastic American fans – they looked like they really enjoyed themselves. Before we arrived here, we knew we were going to have to put on a good show, and I think we did just that. There was action and suspense all the way through, which is exactly what you need to create a great sporting spectacle.

“I really hope the US will now embrace Formula 1 at last.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Today was a brilliant day for Lewis Hamilton, a brilliant day for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and a brilliant day for Formula 1.

“From the dirty side of the track, Lewis made a very good start but was nonetheless unsurprisingly passed by Mark [Webber], whose P3 grid slot had afforded him appreciably better traction off the line than Lewis had enjoyed from P2. But Lewis quickly caught and passed Mark, and then set about closing the gap to Seb.

“Their battle was long and intense, two great drivers at the top of their form, their cars never more than a few metres apart and often almost nose to tail, but, when Lewis made his move, he made it beautifully. From that moment onwards, try as Seb might to mount a counter-attack, Lewis was in supreme command: right on the limit yet in total control, the man of the match at his brilliant best.

“As for Jenson, he drove an excellent recovery race, handicapped as he had been by a throttle pedal problem in yesterday’s qualifying session that had prevented him from qualifying better than 12th. And worse was to come: at the start of the race he was boxed in by several other cars, dropping further places immediately. Thereafter, however, he drove hard and well, climbing all the way up to fifth position at the chequered flag, having managed his tyre wear superbly at the same time as pulling off some extremely gutsy overtaking moves: 10 world championship points extremely well earned.

“Lewis’s victory was Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ sixth grand prix win of the 2012 season and McLaren’s 12th grand prix win on United States soil. It goes without saying that we’re utterly thrilled to have won in Austin here today – just as we were absolutely delighted when we won the last United States Grand Prix, in 2007, at Indianapolis.

“I’ve already said that today was a brilliant day for Lewis Hamilton, a brilliant day for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, and a brilliant day for Formula 1. But, just as important as any of that, I believe it’s fair to say that it was also a brilliant day for motorsport in the United States. The Austin racetrack is a magnificent one, and today it staged a wonderful motor race. The city of Austin has welcomed us and our sport, and on behalf of everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes I want to extend our friendship and gratitude in return.

“Next weekend we’ll be in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and you may be well sure that Lewis and Jenson will be doing their utmost to record Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ seventh win of the 2012 season over the daunting bumps and turns of the famously serpentine Interlagos circuit. But we’re already looking forward to coming back to Austin next year, and putting on another truly great show, on a truly great racetrack, in a truly great city, in a truly great country.

“Until next year, then, that’s all folks!”

Mobil 1 Oil: An Aerodynamic Aid

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Bylined article by Bruce Crawley, Global Motorsport Technology Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties

The new season hit the starting blocks with two dramatic races in Australia and Malaysia, heralding an exciting season in 2012.

Key to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ success in a year with no less than six former world champions on the grid, will be the car’s aerodynamics. With exhaust-blown diffusers effectively a thing of the past, the Mobil 1 engine oil in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 race car has enabled the team to increase rear downforce by improving aerodynamic performance.

Quest to be the Best

Martin Whitmarsh, Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, recently commented at the launch of the MP4-27 “While there are clear visual changes to this year’s car, there’s greater change beneath the skin, with lots of fresh thinking applied.” With no stone left unturned in the quest to be the best, our Mobil 1 engineers have developed a breakthrough engine oil for 2012 that allows a significant increase in the engine operating temperature.

Cool Performance

The MP4-27 uses oil and water radiators to help cool the engine. Located in the right-hand side pod, the oil radiator and Mobil 1 technology provide an almost equal share of the engine cooling requirement.

Running Hotter

There are several advantages of being able to run the engine hotter. Drag can be reduced by re-optimization of the radiator and aero packaging. Increased rear downforce can also be achieved through aerodynamic improvements to the exit ducts.

Grand Prix Engine Oil Cooling Package Explained.

The Mobil 1 engine oil flows through the radiator cooling down by approximately 40°C, whilst the air channelled through the side pod inlet heats up about 75°C.

In to Win

The excellent thermal performance of Mobil 1 technology is one feature that allows both higher operating temperatures whilst still protecting the engine and is a real advantage. When the winning margin can be fractions of a second, using the right engine oil can make the difference.

Race Technology in Your Car

The tough testing ground of Grand Prix racing provides the ideal environment for Mobil 1 engineers to develop advanced engine oils which can help optimize the performance of your car. Similar to the advancements in Grand Prix race cars, recent developments in road cars often put increased pressure on the oil in your car to perform. Mobil 1 synthetic engine oils are formulated to help keep your vehicle running like new.

As technology partners of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Mobil 1 engineers will continue their research and development in a bid to help team drivers, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, lift the Constructors Championship at the end of a season that promises to be one of the most exciting yet. We’re certainly off to a good start.

For more information on Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic engine oil brand, visit mobil1.com

About Mobil 1

The world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, Mobil 1 features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond conventional motor oils. This technology allows Mobil 1 to meet or exceed the toughest standards of car builders and to provide exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Mobil 1 flows quickly in extreme temperatures to protect critical engine parts and is designed to maximize engine performance and help extend engine life.

About Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

New Zealand racing driver Bruce McLaren founded the McLaren team in 1963. It entered its first Grand Prix race in 1966 and won its first Grand Prix in 1968. More than 40 years and 176 Grand Prix victories later, McLaren is still renowned as one of the sport’s most successful competitors and as one of the world’s most illustrious high-technology brands.

The McLaren Group has grown to encompass much more than just racing. It houses McLaren Electronic Systems, a cutting-edge electronics division that not only services the entire Grand Prix grid but also many racing series across the globe. McLaren Applied Technologies creates cutting-edge solutions for modern industry while McLaren Automotive not only produced the 1990s’ original supercar, the McLaren F1, and the unique Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren but is now building its own high-performance sports car – the extraordinary MP4-12C.

After a highly successful 2011 campaign, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes continues with the proven double world-champion line-up of Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button for 2012.

ExxonMobil, Mobil 1, the 1 Icon and the ExxonMobil logotype are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.

Side Pod. Increased downforce and reduced drag equals faster lap times.

Mobil 1 Motorsport: Formula One Heritage

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Mobil 1 Motorsport: Grand Prix Heritage

Technical Partnerships

ExxonMobil’s 30-year involvement in Grand Prix Racing has seen it partner with three multi-race and championship winning teams¹
2012 sees the continuation of ExxonMobil’s Technology Partnership with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes through the development of lubricants and fuel for the race car

Mobil 1 Race Performance

Mobil 1^TM engines are supplied to each driver for the entire racing season
Mobil 1 separates and cools over 300 moving parts in the V8 engine
Mobil 1 withstands engine forces 8,500 times greater than the force of gravity
Mobil 1 performs effectively from -50°C to over 300°C (hot enough to melt tin and close to the melting point of lead)
The thickness of a film of Mobil Racing Synthetic Gear Oil is less than 1 micron – approximately 80 times thinner than a human hair
Mobil 1 absorbs the stresses generated from a race engine which has an output of over 760bhp
Mobil 1 helps reduce friction, improving engine efficiency and increasing power output

Mobil 1 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

71 Grand Prix victories (from 293 races)
216 Podium Finishes
68 Pole Positions
21 1-2 Finishes
4 World Championships (3 x World Drivers & 1 x World Constructors)

Mobil 1 in Grand Prix Racing

30 years in Grand Prix Racing
6 World Drivers’ Championships
5 World Constructors’ Championships
498 Championship races
113 Grand Prix victories

________

¹Refers to number of years of use of ExxonMobil products as part of Formula One^TM racing partnerships

Stewart-Haas Racing: Advocare 500K Race Report

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 11:33:37 +0000

A victory lap for the Mobil 1 forensics team

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Bruce Crawley, Global Motorsport Technology Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties

The first half of the season has been one of the most eventful and exciting in recent years, with surprise wins and a genuine sense of unpredictability running throughout. With the first seven Grands Prix of the season won by seven different drivers from five different teams, keeping up to speed trackside has been vital to delivering a competitive advantage. Everyone knows that these upgrades made during the season can be game-changing – but lesser-known is the extent of the detective work that has to be done to make them. This is where, for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, the team from Mobil 1 provide the priceless analysis needed to identify problems early and set them straight.

At the end of the 2008 Turkish Grand Prix, a routine trackside oil test conducted by the Mobil 1 technology team detected a fault with driver Lewis Hamilton’s engine. Post-race evaluation identified a defective pump, which was then replaced. The following race, this engine powered Hamilton to victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, and he went on to win the season championship.

Trackside partnership

The relationship between Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Mobil 1 has resulted in an impressive 73 race wins and four championships. Part of that success can be attributed to trackside support. Because not only does Mobil 1 provide their high-performance lubricant products and fuel for every race, they also bring the expertise of their engineers.

Race-day oil analysis.

Before and after each track session, an expert embedded in the team takes oil samples which are tested on the spot in the portable Mobil 1 Analytical Centre. The analysis gives detailed information on the health of the engine, monitoring its inner workings.

Winning technology.

Mobil 1 specialists keep their eyes open for microscopic traces of metal and contamination in the oil that can provide an early warning of potential issues. The ability to pinpoint the precise source of a potential problem helps improve reliability and keeps the car running at peak performance. For more information on Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic engine oil brand, visit mobil1.com.

About ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties

ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company is a leading marketer of finished lubricants, asphalts and specialty products, as well as one of the world's largest suppliers of lubricant base stocks.

About Mobil 1

ExxonMobil, Mobil 1, the 1 Icon and the ExxonMobil logotype are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.

DR Tony Harlow, Consultant Engineer for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Consultant Engineer for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes – Mobil 1 Motorsport ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties Company

Tony Harlow is one of ExxonMobil’s longest-serving technology experts and since 1995 he has been seconded with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team as a consultant engineer for the ExxonMobil technology partnership.

In this role as Mobil 1 Motorsports “man in the pits,” Harlow is responsible for the coordination of race fuels and lubricants supply, as well as the technical and analytical support on fuels and lubricants at races using his mobile laboratory which is based with the team and ExxonMobil research centres. Prior to this role, Harlow was a research associate at ExxonMobil in the UK, where he coordinated the research and development of automotive fuels and lubricants with worldwide automotive and truck manufacturers. During his career, Harlow has gained a host of experience in motorsport lubrication, after holding a series of roles in Grand Prix racing, rally and sportscar teams, including working with the Mobil 1 development and technical support for Williams and Benetton Formula 1 Teams and support for works Opel Rally and BMW-Alpina Sportscar Teams.

Harlow was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1942 and holds Bachelor of Science, DIC and PhD qualifications in Physics from Imperial College, University of London and TU Karlsruhe, Germany. Harlow speaks fluent French and German and has worked for ExxonMobil since 1971.

STEWART-HAAS RACING: AAA TEXAS 500 RACE REPORT

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 09:10:58 +0000

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:47:24 +0000

VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES

2012 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX

Yas Marina Circuit, Sunday November 4

“Two big races remaining to get back to the front”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-27A-01

Started 5th

Finished 4th

Fastest lap 1m44.533s (+0.569s, 4th)

Pitstops One lap 29 (3.0s) [Opt-Pri]

Points 153 (6th)

“Congratulations to Kimi [Raikkonen] – he’s a man of few words, but he’s all about racing. He deserved this victory today.

“For me, it was quite a fun race. I had a few good battles out there – with Mark [Webber], Sebastian [Vettel] and Pastor [Maldonado] – and they were particularly good fun. But, unfortunately, I didn’t have the pace in the car to take the fight to the leaders today.

“The car felt very different from how it had on Friday – I just couldn’t find the grip, which was strange. And, at the end, I couldn’t have kept Sebastian back – he was on newer Options [tyres], so it was impossible to get the same amount of traction from my older Primes as he was getting from his newer Options.

“Lewis’s retirement meant we dropped more points to Ferrari in the constructors’ world championship. That was a great pity, but we have two big races remaining in which to make up the balance.”

LEWIS HAMILTON

MP4-27A-01

Started 1st

Finished Ret – 19 laps, fuel pressure

Fastest lap 1m47.266s (+3.302s, 16th)

Pitstops n/a

Points 165 (5th)

“I’m gutted; I’d had really good pace all weekend and I feel certain we could have won today."

“I had a fuel pressure problem – it was very sudden, I was just entering a corner and the car just died on me."

“The only mistake I made all weekend was having a brief moment on lap two, when my brakes weren’t fully up to temperature and I locked up into Turn Eight. After that, however, everything was going really well. The car was a dream to drive – I was cruising and still pulling away when I had my problem."

“Nonetheless, we’ll have more opportunities in Austin and Sao Paulo. I hope we can get back to the front – I’d love to take a win or two more for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes before the end of the season.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“From the point of view of sheer pace, Lewis totally dominated the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend – until loss of fuel pressure ended his race when he was serenely managing a comfortable lead."

“Until that point, he’d had the race in the bag, and it goes without saying that the entire Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team is absolutely gutted that through no fault of his own he wasn’t able to win here today. Lewis, too, is understandably disappointed – but he’s also as keen as mustard to give it his very best shot to win the season’s final two grands prix, at Austin and Sao Paulo."

“Jenson, too, drove a gutsy and spirited race, ending up fourth, having been overtaken at the end by Seb, who was on fresher tyres [than Jenson was] and whose car had been re-geared prior to the race for better top speed."

“To Kimi, who is of course an old friend of ours, having won nine grands prix for McLaren Mercedes during his time with us [2002-2006], I want to say ‘Well done’. Today we saw a great drive by a great driver."

“Last, here are two brand-new McLaren-related milestones for all you train-spotters out there. First, until Lewis’s race came to an end on lap 20, he’d taken McLaren’s aggregate of kilometres spent in the lead of world championship grands prix past the 50,000km mark. And, second, in scoring 12 world championship points for fourth place, Jenson established a new benchmark in Formula 1: 56 points-scoring grands prix on the trot for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, eclipsing the previous record which had been held hitherto by Ferrari."

“Neither of those stats provides much comfort today for anyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, but they certainly both bear witness to a truly impressive magnum opus of on-track McLaren achievement in Formula 1, going back all the way to 1966, and I salute all the many men and women whose sterling efforts have contributed to that."

“Next we go to Austin, a new venue for our sport. Lewis won the last United States Grand Prix – at Indianapolis in 2007 – and you may be well sure that he, Jenson and everyone else in our team will be aiming to make it two United States Grand Prix victories on the trot for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.”

Stewart-Haas Racing: TUMS Fast Relief 500 Race Report

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:07:26 +0000

2012 INDIAN GRAND PRIX

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:49:09 +0000

Buddh International Circuit, Sunday October 28

“Some fantastic battles – so close, so tight, yet so clean”

LEWIS HAMILTON

MP4-27A-01

Started: 3rd

Finished 4th

Fastest lap 1m28.944s (+0.741s, 5th)

Pitstops One: lap 32 (3.12s) [Opt-Pri]

Points 165 (5th)

“I don’t yet understand why I got such a poor start – it lost me ground and then I fell under attack from the guys behind. During the first lap, I was primarily focusing on not colliding with Jenson, then I saw Fernando [Alonso] in my right mirror. He was towing me from very far back. Even if I’d had a better start than I did, the guys in front were still maybe a bit too fast, particularly in the first stint.

“During that first stint I started having a downshift problem – I was having to change down with my right hand instead of my left, so the team elected to change the steering wheel at the pitstop.

“I’ve never had to change a steering wheel during a race before. We’ve done it in Barcelona testing before, but never in a race. Even so, the guys did it fantastically quickly, under immense pressure, so I want to say ‘well done!’ to them all. I took the wheel off before I’d even stopped the car, and threw it out of the car. The team then fitted a new one, I clicked it into first gear, and I was away – all in just a bit over three seconds flat.

“I tried to chase down Mark [Webber] in the closing laps, but by then it was too late and he was going too quickly for me to be able to mount a serious challenge. But I never give up, and, right until the very last corner, I thought I might just be able to catch him, but in the end it wasn’t to be.

“Still, I loved it out there today – I can’t remember the last time I’ve pushed so far, so hard, for so long, right on the limit – it felt great. It felt fantastic, in fact, to be in the middle of such a battle.

“I’m so proud of all the guys in the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, too – it was a really great race.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-27A-02

Started 4th

Finished 5th

Fastest lap 1m28.203s (1st)

Pitstops One: lap 25 (3.34s) [Opt-Pri]

Points 141 (6th)

“The start of the race was my highlight – there were just millimetres between Lewis, Fernando and me. I’ve never had a start quite like that before – unbelievably hard-fought – and none of us hit each other. It was so close, so tight, yet so clean. It’s just a pity that the rest of the race wasn’t as enjoyable!

“My first stint was pretty disappointing; I think maybe we struggled more on the Options [tyres] than the other runners did, so I couldn’t keep the guys behind me. I then made my pitstop earlier than anticipated, so that we could find a better balance on the harder tyre, but that didn’t work out because I got stuck behind Romain [Grosjean], which lost me more time.

“But getting fastest lap on the final lap was great, and I think there’s plenty of potential that we can build on and take with us to Abu Dhabi next weekend.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“We scored 22 world championship points here today, but we’d hoped to score quite a few more than that.

“We found it difficult to coax sufficient pace out of the Options, but our car was the fastest in the field on the Primes. The trouble was, by the time we were running on Primes, the gap to the cars ahead was a bit too large. Even so, Lewis pushed as hard as he possibly could in the closing stages, carving chunks out of the gap between him and Mark ahead, and, if the race had been just a few laps longer, I’m certain he’d have fancied his chances of getting past.

“Jenson, too, drove superbly, in difficult conditions, losing quite a bit of time while stuck behind Romain, but he made as rapid progress as Lewis did once he’d got onto Primes. Indeed, he drove the fastest lap of the race on the very last lap. It was McLaren’s 150th fastest lap in world championship grand prix racing, incidentally.

“Finally, here’s another stat for the train-spotters out there: today, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes tied Ferrari’s all-time record of 55 consecutive world championship grands prix in the points. We started that run in Australia in 2010, which race Jenson won for us of course; indeed, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has scored points in every single grand prix since Jenson joined our team.

“In Abu Dhabi, in a week’s time, we’ll be seeking to establish a new benchmark: 56 consecutive world championship grands prix in the points. In fact, of course, we’ll be aiming to do a bit more than that: there are three grands prix still to run this season, and you can be well sure that everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will be doing his or her level best to win as many of them as we possibly can.”

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - Race Report Overview : Monaco Grand Prix

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

27th May 2012

LEWIS HAMILTON
Started: 3rd
Fastest lap: 1m18.806s
Finished: 5th
Points: 63 (4th)

“I had a pretty poor start – I didn’t understand why that happened – and I was lucky not to get caught up in the first-corner crash. During the race, I struggled in the low-speed corners and found looking after the rear tyres tough. To make them last as long as we did, while trying to keep up with the pace of the guys in front, was one of the trickiest things I’ve had to do in a race.

I lost time at my pitstop and gave away a place to Fernando [Alonso], and then Sebastian [Vettel] was able to get past me after he made his own stop. After that, it was impossible to overtake.

Today wasn’t the best result for me – I really dislike going backwards in a race – but I think I got everything I could out of the car.

We came away with some points, and there are many more races ahead, but we’ve definitely got some work to do because, race by race, we’re struggling to keep up with the leaders.

The other teams are picking up serious pace, too. We can’t let them pull away from us – but we’re a fantastic team, we’ll knuckle down together, and we’ll really push on now.”

JENSON BUTTON
Started: 12th
Finished: Retired
Fastest lap: 1m19.923s
Points: 45 (7th)

“At the start, Kamui [Kobayashi] almost landed on top of me because he’d been launched off someone else. Then I almost got stuck at the exit of Sainte Dévote, but I just managed to squeeze through. After my stop, I got caught behind Heikki [Kovalainen] – we weren’t really fighting, but if you position your car in the right place around here then it’s impossible to overtake. That’s quite frustrating when you’re so much quicker than the guy in front.

Finally, I had a look up the inside of Turn 15 [Swimming Pool exit], we touched, and I had a puncture. Game over. Today’s result stems from a poor qualifying performance and being unlucky at the start. Also, when you start from the mid-grid, you’re more prone to incidents.

It wasn’t my day today – but hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“This year’s Monaco Grand Prix won’t go down as one of the most triumphant in McLaren’s glorious Monte-Carlo history – since, although Lewis finished just four seconds behind Mark [Webber] today, in truth the smallness of that deficit was partly occasioned by the unique combination of the drivers’ need to drive with tyre conservation in mind and a circuit on which overtaking is well-nigh impossible.

As a consequence, Mark was able to back the field up in the closing stages, without risking his lead. Still, Lewis scored a useful 10 points, and lies only 13 points off the drivers’ world championship lead.

Jenson had a frustrating afternoon, striving to make up ground from 12th on the grid, the result of which was ultimately a lap-71 DNF. Our next stop will be Montreal, another non- purpose-built racetrack, but one on which overtaking is at least feasible.

Jenson won brilliantly there last year, and Lewis won superbly there the year before – so, although we weren’t able to add to our unrivalled record of 15 wins here at Monaco this afternoon, you can rest assured that in two weeks’ time we’ll be aiming to score a hat-trick of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Canadian Grand Prix victories.”

Race Report Overview - European Grand Prix
24TH June 2012

JENSON BUTTON
Started: 9th
Finished: 8th
Fastest lap: 1m44.806s
Points: 49 (8th)

“This was a really difficult race to read. I got a poor start, was boxed in at Turn One, and had to lift to prevent Fernando [Alonso] and myself hitting the wall at Turn Two. I don’t think we did a bad job in terms of strategy – the car felt good and kept improving during the race – but, when the Safety Car was deployed, I think a few others lucked in to a better strategy. And, today, also, we just didn’t get lucky.

Finally, massive congratulations to Fernando – he did a great job. Hopefully we can do the same thing at our home grand prix in two weeks’ time!”

LEWIS HAMILTON
Started: 2nd
Finished: Retired
Fastest lap: 1m44.007s
Points: 88 (3rd)

“Big congratulations to Fernando – he did a great job today to come from all the way back in 11th. We lost some points today – fortunately, however, a couple of other drivers fighting at the front also missed out, so it’s not the end of the world. It just makes things a little bit tougher.

Today was just a bad day in the office – but that’s motor racing, and I’m already looking forward to the next grand prix, my home race at Silverstone.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“I suppose you’d have to describe the 2012 European Grand Prix as an exciting race for spectators, but a frustrating race for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

Clearly, we’d like to have scored more points than we did today.

But, as I’ve said before and I’m quite sure I’ll have cause to say again, the comparative performance of Formula 1TM cars is extremely close this year – probably closer than ever before – and this year’s races are consequently very unpredictable.

Having said all that, it goes without saying that everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is looking forward immensely to our home race, the Santander British Grand Prix at Silverstone, on whose famous Tarmac we hope to put on a fantastic show, and record an excellent result, in front of the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable motorsport fans in the world.”

Race Report Overview - Santander British Grand Prix
8TH July 2012

LEWIS HAMILTON
Started: 8th
Finished: 8th
Fastest lap: 1m36.173s
Points: 92 (4th)

“It wasn’t a great race for me – I just wish we could have done more for the fans today. We tried as hard as we could, but we simply didn’t have the pace this afternoon.

My tyres were still good at the end of my first stint, and I was able to hang on to Fernando [Alonso]. So it’s hard to understand how we could be leading the race at one point and then fall back to eighth place, especially as our car doesn’t feel bad overall.

I raced my heart out and was flat-out right to the end. We’re still in the hunt for the world championship – and, if we can find a bit of lap-time, we can stay in the hunt, too.

I gave the fans a little donut on the slow-down lap – simply because I wanted to say thank-you to everyone who came out to watch us here today. I’d love to have done better in my home Grand Prix, but, regardless, the fans were fantastic throughout the weekend.”

JENSON BUTTON
Started: 16th
Finished: 10th
Fastest lap: 1m36.086s
Points: 50 (8th)

“It was good to get a point in my Grand Prix, but of course that’s not what we ought to be doing: we’re a front-running team and we’ve got a bit of work to do to start running at the front again. I don’t think we made any mistakes with our strategy today; we’re just not quite quick enough at the moment, that’s all.

Most important of all, though, I’m a bit sorry for the Silverstone fans, because they’ve been truly amazing this weekend. Like them, we wanted a lot more from today’s result. So we’re sorry, guys; we weren’t able to fight at the front today, but hopefully we’ll be back there soon.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“A dry race wasn’t what we were expecting – and, undoubtedly, had it been a wet race, as was predicted, our competitiveness relative to that of our opposition would have been significantly enhanced.

Lewis drove an excellent stint on his initial set of Prime tyres, making consistent progress throughout the first third of the race. Thereafter, with hindsight, perhaps we should have given him more laps on his Options, because, from the very beginning of his third stint, he was never happy with his second set of Primes.

For Jenson, the 2012 Santander British Grand Prix was always going to be a bit of a struggle, starting it as he did from 16th place on the grid. Again, as with Lewis, had it rained earlier this afternoon [rather than only after the race had ended], as it did yesterday and on Friday, and as it was forecast also to do today, undoubtedly he’d have been able to make up more places, more quickly, than in the event he did. As it was, he earned a single world championship point for his efforts, which was meagre reward for a pretty gutsy performance.

Next we travel to Germany, and Hockenheim, the home Grand Prix of our engine partners Mercedes-Benz, whose Mercedes AMG HighPerformancePowertrains V8s have served, and continue to serve, us so well. But, before then, we’ll go back to Woking [Surrey, UK], to the McLaren Technology Centre, with a determination to work as hard as is humanly possible to develop our car such that we can put on a fine and competitive show in the homeland of the famous three-pointed star.”

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - INSIDE TRACK: NASCAR

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

Driver: Tony Stewart
Season Standings: 8th
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
Hottest: Stretch in March-April and the three races before Kentucky

Indianapolis finish: 10th

Stewart did not like his poor-handling car in practice or in qualifying but did not seem to mind a top-10 finish. He struggled with a tight car but managed to gain 12 spots in 50 laps after starting 28th. He dropped back outside the top 30 after a tire got away during a pit stop on Lap 74. Stewart made his way his through the field and reached the top 10 with about 10 laps left. He has five top-10 finishes in his past seven races. His record at Indianapolis has been impressive, with eight top-10s in his past nine Brickyard races.

What he said: “We just didn’t start the weekend off good enough, but I will say that I’m really proud of [crew chief] Steve Addington, [competition director] Greg Zipadelli and all of our engineers and everybody who worked hard [Saturday] night to make this car what it was [Sunday]. It was a lot better, but this is where we should’ve unloaded instead of trying to be good for the race.”

Driver: Ryan Newman
Season Standings: 14th
Team: Stewart-Haas Racing
Hottest: The same stretch in March-April as Stewart

Indianapolis finish: 7th

Newman has kept within a few cars lengths of a Chase spot. At Indy, he qualified 11th but fell outside the top 15 while battling a tight car. His Chevy would loosen as the day wore on, but he could not crack the top 10 until his final stop with 33 laps left. His crew made one last adjustment and got him out in seventh place, where he would take the checkered flag. Newman has three consecutive top-10 finishes. He remains just outside the final wild-card spot. Newman is 15 points or another win away from the Chase.

What he said: “We finally got good track position there toward the end, and we were able to keep it. The Quicken Loans Chevrolet was good. We just didn’t have quite the speed we needed. The guys gave me a great pit stop at the end. It was a fantastic stop, and I’m proud of them.”

INSIDE TRACK: PORSCHE
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup, Round 8 at the Budapest Grand Prix, Hungary

Christian Engelhart celebrated his first Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup victory of the season on the Hungaroring on the outskirts of Budapest. This marks his second win in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup since Istanbul 2011. Kévin Estre is the new point’s leader. Driving for Hermes Attempto Racing, the Frenchman won the replacement race for the cancelled Barcelona round on Saturday and finished fifth on Sunday.

In sweltering temperatures, Christian Engelhart immediately sprinted clear at the head of the pack from the first row and put a comfortable gap between him and his pursuers. Putting in a strong drive, the Dane, son of former DTM champion Kurt Thiim, fended off Sean Edwards in hot pursuit behind him over the entire race distance and brought home his best performance so far in the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. Sean Edwards’s delight over his third place was short-lived. The Monaco winner was disqualified because his vehicle did not conform to the regulations.

This handed last year’s winner, Poland’s Kuba Giermaziak (VERVA Racing Team), his first podium result of the year. Fourth place went to Michael Ammermüller (Germany). The ex- Formula 1TM test driver competing for VELTINS Lechner Racing, who finished second on Saturday, defended his lead in the rookie classification and now sits two points ahead of Nicki Thiim. Sixth place went to Austria’s Norbert

Siedler behind 2011 Rookie of the Year Kévin Estre who took the overall lead of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup for the first time.

Driver comments:
Christian Engelhart (winner): “I’ve waited a long time for this win, and that it has finally happened makes it all the more wonderful. It’s a great feeling. We all worked hard for this. My start was brilliant. I immediately pulled alongside Sean and we took the first corner side by side. After two laps my car ran even better and it gave me the chance to catch my breath.”

Points’ standings after 8 of 10 races *

Drivers
1. Kévin Estre (F), Hermes Attempto Racing, 105
2. René Rast (D), Lechner Racing Team, 104
3. Norbert Siedler (A), VELTINS Lechner Racing, 99
4. Sean Edwards (GB), Konrad Motorsport, 93
5. Michael Ammermüller (D), VELTINS Lechner
Racing, 87
6. Nicki Thiim (D), Hermes Attempto Racing, 85

Teams
1. Hermes Attempto Racing, 190 points
2. VELTINS Lechner Racing, 183 points
3. Konrad Motorsport, 169 points

*Although the race in Barcelona was cancelled, the extra points for pole position were still awarded.

STEWART-HAAS RACING: Hollywood Casino 400 Race Report

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 12:22:30 +0100

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - Race Report Overview : Bahrain Grand Prix

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

22^nd April 2012

LEWIS HAMILTON
Started: 2nd
Finished: 8th
Fastest lap: 1m37.733s
Points: 49 (2nd)

“There are good times and bad times in motor racing. I guess this was just one of those days. By rights we should have been fighting to finish in the top four today, but it didn’t work out like that in the end. The delays in the pits were a big part of that, of course. For the driver sitting in the car, that’s always frustrating, because you’re just waiting and there’s nothing you can do to help.

We lost a bit of world championship momentum today – but, on the plus side, we still picked up four world championship points, and every point you score is valuable in a season as close-fought as this one.

Now we’ll head into the European season, and it’s clear that we’ve got to do two things: we’ve got to work on the pace of our car and we’ve got to improve our pitstops.”

JENSON BUTTON
Started: 4th
Finished: Retired
Fastest lap: 1m38.046s
Points: 43 (4th)

“I didn’t have a very good balance today: I was struggling all afternoon with oversteer. We were taking front wing out of the car all the way through the race, in fact.

However, my final stint was a long one, and, if I hadn’t struck trouble, I reckon things would have got quite interesting in the final laps. Some drivers had pushed harder at the start of that stint, but I’d been looking after my tyres. Into the last five laps, I started pushing pretty hard, and I caught up with Paul [di Resta] and Nico [Rosberg]. But, just as I braked for the final corner [on lap 53], the right-front corner lifted up in the air and I realised I had a [left-rear] puncture. So I quickly radioed the team, and pitted. In the last few laps, the car sounded really noisy. I think the initial problem was an exhaust failure, then my puncture, and then a differential failure; so I had to retire. It’s been a pretty difficult weekend for the whole team.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Clearly, our performance was disappointing this afternoon. Having said that, both Lewis and Jenson drove very well in extremely challenging conditions. Lewis pulled off some sensational passing manoeuvres in his efforts to push his way through to the front, but in the end he was let down by two slow pitstops, both of which were caused by delays at the left-rear corner of his car. Jenson’s pitstops were trouble-free, by contrast, so we’ll have to investigate what the problem was with the left-rear corner of Lewis’s car.

Jenson, too, had a frustrating run, which was finally curtailed by a puncture and a problem with both his differential and his exhaust, the combination of which forced us to retire his car. Again, we’ll investigate what caused those problems in due course. Lewis, in second, is just four points off the lead. Lewis and Jenson are as resilient as they are competitive, so you can be well sure that in Spain they’ll both do their utmost to score as many points as possible in an effort to put Vodafone McLaren Mercedes back at the top of both the drivers’ and the constructors’ world championship standings. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: the 2012 season is shaping up to be both gripping and unpredictable. Some races you win, some you don’t. That’s motor racing. But, above all, motor racing is a team sport – and I probably know better than anyone what a superb bunch of men and women the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team is made up of, which is why I’m utterly certain that every last one of them will now work as hard as is humanly possible to make sure that, on the sweeping curves of the Circuit di Catalunya, we’re back where we belong: at the front.”

Race Report Overview - Spanish Grand Prix
13^TH May 2012

LEWIS HAMILTON
Started: 24th
Fastest lap: 1m28.918s
Finished: 8th
Points: 53 (3rd)

“I’m proud of my performance today, and proud of the team too. They did a great job: a real improvement with the pitstops, following our difficulties in that area recently. All in all, then, I think today’s result was the best we could do. I was the only driver to attempt a two-stop strategy, and I’m glad I was able to made it work. People often say that I have an aggressive driving style, but my final stint on the Prime tyre was 31 laps, so I reckon I proved today that I can make tyres last.

It was a huge challenge to come through the field from the back, but I never gave up for a single second, right up to the finish line. Before the race I said I’d race my heart out, and that’s exactly what I did. For me, that’s what racing is all about. Today was all about damage limitation. But, now, looking at the bigger picture, I can’t really complain because, despite the setbacks I’ve had this season, I’m still only eight points behind the leader of the drivers’ world championship.

The team has been working extremely hard, and our car is quick. So, when things go right, I think we’ll be in a great position – and it’ll come to us before too long. Finally, big congratulations to Pastor [Maldonado] and everyone at Williams – it’s a fantastic result for them and this is a great day for him personally.”

JENSON BUTTON
Started: 10th
Finished: 9th
Fastest lap: 1m28.624s
Points: 45 (6th)

“Congratulations to Pastor! His was a great drive and I’m sure it will instil a lot of confidence in him and the Williams team.

“The Formula 1^TM form-book is very mixed-up at the moment, which is unusual, but that’s the way it appears to be going this season. As for us, well, a lot of my afternoon was spent stuck in traffic, and I had a Sauber breathing down my neck for most of the race. All in all, we weren’t quite quick enough today – but that’s something I need to solve myself. I need to find a set-up that suits me better as I feel like I have pretty poor grip at the moment.

“Having said that, I’m already looking forward to Monaco and a much better weekend there. It’s a circuit I love and hopefully a place where we can achieve a good result.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Before I say anything else, I want to offer my very hearty congratulations to Williams, to Pastor and particularly to Sir Frank for a stunning victory here today.

“For Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, following our disappointments yesterday, today was always going to be about recovery. Even so, Jenson will be disappointed: he struggled with balance and grip all afternoon, and won’t be satisfied with the brace of world championship points that his ninth place delivered him. Lewis, having started in 24th and last place following his qualifying penalty yesterday, drove an absolutely storming race to eighth place at the chequered flag, all but catching and passing Nico [Rosberg] for seventh place on the final lap. Like Jenson, he won’t be content with the four world championship points he earned this afternoon, but in truth he should be immensely proud of his performance here.

“Lewis was the only driver to make a two-stop strategy work today – and that, given that his race strategy called for him to drive exceptionally hard and extremely fast in heavy traffic all afternoon, pulling off some sensational passing manoeuvres on a circuit on which overtaking is notoriously difficult, was a truly magnificent feat. Make no mistake about it, the 2012 Santander Spanish Grand Prix was one of the most impressive races that Lewis has ever driven. His performance combined fabulous verve with commendable caution – and I’d go so far as to say that, rising above the frustration he inevitably felt yesterday evening, he’s inspired each and every one of us at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes with his stirring drive today.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Charlotte 500 Race Report

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:56:26 +0100

2012 KOREAN GRAND PRIX

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 09:47:08 +0100

Korea International Circuit, Sunday October 14

“Days like these show what’s in your heart when you keep fighting…”

LEWIS HAMILTON

MP4-27A-04

Started: 3rd

Finished 10th

Fastest lap 1:42.721s (+0.684, 9th)

Pitstops Three: lap 13 (3.00s), 26 (3.99s) and 42 (2.50s) [Opt-Pri-Pri-Opt]

Points 153 (4th)

“I’m exhausted.

“I was told after the race that my car had suffered a rear anti-roll bar failure a few laps into the second stint. It was safe to drive – and I was trying my best with it, pushing all the way – but it was extremely hard to maintain a good pace. The balance was switching from corner to corner, the car was moving around along the straights, and it was eating up the tyres, which meant we lost further ground by being forced onto a three-stop strategy.

“To make things even more difficult, I then picked up some stray run-off Astroturf, which tangled itself around my sideboard winglet for the final few laps. It stalled the diffuser – so I had no rear downforce at the end, which made it even trickier to hang on to 10th place.

“In terms of winning the world championship, logic suggests that that’s probably it for me. Having said that, there are a lot of points still up for grabs, so I’ll keep pushing. Stranger things have happened, and I’ll never give up.

“It doesn’t feel great to experience days like these, but every cloud has a silver lining. Put it this way: it’s good to see what’s in your heart when you keep fighting. Days like these show the true spirit within.”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-27A-03

Started 11th

Finished Retired, lap one: accident damage

Fastest lap -

Pitstops -

Points 131 (6th)

“I got a really good start and was able to get past both Mercedes. Into the first corner, there was a slight incident in front of me [when Sergio Perez braked late and tapped the car in front], so I was forced to run wide and push Nico [Rosberg] off the circuit.

“Nico and I then had a good drag-race down the back straight on lap one. I braked really late for Turn Three, then suddenly Kamui’s [Kobayashi] car was climbing all over my car’s right-hand side.

“It’s extremely disappointing. This is a long race, with so much opportunity for everyone. It’s a great circuit for overtaking, so it’s surprising to see people behaving like that on the first lap.

“I no longer have a realistic chance to win the world championship, so I’ll be enjoying myself over the final four races. Scoring points for the team in the constructors’ world championship will be the most important priority, so I’ll be focusing on picking up as many as I possibly can.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Lewis may have scored only a single world championship point this afternoon, but I’m happy to be quoted as saying that it was probably the hardest won and most heroically fought world championship point in McLaren’s long history.

“His car suffered a rear anti-roll bar failure early on – and that destroyed his car’s handling balance and made it impossible for him to look after his tyres. The fact that he nonetheless hung on in there, through thick and thin, battling wheel to wheel with drivers whose cars were undamaged, was truly mighty.

“Then, finally, to add insult to injury, he picked up a strip of stray run-off Astroturf, and that further compromised his car’s performance – yet, even so, despite not being able to shake it off as it flapped about in the air-stream, he still clung on to 10th place. Believe me, it was an epic, stirring, majestic drive.

“As for Jenson, well, what can I say? He made a very good start and would, I’m sure, have driven a great race this afternoon. But he wasn’t given the chance to show what he could have done because he was taken out, hit from behind, through no fault of his own.

“So today wasn’t a good day at the office, obviously. But motor racing is like that sometimes. And we’ll fight on. That’s what Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ incredible team spirit is all about. That’s why McLaren has won one in four of all the grands prix that have been staged since our team first entered world championship grand prix racing 46 long years ago. And that’s why we’ll be moving heaven and earth to win the four grands prix that still remain this year.

“It won’t be easy, but I promise you we’ll all be giving it our very best shot.”

2012 JAPANESE GRAND PRIX

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

Suzuka Circuit, Sunday October 7

“Good, combative racing; super-slick pitwork; and some valuable points”

JENSON BUTTON

MP4-27A-03

Started 8th

Finished 4th

Fastest lap 1m36.606s (+0.832s, 2nd)

Pitstops Two: laps 13 (2.49s) and 35 (3.68s) [Opt-Pri-Pri]

Points 131 (6th)

“Fourth definitely isn’t a bad result – particularly considering I started from eighth. I ran as high as third during the first stint, but in hindsight it was probably an error to make our first pitstop so early. Both Kamui [Kobayashi] and I were compromised behind a Toro Rosso, and that cost both of us a bit of time to Felipe [Massa]. He’d started on a brand-new set of tyres, and that makes a big difference: you can go longer and keep the speed up, so he was able to jump both of us after the first stops.

“Towards the end, I was able to push and start catching Kamui. But he controlled his final set of tyres very well – I could get close to him, but the only way I was going to get into the DRS zone was by braking extra-late into the chicane, and, every time I tried, I locked up and ran wide.

“Still, this result isn’t too bad – we got some more points – we just didn’t have the pace to go for the win today.”

LEWIS HAMILTON

MP4-27A-04

Started: 9th

Finished 5th

Fastest lap 1m37.760s (+1.986s, 11th)

Pitstops Two: lap 16 (3.79s) and 31 (2.52s) [Opt-Pri-Pri]

Points 152 (4th)

“Congratulations to Jenson – he drove well all weekend, and, between us, we got some decent points for the team today.

“I was very fortunate to stay out of trouble at the start; there were lots of cars going off the track, so I just concentrated on bringing the car through undamaged.

“I pushed as hard as I could throughout the whole race. It was a bit of a struggle in the first stint – I had a lot of understeer – but after a while the car started turning again. From that moment on, it felt really good, and I was able to push; but it was too late to have much of an effect on the result.

“This just wasn’t the weekend for me. With better qualifying, we can get better results – and that’ll be our aim in South Korea next week.

“I’m already looking forward to it.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH

Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“When you consider that Red Bull’s drivers lined up for this afternoon’s race from P1 and P2, and our two drivers started it from P8 and P9, the fact that they extended their constructors’ championship lead over us by just five points has to be seen as a decent bit of damage limitation on our part.

“Both Jenson and Lewis drove good and combative races, scoring 22 world championship points between them; but, obviously, given our impressive points-scoring record over the past few grands prix, we’d hoped to achieve rather better than fourth and fifth when we arrived in Suzuka earlier this week.

“We didn’t optimise our performance in qualifying yesterday, and today we struggled with our tyres at various times during the race. Moreover, Jenson was unlucky to get stuck behind Daniel [Ricciardo], and lost quite a bit of time after his first pitstop as a result.

“Lewis’s second stop was excellent – a superb strategy call backed by super-slick work by our pitcrew – and as a result Lewis emerged from the pitlane more or less alongside Kimi [Raikkonen], edged ahead of him through Turn One, then skilfully held him at bay and collected 10 valuable points for fifth place as a result.

“From Japan we fly to South Korea, where we’ll be looking to score strongly. The tussle for this season’s world championships – both drivers’ and constructors’ – will be extremely hard-fought. But all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will dig very deep over the final five grands prix in a big effort to ensure that we’re right there, in the mix, competing for ultimate honours, when the dust finally settles on what’s shaping up to be an extremely exciting battle.

“Bring it on!”

Stewart-Haas Racing: Good Sam Roadside Assistance 500

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - RUSSIA : BIGGEST FAN SEARCH

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

Mobil 1 are on the hunt for the ultimate motorsport fan in Russia.

On the 23rd April this year ExxonMobil launched the Biggest Fan Search competition to give Russian motorsport enthusiasts the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills for a chance to become an Ultimate Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team member in one of the final Formula 1^TM Grand Prix events of 2012.

The Biggest Fan Search consists of three main stages, with points being awarded for each:

To enter the competition, participants were required to purchase a bottle of Mobil 1 oil, and register at www.mobil1.ru before June 17th by using the promo code on the bottle.
The next stage of the campaign was an online quiz on the www.mobil1.ru website, this took place from June 18th to July 15th.
The final stage of the race started on July 16th. Participants’ skills and knowledge were tested whilst playing a series of online games, competing in a motorsport ‘virtual career’, starting with karting and finishing with Grand Prix Racing.

Two exciting motorsport events completed the BFS program. On June 23rd Mobil 1 Festival took place at Tushino Ring Autodrome, where Mobil 1 invited the participants from both consumer and trade promotions to compete in karting races, watch the drifting races, and learn some interesting facts about motorsport history.

Mobil 1 participation in Moscow City Racing has also become an integral part of the Biggest Fan Search program. For one day only, some of the biggest stars in motorsport turned the streets of Moscow into a racing track. With the support of its long-term technical partner Mobil 1, the legendary Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team has traditionally taken part in the show. This year it was represented by Lewis Hamilton, 2008 FIA Formula 1™ World Champion. Winners of interim BFS stages were invited to the Mobil 1 Suite’s special VIP zone at the event.

The main winner of the campaign is soon to be revealed. The participant who collected the highest amount of points during the whole competition will be treated to a racing weekend alongside the legendary Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team at the end of the 2012 season.

MOBIL 1 EVENT HOSPITALITY

ExxonMobil’s Mobil 1 sponsorship of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is leveraged through a custom built hospitality suite at a selection of Grand Prix races throughout the year. This facility offers an exclusive opportunity for ExxonMobil Affiliates to entertain their guests throughout a race weekend in a discreetly branded, exciting and emotive environment.

• The Mobil 1 Racing Suite experience opens new doors & builds relationships
• Mobil 1 Racing hospitality creates an environment for relationship marketing
• High level customers invited to Mobil 1 Racing hospitality should feel that their business is valued
• Mobil 1 Racing Suite creates an environment where ExxonMobil affiliates can spend quality time with their customers, whilst delivering an experience that greatly enhances their guests’ view of the ExxonMobil organisation
• The 2012 Mobil 1 Grand Prix hospitality program aims to successfully:

- Transform moments in to relationships
- Deliver against Mobil 1’s brand promise
- Provide an opportunity to maximise events as a business tool to all ExxonMobil affiliates

For more information about how we can help you, please contact: frances.casey@marketingminds.co.uk.

2012 MOBIL 1 RACING EXPERIENCE INFORMATION
Mobil 1 Racing Experience Hospitality is now available to order. Race information sheets are available to view from the Mobil 1 Motorsport website.

Please visit: http://www.mobil1motorsport.com.

Stewart-Haas Racing: Sylvania 300 Race Report

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

2012 SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

Marina Bay circuit, Sunday September 23

“We’ll be fighting for the win in all six remaining races”

JENSON BUTTON
MP4-27A-03
Started 4^th
Finished 2^nd
Fastest lap 1m52.625s (+1.592s, 4^th)
Pitstops Two: laps 14 (3.73s) and 33 (3.33s) [Opt-Pri-Pri]
Points 119 (6^th)

“It’s nice to be back on the podium – and, if I finish every remaining race in the top one or two, that’ll be perfect.

“During the first stint, I even thought I had a chance of winning because I was able to go longer than the cars around me. But then they didn’t seem to struggle much on the harder tyre, so the advantage swung away from me. I had a good second stint, but the harder tyre didn’t feel quite as good for me [as the softer tyre]. Then I didn’t really have good balance in the final 10 laps.

“I still have a slim chance of winning the drivers’ world championship, but I’m just enjoying my racing at the moment. I think our car will be competitive at Suzuka, and we’re doing a very good job as a team too. Of course, it’s disappointing that we had a reliability failure with Lewis’s car, so that’s something we need to solve, particularly as we’re doing such a good job in every other area.

“If we can solve our reliability issues, we’ll definitely have a chance of fighting for the win in all six remaining races.”

LEWIS HAMILTON
MP4-27A-04
Started: 1^st
Finished Ret: gearbox failure
Fastest lap 1m55.541s (+4.508s, 19^th)
Pitstops One: lap 12 (2.94s) [Opt-Pri]
Points 142 (4^th)

“It’s heart-breaking not to have finished the race today.

We definitely had the pace to win this weekend. In fact, before I retired, I was cruising; just managing the gap back to Seb [Vettel].

“Then I started to experience difficulty with the gearshift, then I lost third gear, and then the ’box kept dropping into neutral.

“Obviously, I was disappointed, but the good thing we can take away from this weekend is that we have extremely good pace. As a result, I think we can really attack in the next few races. It’s going to be hard to close the gap to guys like Fernando [Alonso] and Sebastian [Vettel], especially when they keep finishing race after race, but I’ll never give up.

“There are six more races, and I need to go and win all six.

“I’ll fight until the end.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Until his run was curtailed by gearbox failure on lap 23, Lewis was driving towards what would have been the perfect end to a weekend throughout which his pace had been consistently awesome.

“Clearly, for him not to have been able to score the 25 world championship points that his pace looked like netting him was a great disappointment for all of us at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. But, as TV viewers the world over will have seen from his post-race interviews, Lewis is a fighter and he won’t give up.

“Neither will we. There are six grands prix left to run this season – which equate to a potential 150 world championship points for any driver to score – and you should be in no doubt that Lewis will be aiming to get as close to that 150 target as possible.

“In the constructors’ world championship, too, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes remains very much in the hunt – bolstered in no small measure by the 18 world championship points that Jenson’s solid run to second place occasioned here today.

“We’ll keep pushing. Roll on Suzuka.”

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - AVAILABILITY OF NEW ASSETS

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 01:00:00 +0100

2012 MOBIL 1 FORUMULA 1^TM IMAGES

AVAILABLE NOW. Mobil 1 Formula 1^TM images that can be used to support your local marketing initiatives. The images consist of a variety of studio shots of both drivers and their cars. Images are available in branded (Johnnie Walker) and unbranded specification.

For guidance on use within your local market please contact: nicola.tonna@marketingminds.co.uk (other images are available).

AVAILABILITY OF NEW ASSETS
Mobil 1 Virtual Cutaway

Want to find out more about how fully synthetic Mercedes Formula 1 team go faster, then visit
Mobil lubricants help the Vodafone McLaren www.mobil1motorsport.com/virtualcutaway.

MOBIL 1 IN F1 VIDEO
To support VIP visits to the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, United Kingdom, Mobil 1 Racing has created a new film sequence to provide an insight in to the role of Mobil 1 motor oil in the success of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team. Featuring drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button and also Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh the sequence is available for use to support your marketing initiatives. The film can be previewed from the Mobil 1 Motorsport site (www.mobil1motorsport.com) or please contact nicola.tonna@marketingminds.co.uk for more details.

MOBIL 1 RACING ACADEMY GAME
Play to win - get your name on Lewis, Jenson or Tony’s real-life race cars this season!

Want to see your name on Lewis, Jenson or Tony’s real-life car at the end of the season? Clock up a winning performance in our interactive new Mobil 1^TM Racing Academy and you’ll get your chance www.mobil1racingacademy.com.

The 2012 motorsports season is off to a thrilling start and the Mobil 1^TMteam is offering fans across the world the chance to join in on the action with its new online 3D game: Mobil 1 Racing™ Academy. Players have the unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of 2008 Formula 1™ World Champion Lewis Hamilton and three-time NASCAR® champion, Tony Stewart, as they progress from grassroots series to the very top of motorsport in the Mobil 1 Racing Academy, a free online gaming experience.

Players experience the game on three distinct skill levels for each idol. Those tracing the career of Lewis Hamilton will compete in Karting, then Formula 3, and finally Grand Prix racing. Those racing as Tony Stewart will progress from Midget Car, to IndyCar, and finally to NASCAR®. Fans will be mentored by the two superstars every step of the way, with tips for each series, game-stage relevant career overviews and sound bites to encourage the players.

Points are awarded to players according to race place and game level, with a 1st place score in the Grand Prix and NASCAR levels generating more points than an equivalent placing in the Karting or Midget Car levels. Each month one winner will be chosen from each series (Grand Prix and NASCAR) based on their total point score. These winners will be offered an incredible, money-can’t-buy prize - their place in motorsport history. The top scorers will either have their names placed within the Mobil 1™ logos on Vodafone McLaren Mercedes cars at the USA Grand Prix in Austin, or Stewart-Haas Racing cars at the NASCAR Kobalt Tools 500 in Phoenix.

The Mobil 1 Racing™ Academy builds on the successes of 2010’s Mobil 1™ Global Challenge—ranked amongst the top ten internet-based games that year—and 2011’s Mobil 1 Track Challenge, which hit number one on Viralchart.com and boasted over 10 million individual gameplays.

ASIA PACIFIC - WILL YOU BE THE ONE?
Mobil 1 to kick off 2012 “Will you Be The One” Contest Offering the Grand Prix Experience of a Lifetime

- Mobil 1 to send grand prize winners to the Austin, Texas Grand Prix to experience the thrill of the track in person

- This is the third year Mobil 1 is launching “Will you Be The One?” to reward motorsport fans

Mobil 1™ launched its third annual popular online contest, “Will You Be The One?” on July 16th, 2012, once again offering Asia Pacific motorsport devotees an exciting racing experience. Building on two successful campaigns in 2010 and 2011, this year’s contest engages players across Asia Pacific by showing them a virtual enactment of racecar driving online. Fans who register by signing up at www.mobil1.com are entering to win the trip of a lifetime to this October’s Grand Prix race in Austin, Texas.

From July 16th, 2012, fans who sign up on the Mobil 1 “Will You Be The One?” website will be competing for weekly prizes, and a trip to Austin, Texas in October 2012. They will learn the mechanics of driving and how Mobil 1 engine oil boosts the performance of the world’s fastest cars through interactive driving games. Participants who sign up their friends and spread enthusiasm for the campaign will raise their chances of winning the grand prize!

“Mobil 1’s “Will You Be The One?” contest is an exciting way for Grand Prix racing fans to experience what it is like driving on the racetrack. The virtual movements and interactions really show users how technology and important components like Mobil 1 engine oil keep our cars in top form.”

The Mobil 1 “Will You Be The One?” campaign kicked off in September 2010 to offer motorsport followers the chance to engage in thrilling Formula racing experiences. Twenty-four winners of the 2010 “Will You Be The One?” contest invited to train with Grand Prix race car professionals and bond together with like-minded motorsport lovers across Asia at the Global Racing Schools in Zhuhai, China. Last year, winners of “Will You Be The One?” were sent to the Korean Grand Prix to see first hand the excitement on the race track in a real Grand Prix experience. “Mobil 1 is devoted to making the dreams of racing enthusiasts come true.” Mr. Eric Carmichael, Asia Pacific Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties Company said, “We are excited to begin another contest that will reward fans and allow them to join in the Formula 1TM racing experience.”

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - LEWIS HAMILTON'S 100TH GRAND PRIX RACE WITH MOBIL 1

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0100

The 2012 Santander German Grand Prix marked Lewis Hamilton’s 100th race with Mobil 1.

This achievement was celebrated with the presentation of a personalised bottle of champagne to Lewis Hamilton by Alan Kelly, President of ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants &
Specialties Marketing Company, Nigel Searle, Vice President Sales and Tony Weatherill, Motorsports Marketing Manager.

Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to the benefits provided by Mobil 1, as the world’s number 1 synthetic engine oil has been used by Lewis on his journey from karting, through GP2 and finally to Formula 1^TM, the pinnacle of motorsport.

Mobil 1 was there when Lewis won the World Championship in 2008 and continues to support the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team with a range of performance products from gear oil to a wheel bearing grease. Our trackside motorsport technical teams, under the leadership of Bruce Crawley ensure that these products deliver the maximum performance and reliability benefits.

CONGRATULATIONS ON 300 GRAND PRIX RACES FOR MOBIL 1
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes prides itself on the longevity of its partnerships, and at the 2012 Canadian Grand Prix three of them reach a significant milestone. ExxonMobil, Mercedes-Benz and Enkei have each started 300 grands prix with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

The partnership took to the grid for the first time at Interlagos on March 26, 1995, with Mika Häkkinen and Mark Blundell finishing fourth and sixth in MP4/10s powered by an all-new Mercedes-Benz 3.0-litre FO110 engine.

Two years later, David Coulthard delivered the first of the partnership’s 72 wins so far at the first race of the 1997 season, in Melbourne, Australia. The results of these partnerships have been outstanding:

- Four World Championships
- 72 grand prix wins
- 20 one-two finishes
- 70 pole positions
- 81 fastest laps

Additionally, the partnership has clocked 183,972.5 racing kilometres together, led 4614 racing laps and (we estimate) carried out an astonishing 1,832,114 gear-changes.

Martin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team principal, said:

“300 grands prix is a significant milestone in the partnership between Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and ExxonMobil, Mercedes-Benz and Enkei. The technical landscape of Formula 1^TM has changed massively since our partnerships began, but our commitment to excellence has been constant. We all want to win."

300 MOBIL 1 DNA WEBSITE
Racing is in our DNA
Formula 1^TM races through our veins. Innovations flows in our bloodstream. To mark our 300th race with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, we’ve put our DNA under the microscope to see what makes Mobil 1 unique. Explore it with us.

Following the fantastic achievement of 300 Grands Prix as a Technology Partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team, Mobil 1 Racing have launched a new website documenting all 300 races throughout the 18 year partnership.

With interviews from past and present drivers, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team management and Mobil 1 technical engineers the site presents a look at our DNA under the microscope to see what makes Mobil 1 unique.

To see it for yourself, please visit: www.mobil1motorsport.com/300gpswithMcLaren.

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - 2012 Canadian Grand Prix Race Report

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0100

10th June 2012

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

LEWIS HAMILTON
Started 2nd
Finished 1st
Fastest lap 1m17.020s
Points 88 (1st)

“It’s a phenomenal sensation to come back to Canada and put on a performance like we did today. This win feels as good as my first Formula 1^TMvictory back in 2007. In fact I’d say it’s one of the best races I’ve had for a very long time. I feel fantastic, to be honest. Just brilliant. I could hardly believe it when I was driving across the line. That emotion inside, it’s like an explosion. It’s really just incredible. It’s what I love best about motor racing.

I always knew today’s race was going to be incredibly tough. So, in the first stint, I was really pleased that I could keep up with Seb [Vettel], and at that point I already felt sure I’d be involved the fight for victory. Our strategy was always for a two-stopper: we knew it was going to be the fastest way to get to the finish.

I looked after my tyres really well today, and I used them knowing we were going to two-stop. I had 100 per cent control and understanding of what was happening in the race – it was one of our best races for that. I told my race engineer, Andy [Latham], to keep the information flowing, and he was fantastic today. I always knew where I was losing or gaining time, which really helped.

Every win is different. Every victory is new, special and fresh. And to see the team all wearing their Vodafone ‘rocket red’ victory T-shirts, knowing the guys back at the factory are doing the same, makes everything feel even more special. Finally, the support from the fans has been amazing – this victory is dedicated to them. I’m so grateful to be here today.”

2012 Canadian Grand Prix Race Report

JENSON BUTTON
Started 10th
Finished 16th
Fastest lap 1m17.843s
Points 45 (8th)

“First of all, big congratulations to Lewis and to the whole Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team – they found a lot of speed today and Lewis did a great job.

For me, though, I didn’t find the speed today, and I couldn’t seem to look after the tyres.

Generally, the past few Grand Prix weekends haven’t been great for me. But every time you make changes to the car, you’re hopeful that it’s going to go well and give you an improvement, so hopefully we’ll be able to solve it sooner rather than later.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“A hat-trick of Canadian Grand Prix wins for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes [2010, 2011, 2012]! Five wins out of the past seven Canadian Grands Prix for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes [2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012]! The 13th Canadian Grand Prix win in our history – more than any other team! A third Canadian Grand Prix win for Lewis [2007, 2010, 2012]! And Lewis is now leading the Drivers’ World Championship! And all of that in the historic 300th Grand Prix of the McLaren-Mobil1-Mercedes-Enkei partnership!

So, yes, today was a very good day. Lewis drove brilliantly. He shadowed Seb for the first dozen-or-so laps, then closed right up on him as the first pitstop window approached. When Seb took on fresh rubber on lap 16, Lewis really got the hammer down, made his stop on lap 17, and rejoined the race just ahead of Seb. Then, when Fernando [Alonso] made his pitstop, and re-emerged just ahead of Lewis, he [Lewis] showed his innate racer’s instinct by passing him [Fernando] in short order and then steadily pulling away. It was a majestic performance by a master of his craft at the peak of his form.

For Jenson, by contrast, today was another day on which we, his team, failed to provide him with the tools with which to do the brilliant job we all know he’s capable of, and which he did so superbly here last year. He lost track time on Friday through no fault of his own, was unable to qualify as well as he would have done had he not lost that track time, and may have been further troubled today by a suspension set-up, different from Lewis’s, that left him with excessive rear tyre wear. We’ll have to check that out.

Lastly, I want to pay tribute to Akebono, whose brake callipers coped brilliantly on the circuit that by some margin poses the biggest braking challenge of the Formula 1^TMyear.”

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - 2012 Santander German Grand Prix Race Report

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0100

22nd July 2012

Hockenheim Circuit
JENSON BUTTON
Started 6th
Finished 2nd
Fastest lap 1m19.719s
Points 68 (7th)

“I had a really good race and really enjoyed myself out there. I made a good start, pulled off some good moves on both Nico [Hukenberg] and Michael [Schumacher] and had strong pace all afternoon. Sebastian [Vettel]’s pass was a pretty straightforward matter: the rules state that you can’t go off the track to gain an advantage. The thing is, there would have been more opportunities for him before the end of the race as my rear tyres were damaged. That’s because I had to push hard to try and catch Fernando [Alonso], which meant I had nothing left for the end of the race. We pretty much ran out of rubber two laps before the chequer.

There are two strong positives to take away from today: firstly, although it proved very difficult to overtake, we’re right up there with Ferrari and Red Bull in terms of speed. Our upgrade package is working well: if we can sort out qualifying, we’re in the mix, and we’ll have a really good chance of winning races this season.

Secondly, although there’s previously been some negative talk about our pitstops, the boys did an unbelievable job today. My fastest stop was a 2.31s – the blink of an eye, and, I’m told, the fastest pitstop in history. They were phenomenal and gave it absolutely everything today – all our effort is really paying off now. I’m already looking forward to Hungary – it’s a special place for me, and I feel really encouraged that we can have another great race next weekend.”

2012 Santander German Grand Prix Race Report
LEWIS HAMILTON
Started 7th
Finished Retired
Fastest lap 1m20.091s
Points 92 (5th)

“My second-lap puncture was incredibly unfortunate: there was debris scattered across the full width of the track and I didn’t have any option other than to drive straight through it. What’s more frustrating is that, at the time, I was the eighth car through – so to be the one to get the puncture is just cruel luck.

It was immediately clear that my car didn’t feel the same after the puncture. However, after a few laps, I was able to adapt my driving style, and the car had good pace during the middle stint. However, with the damage to the rear, I think we were lucky to get that far, to be honest.

At least I was able to have some fun out on track – my pace was good enough to be able to match the leaders during the middle stint. And that’s encouraging for me, because we know our car’s been genuinely quick this weekend. A big thank-you to everyone back at the factory for all their efforts to get a lot of new parts onto the car this weekend – every little bit helps, and we know there’s even more in the pipeline. We’ll put that pace in our pockets and take it to Hungary next weekend. I’m back in the car in five days’ time – and that’s the best possible news for me after a day like today.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“A great drive from Jenson today – a little frustrating to have started sixth, which meant he lost time at the start of the race [behind Hulkenberg and Schumacher], but he drove brilliantly to catch and battle the leaders.

He wasn’t quite able to bridge the gap to Fernando because, frankly, we were saving fuel at that stage, his rear tyres had gone off a little bit because he’d been behind the Ferrari for some time, and also because Fernando’s never an easy driver to overtake. Indeed, Ferrari are doing a great job at the moment – but we know they’re beatable. I think it’s important to place some of the credit for Jenson’s second place with our pitcrew: their second stop for Jenson was the fastest Formula 1TM pitstop of all time, with a stationary time of just 2.31s. That’s quite unbelievable and not only a testament to our belief in the processes and equipment we put in place to improve our performance, but also to the commitment and determination of the guys on the ground to improve and refine their technique. Well done to everyone for a quite phenomenal achievement!

Lewis was incredibly unfortunate to be a victim of the Turn One debris – there wasn’t anything
he could have done to avoid it. Unfortunately, the puncture damaged the rear of his car, prompting us to monitor the data carefully to track all the vital signs. It’s a terribly disappointing conclusion to his 100th grand prix.”

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - 2012 Hungarian Grand Prix Race Report

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0100

29th July 2012

Hungaroring Circuit
LEWIS HAMILTON
Started 1st
Finished 1st
Fastest lap 1m25.831s
Points 117 (4th)

“Well, what can I say?! I’m over the moon! The team did a fantastic job! Absolutely brilliant! It was a really enjoyable race – but it wasn’t at all easy. In fact, I reckon that it was one of the toughest races I’ve ever driven – but, guess what, I’ll savour it all the more for that.

I was under a lot of pressure throughout all 69 laps. First, Romain [Grosjean] and then Kimi [Raikkonen] were right behind me, all the way through, and I had to look after my tyres without letting my pace drop, which was pretty tricky at times. It was a case of managing the gap behind me, over the whole lap, every lap. In particular, I had to make sure that, every lap, I always had a big enough gap at the last corner, so that I wouldn’t be overtaken in the DRS zone on the pitstraight. And I managed to do that every time.

As I say, the team did an absolutely incredible job – and the support we’ve had here in Budapest, not only from the visiting British fans but also from the local Hungarian fans, has been phenomenal. And to be able to win a Grand Prix on the weekend that the Olympic Games started in the UK too, well, I feel like we’ve done our part to contribute to what I hope will be many more British successes over the Olympic Games period. Someone has just told me that we’ve scored Britain’s first gold medal of 2012. Well, it isn’t really that, is it? But it’s the first British victory of the Olympic Games period, which is pretty cool.”

JENSON BUTTON
Started 4th
Finished 6th
Fastest lap 1m25.677s
Points 76 (7th)

“First of all, I want to say a big ‘Well done!’ to Lewis and the entire Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. Fantastic job, guys!

For me, though, I guess today was quite a bit more frustrating than it was for Lewis. Having said that, I was really pleased to be able to get ahead of Seb [Vettel] on the opening lap, passing him on the outside of Turn Two, and to be able to hold a very solid third place at that point. I was on the leaders’ pace too. In fact, even after the first stop, I could still see the leaders – so we were obviously still pretty close.

There are lots of positives to take away from this weekend: our car is obviously quick, as I was able to show at Hockenheim and Lewis was able to confirm here, and in the second half of the season I know that everyone at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will work as hard as possible to maintain and continue that upward performance development curve.”

MARTIN WHITMARSH
Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

“Lewis drove with tremendous composure all afternoon, and the result was a meticulously judged victory, wrought under intense pressure throughout. He made a superb start from pole position, then controlled the race with masterful authority, all the while balancing the necessity to execute rapid laps against the equally pressing requirement to conserve his tyres.

The 25 points he annexed today have taken his season-so-far total to 117. Although he’s still a little way behind the Drivers’ World Championship leader, he’s now very well placed to mount an assault on the Drivers’ World Championship crown over the remaining nine races of the season. Believe me, it’s still all up for grabs.

Jenson had a frustrating race but nonetheless managed to score a useful eight points as a result of finishing in sixth place. Like Lewis, he’ll come back from the mid-season break ready to attack the second half of the season with energy and enthusiasm. And, again, also like Lewis, he’ll be aiming to score plenty of points, at Spa-Francorchamps and Interlagos and everywhere in between.

Yesterday Lewis scored the 150th pole position in McLaren’s history – and today he notched up our 178th Grand Prix victory. It was his 101st Grand Prix – and it’s difficult to imagine a better way for him to have begun his second century of Grand Prix appearances, isn’t it?”

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER - Inside Track: Formula 1

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0100

We have already reached the halfway point of the 2012 Formula 1^TM season, so lets take a look at the race by race driver’s standings so far:

Australia: BUTTON (1st); HAMILTON (3rd); POLE (Hamilton); Fastest lap (Button); Winner (Button)
Malaysia: BUTTON (14th); HAMILTON (3rd); POLE (Hamilton); Fastest lap (Räikkönen); Winner (Alonso)
China: BUTTON (2nd); HAMILTON (3rd); POLE (Rosberg); Fastest lap (Kobayashi); Winner (Rosberg)
Bahrain: BUTTON (Retired); HAMILTON (8th); POLE (Vettel); Fastest lap (Vettel); Winner (Vettel)
Spain: BUTTON (9th); HAMILTON (8th); POLE (Maldonado); Fastest lap (Grosjean); Winner (Maldonado)
Monaco: BUTTON (Retired); HAMILTON (5th); POLE (Webber); Fastest lap (Perez); Winner (Webber)
Canada: BUTTON (16th); HAMILTON (1st); POLE (Vettel); Fastest lap (Vettel); Winner (Hamilton)
Europe: BUTTON (8th); HAMILTON (Retired); POLE (Vettel); Fastest lap (Rosberg); Winner (Alonso)
Great Britain: BUTTON (10th); HAMILTON (8th); POLE (Alonso); Fastest lap (Räikkönen); Winner (Webber)
Germany: BUTTON (2nd); HAMILTON (Retired); POLE (Alonso); Fastest lap (Schumacher); Winner (Alonso)
Hungary: BUTTON (6th); HAMILTON (1st); POLE (Hamilton); Fastest lap (Vettel); Winner (Hamilton)
Belgium
Italy
Singapore
Japan
Korea
India
Abu Dhabi
USA
Brazil

FIA Formula 1^TMDrivers’ Championship

01 FERNANDO ALONSO; SCUDERIA FERRARI; 164
02 MARK WEBBER; RED BULL RACING; 124
03 SEBASTIAN VETTEL; RED BULL RACING; 122
04 LEWIS HAMILTON; VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES; 117
05 KIMI RäIKKöNEN; LOTUS F1 TEAM; 116
06 NICO ROSBERG; MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM; 77
07 JENSON BUTTON; VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES; 76
08 ROMAIN GROSJEAN; LOTUS F1 TEAM; 76
09 SERGIO PEREZ; SAUBER F1 TEAM; 47
10 KAMUI KOBAYASHI; SAUBER F1 TEAM; 33
11 PASTOR MALDONADO; WILLIAMS; 29
12 MICHAEL SCHUMACHER; MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM; 29
13 PAUL DI RESTA; SAHARA FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM; 27
14 FELIPE MASSA; SCUDERIA FERRARI; 25
15 BRUNO SENNA; WILLIAMS; 24
16 NICO HULKENBERG; SAHARA FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM; 19
17 JEAN-ERIC VERGNE; SCUDERIA TORRO ROSSO; 4
18 DANIEL RICCIARDO; SCUDERIA TORRO ROSSO; 2
19 HEIKKI KOVALAINEN; CATERHAM F1 TEAM; 0
20 VITALY PETROV; CATERHAM F1 TEAM; 0
21 TIMO GLOCK; MARUSSIA F1 TEAM; 0
22 CHARLES PIC; MARUSSIA F1 TEAM; 0
23 NARAIN KARTHIKEYAN; HRT F1 TEAM; 0
24 PEDRO DE LA ROSA; HRT F1 TEAM; 0

FIA Formula 1^TM Constructors' Championship

01 RED BULL RACING; 246
02 VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES; 193
03 LOTUS F1 TEAM; 192
04 SCUDERIA FERRARI; 189
05 MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 TEAM; 106
06 SAUBER F1 TEAM; 80
07 WILLIAMS; 53
08 SAHARA FORCE INDIA F1 TEAM; 46
09 SCUDERIA TORRO ROSSO; 6
10 CATERHAM F1 TEAM; 0
11 MARUSSIA F1 TEAM; 0
12 HRT F1 TEAM; 0

MOBIL 1 RACING NEWSLETTER

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 01:00:00 +0100

Issue 03: August 2012

Introduction
Welcome to the third issue of the Mobil 1 RacingTM newsletter highlighting all the major news and developments within our motorsports activities.

It’s also an opportunity to keep you up to date on the assets, collaterals and benefits that these motorsport partnerships can provide in supporting your own business whether you are in the PVL, CVL, Industrial, Aviation and Marine sectors.

The season is flying by and we’ve found ourselves at the halfway point already. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team has shown its capabilities this year already with convincing wins in Australia for Jenson and Canada for Lewis. The Canadian Grand Prix also marked the achievement of 300 Grands Prix as a partner of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

The Championship is still wide open for both drivers and every point counts!

We would very much appreciate any feedback on this third issue and would encourage any views or comments.

Tony Weatherill
Motorsport Marketing Manager
tony.t.weatherill@exxonmobil.com

Features
In this issue we feature:

Formula 1TM race by race standings, 11 out of 20 races completed
Lewis Hamilton’s 100th Grand Prix race with Mobil 1
Congratulations on 300 Grand Prix races for Mobil 1
The Mobil 1 Racing DNA website is revealed!
Availability of new motorsport assets:

- 2012 Mobil 1 Formula 1TM images
- Virtual Cutaway
- Mobil 1 in Formula 1TM video

Recent events:

- China driver appearance with Lewis Hamilton
- Moscow City Racing

©2012 Exxon Mobil Corporation. All trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries unless indicated
otherwise. ™2012 Stewart-Haas Racing. NASCAR® is a registered trademark of The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.

People Focus

Name: Bruce Crawley
Title: Global Motorsport Technology Manager
Company: ExxonMobil

Bruce W. Crawley is one of ExxonMobil’s foremost technical experts and leads a team of scientists and trackside engineers who develop innovative products and support motorsport partnerships in Formula 1TM, NASCAR, LMS, ALMS, WTCC, FIA GT and SuperV8 racing series.

Bruce began his career in the automotive industry serving an engineering apprenticeship and earned a bachelor’s and a doctorate degree at Brunel University in London England. He joined ExxonMobil in 1982 and has enjoyed a career in a variety of positions in research and development, marketing and sales functions.

“I have had a passion for automotive engineering, materials science and motorsport since my early school days and designed and built my first engine powered go-kart when I was 14 years old. My current position presents me with some very demanding and exciting challenges which involve continually improving our knowledge, understanding and products performance and then translating this into a competitive edge on the track to help the driver’s win races. Recently we have also been focusing on communicating in more detail how the superior performance of our products and engineering expertise enable lap time reduction and improved reliability. Contributing to the success of a racing team is all about understanding how our products influence car performance and developing new ones at a very rapid pace. This makes it a brilliant learning platform as we have a direct influence on the car design, and you’re always under pressure to be innovative, to come up with new ideas and solutions”.

Just one of the reasons why Mobil 1 is the world’s leading synthetic motor oil with technology to help keep your engine running like new.

Win Incredible VIP Trip to United States Grand Prix with Road to Austin Competition from Mobil 1

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:22:36 +0100

Enter ‘Road to Austin’ online racing competition and set fastest time to win VIP Grand Prix trip to Austin, Texas
Use your driving skills and knowledge of motorsports and Mobil 1 to unlock time bonuses and reach Austin faster than your opponents from across Europe
Winner and a friend to meet Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and experience Grand Prix from ‘behind the scenes’

With the 2012 motorsports season shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, Mobil 1 is offering fans the chance to get in on the action with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team at the 2012 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.

The free to play Mobil 1 Road to Austin competition, available here, tests players’ driving skills and motorsports knowledge. To win, fans race against the clock on a route which takes them through Europe, passing famous monuments such as the Eiffel Tower, Brandenburg Gate and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, finishing in Austin.

Throughout the race, players are challenged with multiple-choice questions to test their knowledge of Grand Prix racing and Mobil 1, with correct answers taking 15 seconds from their overall time. Once players reach the end of the track, they can either enter their details and submit their score or return to the start to have another shot at improving their time and chances

Competitors will also be offered the option to play the Mobil 1 Racing Academy game – upon which the Road to Austin competition is based. Here they can race through different racing series such as karting and midget cars, as they follow the careers of Lewis Hamilton and NASCAR driver Tony Stewart.

The winner and a friend will fly business class to Austin, Texas, where they will enjoy luxury accommodation before joining the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team for the duration of the race weekend at the new Circuit of the Americas.

The exclusive access includes a private tour of the team’s garage and the opportunity to meet the team’s drivers, with the chance to watch the qualifying sessions and Grand Prix from exclusive Mobil 1 hospitality. The experience also includes spending money and a gift pack.

Terms and conditions of entry apply. To view full competition Terms & Conditions please visit http://www.mobil1.co.uk/performance/racing-academy-game.aspx.

Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, has been provided to motorsport teams across the globe to maximise car and driver performance. As the Technology Partner of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1™ team and the Official Motor Oil for NASCAR®, Mobil 1 now enters its 37th year at the forefront of automotive lubrication innovation, delivering excellent performance for all drivers, regardless of conditions.

About ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties

ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company, a division of Exxon Mobil Corporation, is a leading marketer of finished lubricants, asphalts and specialty products, as well as one of the world's largest suppliers of lubricant base stocks.

About Mobil 1 motor oil

The world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, Mobil 1 features anti-wear technology that provides performance beyond our conventional motor oils. This technology allows Mobil 1 to meet or exceed the toughest standards of car builders and to provide exceptional protection against engine wear, under normal or even some of the most extreme conditions. Mobil 1 flows quickly in extreme temperatures to protect critical engine parts and is designed to maximize engine performance and help extend engine life.

Mobil, Mobil 1 and the 1 Icon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. All other marks used are the property of their respective owners.

The Rise of Tony Stewart

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 01:00:00 +0100

Three time NASCAR champion, three time Driver of the Year, owner and driver. Those are a few ways to describe the great Tony Stewart.

Tony Stewart was inspired by his dad to get into racing at a very young age. He has driven stock cars, sprint cars, Indy cars and taken part in midget racing. He has earned the NASCAR Champion and Driver of the Year titles three times and is the only driver in history to have won a championship in IndyCar and NASCAR. Tony is also the owner and driver of his team, Stewart-Haas Racing, the owner of the Eldora Speedway and the co-owner of two other racetracks.

Tony Stewart also goes by the name “Smoke” which came from his tendency to slip the right-rear tyre and blow engines. Smoke founded the Tony Stewart Foundation in 2003 which donates funds to care for chronically ill children, drivers who have suffered motorsports injuries and to support animal organisations. To find out even more about this great driver, watch this video.

Circuit of Wicklow - 1978

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 01:00:00 +0100

It was 1978 and some of Ireland’s top drivers had made their way to the Circuit of Wicklow, an event sponsored by Mobil. The 70 daredevil drivers were going to race through the Garden Country’s forest roads.

The Circuit of Wicklow was kicked off with a ‘breakfast at Burkes’ sponsored by Sylvester Burke, Burke Lubricants the Mobil distributor in County Wicklow. Sylvester, a car enthusiast, often sponsored major local events. When asked what it meant to be involved with the Circuit, Syl said: “An awful lot because there is practically no motor racing in the country now and any event we can get for the country is a major bonus.”

The atmosphere in Wicklow town on Sunday evening where the enthusiasts finished up was more akin to Silverstone after a major motor racing event. *

"Some of the guys in this race today are ranked very highly in Europe so their presence here alone, particularly at the end of a long season, is proof of the importance of this event," Sylvester added. *

Sylvester paid tribute to the Forestry Department and its workers to allow the event to go through the forest roads of Glenealy and Glenmalure as the county's roads weren't conducive to motor racing. Among the drivers that took part were Noel and Damien Driver, Pat O’Neil, Tom McGee, Michael Fortune, David James, Tony Ferris, Colm Whelan, Martin Nugent, Ivor Murphy, Liam McGuinness, D.Barry, T.Chadwick, Innes Sheane, Peter Murphy, Niall Driver, F.Corrigan and Mark O'Carroll.

*Quoted from the article below.

Burke Lubricants would like to thank Myles Carroll from Aughrim Motors Limited for keeping this newspaper article for 23 years and passing it on to Burke Lubricants as part of the 40th Anniversary celebration.

The Complexity of an F1 Steering Wheel

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 01:00:00 +0100

Over the years the F1 vehicle has developed and changed dramatically. The car has gotten lower and the cockpit narrower. The steering wheel has had to change too in order to accommodate the differences. From the days of being made completely out of wood and having no buttons, steering wheels have developed to include nearly twenty buttons and paddles and that number can change according to the preferences of the driver.

F1 safety is of vital importance and the steering wheel plays a big part in the rapid release of the driver in dangerous situations. The FIA technical regulations state that the driver needs to be able to get out of his vehicle in under five seconds and by only removing the steering wheel.

This video takes a look at the development of the F1 steering wheel over the years and the motorsport technology that goes into perfecting the driver’s connection to his machine.

Safety in Formula 1

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Formula 1 is a dangerous sport. Such a high risk factor puts everyone involved in varying levels of danger, which is why there are so many safety measures and requirements that need to be adhered to in order to avoid tragedy.

Safety is one of the key factors when designing an F1 car; the car needs to be able to protect the driver. Many safety and design advancements have been made over the years to ensure the safety of the drivers whilst maintaining the performance aspect. The clothing also plays a vital part in F1 safety. Fireproof clothing and carbon proof helmets need to be worn and there is even protection against neck injuries. Essential when you consider the G-forces these drivers are exposed to.

Outside of the safety of the vehicle and driver, there is also the safety car. The car is sent out when an accident has occurred on the track and the other drivers need to be diverted to avoid disruption. The cars follow behind the safety car until the track has been cleared.

There is a high level of safety involved with F1 and improvements are being researched constantly in order to maximise entertainment and excitement without endangering lives.

The Grip of an F1 Car

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Grip is a vital component when creating competitive F1 cars and the recent changes to tyre regulations have made them more important than ever. Grip is the downforce and traction of the vehicle. The faster the speed, the more important grip becomes.

There are two types of grip: aerodynamic and mechanical. The aerodynamic grip and downforce is generated by the wings and the air around the car. The mechanical grip is generated by the setup of the vehicle and mechanical characteristics of the chassis. The mechanical grip is mostly generated from the tyres, suspension and steering systems. The right tyres working together with the mechanical grip create a winning combination. The tyres that are now used on the tour are the Pirelli tyres.

In this video, we go through to the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Technology Centre to view the mechanical aspects and importance of mechanical grip, and how tyres in particular can be used to improve race times.

Smoke, the Driver of the Year

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Tony ‘Smoke’ Stewart has been named the Driver of the Year. Tony has won this prestigious award three times now; the previous being in 2002 and 2005.

The Richard Petty Driver of the Year is decided by the National Motorsports Press Association panel. This annual award was started in 1969 in memory of the leader of cup victories, Richard Petty. The winner is chosen based on a vote by the NMPA panel. Tony beat his Cup challenger, Carl Edwards, with 15 votes to 1.

Tony moved rapidly up the ranking with a Chase-record of five victories. He then went on to win the NASCAR Chase for the Spirit Cup. The 40-year-old is one of nine drivers to have won three or more Cup Championships.

Fellow Mobil 1 teammate, Lewis Hamilton, even recorded a message of congratulations. Well done, Tony! Here’s to a year of victories.

The Big Reveal

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:59:28 +0000

McLaren was the first of the front-line Formula 1 teams to reveal their 2012 season challenger. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-27 was debuted on the 1st of February at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton attended the unveiling. “As you can see, this is a beautiful car. Many you see will not be,” said Button, speaking of the new design.

The rear bodywork is narrower than the previous models to improve the airflow at the rear. Other changes are the exhaust regulations, which will reduce down-force and grip, and the front end of the chassis is lower then before. Whilst it does resemble the MP4-26, the major systems have been updated and re-designed.

Button and Hamilton won six races last year with the previous model. Button will be the first of the pair to try out the MP4-27. However, Oliver Turvey will test the vehicle before Button uses it at Spain’s Circuito de Jerez on the 7th of February for the first F1 track testing session.

The Hunt for One

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Life for Arjun Maini from Bangalore will never be the same again. The 14-year-old was the chosen winner of the One from a Billion Hunt and will be nurtured for the next five years to become a Formula 1 driver. Along with Arjun, Indian teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 had the opportunity of taking part, thanks to the Sahara Force India F1 team and Mobil 1.

The competition travelled through seven cities in India over the course of a few months to find the first Indian Formula 1 driver. From thousands of applicants, ten finalists were chosen and flown to the UK to undergo training. They spent a week at Silverstone circuit (where the Drive of a Lifetime also took place) and received a Formula 1 driving education.

Arjun and the two runner-ups have a place in the academy for the next five years. The Hunt will occur every two years and will allow more teens to make their dreams a reality.

Drive of a Lifetime

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:10:14 +0000

Twenty prizewinners. Three days of McLaren training. One winner to take it all. The prize? Getting to drive Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 championship-winning McLaren Mercedes MP 4-23.

This global competition is part of Johnnie Walker’s Drive of a Lifetime program and allows a member of the public the opportunity to race on the famous Silverstone circuit in the UK.

This video is what dreams are made of. The winner was Serbian banker, Djorge Simic, who’s emotions swung from nervousness to excitement. The professionals advised him to remain calm, despite that being the last reaction he would feel driving a race car. But after his run, he excitedly jumped up and down and then thanked all those involved.

Mobil & McLaren: 11 Years of Racing & Innovation

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0000

This video tells of the 11-year-long business relationship between ExxonMobil and McLaren. It takes a look at what they've done together and the new range Mobil is working on.

F1 Car Made of 1500 Mobil 1 Bottles

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Check out this great stop-motion video of performing artists Lori and Hans building a lifesize F1 car out of old Mobil 1 bottles.

It takes the concept of kitcars to another level. The artists used over 1500 bottles to construct the model, and the end result is an impressive piece of engineering. It's certainly the lightest car on the track. Perhaps it's a sign of things to come and in a not-so-distant future Lewis Hamilton will be winning races in a car constructed from recycled plasic.

Lewis Hamilton talks about his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:10:36 +0100

He set the Formula One World alight in 2008 with his Championship winning performances, and this year has been a serious contender to regain the title. Check out the video below to watch Lewis Hamilton take viewers underneath the hood of his McLaren Mercedes.