A selection of the TOP 40 photographs from the 2017 Gumtree World RX of South Africa

Below you will find a selection of the TOP 40 pictures captured at the 2017 Gumtree World RX of South Africa. Enjoy them!

Johan Kristoffersson jumping the PSRX Volkswagen Polo GTi.

Ken Block taking the jump in his Hoonigan Division Racing, Ford Focus RS.

J.P. Smith (Alderman of Cape Town), Ashley Haigh-Smith, Petter Solberg, Mattias Ekström and Mark Cronje in the Press Conference.

Andreas Bakkerud dialing in some angle on his shakedown lap.

Kornel "CSUCSU" Lukacs completing shakedown laps ahead of the Cape Town RX.

The Silver Falcon's aerobatic display.

Peugeot-Hansen's driver gear being prepared.

Ken Block's, Hoonigan Racing Division, Ford Focus RS being prepared.

Timerzyanov leading Baumanis and Demoustier.

Sebastien Loeb being interviewed.

British RX2 driver Dan Rooke dialing in some angle in the chicane.

Andreas Bakkerud clipping the barriers while Johan Kristoffersson goes on to win the qualifying round.

Mark Cronje retiring from the lead due to prop-shaft failure.

Toomas Heikkinen and Hansen battling for the lead. 

Timo Scheider clips the barrier trying to hunt down Loeb and Ekström.

Kristoffersson with damage in the qualifying round. 

The Saturday TOP 3: Janis Baumanis (left), Ken Block (centre) and Timmy Hansen (right)

Ashley Haigh-Smith flying over the jump.

Cyril Raymond, RX2 driver catching some air.

RX2 driver Gryazin climbing the kerbs.

LIGHTS OUT and away they go!

RX2 driver, Nilsson completing the qualifying round without bodywork.

MSA Rally action on track.

Terry Grant driving the full length of the rallycross circuit.

Terry Grant running away from his spinning V8 midget to prepare for a stunt.

A South African cross country rally Toyota Hilux going sideways in a demonstration run.

South African driver Ashley Haigh-Smith leads fellow countrymen Mark Cronje but it all goes wrong with a broken steering arm.

Mark Cronje goes on to win the qualifying round while his stranded countrymen watches on. 

Timerzyanov catching some air trying to chase down Timo Scheider. 

LIGHTS OUT and away they go for the 2017 Gumtree World RX of South Africa FINAL. Kevin Hansen retires moments later.

Kristoffersson leads through Turn 2.

Ekström and Solberg battling for second place in the championship.

Timmy Hansen congratulates Mattias Ekström on clinching second in the FIA World RX championship.

Johan Kristoffersson with the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship trophy and Pernilla Walfridsson (Solberg's wife) accepting the Teams' Championship trophy. 

Timmy Hansen pouring some champagne on Johan Kristoffersson. 

AND...... The CHAMMMMMPPPPAAAAGGNNNNEEEEE.

RX2 PODIUM: Sondre Evjen (left), Cyril Raymond (Race Winner) and Tanner Whitten (right)

The 2017 Gumtree World RX of South Africa: TOP 3 - Timmy Hansen, Johan Kristoffersson and Mattias Ekström.

The 2017 FIA World Rallycross Champion - Johan Kristoffersson

Backman's RX2 car being prepared.

Photographs By: Junaid Samodien

[All action photographs were captured from behind two fences] 

Kristoffersson dominates the Inaugural World RX event in South Africa

Johan Kristoffersson leading second place Mattias Ekström. 

PSRX Volkswagen Sweden driver, Johan Kristoffersson signed off the 2017 FIA World Rallycross championship in spectacular fashion by winning the inaugural 2017 Gumtree World RX of South Africa and entered the record books to become the first ever World RX driver to win an FIA sanctioned event in South Africa. It did not just end there for Kristoffersson; he set a new World RX record by winning seven out of 12 World RX events this season.

“It’s fantastic to wrap up the teams’ and drivers’ championship and to also take a win at the final round of the season,” says Johan Kristoffersson, 2017 FIA World Rallycross champion.

RX2 driver Cyril Raymond leading his Qualifying round.

The World RX event was not the only action on track. Frenchman Cyril Raymond won the RX2 season finale rounding off a near-perfect season by taking his sixth (of seven rounds) win of the season. British RX2 driver Dan Rooke rolled his car on lap two, causing the final race to be red-flagged. Rooke climbed out of his car unaided. Despite the rollover Rooke secured second in the RX2 Championship. Sondre Envjen and Tanner Whitten finished second and third in the finale at the Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town. Guillaume De Ridder claimed third in the 2017 RX2 championship.

The Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town was filled to near capacity for the inaugural FIA World Rallycross Championship event with more than 27 000 fans witnessing the season finales of both the World RX and RX2 Championships.

“I think we’ve won over a lot of new support during our first time in South Africa and the crowd really helped make this weekend a memorable event,” says Paul Bellamy, World Rx Managing Director for IMG.  

The 2016 FIA World RX champion, Mattias Ekström praised the enthusiasm of the South African fans. “The grandstands were full this weekend and the atmosphere and support from everyone here was amazing,” says Mattias Ekström.

Ashley-Haigh Smith stranded while Mark Cronje continues his charge.

South Africa had representatives in the inaugural FIA World RX event - Ashley Haigh-Smith and Mark Cronje. Cronje has extensive karting and rally experience but has limited experience in rallycross. Ashley Haigh-Smith amassed plenty of experience in the Junior World Rally Championship, and he is the only South African driver to have done so.

Mark Cronje and Ashley Haigh-Smith received incredible support on their World RX debuts but neither driver made the semi-finals. Ashley Haigh-Smith and Mark Cronje suffered with issues throughout the weekend. Mark Cronje retired from the lead of his race in Q2 on Saturday, due to propshaft failure while Ashley Haigh-Smith lead into Turn 2 on Sunday in Q4 but immediately retired due to a broken steering arm.

Kornel "CSUCSU" Lukacs on what would be his only run of the weekend.

Kornel “CSUCSU” Lukacs only took part in the Friday shakedown session in his lime green Kia Rio RX supercar and did not take part in any other session. The team were trying to prepare his Kia Rio RX supercar for qualifying on Saturday and Sunday, but it was not to be for the Hungarian driver.

South African fan favourite Ken Block topped qualifying on Saturday and said that his Hoonigan Racing Division, Ford Focus RX supercar suits the Killarney International Raceway circuit layout. Block launched off the line in the semi-final round and after some bumping and barging he led into Turn 2. Block entered the jump with significant damage to the front end of his Ford Focus RX. He won the semi-final round but was later DISQUALIFIED for being underweight; this would see him being replaced in the final by Peugeot-Hansen driver Kevin Hansen.

Drivers made their way to the grid for the FINAL in the Gumtree World RX of South Africa. Johan Kristoffersson started on pole position. The three green lights went out; Johan Kristoffersson had a perfect launch seeing him clear of the pursuing pack, with Mattias Ekström and Petter Solberg fighting for second in the FIA World RX Championship. Kevin Hansen retired at the start of the final with transmission issues.

As the laps ticked down Peugeot-Hansen’s driver Timmy Hansen played the right strategy and took the joker lap. He came out second ahead of Mattias Ekström and Petter Solberg.

Mattias Ekström held off a charging Petter Solberg to finish 3^rd, Solberg finished 4^th and Timo Scheider 5^th in the final race of the season. 

The 2017 Gumtree Wolrd RX of South Africa - TOP 3 celebrating with champagne.

The 2017 Gumtree World RX of South Africa race winner, Johan Kristoffersson said: “I got a really good launch in the final and when I got clear space I was able to manage the gap back from Timmy (Hansen) and Mattias (Ekström), as well as manage the tyres well.”

TICKETS for the 2018 Gumtree World RX of South Africa are NOW ON SALE. The final round of the 2018 FIA World Rallycross championship will run from 24-25 November, 2018. To avoid any disappointment book your tickets early.

Written By: Junaid Samodien

Photo's By: Junaid Samodien

Hoonigan Racing bids farewell to the FIA World Rallycross championship

Ken Block, Hoonigan Racing Division Team Driver

Round 12 of the 2017 FIA Rallycross Championship takes place at Killarney International Raceway from 11 to 12 November 2017. This weekend is set to be Hoonigan Racing Divisions final race in the Championship. 

The Hoonigan Racing Division Team made its debut at the 2016 FIA Rallycross Championship with drivers: Andreas Bakkerud and Ken Block. Ken Block had two previous outings in 2014 at the Hell RX and Loheac RX.

Ken Block ended Q2 in the Gumtree World RX of South Africa on the top of the timesheets with a 2:52.023 in his Hoonigan Racing Division, Ford Focus RS ahead of Janis Baumanis and Johan Kristoffersson. 

Hoonigan Racing Division driver, Ken Block #43 said: "I’m pretty stoked to be on top, this track just really suits this car so we knew from the beginning that it was going to be pretty strong here. Our car works best when there is good grip and long corners and this track actually has a lot of good grip and even a lot of the gravel has quite good grip so our car has been really accelerating out of the corners. It’s been fun for me today driving this track, I’ve really enjoyed it,”

He later went on to say that some circuits have not suited his Ford Focus RS and the team have had issues with the chassis' work and set-ups but he (Ken Block) aims to end his FIA World Rallycross career on a high. 

Ken Block leading his teammate Andreas Bakkerud in Qualifying 2 for the FIA World Rallycross, Cape Town.

Written By: Junaid Samodien

Photo's By: Junaid Samodien

Mark Cronje's Qualifying Two comes to a premature end

Mark Cronje retires from Q2

South African World RallyCross driver Mark Cronje retired with "PROPSHAFT failure" while leading the field in his Qualifying 2 round. 

The THREE lights went out and away they went... Mark Cronje with an incredible start launches to the front of the field. The South African fans went absolutely crazy in salute of what looked like an incredible win. But sadly that was not to be his run came to a premature end. The team will have his car prepared to head out on track tomorrow. 

Mark Cronje said that the only positive from Saturday running was his "incredible starts".

Mark Cronje salutes the crowd

Mark Cronje inspecting his Albatec Racing Ltd - Peugeot 208 WRX

Written By: Junaid Samodien

Photo's By: Junaid Samodien

FIA World Rallycross decends on Cape Town

Timur Timerzyanov's - Ford Fiesta being prepared
Photo By - Junaid Samodien

The final round of the 2017 FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy is upon us and takes place in Cape Town this weekend (10-12 November).  Cape Town RX marks the first time that rallycross has taken place on the continent of Africa and is the only FIA World Championship event to be staged in sub-Saharan Africa.

The 2017 World Championship has already been won by Sweden’s Johan Kristoffersson who pilots a PSRX Volkswagen but this weekend will see a fight for the runner-up spot as Petter Solberg [Norway] and Mattias Ekstrom [Sweden] go head-to-head at the Killarney International Raceway.  Only one point separates 2016 World Champion Ekstrom from former champion Solberg going into the final event of the season and with 30 points up for grabs, qualifying will prove pivotal in the battle for second place.

Two South African drivers will compete at their home event. Mark Cronje will drive an Albatec Racing Peugeot 208 WRX and Ashley Haigh-Smith will compete in an Olsbergs MSE Ford Fiesta. 

Other notable names competing in Cape Town include nine-time WRC Champion Sebastien Loeb and America’s Ken Block.  Also joining the permanent teams and drivers will be Sweden’s Oliver Eriksson in a second OMSE Fiesta and Belgium’s Gregoire Demoustier, who will drive a Peugeot 208 WRX for the DA Racing team alongside returning driver Jean-Baptiste Dubourg. Germany’s Rene Muennich has already experienced the Killarney International Raceway as he drove at the event’s launch and will race his Muennich Motorsport Seat Ibiza this weekend. 

Ashley-Haigh Smith's - Ford Fiesta RX machine

The Gumtree World RX of South Africa will also mark the final round of the RX2 International Series presented by Cooper Tires. France’s Cyril Raymond wrapped up the title at his home round in Loheac in September, but there are several ongoing battles throughout the 16-car field.  Twenty-two points separate Britain’s Dan Rooke and Belgium’s Guillaume De-Ridder who are second and third in the standings. Moreover, Sweden’s William Nilsson, America’s Tanner Whitten and Sweden’s Simon Olofsson are separated by four points further in the battle for fourth place. Multiple freeriding champion Guerlain Chicherit will race in RX2 as he prepares for competing in World RX full time in 2018. 

Tickets for this weekend can still be purchased via TicketPro:

http://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php/event/b9153aff-d87e-2625-1a20-58c17a1f4873

For tickets and more information on Gumtree World RX of South Africa, please visit www.capetownrx.com

The 2016 F1 qualifying format explained

For the 2016 Formula One season a new qualifying format with make its debut. It’s an elimination-style format broken into three sessions and this is an explanation of how it works:

Q1

• The first session of qualifying will last for 16 minutes, with all 22 drivers participating. 
• After seven minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated. 
• In 90-second intervals thereafter, the next slowest drivers are eliminated until the chequered flag falls to end the session. 
• This then means that seven drivers are eliminated in the first session, with 15 drivers moving on to Q2.

Q2

• The second session will last for 15 minutes with the 15 fastest drivers from Q1.
• After six minutes, the slowest driver will be eliminated then in 90-second intervals thereafter, the next slowest drivers are eliminated until the chequered flag falls eliminating seven drivers.
• The top eight drivers will advance to the final qualifying session.

Q3

• Q3 will be a 14 minute session with the eight fastest drivers from Q2.
• After fiver minutes, the slowest driver is eliminated then in 90-second intervals thereafter the new slowest driver/s will be eliminated until the chequered flag falls.
• The two fastest drivers will head into a 90-second pole position shootout.

Lewis reacts to the 'Halo' - By Jake Davis

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McLaren-Honda unveil the MP4/31

Image Courtesy McLaren-Honda 

McLaren-Honda unveil the MP4-31, ahead of the first all-team test, which will begin in Barcelona tomorrow. 

The striking and innovative MP4-31 chassis integrates the new Honda RA616H power unit, developed exclusively for the team. 

Although a high level of continuity in Formula 1’s technical regulations has enabled the team to strengthen and mature many of the design concepts developed on last year’s McLaren-Honda MP4-30, the new car also incorporates a significant number of all-new innovations. The result is a balance of remarkably elegant aerodynamic solutions with a highly space-efficient integration of Honda’s new-for-2016 power unit. 

While McLaren’s race team has spent an extremely busy few months developing the MP4-31 right up to the very tight deadline dictated by the truncated modern off-season, its marketing team has also enjoyed a very strong winter, announcing a raft of prestigious new commercial deals to add to a roster of equally valued existing partners. 

Joining McLaren-Honda’s partner group for 2016 will be the world-renowned luxury watch brand Richard Mille, which commences a 10-year marketing, branding and licensing collaboration. 

Global luxury goods giant LVMH will continue its long unbroken association with the team, through its premium sparkling wine brand Chandon, whose rising-star identity will adorn both the MP4-31 and the drivers’ race suits. 

Other important and valuable recent acquisitions include a brand-new haulage supplier, Volvo Trucks, and a brand-new technical services provider, IT Lab, while official services supplier ISS has renewed and extended its partnership. Also, official electronic communications supplier Kenwood celebrates 25 years as a McLaren partner this year. Finally, 2016 marks the second year of a 10-year alliance with KPMG. 

In addition to the aforementioned acquisitions and renewals, McLaren-Honda is once again privileged to count on the loyal support of an impressive portfolio of partners old and new, including Johnnie Walker, SAP, Hilton Worldwide, CNN, Santander, GSK, Mazak, AkzoNobel Sikkens, Segafredo Zanetti, Akebono, Norton Rose Fulbright, Enkei, Repucom, Sparco, Maxi Nutrition, Asics and TechnoGym. 

Last but very far from least, McLaren-Honda’s preparations for 2016 have once again benefitted enormously from the unrivalled resources and expertise of ExxonMobil, which is celebrating 22 years of partnership with McLaren this year. ExxonMobil’s engineers, together with their counterparts at Honda, have been tirelessly developing pioneering new technologies and formulations of Esso fuels and Mobil 1 lubricants for the all-new Honda RA616H V6 turbo power unit, and Mobilube 1 SHC racing gear oil for McLaren’s bespoke eight-speed gearbox. 

Importantly, the size and calibre of our partner roster – and its collective commitment to the team – underscores the confidence that all at McLaren have in our journey back to the podium. 

Fernando Alonso (#14) said: “The start of a new season is always a special feeling, characterised by a lot of anticipation for the year ahead. This year is no different: I’m excited and raring to go. 

“Last year the spotlight was very much on McLaren-Honda as we embarked on the first year of our renewed partnership. It was a tricky season for all of us, but we learned a hell of a lot. 

“Likewise, it’s been a very productive winter for me. I’ve been training extremely hard, as usual, but also enjoying time with my family, and keeping tabs on all the hard work going on at the McLaren Technology Centre, Woking, where the McLaren guys have been doing an incredible job to get everything ready in time. The Honda boys have been working flat-out in Sakura, too. 

“The aero package shows fantastic attention to detail. The whole car is beautiful in fact – it’s particularly nicely packaged from an aerodynamic point of view as I say – and I’m 100 per cent ready for the challenge ahead.” 

Jenson Button (#22) said: “I really can’t wait to take the wheel of the new MP4-31 tomorrow. All Formula 1 drivers need a winter break, but I’m massively excited to get started on the 2016 season now, and I have to say the brand-new McLaren-Honda MP4-31 really looks the part.

“Moreover, having spent quite a bit of time at the McLaren Technology Centre recently, I can tell you that there’s a huge amount of palpable positive energy there at the moment, despite the challenging yet steep learning curve we all travelled along in 2015.  

“In fact, the immense amount of sheer hard work that has gone into the development of the MP4-31 over the winter makes me immensely proud, and consequently I go into the new season with even more motivation and belief. 

“Despite the ups and downs we saw last year, there were steady improvements all year long, and that gives us confidence in the design direction we’re taking. There are a lot of positives we can build on, and a strong platform to take forward. I’m not about to make any over-optimistic predictions – Formula 1 is far too unpredictable for me to do that – but, from what I’ve seen so far, the aero detailing on the car looks fantastic, and I’m really looking forward to beginning the process of testing those new innovations when I get behind the wheel tomorrow.” 

Ron Dennis (Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Technology Group) said: “As we embark on the second year of our renewed McLaren-Honda partnership, all of us remain united in our purpose. That purpose is to develop our team towards our shared ambition: to win. 

“We’ll make no predictions as to when those wins will come, but I can say without fear of contradiction that every member of our team has worked with truly relentless dedication over the past few months. The result is that MP4-31’s developmental trajectory has been usefully steepened over the winter, and I’m consequently very proud of our team’s efforts. 

“We remain resolute in our commitment to our goals, and we maintain an indefatigable commitment to the winning potential of a full works team. Believe me: the full works backing of a multinational automotive manufacturer is the only platform from which real success in modern Formula 1 can be achieved. As McLaren-Honda, therefore, we’ve vowed to work together, and to win together, and that determination has become further cemented as our relationship has deepened through the shared challenges we faced last year. 

“We have the best driver line-up in the sport. We have an engineering team that has been meticulously hand-picked, restructured, guided and inspired; the blend of technical skill-sets and attitudinal mind-sets we now possess are fit-for-purpose and state-of-the-art. And, thanks to the relationships we’ve nurtured with a hugely impressive roster of loyal and powerful partners, our commercial position is equally robust.” 

Eric Boullier (Racing Director, McLaren Racing) said: “First of all, we must recognise the very hard work performed over the past few months by everyone in Woking, Sakura and Milton Keynes. 

“The guys have shown intense dedication throughout the winter period, and the result is that they’ve successfully kept our aggressive build and development programmes on schedule. As such, all our team members are a credit to McLaren-Honda, and consequently we’re incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the development of the MP4-31. 

“But we’re never satisfied, which is why we’ve continued to strengthen our engineering team in recent weeks and months, and we’re confident that the changes we’ve made will improve and accelerate our car-development progress in the future. 

“So the two Barcelona tests will merely herald the continuation of the huge collaborative task that all departments have been engaged in during the off-season. We’ll be aiming to spend the four days of the first test carefully and methodically: extracting the maximum from the time available, and concentrating our efforts on proving out our central systems, operational procedures and electronics checks. We’ll need to verify our work in the garage before we can expect any miracles on track – essentially, to ensure we walk before we can run. After all, testing is just that: testing. 

“But be assured, we’re motivated and determined, and we’re pulling together.”

Yasuhisa Arai (Senior Managing Officer and Chief Officer of Motorsport, Honda R&D Co Ltd) said: "From the start of tomorrow’s testing, the second season of McLaren-Honda’s new adventure begins. It was a short winter break, but nonetheless Honda was able to make the most of the off-season in preparation for 2016, strengthening our team and working tirelessly alongside the McLaren and ExxonMobil engineers. 

“Learning from last year, we’ve made changes to the compressor and other hardware of the power unit during the break, maturing our overall concept from last year. Our focus will be to test the car’s balance with the new chassis and power unit, and specifically the ERS direction during the eight days of winter testing. 

“We won’t know exactly where we stand until we reach the end of the two tests, but we’re looking forward to getting back on track, gathering data, and feeding back the information to our engineers so as to prepare for Melbourne and onwards. 

“It’s good to be back.”

Nobuharu Matsushita named as test and development driver at McLaren-Honda

Image Courtesy of McLaren-Honda 

McLaren-Honda announces Nobuharu Matsushita as test and development driver. 

The Japanese driver will focus on simulator support and engineering work to underline the efforts of our race drivers, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso, as well as reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne. 

His appointment showcases the collaboration that exists between McLaren Racing and Honda to discover, train and give opportunity to young and promising racing drivers. The 22-year-old won the All-Japan Formula 3 Championship in 2014 then graduated to GP2 for 2015 – racing for ART Grand Prix, alongside eventual champion Vandoorne. 

In ’16, he hopes to endorse his credentials with a tilt at the 2016 GP2 title, which he will again contest with ART. 

“This season I am ecstatic to be joining the McLaren-Honda F1 team as a test and development driver,” said Matsushita. “To step into the world of Formula 1 fulfils a boyhood dream, and is a huge step forward in my career. I will do the utmost to help the race team on the track, by gathering data to feed back into the development and set-up of the car through simulator work. 

“Last year’s GP2 Series season was a steep learning curve for me,” he added. “It was my first year racing in Europe – but, thankfully, my experiences with Honda’s young driver programme meant I was well prepared for the task ahead. 

“As a GP2 Series driver, my sole focus for 2016 is to win the championship. I believe that I have the best package around me to succeed and reach my ultimate goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver.” 

McLaren-Honda racing director Eric Boullier added: “Nobu’s first season racing in Europe showed great promise – he produced some extremely impressive performances, and with experience and consistency, will surely build on that potential in 2016. His position as a McLaren-Honda test and development driver will be extremely important – he’ll underline and corroborate the learning we acquire at the track, and will play a key role in improving our performance throughout 2016.”

Williams reveal the 2016 FW38 challenger

Courtesy Williams Martini Racing

The new Williams Mercedes FW38 was unveiled today ahead of the first pre-season test in Barcelona, Spain next week.

For a third successive season the iconic red, white and blue stripes of WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING will be lining up on the Formula One grid, with the team looking to build on a successful 2015 season that resulted in four podiums and a third place finish in the Constructors’ Championship.

Commenting on the new FW38 Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal, said; “Williams has started to cement our position back amongst the front running teams after finishing third in the Championship in the past two seasons. This has been a great achievement given the resources of those around us. Staying where we are will be a challenge in itself, but we are determined to keep improving because only winning will ever be good enough. 

“We have a very stable team going into 2016, with Felipe and Valtteri teaming up for a third successive season. They work well together and both have the ideal blend of speed and consistency. Our technical team has also remained very consistent which will be to our advantage and we have some of the best engineering minds on the grid at our disposal.   

“We have a busy couple of weeks of testing coming up to learn more about our package and to refine the car ahead of the first race. We will have to wait until Melbourne to find out exactly where we stand in the pecking order but I’m confident that our hard work over the winter will stand us in good stead.”

Felipe Massa added; “Securing third in the Constructors’ Championship for two consecutive years is a great achievement and one that comes with a lot of expectation - a momentum which I am excited to build on going into the new season. The team at the factory have worked really hard on the new car and we have spent a lot of time understanding where we need to improve. I have a lot of confidence in the team at Williams and I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the FW38 to see how it performs. I’m equally delighted to be teammates with Valtteri for another year. He is a very talented driver who brings a lot to the team.”

Valtteri Bottas, who is about to embark on his fourth season in Formula One with Williams, said: “This is always a really interesting and exciting time of the year because we have a new car and we can’t wait to get it out on track to see how it feels and how fast it is. It’s been a good winter and from what I’ve seen we seem to be headed in a good direction with this car. Testing next week will be our chance to see how our performance has improved since the last race. The development of the FW38 has been all positive in theory, now we just need to see it on track.

“As a team we need to be able to win races, which is what we are always trying to do. I’m sure we have made improvements everywhere as a team, so we’re definitely looking to fight for better results this year. I’d like to thank everyone at the factory for their hard work over the winter in getting the car ready.”

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, concluded. “2016 promises to be a very competitive year in Formula One and there will be a number of strong teams who have us in their sights. We are confident that we have made a step forward over the winter and that the FW38 will build on the strengths of the FW37 and address some of its weaknesses. We started design work on the car earlier than normal and hopefully this extra development time will stand us in good stead.

“The car we are launching today is by no means the final product. We are already planning updates for Melbourne and will be pushing for constant improvements over the course of the season. Williams enters 2016 in a strong place. We have a great team of people and over the past two years we have started to regain our competitive edge. Now we need to build on that and take this team back to where we all want it to be.”

The FW38 will take to the track for the first time on 22nd February for eight days of testing that concludes on 4th March. The season officially gets under way at the first race in Melbourne, Australia, on 20th March. 

Williams Mercedes FW38 Technical Specification 

Chassis construction: Monocoque construction laminated from carbon epoxy and honeycomb surpassing FIA impact and strength requirements

Front suspension: Double wishbone, push-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar

Rear suspension: Double wishbone, pull-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar

Transmission: Williams eight speed seamless sequential semi-automatic shift plus reverse gear, gear selection electro-hydraulically actuated

Clutch: Carbon multi-plate

Dampers: Williams

Wheels: Aptech forged magnesium

Tyres: Pirelli, Fronts: 245/660-13, Rears: 325/660-13

Brake system: AP 6 piston front and 4 piston rear calipers with carbon discs and pads

Steering: Williams power assisted rack and pinion

Fuel system: ATL Kevlar-reinforced rubber bladder

Electronic systems: FIA SECU standard electronic control unit

Cooling system: Aluminium oil, water and gearbox radiators

Cockpit: Six point driver safety harness with 75mm shoulder straps & HANS system, removable anatomically formed carbon fibre seat

Power Unit: Mercedes-Benz PU106C Hybrid , Internal Combustion Engine : Capacity 1.6 litres, Cylinders Six, Bank angle 90, No of valves 24, Max rpm ICE 15,000 rpm, Max fuel flow rate 100 kg/hour (above 10,500 rpm)

Fuel injection: High-pressure direct injection (max 500 bar, one injector/cylinder), Pressure charging Single-stage compressor and exhaust turbine on a common shaft, Max rpm exhaust turbine 125,000 rpm 

ERS: Mercedes AMG HPP

Dimensions & weight: Weight: FIA Minimum, Overall length: 5000mm, Overall height: 950mm, Overall width: 1800mm

'Welcome' - By Jake Davis

This fantastic weekly F1 Toon was designed and created by Jake Davis Creative. Prints are available in sizes A4, A3 and A2. Commissions are also available. If you would like to order a PRINT of this fantastic F1 Toon feel free to contact him via:
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                                                                                                                     Twitter - @JakeDDCreative

'Training' - By Jake Davis

This fantastic weekly F1 Toon was designed and created by Jake Davis Creative. Prints are available in sizes A4, A3 and A2. Commissions are also available. If you would like to order a PRINT of this fantastic F1 Toon feel free to contact him via:
                                                                                                                     E-mail - davisjake@hotmail.co.uk
                                                                                                                     Twitter - @JakeDDCreative

'Sprinklers' - By Chris Rathbone

Weekly Formula 1 cartoons by Chris Rathbone... Get your hands on prints, mugs and t-shirts of your favourite drivers from the world of Motorsport.
Twitter - @R4THBONE 
Website - http://rathbonecreative.com

'Discount engines' - By Chris Rathbone

Weekly Formula 1 cartoons by Chris Rathbone... Get your hands on prints, mugs and t-shirts of your favourite drivers from the world of Motorsport.
Twitter - @R4THBONE 
Website - http://rathbonecreative.com

'Cruising' - By Jake Davis

This fantastic weekly F1 Toon was designed and created by Jake Davis Creative. Prints are available in sizes A4, A3 and A2. Commissions are also available. If you would like to order a PRINT of this fantastic F1 Toon feel free to contact him via:
                                                                                                                     E-mail - davisjake@hotmail.co.uk
                                                                                                                     Twitter - @JakeDDCreative

'Money vs Talent'?? - By Jake Davis

This fantastic weekly F1 Toon was designed and created by Jake Davis Creative. Prints are available in sizes A4, A3 and A2. Commissions are also available. If you would like to order a PRINT of this fantastic F1 Toon feel free to contact him via:
                                                                                                                     E-mail - davisjake@hotmail.co.uk
                                                                                                                     Twitter - @JakeDDCreative