What does the 2013 F1 season have in store?

In 2012, Sebastian Vettel won the championship for the third time, the youngest driver to win 3 championships on consecutive occasions; Lewis Hamilton agreed to join Mercedes from McClaren and Kimi Raikkonen drove superbly in his first season back since retiring. Now testing is well and truly underway in Jerez, but who is better equipped ahead of the much anticipated 2013 season.

Red Bull

Following on from last year successes by clinching the drivers’ championship and constructors championship, Red Bull looked to have created a much improved car that is well and truly capable of doing exactly the same in 2013. The new RB9 is said to be hugely consistent, with no mechanical glitches, and is setting a consistent and fast pace that is averaging 1:18:565 in Jerez by both Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. However, as the season approaches, due to Vettel proven record, can Webber produce more of a threat to Vettel and other drivers in 2013?

         

Ferrari

Ferrari had a troublesome time last season. Spaniard, Fernando Alonso was pipped to the post by Vettel, after the F2012 was pegged back in the closing stages of the season. Fellow Ferrari driver, Felipe Massa was nowhere to be seen in 2012, finishing with a rather disappointing 122 points, considering his tremendous ability to drive. However, the new F138 is proving to be a very quick car for 2013, clocking in at 1:17:879, and one of the fastest cars in practice, with improvements still to be made. However, is it still the case for Massa, in that he will always be 2^nd best to Fernando Alonso?

         

McClaren

After setting the pace in Jerez, Jenson Button and co put McClaren as the fastest in practice. Jenson Button recorded a time of 1:18:861 on hard tyres in the first couple days of practice. However, other teams, including Lotus, have caught up, and Martin Whitmarsh may be quacking in his boots. Sergio Perez, who replaced Hamilton, is still to find his feet with the new model, and the new car has had its fair share of problems. The fuel pump and front suspension are the main concerns for McClaren, but can recoup and get it together ahead of the first race in Austrailia?

         

Mercedes

Despite Nico Rosberg experiencing one of his best seasons to date in 2012, with a win, and a couple of pole positions, and Mercedes recruiting Lewis Hamilton as their other driver, the new WO4 has not proven its worth. A fire to Hamilton’s car was not the start Ross Brawn would have wanted for Mercedes, and a brake failure the following day caused Hamilton to crash into the barriers. Looking at the new car, Hamilton said the car needs more work. Are Mercedes ready for the new season, and has welcoming Hamilton on board been too much of a gamble?

         

Lotus

It looks as though there could be a dark horse in the 2013 season, and a challenge for Vettel and Red Bull to face, as Lotus look like a force to be beckoned with. The first 2 days of testing saw Frenchman, Romain Grosjean and the ever eccentric, Kimi Raikkonen produce the fastest times for Lotus. The new E21 is said to carry more petrol than usual and keep a fast speed, which is quite a surprise, according to technical director, James Allison. With a win to his name last season, ending on a staggering 207 points last season, and driving a much improved car for 2013, can Raikkonen rekindle the glory days for Lotus F1?

         

Sauber

Nico Hulkenburg is back in the hot seat with Sauber, alongside new recruit, Esteban Gutierrez, and it looks as though the new C32 can become a threat for 2013. After missing the whole of last season, Hulkenburg has said the new car is’ aesthetically pleasing’ and a ‘fast car’.  Well renowned for its fast cornering and great tyre performance over long runs, the C32 is looking like it may be up for the challenge next season, however, can it sustain amount of pressure to challenge the big hitters of F1?

         

Force India

Young and promising British driver, Paul Di Resta, was tipped to replace Hamilton at McClaren, and continue the all British drivers for the British team. However, he still remains at Force India, and with VJM06 in full swing, from the four days of testing so far, there will not be many changes from last season. Nevertheless, co-driver, and new recruit, Jules Bianchi, looks a driver to look for in the future, setting the second fastest time of day 2 in Jerez and Ferrari are already keeping tabs on the youngster.

         

Williams

Pastor Maldonado and new driver, Valtteri Bottas, have been made to wait before driving the new FW35, as the Williams have decided to skip testing in Jerez, and focus more on testing in Barcelona. Despite a win in Spain, after a pole position on the grid last season, Maldonado rather dipped in form finishing with only 45 points to his name. With Maldonado’s from, an unknown driver in Bottas in the driver’s seat and skipping testing in Jerez, is it time to panic for the Williams team?

         

Toro Rosso

Jean-Eric Vergne has said that there are substantial changes from the predecessors of last term, however, at the moment, there has been a slight change in the times, which have gone slightly faster. With Daniel Ricciardo and Vergne confirmed as the Toro Rosso drivers for 2013, it looks as though they have to push the car to its very limit, come 2013. Unless Toro Rosso make substantial changes to the new STR8, Ricciardo and Vergne are in for a long season ahead.

         

Caterham

With Heikki Kovalainen gone, Vitaly Petrov not even involved for 2013 and Jarno Trulli rejecting advances from Caterham, it looks as though Frenchman, Charles Pic and debutant, Giedo Van Der Garde are in for a long and perilous voyage for Caterham. Furthermore, with lap times tumbling, and a new exhaust filter that was dubbed illegal, it is not the start that Caterham would have wanted. Can they pull it back, in order to mainstay there chances in the upcoming season?

         

Marussia

Marussia’s new line up of Englishman, Max Chilton, who came from Formula 3 racing, and Brazil’s Luiz Razia, a breath of fresh air is set to grace the F1 tracks, with the new drivers and new car. With Marussia not expected to finish in a high position, they can come away with the fact they have completed all four days of testing in Jerez with no major problems, and have finally installed the new KERS system to the new car. Can the Marussia prove most people wrong and finish higher than expected?

         

 

 

Top Ten players West Ham should sign this window

Top Ten players West Ham should sign this window

Martin Olsson

With George McCartney injured, youngster, Dan Potts is the only recognised left back for the Upton Park outfit, and with Olsson’s Premier League experience, it will be a real coup if Big Sam can pull this signing off. With the Hammers struggling for goals, Swedish international Ollson can provide the added ammunition West Ham desperately need, with his attacking prowess and ability to cross and shoot from range, you can defiantly see why West Ham want him in a claret and blue shirt.

 

Rio Ferdinand

With the return of the very skilful, Joe Cole, maybe Allardyce should think about bringing another old face back to the Boleyn Ground. It is apparent that West Ham are in desperate need of defensive reinforcements, with James Collins out for up to 6 weeks with a hamstring injury and James Tomkins being linked with a move to Newcastle, Ferdinand could become a real stalwart in the Hammers backline. The United defender is out of contract this summer, and with no extension offered to him so far, his leadership ability and all round presence could greatly benefit the Hammers.

 

Charles Kabore

With many top flight clubs tracking West Ham’s player of the season so far, Mohammed Diame, 24 year old Marseille midfield enforcer, Charles Kabore could be an ideal replacement if Diame was to depart. Kabore has recently stated that he would be interested in a move to England, and with Marseille strapped for cash, the bargain of the January Transfer window could be made, as it is understood he could be available for as little as £2 million. On the basis of his age, and raw talent Chales Kabore could potential be the bargain of the season.

 

Charlie Austin

The Burnley hitman has endured a fine start to the season, notching up 23 goals already this season, and on current form, he’s not finished yet. His goals have gone unnoticed this season, with the likes of Newcastle and even Arsenal ready to pounce for the 23 year old striker. However, I think it’s West Ham that are more in need of goals, with one of the lowest goals tally in the Premier League this season, Allardyce needs a clinical finisher and an eye for goal in order to secure their of a top 10 finish. With his notability for goals, and his young age, it looks as though a bid of around £7-8 million could be realistically acceptable for the Championship’s joint leading scorer.

 

Anthony Pilkington

The Norwich winger has been nothing short of a revelation since joining from Huddersfield Town nearly 2 years ago, and his remarkable ability to cross accurately and score a few crackers in the meantime, Allardyce should surely be thinking that his crossing ability, and set piece delivery should provide perfect substance for Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll and Maroune Chamakh. But with the Canaries going steadily in the top flight, and not far off West Ham in the league table, would Pilkington really make the move to East London?

 

Danny Welbeck

Reports suggest that because of superstar Robin Van Persie’s incredible form, and Sir Alex Ferguson reluctant to leave fellow England forward out of the team, it looks as though Welbeck could be available for a short term loan deal. With his pace and endeavour, this is definatly an attractive option that Big Sam would gladly take up. Nevertheless, because of his proven ability, many clubs higher than the Hammers in the table will also be looking to sign him, and I very much doubt that because of West Ham’s hefty wage budget, Welbeck will be far too expensive. If the deal was to happen, the question lies, where will this leave Carlton Cole?

 

Darren Bent

Out of favour at struggling Aston Villa, Darren Bent has the capabilities of still producing some of his best form, maybe reproducing what he did in his playing days at Sunderland. His natural instinct at being in the right place at the right time, raw pace, which is something West Ham lack, and proven goal scoring record, West Ham should without a doubt be looking into getting Bent on board. The snag is Bent has already rejected West Ham twice, first at Charlton even though a staggering £16million bid was accepted for him, and then at rivals Tottenham Hotspur where he wasn’t playing at his best. Is it a case of it really was not meant to be for Darren Bent and West Ham United?

 

Fernando Amorebieta

The 6”3 defender is out of contract with Spanish La Liga outfit, Athletic Bilbao, this summer, and is thought to be looking for a move elsewhere. Amorebieta came through the famous Bilbao youth system, where only players of Basque decent are allowed to play for the club. He has been one a few players from the Bilbao academy that has been consistently solid throughout his career and has got plenty of admirers, including Manchester United and Everton. With West Ham in desperate need of defensive cover, Amorebieta could be the perfect fit for the Hammers. Known for his heading capabilities and positioning, can the Spanish stalwart be a success in England’s top flight?

 

Lucas Biglia

Lucas Biglia is a creative midfielder who likes to show off his flair and play the game at his own pace. The Argentine maestro is with Belgian champions Anderlecht, but if reports are correct, which is he has gone AWOL or in other terms ‘doing a Tevez’, Biglia could become a shining star for the Upton Park side. Avaiable on a free transfer in the summer, the Belgians will be looking for a quick fire sale, and maybe a bid of around £3million could be enough to tempt Anderlecht to sell the silky Argentine. Furthermore, he could become an ideal replacement for French anchorman, Alou Diarra, who looks as though he could be set for a six month loan deal with Espanyol. Is Biglia the right choice to replace Diarra?

 

George Friend

The 22 year old, who can alternate between left back and centre back, has impressed since joining Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough from Doncaster Rovers. The lanky defender has many Premier League suitors, including Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic and Fulham, and since he has never been given the chance at the highest level, maybe it is time to give him a fair crack of the whip. Allardyce will like his versatility as he is short of numbers at the back, and with strength in depth in desperate need for the Hammers, West Ham should probably be looking at about a £2-4 million bid to prize the English defender away from Teeside.

 

 

 

 

Ba completes Blues switch

Chelsea have matched the release clause in Demba Ba’s contract at Newcastle, for him to become Blues boss Rafael Benitez first signing in the January Transfer window.

The fee is believed to be in the region of £7million, and with Ba keen to speak to other clubs if the clause is met, the Senegalese decided to put pen to paper on a three and a half year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Ba’s career catipulted when at German outfit Hoffenheim, scoring 37 goals in 97 appearances, before a move to London rivals West Ham gave him recognition in the English top flight.

The powerful striker scored an impressive 7 goals in 12 games for the Hammers, but it could not prevent them from being relegated to the Championship, and during the summer of 2011, he moved to Newcastle on a free transfer.

Ba had a very impressive stint on Tyneside, scoring 29 goals in 54 appearances for the St.James Park outfit, and forming a deadly partnership with fellow Senegalese striker Papiss Demba Cisse.

When it was aware Ba was becoming unsettled in the North East, and there was an affordable release clause in his contract, many top flight clubs were monitoring his situation, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.

However, it was Chelsea that captured the talented centre forward, and with Senegal not participating in the African Cup of Nations, and Fernando Torres looking much more like his old self, this could well be the striking partnership of the season.