Race Review: Chinese Grand Prix

Perfect Hair from Winner Nico Rosberg - from "The Essence of Racing" on tumblrHoly silver arrows, Batman! The Chinese Grand Prix was A-MAZ-ING! The takeovers, the tyres performance that kept everyone guessing, the pit stops, the takeovers!! And may I also mention, in addition to taking home the top medal, Rosberg wins "Best Post-Grand Prix Champion Hair" in my books.

But I'm getting ahead of myself here. The race started out with Mercedes in P1 and P2, no doubt the Mercedes team and Ross Braun were cautiously optimistic. I was also looking forward to see how fast Vettel can climb back from an abysmal  grid position. Usually I root for a driver or two based on qualifying results, but it’s been increasingly difficult to just root for one or two drivers, everyone is getting more competitive and tyres strategy can make the world of difference between qualifying pole position and race day results.

My first big “oooooohhhhhh!!!” moment of the race came in Lap 11. Raikkonen duked it out and lost a spot to Webber and then lost another spot to Hamilton. I imagine Ice Man saying obscene things in Finnish in his car with the coolest of emotions.  Those passes unfortunately would foreshadow the fall  to 14th place in the last ten laps for Kimi. Better luck next time, Kimi! The Lotus-Renault team should really sort out Kimi’s tyres strategy for next race.

The last 10 laps of the race had me glued to the screen! So many takeovers, so many wheel to wheel actions, not to mention almost everyone could take advantage of DRS zone because the drivers were very close to each other.

All in all, a superb race! I can’t wait until Bahrain this weekend!

Race Preview: Chinese Grand Prix

// Introducing Benedict Wong, Guest Contributor

Guest Contributor, Benedict WongThe Chinese GP preview is the first guest post from Benedict Wong, an F1 fan I befriended a couple years back. Benedict got hooked on F1 from 2008's Monaco race and still watches it because "there's no other sport that provides more thrilling entertainment than an F1 race!"

// Ready to Race

Finally, the three-week wait is over. The Chinese Grand Prix is upon us. I’m not sure about you, but weekends without races always feel a little empty to me. That emptiness may or may not have to do with my race weekend habits – gobbling down homemade Nutella pancakes with chocolate croissant while I glue myself to the qualifying and the race. 

Shanghai International Circuit map and Start/Finish Line.The last race in Malaysia was made ever more exciting with rain that I hope for some rain in Shanghai this weekend. I can never quite get over how the drivers can drive so fast with practically zero visibility in rain, except the blurry blinky light from the car in front. My natural instinct would be to pull over … and that’s why I’ll never be an F1 driver. 

The season has been much more entertaining to watch compared to last season - no clear front runner, half the cars are competing on the tiniest margin on lap time, massive egos from six world champions. Personally, I’m hoping to see any or all of these this weekend:

• Maldonado actually finish a race

• Perez to kick some more a$$

• Webber making to the podium

• Crazy track antics from Schumacher

• Rain!

What are you hoping to see in the Chinese Grand Prix? 

// Visual Preview

What does the Chinese GP look like? Check out our Pinterest board.

COTA Honors Project Team with Construction Milestone Ceremony

// More Photos in the Gallery: COTA Topping Out Ceremony

 // Ceremony

Earlier today, hundreds of hard-working Austin Commercial workers, contracting businesses and team members were recognized for their hard work at a "Topping Out" ceremony at the Circuit of The Americas. A tradition around the world, Topping Out ceremonies celebrate the completion of structural work on a project as an honorary evergreen tree is placed alongside state and national flags atop the structure; this symbolizes growth and is said to bring ongoing luck to a construction project.

Supporters gathered at the southeast point of the three-leval, 270,000 square foot pit building where the symbolic tree was hoisted after a ceremony. Guests shared in the excitement as Circuit investors Red McCombs and Bobby Epstein presented State Senator Judith Zaffirini, Travis County Commissioner Margaret Gomez, Austin Commercial SVP Bill McAdoo and newly announced Circuit investor and local entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria. They each shared what the premium sports, entertainment and business development facility in southeast Travis County meant to them before placing tokens of today into a time capsule, to be buried and then opened in 25 years.

Red McCombs added a newly-minted silver dollar after joking about holding onto it for its current value. Bobby Epstein included a packet of Texas wild flowers; instead of a previously planned neighborhood in this locale, Circuit of The Americas will work to showcase and preserve the natural beauty of Texas Hill County. State Senator Judith Zaffirini delivered an inspiring speech before rolling up a 2012 Formula 1 driver lineup poster to the time capsule. She highlighted F1 driver Sergio Perez's excitement for Circuit of The Americas as his home circuit and emulated what many Americans already feel, "Mi Casa, Su Casa," in order to open our doors to our international neighbors and friends. Bill McAdoo added a current COTA site plan while John Paul DeJoria dropped a CD of Austin music into the box, signifying our recognition as The Live Music Capitol of The World.

Circuit president Steve Sexton also recognized the hard work and effort of all:

This project has required the continuous efforts from many different groups and individuals throughout the area. This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the construction. It was important for us to celebrate this achievement with the many people that have helped make it possible.

Each of the speakers took time to congratulate the truly stellar team of workers who've worked hard to make this project a reality.  In just one year, the project has transformed from little more than a bare piece of land into an amazing display of hard work and dedication from all parties involved.

Following the ceremony, everyone was invited into the neighboring media center to have some good 'ole Salt Lick BBQ.  Arguably the best in the state, if not country, Salt Lick proudly served the hundreds of workers and guests their famous menu, complete with ribs, brisket and some blueberry cobbler - Yum!

// Construction Milestones

Here is a list of the latest accomplishments that we are celebrating:

• Support beams installed in the highest point of the pit building, which is completely structurally erected;
• One third of the pit building's roof has been installed;
• More than half of the requisite structural steel has been installed in the permanent grandstand building;
• The road base for the racetrack between Turn 19 (T19) and Turn 20 (T20) has been installed;
• Exterior stone work on the media, technology and conference center is underway;
• Access roads through the paddock area (by the pit building) are taking shape;
• Dirt backfill around the Tunnel 1 area has been completed with crews shaping the racetrack to cross over the Tunnel 1 structure;
• Topsoil if going into sections of the infield with grass planting to happen next in those areas; and
• Amphitheater is taking shape with crews finishing the earth moving to that area.

By the numbers:

• 3.5 million cubic yards of dirt have been moved on the job to date, with 780,000 cubic yards of dirt brought onto the site;
• 711.5 tons of steel for the permanent grandstand have been erected
• 78,000 yards of concrete have been poured; and
• 550 workers are currently onsite and involved in the construction process.

// Looking Back, Yet Ahead

It's almost hard to believe this is what Circuit of The Americas looked like one short year ago:

On Location at the Circuit Of The Americas from The Austin Grand Prix on Vimeo.

// See You Sunday!

Don't forget to join us on Sunday for our Downtown Watch Party for the Formula 1 UBS Chinese Grand Prix! Click here for further details.

COTA Adds Stylish New Investor and Supporter, John Paul DeJoria

// John Paul DeJoria

Just announced, John Paul DeJoria is supporting Circuit of The Americas as their newest investor. Best known for his international professional hair-care system, Paul Mitchell, Mr. DeJoria also owns one of the hippest and most popular spirit lines in the US - the Patrón Spirits Company, maker of Patrón Tequila (cue latest rap video sippin' Patrón). Most importantly, John Paul is a well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist, particularly in Austin, his hometown.

What some do not know is that DeJoria is also a longtime motorsports enthusiast.

My wife, Eloise, and I attended our first Formula 1 Grand Prix in 1995 with our good friend, the entertainer Cher. We were in Monaco and Michael Schumacher won that year. I will never forget that experience, and I've been in love with Formula 1 ever since. When I learned about the chance to bring F1 to Texas through a facility like Circuit of The Americas, I couldn't wait to be involved.

Alexis DeJoria, her father John Paul DeJoria, and his wife Eloise DeJoria; Photo courtesy of Jerry McClureHis daughter, Alexis DeJoria, also has racing in her blood. She has been a competitive drag racer since 2005 and recently started her first full season in the professional nitro funny car division. Other past success includes racing for Tequila Patrón to become the fastest female driver in the alcohol-burning funny car division, as well as the second fastest driver ever at that level. She is also the first female to ever win a national event in this division in 30 years.

But there's more to this man than great looking hair and sipping tequila while watching a race. DeJoria started selling greeting cards at age 9 to help support his family and later served in the U.S. Navy with honors. He was homeless for a time before getting his break with TIME Magazine in an entry-level marketing position, then parlayed his marketing expertise into the hair-care industry. Joining his friend, Paul Mitchell, they launched John Paul Mitchell Systems and grew the business from a $750 loan in 1980 to annual salon retail sales of $900 million in 2011.

John Paul Mitchell Systems Co-Founders, John Paul DeJoria and Paul MitchelJohn Paul DeJoria's business and philanthropic interests include sustainability and green technology, and he has served as a guest speaker for the United Nations and the Wall Street Journal's Eco-Economics Summit. Environmental protection and awareness is a key component to all of DeJoria's business endeavors, and he was recently recognized for his ongoing efforts to develop clean technology in today's modern world by being named the 2009 Goodwill Ambassador by the Intergovernmental Renewable Organization. Given CoTA's commitment to sustainability in the construction and operation of its venue in southeast Travis County, becoming an investor in the project allowed DeJoria to align his personal and professional missions with a sports and entertainment franchise he's passionate about.

DeJoria adds:

I am all for supporting a project that promotes not only F1, but all forms of racing and year-round family friendly entertainment and multi-purpose community use for Texans. Circuit of The Americas will benefit the region economically and help the community in the process, and to me, that's the definition of a great investment.

John Paul and Eloise DeJoria, at home with their 4-legged family members, in Austin, Texas. Photo by Randal Ford for Austin Fit Magazine.

I just finished reading the story about John Paul and wife, Eloise, in last month's Austin Fit Magazine. Here is a full article for you to get to know them better.

// Back to the Tequila

DeJoria's motorsports connections spread into other types of racing as well. Tequila Patrón of the Patrón Spirits family is the title sponsor for the American Le Mans Series. COTA describes the series:

The Series gives fans non-stop action on the track and an open and friendly paddock, while providing manufacturers with a real-life laboratory to push the limits of automotive innovation and technology. Recent technology breakthroughs in the Series have focused on the environment, such as the development of biofuels, hybrid technology and tire compounds, all leading to more efficient automotive engineering

// American Le Mans Series to Austin?

This is the most obvious question, especially with the recent rumors about IndyCar and COTA partnering up. Your thoughts?

Enjoy this inspiring video, "John Paul DeJoria Unplugged"

Behind the Scenes at COTA with Miró Rivera Architects

The fact that they will reach 190 mph going steeply uphill toward what looks like a 310 degree turn right at the peak seems insane to me. I'd go to a race just for that alone.

Jeffrey McCord, an architecture graduate student at The University of Texas at Austin, had that to say after touring COTA on April 6 with his professor, Juan Miró. Juan is also the principal of Miró Rivera Architects, the Austin-based company recruited to build out two major elements of COTA - the Grandstand and the Viewing Platform. Miró took his studio students out for a site visit this past Friday and below are some amazing up-close-and-personal photographs.

Brittany Cooper, who is a LEED certified Green Associate, just like Edgar Ferrera, COTA's Sustainability Director, was also impressed with the project. The group of students fittingly drove the track in a school bus, so David Coulthard likely still holds the fastest lap time.

I didn't realize how large the project/site was out there. It is going to be quite the destination when it is finished. I was thoroughly impressed. We got to drive the track in a school bus. It was pretty hilarious!

Brittany, Jeffrey and other architecture students enjoyed the comprehensive tour and were able to grasp the magnitide of the project from ground zero. Juan also shared his vision with the students firsthand, explaining in more detail the logistics behind the Grandstand and the Viewing Platform. Brittany adds:

The coolest part of the project to me was the tower at the end of the Grand Plaza (under construction).  Juan told us that this will be the only Formula 1 circuit in the world where you can get a full view of the entire track from one spot. Awesome.

Enjoy these photographs below.

Austin Pit Stop - April 06, 2012

// Bahrain

Political tensions surrounding the Bahrain GP are starting to heat up as protests of F1 fall under the spotlight. Though Formula 1 claims all is well and the series will race in Bahrain, citizen journalism via social outlets is revealing a different side to the story. As with last year's situation in Bahrain where a 'day of rage' was declared should an F1 race be staged, we share the opinion of Red Bull Racing driver Mark Webber who tweeted the following during last year's discussions about Bahrain:

When people in a country are being hurt, the issues are bigger than sport. Let's hope the right decision is made...

// Lotus

There are some shakeups with Lotus F1 team, as team owner Genii Capital has decided to cancel their sponsorship agreement. The UK Telegraph reports, and Joe Saward adds his comments. For those visual learners, however, here's a nifty flow chart that attemps to, ahem, clarify.

 A Lotus flow chart, designed by Joe Taylor (@DCLXIV on Twitter)

// Argentina

Motorsport is reporting that the Argentinean government will sign a three-year F1 contract next month, commencing in 2013 and replacing Korea. More here.

// Rubens in the Media

Peter Windsor welcomed Rubens Barrichello back to his webcast, "The Flying Lap." Rubens just completed his second race in the IndyCar Series, but hasn't completely ruled out a return to F1.

//COTA

Seems like more and more people are posting aerial photos on their ascent into/descent out of Austin! Here's one from a covert Jet Blue pilot.

COTA also took their updates to the air and posted new aerial photos with a quick construction update, here.

According to the Austin Business Journal, Paul Mitchell founder Jean Paul DeJoria will be in Austin to celebrate the "topping off" ceremony for the structural completion of the Paddock Building at COTA. The ceremony is set to be held Thursday, April 12th, just one year since the project vision was officially unveiled.

COTA is seeking financial assistance from Travis County on improving pertinent roads leading to November race.

COTA is now accepting applications for volunteer marshal opportunities for the November F1 race. Link here.

// MotoGP

The first race of the MotoGP season is this Sunday in Qatar.  Free practice was completed earlier today with the three American riders, Hayden, Spies, and Edwards finishing 7th, 11th, and 14th in the pre-qualifying standings. More here.

MotoGP Legend Kevin Schwantz joined Dave Despain on SPEED TV's Wind Tunnel! Best wishes to Kevin as he recovers from a broken sternum - ouch!! You can wish him well on his official Facebook page.

 // Other News

RIP Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (1935-2012) - designer of the Porsche 911