Victory for Hamlin Sprint Cup, best times to Raikkonen in F1
Book after having a real marathon be operational in the paddock Phoenix less than three days after the arrival of the Daytona 500, the NASCAR teams were finally able to experience a weekend of racing was more consistent with their habits, as hot sun of Arizona.
The Sprint Cup and Nationwide series or the two largest organization NASCAR were in the track last weekend for the second appointment of the 2012 season. And to mark the difference with the Daytona too, we can say that the two races were relatively quiet, monotonous even in the case of the ordeal Nationwide presented after Saturday afternoon and won by Elliott Sadler. For Richard Childress Racing driver (Chevrolet), former teammate Patrick Carpentier in 2008 Sprint Cup, it was a first victory in 14 years!
Brad Keselowski on his Team Penske Dodge, defending champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Ford), rookie Austin Dillon (Chevrolet) and Kevin Harvick (Chevrolet) have the full "Top 5". For his debut on this track, Danica Patrick qualified thirtieth before crossing the finish line in twenty-first position, has three towers leaders.
The next day, Sunday after-noon, the Sprint Cup race won by Denny Hamlin (Toyota). Out of gas on the last lap, Kevin Harvick could not deny him the victory, but it saves all the same the second place, ahead of Greg Biffle (Ford), Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet), Brad Keselowski and teammate Hamlin in the Joe Gibbs Racing, Kyle Busch.
Formula 1
In Europe, the teams entered in the World Championship Formula 1 took part in four days of testing at Barcelona, Spain. It was the last official test before returning in workshops and boarding equipment for Australia, or the first race of the 2012 season will be held on March 18.
Ten of the twelve stables were presented. HRT was also the but had planned to ride his new car today for a commercial! As to the stable Marussia (formerly Virgin), it seems to do what it takes to keep the last spot since besides the fact that it has not participated in these tests, the new car has not succeeded the tests crash test of the International Federation and must be rebuilt before the Australian Grand Prix!
Top of the hierarchy of these tests offseason, it points the way back Kimi Raikkonen. Worries frame rules on the new Lotus-Renault, the Finn has offered the best lap time, ahead of Fernando Alonso (Ferrari). Struggling with gearbox trouble, Sebastian Vettel was unable to complete the entire test program planned by the stable Red Bull. Despite this, it appears that Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari will once again be the favorites to win this year.
