A lot has been happening in several pit lanes around the world and today, I will cover some of the biggest stories of the past week.

Manor racing folds after failing to find investors

One of Formula One’s newest teams, Manor Racing has folded after failing to find fianancial backing for the forthcoming Formula One season. They started off as Virgin Racing in 2010 and they officially changed their name twice after that. In their 7 year campaign, they scored a mere 3 points, two of which was scored by the Late Jules Bianchi in 2014.

Manor Racing scored only 3 points in a 7 year long campaign

This means that now only 20 cars will line up on the grid for the following season which is a shame for Formula One. Hopefully, the new owners will reduce the minimum costs required to own a Formula One team which will lead to more cars racing each other.

Only 20 cars will race each other for the 2017 Formula One Season

McLaren drops ‘mp4’ title from car name

Following the sacking of Ron Dennis from McLaren, the British team has set out to change several things including the name of their car. McLaren have dropped the MP4 title which was adopted in 1981 and their 2017 competitor will be called the ‘MCL32’. MP4 stood for Marlboro Project Four; back in the day, the cigar company was the title sponsor of McLaren and thus they controlled the name of the car. After Marlboro stopped sponsoring McLaren, the ‘M’ in MP4 started to stand for McLaren. As an avid follower of McLaren, this move comes as a huge shock to me and personally, I would like it if the usage of the title MP4 was continued.

2017 is all about change, and our car name is changing too. Ladies and gents, get set for the McLaren-Honda MCL32. #MCL32 #ChangeYourName pic.twitter.com/Q2WJmR4us7

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 3, 2017

The ‘MCL32’ is also set to feature an all new orange livery for next season which has been a major talking point during the winter break. Well, I’ll have to say that the name doesn’t matter but the only thing that does is the pace of the car. Hopefully, McLaren will return to it’s best next season.

McLaren will unveil their 2017 competitor on February 24

Robert kubica to drive for bykolles racing lmp1 for 2017

Robert Kubica is finally going to race at Le Mans as he recently joined privately funded WEC team, ByKolles Racing. They will run their prototype CLM P1/01 with Nissan engines this year and are looking to be more competitive than they were in the past few seasons. ByKolles have also signed 2014 ELMS Champion Oliver Webb to partner him. The third driver is yet to be announced.

Robert Kubica has signed for ByKolles Racing and will race at Le Mans this year

In 2011, he suffered several injures while rallying in the off-season which prevented the Pole to race in F1 for the following season. Since then Kubica has been rallying and many motorsport fans have been waiting to see him back in action on a circuit. He also had a test for ByKolles Racing at the 6 Hours Of Bahrain in which he impressed. This may have prompted the team to sign him up. This move may very well spice up the competition in LMP1 and we may have an exciting season in store for us.

Kubica during his test for ByKolles Racing in Bahrain

Toyota to run 3 cars at le mans

For the first time since 1999, Toyota will run three cars at Le Mans this year, hoping to win the greatest and most dangerous motor race of all time. Last year, the Japanese team was tantalizingly close to winning the 24 Hour race when their car stopped at the home straight with only 3 minutes to spare. With Audi having withdrawn, Toyota have better chances to finally win at Le Mans. The third car will also race at Le Mans’ preceding event, the 6 Hours Of Spa.

Toyota will run three cars at Le Mans and Spa this season.

Toyota Gazoo Racing’s president Toshio Sato said “I believe this is an exciting time for Toyota Gazoo Racing in endurance racing. Entering three cars for Spa and Le Mans represents a new challenge for our team. We are working hard to be prepared and we are inspired to win.”

Will the Japanese team finally be able to win the 24 Hours Of Le Mans?

Argentine Jose Maria Lopez will race for the Japanese team, partnering Kamui Kobayashi and Mike Conway with Stephane Sarrazin being replaced. Although Sarrazin has lost his full time seat, he will be one of the drivers of the third car. His teammates are yet to be announced.

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