The Formula 1 launch edition: 5 moments you missed in motorsport this weekend

There are just too many wonderful motorsport events and series to fit into a comparatively short weekend. Sadly because of this, many exciting moments go unnoticed to the oblivious racing fan. But that’s a thing of the past.

As many European-based racing series wake up from their winter slumber, the motorsport circuits of the world are itching for new rubber and oil dotted across their surfaces.

Jerez is the first circuit to receive some love, as the Formula 1 circus held its first of three winter testing sessions before the season begins in earnest in March. Additionally, we recap the Formula 1 teams’ new cars, showcasing all the new designs and liveries.

Speaking of new cars, there has been a lot of movement in the WRC and WEC preseasons, with Toyota and Nissan announcing that they will enter the two series respectively. Toyota has been out of the WRC circus since 1999, while Nissan is a complete newcomer to WEC’s LMP1 class.

We also cover news from MotoGP, where news has surfaced of a possible new venue for a race.

1. Have a look at this year’s Formula 1 paddock

Just prior to the Jerez test week, Formula 1 was abuzz with new launches and unveilings. Have a look at the gallery below to gander through this year’s releases thus far.

What is your favourite car thus far? Let us know in the comments.

2. Ferrari top first two days of Jerez test, Mercedes runner up in both

If the first test day of 2015 is anything to go by, we could be in for quite a cracking 2015 season. Ferrari claimed top honours with a Sebastian Vettel-set time eclipsing Nico Rosberg’s effort in the Mercedes by a few tenths. Notably, it wasn’t just a one lap wonder too, with Vettel setting two laps that were suitably faster than his silver rival.

Is Vettel on it this year, or is the car on it? Mercedes should fear if both of those statements are true.

3. Toyota to return to WRC in 2017 with the Yaris

After bailing on Formula 1, Toyota’s Cologne engineering facility will finally be put to good use in 2017 when the company will mark its return to the World Rally Championship. Huzzah! We are genuinely excited for this.

It was difficult to see Subaru leave. It was tragic to see Ford leave as well after the Focus put up a massive fight in the late 2000s. It was also horrible to see Mitsubishi, rallying legends in many respects, leave the sport. But now, Toyota will join Volkswagen, Citroen and the like to compete once again at the pinnacle of dirt racing.

It’s notable to remember the reason it left the WRC in the first place — Formula 1.

4. MotoGP could host an event in India in the near future

While Formula 1 is diversifying its proving grounds, MotoGP — motorcycling’s pinnacle — is also looking for new territories. One of the countries on the cards is India.

MotoGP’s commercial rights holder, Dorna, has suggested that a race in the country could be a possibility and will prove a more attractive option for the Indian public.

It should also be said that the Buddh International Circuit does seem like it could be one hell of a motorcycling track too.

5. Nissan unveils its radical LMP1 contender during Superbowl

Boohoo. Superbowl. Whatever.

We wonder if anyone actually noticed the most important Nissan release for a good number of years in its memorable advertisement last night. The car in question is the company’s new LMP1 contender, the GT-R LM. And it’s gorgeous.

It seems that the LMP1 cars still boast the sort of lustful desire that used to be found in the Formula 1 cars of yesteryear. But it also boasts the insane mould-breaking philosophy of the Formula 1 cars of yesteryear. How exactly?

This LMP1 car boasts an engine at the front (not at the rear or midmouted like in most LMP1 cars) and front wheel drive (as opposed to four- or rear-wheel drive).

It’s an astonishing car and could make the World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans field very interesting this year.