In the first 18 races of last year, there were 1,058 pit stops, compared to 854 so far in 2012. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

204 Fewer Pit Stops In 2012 - Analysis: There have been 204 fewer pit stops this year compared to the same period in 2011, an analysis by the German magazine Auto Motor und Sport shows. The report showed that, in the first 18 races of last year, there were 1,058 pit stops, compared to 854 so far in 2012. "Pirelli is playing it safer," journalist Michael Schmidt surmised. The conclusion is that while Pirelli's compounds are generally softer this year, the Italian marque is now often more conservative when it comes to choosing the compounds for Grands Prix. Paul Hembery admitted: "The tires were probably too hard for India and Abu Dhabi," said Pirelli's motor sport director. "This will be corrected next year." Another factor, Hembery said, is that "the cars are generating more downforce, and the teams have learned how to deal with the tires."

Glock Always Beats Vettel - At Chess: Reigning back-to-back World Champion and 2012 points leader Sebastian Vettel has admitted that F1 backmarker Timo Glock always beats him — in a game of chess. Switzerland's Blick newspaper reports that Red Bull driver Vettel only discovered his love of the famous board game in the past few weeks. So far, the German has played mostly against his countryman Glock, who drives for Marussia. "Timo is the only one who is giving me real problems this year," laughed Vettel. "Because he always wins!" This weekend will be Vettel's 100th Grand Prix, where in Austin the 25-year-old could theoretically wrap up his third consecutive drivers' championship. Meanwhile, it has emerged that Lewis Hamilton's latest pastime is recording music in a $2,400 per day London studio, the Sun newspaper reports. "He's very passionate about music and wants his work to be of good quality," said a source. "He's got the cash, so why not? But he has no intention of becoming a pop star."

Sauber, Chelsea To Announce Joint Sponsor: Sauber is set to announce a joint sponsor with its partner Chelsea, the English premier league football club. Earlier this year, the Swiss F1 team announced the "new and innovative partnership" with Chelsea, in which the sports teams wear each others' logos. Now, the Daily Mail reveals that Sauber and Chelsea are poised to announce their first joint sponsor. "The first commercial joint venture will be announced in two months' time," said Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay. "You are going to see some results of the partnership very soon." The Daily Mail also reports that, amid the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption affair, premier league chief executive Richard Scudamore is on the list of potential candidates to replace Bernie Ecclestone. "But it would need a considerable offer to tempt Scudamore away (from football)," admitted journalist Charles Sale.

McLaren To Supply Engines For Electric Series: McLaren has signed up to supply engines to the FIA's new electric series 'Formula E' in 2014. Already the supplier of standard electric control units to every Formula One team, McLaren Electronic Systems will provide Formula E's engine, transmission and electronics, the company announced in a statement. The cars will be built by a company called Spark Racing Technology.