| Ferg | 02-01-2006 07:39 PM |
So my wife has had to put up with me exclaiming about the virtues of Mr Rossi for the past couple of days...finally I showed her a picture of him.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55589590/large.jpg[/IMG]
"THAT'S Rossi!?! He's hideous looking!"
Then I told her how much he earned.
"Well I guess he's not THAT ugly...."
:lol:
Will The Doctor make the switch?
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55589583/large.jpg[/IMG]
Just in case anyone was wondering what exactly Valencia looks like...
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/50428782/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55589590/large.jpg[/IMG]
"THAT'S Rossi!?! He's hideous looking!"
Then I told her how much he earned.
"Well I guess he's not THAT ugly...."
:lol:
Will The Doctor make the switch?
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55589583/large.jpg[/IMG]
Just in case anyone was wondering what exactly Valencia looks like...
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/50428782/original.jpg[/IMG]
| Bonzo | 02-01-2006 09:19 PM |
a pic is worth 1000...
[IMG]http://www.parecidosrazonables.com/parecidos_razonables_valentino_rossi_krusty.jpg[/IMG]
Mr. Serious, cleaned up.
[IMG]http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/minisites/valentinorossi/image/vr_face.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.parecidosrazonables.com/parecidos_razonables_valentino_rossi_krusty.jpg[/IMG]
Mr. Serious, cleaned up.
[IMG]http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/minisites/valentinorossi/image/vr_face.jpg[/IMG]
| f1vlad | 02-01-2006 10:22 PM |
Awesome pics! I can't wait for this summer!
| REX8 | 02-01-2006 10:32 PM |
[QUOTE=f1vlad]Awesome pics! I can't wait for this summer![/QUOTE]
Try March!
Try March!
| nKoan | 02-01-2006 11:27 PM |
[QUOTE=REX8]Try March![/QUOTE]
March is cool, but June is better
<-- already got my tickets to Gran Prix du Canada :banana:
March is cool, but June is better
<-- already got my tickets to Gran Prix du Canada :banana:
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 08:37 AM |
Some driver reactions to Rossi
[QUOTE]Schumacher: Rossi looking good
By Michele Lostia February 2nd 2006, 10:45 GMT
Valentino RossiMotoGP Valentino Rossi has left a positive impression on Ferrari's former World Champion Michael Schumacher after the Italian's test at Valencia yesterday.
Rossi has been taking part in his first F1 test with other cars at Valencia in Spain and, despite an embarrassing spin in the wet on his first lap of the track, he was on the pace yesterday.
Schumacher reserved judgement on how good Rossi is, but the German said his first impressions are positive.
"It is difficult to make any judgement because he has only tested three times, but they all looked positive," he said.
When asked whether there was any advice he could give Rossi, Schumacher said: "No. I don't think he needs any advice. He definitely has a talent and I think it is easier to change from two wheels to four wheels. He can definitely use his skill on four wheels."
Although Rossi's spin in the wet on Tuesday grabbed the headlines, Schumacher believes it was nothing out of the ordinary to make an error like that.
"It is normal in those conditions, even on rain tyres," he explained. "It is very slippery and that is what happened."
Schumacher admitted he was actually enjoying being away from the spotlight for once.
"Eventually it can give me a hand, because it allows me to work more calmly, and it doesn't distract the team: we have a programme and we go our own way," he said.
"It's a good novelty in this world, so welcome to him. Valentino has a great feeling on two wheels, so he can have an advantage on cars. Of course we spoke, but I didn't give him advice: he doesn't need it."
Toyota driver Jarno Trulli said Rossi's spin on the first day was understandable.
"Valentino started this test in difficult weather conditions for us professional car drivers, let alone for him," Trulli told Gazzetta dello Sport. "To have among us a motorbikes champion is the only novelty in F1. The important thing for him now is to avoid forging ahead."
Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve claimed he was not surprised by Rossi's pace.
"It's nice that he's driving with us. Seeing how he's going, however, he must quit bikes and come here, and maybe I'll go on motorbikes," the Canadian said. "I think it's fairly normal he's driving well, even though the last few tenths are the hardest to take away."
Williams driver Nico Rosberg said Rossi had enough talent to be fast in a Formula One car, although the German admitted Rossi was at an advantage driving the V10-engined car.
"Surely he has a talent for this sport, but we'll have to see how he does in a race. He has a car advantage as he's using a V10, but for a first day it's not bad."
Rossi's father Graziano claimed he had expected his son to be fast and admitted he was happy to see him driving alongside other F1 drivers.
"It's been a very good day," he said. The thing that excited me the most has been seeing Valentino like one of them. Of course, there's time to improve and work, but he already looks like an F1 driver, and this excites me greatly.
"I expected him to be this quick. There's no comparison with the way he run the first two times at Fiorano. But at Mugello he had already improved a lot and went fast. Here I've seen him in even better shape, and most of all he's found himself [driving] among the others.
"He was overtaken a few times, and he overtook once: the normal path you have to follow in these cases. I feel this adventure has been embarked on without great pressures, because I see him motivated like when he's playing a good game.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher: Rossi looking good
By Michele Lostia February 2nd 2006, 10:45 GMT
Valentino RossiMotoGP Valentino Rossi has left a positive impression on Ferrari's former World Champion Michael Schumacher after the Italian's test at Valencia yesterday.
Rossi has been taking part in his first F1 test with other cars at Valencia in Spain and, despite an embarrassing spin in the wet on his first lap of the track, he was on the pace yesterday.
Schumacher reserved judgement on how good Rossi is, but the German said his first impressions are positive.
"It is difficult to make any judgement because he has only tested three times, but they all looked positive," he said.
When asked whether there was any advice he could give Rossi, Schumacher said: "No. I don't think he needs any advice. He definitely has a talent and I think it is easier to change from two wheels to four wheels. He can definitely use his skill on four wheels."
Although Rossi's spin in the wet on Tuesday grabbed the headlines, Schumacher believes it was nothing out of the ordinary to make an error like that.
"It is normal in those conditions, even on rain tyres," he explained. "It is very slippery and that is what happened."
Schumacher admitted he was actually enjoying being away from the spotlight for once.
"Eventually it can give me a hand, because it allows me to work more calmly, and it doesn't distract the team: we have a programme and we go our own way," he said.
"It's a good novelty in this world, so welcome to him. Valentino has a great feeling on two wheels, so he can have an advantage on cars. Of course we spoke, but I didn't give him advice: he doesn't need it."
Toyota driver Jarno Trulli said Rossi's spin on the first day was understandable.
"Valentino started this test in difficult weather conditions for us professional car drivers, let alone for him," Trulli told Gazzetta dello Sport. "To have among us a motorbikes champion is the only novelty in F1. The important thing for him now is to avoid forging ahead."
Former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve claimed he was not surprised by Rossi's pace.
"It's nice that he's driving with us. Seeing how he's going, however, he must quit bikes and come here, and maybe I'll go on motorbikes," the Canadian said. "I think it's fairly normal he's driving well, even though the last few tenths are the hardest to take away."
Williams driver Nico Rosberg said Rossi had enough talent to be fast in a Formula One car, although the German admitted Rossi was at an advantage driving the V10-engined car.
"Surely he has a talent for this sport, but we'll have to see how he does in a race. He has a car advantage as he's using a V10, but for a first day it's not bad."
Rossi's father Graziano claimed he had expected his son to be fast and admitted he was happy to see him driving alongside other F1 drivers.
"It's been a very good day," he said. The thing that excited me the most has been seeing Valentino like one of them. Of course, there's time to improve and work, but he already looks like an F1 driver, and this excites me greatly.
"I expected him to be this quick. There's no comparison with the way he run the first two times at Fiorano. But at Mugello he had already improved a lot and went fast. Here I've seen him in even better shape, and most of all he's found himself [driving] among the others.
"He was overtaken a few times, and he overtook once: the normal path you have to follow in these cases. I feel this adventure has been embarked on without great pressures, because I see him motivated like when he's playing a good game.[/QUOTE]
| f1vlad | 02-02-2006 09:01 AM |
[QUOTE=REX8]Try March![/QUOTE]
Sorry I wasn't clear, I meant for USGP :)
[IMG]http://myspace-703.vo.llnwd.net/00472/30/70/472700703_l.jpg[/IMG]
I love USGP the best, it's gonna be my fourth visit. What I love about it is you don't have to buy tickets, because you pay general admission and walk around the track without being stuck on one seat. Some folks don't like it, I personally love the way it works in USGP :D
Sorry I wasn't clear, I meant for USGP :)
[IMG]http://myspace-703.vo.llnwd.net/00472/30/70/472700703_l.jpg[/IMG]
I love USGP the best, it's gonna be my fourth visit. What I love about it is you don't have to buy tickets, because you pay general admission and walk around the track without being stuck on one seat. Some folks don't like it, I personally love the way it works in USGP :D
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 12:12 PM |
Rossi again right in the thick of it.
[QUOTE]Alonso edges Button at Valencia
February 2nd 2006, 17:00 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso topped the times during a thrilling test session at Valencia in Spain on Thursday as a late extension allowed teams to try out some mock qualifying runs.
A late red flag caused when Heikki Kovalainen's Renault coasted to a halt on the start-finish straight gave teams a 10-minute window of opportunity to put in some quick times at the end of the day - and almost everyone decided to try out simulated low-fuel runs on new tyres.
Alonso came out on top of that battle, setting the best lap of 1.10.904 � although interestingly second fastest Jenson Button's best lap had come earlier in the day at the end of a long run before his Honda engine had spectacularly blown up.
Third fastest Felipe Massa continued working with the V8-powered F2004, but all eyes at Ferrari remained on Valentino Rossi � who was also sent out for a low-fuel new tyre run in the final 10 minutes.
Rossi, who spun fives times during the day, managed to put the 12th fastest time in during that run, but his day would end in the gravel after getting caught up in a bit of side-by-side action with McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa and BMW's Jacques Villeneuve.
That moment, which also left Villeneuve off the track as well, did not detract from the enjoyment he expressed about his testing performance this week.
Speaking after the day's running, which included four other spins, Rossi said: "It was a wonderful opportunity for me and I am very satisfied.
"However I now go back to testing motorbikes, which are my priority this year. Ferrari and myself have two championships to do 100 percent now. As usual, we hope to be able to win in both."
Fourth fastest Anthony Davidson continued to show impressive form from Honda, after also setting his best time late in the day having spent his earlier running focusing on tyre compound evaluation.
Further down the field, Williams continued to face mechanical problems as they continue development work on their seamless shift gearbox.
Alexander Wurz, who was 10th fastest, and Nico Rosberg who was 11th, both caused two red flags each during the course of the day.
Juan Pablo Montoya did not bring out a red flag but he suffered more engine woes as a Mercedes-Benz failure cost him four hours of running. The Colombian made the most of his break, however, to spend time playing on his PlayStation in the McLaren motorhome.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1.10.904 90
2. Button Honda (M) 1.10.907 85
3. Massa Ferrari (B) 1.11.284 50
4. Davidson Honda (M) 1.11.573 128
5. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1.11.649 48
6. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1.11.796 71
7. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1.12.011 89
8. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1.12.179 104
9. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1.12.182 92
10. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.12.246 84
11. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.12.313 46
12. Rossi Ferrari (B) 1.12.315 54
13. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.12.360 92
14. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.12.488 61
15. Trulli Toyota (B) 1.12.525 72
16. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1.12.811 48
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
I'm starting to get a really strong feeling that this may be Honda's year...
[QUOTE]Alonso edges Button at Valencia
February 2nd 2006, 17:00 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso topped the times during a thrilling test session at Valencia in Spain on Thursday as a late extension allowed teams to try out some mock qualifying runs.
A late red flag caused when Heikki Kovalainen's Renault coasted to a halt on the start-finish straight gave teams a 10-minute window of opportunity to put in some quick times at the end of the day - and almost everyone decided to try out simulated low-fuel runs on new tyres.
Alonso came out on top of that battle, setting the best lap of 1.10.904 � although interestingly second fastest Jenson Button's best lap had come earlier in the day at the end of a long run before his Honda engine had spectacularly blown up.
Third fastest Felipe Massa continued working with the V8-powered F2004, but all eyes at Ferrari remained on Valentino Rossi � who was also sent out for a low-fuel new tyre run in the final 10 minutes.
Rossi, who spun fives times during the day, managed to put the 12th fastest time in during that run, but his day would end in the gravel after getting caught up in a bit of side-by-side action with McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa and BMW's Jacques Villeneuve.
That moment, which also left Villeneuve off the track as well, did not detract from the enjoyment he expressed about his testing performance this week.
Speaking after the day's running, which included four other spins, Rossi said: "It was a wonderful opportunity for me and I am very satisfied.
"However I now go back to testing motorbikes, which are my priority this year. Ferrari and myself have two championships to do 100 percent now. As usual, we hope to be able to win in both."
Fourth fastest Anthony Davidson continued to show impressive form from Honda, after also setting his best time late in the day having spent his earlier running focusing on tyre compound evaluation.
Further down the field, Williams continued to face mechanical problems as they continue development work on their seamless shift gearbox.
Alexander Wurz, who was 10th fastest, and Nico Rosberg who was 11th, both caused two red flags each during the course of the day.
Juan Pablo Montoya did not bring out a red flag but he suffered more engine woes as a Mercedes-Benz failure cost him four hours of running. The Colombian made the most of his break, however, to spend time playing on his PlayStation in the McLaren motorhome.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1.10.904 90
2. Button Honda (M) 1.10.907 85
3. Massa Ferrari (B) 1.11.284 50
4. Davidson Honda (M) 1.11.573 128
5. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1.11.649 48
6. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1.11.796 71
7. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1.12.011 89
8. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1.12.179 104
9. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1.12.182 92
10. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.12.246 84
11. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.12.313 46
12. Rossi Ferrari (B) 1.12.315 54
13. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.12.360 92
14. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.12.488 61
15. Trulli Toyota (B) 1.12.525 72
16. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1.12.811 48
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
I'm starting to get a really strong feeling that this may be Honda's year...
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 12:20 PM |
37 days until Bahrain....:D
| Dussander | 02-02-2006 12:20 PM |
Mercedes is killing me...
| TimStevens | 02-02-2006 12:26 PM |
Has Speed done any testing this year? I'd think he'd be jumping up and down in the paddock at Valencia...
| Braz | 02-02-2006 01:12 PM |
Any news on why Kimi's not feeling well?
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 01:49 PM |
Speed ran at Barcelona for Toro Rosso last week, not sure why the team isn't at Valencia since a decent budget for testing isn't an issue any longer.
No word on Kimi's illness, but then again I don't check the tabloids :p
No word on Kimi's illness, but then again I don't check the tabloids :p
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 01:52 PM |
Rossi speaks!
[QUOTE]Rossi 'at ease' among F1 drivers
February 2nd 2006, 18:07 GMT
Valentino Rossi was pleased after completing a three-day test with the Ferrari team at the Valencia circuit.
The MotoGP champion had a poor start on Tuesday, when he failed to complete a single lap before he spun into the gravel trap.
But things got better for the Italian rider, who shone in yesterday's session and finished less than 1.5 seconds off the pace today.
The test was the first time Rossi took to the track alongside other Formula One drivers, and he admitted he felt at ease despite several spins during the three days.
"It's been a very interesting test, considering that, for the first time, I found myself running in an F1 car together with other drivers," Rossi said.
"I must say I've felt at ease and I haven't had any problems in particular; maybe I'll have to get some experience of driving in the wet
"As usual, the welcome at Ferrari has been fantastic: it's a very united group and I've felt almost within a family with Michael, Felipe, the technicians and the mechanics."
Despite having tested alongside other drivers, Rossi said he didn't have anything to prove.
"I didn't come here to demonstrate anything to anyone but only to deepen my knowledge of an F1 car, and I thank Ferrari for keeping offering me this opportunity," he added.
"In the next months there'll be other tests but now I go back to motorbikes, which are at the top of my thoughts. I, like Ferrari, have an obligation to face: we both have a world championship to play for and, possibly, to win!"
Rossi, whose MotoGP rivals were testing at Phillip Island while he worked with Ferrari, will get back to his usual ride next week for a test in Qatar.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Rossi 'at ease' among F1 drivers
February 2nd 2006, 18:07 GMT
Valentino Rossi was pleased after completing a three-day test with the Ferrari team at the Valencia circuit.
The MotoGP champion had a poor start on Tuesday, when he failed to complete a single lap before he spun into the gravel trap.
But things got better for the Italian rider, who shone in yesterday's session and finished less than 1.5 seconds off the pace today.
The test was the first time Rossi took to the track alongside other Formula One drivers, and he admitted he felt at ease despite several spins during the three days.
"It's been a very interesting test, considering that, for the first time, I found myself running in an F1 car together with other drivers," Rossi said.
"I must say I've felt at ease and I haven't had any problems in particular; maybe I'll have to get some experience of driving in the wet
"As usual, the welcome at Ferrari has been fantastic: it's a very united group and I've felt almost within a family with Michael, Felipe, the technicians and the mechanics."
Despite having tested alongside other drivers, Rossi said he didn't have anything to prove.
"I didn't come here to demonstrate anything to anyone but only to deepen my knowledge of an F1 car, and I thank Ferrari for keeping offering me this opportunity," he added.
"In the next months there'll be other tests but now I go back to motorbikes, which are at the top of my thoughts. I, like Ferrari, have an obligation to face: we both have a world championship to play for and, possibly, to win!"
Rossi, whose MotoGP rivals were testing at Phillip Island while he worked with Ferrari, will get back to his usual ride next week for a test in Qatar.[/QUOTE]
| Wr4wrX | 02-02-2006 02:42 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]I'm starting to get a really strong feeling that this may be Honda's year...[/QUOTE]
Honda's only running this fast in testing because they have an illegal fuel tank... ;)
Honda's only running this fast in testing because they have an illegal fuel tank... ;)
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 02:51 PM |
shhhh...don't let that get out.
Two things about that whole mess cracked me up...
The first is at the Imola press conference when Button (having finished third) said something to the effect that, "The car was really good when the fuel was low, but as soon as we put fuel in it went to crap...."
Really Jenson? I wonder why that was.
The second was that the maker of fuel cells for F1 reams (is it ATL?) reported that after the **** hit the fan they received several urgent requests from other teams for a quick redesign of their fuel cells....
Two things about that whole mess cracked me up...
The first is at the Imola press conference when Button (having finished third) said something to the effect that, "The car was really good when the fuel was low, but as soon as we put fuel in it went to crap...."
Really Jenson? I wonder why that was.
The second was that the maker of fuel cells for F1 reams (is it ATL?) reported that after the **** hit the fan they received several urgent requests from other teams for a quick redesign of their fuel cells....
| Chp_Stix | 02-02-2006 03:09 PM |
i know it is highly unlikely but i would give my left nut to drive an F1 car.mmmm so fast with only the best in cornering!!
| StuBeck | 02-02-2006 03:47 PM |
Rossi's 5 spins is pretty bad, it'd be good for the sport if he came in, but I don't know how well he'd do. Also his being an asshat and taking Villeneuve out with him today is pretty bad.
Honda is usually pretty good in testing and then not so much in the races, but them having the 2nd fastest time with fuel on board is pretty good.
I still wonder about red bull's overheating issue. Nothing is being brought up about it so possibly its straightend out. I wonder how much Ferrari will let their customer team beat them up though, only a tenth down with the second driver.
Honda is usually pretty good in testing and then not so much in the races, but them having the 2nd fastest time with fuel on board is pretty good.
I still wonder about red bull's overheating issue. Nothing is being brought up about it so possibly its straightend out. I wonder how much Ferrari will let their customer team beat them up though, only a tenth down with the second driver.
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 04:11 PM |
From the report it sounds like he got caught up in a Villeneuve-De la Rosa sandwich...which sounds like a pretty scary place to be given JV unwillingness to give way.
I know what you're saying about Honda's preseason form not translating to the real season...winning the "winter championship" is pretty meaningless..but this year they seem to be fast on long runs, which they weren't last year, so it's giving me some hope.
Red Bull....I'm still convinced they're going to have a very very hard start to the season. Trying to solve overheating issues between fly-away races doesn't sound like a great way to start a campaign. I hope they prove me wrong though, I'm pulling for that team (both of them actually) in a big way.
:)
I know what you're saying about Honda's preseason form not translating to the real season...winning the "winter championship" is pretty meaningless..but this year they seem to be fast on long runs, which they weren't last year, so it's giving me some hope.
Red Bull....I'm still convinced they're going to have a very very hard start to the season. Trying to solve overheating issues between fly-away races doesn't sound like a great way to start a campaign. I hope they prove me wrong though, I'm pulling for that team (both of them actually) in a big way.
:)
| Harvey_Mushman | 02-02-2006 06:38 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]Rossi's 5 spins is pretty bad, it'd be good for the sport if he came in, but I don't know how well he'd do. [/QUOTE]
Rossi = the new Sato?
:banana:
Rossi = the new Sato?
:banana:
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 07:05 PM |
[QUOTE=Harvey_Mushman]Rossi = the new Sato?
:banana:[/QUOTE]
Now that's just being mean! :lol:
:banana:[/QUOTE]
Now that's just being mean! :lol:
| Braz | 02-02-2006 07:20 PM |
any pictures of this so called sammich?
| Ferg | 02-02-2006 07:42 PM |
No pictures of the actual sammich that I've found, just this one of the aftermath. Seeing as there's no visable damage to Rossi's Ferrari (that has a nice ring doesn't it?) I can only guess he got seriously wrong-footed by the BMW and the McLaren. Perhaps a bit of fun on JV's part?
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55622961/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55622961/large.jpg[/IMG]
| nKoan | 02-02-2006 07:48 PM |
[QUOTE=Harvey_Mushman]Rossi = the new Sato?
:banana:[/QUOTE]
No need for name calling. :lol:
:banana:[/QUOTE]
No need for name calling. :lol:
| Braz | 02-02-2006 08:02 PM |
Haha, everyone gang up on the n00b!!
| Bonzo | 02-02-2006 09:18 PM |
I will hold judgment on his "menage-a-trois" until I see first hand what happened.
I would rather see Rossi spinning whilst finding the limit in pratice vs tip-toeing around. It's not like he's going slow. He said his biggest area of unkown was braking and corner entry. I can only assume because on a bike you don't have near the traction in this area as an F1 car. Whereas on exits and straights a bikes accel is prolly very close to these cars.
Secondly it's possible to hold back a rider/drivers aggression. It's next to impossible to make them more aggressive.
The enternal Vale defendAr. :p
I would rather see Rossi spinning whilst finding the limit in pratice vs tip-toeing around. It's not like he's going slow. He said his biggest area of unkown was braking and corner entry. I can only assume because on a bike you don't have near the traction in this area as an F1 car. Whereas on exits and straights a bikes accel is prolly very close to these cars.
Secondly it's possible to hold back a rider/drivers aggression. It's next to impossible to make them more aggressive.
The enternal Vale defendAr. :p
| meebs | 02-02-2006 09:27 PM |
With all of Ferrari's uhhhhhhh "testing" this year, you'll see them back at the top. Just watch.
| TimStevens | 02-03-2006 08:40 AM |
Some great "news" from [url]www.sniffpetrol.com[/url] this morning:
[quote=Sniff Petrol]
STUPID AGURI IN STUPID ENGINE ERROR
Something else not actually that super, yesterday
There was hilarity in Formula 1 this week with news that back markers elect and comedy 11th man team Stupid Aguri haven't got any engines. The foolish making-up-the-numbers last row sitters' embarrassing error came to light when one of the team's engineers was spotted ahead of the forthcoming season skulking around a branch of HMV trying to buy an F1 car sound effects CD. "Yes it is true, we have no engines," admitted a shamefaced insider. "Instead our drivers will propel the car with their legs in the manner of Fred Flintstone whilst a lightweight in-car stereo system plays the appropriate noises from some speakers mounted in the side pods. Since we're going to get lapped a lot anyway we thought no one would notice".
However, the rubbish recording-based plan is only the tip of the pointless entry iceberg. "We are delighted to have signed Takuma Sato," said another nameless team source. "Thanks to a sophisticated in-helmet microphone Takuma will be able to add his own audio embellishments such as popping on the over-run and the distinctive noise of him twatting into something. For a second driver we are hoping to recruit the man who played the amusing Sgt. Larvell Jones in Police Academy".
Nonetheless, some F1 observers have been puzzled at Aguri's inexplicable motor loss situation since they were widely understood to have signed an engine deal with Honda. "Ah yes, I can explain that one," said a Stupid Aguri spokesman. "You see, we were meant to pick up the engines from our local Honda dealer, but we forgot. Just like we almost forgot to sign up with the FIA but then we simply promised that we would hand over the $30 and it was all sorted out� $30 million? Oh God, I have to ring the bank�"[/quote]
Other news:
[img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/latenews0602_01.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/latenews0602_02.jpg[/img]
Oh, and in case you don't know who Leo Sayer is:
[img]http://www.comicgenius.com/DiscoFever/disco_profiles/leo_sayer/images/leo1.jpg[/img]
(I didn't)
[quote=Sniff Petrol]
STUPID AGURI IN STUPID ENGINE ERROR
Something else not actually that super, yesterday
There was hilarity in Formula 1 this week with news that back markers elect and comedy 11th man team Stupid Aguri haven't got any engines. The foolish making-up-the-numbers last row sitters' embarrassing error came to light when one of the team's engineers was spotted ahead of the forthcoming season skulking around a branch of HMV trying to buy an F1 car sound effects CD. "Yes it is true, we have no engines," admitted a shamefaced insider. "Instead our drivers will propel the car with their legs in the manner of Fred Flintstone whilst a lightweight in-car stereo system plays the appropriate noises from some speakers mounted in the side pods. Since we're going to get lapped a lot anyway we thought no one would notice".
However, the rubbish recording-based plan is only the tip of the pointless entry iceberg. "We are delighted to have signed Takuma Sato," said another nameless team source. "Thanks to a sophisticated in-helmet microphone Takuma will be able to add his own audio embellishments such as popping on the over-run and the distinctive noise of him twatting into something. For a second driver we are hoping to recruit the man who played the amusing Sgt. Larvell Jones in Police Academy".
Nonetheless, some F1 observers have been puzzled at Aguri's inexplicable motor loss situation since they were widely understood to have signed an engine deal with Honda. "Ah yes, I can explain that one," said a Stupid Aguri spokesman. "You see, we were meant to pick up the engines from our local Honda dealer, but we forgot. Just like we almost forgot to sign up with the FIA but then we simply promised that we would hand over the $30 and it was all sorted out� $30 million? Oh God, I have to ring the bank�"[/quote]
Other news:
[img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/latenews0602_01.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/latenews0602_02.jpg[/img]
Oh, and in case you don't know who Leo Sayer is:
[img]http://www.comicgenius.com/DiscoFever/disco_profiles/leo_sayer/images/leo1.jpg[/img]
(I didn't)
| StuBeck | 02-03-2006 08:40 AM |
They did more testing then anyone last year and should have been 4th or 5th in the standings if it weren't for indy. I'm still not too hot on them until the start of the season, them havign to run the 04 car is worrysome, and if the team isn't great out of the box I can see Schumacher thinking of retirement and doing a Hakkinen.
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 08:52 AM |
Good stuff Tim, "Stupid Aguri" :lol:
I'm still not convinced Ferrari's problem's last year were soley the tires...the chassis was a dog from the start. It's no wonder they've gone back to the 2004 car as a baseline, it was desinged with tire changes in mind after all. Will they get it right this year? I say no. Ferrari without the competent hand of Rory Bryne seem to be lost. I know Bryne is still there as a cosultant but it's not the same as having him design the car.
Midland is GO!
[QUOTE]MF1 launch first Russian F1 car
February 3rd 2006, 00:37 GMT
Midland F1 will become the first constructor in Formula One history to race under Russian license, as the team launch today their 2006 challenger, the M16.
Russian billionaire Alex Shnaider, chairman and co-founder of Midland Group, bought the Jordan team over a year ago, but the team was already entered in 2005 as Jordan Grand Prix, with their car, the EJ15B, having been designed and developed before the buyout.
"It has been an exciting, sometimes bumpy ride since we accelerated our plans and became involved in F1 a year earlier than expected," Colin Kolles, managing director of MF1 Racing, said in a statement ahead of today's launch.
"But through all the ups and downs, we maintained a clear vision of where want to be and, step by step, we are getting there.
"We have restructured the company and refurbished our headquarters as the first stage of our long-term plans. The M16 car is 100% a product of MF1 Racing - solid proof of our serious intentions.
"But even though we have invested a great deal into building a brand-new car, we remain realistic about the challenge we face as a private team against the world's top motor manufacturers.
"Our target for 2006 is consistent and visible progress compared to our rivals, while maintaining the superb reliability record that highlighted 2005."
The 2006 MF1 team and the M16 car will be the first time the Russian team will be entered as a constructor, and along with Toyota engine supply and Bridgestone tyres, the team will race with Tiago Monteiro and Christijan Albers as regular race drivers.
Markus Winkelhock, Giorgio Mondini and Adrian Sutil will test for the team, as well as serve as reserve drivers.
"Both Tiago and Christijan had outstanding rookie years in 2005 and we believe this tandem forms a strong, competitive partnership that will benefit us in our first season as MF1 Racing," added Kolles.
"Our three test drivers have all achieved considerable success in other formulae and we are confident they have the potential to develop into successful F1 drivers."
The M16, unveiled today, will have a grey, red and white livery, and technical director James Key said the car is a completely new design.
"Obviously, the information we have gained from developing the EJ15B has gone into building the M16," Key said, "but it is significantly improved in so many ways - mechanically, aerodynamically, even the way it is packaged. We are very optimistic about the progress that lies ahead."
Team owner Shnaider added: "With the M16, we have made a significant leap forward in every respect. I am very proud of the passion and ingenuity demonstrated by our workforce and partners, who are the lifeblood of this team.
"Everyone has worked extremely hard to make this car a reality and I am confident that if we maintain this level of commitment, we will continue to make further and more frequent leaps forward in the years to come."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]MF1 want to bring Russian space experts
By Alan Baldwin February 3rd 2006, 13:43 GMT
Formula One's first Russian team are looking to the country's space and aviation experts for a competitive edge.
"It is very exciting. It was our plan from day one to have a Russian team in Formula One and we have executed our plan," said Russian-born billionaire Alex Shnaider after Midland unveiled their first car on Friday.
"Now we just have to do better than we did last year," the team owner, who bought struggling Jordan in January 2005, told Reuters.
Jordan had only Minardi behind them in the final 2005 standings.
"We are very actively looking now for aerodynamicists and engineers in Russia, to hire and to bring here to help with the team and bring new ideas," added the naturalised Canadian.
"There are a lot of very good specialists in Russia, aircraft designers."
Shnaider's Midland Group is involved in heavy industry throughout the former Soviet bloc and had planned to start their own team from scratch before Jordan became available.
He said the team's factory would remain at the Silverstone circuit.
"We have no plans to have a design team anywhere else. If we hire people in Russia, we would get them visas and bring them to work here," he said.
Russian Driver
Midland have Roman Rusinov as one of four test drivers and have a long-term plan to put a Russian on the starting grid for the first time.
"It will probably take a few years," said Shnaider. "We are looking also at other young drivers. Obviously he has to be as good as the other drivers but I think there is enough talent in Russia."
The Toyota-powered M16 car, decked out in orange, white and grey livery, lacks Russian sponsors but Shnaider was confident they would come too.
"It will pick up," he said. "Formula One is still new to Russian companies, but with time they will learn and now there is a Russian-licensed team it will bring up the interest."
A Russian race would also help and the team owner, who was born in St Petersburg before emigrating as a child to Israel and then Canada, said that was likely in the near future.
"The way I understand it, there will be a race eventually. I think within five years it should happen, in Moscow," he said.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Midland target BMW, Red Bull
By Jonathan Noble February 3rd 2006, 10:15 GMT
The new Midland Formula One team have set their sights on challenging BMW and Red Bull Racing this season.
The team launched their new M16 car at Silverstone on Friday morning and, despite their struggles after the takeover of Jordan in 2005, they are confident of a major step forward this season.
Technical director James Key said: "We are ambitious and optimistic, but also realistic.
"We are looking at the teams who were ahead of us last year, so that means Red Bull Racing and Sauber (BMW). Realistically I think we can do it, but whether that is at the beginning of the season or the end I don't know. But that is what we are aiming for."
The M16 is an all-new car and Key claims that the major gains over last year's EJ15 are in aerodynamics - although other improvements have been brought in.
"The car is very original," added Key. "We have not been able to design a new car for a few years so we have had ideas stacked up for the last 18 months."
Team principal and managing director Colin Kolles said the team's ambitions were to score regular points this season.
"Last year when I made my first FIA press conference I said that I hoped our car was reliable and that with a bit of luck were could get some points," said Kolles. "This year I hope the car is reliable and we don't need luck for points.
"I hope we can score regularly."[/QUOTE]
I'm still not convinced Ferrari's problem's last year were soley the tires...the chassis was a dog from the start. It's no wonder they've gone back to the 2004 car as a baseline, it was desinged with tire changes in mind after all. Will they get it right this year? I say no. Ferrari without the competent hand of Rory Bryne seem to be lost. I know Bryne is still there as a cosultant but it's not the same as having him design the car.
Midland is GO!
[QUOTE]MF1 launch first Russian F1 car
February 3rd 2006, 00:37 GMT
Midland F1 will become the first constructor in Formula One history to race under Russian license, as the team launch today their 2006 challenger, the M16.
Russian billionaire Alex Shnaider, chairman and co-founder of Midland Group, bought the Jordan team over a year ago, but the team was already entered in 2005 as Jordan Grand Prix, with their car, the EJ15B, having been designed and developed before the buyout.
"It has been an exciting, sometimes bumpy ride since we accelerated our plans and became involved in F1 a year earlier than expected," Colin Kolles, managing director of MF1 Racing, said in a statement ahead of today's launch.
"But through all the ups and downs, we maintained a clear vision of where want to be and, step by step, we are getting there.
"We have restructured the company and refurbished our headquarters as the first stage of our long-term plans. The M16 car is 100% a product of MF1 Racing - solid proof of our serious intentions.
"But even though we have invested a great deal into building a brand-new car, we remain realistic about the challenge we face as a private team against the world's top motor manufacturers.
"Our target for 2006 is consistent and visible progress compared to our rivals, while maintaining the superb reliability record that highlighted 2005."
The 2006 MF1 team and the M16 car will be the first time the Russian team will be entered as a constructor, and along with Toyota engine supply and Bridgestone tyres, the team will race with Tiago Monteiro and Christijan Albers as regular race drivers.
Markus Winkelhock, Giorgio Mondini and Adrian Sutil will test for the team, as well as serve as reserve drivers.
"Both Tiago and Christijan had outstanding rookie years in 2005 and we believe this tandem forms a strong, competitive partnership that will benefit us in our first season as MF1 Racing," added Kolles.
"Our three test drivers have all achieved considerable success in other formulae and we are confident they have the potential to develop into successful F1 drivers."
The M16, unveiled today, will have a grey, red and white livery, and technical director James Key said the car is a completely new design.
"Obviously, the information we have gained from developing the EJ15B has gone into building the M16," Key said, "but it is significantly improved in so many ways - mechanically, aerodynamically, even the way it is packaged. We are very optimistic about the progress that lies ahead."
Team owner Shnaider added: "With the M16, we have made a significant leap forward in every respect. I am very proud of the passion and ingenuity demonstrated by our workforce and partners, who are the lifeblood of this team.
"Everyone has worked extremely hard to make this car a reality and I am confident that if we maintain this level of commitment, we will continue to make further and more frequent leaps forward in the years to come."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]MF1 want to bring Russian space experts
By Alan Baldwin February 3rd 2006, 13:43 GMT
Formula One's first Russian team are looking to the country's space and aviation experts for a competitive edge.
"It is very exciting. It was our plan from day one to have a Russian team in Formula One and we have executed our plan," said Russian-born billionaire Alex Shnaider after Midland unveiled their first car on Friday.
"Now we just have to do better than we did last year," the team owner, who bought struggling Jordan in January 2005, told Reuters.
Jordan had only Minardi behind them in the final 2005 standings.
"We are very actively looking now for aerodynamicists and engineers in Russia, to hire and to bring here to help with the team and bring new ideas," added the naturalised Canadian.
"There are a lot of very good specialists in Russia, aircraft designers."
Shnaider's Midland Group is involved in heavy industry throughout the former Soviet bloc and had planned to start their own team from scratch before Jordan became available.
He said the team's factory would remain at the Silverstone circuit.
"We have no plans to have a design team anywhere else. If we hire people in Russia, we would get them visas and bring them to work here," he said.
Russian Driver
Midland have Roman Rusinov as one of four test drivers and have a long-term plan to put a Russian on the starting grid for the first time.
"It will probably take a few years," said Shnaider. "We are looking also at other young drivers. Obviously he has to be as good as the other drivers but I think there is enough talent in Russia."
The Toyota-powered M16 car, decked out in orange, white and grey livery, lacks Russian sponsors but Shnaider was confident they would come too.
"It will pick up," he said. "Formula One is still new to Russian companies, but with time they will learn and now there is a Russian-licensed team it will bring up the interest."
A Russian race would also help and the team owner, who was born in St Petersburg before emigrating as a child to Israel and then Canada, said that was likely in the near future.
"The way I understand it, there will be a race eventually. I think within five years it should happen, in Moscow," he said.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Midland target BMW, Red Bull
By Jonathan Noble February 3rd 2006, 10:15 GMT
The new Midland Formula One team have set their sights on challenging BMW and Red Bull Racing this season.
The team launched their new M16 car at Silverstone on Friday morning and, despite their struggles after the takeover of Jordan in 2005, they are confident of a major step forward this season.
Technical director James Key said: "We are ambitious and optimistic, but also realistic.
"We are looking at the teams who were ahead of us last year, so that means Red Bull Racing and Sauber (BMW). Realistically I think we can do it, but whether that is at the beginning of the season or the end I don't know. But that is what we are aiming for."
The M16 is an all-new car and Key claims that the major gains over last year's EJ15 are in aerodynamics - although other improvements have been brought in.
"The car is very original," added Key. "We have not been able to design a new car for a few years so we have had ideas stacked up for the last 18 months."
Team principal and managing director Colin Kolles said the team's ambitions were to score regular points this season.
"Last year when I made my first FIA press conference I said that I hoped our car was reliable and that with a bit of luck were could get some points," said Kolles. "This year I hope the car is reliable and we don't need luck for points.
"I hope we can score regularly."[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 02-03-2006 09:00 AM |
I hope Midlands is able to "score regularly." May be wishfull thinking for such a relatively new/re-organised team.
iirc I used to hear Leo Sayer on da radio. I did'nt know he was such a good driver tho.
iirc I used to hear Leo Sayer on da radio. I did'nt know he was such a good driver tho.
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 09:56 AM |
Well they're going to have to beat Toro Rosso if they want to have any hopes of scoring points...which may explain this..
[QUOTE]Kolles questions Toro Rosso's V10 legality
By Jonathan Noble February 3rd 2006, 13:47 GMT
MF1 Racing's managing director Colin Kolles says Toro Rosso's plans to use a V10 engine during the 2006 season should be considered illegal.
Toro Rosso, owned by Red Bull after the company took over the Minardi team last year, will use V10 engines this season while their rivals fit the new V8s.
The team were allowed to run V10s when they were Minardi, but Kolles believes now that their financial problems have been solved Toro Rosso should follow the rules and use V8s.
Kolles suggested that if Toro Rosso are in front of his own Midland team when the season starts in Bahrain, he might consider taking some action.
"The car is not legal. That is the point. It is very clear. Obviously I have a very clear opinion. This engine does not belong in Formula One any more," said Kolles during the launch of their new car.
"It is not the regulation. It has been accepted due to a financial reason for Minardi and this is not any more the case.
"For me it is not understandable - (Red Bull) spending hundreds of millions, having two Formula One teams and bull****ting the world, basically.
"If they are in front of us then they will have a problem because I will not be very happy with this and I am very clear about this."
The equivalence formula introduced by the FIA to limit V10s has left several teams unhappy, although the governing body said the formula could change quickly.
"I trust the FIA. It is in the hands of the FIA. We are looking at it, but we are looking very carefully at it," added Kolles.
MF1, racing under the Jordan name, struggled for pace last year and stand to lose the most if Toro Rosso are competitive.
Over the winter, Midland have carried out tests with both V8 and V10 engines in order to provide data to the FIA to show them the equivalence formula is not working.
Kolles, however, said further limiting the V10s will not solve the problem.
"It is not a question of making the engines slower," he said. "It is a question that the regulations state a V8 engine, and not a restricted V10 engine. It was an exception for Minardi due to financial reasons. For us it is not only a V8/V10 the power, it is also a financial matter.
"A V8 engine is much more expensive than a V10 engine and if it is restricted you can run much longer and be more reliable. It has more torque. It is not just restricting the engine, it is a completely different world.
"They are expecting to be competitive. To be honest, for me it is a shame. But okay, it is the FIA who told us that they will take care and it will not happen. So we trust the FIA that they will control it and that they will be at the back of the grid. That is it."
Portuguese driver Tiago Monteiro admitted he was worried Toro Rosso would prove more competitive than his own team.
"I am personally worried," Monteiro said. "I don't know exactly how the team feels about it, but I'm not happy. We did a big V10/V8 comparison and I was 0.7s quicker with the same car with a different engine.
"So for me, it's totally unfair that they use the V10 - at the moment [with the current restrictions] the V10 is seven-tenths quicker. So if the rules stay like that, initially Toro Rosso will definitely be quicker than us." [/QUOTE]
The funny thing is that the regulations do not actually call for a V8 engine, it's only a "gentlemen's agreement" between the teams that allowed V8s to be run this year. Any team could run a restricted V10 (even Midland) if they wanted to.
Some pundits were wondering as recently as last week if McLaren would opt for a V10 until Mercedes sorts their V8 issues.
[QUOTE]Kolles questions Toro Rosso's V10 legality
By Jonathan Noble February 3rd 2006, 13:47 GMT
MF1 Racing's managing director Colin Kolles says Toro Rosso's plans to use a V10 engine during the 2006 season should be considered illegal.
Toro Rosso, owned by Red Bull after the company took over the Minardi team last year, will use V10 engines this season while their rivals fit the new V8s.
The team were allowed to run V10s when they were Minardi, but Kolles believes now that their financial problems have been solved Toro Rosso should follow the rules and use V8s.
Kolles suggested that if Toro Rosso are in front of his own Midland team when the season starts in Bahrain, he might consider taking some action.
"The car is not legal. That is the point. It is very clear. Obviously I have a very clear opinion. This engine does not belong in Formula One any more," said Kolles during the launch of their new car.
"It is not the regulation. It has been accepted due to a financial reason for Minardi and this is not any more the case.
"For me it is not understandable - (Red Bull) spending hundreds of millions, having two Formula One teams and bull****ting the world, basically.
"If they are in front of us then they will have a problem because I will not be very happy with this and I am very clear about this."
The equivalence formula introduced by the FIA to limit V10s has left several teams unhappy, although the governing body said the formula could change quickly.
"I trust the FIA. It is in the hands of the FIA. We are looking at it, but we are looking very carefully at it," added Kolles.
MF1, racing under the Jordan name, struggled for pace last year and stand to lose the most if Toro Rosso are competitive.
Over the winter, Midland have carried out tests with both V8 and V10 engines in order to provide data to the FIA to show them the equivalence formula is not working.
Kolles, however, said further limiting the V10s will not solve the problem.
"It is not a question of making the engines slower," he said. "It is a question that the regulations state a V8 engine, and not a restricted V10 engine. It was an exception for Minardi due to financial reasons. For us it is not only a V8/V10 the power, it is also a financial matter.
"A V8 engine is much more expensive than a V10 engine and if it is restricted you can run much longer and be more reliable. It has more torque. It is not just restricting the engine, it is a completely different world.
"They are expecting to be competitive. To be honest, for me it is a shame. But okay, it is the FIA who told us that they will take care and it will not happen. So we trust the FIA that they will control it and that they will be at the back of the grid. That is it."
Portuguese driver Tiago Monteiro admitted he was worried Toro Rosso would prove more competitive than his own team.
"I am personally worried," Monteiro said. "I don't know exactly how the team feels about it, but I'm not happy. We did a big V10/V8 comparison and I was 0.7s quicker with the same car with a different engine.
"So for me, it's totally unfair that they use the V10 - at the moment [with the current restrictions] the V10 is seven-tenths quicker. So if the rules stay like that, initially Toro Rosso will definitely be quicker than us." [/QUOTE]
The funny thing is that the regulations do not actually call for a V8 engine, it's only a "gentlemen's agreement" between the teams that allowed V8s to be run this year. Any team could run a restricted V10 (even Midland) if they wanted to.
Some pundits were wondering as recently as last week if McLaren would opt for a V10 until Mercedes sorts their V8 issues.
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 10:33 AM |
Apparently a correction to the sammich that left Rossi and Villeneuve in the gravel...it wasn't De La Rosa, it was Montoya in the McLaren.
[QUOTE]Rossi was closing in on Montoya into turn 4 when he lost control and spun off. This also left Villeneuve off the track, as he attempted to avoid the spinning Ferrari of Rossi.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Rossi was closing in on Montoya into turn 4 when he lost control and spun off. This also left Villeneuve off the track, as he attempted to avoid the spinning Ferrari of Rossi.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 11:10 AM |
I am not a fan of the Midland Managment. Well at least not Kolles. The team's atmosphere has changed a lot since the Jordan days and IMHO for the worse since Midland came in. More power to them but Kolles seems like a prick.
The Stupid Aguri thing was ruff Tim! Speakers in the sidepods....
The Stupid Aguri thing was ruff Tim! Speakers in the sidepods....
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 11:56 AM |
I'm right there with you Kevin, Midland's Chav management style makes my teeth itch. The way they slagged Karthikeyan thru the media even though it was obvious to anyone he was absolutely driving the wheels off that pig of a car was just low class.
Last day at Valencia.
[QUOTE]Alonso goes even faster at Valencia
February 3rd 2006, 16:37 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso continued to prove the impressive pace of the new Renault R26 by topping the times on the final day of this week's testing at Valencia.
Alonso has finished on top on the last three days, and today the Spaniard posted the best time of the week with a fastest lap of 1:10.552.
The Renault driver completed a Grand Prix simulation without any problems, managing a total of 144 laps.
Despite the big amount, however, Alonso was not the busiest man on track, as teammate Heikki Kovalainen covered a massive 168 laps in the seconds R26.
The Finn and Alonso, who both set their times during short stints, were the only drivers capable of lapping the Spanish track in less than 71 seconds.
Nico Rosberg was third fastest in the Williams FW28, the German driver focusing on tyre testing for Bridgestone. Rosberg completed his programme without any mechanical failures but he stopped late in the session when his car ran out of fuel.
Rosberg was joined by Brazilian driver Joao Paolo de Oliveira, who made his Formula One debut with the Williams team, testing the interim FW27C car. The 24-year old, the Japanese Formula Three champion, completed 32 laps and finished at the bottom of the times.
"I am just stunned and I am so happy and I really thank the team for this chance," Oliveira said after the test.
Pedro de la Rosa was fourth fastest in the hybrid McLaren fitted with a V10 engine, while teammate Juan Pablo Montoya was down in ninth with the new MP4-21. The Colombian, who caused a red flag when his car stopped on track in the morning, was over two seconds slower than Alonso.
German Nick Heidfeld took over from teammate Jacques Villeneuve as BMW continued with the development work of the new F1.06 car. The team's test driver Robert Kubica continued at the wheel of the interim car.
Ralf Schumacher and Ricardo Zonta were sixth and seventh quickest for Toyota, the German driver causing one of the red flags of the day when his TF106 stopped on track.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:10.552 144
2. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:10.952 168
3. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:11.404 55
4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.667 96
5. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:11.797 89
6. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:11.851 77
7. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:11.934 115
8. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:12.219 89
9. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:12.802 71
10. Oliveira Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:13.920 32
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
Last day at Valencia.
[QUOTE]Alonso goes even faster at Valencia
February 3rd 2006, 16:37 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso continued to prove the impressive pace of the new Renault R26 by topping the times on the final day of this week's testing at Valencia.
Alonso has finished on top on the last three days, and today the Spaniard posted the best time of the week with a fastest lap of 1:10.552.
The Renault driver completed a Grand Prix simulation without any problems, managing a total of 144 laps.
Despite the big amount, however, Alonso was not the busiest man on track, as teammate Heikki Kovalainen covered a massive 168 laps in the seconds R26.
The Finn and Alonso, who both set their times during short stints, were the only drivers capable of lapping the Spanish track in less than 71 seconds.
Nico Rosberg was third fastest in the Williams FW28, the German driver focusing on tyre testing for Bridgestone. Rosberg completed his programme without any mechanical failures but he stopped late in the session when his car ran out of fuel.
Rosberg was joined by Brazilian driver Joao Paolo de Oliveira, who made his Formula One debut with the Williams team, testing the interim FW27C car. The 24-year old, the Japanese Formula Three champion, completed 32 laps and finished at the bottom of the times.
"I am just stunned and I am so happy and I really thank the team for this chance," Oliveira said after the test.
Pedro de la Rosa was fourth fastest in the hybrid McLaren fitted with a V10 engine, while teammate Juan Pablo Montoya was down in ninth with the new MP4-21. The Colombian, who caused a red flag when his car stopped on track in the morning, was over two seconds slower than Alonso.
German Nick Heidfeld took over from teammate Jacques Villeneuve as BMW continued with the development work of the new F1.06 car. The team's test driver Robert Kubica continued at the wheel of the interim car.
Ralf Schumacher and Ricardo Zonta were sixth and seventh quickest for Toyota, the German driver causing one of the red flags of the day when his TF106 stopped on track.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:10.552 144
2. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:10.952 168
3. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:11.404 55
4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.667 96
5. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:11.797 89
6. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:11.851 77
7. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:11.934 115
8. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:12.219 89
9. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:12.802 71
10. Oliveira Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:13.920 32
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 12:52 PM |
Just when you thought there might be peace in our time...
[QUOTE]Mosley plans zero money to manufacturers
By Jonathan Noble February 3rd 2006, 17:29 GMT
Formula One's manufacturer-backed teams will be left with no revenue from the sport's commercial rights after 2008 if a proposal by FIA president Max Mosley gets the go-ahead, autosport.com has learned.
In a move that looks set to raise tensions between the governing body and the manufacturers, high level sources at the FIA have revealed that Mosley has recommended to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone that only independent teams be awarded income in the future.
It is understood that Mosley believes a structure where independent teams are awarded a greater income that their manufacturer-backed rivals is the only way to guarantee long-term stability in the sport.
"Manufacturers are involved in F1 for their own promotional reasons, whereas for independent teams it is their core business," said a source.
The greater income for independent teams would act as a major incentive for those not involved in the sport to put together an entry if a vacancy became available through the withdrawal of a manufacturer.
As was suggested in this week's edition of the Weekly Grapevine, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's recent claim that his team are not a 'manufacturer' may be related to Mosley's stance.
The Italian said: ""Ferrari must not be seen as an integral part of a car manufacturing team but must be viewed as a private entity.
"We are today in competition against Toyota, the biggest carmaker in the world, and against manufacturing giants like Mercedes, BMW, Honda and Renault. So this should never be forgotten."
News of the plan to cut all financial support for manufacturer-backed teams comes amid the backdrop of continued stalling by Renault, McLaren, BMW, Honda and Toyota to sign-up to Formula One from 2008.
The Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association recently met with Ecclestone to try and bring an end to their threat of a rebel series but the discussions did not result in a breakthrough.
Mosley and Ecclestone hope that the threat of losing all income will act as an incentive for the manufacturer-backed teams to sign up to F1 while there is still an attractive offer from Ecclestone on the table.
Ecclestone has made no secret of the fact that he is willing to offer teams ready to commit to F1 a deal that hands them a share of 60 percent of the total income from the sport.
The five manufacturer-backed teams must now weigh up whether it is worth further delaying on agreeing to that package or risk losing everything if Mosley's plans are accepted.
Mosley was quoted in today's Evening Standard as saying that he supports the idea of the manufacturers getting no financial return for their entry into F1.
"I believe it would be entirely reasonable to offer the manufacturers that join the Formula One world championship no income," he said.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Mosley plans zero money to manufacturers
By Jonathan Noble February 3rd 2006, 17:29 GMT
Formula One's manufacturer-backed teams will be left with no revenue from the sport's commercial rights after 2008 if a proposal by FIA president Max Mosley gets the go-ahead, autosport.com has learned.
In a move that looks set to raise tensions between the governing body and the manufacturers, high level sources at the FIA have revealed that Mosley has recommended to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone that only independent teams be awarded income in the future.
It is understood that Mosley believes a structure where independent teams are awarded a greater income that their manufacturer-backed rivals is the only way to guarantee long-term stability in the sport.
"Manufacturers are involved in F1 for their own promotional reasons, whereas for independent teams it is their core business," said a source.
The greater income for independent teams would act as a major incentive for those not involved in the sport to put together an entry if a vacancy became available through the withdrawal of a manufacturer.
As was suggested in this week's edition of the Weekly Grapevine, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's recent claim that his team are not a 'manufacturer' may be related to Mosley's stance.
The Italian said: ""Ferrari must not be seen as an integral part of a car manufacturing team but must be viewed as a private entity.
"We are today in competition against Toyota, the biggest carmaker in the world, and against manufacturing giants like Mercedes, BMW, Honda and Renault. So this should never be forgotten."
News of the plan to cut all financial support for manufacturer-backed teams comes amid the backdrop of continued stalling by Renault, McLaren, BMW, Honda and Toyota to sign-up to Formula One from 2008.
The Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association recently met with Ecclestone to try and bring an end to their threat of a rebel series but the discussions did not result in a breakthrough.
Mosley and Ecclestone hope that the threat of losing all income will act as an incentive for the manufacturer-backed teams to sign up to F1 while there is still an attractive offer from Ecclestone on the table.
Ecclestone has made no secret of the fact that he is willing to offer teams ready to commit to F1 a deal that hands them a share of 60 percent of the total income from the sport.
The five manufacturer-backed teams must now weigh up whether it is worth further delaying on agreeing to that package or risk losing everything if Mosley's plans are accepted.
Mosley was quoted in today's Evening Standard as saying that he supports the idea of the manufacturers getting no financial return for their entry into F1.
"I believe it would be entirely reasonable to offer the manufacturers that join the Formula One world championship no income," he said.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 02:52 PM |
Looks like the M16 is ready to fire.
Man, thats the worst pun I've used in a long time. I am truly sorry.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55748.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55742.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55699.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55694.jpg[/IMG]
I actually really like the rear of the sidepods. Nice detail work.
Man, thats the worst pun I've used in a long time. I am truly sorry.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55748.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55742.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55699.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55694.jpg[/IMG]
I actually really like the rear of the sidepods. Nice detail work.
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 03:01 PM |
Huh, I just noticed that the engine cover terminates before reaching the bottom.
That's just bizarre!
That's just bizarre!
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 03:20 PM |
Take a closer look at the rest of them Ferg. I think they are all doing that now to meet the size requirement and keep the the cross section small.
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 03:23 PM |
You're right, giving the 2006 cars a closer look the Red Bull, the Ferrari, and the Renault all have that area cutaway, but nothing nearly as dramatic as the Midland. The McLaren, the BMW, and as far as I can tell the Toyota don't.
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 03:30 PM |
Yeah, I should have said "most". My bad. I also saw the BMW has it in white with a black insert in the gap. I wonder if it has to do with cross winds for the day on if they run it or not.
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 03:33 PM |
Oh whatever Kevin, I didn't even notice that [i]any[/i] of the teams were doing that.
I must have been distracted by Trulli's hair or something....
I must have been distracted by Trulli's hair or something....
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 03:50 PM |
Did you talk to my friend Jody or something? She reads this board all the time but never posts and she HATES Trulli's hair. It's a frequent topic of conversation. So is Mark Webber's new butt cutt. :lol:
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55568.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55568.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 03:56 PM |
That's funny, all last season my wife and I were debating the merits of his hair cut...I liked it, she hated it. :lol:
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 04:21 PM |
It used to be on one side. I liked it then, now not so much.
This thread went ghey real quick.
Ferg quick, post a pick of something on fire!
This thread went ghey real quick.
Ferg quick, post a pick of something on fire!
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 04:24 PM |
Crud...the only fire pic I have is of Trulli's rear end...and that won't help!!! :eek:
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355051/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355051/large.jpg[/IMG]
| JoD | 02-03-2006 04:35 PM |
Nice, Ferg. Just to prove Kevin wrong, I will post. And I'll include a bit of my favorite article to date from Planet F1 discussing Mr. Trulli's locks... Hopefully a little laugh will be a good way to end...
F1's New Year Resolutions
Sunday January 01 2006
This is the time of the year when you review past mistakes and bad habits and look to set them right in the future. Here's some advice and some New Year's resolutions for the pitlane...
Juan Montoya � It's not a good idea to play tennis just before a grand prix. Especially when you're riding a motorbike.
Takuma Sato � Stop playing F1 on the Playstation in Beginner mode and then try to copy the starts you get, jumping from 17th to 3rd at the first corner.
Jarno Trulli � Unless the L'Oreal sponsorship deal comes through in the next month, have a hair cut. Otherwise you're still going to be the closest thing to the first woman in F1 (unless you count DC and his handbags with Irv).
Jenson Button � If a lads' mag asks you about women drivers in F1, the answer is not � "how could they steer, their lady lumps will get in the way." Better to stick with the tired and tested, "I'm a big fan of Jarno Trulli."
Geoff Willis � Sharing is good. Hiding is bad.
Flavio Briatore � Learn from your mistakes. See what happens when you snub the celebration party for your World Championship winning driver. He only goes and joins the rival team.
Kimi Raikkonen � See what happens when you fling the steering wheel round the garage. Your boss goes and finds a new favourite.
Max Mosley � Buy the biggest Scalextric set you can get and disappear to an island in the Pacific then you can invent all the rules you like � including the one you dreamt up about drivers swapping teams every race.
Bernie Ecclestone � You already own the biggest Scalextric set, so maybe sell parts of it to the people who keep it going.
Christian Horner � Buy a joke book for 2006, F1 is still missing the fun you promised.
Vitantonio Liuzzi � You share a flat with your main rival, for god's sake, if you want the Red Bull drive just put something in his food. But not cocaine, obviously.
Jacques Villeneuve � Repeat daily: "I must not call Mario Theissen a Bavarian control freak."
David Coulthard � Grey beards are only sexy on George Clooney or Richard Gere.
Michael Schumacher � Offer to do more for Max in 2006. The signed caps and T-shirts won't get you a mid-season rule change - you need some serious payola.
Edouard Michelin � Don't take the re-moulds to Indianapolis this year.
F1's New Year Resolutions
Sunday January 01 2006
This is the time of the year when you review past mistakes and bad habits and look to set them right in the future. Here's some advice and some New Year's resolutions for the pitlane...
Juan Montoya � It's not a good idea to play tennis just before a grand prix. Especially when you're riding a motorbike.
Takuma Sato � Stop playing F1 on the Playstation in Beginner mode and then try to copy the starts you get, jumping from 17th to 3rd at the first corner.
Jarno Trulli � Unless the L'Oreal sponsorship deal comes through in the next month, have a hair cut. Otherwise you're still going to be the closest thing to the first woman in F1 (unless you count DC and his handbags with Irv).
Jenson Button � If a lads' mag asks you about women drivers in F1, the answer is not � "how could they steer, their lady lumps will get in the way." Better to stick with the tired and tested, "I'm a big fan of Jarno Trulli."
Geoff Willis � Sharing is good. Hiding is bad.
Flavio Briatore � Learn from your mistakes. See what happens when you snub the celebration party for your World Championship winning driver. He only goes and joins the rival team.
Kimi Raikkonen � See what happens when you fling the steering wheel round the garage. Your boss goes and finds a new favourite.
Max Mosley � Buy the biggest Scalextric set you can get and disappear to an island in the Pacific then you can invent all the rules you like � including the one you dreamt up about drivers swapping teams every race.
Bernie Ecclestone � You already own the biggest Scalextric set, so maybe sell parts of it to the people who keep it going.
Christian Horner � Buy a joke book for 2006, F1 is still missing the fun you promised.
Vitantonio Liuzzi � You share a flat with your main rival, for god's sake, if you want the Red Bull drive just put something in his food. But not cocaine, obviously.
Jacques Villeneuve � Repeat daily: "I must not call Mario Theissen a Bavarian control freak."
David Coulthard � Grey beards are only sexy on George Clooney or Richard Gere.
Michael Schumacher � Offer to do more for Max in 2006. The signed caps and T-shirts won't get you a mid-season rule change - you need some serious payola.
Edouard Michelin � Don't take the re-moulds to Indianapolis this year.
| StuBeck | 02-03-2006 04:40 PM |
That's a nice fire there.
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 04:53 PM |
What's strange was that was the photo I was thinking of Ferg.
I just realised there are more then one hundred thousand memebers on NASIOC.
I just realised there are more then one hundred thousand memebers on NASIOC.
| JoD | 02-03-2006 05:01 PM |
When I saw that photo, all I could think of was Mr. Machett and "Dude! The car is on fire!"
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 05:27 PM |
This is a nice detail but does anyone know what the black pita tube looking thing is? Most teams seem to be running fences or flaps in front of the rear tire down low. McLaren has this:
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55702.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55702.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 02-03-2006 06:48 PM |
Caterpillar drive? :huh:
The rather unsurprising reaction to Max's "no money for manufactueres" statement.
[QUOTE]GPMA surprised by Mosley's proposal
By Alan Baldwin February 3rd 2006, 20:21 GMT
FIA president Max Mosley's suggestion that manufacturer-backed teams should not get any share of the revenues in Formula One has surprised the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA), leading to further tension between the sparring sides.
Mosley, the head of Formula One's governing body, has suggested that manufacturer-backed teams should be denied any share of the sport's revenues from 2008.
"I believe it would be entirely reasonable to offer the manufacturers that join the Formula One world championship no income," he was quoted him as saying on Friday.
An FIA spokesman said Mosley had put his idea to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, but the GPMA said it wasn't in Mosley's place to make such proposals.
"In view of the European Union ruling on the role of the governing body, we are surprised by Mr Mosley's comments," said a GPMA spokesman, referring to a settlement between the European Commission and the FIA.
The FIA agreed in 2001 to limit itself to a regulatory role with no involvement in Formula One's commercial affairs after a lengthy EU anti-trust probe.
"The GPMA remains committed to its strategy and will continue discussions with the commercial rights holder," the GPMA spokesman added.
Mosley's suggestion will be seen by some as a simple manoeuvre to try and push the manufacturers to accept Ecclestone's latest offer.
The car makers - Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Honda - are holding out for a greater share of the money, as well as changes to the way the sport is run.
The existing commercial agreement expires at the end of 2007 and only half of the teams, including former champions Ferrari and Williams, have so far agreed new terms.[/QUOTE]
The rather unsurprising reaction to Max's "no money for manufactueres" statement.
[QUOTE]GPMA surprised by Mosley's proposal
By Alan Baldwin February 3rd 2006, 20:21 GMT
FIA president Max Mosley's suggestion that manufacturer-backed teams should not get any share of the revenues in Formula One has surprised the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA), leading to further tension between the sparring sides.
Mosley, the head of Formula One's governing body, has suggested that manufacturer-backed teams should be denied any share of the sport's revenues from 2008.
"I believe it would be entirely reasonable to offer the manufacturers that join the Formula One world championship no income," he was quoted him as saying on Friday.
An FIA spokesman said Mosley had put his idea to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, but the GPMA said it wasn't in Mosley's place to make such proposals.
"In view of the European Union ruling on the role of the governing body, we are surprised by Mr Mosley's comments," said a GPMA spokesman, referring to a settlement between the European Commission and the FIA.
The FIA agreed in 2001 to limit itself to a regulatory role with no involvement in Formula One's commercial affairs after a lengthy EU anti-trust probe.
"The GPMA remains committed to its strategy and will continue discussions with the commercial rights holder," the GPMA spokesman added.
Mosley's suggestion will be seen by some as a simple manoeuvre to try and push the manufacturers to accept Ecclestone's latest offer.
The car makers - Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Toyota and Honda - are holding out for a greater share of the money, as well as changes to the way the sport is run.
The existing commercial agreement expires at the end of 2007 and only half of the teams, including former champions Ferrari and Williams, have so far agreed new terms.[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 02-03-2006 07:29 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]This is a nice detail but does anyone know what the black pita tube looking thing is? Most teams seem to be running fences or flaps in front of the rear tire down low. McLaren has this:
[/QUOTE]
pita as in bread or "pain in the ass" or pitot tube as used in aeroplanes? ;)
It looks like it's some sort of aero disrupter to reduce drag in front of the huge round black things the cars roll on.
I'm loving these new cars. Side pods have grown in height along with the various and numerous wings etc to keep the rear df in check.
[/QUOTE]
pita as in bread or "pain in the ass" or pitot tube as used in aeroplanes? ;)
It looks like it's some sort of aero disrupter to reduce drag in front of the huge round black things the cars roll on.
I'm loving these new cars. Side pods have grown in height along with the various and numerous wings etc to keep the rear df in check.
| artkevin | 02-03-2006 08:43 PM |
The 3rd one!
| Wr4wrX | 02-04-2006 07:02 PM |
[URL=http://www.planet-f1.com/news/story_22011.shtml]More about Spa 2006. Looks like it made it.[/URL]
| StuBeck | 02-04-2006 10:19 PM |
Cool, last years race wasn't as good as the past but it is stil one of my favorite tracks behind Suzuka.
| Ferg | 02-06-2006 10:00 AM |
News round up.
[QUOTE]Super Aguri on course to start testing
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 13:59 GMT
Super Aguri are well on course to begin testing with their updated 2002 Arrows later this month, as the outfit confirmed on Monday that they now have 88 people on board to help prepare for the new season.
The team are due to conduct an airfield shakedown of the car on February 14 before they begin their debut test at Barcelona in Spain on February 21-23. It is understood that the final crash testing of the modified Arrows will take place this week.
The Leafield-based outfit have also revealed more details of the key personnel in charge of the operation.
Team principal Aguri Suzuki, managing director Daniele Audetto and chief technical engineer Mark Preston were confirmed when the operation was originally set-up, but more positions have now been finalised.
The team's chief designer is Peter McCool, while Ben Wood is in charge of aerodynamics. The chief race engineer will be Graham Taylor, while former Arrows team manager Mick Ainsley-Cowlishaw has been drafted in for that same role with Aguri.
Gerry Hughes has joined the team as a race engineer from Red Bull.
Although the team will start the season with the modified Arrows, they are hoping to launch their new Honda-powered SA06 in time for the start of the European season. [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Mosley reiterates no money plan
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 12:47 GMT
FIA president Max Mosley is standing firm in his belief that manufacturer-backed teams should receive no commercial income from Formula One.
Although the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association expressed their 'surprise' at the stance adopted by Mosley in recommending his radical plans to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Mosley remains adamant that the move would be good for the sport.
Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Mosley claimed that the manufacturers have nothing to complain about with his approach to F1 - because his plans to reduce costs in the sport will save them more money than they earn from commercial revenue anyway.
He said it was therefore "quite logical to give the money they would have got to the smaller, independent teams to raise the whole standard of the competition"
Mosley also rejected suggestions by the GPMA that he had overstepped the mark in his recommendation to Ecclestone about the manufacturers because the FIA was not supposed to be involved in commercial matters.
"They seem to think we shouldn't be saying anything because we don't do the commercial side of the sport," explained Mosley. "But of course they are misunderstanding the situation, which is we mustn't profit from any of the different championships we regulate.
"But that doesn't stop us from saying about any particular championship that the people who have a great deal of money should get less and the people who have less money should get more."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Red Bull confident cooling issues solved
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 11:54 GMT
Red Bull Racing are confident that they have found a solution to the cooling problems that have marred the early running of their new RB2 car.
The Ferrari-powered machine has been blighted by overheating problems ever since it first ran in December. And, with temperatures currently much lower than those likely to be experienced during the season, the issue has been of pretty major concern to the team.
Although a revamped bodywork package is not due to be run until a Valencia test later this month, the team's technical director Mark Smith has claimed the team are on top of the problem.
"We've had to deal with a cooling issue and, over the past couple of weeks, have made the best possible use of the car in its current configuration," he said.
"This doesn't have the cooling elements in place that we will have on the aero kit that will be used at the first race. We will be testing the new elements at the forthcoming Valencia test later this month.
"We're still working hard on detailing all of the issues that led to the cooling deficit and there is still some work to do. But the timescale means we had to move on applying a solution and our analysis indicates we have solved the problem."
The cooling issues have forced Red Bull Racing to limit the length of their runs in testing, which has had an impact in the total mileage that the team have been able to conduct.
Smith is not too concerned about that limited running, however, because Ferrari have done enough mileage on the new V8 engine themselves.
"Although we haven't been able to do long endurance runs to evaluate race distance reliability on our engine, Ferrari have been running the same engine in interim form pre-Christmas and in interim and 2006 form in the New Year, so they have a good mileage on the engine and a good understanding of its durability."
Red Bull Racing have changed their testing plans to run at Silverstone rather than Jerez this week, so they can remain closer to the factory while they focus on pitstop work and other elements until the revamped bodywork is ready.
"Everybody here is still working very hard on developments for the car," added Smith. "As was always part of our plan for RB2, we are looking to get new parts onto the car at a fairly rapid rate and with several new people recently joining the team, it's good to see that we are really beginning to gel." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher upbeat about Ferrari form
February 6th 2006, 12:59 GMT
Former World Champion Michael Schumacher is convinced his Ferrari team are back on the right track after last week's tests at Valencia.
Schumacher spent three days working at the Spanish circuit with Ferrari's new 248 F1 machine, and although it was the Renaults who dominated the test, the German showed a promising pace.
The Ferrari driver admitted he was delighted with how the test went and claimed his team are now only behind World Champions Renault.
"I'm absolutely satisfied with where we're at," Schumacher said on his website. "There is still no reason to be less than optimistic. Of course, we encountered a few small problems during our tests - but finding them is what testing is all about.
"But in general things are looking good. Renault seem to be the strongest team at this time, but Honda and ourselves are not far behind. That's my view right now."
Schumacher worked alongside MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi during the week, and the seven-time World Champion said he believed the Italian rider could make the switch to F1.
"I haven't changed my mind about him," he said. "He definitely has enough talent, and the good impression he made on me prior to this test has now been intensified as a result.
"But now he will focus on his preparation for the MotoGP championship, and I will do the same: after spending the weekend with my family, I will continue testing next week in Italy."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri on course to start testing
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 13:59 GMT
Super Aguri are well on course to begin testing with their updated 2002 Arrows later this month, as the outfit confirmed on Monday that they now have 88 people on board to help prepare for the new season.
The team are due to conduct an airfield shakedown of the car on February 14 before they begin their debut test at Barcelona in Spain on February 21-23. It is understood that the final crash testing of the modified Arrows will take place this week.
The Leafield-based outfit have also revealed more details of the key personnel in charge of the operation.
Team principal Aguri Suzuki, managing director Daniele Audetto and chief technical engineer Mark Preston were confirmed when the operation was originally set-up, but more positions have now been finalised.
The team's chief designer is Peter McCool, while Ben Wood is in charge of aerodynamics. The chief race engineer will be Graham Taylor, while former Arrows team manager Mick Ainsley-Cowlishaw has been drafted in for that same role with Aguri.
Gerry Hughes has joined the team as a race engineer from Red Bull.
Although the team will start the season with the modified Arrows, they are hoping to launch their new Honda-powered SA06 in time for the start of the European season. [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Mosley reiterates no money plan
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 12:47 GMT
FIA president Max Mosley is standing firm in his belief that manufacturer-backed teams should receive no commercial income from Formula One.
Although the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association expressed their 'surprise' at the stance adopted by Mosley in recommending his radical plans to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, Mosley remains adamant that the move would be good for the sport.
Speaking to the BBC on Monday, Mosley claimed that the manufacturers have nothing to complain about with his approach to F1 - because his plans to reduce costs in the sport will save them more money than they earn from commercial revenue anyway.
He said it was therefore "quite logical to give the money they would have got to the smaller, independent teams to raise the whole standard of the competition"
Mosley also rejected suggestions by the GPMA that he had overstepped the mark in his recommendation to Ecclestone about the manufacturers because the FIA was not supposed to be involved in commercial matters.
"They seem to think we shouldn't be saying anything because we don't do the commercial side of the sport," explained Mosley. "But of course they are misunderstanding the situation, which is we mustn't profit from any of the different championships we regulate.
"But that doesn't stop us from saying about any particular championship that the people who have a great deal of money should get less and the people who have less money should get more."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Red Bull confident cooling issues solved
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 11:54 GMT
Red Bull Racing are confident that they have found a solution to the cooling problems that have marred the early running of their new RB2 car.
The Ferrari-powered machine has been blighted by overheating problems ever since it first ran in December. And, with temperatures currently much lower than those likely to be experienced during the season, the issue has been of pretty major concern to the team.
Although a revamped bodywork package is not due to be run until a Valencia test later this month, the team's technical director Mark Smith has claimed the team are on top of the problem.
"We've had to deal with a cooling issue and, over the past couple of weeks, have made the best possible use of the car in its current configuration," he said.
"This doesn't have the cooling elements in place that we will have on the aero kit that will be used at the first race. We will be testing the new elements at the forthcoming Valencia test later this month.
"We're still working hard on detailing all of the issues that led to the cooling deficit and there is still some work to do. But the timescale means we had to move on applying a solution and our analysis indicates we have solved the problem."
The cooling issues have forced Red Bull Racing to limit the length of their runs in testing, which has had an impact in the total mileage that the team have been able to conduct.
Smith is not too concerned about that limited running, however, because Ferrari have done enough mileage on the new V8 engine themselves.
"Although we haven't been able to do long endurance runs to evaluate race distance reliability on our engine, Ferrari have been running the same engine in interim form pre-Christmas and in interim and 2006 form in the New Year, so they have a good mileage on the engine and a good understanding of its durability."
Red Bull Racing have changed their testing plans to run at Silverstone rather than Jerez this week, so they can remain closer to the factory while they focus on pitstop work and other elements until the revamped bodywork is ready.
"Everybody here is still working very hard on developments for the car," added Smith. "As was always part of our plan for RB2, we are looking to get new parts onto the car at a fairly rapid rate and with several new people recently joining the team, it's good to see that we are really beginning to gel." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher upbeat about Ferrari form
February 6th 2006, 12:59 GMT
Former World Champion Michael Schumacher is convinced his Ferrari team are back on the right track after last week's tests at Valencia.
Schumacher spent three days working at the Spanish circuit with Ferrari's new 248 F1 machine, and although it was the Renaults who dominated the test, the German showed a promising pace.
The Ferrari driver admitted he was delighted with how the test went and claimed his team are now only behind World Champions Renault.
"I'm absolutely satisfied with where we're at," Schumacher said on his website. "There is still no reason to be less than optimistic. Of course, we encountered a few small problems during our tests - but finding them is what testing is all about.
"But in general things are looking good. Renault seem to be the strongest team at this time, but Honda and ourselves are not far behind. That's my view right now."
Schumacher worked alongside MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi during the week, and the seven-time World Champion said he believed the Italian rider could make the switch to F1.
"I haven't changed my mind about him," he said. "He definitely has enough talent, and the good impression he made on me prior to this test has now been intensified as a result.
"But now he will focus on his preparation for the MotoGP championship, and I will do the same: after spending the weekend with my family, I will continue testing next week in Italy."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 02-06-2006 12:30 PM |
Interesting analysis from last week's Valencia test.
[QUOTE]Analysis: early clues from Valencia test
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 16:53 GMT
Varying fuel loads and different programmes have always made winter testing times pretty meaningless when it comes to judging overall pace, but the final 10 minutes of Valencia last week delivered plenty of evidence to suggest that Fernando Alonso and Renault remain the team to beat heading into 2006.
When Heikki Kovalainen's Renault stopped near the end of scheduled testing on Friday, a 10-minute track extension led most of the teams to put on new tyres and adopt a low-fuel strategy in a bid to simulate their qualifying pace.
It rarely happens that a lot of teams adopt such a route at exactly the same time, but that frantic 10-minute session provided some early clues about the overall pace of the cars - and more importantly the characteristics of tyres.
These are the best laps from the final 10 minutes, with the lap on which the time was set.
Alonso Renault 1:10.904 1st lap
Klien Red Bull Racing 1:11.769 4th lap
Massa Ferrari F2004 1:11.976 4th lap
Button Honda Racing 1:12.087 3rd lap
Rossi Ferrari F2004 1:12.731 2nd lap
Davidson Honda Racing 1:13.192 6th lap
Montoya McLaren 1:13.623 1st lap
Trulli Toyota 1:13.636 2nd lap
Villeneuve BMW-Sauber 1:14.626 6th lap
Wurz Williams 1:15.386 2nd lap
Alonso clearly proved the master of this short session, putting in a time on his first flying lap that was almost one second clear of his nearest rival � even though the Spaniard's best lap only just edged the quickest time Jenson Button had put in earlier on in the day during a long-run.
The only other driver to set his quickest time on the first flying lap was Juan Pablo Montoya, although his effort in the McLaren was almost three seconds adrift of Alonso.
The immediate pace of Alonso and Montoya shows that Michelin have maintained their tyre characteristic from last season of being quick straight out of the box, while it appears that Bridgestone rubber is still taking time to come up to operating temperature.
The fact that Felipe Massa in the F2004 set the best time on his fourth flying lap, and one-lap qualifying expert Jarno Trulli on his second lap, seems to prove this fact.
But while a long warming-up period may have punished Bridgestone teams in the past, with single-lap qualifying, the new knock-out format and the unlimited number of laps that will be adopted this year means that drivers will easily be able to get the laps needed to get their tyres at their best.
Elsewhere, Christian Klien's lap suggests that Red Bull Racing's RB2 has some pace � even if cooling issues have blighted their long-runs.
Valentino Rossi's fifth fastest time may look impressive, but he did that lap on his second new tyre run in that session � having spun off on his first attempt as he tried to overtake Montoya.
The main outstanding question mark from that end of day 10-minute blast, however, was what Michael Schumacher would have been capable of in the Ferrari 248 F1.
The former World Champion had already finished his day's programme when the extension took place � leaving his rivals only able to guess about where the Maranello team currently stand in the rankings.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Analysis: early clues from Valencia test
By Jonathan Noble February 6th 2006, 16:53 GMT
Varying fuel loads and different programmes have always made winter testing times pretty meaningless when it comes to judging overall pace, but the final 10 minutes of Valencia last week delivered plenty of evidence to suggest that Fernando Alonso and Renault remain the team to beat heading into 2006.
When Heikki Kovalainen's Renault stopped near the end of scheduled testing on Friday, a 10-minute track extension led most of the teams to put on new tyres and adopt a low-fuel strategy in a bid to simulate their qualifying pace.
It rarely happens that a lot of teams adopt such a route at exactly the same time, but that frantic 10-minute session provided some early clues about the overall pace of the cars - and more importantly the characteristics of tyres.
These are the best laps from the final 10 minutes, with the lap on which the time was set.
Alonso Renault 1:10.904 1st lap
Klien Red Bull Racing 1:11.769 4th lap
Massa Ferrari F2004 1:11.976 4th lap
Button Honda Racing 1:12.087 3rd lap
Rossi Ferrari F2004 1:12.731 2nd lap
Davidson Honda Racing 1:13.192 6th lap
Montoya McLaren 1:13.623 1st lap
Trulli Toyota 1:13.636 2nd lap
Villeneuve BMW-Sauber 1:14.626 6th lap
Wurz Williams 1:15.386 2nd lap
Alonso clearly proved the master of this short session, putting in a time on his first flying lap that was almost one second clear of his nearest rival � even though the Spaniard's best lap only just edged the quickest time Jenson Button had put in earlier on in the day during a long-run.
The only other driver to set his quickest time on the first flying lap was Juan Pablo Montoya, although his effort in the McLaren was almost three seconds adrift of Alonso.
The immediate pace of Alonso and Montoya shows that Michelin have maintained their tyre characteristic from last season of being quick straight out of the box, while it appears that Bridgestone rubber is still taking time to come up to operating temperature.
The fact that Felipe Massa in the F2004 set the best time on his fourth flying lap, and one-lap qualifying expert Jarno Trulli on his second lap, seems to prove this fact.
But while a long warming-up period may have punished Bridgestone teams in the past, with single-lap qualifying, the new knock-out format and the unlimited number of laps that will be adopted this year means that drivers will easily be able to get the laps needed to get their tyres at their best.
Elsewhere, Christian Klien's lap suggests that Red Bull Racing's RB2 has some pace � even if cooling issues have blighted their long-runs.
Valentino Rossi's fifth fastest time may look impressive, but he did that lap on his second new tyre run in that session � having spun off on his first attempt as he tried to overtake Montoya.
The main outstanding question mark from that end of day 10-minute blast, however, was what Michael Schumacher would have been capable of in the Ferrari 248 F1.
The former World Champion had already finished his day's programme when the extension took place � leaving his rivals only able to guess about where the Maranello team currently stand in the rankings.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 02-06-2006 12:43 PM |
Renault is looking good. I am happy to see they are still the team to beat.
| Ferg | 02-07-2006 08:30 AM |
Yeah I have no doubt they're going to very strong again this year. Unless they've messed up the car there's no reason they won't be right at the front.
This morning's news.
[QUOTE]Mercedes set to test revamped engine
By Jonathan Noble February 7th 2006, 12:45 GMT
McLaren's pre-season preparations are set to be given a boost with an upgraded Mercedes-Benz engine set to hit the track imminently, autosport.com has learned.
The Woking-based team have failed to shine in early pre-season testing, with Mercedes-Benz's V8 suffering from reliability issues as well as being down on power, but a revamped FO 108S engine is set to lift them nearer the front of the field.
Although Mercedes-Benz have declined to comment on details about the engine, sources claim that the improved power-unit could be ready as early as this week - meaning it may get a run out at Jerez.
If the engine is not ready in time then it will likely be run for the first time at Valencia in Spain next week
Sources claim that the engine could deliver up to 60bhp more than the power-unit used so far thanks to major modifications, believed to include a new piston head and revised crank shaft.
One source said: "It should be a major step forward."
The improvements come on the back of recent criticisms from Kimi Raikkonen about the performance of Mercedes-Benz's engine.
The Finn was unhappy with the progress made by the German car manufacturer over the winter, although teammate Juan Pablo Montoya said recently he was confident the company would get their act together before the start of the season.
"I think we have got a long way to go, but I think we are going in the right direction," he told autosport.com about McLaren's engine situation.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Reliability still Renault's main priority
By Jonathan Noble February 7th 2006, 10:56 GMT
Renault's engine chiefs are confident that the team can maintain their impressive reliability record this season, after their strong-finishing rate gave them the edge over McLaren last season.
Although the World Champions only began track testing of their new V8 engine in January, the French car manufacturer are upbeat that the new power unit will not hit problems.
Renault's engine technical director Rob White said: "As always, we are aiming for zero defect reliability. We have been given a new challenge, and our job is to meet it as best we can.
"In general, the V8 will run at higher revs. This could pose problems for the reliability, but it has been taken into account since the engine's initial design. So, there are no specific problems for reliability: the RS26 has been designed to be used in a different way to the V10."
Engine project manager Leon Taillieu added: "Reliability is our foremost priority. It was a strength of ours in 2005, and must remain so in 2006. We have put all the necessary systems in place, to achieve our objectives in this area."
Renault's R26 has impressed in its early running, and Fernando Alonso's pace in the final 10 minutes of Valencia testing last week, when teams ran with new tyres and with low fuel, has suggested that the car is the benchmark at the moment.
The team's technical director Bob Bell has also warned their rivals that the R26 will likely be much quicker at the start of the season when a definitive aero package is fitted to the car before Bahrain.
"We will introduce development packages through the season," he said. "That will help maximise our production resources, and will allow us to have a firm idea of the step forward we make each time.
"We aim to have new parts on the car at every race. For example, the aero package on the car at the moment is quite different from what will be used at the first race. An update package just before Bahrain will bring us a good performance gain."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri expected to confirm Sato soon
By Alan Baldwin February 6th 2006, 17:52 GMT
Japan's Takuma Sato expects to be confirmed soon as a driver for Super Aguri, Formula One's new team.
"I'd be absolutely amazed if it doesn't happen," Sato's manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott said on Monday of the contract negotiations.
"Things are moving forward, maybe not necessarily as fast as we would like, but something could be possible this week and Taku's intending to be over for a seat-fitting soon.
"We are very confident but at the moment there are still a few things to agree on," he told Reuters after returning from a trip to Japan.
Sato lost his drive with BAR, now the renamed Honda team, at the end of last year. Japan's most successful driver is the top target for the new Honda-powered Aguri team, who could have an all-Japanese line-up.
Super Aguri said in a statement that the team's driver line-up would be announced shortly.
A spokeswoman said the team, who have now recruited a staff of 88 people at their central English factory, would undertake a private check of their car's systems on Feb. 14 at an undisclosed location.
"It will not be Silverstone and the car that will run will look nothing like the one we will take to Barcelona," she added.
The first proper test, less than three weeks before the start of the season in Bahrain on March 12, will be at the Circuit de Catalunya from Feb 21-23.
The team will then carry out a further shakedown test at Silverstone on Feb. 28.
"We're on track and the crash testing is going well," added the spokeswoman, who said the team could try out several drivers at the Barcelona test.
Super Aguri plan to race with four-year-old Arrows chassis, bought from ex-Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, for at least the first three Grands Prix before bringing out their own car when the championship returns to Europe in April.
They face a race against time after the governing FIA confirmed only last month they had been accepted to the championship as the 11th team. [/QUOTE]
Testing report from Jerez in a few hours.
:D
32 days to go!
This morning's news.
[QUOTE]Mercedes set to test revamped engine
By Jonathan Noble February 7th 2006, 12:45 GMT
McLaren's pre-season preparations are set to be given a boost with an upgraded Mercedes-Benz engine set to hit the track imminently, autosport.com has learned.
The Woking-based team have failed to shine in early pre-season testing, with Mercedes-Benz's V8 suffering from reliability issues as well as being down on power, but a revamped FO 108S engine is set to lift them nearer the front of the field.
Although Mercedes-Benz have declined to comment on details about the engine, sources claim that the improved power-unit could be ready as early as this week - meaning it may get a run out at Jerez.
If the engine is not ready in time then it will likely be run for the first time at Valencia in Spain next week
Sources claim that the engine could deliver up to 60bhp more than the power-unit used so far thanks to major modifications, believed to include a new piston head and revised crank shaft.
One source said: "It should be a major step forward."
The improvements come on the back of recent criticisms from Kimi Raikkonen about the performance of Mercedes-Benz's engine.
The Finn was unhappy with the progress made by the German car manufacturer over the winter, although teammate Juan Pablo Montoya said recently he was confident the company would get their act together before the start of the season.
"I think we have got a long way to go, but I think we are going in the right direction," he told autosport.com about McLaren's engine situation.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Reliability still Renault's main priority
By Jonathan Noble February 7th 2006, 10:56 GMT
Renault's engine chiefs are confident that the team can maintain their impressive reliability record this season, after their strong-finishing rate gave them the edge over McLaren last season.
Although the World Champions only began track testing of their new V8 engine in January, the French car manufacturer are upbeat that the new power unit will not hit problems.
Renault's engine technical director Rob White said: "As always, we are aiming for zero defect reliability. We have been given a new challenge, and our job is to meet it as best we can.
"In general, the V8 will run at higher revs. This could pose problems for the reliability, but it has been taken into account since the engine's initial design. So, there are no specific problems for reliability: the RS26 has been designed to be used in a different way to the V10."
Engine project manager Leon Taillieu added: "Reliability is our foremost priority. It was a strength of ours in 2005, and must remain so in 2006. We have put all the necessary systems in place, to achieve our objectives in this area."
Renault's R26 has impressed in its early running, and Fernando Alonso's pace in the final 10 minutes of Valencia testing last week, when teams ran with new tyres and with low fuel, has suggested that the car is the benchmark at the moment.
The team's technical director Bob Bell has also warned their rivals that the R26 will likely be much quicker at the start of the season when a definitive aero package is fitted to the car before Bahrain.
"We will introduce development packages through the season," he said. "That will help maximise our production resources, and will allow us to have a firm idea of the step forward we make each time.
"We aim to have new parts on the car at every race. For example, the aero package on the car at the moment is quite different from what will be used at the first race. An update package just before Bahrain will bring us a good performance gain."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri expected to confirm Sato soon
By Alan Baldwin February 6th 2006, 17:52 GMT
Japan's Takuma Sato expects to be confirmed soon as a driver for Super Aguri, Formula One's new team.
"I'd be absolutely amazed if it doesn't happen," Sato's manager Andrew Gilbert-Scott said on Monday of the contract negotiations.
"Things are moving forward, maybe not necessarily as fast as we would like, but something could be possible this week and Taku's intending to be over for a seat-fitting soon.
"We are very confident but at the moment there are still a few things to agree on," he told Reuters after returning from a trip to Japan.
Sato lost his drive with BAR, now the renamed Honda team, at the end of last year. Japan's most successful driver is the top target for the new Honda-powered Aguri team, who could have an all-Japanese line-up.
Super Aguri said in a statement that the team's driver line-up would be announced shortly.
A spokeswoman said the team, who have now recruited a staff of 88 people at their central English factory, would undertake a private check of their car's systems on Feb. 14 at an undisclosed location.
"It will not be Silverstone and the car that will run will look nothing like the one we will take to Barcelona," she added.
The first proper test, less than three weeks before the start of the season in Bahrain on March 12, will be at the Circuit de Catalunya from Feb 21-23.
The team will then carry out a further shakedown test at Silverstone on Feb. 28.
"We're on track and the crash testing is going well," added the spokeswoman, who said the team could try out several drivers at the Barcelona test.
Super Aguri plan to race with four-year-old Arrows chassis, bought from ex-Minardi boss Paul Stoddart, for at least the first three Grands Prix before bringing out their own car when the championship returns to Europe in April.
They face a race against time after the governing FIA confirmed only last month they had been accepted to the championship as the 11th team. [/QUOTE]
Testing report from Jerez in a few hours.
:D
32 days to go!
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