| artkevin | 02-28-2006 10:29 PM |
Hmm, racing cars on slick tires. What a concept!
| Ferg | 03-01-2006 09:59 AM |
I know! They almost look strange.
News round up.
[QUOTE]Prodrive to build F1-spec factory
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 13:47 GMT
Prodrive's expected entry into Grand Prix racing in 2008 has moved a step closer, with the team announcing on Wednesday plans to build a Formula One-spec factory in Warwickshire.
The announcement, which comes after autosport.com revealed on Monday that Prodrive boss David Richards is on the verge of giving the green light to his F1 operation, will see the company develop a 200-acre facility at Honiley.
The hope is the site will include new offices, design studios, R&D laboratories and a conference centre. A Prodrive statement also said: "It could also become the home for a new British Formula One team."
Plans for the site, which will become known as 'Fulcrum', are currently subject to planning permission but the hope is that work can begin early next year.
Richards said: "The British automotive and motorsport industries are coming under increasing pressure from competition overseas. By developing the Fulcrum, we can provide high level technical skills and resources which will help the region's vehicle manufacturers and motorsport teams succeed and, at the same time, encourage more inward investment to the West Midlands."
Speculation about Richards' plans grew this week when autosport.com revealed that he had held talks with FIA president Max Mosley and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone about plans for the sport from 2008.
"It is also understood that the Subaru World Rally Team's former performance director David Lapworth is involved in the plans for the Formula One operation at Honiley.
Richards himself has made no secret of his desire to move Prodrive into F1. He said at the Autosport International Show in January: "I would not say it is unfinished business, but Prodrive is a motorsport business and that is at the heart of everything that we do.
"We are involved in most aspects of it, but we are currently not involved in F1 - although we do supply some components.
"I will only go there (into F1) when the situation allows us to be competitive and to make a profit - and the changes coming for 2008 might allow that to come to fruition."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri sign Montagny as reserve
Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 13:57 GMT
The Super Aguri team have confirmed Frenchman Franck Montagny will be their reserve driver in the opening two rounds of the 2006 season.
As autosport.com predicted, the former Renault test driver will be on stand-by for the opening two rounds of the season only - as he is expected to move to Champ Cars after that.
Montagny, who left the Renault team at the end of last year, will be on stand-by as third driver for Super Aguri in Bahrain and Malaysia.
But the French driver is not going to take part in Friday practice because Super Aguri will not have a third car.
Honda development driver James Rossiter is now one of the candidates to replace Montagny after Malaysia.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Mosley urges carmakers to commit to F1
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 13:12 GMT
FIA president Max Mosley has written to Formula One's manufacturers today urging them to commit their future to the sport before entries to the 2008 championship close later this month.
At the same time, Mosley has warned them they will be frozen out of rules talks if they miss the deadline.
Mosley unveiled his idea for the early deadline for 2008 entries last month, but his plans for the seven-day 'window of opportunity' have now been formally put to the teams in a letter, a copy of which has been obtained by autosport.com.
He is hoping that the FIA World Council will approve, at their next meeting on March 22, plans to open entries for the 2008 championship on March 24 and then close them again on March 31.
In the letter, sent today to all F1 team principals and manufacturers' representatives, as well as those teams who have expressed an interest in joining the championship, Mosley explained that the motivation behind the move was to allow the FIA to establish the framework of rules for 2008 in consultation with those teams competing in the championship.
Mosley has made it clear that he wants the FIA World Council to approve the early cut-off point on 2008 entries simply because it will allow in-depth talks on rules to begin immediately.
"The reason we are proposing this relatively early closing date is that both the Sporting and Technical regulations may need some limited fine tuning before they are finalised, and we intend to give the teams that are committed to participating at least eighteen months' notice of changes which may affect the design of the cars," wrote Mosley.
"This means that many of the 2008 regulations must be fixed no later than 30 June 2006.
"Once the entries have closed, the participants in the 2008 Championship will be known, enabling the FIA and those teams to use the three months from 31 March to 30 June 2006 for the discussion and agreement of any final adjustments to the regulations.
"Naturally, discussions on the fine tuning of the 2008 regulations will only involve those that intend to participate in the Championship."
Mosley added that the 2008 Sporting Regulations, which have been put together in consultation with those teams already committed to F1 after 2007, are likely to be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council in the week after the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The letter also makes it clear that Mosley wants the manufacturers to remain committed to F1 - but believes they must accept that his cost-cutting drive is aimed at securing their future, not as a way of driving them out.
"The FIA very much hopes that all the teams and manufacturers competing in this year's Championship will also enter for 2008," added Mosley. "Some of the sporting changes proposed for 2008 may be seen as radical, as are some aspects of the Technical Regulations already adopted.
"However, the objective is to reduce costs, improve the spectacle and at the same time, maintain and, where possible, increase current safety levels.
"The FIA believes that at a time of painful restructuring in large sections of the automobile industry, it is only a financially viable Formula One that can hope to retain the major car manufacturers as participants in the medium and long term, not to mention the independent teams. Hence the need to reduce costs.
"The FIA fully understands that one of the objectives of the major car manufacturers is to demonstrate technical excellence, but believes that this can be achieved without excessive expenditure.
"Bearing in mind that much of the engineering effort in the road car sector is aimed at technical excellence at low cost, it is appropriate that the World Championship regulations should attempt to bring this approach into Formula One.
"The credit which a major car company will gain from winning the World Championship will not be any the less if money is no longer being spent on technologies which are largely irrelevant to road cars and often entirely concealed from the public.
"We very much hope that all the current participants will support this approach and submit their entries in due time."
Mosley is believed to be at the Geneva Motorshow today for talks with car manufacturer representatives. It comes amid speculation that the breakaway Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) are on the verge of reaching commercial terms with Bernie Ecclestone to remain committed to F1 � pending discussions on rules.
An FIA spokesman confirmed to autosport.com that a letter had been sent by Mosley to the teams today, but declined to comment on its contents.
[i]THE FULL LETTER
To all team principals and manufacturers' representatives
known to have an interest in the 2008 Formula One World Championship
1 March 2006
Gentlemen
On 22 March 2006, the World Motor Sport Council will be invited to approve Formula One Sporting Regulations for 2008. These proposed regulations include a provision that entries for the 2008 Formula One World Championship should open on 24 March 2006 and close on 31 March 2006.
The reason we are proposing this relatively early closing date is that both the Sporting and Technical regulations may need some limited fine tuning before they are finalised, and we intend to give the teams that are committed to participating at least eighteen months' notice of changes which may affect the design of the cars. This means that many of the 2008 regulations must be fixed no later than 30 June 2006. Once the entries have closed, the participants in the 2008 Championship will be known, enabling the FIA and those teams to use the three months from 31 March to 30 June 2006 for the discussion and agreement of any final adjustments to the regulations. Naturally, discussions on the fine tuning of the 2008 regulations will only involve those that intend to participate in the Championship.
The draft 2008 Technical Regulations were, of course, published prior to 31 December 2005 as required by the Concorde Agreement. A preliminary draft of the 2008 Sporting Regulations has already been circulated to the teams which have committed to the 2008 Championship as well as to certain new teams which have indicated that they may wish to enter. We will be happy to provide a copy of this preliminary draft to any other team that requests it, though this may not be exactly identical to the final draft which will be submitted to members of the World Motor Sport Council in the week following the Bahrain Grand Prix with a recommendation that it be accepted. We intend to be able to make a final draft available as soon as it is ready.
The FIA very much hopes that all the teams and manufacturers competing in this year's Championship will also enter for 2008. Some of the sporting changes proposed for 2008 may be seen as radical, as are some aspects of the Technical Regulations already adopted. However, the objective is to reduce costs, improve the spectacle and at the same time, maintain and, where possible, increase current safety levels.
The FIA believes that at a time of painful restructuring in large sections of the automobile industry, it is only a financially viable Formula One that can hope to retain the major car manufacturers as participants in the medium and long term, not to mention the independent teams. Hence the need to reduce costs.
The FIA fully understands that one of the objectives of the major car manufacturers is to demonstrate technical excellence, but believes that this can be achieved without excessive expenditure. Bearing in mind that much of the engineering effort in the road car sector is aimed at technical excellence at low cost, it is appropriate that the World Championship regulations should attempt to bring this approach into Formula One. The credit which a major car company will gain from winning the World Championship will not be any the less if money is no longer being spent on technologies which are largely irrelevant to road cars and often entirely concealed from the public.
We very much hope that all the current participants will support this approach and submit their entries in due time.
Yours sincerely,
Max Mosley[/i][/QUOTE]
News round up.
[QUOTE]Prodrive to build F1-spec factory
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 13:47 GMT
Prodrive's expected entry into Grand Prix racing in 2008 has moved a step closer, with the team announcing on Wednesday plans to build a Formula One-spec factory in Warwickshire.
The announcement, which comes after autosport.com revealed on Monday that Prodrive boss David Richards is on the verge of giving the green light to his F1 operation, will see the company develop a 200-acre facility at Honiley.
The hope is the site will include new offices, design studios, R&D laboratories and a conference centre. A Prodrive statement also said: "It could also become the home for a new British Formula One team."
Plans for the site, which will become known as 'Fulcrum', are currently subject to planning permission but the hope is that work can begin early next year.
Richards said: "The British automotive and motorsport industries are coming under increasing pressure from competition overseas. By developing the Fulcrum, we can provide high level technical skills and resources which will help the region's vehicle manufacturers and motorsport teams succeed and, at the same time, encourage more inward investment to the West Midlands."
Speculation about Richards' plans grew this week when autosport.com revealed that he had held talks with FIA president Max Mosley and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone about plans for the sport from 2008.
"It is also understood that the Subaru World Rally Team's former performance director David Lapworth is involved in the plans for the Formula One operation at Honiley.
Richards himself has made no secret of his desire to move Prodrive into F1. He said at the Autosport International Show in January: "I would not say it is unfinished business, but Prodrive is a motorsport business and that is at the heart of everything that we do.
"We are involved in most aspects of it, but we are currently not involved in F1 - although we do supply some components.
"I will only go there (into F1) when the situation allows us to be competitive and to make a profit - and the changes coming for 2008 might allow that to come to fruition."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri sign Montagny as reserve
Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 13:57 GMT
The Super Aguri team have confirmed Frenchman Franck Montagny will be their reserve driver in the opening two rounds of the 2006 season.
As autosport.com predicted, the former Renault test driver will be on stand-by for the opening two rounds of the season only - as he is expected to move to Champ Cars after that.
Montagny, who left the Renault team at the end of last year, will be on stand-by as third driver for Super Aguri in Bahrain and Malaysia.
But the French driver is not going to take part in Friday practice because Super Aguri will not have a third car.
Honda development driver James Rossiter is now one of the candidates to replace Montagny after Malaysia.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Mosley urges carmakers to commit to F1
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 13:12 GMT
FIA president Max Mosley has written to Formula One's manufacturers today urging them to commit their future to the sport before entries to the 2008 championship close later this month.
At the same time, Mosley has warned them they will be frozen out of rules talks if they miss the deadline.
Mosley unveiled his idea for the early deadline for 2008 entries last month, but his plans for the seven-day 'window of opportunity' have now been formally put to the teams in a letter, a copy of which has been obtained by autosport.com.
He is hoping that the FIA World Council will approve, at their next meeting on March 22, plans to open entries for the 2008 championship on March 24 and then close them again on March 31.
In the letter, sent today to all F1 team principals and manufacturers' representatives, as well as those teams who have expressed an interest in joining the championship, Mosley explained that the motivation behind the move was to allow the FIA to establish the framework of rules for 2008 in consultation with those teams competing in the championship.
Mosley has made it clear that he wants the FIA World Council to approve the early cut-off point on 2008 entries simply because it will allow in-depth talks on rules to begin immediately.
"The reason we are proposing this relatively early closing date is that both the Sporting and Technical regulations may need some limited fine tuning before they are finalised, and we intend to give the teams that are committed to participating at least eighteen months' notice of changes which may affect the design of the cars," wrote Mosley.
"This means that many of the 2008 regulations must be fixed no later than 30 June 2006.
"Once the entries have closed, the participants in the 2008 Championship will be known, enabling the FIA and those teams to use the three months from 31 March to 30 June 2006 for the discussion and agreement of any final adjustments to the regulations.
"Naturally, discussions on the fine tuning of the 2008 regulations will only involve those that intend to participate in the Championship."
Mosley added that the 2008 Sporting Regulations, which have been put together in consultation with those teams already committed to F1 after 2007, are likely to be submitted to the World Motor Sport Council in the week after the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The letter also makes it clear that Mosley wants the manufacturers to remain committed to F1 - but believes they must accept that his cost-cutting drive is aimed at securing their future, not as a way of driving them out.
"The FIA very much hopes that all the teams and manufacturers competing in this year's Championship will also enter for 2008," added Mosley. "Some of the sporting changes proposed for 2008 may be seen as radical, as are some aspects of the Technical Regulations already adopted.
"However, the objective is to reduce costs, improve the spectacle and at the same time, maintain and, where possible, increase current safety levels.
"The FIA believes that at a time of painful restructuring in large sections of the automobile industry, it is only a financially viable Formula One that can hope to retain the major car manufacturers as participants in the medium and long term, not to mention the independent teams. Hence the need to reduce costs.
"The FIA fully understands that one of the objectives of the major car manufacturers is to demonstrate technical excellence, but believes that this can be achieved without excessive expenditure.
"Bearing in mind that much of the engineering effort in the road car sector is aimed at technical excellence at low cost, it is appropriate that the World Championship regulations should attempt to bring this approach into Formula One.
"The credit which a major car company will gain from winning the World Championship will not be any the less if money is no longer being spent on technologies which are largely irrelevant to road cars and often entirely concealed from the public.
"We very much hope that all the current participants will support this approach and submit their entries in due time."
Mosley is believed to be at the Geneva Motorshow today for talks with car manufacturer representatives. It comes amid speculation that the breakaway Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) are on the verge of reaching commercial terms with Bernie Ecclestone to remain committed to F1 � pending discussions on rules.
An FIA spokesman confirmed to autosport.com that a letter had been sent by Mosley to the teams today, but declined to comment on its contents.
[i]THE FULL LETTER
To all team principals and manufacturers' representatives
known to have an interest in the 2008 Formula One World Championship
1 March 2006
Gentlemen
On 22 March 2006, the World Motor Sport Council will be invited to approve Formula One Sporting Regulations for 2008. These proposed regulations include a provision that entries for the 2008 Formula One World Championship should open on 24 March 2006 and close on 31 March 2006.
The reason we are proposing this relatively early closing date is that both the Sporting and Technical regulations may need some limited fine tuning before they are finalised, and we intend to give the teams that are committed to participating at least eighteen months' notice of changes which may affect the design of the cars. This means that many of the 2008 regulations must be fixed no later than 30 June 2006. Once the entries have closed, the participants in the 2008 Championship will be known, enabling the FIA and those teams to use the three months from 31 March to 30 June 2006 for the discussion and agreement of any final adjustments to the regulations. Naturally, discussions on the fine tuning of the 2008 regulations will only involve those that intend to participate in the Championship.
The draft 2008 Technical Regulations were, of course, published prior to 31 December 2005 as required by the Concorde Agreement. A preliminary draft of the 2008 Sporting Regulations has already been circulated to the teams which have committed to the 2008 Championship as well as to certain new teams which have indicated that they may wish to enter. We will be happy to provide a copy of this preliminary draft to any other team that requests it, though this may not be exactly identical to the final draft which will be submitted to members of the World Motor Sport Council in the week following the Bahrain Grand Prix with a recommendation that it be accepted. We intend to be able to make a final draft available as soon as it is ready.
The FIA very much hopes that all the teams and manufacturers competing in this year's Championship will also enter for 2008. Some of the sporting changes proposed for 2008 may be seen as radical, as are some aspects of the Technical Regulations already adopted. However, the objective is to reduce costs, improve the spectacle and at the same time, maintain and, where possible, increase current safety levels.
The FIA believes that at a time of painful restructuring in large sections of the automobile industry, it is only a financially viable Formula One that can hope to retain the major car manufacturers as participants in the medium and long term, not to mention the independent teams. Hence the need to reduce costs.
The FIA fully understands that one of the objectives of the major car manufacturers is to demonstrate technical excellence, but believes that this can be achieved without excessive expenditure. Bearing in mind that much of the engineering effort in the road car sector is aimed at technical excellence at low cost, it is appropriate that the World Championship regulations should attempt to bring this approach into Formula One. The credit which a major car company will gain from winning the World Championship will not be any the less if money is no longer being spent on technologies which are largely irrelevant to road cars and often entirely concealed from the public.
We very much hope that all the current participants will support this approach and submit their entries in due time.
Yours sincerely,
Max Mosley[/i][/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 03-01-2006 10:05 AM |
10 days to go!
[QUOTE]Renault slightly ahead, says Symonds
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 15:01 GMT
Renault's director on engineering Pat Symonds believes Renault will arrive in Bahrain a small step ahead of their rivals.
The World Champions have been very quick and reliable in winter testing with their new R26 car, fighting at the top of the times with Honda and McLaren.
Symonds believes the French squad are slightly ahead of their rivals in terms of pace and he is confident to kick-start the season in strong fashion.
"I'm very satisfied with every component and aspect of the new R26. Since the first kilometres we've been immediately quick and reliable, and we probably have now a small laptime advantage over Honda and McLaren and a little more over Ferrari," Symonds told Autosprint.
"We faced each others on three circuits - Jerez, Valencia and Barcelona - I can't say how much this situation can be replicated on other tracks, but I think we still have a large potential to improve our performance.
"As for reliability, the only problem we encountered was the rear wing at the last test at Jerez, and that's fully solved now. That's why we look with optimism towards the first races."
Symonds has also tipped Giancarlo Fisichella to enjoy a stronger season following the disappointment of 2005, when he was overshadowed by his teammate Fernando Alonso.
"I'm a big supporter of Fisichella, an excellent driver and fine team player," he added. "It's true, in 2005 he was overshadowed by Alonso's performances, but his season was also compromised by his positions on the starting grid.
"They weren't always good, a result of the regulations which set the qualifying order based on the previous race result.
"Maybe during the season he lost some self confidence, but I'm sure this year, by starting good immediately, things will be easier for him, and he'll have a great season." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Renault slightly ahead, says Symonds
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 15:01 GMT
Renault's director on engineering Pat Symonds believes Renault will arrive in Bahrain a small step ahead of their rivals.
The World Champions have been very quick and reliable in winter testing with their new R26 car, fighting at the top of the times with Honda and McLaren.
Symonds believes the French squad are slightly ahead of their rivals in terms of pace and he is confident to kick-start the season in strong fashion.
"I'm very satisfied with every component and aspect of the new R26. Since the first kilometres we've been immediately quick and reliable, and we probably have now a small laptime advantage over Honda and McLaren and a little more over Ferrari," Symonds told Autosprint.
"We faced each others on three circuits - Jerez, Valencia and Barcelona - I can't say how much this situation can be replicated on other tracks, but I think we still have a large potential to improve our performance.
"As for reliability, the only problem we encountered was the rear wing at the last test at Jerez, and that's fully solved now. That's why we look with optimism towards the first races."
Symonds has also tipped Giancarlo Fisichella to enjoy a stronger season following the disappointment of 2005, when he was overshadowed by his teammate Fernando Alonso.
"I'm a big supporter of Fisichella, an excellent driver and fine team player," he added. "It's true, in 2005 he was overshadowed by Alonso's performances, but his season was also compromised by his positions on the starting grid.
"They weren't always good, a result of the regulations which set the qualifying order based on the previous race result.
"Maybe during the season he lost some self confidence, but I'm sure this year, by starting good immediately, things will be easier for him, and he'll have a great season." [/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 03-01-2006 11:57 AM |
Kimi throws it down.
[QUOTE]Raikkonen sets blistering Valencia pace
Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 16:38 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen finished his pre-season testing programme in promising form after posting the fastest time of the winter at the Valencia circuit.
The McLaren's driver lap of 1:09.423 was over half a second faster than the previous best, set by Raikkonen himself earlier this year.
The Finn, at the wheel of the MP4-21, enjoyed a trouble-free day and covered a total of 120 laps, five more than teammate Pedro de la Rosa.
Raikkonen was happy with the week's work, but was still cautious about McLaren's form for Bahrain.
"It has been a good week," Raikkonen told autosport.com. "At least we did not break down and we did some mileage. We did what we could, so we'll see. We still have work to do and I really don't know how well we will do in the race. We will see."
De la Rosa worked with the hybrid car fitted with a V10 engine to complete a fruitful day for his team, who wrapped up their preparations for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Anthony Davidson was again the busiest man on track for his Honda team, the Briton managing 143 laps in the RA106 on his way to the third fastest time. Davidson will complete the Valencia test tomorrow, when he will shake down the third Honda chassis to be used in Bahrain.
David Coulthard returned to action following his back injury and the Scot enjoyed a trouble-free session, covering 76 laps for his Red Bull team.
Toyota drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli began a two-day test for the Japanese squad, but the German's programme was hindered when he stopped on track with a smoking engine.
Schumacher managed just 59 laps but still outpaced Trulli, sixth quickest.
The second red flag of the day was caused by Williams test driver Alex Wurz, slowest today on the final day of testing for the British squad.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.09.423 120
2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.09.852 115
3. Davidson Honda (M) 1.10.301 143
4. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1.11.078 76
5. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1.11.129 59
6. Trulli Toyota (B) 1.12.159 80
7. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.12.257 70
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
and Jody's second favorite driver...
[QUOTE]Winkelhock, not Mondini to drive in Sakhir
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 15:17 GMT
Midland F1 have corrected their earlier statement saying Giorgio Mondini would be driving their third car at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
In their press release following yesterday's test at Silverstone, the team said Mondini would drive in the Sakhir race while teammate Markus Wilkenhock would take over in the following race in Malaysia.
However, speaking to autosport.com, a team spokeswoman said it would in fact be the opposite way, with the German driver in action at Bahrain.
That weekend Mondini will be racing at Laguna Seca for A1 Team Switzerland.
Markus is the son of Manfred, who drove in Formula One from 1980 to 1985.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Raikkonen sets blistering Valencia pace
Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 16:38 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen finished his pre-season testing programme in promising form after posting the fastest time of the winter at the Valencia circuit.
The McLaren's driver lap of 1:09.423 was over half a second faster than the previous best, set by Raikkonen himself earlier this year.
The Finn, at the wheel of the MP4-21, enjoyed a trouble-free day and covered a total of 120 laps, five more than teammate Pedro de la Rosa.
Raikkonen was happy with the week's work, but was still cautious about McLaren's form for Bahrain.
"It has been a good week," Raikkonen told autosport.com. "At least we did not break down and we did some mileage. We did what we could, so we'll see. We still have work to do and I really don't know how well we will do in the race. We will see."
De la Rosa worked with the hybrid car fitted with a V10 engine to complete a fruitful day for his team, who wrapped up their preparations for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Anthony Davidson was again the busiest man on track for his Honda team, the Briton managing 143 laps in the RA106 on his way to the third fastest time. Davidson will complete the Valencia test tomorrow, when he will shake down the third Honda chassis to be used in Bahrain.
David Coulthard returned to action following his back injury and the Scot enjoyed a trouble-free session, covering 76 laps for his Red Bull team.
Toyota drivers Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli began a two-day test for the Japanese squad, but the German's programme was hindered when he stopped on track with a smoking engine.
Schumacher managed just 59 laps but still outpaced Trulli, sixth quickest.
The second red flag of the day was caused by Williams test driver Alex Wurz, slowest today on the final day of testing for the British squad.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.09.423 120
2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.09.852 115
3. Davidson Honda (M) 1.10.301 143
4. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1.11.078 76
5. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1.11.129 59
6. Trulli Toyota (B) 1.12.159 80
7. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.12.257 70
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
and Jody's second favorite driver...
[QUOTE]Winkelhock, not Mondini to drive in Sakhir
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 15:17 GMT
Midland F1 have corrected their earlier statement saying Giorgio Mondini would be driving their third car at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
In their press release following yesterday's test at Silverstone, the team said Mondini would drive in the Sakhir race while teammate Markus Wilkenhock would take over in the following race in Malaysia.
However, speaking to autosport.com, a team spokeswoman said it would in fact be the opposite way, with the German driver in action at Bahrain.
That weekend Mondini will be racing at Laguna Seca for A1 Team Switzerland.
Markus is the son of Manfred, who drove in Formula One from 1980 to 1985.[/QUOTE]
| JoD | 03-01-2006 12:10 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Kimi throws it down.
and Jody's second favorite driver...[/QUOTE]
Woo-hoo, Ferg! Good news on both fronts! ;) Winkey rules!
Kevin and I have determined that my husband is the long lost brother of Robert Kubica. We are going to try to mug him of his all access pass at Indy this year and get my husband in the car on Friday. He's a body design engineer for Honda R&D, so it shouldn't be that hard for him to pick it up, right? :lol:
and Jody's second favorite driver...[/QUOTE]
Woo-hoo, Ferg! Good news on both fronts! ;) Winkey rules!
Kevin and I have determined that my husband is the long lost brother of Robert Kubica. We are going to try to mug him of his all access pass at Indy this year and get my husband in the car on Friday. He's a body design engineer for Honda R&D, so it shouldn't be that hard for him to pick it up, right? :lol:
| finnRex | 03-01-2006 12:21 PM |
Pimpin' ain't easy, despite Kimi making it look so;). I hope that the Merc engine will hold. Is the 3 weekend engine rule in effect this year?
Mika
Mika
| Braz | 03-01-2006 12:23 PM |
+1 for the Kimi love. I needed a hat at the US GP a few years back and sprung for a chrome looking Kimi hat. Good enough of a reason to remain a fan of him for me.
| Ferg | 03-01-2006 12:27 PM |
It's still only a two race rule for the engines. :)
Jody, you inspired me to do some research on the Winklehocks, and I turned up an entire motor racing clan....
Manfred Winklehock
Joachim Winklehock
Thomas Winklehock
Markus Winklehock
Who knew there were so many! :lol:
Jody, you inspired me to do some research on the Winklehocks, and I turned up an entire motor racing clan....
Manfred Winklehock
Joachim Winklehock
Thomas Winklehock
Markus Winklehock
Who knew there were so many! :lol:
| JoD | 03-01-2006 12:30 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]It's still only a two race rule for the engines. :)
Jody, you inspired me to do some research on the Winklehocks, and I turned up an entire motor racing clan....
Manfred Winklehock
Joachim Winklehock
Thomas Winklehock
Markus Winklehock
Who knew there were so many! :lol:[/QUOTE]
They're taking over the world, Ferg!!! Run away! :lol:
Jody, you inspired me to do some research on the Winklehocks, and I turned up an entire motor racing clan....
Manfred Winklehock
Joachim Winklehock
Thomas Winklehock
Markus Winklehock
Who knew there were so many! :lol:[/QUOTE]
They're taking over the world, Ferg!!! Run away! :lol:
| JoD | 03-01-2006 12:32 PM |
[QUOTE=Braz]+1 for the Kimi love. I needed a hat at the US GP a few years back and sprung for a chrome looking Kimi hat. Good enough of a reason to remain a fan of him for me.[/QUOTE]
Braz - I think McLaren was trying out the new finish for the car on that hat you purchased. I sat behind a dude in one of those at Indy last year and nearly went blind... ;)
Braz - I think McLaren was trying out the new finish for the car on that hat you purchased. I sat behind a dude in one of those at Indy last year and nearly went blind... ;)
| artkevin | 03-01-2006 12:40 PM |
I thought only Finns and Germans bought those tin-foil-baked-potato hats!
| Ferg | 03-01-2006 12:49 PM |
Words from Schu.
[QUOTE]Schumacher fired up for new season
Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 17:35 GMT
Former World Champion Michael Schumacher has said he is fully refreshed and fired up for the new season, thanks to some pretty encouraging results in pre-season testing.
Although the German is coming off the back of a disappointing 2005 campaign, he has admitted that the early promise of the new Ferrari 248 F1 has helped him erase all the negatives of last year.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this week's Autosport magazine, Schumacher said: "I feel very different, simply because, yes, after you've had a story of success like we had, to then have a hard season... you sort of get tired by the end of a season like that.
"After a season like that to then all winter be off the pace would be very tough. It's very consuming on the energy side. Whereas now, it's the opposite to last season. You feel so much more motivated and happy to run with this car, see you're there and that you can fight them maybe. It's great."
In the interview, Schumacher has also said he feels liberated by the characteristics of the new V8-powered cars.
"I feel I'm able to express myself more in these cars, that I don't have to hold back so much because I no longer have to worry about stressing the tyres," he added.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher fired up for new season
Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 17:35 GMT
Former World Champion Michael Schumacher has said he is fully refreshed and fired up for the new season, thanks to some pretty encouraging results in pre-season testing.
Although the German is coming off the back of a disappointing 2005 campaign, he has admitted that the early promise of the new Ferrari 248 F1 has helped him erase all the negatives of last year.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this week's Autosport magazine, Schumacher said: "I feel very different, simply because, yes, after you've had a story of success like we had, to then have a hard season... you sort of get tired by the end of a season like that.
"After a season like that to then all winter be off the pace would be very tough. It's very consuming on the energy side. Whereas now, it's the opposite to last season. You feel so much more motivated and happy to run with this car, see you're there and that you can fight them maybe. It's great."
In the interview, Schumacher has also said he feels liberated by the characteristics of the new V8-powered cars.
"I feel I'm able to express myself more in these cars, that I don't have to hold back so much because I no longer have to worry about stressing the tyres," he added.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 03-01-2006 02:58 PM |
Super Aguri pushing back introduction of SA06.
[QUOTE]Imola debut unlikely for new Super Aguri
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 18:20 GMT
Super Aguri have admitted that there is a chance their definitive 2006 car may not be ready for the San Marino Grand Prix in April, as the team had originally planned.
With an intensive programme needed to get the modified 2002 Arrows A23 cars that they will start the season with ready to comply with 2006 regulations, the team have had to divert resources away from preparing their new SA06 car.
And that means it is now touch and go whether the car will make its debut at Imola or will have to wait until the next race, the European Grand Prix, on May 7.
Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto told autosport.com: "There is a strong possibility of that (not making Imola), because we have had to dedicate more time to the SA05 (the modified Arrows car).
"We had to go through a lot of modifications to pass the crash tests, and comply with new safety and aero rules. It has been a lot of work and meant only a few people have been able to work on the 2006 car.
"But I don't want to say that the car will definitely not be in Imola, so let's see. We are still pushing for that."
Aguri are also likely to only have one of their new cars ready when it does make it debut - which means that Yuji Ide may have to continue with the SA05 for several more races.
"We would like to give both drivers the same possibility if we can," added Audetto. "But if we can at least have one for Takuma Sato then that is what we will do."
Once the SA05 cars are shipped off to Bahrain, then Aguri will start putting all their efforts into getting their 2006 cars ready.
That focus will also likely mean that the team will not waste resources trying to get a third 2005-chassis ready to take part in Friday practice. The team will probably only run a third driver once the new car is ready.
"We prefer to concentrate on the 2006 car, without any pressure and without any stress," explained Audetto. "There is not much we can learn from the SA05, and to be last by six seconds or last by five seconds does not make much difference.
"We want to use the beginning of the season to learn; make good pitstops, learn some good strategy and give everyone in the team some confidence. It will be like a training session.
"But we are not losers. We are very professional and will take all the positives we can from this learning period."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Imola debut unlikely for new Super Aguri
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, March 1st 2006, 18:20 GMT
Super Aguri have admitted that there is a chance their definitive 2006 car may not be ready for the San Marino Grand Prix in April, as the team had originally planned.
With an intensive programme needed to get the modified 2002 Arrows A23 cars that they will start the season with ready to comply with 2006 regulations, the team have had to divert resources away from preparing their new SA06 car.
And that means it is now touch and go whether the car will make its debut at Imola or will have to wait until the next race, the European Grand Prix, on May 7.
Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto told autosport.com: "There is a strong possibility of that (not making Imola), because we have had to dedicate more time to the SA05 (the modified Arrows car).
"We had to go through a lot of modifications to pass the crash tests, and comply with new safety and aero rules. It has been a lot of work and meant only a few people have been able to work on the 2006 car.
"But I don't want to say that the car will definitely not be in Imola, so let's see. We are still pushing for that."
Aguri are also likely to only have one of their new cars ready when it does make it debut - which means that Yuji Ide may have to continue with the SA05 for several more races.
"We would like to give both drivers the same possibility if we can," added Audetto. "But if we can at least have one for Takuma Sato then that is what we will do."
Once the SA05 cars are shipped off to Bahrain, then Aguri will start putting all their efforts into getting their 2006 cars ready.
That focus will also likely mean that the team will not waste resources trying to get a third 2005-chassis ready to take part in Friday practice. The team will probably only run a third driver once the new car is ready.
"We prefer to concentrate on the 2006 car, without any pressure and without any stress," explained Audetto. "There is not much we can learn from the SA05, and to be last by six seconds or last by five seconds does not make much difference.
"We want to use the beginning of the season to learn; make good pitstops, learn some good strategy and give everyone in the team some confidence. It will be like a training session.
"But we are not losers. We are very professional and will take all the positives we can from this learning period."[/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 03-01-2006 04:21 PM |
Schumacher was on the pace when? I don't think he's going to do well, at least I hope not.
| Ferg | 03-01-2006 04:23 PM |
He did turn some pretty fast laps at Sahkir after the BARs packed up and went back to England.
I think he's going to be knocking on a podium finish if the Ferrari can hang together.
Outright wins..not so much.
I think he's going to be knocking on a podium finish if the Ferrari can hang together.
Outright wins..not so much.
| StuBeck | 03-01-2006 05:24 PM |
I still would like to know if he ran those laps on a long run...with a legal car, or if it was just a "hey, lets put no fuel in and take all the ballast off and see what happens." Ferrari has pulled so much crap I wouldn't be surprised if they did.
His laps were also run when his car wasn't grenading itself because the vibration was too high. I only see them going for wins if everyone else breaks down, much like they got podums when everyone else broke or took themselves out last year.
His laps were also run when his car wasn't grenading itself because the vibration was too high. I only see them going for wins if everyone else breaks down, much like they got podums when everyone else broke or took themselves out last year.
| ArtGecko | 03-01-2006 06:21 PM |
Motorsport.com's Pick 6 is now all set for the 2006 season! Remember, we are the "impreza.net" group. Time for a Pick the winners thread. Someone think of a catchy title!
[url]http://www.motorsport.com/compete/p6/index.asp?S=F1[/url]
Woot! Krispy Kremes, here I come!!! :D
<--- Steve
[url]http://www.motorsport.com/compete/p6/index.asp?S=F1[/url]
Woot! Krispy Kremes, here I come!!! :D
<--- Steve
| JoD | 03-01-2006 07:10 PM |
So I just saw a clip about Eddie Irvine and Pam's romance. At least F1 is getting some network attention somehow!
They said that good ol' Eddie is worth 262 million dollars. Wonder if he'll take his head out of his behind long enough to utter the words "prenup"?
They said that good ol' Eddie is worth 262 million dollars. Wonder if he'll take his head out of his behind long enough to utter the words "prenup"?
| finnRex | 03-01-2006 10:57 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]I still would like to know if he ran those laps on a long run...with a legal car, or if it was just a "hey, lets put no fuel in and take all the ballast off and see what happens." Ferrari has pulled so much crap I wouldn't be surprised if they did.
His laps were also run when his car wasn't grenading itself because the vibration was too high. I only see them going for wins if everyone else breaks down, much like they got podums when everyone else broke or took themselves out last year.[/QUOTE]
So how do you really feel?;) I would NEVER count Ferrari out of it. They do have a dedicated team, and quite the experienced driver. At least for 1 more year...
Mika
His laps were also run when his car wasn't grenading itself because the vibration was too high. I only see them going for wins if everyone else breaks down, much like they got podums when everyone else broke or took themselves out last year.[/QUOTE]
So how do you really feel?;) I would NEVER count Ferrari out of it. They do have a dedicated team, and quite the experienced driver. At least for 1 more year...
Mika
| StuBeck | 03-02-2006 09:59 AM |
Hehe. Yes, I think Ferrari has a chance, but they have had massive issues in testing, more than any other top team. Them running the 2 year old model is also a bad sign. I am just happy they aren't running at the top right now because of all the asshat crap they pulled the last few years wtih testing and tyres and the like.
| artkevin | 03-02-2006 10:28 AM |
Ant's throwing it down!
Form I-TV:
Honda Racing has upped the ante in the Formula 1 testing stakes after Anthony Davidson broke the unofficial lap record at Valencia this afternoon.
The British driver, who will carry out Friday testing duties on grand prix weekends for Honda this season, posted a stupendous time of 1m08.53s shortly after one o�clock.
To put that in perspective, the previous best recorded so far this winter was Kimi Raikkonen�s 1m09.416s effort yesterday.
Regardless of the fuel load he was running, Davidson�s time suggests that Honda is in with a real chance of taking the fight to Renault and McLaren this season, at least on twisty, high-downforce tracks.
Form I-TV:
Honda Racing has upped the ante in the Formula 1 testing stakes after Anthony Davidson broke the unofficial lap record at Valencia this afternoon.
The British driver, who will carry out Friday testing duties on grand prix weekends for Honda this season, posted a stupendous time of 1m08.53s shortly after one o�clock.
To put that in perspective, the previous best recorded so far this winter was Kimi Raikkonen�s 1m09.416s effort yesterday.
Regardless of the fuel load he was running, Davidson�s time suggests that Honda is in with a real chance of taking the fight to Renault and McLaren this season, at least on twisty, high-downforce tracks.
| Ferg | 03-02-2006 10:51 AM |
Morning news.
[QUOTE]Richards: factory first step towards F1
Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 10:45 GMT
Former BAR boss David Richards has admitted that his Prodrive company's plan for a new state of the art factory in Warwickshire is the first 'piece of the jigsaw' for a future assault on Formula One.
Although Richards has drawn short of confirming that Prodrive will definitely make the move to Formula One, he has told this week's Autosport that the go-ahead for the factory is necessary if they are eventually going to do it.
"I'm not going to make any rash promises or statements that we categorically will be there, but establishing proper facilities is one of the things with the longest lead times," he said.
"I'm not saying that we couldn't rework things around our existing premises at Banbury, but the new facility is the first piece of the jigsaw to be put in place."
Prodrive have submitted a planning application for the facilities at the former Honiley Airfield, which the company have owned since 1999.
Speculation about Richards' plans for his team have been growing after autosport.com revealed on Monday that Richards recently held meetings with FIA president Max Mosley and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone to discuss his ambitions.
Richards' move to F1 has previously been linked with Korean car manufacturer Hyundai, but he has said this week that it is possible he could actually go it alone.
"Clearly it is desirable to have a manufacturer partner, but if it can be done more modestly and you can be competitive then it opens up more options," explained Richards.
"My view is that in future F1 programmes will be a lot more manageable. If they aren't, then it is simply not worth getting involved because it's not sustainable. The BAR [Honda] staffing levels are now up to 560, for example, whereas they were at 360 during my tenure and hardly moved."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher confident Ferrari are back
By Michele Lostia Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 11:03 GMT
Michael Schumacher is confident his Ferrari team are back on top of their game and ready to fight for this year's titles.
"The car seems very good and competitive to me," the German told Gazzetta dello Sport. "After some initial difficulties the situation now has definitely improved. Let's hope we are at the same level as our rivals. We are quick but it looks like the others are too.
"On top of that we are also reliable now. On Tuesday we completed two Grand Prix distances without any problems whatsoever and at a good pace. In general, we would have liked to do more kilometres but it was important to solve certain problems, and we have."
The seven-time World Champion, who last year endured a nightmare season after five drivers' titles in a row, admitted his sole target for this season is to regain his crown.
"Our objective can't be anything but winning the championship, and we've all worked very hard for that," he added. "It will be a long, tough season but it will be important to get several points from the beginning and not lose any like it happened since the start last year.
"There are three, four teams very close to each other, and without putting them in order I say Renault, Honda and McLaren. Obviously besides Ferrari, which we hope can be back fighting evenly with the very best, maybe by staying in front of them as we were able to show we could do for many years.
"It will be important to be convinced we can go quick from the start and be able to win, in order to immediately warn our rivals Ferrari are back."
The German driver is optimistic of a strong start to the season and reckons Ferrari will benefit from having tested at Bahrain before the season-opening race next week.
"Absolutely, because it was hot and because we'll have the first race there, [so it's] an advantage in setting up the cars and studying how to plan the race," Schumacher said. "As for the tyres, we and Bridgestone have worked and are working hard and well.
"There's clearly always room improvement but we are very confident we're undoubtedly in a better situation compared to last year."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams optimistic of fighting at the top
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 13:26 GMT
Williams are confident that they can target a return to the front of the field after finishing their pre-season preparations at Valencia in Spain this week.
Race drivers Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg have helped the team complete more than 17,000 kilometres of testing since the end of last year, and the promising form of Cosworth's new V8 engine has left the team upbeat about their chances.
Technical director Sam Michael said: "The big question that everyone is asking is - who is quick? Pace is notoriously difficult to judge during winter testing due to cars being at different stages of development and variable track temperatures having a big influence on performance.
"In addition this year, we have another variable in the V8 engines, and all the engine manufacturers are at different stages of development. For the start of this season, however, our target is to put Williams back at the sharp end of the grid."
Williams have also released mileage figures for winter testing, which indicate that despite a change of engine and tyre supplier they have enjoyed pretty good reliability.
Teams Testing Kms (since Nov 28, 2005)
Pos. Team Cumulative Kms
1. Honda 26,000.79
2. McLaren 22,683.1
3. Renault 20,731.82
4. Toyota 17,757.95
5. WilliamsF1 16,732
6. BMW Sauber 12,900.82
7. Red Bull 8,606.339
8. MF1 7,569.898
9. Toro Rosso 5,873.2
10. Super Aguri 508.97
Top 5 Drivers - Testing Kms (since Nov 28, 2005)
Pos. Driver Cumulative Kms
1. Button 9,664.335
2. de la Rosa 9,006.288
3. Davidson 7,341.708
4. Trulli 7,188.068
5. Rosberg 6,975.919
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Richards: factory first step towards F1
Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 10:45 GMT
Former BAR boss David Richards has admitted that his Prodrive company's plan for a new state of the art factory in Warwickshire is the first 'piece of the jigsaw' for a future assault on Formula One.
Although Richards has drawn short of confirming that Prodrive will definitely make the move to Formula One, he has told this week's Autosport that the go-ahead for the factory is necessary if they are eventually going to do it.
"I'm not going to make any rash promises or statements that we categorically will be there, but establishing proper facilities is one of the things with the longest lead times," he said.
"I'm not saying that we couldn't rework things around our existing premises at Banbury, but the new facility is the first piece of the jigsaw to be put in place."
Prodrive have submitted a planning application for the facilities at the former Honiley Airfield, which the company have owned since 1999.
Speculation about Richards' plans for his team have been growing after autosport.com revealed on Monday that Richards recently held meetings with FIA president Max Mosley and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone to discuss his ambitions.
Richards' move to F1 has previously been linked with Korean car manufacturer Hyundai, but he has said this week that it is possible he could actually go it alone.
"Clearly it is desirable to have a manufacturer partner, but if it can be done more modestly and you can be competitive then it opens up more options," explained Richards.
"My view is that in future F1 programmes will be a lot more manageable. If they aren't, then it is simply not worth getting involved because it's not sustainable. The BAR [Honda] staffing levels are now up to 560, for example, whereas they were at 360 during my tenure and hardly moved."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher confident Ferrari are back
By Michele Lostia Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 11:03 GMT
Michael Schumacher is confident his Ferrari team are back on top of their game and ready to fight for this year's titles.
"The car seems very good and competitive to me," the German told Gazzetta dello Sport. "After some initial difficulties the situation now has definitely improved. Let's hope we are at the same level as our rivals. We are quick but it looks like the others are too.
"On top of that we are also reliable now. On Tuesday we completed two Grand Prix distances without any problems whatsoever and at a good pace. In general, we would have liked to do more kilometres but it was important to solve certain problems, and we have."
The seven-time World Champion, who last year endured a nightmare season after five drivers' titles in a row, admitted his sole target for this season is to regain his crown.
"Our objective can't be anything but winning the championship, and we've all worked very hard for that," he added. "It will be a long, tough season but it will be important to get several points from the beginning and not lose any like it happened since the start last year.
"There are three, four teams very close to each other, and without putting them in order I say Renault, Honda and McLaren. Obviously besides Ferrari, which we hope can be back fighting evenly with the very best, maybe by staying in front of them as we were able to show we could do for many years.
"It will be important to be convinced we can go quick from the start and be able to win, in order to immediately warn our rivals Ferrari are back."
The German driver is optimistic of a strong start to the season and reckons Ferrari will benefit from having tested at Bahrain before the season-opening race next week.
"Absolutely, because it was hot and because we'll have the first race there, [so it's] an advantage in setting up the cars and studying how to plan the race," Schumacher said. "As for the tyres, we and Bridgestone have worked and are working hard and well.
"There's clearly always room improvement but we are very confident we're undoubtedly in a better situation compared to last year."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams optimistic of fighting at the top
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 13:26 GMT
Williams are confident that they can target a return to the front of the field after finishing their pre-season preparations at Valencia in Spain this week.
Race drivers Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg have helped the team complete more than 17,000 kilometres of testing since the end of last year, and the promising form of Cosworth's new V8 engine has left the team upbeat about their chances.
Technical director Sam Michael said: "The big question that everyone is asking is - who is quick? Pace is notoriously difficult to judge during winter testing due to cars being at different stages of development and variable track temperatures having a big influence on performance.
"In addition this year, we have another variable in the V8 engines, and all the engine manufacturers are at different stages of development. For the start of this season, however, our target is to put Williams back at the sharp end of the grid."
Williams have also released mileage figures for winter testing, which indicate that despite a change of engine and tyre supplier they have enjoyed pretty good reliability.
Teams Testing Kms (since Nov 28, 2005)
Pos. Team Cumulative Kms
1. Honda 26,000.79
2. McLaren 22,683.1
3. Renault 20,731.82
4. Toyota 17,757.95
5. WilliamsF1 16,732
6. BMW Sauber 12,900.82
7. Red Bull 8,606.339
8. MF1 7,569.898
9. Toro Rosso 5,873.2
10. Super Aguri 508.97
Top 5 Drivers - Testing Kms (since Nov 28, 2005)
Pos. Driver Cumulative Kms
1. Button 9,664.335
2. de la Rosa 9,006.288
3. Davidson 7,341.708
4. Trulli 7,188.068
5. Rosberg 6,975.919
[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 03-02-2006 11:48 AM |
Last testing report of the preseason....
[QUOTE]Davidson finishes final test on top
Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 16:40 GMT
Briton Anthony Davidson stayed on top of the times on the final day of testing of the winter at the Valencia circuit.
Davidson shattered the unofficial track record by nearly half a second this afternoon to give his team a morale boost ahead of the first race of the season.
The British driver, working on tyre testing for the Australian Grand Prix, set a best time of 1:08.450 after 70 laps, finishing nearly two seconds ahead of David Coulthard in the Red Bull.
Coulthard covered 72 laps in the RB2 but again failed to complete a Grand Prix distance as his Ferrari engine gave up, causing the only red flag of the day.
Ralf Schumacher was further off Davidson's pace in the Toyota, the German working with the car fitted with the revised aero pacake to be used in Bahrain.
His teammate Jarno Trulli was forced to used the old bodywork as the rest were already packed up to travel to Bahrain.
Trulli, who focused on trying different Grand Prix weekend procedures, finished at the bottom of the times.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:08.540 70
2. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:10.371 72
3. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:12.064 79
4. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:12.380 78
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
9 days to go :devil:
[QUOTE]Davidson finishes final test on top
Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 16:40 GMT
Briton Anthony Davidson stayed on top of the times on the final day of testing of the winter at the Valencia circuit.
Davidson shattered the unofficial track record by nearly half a second this afternoon to give his team a morale boost ahead of the first race of the season.
The British driver, working on tyre testing for the Australian Grand Prix, set a best time of 1:08.450 after 70 laps, finishing nearly two seconds ahead of David Coulthard in the Red Bull.
Coulthard covered 72 laps in the RB2 but again failed to complete a Grand Prix distance as his Ferrari engine gave up, causing the only red flag of the day.
Ralf Schumacher was further off Davidson's pace in the Toyota, the German working with the car fitted with the revised aero pacake to be used in Bahrain.
His teammate Jarno Trulli was forced to used the old bodywork as the rest were already packed up to travel to Bahrain.
Trulli, who focused on trying different Grand Prix weekend procedures, finished at the bottom of the times.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:08.540 70
2. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:10.371 72
3. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:12.064 79
4. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:12.380 78
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
9 days to go :devil:
| rupertberr | 03-02-2006 11:52 AM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]9 days to go :devil:[/QUOTE]
Who is going to start the Bahrain specific thread? I have already put my predictions in to Pick 6. :)
Who is going to start the Bahrain specific thread? I have already put my predictions in to Pick 6. :)
| artkevin | 03-02-2006 12:02 PM |
I will start the Bahrain thread on Monday unless someone beats me to it. Not a big deal. As said many a page ago I hope this thread stays active between races.
| Ferg | 03-02-2006 01:41 PM |
Coulthard and Trulli sound off.
[QUOTE]Coulthard refusing to be downbeat
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 17:58 GMT
David Coulthard is refusing to get disheartened by Red Bull Racing's pre-season reliability problems - even though the team have failed to complete a race distance in testing.
The Scotsman was drafted in for an extra test at Valencia in Spain this week in a bid to help the team iron out continued mechanical problems � but he once again failed to complete a race distance run.
Speaking to autosport.com after the test, Coulthard admitted that he was not happy about the reliability issues but claimed that he suffered a similar situation before McLaren's title-winning campaign in 1998.
"Obviously I am disappointed that we had a failure on the engine as we could not do the mileage," said Coulthard. "That means if I finish the race in Bahrain that will be the first race distance we have completed.
"However in 1998 we (McLaren) had not completed a single race distance yet we lapped the field in Melbourne...."
Coulthard, who is under no illusions of being able to repeat that feat this time out, claims the team are currently paying the price for the cooling issues that they suffered from during the early running of the RB2.
"We are on top of the cooling issues now, but we are paying the penalty for not having been able to run in the earlier part of winter testing," he explained. "I think we were second to Toyota in bringing out the new car in December but we lost valuable time.
"Also we had a delay in production which meant we were a bit in short supply of parts, so we were nearly last to bring out the second chassis."
The reliability issues have at least served to give Red Bull Racing something to focus on in the early part of the season.
"We know where we need to go and concentrate," added Coulthard. "We need mileage really. If you see Honda, they have done 25,000km in testing whereas we have done just over 7,000km. It is just incredible.
"At the end of the day you get what you develop by improving performance on the track."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Trulli predicts difficult season
By Pablo Elizalde Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 17:32 GMT
Italian Jarno Trulli is expecting a difficult 2006 season as his Toyota team fight to move to the sharp end of the field.
The Japanese squad, with one of the biggest budgets on the grid, scored their first podiums in Formula One last year and they have set themselves the target of winning races this season.
But Toyota have been lagging behind their rivals in winter testing, while Renault, Honda and McLaren have been topping the times quite often.
And with a few teams looking competitive enough to fight at the top, Trulli believes the year will not be easy.
"So far Honda and Renault have been very quick, although McLaren proved their speed," Trulli told autosport.com. "I think Honda and Renault look very strong at the moment.
"Toyota have worked hard and we will carry on working hard but it will not be an easy season. We have done the home work but it is going to be very tough."
The Italian driver, however, reckons things will improve for Toyota when the temperatures get higher at the season-opening race in Bahrain.
"We have done a lot of testing and we feel we are ready to go racing, to see how we are in a competitive situation," Trulli said. "Also, in racing condition the temperature will be so different to what we have now and it will have a big effect on our performance. It will help us a lot.
"I think we will make a big step forward throughout the season." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Coulthard refusing to be downbeat
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 17:58 GMT
David Coulthard is refusing to get disheartened by Red Bull Racing's pre-season reliability problems - even though the team have failed to complete a race distance in testing.
The Scotsman was drafted in for an extra test at Valencia in Spain this week in a bid to help the team iron out continued mechanical problems � but he once again failed to complete a race distance run.
Speaking to autosport.com after the test, Coulthard admitted that he was not happy about the reliability issues but claimed that he suffered a similar situation before McLaren's title-winning campaign in 1998.
"Obviously I am disappointed that we had a failure on the engine as we could not do the mileage," said Coulthard. "That means if I finish the race in Bahrain that will be the first race distance we have completed.
"However in 1998 we (McLaren) had not completed a single race distance yet we lapped the field in Melbourne...."
Coulthard, who is under no illusions of being able to repeat that feat this time out, claims the team are currently paying the price for the cooling issues that they suffered from during the early running of the RB2.
"We are on top of the cooling issues now, but we are paying the penalty for not having been able to run in the earlier part of winter testing," he explained. "I think we were second to Toyota in bringing out the new car in December but we lost valuable time.
"Also we had a delay in production which meant we were a bit in short supply of parts, so we were nearly last to bring out the second chassis."
The reliability issues have at least served to give Red Bull Racing something to focus on in the early part of the season.
"We know where we need to go and concentrate," added Coulthard. "We need mileage really. If you see Honda, they have done 25,000km in testing whereas we have done just over 7,000km. It is just incredible.
"At the end of the day you get what you develop by improving performance on the track."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Trulli predicts difficult season
By Pablo Elizalde Thursday, March 2nd 2006, 17:32 GMT
Italian Jarno Trulli is expecting a difficult 2006 season as his Toyota team fight to move to the sharp end of the field.
The Japanese squad, with one of the biggest budgets on the grid, scored their first podiums in Formula One last year and they have set themselves the target of winning races this season.
But Toyota have been lagging behind their rivals in winter testing, while Renault, Honda and McLaren have been topping the times quite often.
And with a few teams looking competitive enough to fight at the top, Trulli believes the year will not be easy.
"So far Honda and Renault have been very quick, although McLaren proved their speed," Trulli told autosport.com. "I think Honda and Renault look very strong at the moment.
"Toyota have worked hard and we will carry on working hard but it will not be an easy season. We have done the home work but it is going to be very tough."
The Italian driver, however, reckons things will improve for Toyota when the temperatures get higher at the season-opening race in Bahrain.
"We have done a lot of testing and we feel we are ready to go racing, to see how we are in a competitive situation," Trulli said. "Also, in racing condition the temperature will be so different to what we have now and it will have a big effect on our performance. It will help us a lot.
"I think we will make a big step forward throughout the season." [/QUOTE]
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 03-02-2006 04:18 PM |
It's so interesting to see aero develoment andhow it has become so important to formula one.
What thread guys.
What thread guys.
| Dussander | 03-02-2006 04:49 PM |
I think Michelin is just kicking some Bridgestone ass.
| Wr4wrX | 03-02-2006 11:39 PM |
With the GP of Bahrain just around the corner and knowing the some of us will play in Pick 6, I thought it might be fun to post our predictions for the championship standings Pick 6 style. Might be cool to look back in October after Interlagos to see how we all did.
To preface, I think the points spread will be relatively small in the top 8 at the end of the season. I don't think 2nd place will pummel 3rd place by 50 points as Kimi did to Schumi in 2005.
[B]Drivers' World Championship[/B]
WC: Jense (I think Honda's got it right this season and the RA106 will suit Button's smooth style...and I'm a Button fan and slightly crazy)
2: Alonso (He would've been 3rd, but the Merc engine explodes every other race)
3: Kimi (McLaren will have a good car, but the Mercedes power plant blows...pun intended)
4: Rubens (I think the young bloods have the edge on his experience)
5: JPM (He should do alright if he stays away from "tennis" this season)
6: MS (Schumi this low in the standings might be wishful thinking...)
7: Fisi (He'll probably have fuel hose problems again)
8: Trulli (He'll finally get a haircut and edge out Ralf by losing the extra weight)
[B]Constructors' World Championship[/B]
WC: Honda
2: McLaren Mercedes
3: Renault
4: Toyota
5: Ferrari
6: Williams
7: BMW Sauber
8: Red Bull
9: STR
10: MF1
11: Super Aguri
To preface, I think the points spread will be relatively small in the top 8 at the end of the season. I don't think 2nd place will pummel 3rd place by 50 points as Kimi did to Schumi in 2005.
[B]Drivers' World Championship[/B]
WC: Jense (I think Honda's got it right this season and the RA106 will suit Button's smooth style...and I'm a Button fan and slightly crazy)
2: Alonso (He would've been 3rd, but the Merc engine explodes every other race)
3: Kimi (McLaren will have a good car, but the Mercedes power plant blows...pun intended)
4: Rubens (I think the young bloods have the edge on his experience)
5: JPM (He should do alright if he stays away from "tennis" this season)
6: MS (Schumi this low in the standings might be wishful thinking...)
7: Fisi (He'll probably have fuel hose problems again)
8: Trulli (He'll finally get a haircut and edge out Ralf by losing the extra weight)
[B]Constructors' World Championship[/B]
WC: Honda
2: McLaren Mercedes
3: Renault
4: Toyota
5: Ferrari
6: Williams
7: BMW Sauber
8: Red Bull
9: STR
10: MF1
11: Super Aguri
| Ferg | 03-03-2006 10:33 AM |
Morning news.
[QUOTE]Williams to run seamless shift in Bahrain
By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 3rd 2006, 12:56 GMT
Williams have given the green light to running their seamless shift gearbox from the start of the season, autosport.com has learned.
The team originally designed their new Cosworth-powered FW28 with the system, which allows gear changes to take place with minimal power loss, but were unsure about whether it would be reliable enough to start the season with.
Technical director Sam Michael made it clear at the launch of the team's new car in January that the team would only race the seamless shift gearbox if it was sure it would last a full Grand Prix distance.
Following extensive testing, the team have been convinced about the gearbox's durability and sources have revealed that they have opted to use the system from the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
"We are comfortable with its progression," said a Williams insider.
As a back-up, the team had the option of reverting to a standard gearbox if the seamless system was not reliable enough.
Team co-founder Patrick Head said at the car launch: "It is new technology for us and we are debugging it.
"We have got a backstop which is the same gearbox but in a slightly different configuration, but because the seamless is faster that is what we are planning to be racing."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella: Alonso exit no problem
By Michele Lostia Friday, March 3rd 2006, 10:19 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella says Fernando Alonso's decision to leave Renault has not affected the atmosphere within the team.
World Champion Alonso announced at the end of last year his plans to drive for McLaren in 2007, when his current contract with Renault expires.
While some of Renault's rivals have voiced their belief that Alonso's decision will hurt the French squad in 2006, Fisichella claims there are no problems at all.
"Everyone must make their own choices and Alonso felt this was the best one," Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Fisichella as saying. "But there are no problems, and there's still a great atmosphere inside the team.
"We'll both be able to benefit from this, and that will pay off for the team."
Fisichella also talked up his own chances in this year's championship, saying the new R26 will suit his driving style better than last year's car.
"I'm satisfied with the car and I'm optimistic for the upcoming season," he said. "I'd like to fight for the top positions in the championship.
"Last year [the car] was probably closer to the style of Alonso, who is an aggressive driver at turn entry, while I've always been very tidy.
"Together with the designers we managed to improve the car, and on 12 March in Bahrain we can already do well since we've worked hard during the winter. On my part, I'll try to be more determined and tough."
The Italian driver, however, believes the battle for the title will be hard, with several teams racing at the top, including Ferrari, who Fisichella reckons will bounce back this year.
"[Ferrari] will certainly be among the favourites, as they are every year after all, even though the championship is becoming harder and harder due to the improvements of certain teams who are able to fight at the top," he added.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]F1 teams close to testing agreement
By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 3rd 2006, 12:50 GMT
Formula One teams are on the verge of reaching a compromise testing agreement for 2006, autosport.com has learned, with Ferrari finally agreeing to fall in line with their rival teams.
Ferrari stood alone last season in refusing to sign-up to the 30-day in-season limit that was agreed between the other nine teams. The Maranello outfit believed that it was more cost efficient to restrict testing through a mileage limit rather than a day limit.
Although Ferrari's insistence on the matter appeared to have scuppered any chance of a deal being struck for this year, with some team's arguing they would not agree to a limit for 2006 unless every team signed up, moves have since taken place to find a compromise solution.
Autosport.com understands that a provisional deal has now been struck between teams and that a document is being circulated in a bid to get every outfit's signature of approval before a deadline of next Monday. The deal will only stand if all of F1's 11 teams approve the limitation.
It is understood that Ferrari, Renault, Honda and Williams have all so far put their signature to the deal, with other teams expected to do so imminently.
Toyota's Richard Cregan dismissed suggestions that his team were set to block the deal.
"That is not correct," he told autosport.com. "We are fully supportive of a testing agreement, as we were last year. We are really pushing for a deal to be struck and we support the concessions that have been made."
Although the exact details of the testing agreement have not been confirmed, it is understood to revolve around the basic premise of a 36-day in-season limit, that will run from next week's Bahrain Grand Prix until the season-closing Brazilian Grand Prix, and includes a summer testing ban.
The compromise solution that has won over Ferrari's support is believed to relate to exactly how the 36-days are counted as well as a way for teams to run at two tracks occasionally.
It is believed that teams can nominate circuits in their home country that will be exempt from the agreement under certain circumstances, as well as the possibility that aerodynamic straight-line testing will not count either.
These clauses in the deal mean, for example, that Ferrari will continue to be allowed to use their Fiorano and Mugello facilities without compromising their chance to test at other circuits.
There were fears that if a testing deal was not struck this year then testing costs would escalate dramatically, as a time when teams are trying to bring down the amount they spend.
Teams would also likely have tested at Grand Prix tracks shortly before the race in a bid to improve their knowledge. Honda Racing, Ferrari and Scuderia Toro Rosso have already tested at Bahrain recently because a previous agreement outlawing testing outside of Europe no longer stood.
Williams technical director Sam Michael said earlier this year that teams would change where they tested if there was no agreement.
"If there is no testing agreement then we will try and test on Grand Prix tracks," he said. "So you will test at Imola, Nurburgring and Magny-Cours for example, the tracks we cannot test on now, just weeks before the race."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]BMW 'not expecting miracles' in 2006
Friday, March 3rd 2006, 12:08 GMT
BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen says the team are not any expecting miracles this season as they prepare to make their debut under the new name.
The German carmaker took over the Sauber team last season and will make their Grand Prix debut in Bahrain next week.
But despite the bigger budget and more resources, Theissen has played down their chances of fighting at the top right away and said BMW are planning to go step by step.
"Since the starting shot was fired for the new BMW Sauber F1 team, eight months have passed," said Theissen in a team preview.
"In this short development time we have been working very efficiently. We have integrated the Munich and Hinwil sites, got the expansion project under way, signed up our drivers, found strong partners and sponsors, got an interim vehicle up and running and then the F1.06.
"After an intensive winter testing programme, our drivers have given the car the thumbs up. The engineers are also convinced that a major leap has been made compared to the previous year. We can say that things are looking good at this stage of development.
"What our achievements so far will look like on the race track we don't yet know. We aren't expecting any miracles to happen; we just want to make the most of our possibilities and advance step by step."
Nick Heidfeld will return to racing action for the first time since last year's Turkish Grand Prix in August, and the German driver admits he is desperate to start racing again.
"I'm desperately looking forward to my first race after a long gap and I can't wait to see what the competition is like," said Heidfeld, who missed the last part of the 2005 season due to injury.
"It's hard to make any predictions, but my guess is that Renault and Honda will be in the lead to start with, possibly followed by McLaren and Ferrari, and then a group of closely bunched teams. We will probably be in with that group."
Heidfeld's teammate Jacques Villeneuve is also looking forward to racing after months of winter testing.
"We have done a lot of winter testing, much more than one year ago, which is very positive. However, it's time to start," he said. "I'm really looking forward to the first race, because this is what it's all about."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Speed says V10 a disadvantage
By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 3rd 2006, 15:29 GMT
Scott Speed has hit back at those teams who have criticised Scuderia Toro Rosso for running V10 engines this year - by insisting they are going to have no advantage.
Some rival outfits are upset that Toro Rosso's decision to run the restricted V10 power-units could hand them the edge over some of the V8-powered teams.
But Speed has rubbished those claims, and instead believes that Toro Rosso are going to face a handicap this year because of their engine choice.
"Certainly, it's a big disadvantage for us because the V8 is the future of Formula One," he told reporters. "In the meantime, we're missing out of a year of development. It's at this point, not a performance advantage for us.
"Perhaps at the beginning of the year we could have a slight reliability advantage. But really by the end of the year, and certainly even now, the V8s are adapting and they're evolving, and they're already breaking track records in testing that they had from the V10 era.
"So we're really crossing our fingers that they don't develop the V8s to where we're completely uncompetitive. But as it stands now, I think it's a pretty equal playing ground."
The FIA have introduced an air intake restriction and rev-limit in a bid to ensure that the V10s perform at the same level as V8s this year, although these parameters will be changed if the equivalency aim does not work.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams to run seamless shift in Bahrain
By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 3rd 2006, 12:56 GMT
Williams have given the green light to running their seamless shift gearbox from the start of the season, autosport.com has learned.
The team originally designed their new Cosworth-powered FW28 with the system, which allows gear changes to take place with minimal power loss, but were unsure about whether it would be reliable enough to start the season with.
Technical director Sam Michael made it clear at the launch of the team's new car in January that the team would only race the seamless shift gearbox if it was sure it would last a full Grand Prix distance.
Following extensive testing, the team have been convinced about the gearbox's durability and sources have revealed that they have opted to use the system from the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
"We are comfortable with its progression," said a Williams insider.
As a back-up, the team had the option of reverting to a standard gearbox if the seamless system was not reliable enough.
Team co-founder Patrick Head said at the car launch: "It is new technology for us and we are debugging it.
"We have got a backstop which is the same gearbox but in a slightly different configuration, but because the seamless is faster that is what we are planning to be racing."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella: Alonso exit no problem
By Michele Lostia Friday, March 3rd 2006, 10:19 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella says Fernando Alonso's decision to leave Renault has not affected the atmosphere within the team.
World Champion Alonso announced at the end of last year his plans to drive for McLaren in 2007, when his current contract with Renault expires.
While some of Renault's rivals have voiced their belief that Alonso's decision will hurt the French squad in 2006, Fisichella claims there are no problems at all.
"Everyone must make their own choices and Alonso felt this was the best one," Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Fisichella as saying. "But there are no problems, and there's still a great atmosphere inside the team.
"We'll both be able to benefit from this, and that will pay off for the team."
Fisichella also talked up his own chances in this year's championship, saying the new R26 will suit his driving style better than last year's car.
"I'm satisfied with the car and I'm optimistic for the upcoming season," he said. "I'd like to fight for the top positions in the championship.
"Last year [the car] was probably closer to the style of Alonso, who is an aggressive driver at turn entry, while I've always been very tidy.
"Together with the designers we managed to improve the car, and on 12 March in Bahrain we can already do well since we've worked hard during the winter. On my part, I'll try to be more determined and tough."
The Italian driver, however, believes the battle for the title will be hard, with several teams racing at the top, including Ferrari, who Fisichella reckons will bounce back this year.
"[Ferrari] will certainly be among the favourites, as they are every year after all, even though the championship is becoming harder and harder due to the improvements of certain teams who are able to fight at the top," he added.
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]F1 teams close to testing agreement
By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 3rd 2006, 12:50 GMT
Formula One teams are on the verge of reaching a compromise testing agreement for 2006, autosport.com has learned, with Ferrari finally agreeing to fall in line with their rival teams.
Ferrari stood alone last season in refusing to sign-up to the 30-day in-season limit that was agreed between the other nine teams. The Maranello outfit believed that it was more cost efficient to restrict testing through a mileage limit rather than a day limit.
Although Ferrari's insistence on the matter appeared to have scuppered any chance of a deal being struck for this year, with some team's arguing they would not agree to a limit for 2006 unless every team signed up, moves have since taken place to find a compromise solution.
Autosport.com understands that a provisional deal has now been struck between teams and that a document is being circulated in a bid to get every outfit's signature of approval before a deadline of next Monday. The deal will only stand if all of F1's 11 teams approve the limitation.
It is understood that Ferrari, Renault, Honda and Williams have all so far put their signature to the deal, with other teams expected to do so imminently.
Toyota's Richard Cregan dismissed suggestions that his team were set to block the deal.
"That is not correct," he told autosport.com. "We are fully supportive of a testing agreement, as we were last year. We are really pushing for a deal to be struck and we support the concessions that have been made."
Although the exact details of the testing agreement have not been confirmed, it is understood to revolve around the basic premise of a 36-day in-season limit, that will run from next week's Bahrain Grand Prix until the season-closing Brazilian Grand Prix, and includes a summer testing ban.
The compromise solution that has won over Ferrari's support is believed to relate to exactly how the 36-days are counted as well as a way for teams to run at two tracks occasionally.
It is believed that teams can nominate circuits in their home country that will be exempt from the agreement under certain circumstances, as well as the possibility that aerodynamic straight-line testing will not count either.
These clauses in the deal mean, for example, that Ferrari will continue to be allowed to use their Fiorano and Mugello facilities without compromising their chance to test at other circuits.
There were fears that if a testing deal was not struck this year then testing costs would escalate dramatically, as a time when teams are trying to bring down the amount they spend.
Teams would also likely have tested at Grand Prix tracks shortly before the race in a bid to improve their knowledge. Honda Racing, Ferrari and Scuderia Toro Rosso have already tested at Bahrain recently because a previous agreement outlawing testing outside of Europe no longer stood.
Williams technical director Sam Michael said earlier this year that teams would change where they tested if there was no agreement.
"If there is no testing agreement then we will try and test on Grand Prix tracks," he said. "So you will test at Imola, Nurburgring and Magny-Cours for example, the tracks we cannot test on now, just weeks before the race."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]BMW 'not expecting miracles' in 2006
Friday, March 3rd 2006, 12:08 GMT
BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen says the team are not any expecting miracles this season as they prepare to make their debut under the new name.
The German carmaker took over the Sauber team last season and will make their Grand Prix debut in Bahrain next week.
But despite the bigger budget and more resources, Theissen has played down their chances of fighting at the top right away and said BMW are planning to go step by step.
"Since the starting shot was fired for the new BMW Sauber F1 team, eight months have passed," said Theissen in a team preview.
"In this short development time we have been working very efficiently. We have integrated the Munich and Hinwil sites, got the expansion project under way, signed up our drivers, found strong partners and sponsors, got an interim vehicle up and running and then the F1.06.
"After an intensive winter testing programme, our drivers have given the car the thumbs up. The engineers are also convinced that a major leap has been made compared to the previous year. We can say that things are looking good at this stage of development.
"What our achievements so far will look like on the race track we don't yet know. We aren't expecting any miracles to happen; we just want to make the most of our possibilities and advance step by step."
Nick Heidfeld will return to racing action for the first time since last year's Turkish Grand Prix in August, and the German driver admits he is desperate to start racing again.
"I'm desperately looking forward to my first race after a long gap and I can't wait to see what the competition is like," said Heidfeld, who missed the last part of the 2005 season due to injury.
"It's hard to make any predictions, but my guess is that Renault and Honda will be in the lead to start with, possibly followed by McLaren and Ferrari, and then a group of closely bunched teams. We will probably be in with that group."
Heidfeld's teammate Jacques Villeneuve is also looking forward to racing after months of winter testing.
"We have done a lot of winter testing, much more than one year ago, which is very positive. However, it's time to start," he said. "I'm really looking forward to the first race, because this is what it's all about."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Speed says V10 a disadvantage
By Jonathan Noble Friday, March 3rd 2006, 15:29 GMT
Scott Speed has hit back at those teams who have criticised Scuderia Toro Rosso for running V10 engines this year - by insisting they are going to have no advantage.
Some rival outfits are upset that Toro Rosso's decision to run the restricted V10 power-units could hand them the edge over some of the V8-powered teams.
But Speed has rubbished those claims, and instead believes that Toro Rosso are going to face a handicap this year because of their engine choice.
"Certainly, it's a big disadvantage for us because the V8 is the future of Formula One," he told reporters. "In the meantime, we're missing out of a year of development. It's at this point, not a performance advantage for us.
"Perhaps at the beginning of the year we could have a slight reliability advantage. But really by the end of the year, and certainly even now, the V8s are adapting and they're evolving, and they're already breaking track records in testing that they had from the V10 era.
"So we're really crossing our fingers that they don't develop the V8s to where we're completely uncompetitive. But as it stands now, I think it's a pretty equal playing ground."
The FIA have introduced an air intake restriction and rev-limit in a bid to ensure that the V10s perform at the same level as V8s this year, although these parameters will be changed if the equivalency aim does not work.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 03-03-2006 10:50 AM |
Didn't BAR get slapped around for usng a seamless shift 2 seasons ago? Thought the was a rule about shifts being too close.
| StuBeck | 03-03-2006 11:11 AM |
No, it was allowed, basically they ran it last year too, essentially no lag time between shifts.
The former tech director for Red Bull is going to start on the NASCAR team too. That will be an interesting switch over.
The former tech director for Red Bull is going to start on the NASCAR team too. That will be an interesting switch over.
| artkevin | 03-03-2006 11:26 AM |
I know they ran the same box but I thought the FIA made them slow the shifts down becuse seamless shifts are/were illegal. I guess I am wrong because Williams is running it out in the open. I will have to make sure to listen for it.
| StuBeck | 03-03-2006 11:47 AM |
CVT is banned, seamless shift wasn't because it isn't the same thing, the other thing is they already give such a small time period for the shifts. The FIA used to give the teams some tiny number to do a shift in (some like 300ms) but ferrari got it down to 70, so for that rest fo the time they could run traction control and whatever since it was unregulated time.
| Ferg | 03-03-2006 11:56 AM |
Q&A with Scott Speed.
It's long, but hey, he's the frist American in F1 since 1993.
[QUOTE]Q & A with Scott Speed
Friday, March 3rd 2006, 15:37 GMT
Provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's press office.
[b]Q. Scott, we appreciate you joining us today.[/b]
Speed: Thanks for having me.
[b]Q. Explain your mood heading into Bahrain? With your F1 race-driving debut and now as I look at the calendar today is the first, it's 11 days away, it's the 12th. Is there excitement, nerves, a mixture of both? What's your mindset right now?[/b]
Speed: To be honest, I think it's a bit of everything. You know, there's a ton of excitement and as well a lot of nerves. I'm trying to tell myself that, you know, I'm not really expected to do much with my lack of experience and everything else, but at the same time, you know, I'm a racing driver and I want to do really well performance-wise. You know, I'm just really trying to keep my head down and keep focused and hope it's a good weekend.
[b]Q. Hi, it's Debbie Arrington, Sacramento Bee. Congratulations, Scott. This is, you know, fantastic and everybody here in the Sacramento area is very excited about this. What have you been doing these last two months to prepare for your F1 start?[/b]
Speed: Well, fortunately we've had quite a bit of testing in the new car. We were able to test the brand new Scuderia Toro Rosso, for the STR1 car in Bahrain already. So it's really been a lot of travel from test to test, and I actually just got back from Paul Ricard, doing a big media day with the new livery of the car, which I can tell you looks amazing. It's going to be a shock in the F1 world, I can tell you that. So it's really been doing a lot of in car training and then, you know, the normal physical training that I have regimented anyway.
[b]Q. Hi, there. Dave Kallman, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Scott, I want to read you something that that Bob Varsha said in a conversation about a month or so ago and kind of get your reaction. He said: "I hope Scott understands that he bears a very significant responsibility. He's carrying the hopes of a lot of people to help raise the Formula One profile here in America." What do you think of that? Is that accurate? Is that fair? And how do you kind of deal with that?[/b]
Speed: To be honest with you, this is the first time I've heard it. But in a way he's right. I don't personally try to think about the responsibility I hold, although I am aware of it. That, you know, I have been ever since I've gotten to Europe under the Red Bull program. And it has definitely been very difficult to change the perception of American racing drivers in Europe ever since I first got here.
I can say, though, fortunately as far as like how I'm perceived by my colleagues, the other racing drivers and the people that are at the racetrack, the opinion of American racing drivers has definitely changed in the last three years after the success of myself and my other junior teammate, Colin Fleming, have had in Europe.
Certainly, as well, there's responsibility of trying to raise the awareness of Formula One in America. And it's something that I really hope we can do.
[b]Q. If I can follow that up. You mentioned before that, you know, obviously expectation with you being a rookie are kind of unsure. And obviously at this time of the year, there's a ton of unknown going on. But - and your situation is kind of, you know, kind of strange with the Red Bull team and the Toro Rosso team. But how would you look at this, you know, going into this year are these more like Red Bull expectations are more sort of Minardi-like expectations?[/b]
Speed: No, I think that it's a total Red Bull deal. The whole environment has changed quite a bit. Of course, there's still a team mostly based of Italians, which really is quite a good fit because the Italians themselves, at least the ones in my team - I mean they're such driven people, and they really work hard at what they want to do.
They have a lot of passion in it. And I think that it fits very well with the Red Bull attitude. And, you know, as far as Red Bull expectation is that they really encourage us to just be ourself and to try our best, and the most competitive of the Red Bull drivers will be the one that rises to the top.
[b]Q. Question for you on, you know, with the rule changes in Formula One and the new engines and some teams going back to the V10s instead of going to the new V8s, do you think this is going to make it a little easier for your team to be competitive because everybody is starting from scratch?[/b]
Speed: Certainly, it's a big disadvantage for us because the V8 is the future of Formula One. In the meantime, we're missing out of a year of development. It's at this point, not a performance advantage for us. Perhaps at the beginning of the year we could have a slight reliability advantage.
But really it's � by the end of the year and certainly even now the V8s are � they're adapting and they're evolving, and they're already breaking track records in testing that they had from the V10 era. So we're really crossing our fingers that they don't develop the V8s to where we're completely uncompetitive. But as it stands now, I think it's a pretty equal playing ground.
[b]Q. This is a clarification there � this is Paul Kelly � the regulations this year for Formula One have changed. The engines have changed to a V8 configuration. But there is a provision in the rules where teams can use a restricted V10. And that's what Scuderia Toro Rosso is using through an air restrictor. It's a restricted V10. And Scott, if I'm not mistaken, STR is the only team that's using a V10 this year, correct?[/b]
Speed: Yes, I think so.
[b]Q. Hi. Good morning, Scott. First of all, congratulations, like everybody said. This is Jorge Mondaca from racingone.com. I know you've been over there in Europe testing, but can you talk about your feelings about Formula One here in the United States?[/b]
Speed: My feelings are that I really hope that the presence of Formula One can increase. I mean it's � clearly for all, you know, really hard pressed motor racing or motor racing drivers. It's the pinnacle of motorsports for us. It's what everyone that races cars maybe hopes to have someday. It's � for an American it's so difficult to go to Europe because it's primarily based in Europe, that it sometimes gets � it's an impossibility.
And you do things, you start driving in NASCAR and Champ Car, and it's kind of a different community of people and it's a different type of racing. But Formula One being, you know, so technologically advanced and the cars being, you know, constantly improved upon and advanced, it's something that I think � it would fit so well for America, and we really need to get that presence amplified.
[b]Q. And also as a follow up, what do you think that your presence is going to do? Do you think it will amplify the interest in Formula One here in the States?[/b]
Speed: You know, I'm really not sure. I hope that we have some good results during the year, and I hope we can generate some media around it. And I just keep my fingers that it does.
[b]Q. Scott, Curt (Cavin) from the Indianapolis Star. Hey, I needed to get a sense � do you feel like you've arrived at this point? Or do you feel like because of where you sit on a team structure that you still have just so much more to prove, you know, so much more yet to climb?[/b]
Speed: You know, that's a very good question. I think that where I'm at and the position I'm at with Scuderia Toro Rosso is a very good opportunity to enter Formula One. It's always difficult for every driver when they get into Formula One for the first year because it's such a different form of racing than anything you get to try until you get there.
With, you know, 20 mechanics working on your car on a race weekend and a team of over 100 people developing parts, working on the technology side, the aerodynamic side, the mechanical side of the car, to be kind of the leader of a group and to get everyone to focus their attention and go in one direction is a really something you have to learn how to do.
And I think with the situation I have with Scuderia Toro Rosso, it being one of the smaller teams, and it's � I think it's going to be a good way to get my feet into Formula One and after the first year we really start to set our expectations higher.
[b]Q. Don't you think that � some of that what you're talking about, becoming a leader of a group and your adaptability are almost more important measures of your success then even if you finish with a point or some points or right at the, you know, your finishes aren't maybe as important as how you develop as kind of a member of that team?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, no, you're absolutely correct. It is definitely more important because where you finish, as far as if you get a point or two points or how your finishes are is very much dictated on a big pictures of things. It's not just your own ability.
And as well certainly you have to take into consideration how your teammates are doing, because in Formula One the biggest measuring stick is how your teammate is doing, because of the vast differences between the teams it's really the closest way to compare driving.
So it's definitely a situation where you have to grow as a driver and the more you learn about everything then for sure the more opportunities you're going to have in the future.
[b]Q. How much feedback have you gotten from your friends and your family in San Joaquin County and Manteca? You're kind of becoming a big name around here? How much feedback have you gotten?[/b]
Speed: You know, to be honest I've been travelling so much in the last months I haven't really seen actually what's been going on. Certainly a lot of my friends back home that I have are real excited about the opportunity. And I'm definitely keeping in touch with a lot of people that I used to know from school and it's, you know, everyone's been very supportive of it.
[b]Q. Yeah Jack � this is Jack Rux. I'm from the Oakland Tribune, Scott. I think I may have talked to you a little bit once or twice before. But in any case, how is this off season with such a pivotal off season before you head into your first Formula One change as far as getting back home in the off season so to speak? Have you been pretty much living in Europe or in England or whatever the whole time, or what?[/b]
Speed: No, I got an opportunity to come back to the States in October and then again in December, but in both circumstances it was for training purposes. It's � I got to spend a week with my family during Christmas, which is really nice, to get my feet kind of back on the ground and get focused again.
And ever since then it's been really focusing and training as hard as I can. And I know that this is my opportunity in my life that I've been given and if I mess it up it's no one's fault by myself, so I'm trying to leave nothing to chance, I'm doing everything I can.
[b]Q. OK. So as opposed to previous years when you finished up, would you say what kind of percentage of time spent at home would you say it was compared to previous � the last couple years before this?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, to be honest it's actually been very similar because I've been primarily based in Europe, I've spent on average three weeks at home a year. And this year was no different. It's more of a question of where I have to be in the world at the time because my travel schedule, with the testing and the media obligations in Europe is quite hectic.
And this year was even worse. So I'd say it's been actually similar, and mostly because I got off earlier last year from my season. But still on average it's about three weeks I get to spend with my family a year.
[b]Q. Hi, Scott. I'm Nate Ryan from USA Today. Being the first American to do this in some 13 years or whatever, is there anyone you can seek advice from on what this transition is like for someone who has lived most of their life in the United States? I know Michael Andretti didn't have an enjoyable experience over there, but have you asked him maybe what he went through? Or have you leaned Eddie Cheever to see what he might have gone through when he was racing over there?[/b]
Speed: I've never actually met Michael or any or any of the Andretti's to be honest. I did � I have tested at the end of 2004 with Cheever with the IRL car to help him out on some oval stuff and he gave me a bit of advice, for sure. But really it's something that every driver has to go with � go through no matter what you're nationality is.
So driver's like David Coulthard and Tonio Liuzzi has gone through himself last year the first races, have really been a help. I mean the whole Red Bull � all the drivers and all the staff is really like one big family, and we all get along really well and we're able to really help each other out in that way.[/QUOTE]
It's long, but hey, he's the frist American in F1 since 1993.
[QUOTE]Q & A with Scott Speed
Friday, March 3rd 2006, 15:37 GMT
Provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway's press office.
[b]Q. Scott, we appreciate you joining us today.[/b]
Speed: Thanks for having me.
[b]Q. Explain your mood heading into Bahrain? With your F1 race-driving debut and now as I look at the calendar today is the first, it's 11 days away, it's the 12th. Is there excitement, nerves, a mixture of both? What's your mindset right now?[/b]
Speed: To be honest, I think it's a bit of everything. You know, there's a ton of excitement and as well a lot of nerves. I'm trying to tell myself that, you know, I'm not really expected to do much with my lack of experience and everything else, but at the same time, you know, I'm a racing driver and I want to do really well performance-wise. You know, I'm just really trying to keep my head down and keep focused and hope it's a good weekend.
[b]Q. Hi, it's Debbie Arrington, Sacramento Bee. Congratulations, Scott. This is, you know, fantastic and everybody here in the Sacramento area is very excited about this. What have you been doing these last two months to prepare for your F1 start?[/b]
Speed: Well, fortunately we've had quite a bit of testing in the new car. We were able to test the brand new Scuderia Toro Rosso, for the STR1 car in Bahrain already. So it's really been a lot of travel from test to test, and I actually just got back from Paul Ricard, doing a big media day with the new livery of the car, which I can tell you looks amazing. It's going to be a shock in the F1 world, I can tell you that. So it's really been doing a lot of in car training and then, you know, the normal physical training that I have regimented anyway.
[b]Q. Hi, there. Dave Kallman, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Scott, I want to read you something that that Bob Varsha said in a conversation about a month or so ago and kind of get your reaction. He said: "I hope Scott understands that he bears a very significant responsibility. He's carrying the hopes of a lot of people to help raise the Formula One profile here in America." What do you think of that? Is that accurate? Is that fair? And how do you kind of deal with that?[/b]
Speed: To be honest with you, this is the first time I've heard it. But in a way he's right. I don't personally try to think about the responsibility I hold, although I am aware of it. That, you know, I have been ever since I've gotten to Europe under the Red Bull program. And it has definitely been very difficult to change the perception of American racing drivers in Europe ever since I first got here.
I can say, though, fortunately as far as like how I'm perceived by my colleagues, the other racing drivers and the people that are at the racetrack, the opinion of American racing drivers has definitely changed in the last three years after the success of myself and my other junior teammate, Colin Fleming, have had in Europe.
Certainly, as well, there's responsibility of trying to raise the awareness of Formula One in America. And it's something that I really hope we can do.
[b]Q. If I can follow that up. You mentioned before that, you know, obviously expectation with you being a rookie are kind of unsure. And obviously at this time of the year, there's a ton of unknown going on. But - and your situation is kind of, you know, kind of strange with the Red Bull team and the Toro Rosso team. But how would you look at this, you know, going into this year are these more like Red Bull expectations are more sort of Minardi-like expectations?[/b]
Speed: No, I think that it's a total Red Bull deal. The whole environment has changed quite a bit. Of course, there's still a team mostly based of Italians, which really is quite a good fit because the Italians themselves, at least the ones in my team - I mean they're such driven people, and they really work hard at what they want to do.
They have a lot of passion in it. And I think that it fits very well with the Red Bull attitude. And, you know, as far as Red Bull expectation is that they really encourage us to just be ourself and to try our best, and the most competitive of the Red Bull drivers will be the one that rises to the top.
[b]Q. Question for you on, you know, with the rule changes in Formula One and the new engines and some teams going back to the V10s instead of going to the new V8s, do you think this is going to make it a little easier for your team to be competitive because everybody is starting from scratch?[/b]
Speed: Certainly, it's a big disadvantage for us because the V8 is the future of Formula One. In the meantime, we're missing out of a year of development. It's at this point, not a performance advantage for us. Perhaps at the beginning of the year we could have a slight reliability advantage.
But really it's � by the end of the year and certainly even now the V8s are � they're adapting and they're evolving, and they're already breaking track records in testing that they had from the V10 era. So we're really crossing our fingers that they don't develop the V8s to where we're completely uncompetitive. But as it stands now, I think it's a pretty equal playing ground.
[b]Q. This is a clarification there � this is Paul Kelly � the regulations this year for Formula One have changed. The engines have changed to a V8 configuration. But there is a provision in the rules where teams can use a restricted V10. And that's what Scuderia Toro Rosso is using through an air restrictor. It's a restricted V10. And Scott, if I'm not mistaken, STR is the only team that's using a V10 this year, correct?[/b]
Speed: Yes, I think so.
[b]Q. Hi. Good morning, Scott. First of all, congratulations, like everybody said. This is Jorge Mondaca from racingone.com. I know you've been over there in Europe testing, but can you talk about your feelings about Formula One here in the United States?[/b]
Speed: My feelings are that I really hope that the presence of Formula One can increase. I mean it's � clearly for all, you know, really hard pressed motor racing or motor racing drivers. It's the pinnacle of motorsports for us. It's what everyone that races cars maybe hopes to have someday. It's � for an American it's so difficult to go to Europe because it's primarily based in Europe, that it sometimes gets � it's an impossibility.
And you do things, you start driving in NASCAR and Champ Car, and it's kind of a different community of people and it's a different type of racing. But Formula One being, you know, so technologically advanced and the cars being, you know, constantly improved upon and advanced, it's something that I think � it would fit so well for America, and we really need to get that presence amplified.
[b]Q. And also as a follow up, what do you think that your presence is going to do? Do you think it will amplify the interest in Formula One here in the States?[/b]
Speed: You know, I'm really not sure. I hope that we have some good results during the year, and I hope we can generate some media around it. And I just keep my fingers that it does.
[b]Q. Scott, Curt (Cavin) from the Indianapolis Star. Hey, I needed to get a sense � do you feel like you've arrived at this point? Or do you feel like because of where you sit on a team structure that you still have just so much more to prove, you know, so much more yet to climb?[/b]
Speed: You know, that's a very good question. I think that where I'm at and the position I'm at with Scuderia Toro Rosso is a very good opportunity to enter Formula One. It's always difficult for every driver when they get into Formula One for the first year because it's such a different form of racing than anything you get to try until you get there.
With, you know, 20 mechanics working on your car on a race weekend and a team of over 100 people developing parts, working on the technology side, the aerodynamic side, the mechanical side of the car, to be kind of the leader of a group and to get everyone to focus their attention and go in one direction is a really something you have to learn how to do.
And I think with the situation I have with Scuderia Toro Rosso, it being one of the smaller teams, and it's � I think it's going to be a good way to get my feet into Formula One and after the first year we really start to set our expectations higher.
[b]Q. Don't you think that � some of that what you're talking about, becoming a leader of a group and your adaptability are almost more important measures of your success then even if you finish with a point or some points or right at the, you know, your finishes aren't maybe as important as how you develop as kind of a member of that team?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, no, you're absolutely correct. It is definitely more important because where you finish, as far as if you get a point or two points or how your finishes are is very much dictated on a big pictures of things. It's not just your own ability.
And as well certainly you have to take into consideration how your teammates are doing, because in Formula One the biggest measuring stick is how your teammate is doing, because of the vast differences between the teams it's really the closest way to compare driving.
So it's definitely a situation where you have to grow as a driver and the more you learn about everything then for sure the more opportunities you're going to have in the future.
[b]Q. How much feedback have you gotten from your friends and your family in San Joaquin County and Manteca? You're kind of becoming a big name around here? How much feedback have you gotten?[/b]
Speed: You know, to be honest I've been travelling so much in the last months I haven't really seen actually what's been going on. Certainly a lot of my friends back home that I have are real excited about the opportunity. And I'm definitely keeping in touch with a lot of people that I used to know from school and it's, you know, everyone's been very supportive of it.
[b]Q. Yeah Jack � this is Jack Rux. I'm from the Oakland Tribune, Scott. I think I may have talked to you a little bit once or twice before. But in any case, how is this off season with such a pivotal off season before you head into your first Formula One change as far as getting back home in the off season so to speak? Have you been pretty much living in Europe or in England or whatever the whole time, or what?[/b]
Speed: No, I got an opportunity to come back to the States in October and then again in December, but in both circumstances it was for training purposes. It's � I got to spend a week with my family during Christmas, which is really nice, to get my feet kind of back on the ground and get focused again.
And ever since then it's been really focusing and training as hard as I can. And I know that this is my opportunity in my life that I've been given and if I mess it up it's no one's fault by myself, so I'm trying to leave nothing to chance, I'm doing everything I can.
[b]Q. OK. So as opposed to previous years when you finished up, would you say what kind of percentage of time spent at home would you say it was compared to previous � the last couple years before this?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, to be honest it's actually been very similar because I've been primarily based in Europe, I've spent on average three weeks at home a year. And this year was no different. It's more of a question of where I have to be in the world at the time because my travel schedule, with the testing and the media obligations in Europe is quite hectic.
And this year was even worse. So I'd say it's been actually similar, and mostly because I got off earlier last year from my season. But still on average it's about three weeks I get to spend with my family a year.
[b]Q. Hi, Scott. I'm Nate Ryan from USA Today. Being the first American to do this in some 13 years or whatever, is there anyone you can seek advice from on what this transition is like for someone who has lived most of their life in the United States? I know Michael Andretti didn't have an enjoyable experience over there, but have you asked him maybe what he went through? Or have you leaned Eddie Cheever to see what he might have gone through when he was racing over there?[/b]
Speed: I've never actually met Michael or any or any of the Andretti's to be honest. I did � I have tested at the end of 2004 with Cheever with the IRL car to help him out on some oval stuff and he gave me a bit of advice, for sure. But really it's something that every driver has to go with � go through no matter what you're nationality is.
So driver's like David Coulthard and Tonio Liuzzi has gone through himself last year the first races, have really been a help. I mean the whole Red Bull � all the drivers and all the staff is really like one big family, and we all get along really well and we're able to really help each other out in that way.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 03-03-2006 11:57 AM |
and some more...
[QUOTE][b]Q. What kind of advice did you get from Eddie Cheever?[/b]
Speed: Oh, just push hard.
[b]Q. Yeah. You mentioned having to be the leader of the team and when I talked to him once about F1 he kind of mentioned the same thing. How hard is that to be the team leader at, I guess, age 23?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, it's very difficult. It's, like I said earlier, a part of motor racing that you never get to experience until you get here. And I'm trying to learn my best at it. But it's really like a management role of a company. If you say like one of these really big companies, someone to manage everyone and to make sure that everyone's working in the right way.
It's really difficult. Yeah, I'm learning as much as I can. That's for sure.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. Congratulations on the opportunity this year. I wanted to ask you a question about your start as a driver. If I remember correctly from our conversation before, you got your start from karting? Is that the common entry point today for young drivers to get involved in racing?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, I think it's, for sure, the most common. I don't know � I don't think I know anyone personally that's either in Formula One or Champ Car that's got into motor racing any other way. I think that you start racing in (karts), and you develop quite a lot as a kid.
You know, it's like anything when you learn something when you're very young, I think you remember much longer and you normally retain the information better. But it's something that I personally was in since I was 11 years old, and I've pretty much spend my whole life on it ever since. So it certainly worked for me.
[b]Q. If I remember correctly, I think you'd said your first race was like in a San Jose parking lot?[/b]
Speed: Actually, yes it was. I think it was the fairgrounds.
[b]Q. So did this become like a family activity? Something you guys were doing on the weekends, travelling around the state?[/b]
Speed: Yes � no it's complete � my whole racing � my whole life very close to my family. My dad raced go-karts when I was a kid. I used to follow him around the racetrack since I was 4 years old. And my family's involved. My brother is a three-time national champion himself; he's a ridiculously decorated driver in America. And, you know, it's my dad and my mom and everyone follow the racing very closely.
[b]Q. And the last question, so when you're back here in the States, I mean do most people know what you do? I mean do kids � are they familiar with what you do? I mean are there little kids in karts out there wanting to be like Scott Speed?[/b]
Speed: I think certainly within the karting community most people know about me and what I'm doing here in Formula One because I think everyone in karting watches Formula One. But as far as like the general public, it's certainly a lot less � there's a lot less people out there that know about myself or even Formula One, you know, opposed to Europe if I were to go into a mall in Salzburg (Austria) wearing some driver team gear there'd be kids running up all day.
So it's, you know, it's � there's room for improvement, let me put it that way. We certainly need to raise the awareness of Formula One in America.
[b]Q. Yeah, this is Jim Pedley from the Kansas City Star. Scott, it's been over a dozen years since there has been an American driver in the sport. Why is that? Is it obstacles people are facing? Or less opportunity? Why has it taken 12 to 13 years for another American to get entry into the sport?[/b]
Speed: I'd say lack of opportunity. For myself personally, I didn't come from a family who had a lot of money and was able to pay for a season of racing and living in Europe. So without Red Bull's help, I wouldn't be here. And I think that this is the case for most American kids who grow in karting.
To make the move, not only financially, but emotionally and, you know, changing your whole life and move to Europe, it's a very, very big commitment, and I think a lot of kids just never get the opportunity. Actually, I know a lot of kids that are in kart racing or who've definitely got the talent but just don't have the opportunity to come to Europe to partake in the junior championships that you need to run in to reach Formula One.
[b]Q. Hi, Scott. Dan Knutson, National Speed Sport News. In one way, the U.S. Grand Prix is just another race, but in another way it's, you know, your home race there's going to be tens of thousands of people in those grandstands cheering for you. What do you think you're going to feel when you pull out on those pits to start practice and then line up on that grid on that famous straightaway?[/b]
Speed: I don't know. It's, for sure, going to be an emotional experience. I'm looking so much forward to � I remember last year when I was doing the test driving duties at Indy, everyone there was so friendly and it was such a good feeling when you're based in Europe you never get to see your family.
To be able to come back and race and, you know, do what you've worked for all year and you get to share it with, you know, kind of your people. It's definitely a special experience.
[b]Q. And on a different subject, you talked about your teammate. How well do you get on with Tonio Liuzzi? You want to beat him, but you also want to work together, of course, to make the car better.[/b]
Speed: We get along really well. Tonio is really, really laid back, and I think that everyone pretty much gets along with Tonio. If you can't get along with Tonio, then you got some problems.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. Do you feel that sometimes American drivers are � in this sport are held to a different standard then guys in Europe? I mean even after Jenson Button heard what all you accomplished in the other levels, he said, "You know, I hope he does a good job getting out of my way." So do you think right away that just being an American you're viewed as a different level than the other guys?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, certainly � how do you say, the reputation for American racing drivers in Europe is not the best. And I think we've done a big part to change that in the last years, but it's something that's for the time being is going to be in question.
I don't worry about it too much; I have the same job to do no matter what. And hopefully we can change the opinions of people with some time.
[b]Q. Who are some other guys that you've seen coming up through this program that might be able to follow you?[/b]
Speed: As far as through the Red Bull driver search program?
[b]Q. Through the Red Bull driver search, yes. Kids that might be in there now that might join you up there in a couple years?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, certainly the most promising other American who's been a roommate of mine, (Colin Fleming). He grew up the same way as I did. He's currently doing the (Dallara) World Series stuff. And I don't think really as far as in the Red Bull program there's any other options � or any other opportunities.
[b]Q. Yeah, while we're waiting for another question to come in � this is Paul Kelly, I want to ask you a quick question, what is the biggest change for you going from GP2 to F1? Is it physical, because we all know that just the ridiculous forces that an F1 car puts on the body, especially the braking, or is it mental, because you did mention about how you're really in � you're almost like in a management position now and you have to mold the team around you? So what's more of a daunting challenge, the physical or the mental?[/b]
Speed: You know, I'll tell you that's easy. In the preseason before I really was into it, it was trying to prepare physically, because like you said, the forces of the Formula One car are unlike anything, mostly the neck muscles. Your neck takes a beating, I mean my neck looks really out of proportion now; let me put it that way.
And then after driving it, and once you get yourself physically ready, which happens in time because it's something that changes as you drive the car and you get � your body adapts to it. And now the physical thing is not a problem, and now it becomes, for sure, trying to work at putting all the people in place and working at making the team be successful. And making the team all push in the same direction.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. Jorge from racingone again. I was wondering, disregarding the fact that this is a U.S. Grand Prix teleconference, which race are you most looking forward to? Is it getting out of the box here in Bahrain, or which is it?[/b]
Speed: It's, for sure, the first race in Bahrain. It's something that I've been dreaming of since I was 11 years old to race in Formula One. And I'm going to have my dad there with me. And it's, for sure, going to be a very emotional experience.
[b]Q. Also as a follow-up, there's going to be a couple of races in Italy. Do you think that there will be a lot of Red Bull Italian fans there or do you think there's going to be some hostility there because Minardi has changed?[/b]
Speed: That's something that I really don't know. I think that when everyone sees the image and what we're trying to do with Toro Rosso, it's hard not to like it. It's something that's really cool and it's its own style. I don't think you're going to � I don't think anyone's going to not like Toro Rosso.
[b]Q. Yeah, Scott. As far as, you know, the dream of Formula One for American race � kids growing up to be racers or whatever, do you pretty much, you know, have to � you have to learn how to live in Europe, that's for sure. But you almost have to become, you know, a European lifestyle in living there and whatever, and what � if you're an American in Europe what do you do the few hours away from racing when you're not totally focused on it?[/b]
Speed: You definitely adapt to the European lifestyle, that's for sure. Because I remember when I first moved to Europe I went absolutely crazy because stores were not open on Sunday. I'd wake up Sunday morning. There'd be no milk in the fridge. I didn't have breakfast. So it's definitely something you adapt to. And at the end, I end up quite liking it. I have a pretty European lifestyle now.
I have a lot of good friends here and a lot of good emotional support. And in the time off you mostly spend it relaxing at home, not doing anything. Because when you live a life travelling all over the world, the last thing you want to do is travel for vacation.
[b]Q. Hi, Scott. One of you strengths, it seems to me, is that you can get in a car and instantly be fast. Like in Turkey last year. No one had been at that track, and within about five laps you were at the top of the timesheets (in GP2). Do you think that's one of your main strengths as a driver? And what are your other main strengths, do you think?[/b]
Speed: No, absolutely. Ever since I've been in karting, my biggest strength has been adapted. Adapting to new circuits, adapting to new cars, to new techniques. It's something that I've always, I think, good at. Certainly, this is going to help a lot in Formula One. As Formula One is a sport that's always changing. There's always new regulations coming out, and the cars are different every single year.
And actually not only different every year, the cars are always changing throughout the year. That you're always getting, you know, a new front wing from the aerodynamic department that's got 2 percent more downforce or, you know, it's something that's always changing, I think this is going to be the biggest thing that helps me.
[b]Q. Yeah, this is Paul Kelly again, while we wait to see if anybody else comes in the queue, I've got another question for you. If an American race fan came to you as the only American race driver and said: "I'm really interested and curious about this Formula One stuff, you're a driver. Other than the fact that's the pinnacle of the sport, what about it really, really jazzes you? I mean what, if I'm going to an F1 for the first time, what should I expect and what separates it and makes it so exciting and so much more unique from other forms of motorsports?"[/b]
Speed: Oh, it's easy. I tell you the first time that you get to see a Formula One car live on a racetrack, it takes your breath away. The performance of the car is unlike anything else. The way it stops, how fast it is going through the corners; it's absolutely amazing to watch.
And as a driver who's driven everything from Champ Car, IRL to GP2, the feeling of how fast this car is through the corners is unbelievable. It really is for the first, you know, six months of your driving the car, you have to tell yourself going into a high-speed corner that the car is going to take it, and you got to keep your foot down and let the car rail around the corner.
It's, you know, it's like having personal control of your own ridiculously sweet roller coaster. The amount of force that you're able to take, and it's just an awesome ride. I think this is the biggest thing that attracts people to Formula One. and I think as well as maybe part of the reason why Formula One is not that big in the States because we have one race a year, while in Europe there's races � someone could go to, you know, six races a year if they wanted to pretty easy.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. What would make you happy with your performance in Bahrain? What are your personal expectations for yourself there, just finishing or what?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, it's difficult to say. For sure, I'd like to do � to be competitive against my teammate. But really just to know where our team is going to end up at the end of the day is very difficult to know right now. Certainly after Bahrain, I'm going to have a much clearer picture of what we expect and what we can hope for. But until then we're really, you know, crossing our fingers that it's going to turn out well.
[b]Q. All right, one last question for me Scott. Do you ever sort of stop and just think what a whirlwind you've gone through here? You've gone from, you know, you just say racing in a parking lot to the premier racing series in the world and you're only 23 years old. Do you ever sort of stop and say, "Wow, this is gone so quick?" Or are you actually so busy racing you haven't had time to think about it?[/b]
Speed: No, to be honest in the last off season spending time with my family and my girlfriend it's � all of us have been able to sit back and look at it and say, you know, I always wanted to go to Formula One, but I could have never sat down and thought this is how I would get there. The things that have happened in my life, for one, the disease I had. With all the things that have happened, it's a path that could have never predicted. And I'm so happy that it's worked out this way, and I know that there was a lot of luck on my side to get me here.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][b]Q. What kind of advice did you get from Eddie Cheever?[/b]
Speed: Oh, just push hard.
[b]Q. Yeah. You mentioned having to be the leader of the team and when I talked to him once about F1 he kind of mentioned the same thing. How hard is that to be the team leader at, I guess, age 23?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, it's very difficult. It's, like I said earlier, a part of motor racing that you never get to experience until you get here. And I'm trying to learn my best at it. But it's really like a management role of a company. If you say like one of these really big companies, someone to manage everyone and to make sure that everyone's working in the right way.
It's really difficult. Yeah, I'm learning as much as I can. That's for sure.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. Congratulations on the opportunity this year. I wanted to ask you a question about your start as a driver. If I remember correctly from our conversation before, you got your start from karting? Is that the common entry point today for young drivers to get involved in racing?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, I think it's, for sure, the most common. I don't know � I don't think I know anyone personally that's either in Formula One or Champ Car that's got into motor racing any other way. I think that you start racing in (karts), and you develop quite a lot as a kid.
You know, it's like anything when you learn something when you're very young, I think you remember much longer and you normally retain the information better. But it's something that I personally was in since I was 11 years old, and I've pretty much spend my whole life on it ever since. So it certainly worked for me.
[b]Q. If I remember correctly, I think you'd said your first race was like in a San Jose parking lot?[/b]
Speed: Actually, yes it was. I think it was the fairgrounds.
[b]Q. So did this become like a family activity? Something you guys were doing on the weekends, travelling around the state?[/b]
Speed: Yes � no it's complete � my whole racing � my whole life very close to my family. My dad raced go-karts when I was a kid. I used to follow him around the racetrack since I was 4 years old. And my family's involved. My brother is a three-time national champion himself; he's a ridiculously decorated driver in America. And, you know, it's my dad and my mom and everyone follow the racing very closely.
[b]Q. And the last question, so when you're back here in the States, I mean do most people know what you do? I mean do kids � are they familiar with what you do? I mean are there little kids in karts out there wanting to be like Scott Speed?[/b]
Speed: I think certainly within the karting community most people know about me and what I'm doing here in Formula One because I think everyone in karting watches Formula One. But as far as like the general public, it's certainly a lot less � there's a lot less people out there that know about myself or even Formula One, you know, opposed to Europe if I were to go into a mall in Salzburg (Austria) wearing some driver team gear there'd be kids running up all day.
So it's, you know, it's � there's room for improvement, let me put it that way. We certainly need to raise the awareness of Formula One in America.
[b]Q. Yeah, this is Jim Pedley from the Kansas City Star. Scott, it's been over a dozen years since there has been an American driver in the sport. Why is that? Is it obstacles people are facing? Or less opportunity? Why has it taken 12 to 13 years for another American to get entry into the sport?[/b]
Speed: I'd say lack of opportunity. For myself personally, I didn't come from a family who had a lot of money and was able to pay for a season of racing and living in Europe. So without Red Bull's help, I wouldn't be here. And I think that this is the case for most American kids who grow in karting.
To make the move, not only financially, but emotionally and, you know, changing your whole life and move to Europe, it's a very, very big commitment, and I think a lot of kids just never get the opportunity. Actually, I know a lot of kids that are in kart racing or who've definitely got the talent but just don't have the opportunity to come to Europe to partake in the junior championships that you need to run in to reach Formula One.
[b]Q. Hi, Scott. Dan Knutson, National Speed Sport News. In one way, the U.S. Grand Prix is just another race, but in another way it's, you know, your home race there's going to be tens of thousands of people in those grandstands cheering for you. What do you think you're going to feel when you pull out on those pits to start practice and then line up on that grid on that famous straightaway?[/b]
Speed: I don't know. It's, for sure, going to be an emotional experience. I'm looking so much forward to � I remember last year when I was doing the test driving duties at Indy, everyone there was so friendly and it was such a good feeling when you're based in Europe you never get to see your family.
To be able to come back and race and, you know, do what you've worked for all year and you get to share it with, you know, kind of your people. It's definitely a special experience.
[b]Q. And on a different subject, you talked about your teammate. How well do you get on with Tonio Liuzzi? You want to beat him, but you also want to work together, of course, to make the car better.[/b]
Speed: We get along really well. Tonio is really, really laid back, and I think that everyone pretty much gets along with Tonio. If you can't get along with Tonio, then you got some problems.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. Do you feel that sometimes American drivers are � in this sport are held to a different standard then guys in Europe? I mean even after Jenson Button heard what all you accomplished in the other levels, he said, "You know, I hope he does a good job getting out of my way." So do you think right away that just being an American you're viewed as a different level than the other guys?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, certainly � how do you say, the reputation for American racing drivers in Europe is not the best. And I think we've done a big part to change that in the last years, but it's something that's for the time being is going to be in question.
I don't worry about it too much; I have the same job to do no matter what. And hopefully we can change the opinions of people with some time.
[b]Q. Who are some other guys that you've seen coming up through this program that might be able to follow you?[/b]
Speed: As far as through the Red Bull driver search program?
[b]Q. Through the Red Bull driver search, yes. Kids that might be in there now that might join you up there in a couple years?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, certainly the most promising other American who's been a roommate of mine, (Colin Fleming). He grew up the same way as I did. He's currently doing the (Dallara) World Series stuff. And I don't think really as far as in the Red Bull program there's any other options � or any other opportunities.
[b]Q. Yeah, while we're waiting for another question to come in � this is Paul Kelly, I want to ask you a quick question, what is the biggest change for you going from GP2 to F1? Is it physical, because we all know that just the ridiculous forces that an F1 car puts on the body, especially the braking, or is it mental, because you did mention about how you're really in � you're almost like in a management position now and you have to mold the team around you? So what's more of a daunting challenge, the physical or the mental?[/b]
Speed: You know, I'll tell you that's easy. In the preseason before I really was into it, it was trying to prepare physically, because like you said, the forces of the Formula One car are unlike anything, mostly the neck muscles. Your neck takes a beating, I mean my neck looks really out of proportion now; let me put it that way.
And then after driving it, and once you get yourself physically ready, which happens in time because it's something that changes as you drive the car and you get � your body adapts to it. And now the physical thing is not a problem, and now it becomes, for sure, trying to work at putting all the people in place and working at making the team be successful. And making the team all push in the same direction.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. Jorge from racingone again. I was wondering, disregarding the fact that this is a U.S. Grand Prix teleconference, which race are you most looking forward to? Is it getting out of the box here in Bahrain, or which is it?[/b]
Speed: It's, for sure, the first race in Bahrain. It's something that I've been dreaming of since I was 11 years old to race in Formula One. And I'm going to have my dad there with me. And it's, for sure, going to be a very emotional experience.
[b]Q. Also as a follow-up, there's going to be a couple of races in Italy. Do you think that there will be a lot of Red Bull Italian fans there or do you think there's going to be some hostility there because Minardi has changed?[/b]
Speed: That's something that I really don't know. I think that when everyone sees the image and what we're trying to do with Toro Rosso, it's hard not to like it. It's something that's really cool and it's its own style. I don't think you're going to � I don't think anyone's going to not like Toro Rosso.
[b]Q. Yeah, Scott. As far as, you know, the dream of Formula One for American race � kids growing up to be racers or whatever, do you pretty much, you know, have to � you have to learn how to live in Europe, that's for sure. But you almost have to become, you know, a European lifestyle in living there and whatever, and what � if you're an American in Europe what do you do the few hours away from racing when you're not totally focused on it?[/b]
Speed: You definitely adapt to the European lifestyle, that's for sure. Because I remember when I first moved to Europe I went absolutely crazy because stores were not open on Sunday. I'd wake up Sunday morning. There'd be no milk in the fridge. I didn't have breakfast. So it's definitely something you adapt to. And at the end, I end up quite liking it. I have a pretty European lifestyle now.
I have a lot of good friends here and a lot of good emotional support. And in the time off you mostly spend it relaxing at home, not doing anything. Because when you live a life travelling all over the world, the last thing you want to do is travel for vacation.
[b]Q. Hi, Scott. One of you strengths, it seems to me, is that you can get in a car and instantly be fast. Like in Turkey last year. No one had been at that track, and within about five laps you were at the top of the timesheets (in GP2). Do you think that's one of your main strengths as a driver? And what are your other main strengths, do you think?[/b]
Speed: No, absolutely. Ever since I've been in karting, my biggest strength has been adapted. Adapting to new circuits, adapting to new cars, to new techniques. It's something that I've always, I think, good at. Certainly, this is going to help a lot in Formula One. As Formula One is a sport that's always changing. There's always new regulations coming out, and the cars are different every single year.
And actually not only different every year, the cars are always changing throughout the year. That you're always getting, you know, a new front wing from the aerodynamic department that's got 2 percent more downforce or, you know, it's something that's always changing, I think this is going to be the biggest thing that helps me.
[b]Q. Yeah, this is Paul Kelly again, while we wait to see if anybody else comes in the queue, I've got another question for you. If an American race fan came to you as the only American race driver and said: "I'm really interested and curious about this Formula One stuff, you're a driver. Other than the fact that's the pinnacle of the sport, what about it really, really jazzes you? I mean what, if I'm going to an F1 for the first time, what should I expect and what separates it and makes it so exciting and so much more unique from other forms of motorsports?"[/b]
Speed: Oh, it's easy. I tell you the first time that you get to see a Formula One car live on a racetrack, it takes your breath away. The performance of the car is unlike anything else. The way it stops, how fast it is going through the corners; it's absolutely amazing to watch.
And as a driver who's driven everything from Champ Car, IRL to GP2, the feeling of how fast this car is through the corners is unbelievable. It really is for the first, you know, six months of your driving the car, you have to tell yourself going into a high-speed corner that the car is going to take it, and you got to keep your foot down and let the car rail around the corner.
It's, you know, it's like having personal control of your own ridiculously sweet roller coaster. The amount of force that you're able to take, and it's just an awesome ride. I think this is the biggest thing that attracts people to Formula One. and I think as well as maybe part of the reason why Formula One is not that big in the States because we have one race a year, while in Europe there's races � someone could go to, you know, six races a year if they wanted to pretty easy.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. What would make you happy with your performance in Bahrain? What are your personal expectations for yourself there, just finishing or what?[/b]
Speed: Yeah, it's difficult to say. For sure, I'd like to do � to be competitive against my teammate. But really just to know where our team is going to end up at the end of the day is very difficult to know right now. Certainly after Bahrain, I'm going to have a much clearer picture of what we expect and what we can hope for. But until then we're really, you know, crossing our fingers that it's going to turn out well.
[b]Q. All right, one last question for me Scott. Do you ever sort of stop and just think what a whirlwind you've gone through here? You've gone from, you know, you just say racing in a parking lot to the premier racing series in the world and you're only 23 years old. Do you ever sort of stop and say, "Wow, this is gone so quick?" Or are you actually so busy racing you haven't had time to think about it?[/b]
Speed: No, to be honest in the last off season spending time with my family and my girlfriend it's � all of us have been able to sit back and look at it and say, you know, I always wanted to go to Formula One, but I could have never sat down and thought this is how I would get there. The things that have happened in my life, for one, the disease I had. With all the things that have happened, it's a path that could have never predicted. And I'm so happy that it's worked out this way, and I know that there was a lot of luck on my side to get me here.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 03-03-2006 11:58 AM |
and the rest...
[QUOTE][b]Q. Scott, for those who don't know, could you just give a real quick synopsis of the disease you had in 2003 and how it affected you?[/b]
Speed: Well, when I first moved to Europe in 2003 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Now this is a disease of the large intestines, which basically creates ulcers on your intestines and for me it really the function of the intestines. So the nutrition you get out of your food is much less and because of the bleeding you lose a lot of blood and you lose bowel control. So I basically ran around for a year and a half wearing diapers, and bleeding and being anaemic.
But it's something that was a huge character builder, when you can walk around the racetrack and still perform wearing diapers and have self dignity, it's something you have to learn. And I think it's something that's, for sure, helped in my personality today. So I was also very lucky with this disease because I was really one month away of having to remove my colon, and if I did that then the racing career was over.
And I was very lucky to find a doctor in Vienna, who is, you know, into some cutting-edge treatment for the disease. And I'm very happy to say that I haven't had any symptoms or any problems with the disease for over a year.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. One last one for me and I know this probably not the question that you want to hear, because I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but is this year the last year that Formula One can get it right here in the United States? I mean, after what happened last year, do you think the fans will come back?[/b]
Speed: I hope they come back. I mean what happened in Indianapolis was very unfortunate and very unlucky. But I think at the end of the day I just � I guess I hope they come back. I don't know.
[b]Q. And how about the reports that are coming out that it could possibly move to Las Vegas, you know, there's a lot of hesitation about the future of the U.S. Grand Prix? Is it important for the U.S. to keep a date no matter whether it's Indy or Las Vegas or anywhere?[/b]
Speed: For sure, it's important to keep the date. It'd be better if we had two.
[b]Q. Scott, thanks so much for joining us. We all wish you the best of luck in Bahrain. And we are really looking forward to seeing you here in Indianapolis in June and July.[/b]
Speed: Yeah, well thank you guys for having me. It's really nice to talk to my home crowd, I tell you.
[b]Q. Thanks again, Scott. Go get 'em.[/b]
Speed: Thanks.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][b]Q. Scott, for those who don't know, could you just give a real quick synopsis of the disease you had in 2003 and how it affected you?[/b]
Speed: Well, when I first moved to Europe in 2003 I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Now this is a disease of the large intestines, which basically creates ulcers on your intestines and for me it really the function of the intestines. So the nutrition you get out of your food is much less and because of the bleeding you lose a lot of blood and you lose bowel control. So I basically ran around for a year and a half wearing diapers, and bleeding and being anaemic.
But it's something that was a huge character builder, when you can walk around the racetrack and still perform wearing diapers and have self dignity, it's something you have to learn. And I think it's something that's, for sure, helped in my personality today. So I was also very lucky with this disease because I was really one month away of having to remove my colon, and if I did that then the racing career was over.
And I was very lucky to find a doctor in Vienna, who is, you know, into some cutting-edge treatment for the disease. And I'm very happy to say that I haven't had any symptoms or any problems with the disease for over a year.
[b]Q. Hey, Scott. One last one for me and I know this probably not the question that you want to hear, because I'm sure you've heard it a million times, but is this year the last year that Formula One can get it right here in the United States? I mean, after what happened last year, do you think the fans will come back?[/b]
Speed: I hope they come back. I mean what happened in Indianapolis was very unfortunate and very unlucky. But I think at the end of the day I just � I guess I hope they come back. I don't know.
[b]Q. And how about the reports that are coming out that it could possibly move to Las Vegas, you know, there's a lot of hesitation about the future of the U.S. Grand Prix? Is it important for the U.S. to keep a date no matter whether it's Indy or Las Vegas or anywhere?[/b]
Speed: For sure, it's important to keep the date. It'd be better if we had two.
[b]Q. Scott, thanks so much for joining us. We all wish you the best of luck in Bahrain. And we are really looking forward to seeing you here in Indianapolis in June and July.[/b]
Speed: Yeah, well thank you guys for having me. It's really nice to talk to my home crowd, I tell you.
[b]Q. Thanks again, Scott. Go get 'em.[/b]
Speed: Thanks.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 03-03-2006 12:36 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]CVT is banned, seamless shift wasn't because it isn't the same thing, the other thing is they already give such a small time period for the shifts. The FIA used to give the teams some tiny number to do a shift in (some like 300ms) but ferrari got it down to 70, so for that rest fo the time they could run traction control and whatever since it was unregulated time.[/QUOTE]
Thanks Stu. I don't think I understand the difference but it makes sense. :)
Thanks Stu. I don't think I understand the difference but it makes sense. :)
| StuBeck | 03-03-2006 01:20 PM |
CVT is basically no gears, just one giant one which is constantly changing. When you're going 35 mph you'll be at 19k, when you're going 200 mph, you'll be at 19k. No shifting is required.
Seamless shift means the car shifts gears but there is no input of the clutch so you don't lose power.
Seamless shift means the car shifts gears but there is no input of the clutch so you don't lose power.
| Student Driver | 03-03-2006 05:32 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]I know they ran the same box but I thought the FIA made them slow the shifts down becuse seamless shifts are/were illegal. I guess I am wrong because Williams is running it out in the open. I will have to make sure to listen for it.[/QUOTE]
I remember the same thing. They were down to 25ms I think and the FIA pitched a fit and declared that they [i]didn't[/i] want seamless shifting. After that, BAR claimed they would slow it down and that's all I remember.
I remember the same thing. They were down to 25ms I think and the FIA pitched a fit and declared that they [i]didn't[/i] want seamless shifting. After that, BAR claimed they would slow it down and that's all I remember.
| sspicollo8 | 03-03-2006 06:19 PM |
Haven't seen this posted yet- the new Mercedes CLK63 will be the safety car this year
[url]http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/02/28/2007-mercedes-clk-63-selected-as-new-f1-safety-car/[/url]
[url]http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/02/28/2007-mercedes-clk-63-selected-as-new-f1-safety-car/[/url]
| StuBeck | 03-03-2006 07:30 PM |
I wish they would just get an old race car as teh safety car so they could keep speeds up and not have everyone queued behind them while everyone's tyres temps fell.
| jpsimon | 03-03-2006 08:31 PM |
i came across these photos... thought yall would like to see them
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/honda1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/honda2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/honda3.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault3.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault4.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault5.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/honda1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/honda2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/honda3.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault3.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault4.jpg[/img]
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/public_photo/f1art/renault5.jpg[/img]
| rupertberr | 03-03-2006 08:35 PM |
Nice Photos! Like that number 1 on Alonso's car. :D
| JoD | 03-03-2006 08:50 PM |
Even though there aren't any photos of Kimi in there, I still am completely blown away by those pics! Absolutely fantastic photography!! Thanks for sharing, jpsimon!!
| AndyRoo | 03-03-2006 10:36 PM |
wow...incredible
| jpsimon | 03-03-2006 11:38 PM |
[QUOTE=JoD]Even though there aren't any photos of Kimi in there, I still am completely blown away by those pics! Absolutely fantastic photography!! Thanks for sharing, jpsimon!![/QUOTE]
these aren't my photos, i just downloaded them and thought you guys would like to see them.
But I am a photographer... here is one of my photos:
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/automotive/images/photo1.jpg[/img]
these aren't my photos, i just downloaded them and thought you guys would like to see them.
But I am a photographer... here is one of my photos:
[img]http://jonahsimon.com/automotive/images/photo1.jpg[/img]
| Wr4wrX | 03-04-2006 01:35 AM |
[QUOTE=jpsimon]i came across these photos... thought yall would like to see them[/QUOTE]
Yeah...those are just about the hottest pics I've seen lately. Thank you, thank you!
Yeah...those are just about the hottest pics I've seen lately. Thank you, thank you!
| johnfelstead | 03-04-2006 12:28 PM |
N is the Neutral select switch.
In all events except F1, E is used for the Fire extinguisher trigger.
In all events except F1, a symbol showing a redspark in a white edged blue triangle is used as the electrical cutoff circuit.
In F1 E is used to show where the combined Extinguisher trigger and Electrical cutoff pull switch is located in the roll hoop. On the dashboard you still have seperate triggers for Extinguisher (E) and Electrical master switch (spark triangle).
In all events except F1, E is used for the Fire extinguisher trigger.
In all events except F1, a symbol showing a redspark in a white edged blue triangle is used as the electrical cutoff circuit.
In F1 E is used to show where the combined Extinguisher trigger and Electrical cutoff pull switch is located in the roll hoop. On the dashboard you still have seperate triggers for Extinguisher (E) and Electrical master switch (spark triangle).
| grandpa rex | 03-05-2006 07:10 AM |
John, I knew you'd have the answer. Haven't seen you around for a while. Hope all is well with you.
| Ferg | 03-05-2006 11:32 AM |
and America's next Formula One star is....
[QUOTE]Frankie Muniz starts racing career
Sunday, March 5th 2006, 11:32 GMT
Actor Frankie Muniz, best known for his starring role in television series Malcolm in the Middle, is starting a new career as a racing driver.
The 20-year-old American has signed a two-year deal with sometime Champ Car squad Jensen Motorsport. He will compete in this year's Formula BMW USA Championship before graduating to Champ Car Atlantic in 2007, and sees this programme as the first step towards a drive in the Champ Car World Series or even Formula One.
"I have had an incredible time these past eight years as an actor," said Muniz. "Having done little else but work since age 12, and with a passion for fast cars, professional race car driving is something that I am really excited to pursue.
"Eric Jensen, and the entire Jensen team, have taught me a great deal during our winter testing programme. My times are now competitive with the best young drivers, and I am very focused on learning as much as possible to be able to race with the best this year and next."
Muniz won last year's Toyota Pro-Celebrity race at Long Beach, and has already impressed his new team.
"Frankie has performed extremely well in pre-season testing," said team boss Eric Jensen. "He is quickly learning the multitude of skills required to be a competitive professional race car driver."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Frankie Muniz starts racing career
Sunday, March 5th 2006, 11:32 GMT
Actor Frankie Muniz, best known for his starring role in television series Malcolm in the Middle, is starting a new career as a racing driver.
The 20-year-old American has signed a two-year deal with sometime Champ Car squad Jensen Motorsport. He will compete in this year's Formula BMW USA Championship before graduating to Champ Car Atlantic in 2007, and sees this programme as the first step towards a drive in the Champ Car World Series or even Formula One.
"I have had an incredible time these past eight years as an actor," said Muniz. "Having done little else but work since age 12, and with a passion for fast cars, professional race car driving is something that I am really excited to pursue.
"Eric Jensen, and the entire Jensen team, have taught me a great deal during our winter testing programme. My times are now competitive with the best young drivers, and I am very focused on learning as much as possible to be able to race with the best this year and next."
Muniz won last year's Toyota Pro-Celebrity race at Long Beach, and has already impressed his new team.
"Frankie has performed extremely well in pre-season testing," said team boss Eric Jensen. "He is quickly learning the multitude of skills required to be a competitive professional race car driver."[/QUOTE]
| meebs | 03-05-2006 01:06 PM |
OMG LOL. Good for him though! Money is the #1 ticket to F1!
[QUOTE=Ferg]and America's next Formula One star is....[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=Ferg]and America's next Formula One star is....[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 03-05-2006 01:27 PM |
I hope his taste for automobiles improves somewhat...
[img]http://idata.over-blog.com/0/05/52/28/vraie/rassemblement-vw-et-tuning/hcl-2005/hcl-tuning-2005-_66_.jpg[/img]
Iiiits a 2.0.
[img]http://idata.over-blog.com/0/05/52/28/vraie/rassemblement-vw-et-tuning/hcl-2005/hcl-tuning-2005-_66_.jpg[/img]
Iiiits a 2.0.
| johnfelstead | 03-05-2006 02:11 PM |
[QUOTE=grandpa rex]John, I knew you'd have the answer. Haven't seen you around for a while. Hope all is well with you.[/QUOTE]
Thanks. I've had a very busy year after changing my career. It's meant a lot of travelling time and long hours at work, which has left me with very little spare time unfortunely.
Things are looking better now with regards to my time as i have recently moved home to within walking distance of work, rather than doing a 3 hour comute, which became quite exhausting on UK roads.
My job now is race engineer on a stable of Historic racing cars including two mid 60's racing saloons, a Ford Falcon Sprint and Mercury Comet Cyclone which we race in FIA events. Most of my time is taken up on running a couple of CanAm cars in International Supersports races and events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival, plus the Gentleman Drivers race series.
The CanAm cars are a 1966 McLaren M1B/C, which has a 6 litre small block chevy engine, and a 1971 March 717 with a 9 litre Big Block Chevy.
It's been quite succesful so far, with wins at Monza, Magney Cours and Goodwood so far. Couple of pics of the CanAm cars for you.
McLaren M1C
[img]http://www.orwell-supersportscup.com/News/show_results/5big.jpg[/img]
March 717
[img]http://www.orwell-supersportscup.com/Fotos/2005_04/Bilder/IMG_6301_JPG.jpg[/img]
Thanks. I've had a very busy year after changing my career. It's meant a lot of travelling time and long hours at work, which has left me with very little spare time unfortunely.
Things are looking better now with regards to my time as i have recently moved home to within walking distance of work, rather than doing a 3 hour comute, which became quite exhausting on UK roads.
My job now is race engineer on a stable of Historic racing cars including two mid 60's racing saloons, a Ford Falcon Sprint and Mercury Comet Cyclone which we race in FIA events. Most of my time is taken up on running a couple of CanAm cars in International Supersports races and events such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival, plus the Gentleman Drivers race series.
The CanAm cars are a 1966 McLaren M1B/C, which has a 6 litre small block chevy engine, and a 1971 March 717 with a 9 litre Big Block Chevy.
It's been quite succesful so far, with wins at Monza, Magney Cours and Goodwood so far. Couple of pics of the CanAm cars for you.
McLaren M1C
[img]http://www.orwell-supersportscup.com/News/show_results/5big.jpg[/img]
March 717
[img]http://www.orwell-supersportscup.com/Fotos/2005_04/Bilder/IMG_6301_JPG.jpg[/img]
| TimStevens | 03-05-2006 02:19 PM |
Gorgeous.
| JoD | 03-05-2006 03:34 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]and America's next Formula One star is....[/QUOTE]
:lol: Seriously?? Well, at least he's short.
Next we'll see Lindsay Lohan, right? I mean, she has all that great experience with those Herbie movies...
:lol: Seriously?? Well, at least he's short.
Next we'll see Lindsay Lohan, right? I mean, she has all that great experience with those Herbie movies...
| grandpa rex | 03-05-2006 03:45 PM |
John, I've always said I envy you. What a great gig.
| johnfelstead | 03-05-2006 06:20 PM |
Yeh, the CanAm cars are very special. The McLaren is very pretty and seriously quick, the March is just pure brute force in a diferent league though, much quicker than a current F1 car on acceleration with 900lbft torque, it's quite something to drive.
Hopefully i'll have a bit more time this year to be online, mid summer looks insane race callander wise though. F1 isnt doing Spa sadly, but we are with the CanAm cars, so if i can get it aranged i'll be videoing the race from onboard the March, which should produce some awesome footage i can post up to make up for it. :)
Hopefully i'll have a bit more time this year to be online, mid summer looks insane race callander wise though. F1 isnt doing Spa sadly, but we are with the CanAm cars, so if i can get it aranged i'll be videoing the race from onboard the March, which should produce some awesome footage i can post up to make up for it. :)
| artkevin | 03-05-2006 06:20 PM |
[QUOTE=grandpa rex]John, I've always said I envy you. What a great gig.[/QUOTE]
+1. Jeez.
Sounds like a lot of worth while work. I love Can-Am cars.
+1. Jeez.
Sounds like a lot of worth while work. I love Can-Am cars.
| johnfelstead | 03-05-2006 06:24 PM |
So do i Kevin, i am not doing it for the money, thats for sure! :lol:
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