| artkevin | 12-02-2005 03:03 PM |
I'm guessing $20 mil off the top of my head. Then again, I have no clue.
Ferg, I think you are offically a bigger F1 nut then I am.
Nico site: [url]http://www.keke-rosberg.moonfruit.com/nicorosberg[/url]
Ferg, I think you are offically a bigger F1 nut then I am.
Nico site: [url]http://www.keke-rosberg.moonfruit.com/nicorosberg[/url]
| Ferg | 12-02-2005 03:08 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Ferg, I think you are offically a bigger F1 nut then I am.[/QUOTE]
Maybe....but you have a MUCH better way of expressing your obsession :D
Something I've wanted to ask you...out of the current crop of cars, who's is the one you most like to paint?
Maybe....but you have a MUCH better way of expressing your obsession :D
Something I've wanted to ask you...out of the current crop of cars, who's is the one you most like to paint?
| artkevin | 12-02-2005 03:13 PM |
I love the new/old Williams design but the Sauber's body is the best. The Renault is interesting but a little to complicated for my style of painting. All those gills and curves tend to blend togther a little too much. Mclaren tends to be good everywhere but the nose, even though the nose is the most important part. The Red Bull is great color wise.
| NYEJ25 | 12-02-2005 04:14 PM |
Thanks for these updates. I have [url]www.pitpass.com[/url] set as my homepage and I check it everyday but your updates have far more info in them. I just booked my trip to Montreal for the Canadian GP, got my tickets and everything. I was at Indy last, what a mess. Can't wait for the new season to start. Trulli in 06!
Again, thanks for the updates and keep them coming.
-Drew
Again, thanks for the updates and keep them coming.
-Drew
| artkevin | 12-02-2005 04:28 PM |
Ferg is your man if you are looking for updates. Pitpass.com is good but here are some other sites if you want:
[url]www.grandprix.com[/url]
[url]www.f1racing.net[/url]
[url]www.f1-live.com[/url]
[url]www.planetf1.com[/url]
[url]www.itv-f1.com[/url]
[url]www.Fergsf1brain.com[/url]
Trulli in 06?!?! Really? I'm cool with that.
I saw him at the Hyatt 2 years ago about 3 weeks after he won in Monaco. He tried to walk out the in door. The door said no and he ran dead smack into it. I was just amazed the he had just won at one of the best courses on the planet and I watched him face plant a door. :lol: Good guy though from what I can tell.
[url]www.grandprix.com[/url]
[url]www.f1racing.net[/url]
[url]www.f1-live.com[/url]
[url]www.planetf1.com[/url]
[url]www.itv-f1.com[/url]
[url]www.Fergsf1brain.com[/url]
Trulli in 06?!?! Really? I'm cool with that.
I saw him at the Hyatt 2 years ago about 3 weeks after he won in Monaco. He tried to walk out the in door. The door said no and he ran dead smack into it. I was just amazed the he had just won at one of the best courses on the planet and I watched him face plant a door. :lol: Good guy though from what I can tell.
| Dussander | 12-02-2005 04:39 PM |
That needs a painting! :)
| AndyRoo | 12-02-2005 07:05 PM |
:lol:
I still hope Fisi can do well this year and keep his seat.
I still hope Fisi can do well this year and keep his seat.
| NYEJ25 | 12-02-2005 11:45 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Ferg is your man if you are looking for updates. Pitpass.com is good but here are some other sites if you want:
[url]www.grandprix.com[/url]
[url]www.f1racing.net[/url]
[url]www.f1-live.com[/url]
[url]www.planetf1.com[/url]
[url]www.itv-f1.com[/url]
[url]www.Fergsf1brain.com[/url]
Trulli in 06?!?! Really? I'm cool with that.
I saw him at the Hyatt 2 years ago about 3 weeks after he won in Monaco. He tried to walk out the in door. The door said no and he ran dead smack into it. I was just amazed the he had just won at one of the best courses on the planet and I watched him face plant a door. :lol: Good guy though from what I can tell.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the heads up on these sites, thats some good reading. Yeah, I know Trulli really wont win the championship, but I wish he would. Hes a cool guy, and a very talented driver. I met him in Indy this year. I was out eating with my bro and he was walking down the street. I would like to see him do well this year, I would also like to see Rubins beat the crap out of Button and Fisi beat Alonso. But I have a thing for underdogs I guess.(except Rubins, he is a better driver then Button).
[url]www.grandprix.com[/url]
[url]www.f1racing.net[/url]
[url]www.f1-live.com[/url]
[url]www.planetf1.com[/url]
[url]www.itv-f1.com[/url]
[url]www.Fergsf1brain.com[/url]
Trulli in 06?!?! Really? I'm cool with that.
I saw him at the Hyatt 2 years ago about 3 weeks after he won in Monaco. He tried to walk out the in door. The door said no and he ran dead smack into it. I was just amazed the he had just won at one of the best courses on the planet and I watched him face plant a door. :lol: Good guy though from what I can tell.[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the heads up on these sites, thats some good reading. Yeah, I know Trulli really wont win the championship, but I wish he would. Hes a cool guy, and a very talented driver. I met him in Indy this year. I was out eating with my bro and he was walking down the street. I would like to see him do well this year, I would also like to see Rubins beat the crap out of Button and Fisi beat Alonso. But I have a thing for underdogs I guess.(except Rubins, he is a better driver then Button).
| Ferg | 12-03-2005 10:49 AM |
Teams still fear V10 advantage...
[QUOTE]Teams still fear V10 advantage
By Jonathan Noble December 3rd 2005, 10:13 GMT
Formula One looks set to be heading to a controversial start to the season with several teams still unhappy with the rules designed to make V10 and V8 engines perform at the same level, autosport.com has learned.
Concerns have been growing over recent weeks that the 16,700rpm limit and 77mm air restrictor for V10 engines has not gone far enough in limiting their performance. It is believed they are still up to 80bhp more powerful than the best V8 engines and have a huge advantage in terms of torque.
The matter was brought up in Friday's meeting of the Technical Working Group, but with no immediate solution forthcoming there are mounting fears that Scuderia Toro Rosso could have an unfair advantage from their decision to run V10s - and that there could now be temptation for bigger teams to ditch their V8 plans.
Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds told autosport.com: "I brought it up in the meeting and told (FIA technical delegate) Charlie Whiting that what the FIA has done in allowing cars to run with a restrictor and high revs was in my mind illegal.
"If I suspected someone was bypassing the restrictor then I could not protest it, because there is no technical regulation that states they have to run with the restrictor.
"I honestly don't know where it goes from here. There are a number of people who believe the V10 could hold an advantage and I think it is a very unfortunate situation, because the whole reason we put in the equivalency has now gone. In retrospect we should not have done it because the team we were trying to protect is no longer here.
"The idea was for those teams who did not have access to and could not afford a V8 to have the ability to run a V10. In my mind Toro Rosso not only have the budget to afford a V8 but there are people willing to supply them."
Symonds believes that the huge torque advantage that V10s will have over V8s will be of big benefit at the start of races, and at those slower tracks that demand a lot of acceleration � like Monaco.
"What is there to stop Toyota turning up at Monte Carlo with a V10 engine?" added Symonds. "If people start taking the mickey then it could blow up into a big thing. But conversely if Toro Rosso ends up not doing anything special it might be forgotten about. Even so, the mechanism that has been applied is wrong."
The FIA has insisted, however, that no adjustments will be made to the current V10 restrictions until more data from testing has been forthcoming.
A source told this week's Autosport that adjustments to the V10 rules could be made on the eve of the season to ensure the engines do not have an advantage.
"Until we see cars in full race trim, we won't be able to get a true idea of their speed, so we won't know exactly what the restrictor dimensions should be," he said. "We've made it very clear that we'll change the restrictor plates as late as Friday practice in Bahrain if we have to."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Teams still fear V10 advantage
By Jonathan Noble December 3rd 2005, 10:13 GMT
Formula One looks set to be heading to a controversial start to the season with several teams still unhappy with the rules designed to make V10 and V8 engines perform at the same level, autosport.com has learned.
Concerns have been growing over recent weeks that the 16,700rpm limit and 77mm air restrictor for V10 engines has not gone far enough in limiting their performance. It is believed they are still up to 80bhp more powerful than the best V8 engines and have a huge advantage in terms of torque.
The matter was brought up in Friday's meeting of the Technical Working Group, but with no immediate solution forthcoming there are mounting fears that Scuderia Toro Rosso could have an unfair advantage from their decision to run V10s - and that there could now be temptation for bigger teams to ditch their V8 plans.
Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds told autosport.com: "I brought it up in the meeting and told (FIA technical delegate) Charlie Whiting that what the FIA has done in allowing cars to run with a restrictor and high revs was in my mind illegal.
"If I suspected someone was bypassing the restrictor then I could not protest it, because there is no technical regulation that states they have to run with the restrictor.
"I honestly don't know where it goes from here. There are a number of people who believe the V10 could hold an advantage and I think it is a very unfortunate situation, because the whole reason we put in the equivalency has now gone. In retrospect we should not have done it because the team we were trying to protect is no longer here.
"The idea was for those teams who did not have access to and could not afford a V8 to have the ability to run a V10. In my mind Toro Rosso not only have the budget to afford a V8 but there are people willing to supply them."
Symonds believes that the huge torque advantage that V10s will have over V8s will be of big benefit at the start of races, and at those slower tracks that demand a lot of acceleration � like Monaco.
"What is there to stop Toyota turning up at Monte Carlo with a V10 engine?" added Symonds. "If people start taking the mickey then it could blow up into a big thing. But conversely if Toro Rosso ends up not doing anything special it might be forgotten about. Even so, the mechanism that has been applied is wrong."
The FIA has insisted, however, that no adjustments will be made to the current V10 restrictions until more data from testing has been forthcoming.
A source told this week's Autosport that adjustments to the V10 rules could be made on the eve of the season to ensure the engines do not have an advantage.
"Until we see cars in full race trim, we won't be able to get a true idea of their speed, so we won't know exactly what the restrictor dimensions should be," he said. "We've made it very clear that we'll change the restrictor plates as late as Friday practice in Bahrain if we have to."[/QUOTE]
| meebs | 12-04-2005 02:56 AM |
Even though they'll have two more cyls, aero/chassis will still be king next year, look at the rear of that Toyota, wowzz!! Seems odd though, why have a rule if everyone can't play by it?
| bemani | 12-04-2005 03:40 AM |
[quote]
"What is there to stop Toyota turning up at Monte Carlo with a V10 engine?" [/quote]
So teams are not committed to using either V8 or V10? V8 one race, V10 the next?
"What is there to stop Toyota turning up at Monte Carlo with a V10 engine?" [/quote]
So teams are not committed to using either V8 or V10? V8 one race, V10 the next?
| Ferg | 12-05-2005 11:53 AM |
All but one of the teams, Toro Rosso, have agreed to use V8s for next season. They left the door open for restricted V10s because at the time it was the only way Minardi (now Toro Rosso) could survive. Of course Red Bull has changed all that by buying Minardi and providing them with a reasonable budget that will allow them to actually test and develop the car.
You're right though, as the rules stand right now, there's nothing stopping a team from running either a V8 or a restricted V10, or even on in each car.
[QUOTE]Toyota concerned about V10 advantage
By Jonathan Noble December 5th 2005, 11:06 GMT
Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne has added his voice to growing concerns that V10 engines will have an advantage next year.
Worries about the equivalency formula between V10 and V8 engines were brought up in Friday's Technical Working Group meeting but the FIA has said that it is not going to take action until nearer the start of the season.
However, after Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds told autosport.com last week that he was unhappy with the current situation, Gascoyne has also made it clear that he is not content.
The situation has been made worse because of the fact that the only team running V10s, Scuderia Toro Rosso, have the necessary budget to try and exploit the situation as best they can.
"The manufacturers have very clearly stated that they will run a V8," he said. "But with the equivalence formula based on Cosworth performance data, it seems to favour the V10.
"Toyota do have concerns. We've got a customer team, which costs us so much money and there is a chance that we will look stupid because there is a clear performance disadvantage (with the V8).
"The situation is not sorted out yet. We've supplied the data to the FIA for it to consider, and we are supplying Midland who will clearly be at a disadvantage to Scuderia Toro Rosso - which is a concern to us."
It is believed that under the current V10 restrictions that the old engines currently have up to an 80bhp advantage as well as having much better torque.
And with the FIA having said that it could change the engine equivalency rules as late as Friday practice of the 2006 season opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Gascoyne hopes the governing body lives up to its promises.
"The FIA has said that the V10 disadvantage should remain, so let's hope they will remain truthful to that," he said. "Let me remind you that it is not Minardi we are talking about here, it is a well funded operation."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella: tyre rules will help Ferrari
By Michele Lostia December 5th 2005, 12:04 GMT
Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella expects Ferrari to be back on top next season thanks to the new tyre regulations.
The Italian team took only one victory in 2005 after having dominated the 2004 season. Much of the blame was attributed to the new rules which forced teams to use one set of tyres for qualifying and the entire race.
But another set of rule changes to be introduced next season means tyre changes will return, a situation which Fisichella believes will benefit Ferrari and their supplier Bridgestone.
"Two years ago, with similar regulations, they had an advantage, so I'm convinced that all this will get Ferrari back in the game," Fisichella said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
"They're fearful because they are raring to redeem themselves."
A new qualifying system will also be introduced for 2006, and Fisichella welcomed the format, claiming it will help improve the show.
"The new format seems very interesting to me, first of all because it will let us go out in the first two phases with little fuel on board; and then because, by giving more freedom of strategy to the drivers qualifying from the 11th place down, it will end up making the Grands Prix more spectacular," he said.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ferrari still to solve tyre problems
By Michele Lostia December 5th 2005, 10:51 GMT
Ferrari's test driver Luca Badoer says the Italian team have not yet solved all the tyre problems that hindered them in 2005.
But the Italian claims the Maranello-based squad are on the right track to find a solution with Bridgestone following their intensive testing programme since the end of the season.
Ferrari, dominant World Champions in 2004, struggled last season, winning only the six-car United States Grand Prix and finishing third in the Championship.
"These days we're trying a bit of everything, but there's no doubt that engine and tyres are at the centre of our almost-incessant tests," Badoer was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.
"We are progressing well with the development of the V8: performance and reliability are good already, and we have also done several race simulations.
"As for the tyres - last year it wasn't all their fault - we haven't yet solved some problems, but we have found the right path; there are still months of development ahead and let's not forget that Toyota and Williams will give us a hand now."
Badoer also praised Ferrari's new signing Felipe Massa, who will replace Rubens Barrichello as Michael Schumacher's teammate. Badoer says Massa has matured since he was a Ferrari test driver in 2003.
"How's Massa doing? He's definitely matured compared to two years ago," he said. "I hope he'll manage to make the most of the opportunity he has. He's envied a bit by everyone, me included. After all, who wouldn't want to drive the Ferrari at the Grands Prix?" [/QUOTE]
You're right though, as the rules stand right now, there's nothing stopping a team from running either a V8 or a restricted V10, or even on in each car.
[QUOTE]Toyota concerned about V10 advantage
By Jonathan Noble December 5th 2005, 11:06 GMT
Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne has added his voice to growing concerns that V10 engines will have an advantage next year.
Worries about the equivalency formula between V10 and V8 engines were brought up in Friday's Technical Working Group meeting but the FIA has said that it is not going to take action until nearer the start of the season.
However, after Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds told autosport.com last week that he was unhappy with the current situation, Gascoyne has also made it clear that he is not content.
The situation has been made worse because of the fact that the only team running V10s, Scuderia Toro Rosso, have the necessary budget to try and exploit the situation as best they can.
"The manufacturers have very clearly stated that they will run a V8," he said. "But with the equivalence formula based on Cosworth performance data, it seems to favour the V10.
"Toyota do have concerns. We've got a customer team, which costs us so much money and there is a chance that we will look stupid because there is a clear performance disadvantage (with the V8).
"The situation is not sorted out yet. We've supplied the data to the FIA for it to consider, and we are supplying Midland who will clearly be at a disadvantage to Scuderia Toro Rosso - which is a concern to us."
It is believed that under the current V10 restrictions that the old engines currently have up to an 80bhp advantage as well as having much better torque.
And with the FIA having said that it could change the engine equivalency rules as late as Friday practice of the 2006 season opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Gascoyne hopes the governing body lives up to its promises.
"The FIA has said that the V10 disadvantage should remain, so let's hope they will remain truthful to that," he said. "Let me remind you that it is not Minardi we are talking about here, it is a well funded operation."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella: tyre rules will help Ferrari
By Michele Lostia December 5th 2005, 12:04 GMT
Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella expects Ferrari to be back on top next season thanks to the new tyre regulations.
The Italian team took only one victory in 2005 after having dominated the 2004 season. Much of the blame was attributed to the new rules which forced teams to use one set of tyres for qualifying and the entire race.
But another set of rule changes to be introduced next season means tyre changes will return, a situation which Fisichella believes will benefit Ferrari and their supplier Bridgestone.
"Two years ago, with similar regulations, they had an advantage, so I'm convinced that all this will get Ferrari back in the game," Fisichella said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport.
"They're fearful because they are raring to redeem themselves."
A new qualifying system will also be introduced for 2006, and Fisichella welcomed the format, claiming it will help improve the show.
"The new format seems very interesting to me, first of all because it will let us go out in the first two phases with little fuel on board; and then because, by giving more freedom of strategy to the drivers qualifying from the 11th place down, it will end up making the Grands Prix more spectacular," he said.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ferrari still to solve tyre problems
By Michele Lostia December 5th 2005, 10:51 GMT
Ferrari's test driver Luca Badoer says the Italian team have not yet solved all the tyre problems that hindered them in 2005.
But the Italian claims the Maranello-based squad are on the right track to find a solution with Bridgestone following their intensive testing programme since the end of the season.
Ferrari, dominant World Champions in 2004, struggled last season, winning only the six-car United States Grand Prix and finishing third in the Championship.
"These days we're trying a bit of everything, but there's no doubt that engine and tyres are at the centre of our almost-incessant tests," Badoer was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.
"We are progressing well with the development of the V8: performance and reliability are good already, and we have also done several race simulations.
"As for the tyres - last year it wasn't all their fault - we haven't yet solved some problems, but we have found the right path; there are still months of development ahead and let's not forget that Toyota and Williams will give us a hand now."
Badoer also praised Ferrari's new signing Felipe Massa, who will replace Rubens Barrichello as Michael Schumacher's teammate. Badoer says Massa has matured since he was a Ferrari test driver in 2003.
"How's Massa doing? He's definitely matured compared to two years ago," he said. "I hope he'll manage to make the most of the opportunity he has. He's envied a bit by everyone, me included. After all, who wouldn't want to drive the Ferrari at the Grands Prix?" [/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-06-2005 09:46 AM |
Scott Speed confirmed for Scuderia Toro Rosso
[QUOTE]Toro Rosso confirm 2006 line-up
December 6th 2005, 13:44 GMT
Vitantonio Liuzzi and Scott Speed will race for the Scuderia Toro Rosso next year, when the team contest their first season in Formula One.
The team said Swiss Neel Jani will be their test and reserve driver.
Italian Liuzzi made his Grand Prix debut with the Red Bull Racing team last season, while Speed will race for the first time in a Grand Prix at the start of the 2006 season.
He will the first American to race in Formula One since Michael Andretti competed with McLaren in 1993.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Red Bull Racing confirm Klien for 2006
December 6th 2005, 12:47 GMT
Red Bull Racing have confirmed that Christian Klien will occupy the second seat at the team next season.
In a press release titled "Elvis Presley will not drive for Red Bull Racing", the team confirmed the 22-year old will partner David Coulthard in 2006.
The announcement finalises the team's line up for next season.
"It's great that I'm going to be driving for Red Bull Racing again in 2006," said Klien. "Next year is really only the start for this team, I think it's got a great future ahead of it and to be able to be part of that is really exciting. I'm definitely looking to improve next year and get more points.
"It's good to continue working with David as well, I'm still a young driver and can learn a lot from him, although like every racing driver, I'm keen to beat my teammate on the track."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]McLaren deny Tombazis is leaving
By Jonathan Noble December 6th 2005, 11:58 GMT
McLaren have moved to deny speculation that aerodynamicist Nicholas Tombazis is about to leave the team and follow technical director Adrian Newey to Red Bull Racing.
Tombazis, who is McLaren's chief engineer of aerodynamic development, joined the team in 2004 from Ferrari, where he had been Vehicle Project Director.
But with reports claiming that Tombazis could become the latest staff member to jump ship to Red Bull Racing, McLaren have insisted that the Greek is still working for them.
"Following Adrian's departure inevitably there is a lot of speculation ," said a McLaren spokeswoman.
"We will not be replacing Adrian and our technical organisation will continue to operate within the current structure. Nicholas remains working on aerodynamics within McLaren."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Liuzzi plays down V10 advantage
By Michele Lostia December 6th 2005, 11:12 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Vitantonio Liuzzi has moved to play down the potential advantage that V10 engines may have next year.
With several teams unhappy about the current equivalency formula between V8 engines and their V10 counterparts, with the older detuned units still believed to have an 80bhp advantage, there are calls for the FIA to take action and slow them down even more.
But Liuzzi, who tested with a detuned V10 engine in a Scuderia Toro Rosso car at Barcelona last week, claims that the newer engines are already faster.
"The power (of the V10) compared to the 2005 configuration isn't comparable," he was quoted as saying by Autosprint. "I'd say we've lost more than 25 percent of our power.
"The V8s on the straight left me standing each time they went by. The positive thing is that on paper [our] engine will be more reliable."
Discussions about the power of V10 engines continued at last week's meeting of the Technical Working Group, although the FIA has made it clear that they will take no action until it is clearer about the full potential of V8 power-units.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Button: V8s make corners less challenging
By Tim Redmayne & Jonathan Noble December 6th 2005, 11:41 GMT
The switch to V8 engines next year looks set to take away from the challenge of Formula One's best corners - by making them easily flat.
That is the view of Honda Racing driver Jenson Button, who believes that the reduction in power allied to an increase in downforce will change the demands of certain tracks.
Having revealed that the tricky Turn Three at Barcelona was now flat, Button said he thought other corners would now also be full throttle.
"Yeah, I think so," he said. "Aerodynamically we are going to be a lot stronger next year than we have been this year, because that has always been the way.
"If the regulations haven't changed then you are just going to keep improving - so downforce is going to keep coming. So we will have more downforce and less power."
Despite his belief about corners now being flat, Button still thinks that F1 cars will not be easier to drive than they were before.
"It sounds like they are going to be easier to drive, but I don't think they will be," he said. "V8s are difficult engines to map really to try and get a smooth power curve. That is the important thing that everyone is going to be working on at the moment."
And amid suggestions that the lack of torque from the V8 engines means driving mistakes will be punished more, Button believes that overtaking opportunities may increase.
"If somebody makes a mistake in front of you then it's going to make it a lot easier to overtake I suppose," he said. "Because you don't have the torque to pull you out of sticky situations, it is probably better for overtaking in those circumstances."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Toro Rosso confirm 2006 line-up
December 6th 2005, 13:44 GMT
Vitantonio Liuzzi and Scott Speed will race for the Scuderia Toro Rosso next year, when the team contest their first season in Formula One.
The team said Swiss Neel Jani will be their test and reserve driver.
Italian Liuzzi made his Grand Prix debut with the Red Bull Racing team last season, while Speed will race for the first time in a Grand Prix at the start of the 2006 season.
He will the first American to race in Formula One since Michael Andretti competed with McLaren in 1993.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Red Bull Racing confirm Klien for 2006
December 6th 2005, 12:47 GMT
Red Bull Racing have confirmed that Christian Klien will occupy the second seat at the team next season.
In a press release titled "Elvis Presley will not drive for Red Bull Racing", the team confirmed the 22-year old will partner David Coulthard in 2006.
The announcement finalises the team's line up for next season.
"It's great that I'm going to be driving for Red Bull Racing again in 2006," said Klien. "Next year is really only the start for this team, I think it's got a great future ahead of it and to be able to be part of that is really exciting. I'm definitely looking to improve next year and get more points.
"It's good to continue working with David as well, I'm still a young driver and can learn a lot from him, although like every racing driver, I'm keen to beat my teammate on the track."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]McLaren deny Tombazis is leaving
By Jonathan Noble December 6th 2005, 11:58 GMT
McLaren have moved to deny speculation that aerodynamicist Nicholas Tombazis is about to leave the team and follow technical director Adrian Newey to Red Bull Racing.
Tombazis, who is McLaren's chief engineer of aerodynamic development, joined the team in 2004 from Ferrari, where he had been Vehicle Project Director.
But with reports claiming that Tombazis could become the latest staff member to jump ship to Red Bull Racing, McLaren have insisted that the Greek is still working for them.
"Following Adrian's departure inevitably there is a lot of speculation ," said a McLaren spokeswoman.
"We will not be replacing Adrian and our technical organisation will continue to operate within the current structure. Nicholas remains working on aerodynamics within McLaren."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Liuzzi plays down V10 advantage
By Michele Lostia December 6th 2005, 11:12 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso driver Vitantonio Liuzzi has moved to play down the potential advantage that V10 engines may have next year.
With several teams unhappy about the current equivalency formula between V8 engines and their V10 counterparts, with the older detuned units still believed to have an 80bhp advantage, there are calls for the FIA to take action and slow them down even more.
But Liuzzi, who tested with a detuned V10 engine in a Scuderia Toro Rosso car at Barcelona last week, claims that the newer engines are already faster.
"The power (of the V10) compared to the 2005 configuration isn't comparable," he was quoted as saying by Autosprint. "I'd say we've lost more than 25 percent of our power.
"The V8s on the straight left me standing each time they went by. The positive thing is that on paper [our] engine will be more reliable."
Discussions about the power of V10 engines continued at last week's meeting of the Technical Working Group, although the FIA has made it clear that they will take no action until it is clearer about the full potential of V8 power-units.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Button: V8s make corners less challenging
By Tim Redmayne & Jonathan Noble December 6th 2005, 11:41 GMT
The switch to V8 engines next year looks set to take away from the challenge of Formula One's best corners - by making them easily flat.
That is the view of Honda Racing driver Jenson Button, who believes that the reduction in power allied to an increase in downforce will change the demands of certain tracks.
Having revealed that the tricky Turn Three at Barcelona was now flat, Button said he thought other corners would now also be full throttle.
"Yeah, I think so," he said. "Aerodynamically we are going to be a lot stronger next year than we have been this year, because that has always been the way.
"If the regulations haven't changed then you are just going to keep improving - so downforce is going to keep coming. So we will have more downforce and less power."
Despite his belief about corners now being flat, Button still thinks that F1 cars will not be easier to drive than they were before.
"It sounds like they are going to be easier to drive, but I don't think they will be," he said. "V8s are difficult engines to map really to try and get a smooth power curve. That is the important thing that everyone is going to be working on at the moment."
And amid suggestions that the lack of torque from the V8 engines means driving mistakes will be punished more, Button believes that overtaking opportunities may increase.
"If somebody makes a mistake in front of you then it's going to make it a lot easier to overtake I suppose," he said. "Because you don't have the torque to pull you out of sticky situations, it is probably better for overtaking in those circumstances."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-06-2005 11:03 AM |
More gruff about engine parity.
[QUOTE]Honda hope V10 advantage will be erased
By Jonathan Noble December 6th 2005, 15:35 GMT
Honda are confident that the controversy over the competitiveness of V10 engines will be sorted out by the start of next season, despite mounting concerns about engine equivalency regulations.
With the current specification V10 engines currently having an 80bhp advantage over new V8 power units, there have been growing worries that not enough has been done to discourage teams from wanting to run the older configuration engines.
There are also fears that Scuderia Toro Rosso, the only team currently planning to run V10 power-units next year, will try and exploit the situation as much as possible in a bid to improve their competitiveness.
However, Otmar Szafnauer, vice president of Honda Racing Development, has said he believes that worries about how the situation will pan out on the track next year are a bit premature.
"The FIA has reserved the right to change and reset the maximum crankshaft rotational speed of the V10 at any time and they've said the V10 would never have an advantage over the V8," he told Honda Racing's website.
"However, as it stands today with the initial rev limit and air restrictor, there's no question that the V10 is superior to the V8 in terms of performance.
"The FIA, though, does reserve the right to make changes without notice and, as it has been advocating V8 for both safety and cost reasons, I am confident the current imbalance will be sorted out before the start of next season."[/QUOTE]
And for all the Indian fans of F1
[QUOTE]Karthikeyan to test for Williams at Jerez
December 6th 2005, 11:16 GMT
Narain Karthikeyan will test for Williams at Jerez in Spain tomorrow - but the team deny he is their choice for third driver next year.
The former Jordan racer, who is fighting for the third seat with Nicolas Kiesa, will join Williams for the first day of the three-day test and will work alongside Nico Rosberg.
The team have made it clear that Karthikeyan will test for them until they make an announcement about their third driver.
Technical director Sam Michael said: "Narain will be in Jerez to help us with normal testing duties. At this stage of development of the FW27C, we have a series of systems checks and initial set-up investigations to complete.
"He will be in the car on Wednesday 7 December."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Honda hope V10 advantage will be erased
By Jonathan Noble December 6th 2005, 15:35 GMT
Honda are confident that the controversy over the competitiveness of V10 engines will be sorted out by the start of next season, despite mounting concerns about engine equivalency regulations.
With the current specification V10 engines currently having an 80bhp advantage over new V8 power units, there have been growing worries that not enough has been done to discourage teams from wanting to run the older configuration engines.
There are also fears that Scuderia Toro Rosso, the only team currently planning to run V10 power-units next year, will try and exploit the situation as much as possible in a bid to improve their competitiveness.
However, Otmar Szafnauer, vice president of Honda Racing Development, has said he believes that worries about how the situation will pan out on the track next year are a bit premature.
"The FIA has reserved the right to change and reset the maximum crankshaft rotational speed of the V10 at any time and they've said the V10 would never have an advantage over the V8," he told Honda Racing's website.
"However, as it stands today with the initial rev limit and air restrictor, there's no question that the V10 is superior to the V8 in terms of performance.
"The FIA, though, does reserve the right to make changes without notice and, as it has been advocating V8 for both safety and cost reasons, I am confident the current imbalance will be sorted out before the start of next season."[/QUOTE]
And for all the Indian fans of F1
[QUOTE]Karthikeyan to test for Williams at Jerez
December 6th 2005, 11:16 GMT
Narain Karthikeyan will test for Williams at Jerez in Spain tomorrow - but the team deny he is their choice for third driver next year.
The former Jordan racer, who is fighting for the third seat with Nicolas Kiesa, will join Williams for the first day of the three-day test and will work alongside Nico Rosberg.
The team have made it clear that Karthikeyan will test for them until they make an announcement about their third driver.
Technical director Sam Michael said: "Narain will be in Jerez to help us with normal testing duties. At this stage of development of the FW27C, we have a series of systems checks and initial set-up investigations to complete.
"He will be in the car on Wednesday 7 December."[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 12-06-2005 11:07 AM |
I'm glad there will be multiple engine specs next year. Watching the decade races has reminded me how cool it was to have V8's dominate on some tracks and V-12's really fast on others, and watching the teams having to cope with the inherent engine differences.
Unfortunately, though, I don't think we'll be seeing V10's for very long.
Unfortunately, though, I don't think we'll be seeing V10's for very long.
| Harvey_Mushman | 12-06-2005 11:23 AM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens]I'm glad there will be multiple engine specs next year. Watching the decade races has reminded me how cool it was to have V8's dominate on some tracks and V-12's really fast on others, and watching the teams having to cope with the inherent engine differences.
Unfortunately, though, I don't think we'll be seeing V10's for very long.[/QUOTE]
+1 for more engine options. I'm from the Steve Matchett camp and think that F1 is as much (if not more) an engineering competition as it is a drivers' competition. I think basic boundaries should be implemented (displacement, aspiration, etc.) and then the teams should be able to go from there. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 cylinders, whatever. Develop whatever suits your chassis. Can we see some 1.5L, 4 cylinder turbos again?
Unfortunately, though, I don't think we'll be seeing V10's for very long.[/QUOTE]
+1 for more engine options. I'm from the Steve Matchett camp and think that F1 is as much (if not more) an engineering competition as it is a drivers' competition. I think basic boundaries should be implemented (displacement, aspiration, etc.) and then the teams should be able to go from there. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 cylinders, whatever. Develop whatever suits your chassis. Can we see some 1.5L, 4 cylinder turbos again?
| bemani | 12-06-2005 11:30 AM |
Maybe Scott Speed can sneak in an F1 win before they catch on to the v10 :lol:
| driggity | 12-06-2005 12:42 PM |
Has there been any indication that the FIA is going to do any independent testing on the V10 vs. V8 issue? Obviously the V8 teams are going to want to see further restrictions on the V10, but if Scuderia Toro Russo has an advantage with the V10 you'd think that they wouldn't show this advantage until they got to the first race so that they could really minimize the chances of getting further restrictions placed on the them. When is the FIA's last chance to add restrictions before a race? Do they have to do it before practice at that race starts? Before qualifying? Before the start of the race itself? Could be very interesting.
| artkevin | 12-06-2005 12:52 PM |
Reminds me of the Caddy CTS-Vs in Speed GT when they first showed up. Don't show your cards until you have to and then trounce the field. I don't thin they will be fighting for podiums but they might piss off a few "bigger" teams in the desert.
| Ferg | 12-06-2005 02:27 PM |
[QUOTE=driggity]Has there been any indication that the FIA is going to do any independent testing on the V10 vs. V8 issue? Obviously the V8 teams are going to want to see further restrictions on the V10, but if Scuderia Toro Russo has an advantage with the V10 you'd think that they wouldn't show this advantage until they got to the first race so that they could really minimize the chances of getting further restrictions placed on the them. When is the FIA's last chance to add restrictions before a race? Do they have to do it before practice at that race starts? Before qualifying? Before the start of the race itself? Could be very interesting.[/QUOTE]
No independent testing that I know of...well not anything they've made public anyways.
The FIA has said it will further restrict the V10s whenever it sees a need to..sort of like NASCAR's aero tweaking I guess..
I defiantely see a chance for Toro Rosso to steal a march at the early races, maybe a case of serious sandbagging until Bahrain...then walk the field. It [i]could[/i] happen!
So are we calling them "Rossos", "Toros", or "STRs"?
No independent testing that I know of...well not anything they've made public anyways.
The FIA has said it will further restrict the V10s whenever it sees a need to..sort of like NASCAR's aero tweaking I guess..
I defiantely see a chance for Toro Rosso to steal a march at the early races, maybe a case of serious sandbagging until Bahrain...then walk the field. It [i]could[/i] happen!
So are we calling them "Rossos", "Toros", or "STRs"?
| driggity | 12-06-2005 02:35 PM |
In tribute to their engines they could be STR-10s. But thats a little too Dodge like.
| artkevin | 12-06-2005 03:07 PM |
I vote Toros.
| StuBeck | 12-06-2005 05:32 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Thanks. I'm trying to keep up with all the news, it keeps me occupied until next year and you all seem to appreciate it. :)
Here's a little story...
So how big of a check do you think it was?[/QUOTE]
I don't think it was that much to be honest. I was looking at some of the figures before and the asking price for JPM's 03 car was like 25k US. It would have gone for more but probably not more then like 5 mil or so.
Here's a little story...
So how big of a check do you think it was?[/QUOTE]
I don't think it was that much to be honest. I was looking at some of the figures before and the asking price for JPM's 03 car was like 25k US. It would have gone for more but probably not more then like 5 mil or so.
| StuBeck | 12-06-2005 05:35 PM |
The problem with running different engine formats is the engine suppliers will try everything, hell lets try an inline 7 cylinder. The teams are spending enough on engines that spending more for essentially useless R&D is not very useful. If costs go down then I'll be for it, but right now, no, enough is being spend.
| artkevin | 12-07-2005 09:18 AM |
Hey Midland.
Congrats on forming your own new team. Good luck. One question about the paint job:
***? :confused: My eyes hurt now. Thanks.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53891.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53933.jpg[/IMG]
Congrats on forming your own new team. Good luck. One question about the paint job:
***? :confused: My eyes hurt now. Thanks.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53891.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53933.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 12-07-2005 09:54 AM |
Oh that's awful looking :( It looked so much better as an artist's rendering.
[QUOTE]Toro Rosso building new car for 2006
By Jonathan Noble & Michele Lostia December 7th 2005, 10:43 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso have quelled concerns about which car they will be racing with next season by confirming they are building their own chassis for 2006.
The Italian outfit caused a few raised eyebrows in testing at Barcelona last week when they kicked off their winter programme by running Red Bull Racing's RB1 chassis.
Rival teams were worried because Formula One's Concorde Agreement rules out teams from running other team's old cars - and insists they must design and manufacturer the chassis themselves.
That would have meant Toro Rosso would have been breaking the rules if they had opted to run the RB1 in 2006 � and it could have led to early season controversy.
However, although autosport.com understands that the team initially hoped to run the RB1 in 2006, the team have now opted to build their own car because of the strict constructor regulations.
Red Bull Racing's technical operations director Gunther Steiner told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It (the RB1) won't be the car with which Toro Rosso will start next season. The car that debuts in Bahrain will be fully built in Faenza."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams commit to F1 from 2008
By Jonathan Noble December 7th 2005, 10:59 GMT
Williams have become the latest team to decide to turn their back on a manufacturers' breakaway championship and sign up for Formula One from 2008.
The Grove-based team announced on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to extend the Concorde Agreement.
The team claimed that their decision to sign up was because of an improved distribution of the sport's commercial revenues, as well as promises from the FIA about their long-term governance of the sport.
Team boss Frank Williams said he hoped other teams would now follow his example and commit to F1.
"The manufacturers and teams have been a catalyst for a number of far reaching changes to the economics and administration of Formula One," he explained.
"We believe that the time has now come for everybody to remove the damaging uncertainty hanging over our sport and to commit to Formula One after 2008.
"I hope our decision will encourage the remainder of the Formula One community to join us and resolve any final details by working together. We all have a duty to avoid a damaging split in our sport and I believe the undertakings we have from FOM and the FIA provide a fair basis for bringing everyone together in the interests of the sport."
Williams' decisions means that Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Midland have now committed to F1 beyond 2007, with Red Bull's Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit also certain to sign up.
The full statement from Williams:
WilliamsF1 Signs Extended Concorde Agreement
7 December 2005, Oxford, UK. WilliamsF1 today announced that it has agreed to enter into an extended Concorde Agreement with Formula One's commercial rights holder (FOM) and the sport's governing body (FIA), confirming the team's commitment to Formula One beyond 2008.
WilliamsF1 has agreed to become a signatory to the new Concorde Agreement after confirming that the commercial rights holder, FOM, had agreed to an improved distribution of commercial revenues among participating teams. In addition, significant progress had been made in securing important undertakings from the sport's governing body, the FIA, which will underpin the successful long term governance of Formula One.
The agreement commits one of the most successful names in the sport's history to Formula One after 2008, and is an important step towards protecting against a divisive split that could undermine motor racing's premier series.
Williams now intends to work with Formula One's established governing body and commercial rights holder to ensure that any further concerns regarding the future of the sport are addressed from within, in a cooperative and consensual manner and in the long term interests of all the sport's teams, sponsors and fans.
Williams acknowledges the important role the manufacturers and teams have played in recent months to precipitate a healthy debate about the future of Formula One.
Reflecting on reaching agreement with FOM and the FIA, Williams' Team Principal Frank Williams said, "The manufacturers and teams have been a catalyst for a number of far reaching changes to the economics and administration of Formula One. We believe that the time has now come for everybody to remove the damaging uncertainty hanging over our sport and to commit to Formula One after 2008. I hope our decision will encourage the remainder of the Formula One community to join us and resolve any final details by working together. We all have a duty to avoid a damaging split in our sport and I believe the undertakings we have from FOM and the FIA provide a fair basis for bringing everyone together in the interests of the sport."[/QUOTE]
A little Q & A with the new World Champion
[QUOTE]Q & A with Fernando Alonso
December 7th 2005, 09:47 GMT
Conducted and provided by Renault's press office.
[b]Q. Fernando, we haven't seen much of you since China. How are things?[/b]
FA: I have had some good weeks! Some fun with my family and friends, and remembering the special times we had this year. This is the right time to enjoy it, because maybe there won't be so much again in the future, so I have to enjoy the moment.
[b]Q. What is your best memory from the season?[/b]
FA: There are so many... I think Brazil will stay as the day of my life. China was a special moment too. And the French Grand Prix, Renault's home race, winning in front of thousands of fans... they are all unforgettable.
[b]Q. Take us back to Brazil. What was going through your mind on the last lap?[/b]
FA: I was thinking about the tyres! They were on the limit, and I remember asking my engineer Rod how far behind Schumacher was because I didn't want to lose third place in the final few metres. Then, finally, I saw the last corner...
[b]Q. The first thing you did was thank the team. Was that important to you?[/b]
FA: It was fundamental. If I achieved my dream this year, it is because hundreds of people have worked relentlessly behind the scenes. Everybody has given that little bit extra that made the difference. So I told them over the radio: we are all champions. I meant it.
[b]Q. You had a strange season - very aggressive in the opening races, then conservative in the summer. Was it difficult to drive like that?[/b]
FA: Honestly? Yes. But I had to think about the big prize. I could have taken risks to win each race, but I had to think about the wider picture. We made a good start to the year, then controlled the performance during the summer.
[b]Q. What did that mean, in reality?[/b]
FA: Managing situations differently. With Montoya in Brazil and Silverstone, I lifted off because of the championship. But that all changed in Suzuka and China...
[b]Q. Was that manoeuvre on Michael Schumacher in Japan your best of the year?[/b]
FA: For sure. It was a big risk move, maybe too much in fact, but very satisfying.
[b]Q. How satisfying was the performance in China?[/b]
FA: It was great because we won, we beat McLaren on their level and were up there when we needed to be. Before, they were ahead because we were defending the championship. Then we took more risks with the chassis and engine and showed we were equal.
[b]Q. Since the end of the season, some have suggested you were not the best driver this season. How does that affect you?[/b]
FA: I think it is normal, because people always say this at the end of a championship. When Hakkinen won with McLaren, they said Michael was best but he did not have the car. It was the same with Senna in the 1990s, when Williams dominated but it was said Senna would have won in that car. But to win, you need to be in the best car, at the best moment: it is a combination. This year was the moment, the right car was the Renault, and the driver is me.
[b]Q. So what's next for you?[/b]
FA: I do one day of testing next week in Spain, to find about the 2006 engine power, then we begin with the new car in January. I am taking nothing for granted because every team starts from zero again, but I think we are preparing very well at the moment.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Toro Rosso building new car for 2006
By Jonathan Noble & Michele Lostia December 7th 2005, 10:43 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso have quelled concerns about which car they will be racing with next season by confirming they are building their own chassis for 2006.
The Italian outfit caused a few raised eyebrows in testing at Barcelona last week when they kicked off their winter programme by running Red Bull Racing's RB1 chassis.
Rival teams were worried because Formula One's Concorde Agreement rules out teams from running other team's old cars - and insists they must design and manufacturer the chassis themselves.
That would have meant Toro Rosso would have been breaking the rules if they had opted to run the RB1 in 2006 � and it could have led to early season controversy.
However, although autosport.com understands that the team initially hoped to run the RB1 in 2006, the team have now opted to build their own car because of the strict constructor regulations.
Red Bull Racing's technical operations director Gunther Steiner told Gazzetta dello Sport: "It (the RB1) won't be the car with which Toro Rosso will start next season. The car that debuts in Bahrain will be fully built in Faenza."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams commit to F1 from 2008
By Jonathan Noble December 7th 2005, 10:59 GMT
Williams have become the latest team to decide to turn their back on a manufacturers' breakaway championship and sign up for Formula One from 2008.
The Grove-based team announced on Wednesday that they had reached an agreement with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone to extend the Concorde Agreement.
The team claimed that their decision to sign up was because of an improved distribution of the sport's commercial revenues, as well as promises from the FIA about their long-term governance of the sport.
Team boss Frank Williams said he hoped other teams would now follow his example and commit to F1.
"The manufacturers and teams have been a catalyst for a number of far reaching changes to the economics and administration of Formula One," he explained.
"We believe that the time has now come for everybody to remove the damaging uncertainty hanging over our sport and to commit to Formula One after 2008.
"I hope our decision will encourage the remainder of the Formula One community to join us and resolve any final details by working together. We all have a duty to avoid a damaging split in our sport and I believe the undertakings we have from FOM and the FIA provide a fair basis for bringing everyone together in the interests of the sport."
Williams' decisions means that Ferrari, Red Bull Racing and Midland have now committed to F1 beyond 2007, with Red Bull's Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit also certain to sign up.
The full statement from Williams:
WilliamsF1 Signs Extended Concorde Agreement
7 December 2005, Oxford, UK. WilliamsF1 today announced that it has agreed to enter into an extended Concorde Agreement with Formula One's commercial rights holder (FOM) and the sport's governing body (FIA), confirming the team's commitment to Formula One beyond 2008.
WilliamsF1 has agreed to become a signatory to the new Concorde Agreement after confirming that the commercial rights holder, FOM, had agreed to an improved distribution of commercial revenues among participating teams. In addition, significant progress had been made in securing important undertakings from the sport's governing body, the FIA, which will underpin the successful long term governance of Formula One.
The agreement commits one of the most successful names in the sport's history to Formula One after 2008, and is an important step towards protecting against a divisive split that could undermine motor racing's premier series.
Williams now intends to work with Formula One's established governing body and commercial rights holder to ensure that any further concerns regarding the future of the sport are addressed from within, in a cooperative and consensual manner and in the long term interests of all the sport's teams, sponsors and fans.
Williams acknowledges the important role the manufacturers and teams have played in recent months to precipitate a healthy debate about the future of Formula One.
Reflecting on reaching agreement with FOM and the FIA, Williams' Team Principal Frank Williams said, "The manufacturers and teams have been a catalyst for a number of far reaching changes to the economics and administration of Formula One. We believe that the time has now come for everybody to remove the damaging uncertainty hanging over our sport and to commit to Formula One after 2008. I hope our decision will encourage the remainder of the Formula One community to join us and resolve any final details by working together. We all have a duty to avoid a damaging split in our sport and I believe the undertakings we have from FOM and the FIA provide a fair basis for bringing everyone together in the interests of the sport."[/QUOTE]
A little Q & A with the new World Champion
[QUOTE]Q & A with Fernando Alonso
December 7th 2005, 09:47 GMT
Conducted and provided by Renault's press office.
[b]Q. Fernando, we haven't seen much of you since China. How are things?[/b]
FA: I have had some good weeks! Some fun with my family and friends, and remembering the special times we had this year. This is the right time to enjoy it, because maybe there won't be so much again in the future, so I have to enjoy the moment.
[b]Q. What is your best memory from the season?[/b]
FA: There are so many... I think Brazil will stay as the day of my life. China was a special moment too. And the French Grand Prix, Renault's home race, winning in front of thousands of fans... they are all unforgettable.
[b]Q. Take us back to Brazil. What was going through your mind on the last lap?[/b]
FA: I was thinking about the tyres! They were on the limit, and I remember asking my engineer Rod how far behind Schumacher was because I didn't want to lose third place in the final few metres. Then, finally, I saw the last corner...
[b]Q. The first thing you did was thank the team. Was that important to you?[/b]
FA: It was fundamental. If I achieved my dream this year, it is because hundreds of people have worked relentlessly behind the scenes. Everybody has given that little bit extra that made the difference. So I told them over the radio: we are all champions. I meant it.
[b]Q. You had a strange season - very aggressive in the opening races, then conservative in the summer. Was it difficult to drive like that?[/b]
FA: Honestly? Yes. But I had to think about the big prize. I could have taken risks to win each race, but I had to think about the wider picture. We made a good start to the year, then controlled the performance during the summer.
[b]Q. What did that mean, in reality?[/b]
FA: Managing situations differently. With Montoya in Brazil and Silverstone, I lifted off because of the championship. But that all changed in Suzuka and China...
[b]Q. Was that manoeuvre on Michael Schumacher in Japan your best of the year?[/b]
FA: For sure. It was a big risk move, maybe too much in fact, but very satisfying.
[b]Q. How satisfying was the performance in China?[/b]
FA: It was great because we won, we beat McLaren on their level and were up there when we needed to be. Before, they were ahead because we were defending the championship. Then we took more risks with the chassis and engine and showed we were equal.
[b]Q. Since the end of the season, some have suggested you were not the best driver this season. How does that affect you?[/b]
FA: I think it is normal, because people always say this at the end of a championship. When Hakkinen won with McLaren, they said Michael was best but he did not have the car. It was the same with Senna in the 1990s, when Williams dominated but it was said Senna would have won in that car. But to win, you need to be in the best car, at the best moment: it is a combination. This year was the moment, the right car was the Renault, and the driver is me.
[b]Q. So what's next for you?[/b]
FA: I do one day of testing next week in Spain, to find about the 2006 engine power, then we begin with the new car in January. I am taking nothing for granted because every team starts from zero again, but I think we are preparing very well at the moment.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-07-2005 10:07 AM |
Write up on Mr Speed
[QUOTE]Speed ends long wait for the US
By Alan Baldwin December 7th 2005, 09:01 GMT
Scott Speed will become the first American to race in Formula One for more than a decade after Scuderia Toro Rosso confirmed him for 2006 on Tuesday.
The Red Bull-owned team, who have bought struggling Minardi, said the 22-year old from Manteca, California, would partner Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi when the 19-round Championship starts in Bahrain on March 12.
The last American to compete in Formula One was Michael Andretti, son of 1978 World Champion Mario, who had an unhappy 13-race stint at McLaren in 1993.
Speed will be the 80th U.S. driver to have competed in the Championship since the first race in 1950, although that includes Indy 500 entrants up to 1960.
He can also expect to become the first American to race in front of his home crowd since Eddie Cheever finished third for Arrows in the 1989 U.S. Grand Prix in Phoenix, Arizona.
"In a word, fantastic," said Speed. "It's certainly a feeling of excitement. To bring F1 closer to the American public is exciting.
"It's going to be incredible to be on the grid in America, and at Indy with all the support behind me. I'm really looking forward to it."
His presence will be a big boost for U.S. Grand Prix organisers after the fiasco of this year's race which saw just six cars competing after the seven Michelin-equipped teams withdrew for tyre safety reasons.
PR Disaster
That failure was seen as a public relations disaster for a sport struggling to win over a U.S. audience more in tune with the NASCAR series. Only two U.S. drivers - Phil Hill and Mario Andretti - have been Formula One champions and the latter was the last to win a race in 1978.
Speed raced this year in GP2, finishing third overall in Formula One's junior feeder series, and had been due to be reserve driver for Red Bull's main F1 team.
The American has had to contend with colitis, a digestive tract illness, during his career but won both the German and Eurocup Formula Renault championships last year.
"There's been so much hard work, so much we've had to overcome...," said Speed.
"To be an American in F1, it took so much work to move here and prove to people that I belonged, and the work is just starting.
"It's one step closer to my goal of being World Champion."
The Italy-based Scuderia said 21-year-old Swiss Neel Jani would be their test and reserve driver. Speed, Liuzzi and Jani are graduates of Red Bull junior teams.
Liuzzi, 24, is the only one with previous Grand Prix race experience, starting four times for Red Bull Racing this year and scoring a point on his debut at Imola in April.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams urge GPMA to abandon plans
By Jonathan Noble December 7th 2005, 14:39 GMT
Formula One's manufacturers have been urged to see sense and abandon their plans for a breakaway championship - because their aims of a better deal for the teams have now been achieved.
That is the view of Williams CEO Chris Chapple, who claims that his team's decision to commit to Formula One beyond 2007 was fuelled by the fact that the offer on the table from Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA was everything that the manufacturers had originally wanted.
With Ecclestone believed to be offering 60 percent of all the sport's revenue to the teams, allied to a say in its future and promises of governance changes by the FIA, Chapple claims there is now no point in the manufacturers continuing to stand firm in their refusal to sign up to F1.
"Part of the reason of us announcing our plans today is that we want to create a debate about the future," he told autosport.com. "We want the manufacturers to look back at what they achieved, and they have achieved everything they set out to, so why maintain the threat of a second series?
"If they acknowledge that, then it makes sense to get around the table and start talking about the issues. Will it happen in the next 48 hours? No. But will our decision start a debate about the future? I hope so."
Although Williams admit that there are still some minor issues that need resolving with Ecclestone and the FIA, they pale into insignificance compared to the damage being caused by the threat of a breakaway.
"Our view now is that when you look at the issues the sport faces, the damaging threat of a new series is much bigger than what is left between us and the FIA and FOM," added Chapple.
"The one thing that needs to get removed is the threat from a rival series. Sponsors are questioning signing up with multi-million pound deals because there is a chance the sport will blow up in 18 months. Now is the right time to acknowledge the huge amount that has been achieved by the discussions with the manufacturers over the last 12 months.
"The manufacturers should be proud of what has been achieved. We haven't got everything we wanted but life is about compromises. Rarely do you get everything you want, but when the details of this deal come out, people will be surprised by what has been achieved."
And the insistence on continuing the threat of the breakaway appears to be even more futile with high level sources claiming on Wednesday that both Honda and Toyota have already indicated that they do not wish to be part of the new series, with Renault saying they will not contribute financially to it.
The three manufacturers are not able to break free from their commitment to the GPMA, however, because of a document they signed with Mercedes-Benz and BMW in September, which binds them all together until next year. It prevents any of them acting individually and leaving the group to sign up to F1, even if they wish to do so.
"There will not be a second series," added Chapple, who would not confirm whether there was a split in the manufacturers' ranks.
"What is on the table is a big victory and it is bemusing that certain people within the manufacturer group are refusing to accept that it is the way forward. I think you can only conclude that there is either an intellectual mental block with carrying on, or there are personal agendas at play."
Chapple has also rubbished any suggestions that Williams have only signed up to the new deal because of financial reasons following the end of their partnership with BMW and their need to pay for customer engines next year.
"There is one very clear fact - we are in a more healthy financial state at the moment than we were last year and the year before that.
"We have no debt and it is absolute hog wash that we are doing it for money. If we were doing it for money then we would have done it six months ago when we lost sponsor HP."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]GPMA unfazed by Williams decision
December 7th 2005, 11:58 GMT
The manufacturers hoping to set up a breakaway championship have insisted that their plans will not be derailed by Williams' decision to commit to Formula One.
The Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA) had been courting Williams as one of their potential competitors for the new series, but the British team's decision to sign up to a new Concorde Agreement means only five outfits are now left as possible entrants.
However, in a statement issued by the GPMA on Wednesday, the manufacturers re-affirmed their commitment to the new series and their aim of improving the sport for both the competitors and the fans.
"The Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA) acknowledges Williams' decision to sign a new commercial agreement with FOM," said the statement.
"At their most recent board meeting, on 29 November 2005, the five manufacturers BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Toyota reaffirmed their binding agreement to race together only in a series which satisfies the fundamental principles of a clear and equitable World Championship.
"While the GPMA members and their affiliated teams appreciate that progress has been made in recent negotiations, they remain committed to their objective to further develop the sport for the benefit of all stakeholders and in particular the fans."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Speed ends long wait for the US
By Alan Baldwin December 7th 2005, 09:01 GMT
Scott Speed will become the first American to race in Formula One for more than a decade after Scuderia Toro Rosso confirmed him for 2006 on Tuesday.
The Red Bull-owned team, who have bought struggling Minardi, said the 22-year old from Manteca, California, would partner Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi when the 19-round Championship starts in Bahrain on March 12.
The last American to compete in Formula One was Michael Andretti, son of 1978 World Champion Mario, who had an unhappy 13-race stint at McLaren in 1993.
Speed will be the 80th U.S. driver to have competed in the Championship since the first race in 1950, although that includes Indy 500 entrants up to 1960.
He can also expect to become the first American to race in front of his home crowd since Eddie Cheever finished third for Arrows in the 1989 U.S. Grand Prix in Phoenix, Arizona.
"In a word, fantastic," said Speed. "It's certainly a feeling of excitement. To bring F1 closer to the American public is exciting.
"It's going to be incredible to be on the grid in America, and at Indy with all the support behind me. I'm really looking forward to it."
His presence will be a big boost for U.S. Grand Prix organisers after the fiasco of this year's race which saw just six cars competing after the seven Michelin-equipped teams withdrew for tyre safety reasons.
PR Disaster
That failure was seen as a public relations disaster for a sport struggling to win over a U.S. audience more in tune with the NASCAR series. Only two U.S. drivers - Phil Hill and Mario Andretti - have been Formula One champions and the latter was the last to win a race in 1978.
Speed raced this year in GP2, finishing third overall in Formula One's junior feeder series, and had been due to be reserve driver for Red Bull's main F1 team.
The American has had to contend with colitis, a digestive tract illness, during his career but won both the German and Eurocup Formula Renault championships last year.
"There's been so much hard work, so much we've had to overcome...," said Speed.
"To be an American in F1, it took so much work to move here and prove to people that I belonged, and the work is just starting.
"It's one step closer to my goal of being World Champion."
The Italy-based Scuderia said 21-year-old Swiss Neel Jani would be their test and reserve driver. Speed, Liuzzi and Jani are graduates of Red Bull junior teams.
Liuzzi, 24, is the only one with previous Grand Prix race experience, starting four times for Red Bull Racing this year and scoring a point on his debut at Imola in April.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams urge GPMA to abandon plans
By Jonathan Noble December 7th 2005, 14:39 GMT
Formula One's manufacturers have been urged to see sense and abandon their plans for a breakaway championship - because their aims of a better deal for the teams have now been achieved.
That is the view of Williams CEO Chris Chapple, who claims that his team's decision to commit to Formula One beyond 2007 was fuelled by the fact that the offer on the table from Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA was everything that the manufacturers had originally wanted.
With Ecclestone believed to be offering 60 percent of all the sport's revenue to the teams, allied to a say in its future and promises of governance changes by the FIA, Chapple claims there is now no point in the manufacturers continuing to stand firm in their refusal to sign up to F1.
"Part of the reason of us announcing our plans today is that we want to create a debate about the future," he told autosport.com. "We want the manufacturers to look back at what they achieved, and they have achieved everything they set out to, so why maintain the threat of a second series?
"If they acknowledge that, then it makes sense to get around the table and start talking about the issues. Will it happen in the next 48 hours? No. But will our decision start a debate about the future? I hope so."
Although Williams admit that there are still some minor issues that need resolving with Ecclestone and the FIA, they pale into insignificance compared to the damage being caused by the threat of a breakaway.
"Our view now is that when you look at the issues the sport faces, the damaging threat of a new series is much bigger than what is left between us and the FIA and FOM," added Chapple.
"The one thing that needs to get removed is the threat from a rival series. Sponsors are questioning signing up with multi-million pound deals because there is a chance the sport will blow up in 18 months. Now is the right time to acknowledge the huge amount that has been achieved by the discussions with the manufacturers over the last 12 months.
"The manufacturers should be proud of what has been achieved. We haven't got everything we wanted but life is about compromises. Rarely do you get everything you want, but when the details of this deal come out, people will be surprised by what has been achieved."
And the insistence on continuing the threat of the breakaway appears to be even more futile with high level sources claiming on Wednesday that both Honda and Toyota have already indicated that they do not wish to be part of the new series, with Renault saying they will not contribute financially to it.
The three manufacturers are not able to break free from their commitment to the GPMA, however, because of a document they signed with Mercedes-Benz and BMW in September, which binds them all together until next year. It prevents any of them acting individually and leaving the group to sign up to F1, even if they wish to do so.
"There will not be a second series," added Chapple, who would not confirm whether there was a split in the manufacturers' ranks.
"What is on the table is a big victory and it is bemusing that certain people within the manufacturer group are refusing to accept that it is the way forward. I think you can only conclude that there is either an intellectual mental block with carrying on, or there are personal agendas at play."
Chapple has also rubbished any suggestions that Williams have only signed up to the new deal because of financial reasons following the end of their partnership with BMW and their need to pay for customer engines next year.
"There is one very clear fact - we are in a more healthy financial state at the moment than we were last year and the year before that.
"We have no debt and it is absolute hog wash that we are doing it for money. If we were doing it for money then we would have done it six months ago when we lost sponsor HP."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]GPMA unfazed by Williams decision
December 7th 2005, 11:58 GMT
The manufacturers hoping to set up a breakaway championship have insisted that their plans will not be derailed by Williams' decision to commit to Formula One.
The Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA) had been courting Williams as one of their potential competitors for the new series, but the British team's decision to sign up to a new Concorde Agreement means only five outfits are now left as possible entrants.
However, in a statement issued by the GPMA on Wednesday, the manufacturers re-affirmed their commitment to the new series and their aim of improving the sport for both the competitors and the fans.
"The Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA) acknowledges Williams' decision to sign a new commercial agreement with FOM," said the statement.
"At their most recent board meeting, on 29 November 2005, the five manufacturers BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Toyota reaffirmed their binding agreement to race together only in a series which satisfies the fundamental principles of a clear and equitable World Championship.
"While the GPMA members and their affiliated teams appreciate that progress has been made in recent negotiations, they remain committed to their objective to further develop the sport for the benefit of all stakeholders and in particular the fans."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-07-2005 11:45 AM |
Testing from Jerez.
[QUOTE]Montagny fastest, Gene shines at Jerez
December 7th 2005, 16:39 GMT
Ferrari proved that the change of regulations next year could see them back at the front of the field when Marc Gene emerged as the quickest V8 runner at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday.
Although outgoing Renault test driver Frank Montagny was fastest overall in the Renault, running a detuned V10 engine, Gene was only two tenths adrift of that time and almost half a second clear of Anthony Davidson, the next V8 runner.
Narain Karthikeyan boosted his chances of securing the third drive at Williams when he outpaced new signing Nico Rosberg on his first day in the car to set the fifth fastest time.
The Indian, who is vying with Nicolas Kiesa for the testing job, was less than two tenths slower than fourth fastest Davidson despite a spin and a mechanical problem that brought out two of the day's red flags.
Pedro de la Rosa was sixth overall, ahead of Ralf Schumacher in the new Toyota. Former Toyota test driver Ryan Briscoe, who had been called up at the last minute after Olivier Panis was forced to withdraw from the test on medical grounds, assisted Schumacher.
"It's the first time I have been in an F1 car for a little while," Briscoe told autosport.com. "I was testing in Miami on Monday when I got a call at lunchtime from Toyota asking me if I wanted to test for them.
"I said: 'Yes, that would be great' and when I asked when they told me Wednesday and Thursday! I had to get a flight straightaway."
Briscoe caused the first red flag of the day when he spun off on cold tyres less than an hour into the test, and also the last red flag of the day when his engine blew up at 4.20pm.
The only other major incident of the day was when Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer spun off at the final hairpin. He hit the tyre wall with the right front suspension and spun around before ending up backwards against the wall - without major damage though.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Montagny Renault (M) 1:19.468 103
2. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:19.687 82
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:19.809 118
4. Davidson Honda (M) 1:20.144 103
5. Karthikeyan Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.291 49
6. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.369 102
7. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:20.454 65
8. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.581 70
9. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.644 62
10. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:20.845 66
11. Rossiter Honda (M) 1:20.978 39
12. Briscoe Toyota (B) 1:21.211 81
13. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:21.252 78
14. Biagi MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.878 90
15. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:23.203 52
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Montagny fastest, Gene shines at Jerez
December 7th 2005, 16:39 GMT
Ferrari proved that the change of regulations next year could see them back at the front of the field when Marc Gene emerged as the quickest V8 runner at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday.
Although outgoing Renault test driver Frank Montagny was fastest overall in the Renault, running a detuned V10 engine, Gene was only two tenths adrift of that time and almost half a second clear of Anthony Davidson, the next V8 runner.
Narain Karthikeyan boosted his chances of securing the third drive at Williams when he outpaced new signing Nico Rosberg on his first day in the car to set the fifth fastest time.
The Indian, who is vying with Nicolas Kiesa for the testing job, was less than two tenths slower than fourth fastest Davidson despite a spin and a mechanical problem that brought out two of the day's red flags.
Pedro de la Rosa was sixth overall, ahead of Ralf Schumacher in the new Toyota. Former Toyota test driver Ryan Briscoe, who had been called up at the last minute after Olivier Panis was forced to withdraw from the test on medical grounds, assisted Schumacher.
"It's the first time I have been in an F1 car for a little while," Briscoe told autosport.com. "I was testing in Miami on Monday when I got a call at lunchtime from Toyota asking me if I wanted to test for them.
"I said: 'Yes, that would be great' and when I asked when they told me Wednesday and Thursday! I had to get a flight straightaway."
Briscoe caused the first red flag of the day when he spun off on cold tyres less than an hour into the test, and also the last red flag of the day when his engine blew up at 4.20pm.
The only other major incident of the day was when Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer spun off at the final hairpin. He hit the tyre wall with the right front suspension and spun around before ending up backwards against the wall - without major damage though.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Montagny Renault (M) 1:19.468 103
2. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:19.687 82
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:19.809 118
4. Davidson Honda (M) 1:20.144 103
5. Karthikeyan Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.291 49
6. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.369 102
7. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:20.454 65
8. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.581 70
9. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.644 62
10. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:20.845 66
11. Rossiter Honda (M) 1:20.978 39
12. Briscoe Toyota (B) 1:21.211 81
13. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:21.252 78
14. Biagi MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.878 90
15. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:23.203 52
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| driggity | 12-07-2005 12:05 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Hey Midland.
Congrats on forming your own new team. Good luck. One question about the paint job:
***? :confused: My eyes hurt now. Thanks.[/QUOTE]
I hope I'm wrong but that almost looks like flat black. Are they going for the beat up "sleeper" look?
Congrats on forming your own new team. Good luck. One question about the paint job:
***? :confused: My eyes hurt now. Thanks.[/QUOTE]
I hope I'm wrong but that almost looks like flat black. Are they going for the beat up "sleeper" look?
| Dussander | 12-07-2005 12:31 PM |
I have always hated the Toyota paint job. It just looks hidious to me. I loved the black BAR Honda 05 Test car from last year. That was the best.
| Ferg | 12-07-2005 12:33 PM |
Let the rumors begin...Loeb to drive for Ferrari in 2008! :lol:
[QUOTE]Loeb wants Ferrari F1 test
By Michele Lostia December 7th 2005, 15:50 GMT
World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb has said he is going to start pushing this winter for Ferrari to give him a Formula One test.
The Frenchman has already spoken to the team's management about his desire to try out a Grand Prix car, and he told the italiaracing website that he is hoping his dream can become a reality soon.
"Of course I'd love to, a lot," he said when asked about testing a Ferrari. "In fact I've already told Jean Todt.
"So far nothing's been done especially because during the season I had other problems to deal with. But I'll push for it again soon, as soon as Ferrari go back to winning ways.
"I'd also like to test a real racing bike and sooner or later I'll do it. With all the precautions and without trying to get lap-times beyond my capabilities, but I'll do it.
"For years I dreamed of owning [a Ferrari road car] and I'm very glad I managed to get one."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Loeb wants Ferrari F1 test
By Michele Lostia December 7th 2005, 15:50 GMT
World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb has said he is going to start pushing this winter for Ferrari to give him a Formula One test.
The Frenchman has already spoken to the team's management about his desire to try out a Grand Prix car, and he told the italiaracing website that he is hoping his dream can become a reality soon.
"Of course I'd love to, a lot," he said when asked about testing a Ferrari. "In fact I've already told Jean Todt.
"So far nothing's been done especially because during the season I had other problems to deal with. But I'll push for it again soon, as soon as Ferrari go back to winning ways.
"I'd also like to test a real racing bike and sooner or later I'll do it. With all the precautions and without trying to get lap-times beyond my capabilities, but I'll do it.
"For years I dreamed of owning [a Ferrari road car] and I'm very glad I managed to get one."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-07-2005 07:07 PM |
You know from this angle the Midland colors look wonderful.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286044/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286045/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286046/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286043/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286040/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286041/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286044/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286045/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286046/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286043/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286040/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53286041/large.jpg[/IMG]
| WRSport | 12-07-2005 07:59 PM |
Nice work Ferg.....I'm now up to date and havent even hit the usual sites yet this year.
| Draken | 12-07-2005 09:29 PM |
Every year some interesting aero concepts crop up. This year, it appears that variations of wings and fences at the forward edge of the sidepods are getting attention. BAR and Midlands being the most obvious. Kinda neato.
Chris H.
Chris H.
| artkevin | 12-07-2005 10:29 PM |
The Midland does look good from the 3/4 overhead but thats about the only time IMO.
Draken, the aero bits you are talking about were in use for the last few races by Jordan and BAR. I think Toyota was the 1st to use the pre-sidepod wing in the 05 season. So far I can't see any visual improvements from Jordan to Midland other then a new paint job.
Jordan from Japan 05
[IMG]http://www.schlegelmilch.com/New/images/0151/0518-0032-1.jpg[/IMG]
BAR in Brazil 05
[IMG]http://www.schlegelmilch.com/New/images/0139/0517-0072-1.jpg[/IMG]
Toyota from Bahrain 05
[IMG]http://www.schlegelmilch.com/New/images/0039/0503-0025-1.jpg[/IMG]
Draken, the aero bits you are talking about were in use for the last few races by Jordan and BAR. I think Toyota was the 1st to use the pre-sidepod wing in the 05 season. So far I can't see any visual improvements from Jordan to Midland other then a new paint job.
Jordan from Japan 05
[IMG]http://www.schlegelmilch.com/New/images/0151/0518-0032-1.jpg[/IMG]
BAR in Brazil 05
[IMG]http://www.schlegelmilch.com/New/images/0139/0517-0072-1.jpg[/IMG]
Toyota from Bahrain 05
[IMG]http://www.schlegelmilch.com/New/images/0039/0503-0025-1.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 12-08-2005 10:00 AM |
Lot's of news this morning.
[QUOTE]Honda boss sees peace on the horizon
By Alan Baldwin December 8th 2005, 08:12 GMT
Formula One can hope to start next season free from the threat of a rival carmaker-led series that would tear the sport in two, says Honda F1 team boss Nick Fry.
"I'd be very disappointed if we went into next season in a situation of flux," said the Briton, who put at 75 percent the likelihood of an agreement by then to end a long power struggle.
Honda are one of five carmakers threatening their own championship from the beginning of 2008 unless their demands for a greater share of revenues, more transparent corporate governance and fairness for all are met.
At the same time they have been talking to Formula One's commercial rights holders, represented by Bernie Ecclestone, and the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).
"Certainly by the time we go to Bahrain next year, I'd hope (that the threat is over)," said Fry, referring to the season-opening race on March 12.
"At the moment there still is a threat because we haven't resolved all the issues and the car manufacturers need another route in case the issues aren't resolved.
"But I think everything is proceeding well at the moment. We're making good progress but there's still work to be done."
Fry's comments came after former champions Williams announced on Wednesday that they would stay with the existing championship after 2007 rather than join any breakaway series.
The decision leaves Formula One split between five teams -- Ferrari, Williams, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Midland -- on one side and five carmakers -- Renault, BMW, DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes, Toyota and Honda -- on the other.
No Defeat
Williams chief executive Chris Chapple said his team, who had sided with the carmakers until recently, were now satisfied their demands had been met.
"We've achieved a lot and, looking at where we are now, there is no longer a need for this threat of a rival series," he told Reuters.
"It's not a defeat for anyone but a reflection of how much has been achieved by the group (of manufacturers)... more money and better regulation were the two objectives and having done that we should get rid of the threat."
Fry said he understood Frank Williams' position.
"Williams clearly are not a car manufacturer...Frank's running an independent team and I think stability for the future is clearly very important to them.
"There's no hard feelings and it wasn't a big surprise.
"I think the other reason why it's not really a particularly big issue is that discussions between the teams and the FIA and (Ecclestone's) FOM have been progressing very well over the last few weeks.
"There's still work to do but in my view it's headed in the right direction and if we can resolve those issues which remain then a situation of stability is on the horizon," he said.
"There were earlier this year a number of genuine issues and it's not just the money issue. It was issues to do with the direction of governance of the sport and in the main those have now been resolved.
"I think we need to go into next season concentrating on the racing, the sport, the entertainment and I see no reason why that shouldn't be the case."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Odds favour Super Aguri, says Fry
By Alan Baldwin December 8th 2005, 09:02 GMT
Japan's Super Aguri team are more likely than not to be racing in Formula One next year despite their initial application being rejected, according to Honda team boss Nick Fry.
Honda have agreed to provide engines to the Japanese team, whose bid to enter the 2006 Championship was turned down by the governing FIA this month when a mandatory $48 million bond apparently failed to be paid on time.
Super Aguri have vowed to re-apply, a move that requires the unanimous agreement of all the other teams before the newcomers can be admitted.
"They've got a lot of work to do but they are progressing well from what we can see and I think there is a better than evens chance they will be on the grid," said Fry.
"There are three months to go and all 10 teams have got to sign up (to allow them to compete) so there is a bit of an issue there and I don't know where they are on that," he added. "But in terms of physically being able to be on the grid, they've got a reasonable chance.
"From what I understand they are determined to be in Formula One and they've got the difficult bit which is the engine. I don't think they'll give up," said Fry.
Davidson Role
Fry hoped Briton Anthony Davidson would stay as Honda's test and reserve driver rather than be tempted by any offer of a race seat from the team led by former Japanese racer Aguri Suzuki.
Davidson and Japan's Takuma Sato are seen as Super Aguri's likely line-up. Sato lost his drive with BAR, the team Honda bought and renamed, at the end of the season.
Fry suggested it might be better for Davidson to spend a year as back-up to compatriot Jenson Button and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.
"We are hoping that he's going to be our third driver," he said. "I think that a combination of Jenson, Rubens and Anthony will be absolutely top line," he said.
"Clearly we've got a moral and legal obligation to allow Anthony to race if someone else offers him a race drive.
"But we're hoping very much he stays with us because he'll have a great year and learn a lot from Jenson and Rubens and they'll be a great team," added Fry.
"If he's given the opportunity the following year, once Aguri has had the chance to get up to speed, then I think that will be great for him."
Fry ruled out Super Aguri using BAR's 2005 specification car: "They are an independent team and they will have their own chassis and it won't be a BAR chassis," he said.
Instead, Super Aguri are likely to run a Honda V8-powered derivative of a car raced by now-defunct Arrows in 2002 and purchased from former Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone says deal close on Belgian GP
December 8th 2005, 09:03 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says he is close to reaching a deal with the Belgian government to secure the future of the country's Grand Prix after the local promoter ran into financial trouble.
The regional government of Wallonia has been engaged in a political row about the possible tens of millions of euros it might have to pay Ecclestone to keep the Spa-Francorchamps race on the calendar.
Ecclestone told Belgian television station RTBF on Wednesday night he would take over promotion of the race and a deal would be reached at the beginning of next week.
He said there were "very serious negotiations" to secure Spa's long-term future.
Although it is one of the great and historic Formula One circuits, the promoter ran into trouble after poor ticket sales this year and the government had to lend him 15 million euros ($17.58 million) to pay Ecclestone. [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Winter staff changes in full swing
By Jonathan Noble December 8th 2005, 11:13 GMT
Honda Racing's senior aerodynamicist Willem Toet has left the team during a week in which there have been major staff changes up and down the pitlane.
Toet, who had joined BAR for their debut season in 1999, had worked alongside technical director Geoff Willis but has left the outfit with immediate effect. It is believed the team have no plans to replace him and will instead restructure their aerodynamics department.
Elsewhere, Red Bull Racing's team manager David Stubbs has left the team and been replaced by former Renault chief mechanic Jonathan Wheatley. Renault's Rob Marshall, member of the design team, will also join Red Bull Racing next April after agreeing a deal to join the team.
Red Bull have also recruited Toyota's logistics manager Gianfranco Fanduzzi to become team manager of their new Scuderia Toro Rosso team. Fanduzzi's place will be taken by Andy Beven.
The movements are part of the annual winter merry go round of staff and come amid continued suggestions that McLaren's Vehicle Project Director Nicholas Tombazis has left the team, despite denials from the outfit.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Honda boss sees peace on the horizon
By Alan Baldwin December 8th 2005, 08:12 GMT
Formula One can hope to start next season free from the threat of a rival carmaker-led series that would tear the sport in two, says Honda F1 team boss Nick Fry.
"I'd be very disappointed if we went into next season in a situation of flux," said the Briton, who put at 75 percent the likelihood of an agreement by then to end a long power struggle.
Honda are one of five carmakers threatening their own championship from the beginning of 2008 unless their demands for a greater share of revenues, more transparent corporate governance and fairness for all are met.
At the same time they have been talking to Formula One's commercial rights holders, represented by Bernie Ecclestone, and the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).
"Certainly by the time we go to Bahrain next year, I'd hope (that the threat is over)," said Fry, referring to the season-opening race on March 12.
"At the moment there still is a threat because we haven't resolved all the issues and the car manufacturers need another route in case the issues aren't resolved.
"But I think everything is proceeding well at the moment. We're making good progress but there's still work to be done."
Fry's comments came after former champions Williams announced on Wednesday that they would stay with the existing championship after 2007 rather than join any breakaway series.
The decision leaves Formula One split between five teams -- Ferrari, Williams, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Midland -- on one side and five carmakers -- Renault, BMW, DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes, Toyota and Honda -- on the other.
No Defeat
Williams chief executive Chris Chapple said his team, who had sided with the carmakers until recently, were now satisfied their demands had been met.
"We've achieved a lot and, looking at where we are now, there is no longer a need for this threat of a rival series," he told Reuters.
"It's not a defeat for anyone but a reflection of how much has been achieved by the group (of manufacturers)... more money and better regulation were the two objectives and having done that we should get rid of the threat."
Fry said he understood Frank Williams' position.
"Williams clearly are not a car manufacturer...Frank's running an independent team and I think stability for the future is clearly very important to them.
"There's no hard feelings and it wasn't a big surprise.
"I think the other reason why it's not really a particularly big issue is that discussions between the teams and the FIA and (Ecclestone's) FOM have been progressing very well over the last few weeks.
"There's still work to do but in my view it's headed in the right direction and if we can resolve those issues which remain then a situation of stability is on the horizon," he said.
"There were earlier this year a number of genuine issues and it's not just the money issue. It was issues to do with the direction of governance of the sport and in the main those have now been resolved.
"I think we need to go into next season concentrating on the racing, the sport, the entertainment and I see no reason why that shouldn't be the case."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Odds favour Super Aguri, says Fry
By Alan Baldwin December 8th 2005, 09:02 GMT
Japan's Super Aguri team are more likely than not to be racing in Formula One next year despite their initial application being rejected, according to Honda team boss Nick Fry.
Honda have agreed to provide engines to the Japanese team, whose bid to enter the 2006 Championship was turned down by the governing FIA this month when a mandatory $48 million bond apparently failed to be paid on time.
Super Aguri have vowed to re-apply, a move that requires the unanimous agreement of all the other teams before the newcomers can be admitted.
"They've got a lot of work to do but they are progressing well from what we can see and I think there is a better than evens chance they will be on the grid," said Fry.
"There are three months to go and all 10 teams have got to sign up (to allow them to compete) so there is a bit of an issue there and I don't know where they are on that," he added. "But in terms of physically being able to be on the grid, they've got a reasonable chance.
"From what I understand they are determined to be in Formula One and they've got the difficult bit which is the engine. I don't think they'll give up," said Fry.
Davidson Role
Fry hoped Briton Anthony Davidson would stay as Honda's test and reserve driver rather than be tempted by any offer of a race seat from the team led by former Japanese racer Aguri Suzuki.
Davidson and Japan's Takuma Sato are seen as Super Aguri's likely line-up. Sato lost his drive with BAR, the team Honda bought and renamed, at the end of the season.
Fry suggested it might be better for Davidson to spend a year as back-up to compatriot Jenson Button and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello.
"We are hoping that he's going to be our third driver," he said. "I think that a combination of Jenson, Rubens and Anthony will be absolutely top line," he said.
"Clearly we've got a moral and legal obligation to allow Anthony to race if someone else offers him a race drive.
"But we're hoping very much he stays with us because he'll have a great year and learn a lot from Jenson and Rubens and they'll be a great team," added Fry.
"If he's given the opportunity the following year, once Aguri has had the chance to get up to speed, then I think that will be great for him."
Fry ruled out Super Aguri using BAR's 2005 specification car: "They are an independent team and they will have their own chassis and it won't be a BAR chassis," he said.
Instead, Super Aguri are likely to run a Honda V8-powered derivative of a car raced by now-defunct Arrows in 2002 and purchased from former Minardi boss Paul Stoddart.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone says deal close on Belgian GP
December 8th 2005, 09:03 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says he is close to reaching a deal with the Belgian government to secure the future of the country's Grand Prix after the local promoter ran into financial trouble.
The regional government of Wallonia has been engaged in a political row about the possible tens of millions of euros it might have to pay Ecclestone to keep the Spa-Francorchamps race on the calendar.
Ecclestone told Belgian television station RTBF on Wednesday night he would take over promotion of the race and a deal would be reached at the beginning of next week.
He said there were "very serious negotiations" to secure Spa's long-term future.
Although it is one of the great and historic Formula One circuits, the promoter ran into trouble after poor ticket sales this year and the government had to lend him 15 million euros ($17.58 million) to pay Ecclestone. [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Winter staff changes in full swing
By Jonathan Noble December 8th 2005, 11:13 GMT
Honda Racing's senior aerodynamicist Willem Toet has left the team during a week in which there have been major staff changes up and down the pitlane.
Toet, who had joined BAR for their debut season in 1999, had worked alongside technical director Geoff Willis but has left the outfit with immediate effect. It is believed the team have no plans to replace him and will instead restructure their aerodynamics department.
Elsewhere, Red Bull Racing's team manager David Stubbs has left the team and been replaced by former Renault chief mechanic Jonathan Wheatley. Renault's Rob Marshall, member of the design team, will also join Red Bull Racing next April after agreeing a deal to join the team.
Red Bull have also recruited Toyota's logistics manager Gianfranco Fanduzzi to become team manager of their new Scuderia Toro Rosso team. Fanduzzi's place will be taken by Andy Beven.
The movements are part of the annual winter merry go round of staff and come amid continued suggestions that McLaren's Vehicle Project Director Nicholas Tombazis has left the team, despite denials from the outfit.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-08-2005 12:04 PM |
Today's testing from Jerez.
[QUOTE]Badoer quickest despite crash
December 8th 2005, 16:22 GMT
Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer led the way on the second day of testing at Jerez in Spain on Thursday - even though his day's running ended against the tyre barriers.
The Italian, who was running with a V10 engine that simulates V8 levels of power, suffered a suspected front-suspension failure at the hairpin early in the morning session.
The major impact he suffered damaged the Ferrari beyond repair and left the team with no choice but to cut Badoer's test short. The Italian is due to return home to rest.
Despite the incident, Badoer's best lap was eight tenths of a second faster than Jenson Button in the concept Honda Racing car, fitted with a V8 engine.
The Briton just edged out the Renault duo of Heikki Kovalainen and Franck Montagny, both of whom were running with detuned V10 engines, despite suffering a massive engine blow-up late in the day.
Toyota test driver Ryan Briscoe proved he was fully back up to speed with Formula One machinery following his late call-up to action to replace the unwell Olivier Panis as he set the fifth fastest time.
The Australian was almost four tenths quicker than Jarno Trulli, who had been drafted in to replace Ralf Schumacher after the German was forced to pull out of the test with back problems.
Behind the Williams duo of Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, Gary Paffett suffered a major Mercedes-Benz engine blow-up as the teams continued to discover gremlins with the new V8 power-units.
Further down the order Jacques Villeneuve had a troubled opening day of action with new bosses BMW. His car broke down on its installation lap in the morning and then he suffered further engine dramas later in the day.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:18.237 13 *
2. Button Honda (M) 1:19.094 71
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:19.287 110 *
4. Montagny Renault (M) 1:19.483 104 *
5. Briscoe Toyota (B) 1:19.563 65
6. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:19.935 59
7. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.343 44
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.464 25
9. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.484 69
10. Rossiter Honda (M) 1:20.603 66
11. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.854 47 *
12. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.895 29
13. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:21.008 10 *
14. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:21.122 13
15. van Hooydonk MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.625 70 *
16. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.684 62
17. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:24.367 23
* V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Badoer quickest despite crash
December 8th 2005, 16:22 GMT
Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer led the way on the second day of testing at Jerez in Spain on Thursday - even though his day's running ended against the tyre barriers.
The Italian, who was running with a V10 engine that simulates V8 levels of power, suffered a suspected front-suspension failure at the hairpin early in the morning session.
The major impact he suffered damaged the Ferrari beyond repair and left the team with no choice but to cut Badoer's test short. The Italian is due to return home to rest.
Despite the incident, Badoer's best lap was eight tenths of a second faster than Jenson Button in the concept Honda Racing car, fitted with a V8 engine.
The Briton just edged out the Renault duo of Heikki Kovalainen and Franck Montagny, both of whom were running with detuned V10 engines, despite suffering a massive engine blow-up late in the day.
Toyota test driver Ryan Briscoe proved he was fully back up to speed with Formula One machinery following his late call-up to action to replace the unwell Olivier Panis as he set the fifth fastest time.
The Australian was almost four tenths quicker than Jarno Trulli, who had been drafted in to replace Ralf Schumacher after the German was forced to pull out of the test with back problems.
Behind the Williams duo of Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, Gary Paffett suffered a major Mercedes-Benz engine blow-up as the teams continued to discover gremlins with the new V8 power-units.
Further down the order Jacques Villeneuve had a troubled opening day of action with new bosses BMW. His car broke down on its installation lap in the morning and then he suffered further engine dramas later in the day.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:18.237 13 *
2. Button Honda (M) 1:19.094 71
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:19.287 110 *
4. Montagny Renault (M) 1:19.483 104 *
5. Briscoe Toyota (B) 1:19.563 65
6. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:19.935 59
7. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.343 44
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.464 25
9. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.484 69
10. Rossiter Honda (M) 1:20.603 66
11. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.854 47 *
12. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.895 29
13. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:21.008 10 *
14. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:21.122 13
15. van Hooydonk MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.625 70 *
16. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.684 62
17. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:24.367 23
* V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 12-08-2005 12:15 PM |
Good to see Briscoe back in a car. He looked like he was going to be in bad shape after the IRL wreck this year.
[IMG]http://info.detnews.com/dn/pix/2005/09/12/sports/s012-motor-0905n.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://info.detnews.com/dn/pix/2005/09/12/sports/s012-motor-0905n.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 12-09-2005 10:15 AM |
That picture gives me chills :eek: I can't even begin to imagine what that must have felt like.
News from this morning...more bickering over engine parity.
[QUOTE]MF1 worried about V10 advantage
December 9th 2005, 13:07 GMT
The MF1 Racing team are hoping to convince the FIA to change the regulations before the start of the 2006 season in order to delete the advantage of V10 engines.
Several teams are unhappy about the current equivalency formula between V8 engines and the V10 units, with members of the teams claiming the new eight-cylinder engines will be at a disadvantage when the season starts in March.
The FIA has said that it is not going to take any action until the start of the season is closer.
MF1 Racing, however, are currently conducting a comparison test between V8 and V10 engines at Jerez, so that they can provide the FIA with sufficient data to prove restricted V10s are at an advantage over V8s.
The team's sporting director Johnny Herbert told autosport.com at Jerez that having two sets of rules is unfair, and the Briton is hoping the data gathered will make the FIA think of changing the rules.
Herbert said the team were hoping to avoid an embarrassing situation when the season starts.
"Personally I think there should be one set of rules for everyone, it is not fair to have two different rules," Herbert said. "I know the manufacturers have some independent experiments and submitted in the data, but at the moment nothing has happened.
"We can see from the track that the V10 is definitely better, but can our data can convince the governing body? We don't know but it would be better to sort this out before the season kicks off, before we embarrass ourselves in the opening race.
"I have not driven the current V10 so from what I understand the V8 is great coming out of corners. However the V10, with the current restrictions, still has good torque, it's only the top end which is missing.
"So something ought to be done before the first race. If we can contribute it from our data, why not?"
Currently, only Toro Rosso are planning to use V10 engines next season.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Villeneuve: V8 engines still fun
December 9th 2005, 09:48 GMT
Canadian Jacques Villeneuve says driving a V8-engined car is as much fun as a V10 machine after his first test with the new power units.
The former World Champion on Thursday kicked off his winter testing programme with the BMW team, sampling the new V8 engine for the first time.
Villeneuve said he had expected the engine to be less powerful, and played down fears that the new units will be less challenging. The BMW driver, in fact, believes the engines could allow for more overtaking.
"It's always nice to get into the car after the break. Furthermore, it was the first time for me with BMW and the V8 engine, and this was nice," said the Canadian. "Of course, it's hard to compare the V8 with the V10, but I was expecting a bigger loss of power and more vibrations.
"It was not too bad and actually quite nice to drive. In fact you do feel a little loss of power, but it doesn't make driving less fun. The speed in the corners seems to be the same while you are going slower on the straights.
"Nevertheless, the driving will still be exciting and physical. Hopefully since we are all going less fast on the straights this will give us a bigger tow and this could mean more overtaking in the future."[/QUOTE]
News from this morning...more bickering over engine parity.
[QUOTE]MF1 worried about V10 advantage
December 9th 2005, 13:07 GMT
The MF1 Racing team are hoping to convince the FIA to change the regulations before the start of the 2006 season in order to delete the advantage of V10 engines.
Several teams are unhappy about the current equivalency formula between V8 engines and the V10 units, with members of the teams claiming the new eight-cylinder engines will be at a disadvantage when the season starts in March.
The FIA has said that it is not going to take any action until the start of the season is closer.
MF1 Racing, however, are currently conducting a comparison test between V8 and V10 engines at Jerez, so that they can provide the FIA with sufficient data to prove restricted V10s are at an advantage over V8s.
The team's sporting director Johnny Herbert told autosport.com at Jerez that having two sets of rules is unfair, and the Briton is hoping the data gathered will make the FIA think of changing the rules.
Herbert said the team were hoping to avoid an embarrassing situation when the season starts.
"Personally I think there should be one set of rules for everyone, it is not fair to have two different rules," Herbert said. "I know the manufacturers have some independent experiments and submitted in the data, but at the moment nothing has happened.
"We can see from the track that the V10 is definitely better, but can our data can convince the governing body? We don't know but it would be better to sort this out before the season kicks off, before we embarrass ourselves in the opening race.
"I have not driven the current V10 so from what I understand the V8 is great coming out of corners. However the V10, with the current restrictions, still has good torque, it's only the top end which is missing.
"So something ought to be done before the first race. If we can contribute it from our data, why not?"
Currently, only Toro Rosso are planning to use V10 engines next season.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Villeneuve: V8 engines still fun
December 9th 2005, 09:48 GMT
Canadian Jacques Villeneuve says driving a V8-engined car is as much fun as a V10 machine after his first test with the new power units.
The former World Champion on Thursday kicked off his winter testing programme with the BMW team, sampling the new V8 engine for the first time.
Villeneuve said he had expected the engine to be less powerful, and played down fears that the new units will be less challenging. The BMW driver, in fact, believes the engines could allow for more overtaking.
"It's always nice to get into the car after the break. Furthermore, it was the first time for me with BMW and the V8 engine, and this was nice," said the Canadian. "Of course, it's hard to compare the V8 with the V10, but I was expecting a bigger loss of power and more vibrations.
"It was not too bad and actually quite nice to drive. In fact you do feel a little loss of power, but it doesn't make driving less fun. The speed in the corners seems to be the same while you are going slower on the straights.
"Nevertheless, the driving will still be exciting and physical. Hopefully since we are all going less fast on the straights this will give us a bigger tow and this could mean more overtaking in the future."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-09-2005 12:00 PM |
Today's testing news from Jerez.
[QUOTE]De la Rosa sets Jerez pace
December 9th 2005, 16:47 GMT
Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa set a blistering pace on the third day of testing at the Jerez circuit, but it was Nico Rosberg who set the fastest time in a V8-engined car.
De la Rosa had to use the car fitted with a V10 engine in the morning, as McLaren ran out of Mercedes V8 units, which arrived in the afternoon.
The Spaniard posted a best time of 1:17.703 to finished over 1.5 seconds ahead of Rosberg in the Cosworth-powered Williams.
De la Rosa's time was set with the V10-engined car, although he also worked with the V8 unit once the engine arrived in the afternoon.
McLaren's other test driver Alex Wurz drove the hybrid car fitted with the V8 engine, and although he enjoyed a productive day and covered 77 laps, the Austrian finished down in ninth place.
Rosberg, on the other hand, did not enjoy a very good day and saw his programme cut short after being hit by mechanical problems. The Williams driver, whose Cosworth engine had to be changed, caused three red flags throughout the day and only managed to cover 24 laps.
Jenson Button was third quickest in the first on the Honda cars, both the Briton and test driver Anthony Davidson at the wheel of V8-engined hybrid machines. Both men focused on tyre work as well as on the development of the Japanese engine.
Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta carried out testing duties for Toyota, the Italian working on a tyre compound programme as the Brazilian worked on a tyre construction one. Zonta caused one of the red flags of the day.
"This was another useful day of testing for us," said Trulli. "I spent the morning primarily working on setting up the car. Then in the afternoon we moved onto tyre testing. We have so far encountered a few difficulties in finding the ideal set-up for the car but that is only to be expected.
"We are still at a very early stage in our relationship with Bridgestone and we are on a steep learning curve to find out how to get the most out of the tyres. Jerez is a fine track to work on that and I'm confident that we will make considerable progress over the winter."
Canadian Jacques Villeneuve was again the only BMW driver in action today, the former World Champion enjoying a fruitful day with 86 laps completed. He was hit by mechanical problems, however, causing a red flag with a suspected hydraulics failure.
Tiago Monteiro and MF1 Racing teammate Christijan Albers carried out a comparison test in order to provide engine data to the FIA. While Monteiro drove a V8-engined car, Albers used the V10, comparing the performance of both in order to convince the FIA to limit the V10 engines further before the start of the season.
Monteiro, however, was the quickest of the two, nearly three seconds in front of Albers.
Marc Gene was the only Ferrari driver in action following Luca Badoer's accident on Thursday. Despite losing some time while his team tried to find the cause of Badoer's suspension failure, Gene was pleased with his programme after covering 79 laps.
David Coulthard finished close to the bottom of the times for Red Bull, who fitted the Scot's car with a V10 engine simulating V8 performance.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.703 77 *
2. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.174 24
3. Button Honda (M) 1:19.365 122
4. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:19.670 89
5. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.684 55
6. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:19.859 60
7. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:19.864 86
8. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:19.952 70
9. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.105 77
10. Davidson Honda (M) 1:20.106 102
11. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:20.981 79
12. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.114 104 *
13. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:22.684 63 *
(*) V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]De la Rosa sets Jerez pace
December 9th 2005, 16:47 GMT
Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa set a blistering pace on the third day of testing at the Jerez circuit, but it was Nico Rosberg who set the fastest time in a V8-engined car.
De la Rosa had to use the car fitted with a V10 engine in the morning, as McLaren ran out of Mercedes V8 units, which arrived in the afternoon.
The Spaniard posted a best time of 1:17.703 to finished over 1.5 seconds ahead of Rosberg in the Cosworth-powered Williams.
De la Rosa's time was set with the V10-engined car, although he also worked with the V8 unit once the engine arrived in the afternoon.
McLaren's other test driver Alex Wurz drove the hybrid car fitted with the V8 engine, and although he enjoyed a productive day and covered 77 laps, the Austrian finished down in ninth place.
Rosberg, on the other hand, did not enjoy a very good day and saw his programme cut short after being hit by mechanical problems. The Williams driver, whose Cosworth engine had to be changed, caused three red flags throughout the day and only managed to cover 24 laps.
Jenson Button was third quickest in the first on the Honda cars, both the Briton and test driver Anthony Davidson at the wheel of V8-engined hybrid machines. Both men focused on tyre work as well as on the development of the Japanese engine.
Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta carried out testing duties for Toyota, the Italian working on a tyre compound programme as the Brazilian worked on a tyre construction one. Zonta caused one of the red flags of the day.
"This was another useful day of testing for us," said Trulli. "I spent the morning primarily working on setting up the car. Then in the afternoon we moved onto tyre testing. We have so far encountered a few difficulties in finding the ideal set-up for the car but that is only to be expected.
"We are still at a very early stage in our relationship with Bridgestone and we are on a steep learning curve to find out how to get the most out of the tyres. Jerez is a fine track to work on that and I'm confident that we will make considerable progress over the winter."
Canadian Jacques Villeneuve was again the only BMW driver in action today, the former World Champion enjoying a fruitful day with 86 laps completed. He was hit by mechanical problems, however, causing a red flag with a suspected hydraulics failure.
Tiago Monteiro and MF1 Racing teammate Christijan Albers carried out a comparison test in order to provide engine data to the FIA. While Monteiro drove a V8-engined car, Albers used the V10, comparing the performance of both in order to convince the FIA to limit the V10 engines further before the start of the season.
Monteiro, however, was the quickest of the two, nearly three seconds in front of Albers.
Marc Gene was the only Ferrari driver in action following Luca Badoer's accident on Thursday. Despite losing some time while his team tried to find the cause of Badoer's suspension failure, Gene was pleased with his programme after covering 79 laps.
David Coulthard finished close to the bottom of the times for Red Bull, who fitted the Scot's car with a V10 engine simulating V8 performance.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.703 77 *
2. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.174 24
3. Button Honda (M) 1:19.365 122
4. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:19.670 89
5. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.684 55
6. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:19.859 60
7. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:19.864 86
8. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:19.952 70
9. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.105 77
10. Davidson Honda (M) 1:20.106 102
11. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:20.981 79
12. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.114 104 *
13. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:22.684 63 *
(*) V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| driggity | 12-09-2005 01:12 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]The Midland does look good from the 3/4 overhead but thats about the only time IMO.[/QUOTE]
Maybe its just me, but in the 3/4 overhead shot it looks like the colors are different than in the shots posted earlier. My guess would be that the color correction is off for someone. I just hope that the colors are actually good.
Maybe its just me, but in the 3/4 overhead shot it looks like the colors are different than in the shots posted earlier. My guess would be that the color correction is off for someone. I just hope that the colors are actually good.
| artkevin | 12-09-2005 01:45 PM |
It looks to me like Midland is running and Orange-ish red and a grey/charcoal rather then true Red and Black. It might work in person, becuase it sounds cool but from the side the car looks far to "busy" with little concern for style. The Williams would be the exact opp. Clean lines and simple forms. The Midland looks like its a little too sloopy for me but I like the color.
BTW What can Ferrari learn from Midland?
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/54109.jpg[/IMG]
BTW What can Ferrari learn from Midland?
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/54109.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 12-09-2005 01:55 PM |
Maybe he's being punished?
"Giancomo, since you decided to drop the wheel gun on Mr Todt's foot, you have to spend the afternoon spying on....Midland!"
"NOOOOOOOO!!"
"Giancomo, since you decided to drop the wheel gun on Mr Todt's foot, you have to spend the afternoon spying on....Midland!"
"NOOOOOOOO!!"
| TimStevens | 12-09-2005 02:11 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]
"NOOOOOOOO!!"[/QUOTE]
[img]http://www.patrickruffini.com/archives/vader.jpg[/img]
I never cease to be amazed by what you can find via GIS.
"NOOOOOOOO!!"[/QUOTE]
[img]http://www.patrickruffini.com/archives/vader.jpg[/img]
I never cease to be amazed by what you can find via GIS.
| Ferg | 12-09-2005 06:50 PM |
Nice Tim, that had me in stitches :lol:
Pics from today.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355046/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355047/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355048/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355049/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355050/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355051/large.jpg[/IMG]
Pics from today.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355046/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355047/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355048/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355049/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355050/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53355051/large.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 12-10-2005 11:24 AM |
Wow...
[QUOTE]Cosworth breaks 20,000rpm barrier
December 10th 2005, 14:21 GMT
Northampton-based engine builder Cosworth has an enviable record of success with V8 engines, and it claims to have made further history by becoming the first manufacturer to have broken the 20,000rpm limit on track.
According to a report in this week's Autosport, Cosworth ran its new CA-2006 V8 engine to a new rev record during testing with Williams at the recent Barcelona test - and it has now set its sights on reaching 21,000rpm before the end of next season.
Although it is not thought that Cosworth's engine will use the 20,000rpm level as a regular feature during 2006, the company believe that such a benchmark was needed for it to be competitive.
Alex Hitzinger, Cosworth's head of F1 development, said: "We had to be prepared to move the benchmark again in 2006 and 20,000rpm was our target.
"We don't plan to run the engine to 20,000rpm as a matter of course, but it will be available to us."
The history-making rev record for Cosworth is indicative of the company's desire to make a success of its partnership with Williams - and Hitzinger is refusing to rule out the chances of victories.
"Williams can win with us and we would like them to," he explained. "We haven't been in such a strong position with a team since we were with Benetton in 1994." Cosworth's DFV V8 engine is the most successful in the sport's history, having taken a total of 155 Grands Prix victories.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Cosworth breaks 20,000rpm barrier
December 10th 2005, 14:21 GMT
Northampton-based engine builder Cosworth has an enviable record of success with V8 engines, and it claims to have made further history by becoming the first manufacturer to have broken the 20,000rpm limit on track.
According to a report in this week's Autosport, Cosworth ran its new CA-2006 V8 engine to a new rev record during testing with Williams at the recent Barcelona test - and it has now set its sights on reaching 21,000rpm before the end of next season.
Although it is not thought that Cosworth's engine will use the 20,000rpm level as a regular feature during 2006, the company believe that such a benchmark was needed for it to be competitive.
Alex Hitzinger, Cosworth's head of F1 development, said: "We had to be prepared to move the benchmark again in 2006 and 20,000rpm was our target.
"We don't plan to run the engine to 20,000rpm as a matter of course, but it will be available to us."
The history-making rev record for Cosworth is indicative of the company's desire to make a success of its partnership with Williams - and Hitzinger is refusing to rule out the chances of victories.
"Williams can win with us and we would like them to," he explained. "We haven't been in such a strong position with a team since we were with Benetton in 1994." Cosworth's DFV V8 engine is the most successful in the sport's history, having taken a total of 155 Grands Prix victories.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 12-10-2005 01:14 PM |
Hey Ferg, do you know how many engine faliures Cosworth had in 05? I think (and hope) Williams Cosworth can be a darkhorse this year with the new engine regs.
| Ferg | 12-10-2005 02:27 PM |
I don't know off the top of my head, but it didn't seem like a lot..certainly not as bad as some other engines. Something I need to look into. :)
Today's testing from Jerez...someone forgot to put fuel in JV's car methinks.
[QUOTE]Villeneuve leads the way at Jerez
December 10th 2005, 16:27 GMT
Canadian Jacques Villeneuve set the pace on Saturday's testing session at the Jerez circuit, where 10 drivers were on action.
The BMW driver's best time of 1:18.752, set on his final lap of the day, put him nearly a second ahead of his closest rival.
Villeneuve had a productive day as the team continued making progress with their new P86 engine, the former World Champion completing 101 laps.
McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa, quickest yesterday, was second fastest today. De la Rosa was carrying out tyre testing for Michelin in a V10-engined car, but which simulated a V8 engine as two cylinders were not working.
Teammate Alexander Wurz was again at the wheel of the car fitted with the V8 unit, the Austrian finishing in fifth.
Toyota completed their last day of this week's test programme, with both Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta at the wheel for work on set-up and on the team's new Bridgestone tyres.
"This has been an interesting week of putting mileage on the new TF106," said Trulli. "The V8 engine has been running well with good power and good torque, and the car as a whole has been reliable. We've done a lot of work on the tyres and we have learned a lot.
"At this early stage it has just been a matter of getting used to how the new rubber works. We still have to find the window where we can get the maximum out of the tyres, but we are working hard to collect data to understand how to approach our programme in January and February."
Ferrari's test driver Marc Gene continued working on an engine reliability programme at the wheel of the hybrid F2004 with the V8 unit. The Spaniard had a busy day, covering a total of 111 laps on his way to the sixth quickest time of the day.
Markus Winkelhock, son of the late Formula One racer Manfred, made his Formula One debut with the MF1 Racing team, driving the V10-engined car, sharing the car with Italian Fabrizio del Monte and Russian Roman Rusinov, who was also driving a Formula One car for the first time.
Winkelhock enjoyed a positive session despite his lack of experience with Grand Prix cars, finishing as the quickest of the four drivers the MF1 Racing team worked with today.
Dutchman Christijan Albers drove the V8-powered car, but his mileage was limited after suffering a fuel injection problem first and then an electronic problem in the afternoon.
He managed just 25 laps during the day to finish as ninth quickest, only ahead of del Monte.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:18.752 101
2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.533 94 *
3. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:19.805 60
4. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:19.870 77
5. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.219 111
6. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:20.246 111
7. Winkelhock MF1-Toyota (B) 1:20.856 52 *
8. Rusinov MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.990 29 *
9. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:22.683 25
10. del Monte MF1-Toyota (B) 1:24.350 27 *
(*) V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
Today's testing from Jerez...someone forgot to put fuel in JV's car methinks.
[QUOTE]Villeneuve leads the way at Jerez
December 10th 2005, 16:27 GMT
Canadian Jacques Villeneuve set the pace on Saturday's testing session at the Jerez circuit, where 10 drivers were on action.
The BMW driver's best time of 1:18.752, set on his final lap of the day, put him nearly a second ahead of his closest rival.
Villeneuve had a productive day as the team continued making progress with their new P86 engine, the former World Champion completing 101 laps.
McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa, quickest yesterday, was second fastest today. De la Rosa was carrying out tyre testing for Michelin in a V10-engined car, but which simulated a V8 engine as two cylinders were not working.
Teammate Alexander Wurz was again at the wheel of the car fitted with the V8 unit, the Austrian finishing in fifth.
Toyota completed their last day of this week's test programme, with both Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta at the wheel for work on set-up and on the team's new Bridgestone tyres.
"This has been an interesting week of putting mileage on the new TF106," said Trulli. "The V8 engine has been running well with good power and good torque, and the car as a whole has been reliable. We've done a lot of work on the tyres and we have learned a lot.
"At this early stage it has just been a matter of getting used to how the new rubber works. We still have to find the window where we can get the maximum out of the tyres, but we are working hard to collect data to understand how to approach our programme in January and February."
Ferrari's test driver Marc Gene continued working on an engine reliability programme at the wheel of the hybrid F2004 with the V8 unit. The Spaniard had a busy day, covering a total of 111 laps on his way to the sixth quickest time of the day.
Markus Winkelhock, son of the late Formula One racer Manfred, made his Formula One debut with the MF1 Racing team, driving the V10-engined car, sharing the car with Italian Fabrizio del Monte and Russian Roman Rusinov, who was also driving a Formula One car for the first time.
Winkelhock enjoyed a positive session despite his lack of experience with Grand Prix cars, finishing as the quickest of the four drivers the MF1 Racing team worked with today.
Dutchman Christijan Albers drove the V8-powered car, but his mileage was limited after suffering a fuel injection problem first and then an electronic problem in the afternoon.
He managed just 25 laps during the day to finish as ninth quickest, only ahead of del Monte.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:18.752 101
2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.533 94 *
3. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:19.805 60
4. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:19.870 77
5. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.219 111
6. Gene Ferrari (B) 1:20.246 111
7. Winkelhock MF1-Toyota (B) 1:20.856 52 *
8. Rusinov MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.990 29 *
9. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:22.683 25
10. del Monte MF1-Toyota (B) 1:24.350 27 *
(*) V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-12-2005 10:02 AM |
This morning's news...
[QUOTE]MF1 blocking Super Aguri entry
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 11:22 GMT
Super Aguri's hopes of making it onto the Formula One grid next year now rest with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone convincing MF1 Racing to back down in their opposition to the Japanese team's entry.
Aguri Suzuki's team failed to make the original entry list to the 2006 season after not lodging their $48 million bond with the FIA in time.
Under the sport's regulations, however, they can still gain an entry providing they satisfy the FIA's criteria and they get approval from all the other teams on the grid. The team are believed to have the bond ready and are poised to resubmit the entry.
The unanimous support from their rivals is not forthcoming, though, with sources claiming that MF1 are still refusing to back down in their opposition to Super Aguri's entry. Ecclestone is believed to have convinced the other teams to support the Super Aguri's inclusion in next year's Championship.
MF1 are believed to be concerned that Super Aguri could knock them outside the top 10 teams in the Constructors' Championship - which would cost them vital commercial revenue from the sale of television rights. Only the top 10 outfits are eligible for payment by Ecclestone.
Although Super Aguri would not be eligible for the money themselves for next year, as teams have to compete for two full seasons before qualifying for the income, any failure by Midland to make the top 10 would result in them losing the money anyway.
Sources claim that Ecclestone is now working hard at trying to convince Midland to back down in their opposition but that he has not yet been successful in his plans.
It may involve some kind of financial incentive for the team, especially because the outfit have proved loyal to Ecclestone so far and are already committed to F1 from the start of 2008.
Super Aguri are still working on the design of their 2006 car, as well as getting the 2002 Arrows A23 car, which they will start the season with, ready.
Chief technical officer Mark Preston told Autosport: "It's pretty much business as usual. We have 50 people here working absolutely flat out on trying to get things sorted out and we have a huge pile of CVs from people who want to work for us.
"We'll continue to develop the car until we're told to do otherwise."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Davidson not ruling out Aguri drive
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 14:54 GMT
Anthony Davidson has not ruled out joining the Super Aguri team in Formula One next season - despite reports claiming that he is poised to snub the outfit.
Honda Racing boss Nick Fry said last week that he would like Davidson to remain as his team's third driver in 2006, in a move that would see the Briton return to Friday testing duties at Grands Prix.
However, Davidson has not yet committed to that job as he awaits news on whether Super Aguri will be granted an entry to next year's World Championship. Should they be given the green light for 2006 then Davidson is favourite to join Takuma Sato, who is in talks with the team.
"I would love to be racing and if an opportunity comes along then it would be tempting," Davidson told autosport.com. "I haven't yet spoken to anybody at Suzuki, but I plan to in the very near future.
"Obviously I want to be racing next year, that is always my goal and it is always what I have said. But I feel committed to Honda at the same time and I am getting on with winter testing as per the norm. I cannot really say any more, because I haven't spoken to Suzuki yet. It has been all done through Honda."
Davidson admitted that he was in a difficult position in trying to make a decision because of the current uncertainty about Super Aguri's future. The team's attempt to gain an entry to next year's Championship is currently dependent on whether MF1 Racing will give their support.
"At the moment they are not actually part of the line-up for next year, they haven't got an entry and haven't signed any drivers. So for me to commit to a team that doesn't exist would be a case of running before you can walk.
"I've got to make a decision soon but it's a real tough one, because I 100 percent want to be racing.
"It is really frustrating to be in this situation at this time of the year, but everything else has gone. Let's wait and see what comes out of it."
But even if talks with Super Aguri do not get anywhere, Davidson has said he would be more than happy to remain Honda Racing's third driver � especially as it would give him a good shop-window in his hopes of getting a race drive in 2007.
"I would be happy," he said. "I have Fridays again to help the team with and to show what I can do again. It does give you a lot of credit and respect and it will hopefully put me in the market again next season.
"I feel Honda are going to be strong team next year and already they have got a strong engine and the car will be good. At the same time I would love to be racing so in a way I wish I could be doing both, but that is not realistic."
Sato is understood to have visited Super Aguri's Leafield factory last week to continue his talks with the team. The Japanese driver has not yet signed a contract, however, as he also awaits news of the team's future.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Karthikeyan to get second Williams test
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 14:13 GMT
Narain Karthikeyan has been recalled by Williams for this week's test at Jerez in Spain, heightening speculation that he will secure the third driver role at the team for 2006.
The Indian, who drove for Jordan this year but has not been retained by the renamed MF1 Racing outfit, tested for one day at Jerez last week with Williams so they could evaluate his technical feedback and speed.
And after outpacing Williams race driver Nico Rosberg during his one-day stint, Karthikeyan has been asked back for this week's run at the Spanish track. He will test on Wednesday and Friday.
Speaking to Indian media this week, Karthikeyan admitted that he had been blown away by the experience of testing for the front-running team.
"I found it to be a very satisfying experience driving the Williams car," he said. "Now I know why this team has done so well in Grands Prix. It's truly fantastic and I was able to give some valuable input to the team engineers."
Karthikeyan is in a fight with Danish driver Nicolas Kiesa for the third driver role, but the recall for this week's test would indicate that he is now in pole position for the job.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]De la Rosa: V8 cars a lot easier to drive
December 12th 2005, 13:45 GMT
Driving a V8-powered Formula One car is a lot easier and more like being behind the wheel of a GP2 machine, according to Pedro de la Rosa.
"I think [driving] is a lot easier," the McLaren test driver told Spanish daily Marca. "Physically is less demanding. Now you can complete a test and do 100 laps very easily.
"It's like asking a marathon runner to complete every kilometre in 3:20 instead of 3:15. It takes away the adrenaline rush and all the driving skill required to drive an F1 car.
"To me, this is more like a GP2 car."
Grand Prix cars will use engines with less capacity next year after the FIA introduced new rules to switch from 3.0 to 2.4 litre power units.
But with the amount of downforce remaining unchanged, de la Rosa reckons the cars are now less fun to drive.
"If the loss of power had been combined with a loss of downforce, the car would still be fun to drive," he added. "But if the car is the same and they take away 200 horsepower it becomes very easy. It's like a limpet.
"I think they have overdone it taking so much power out. They should have also reduced the downforce by 20 per cent. Even the crowd is going to notice the sound difference, it's less spectacular than before."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Rosberg encouraged by tyre performance
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 10:30 GMT
Williams rookie Nico Rosberg has said he is encouraged by his early experience of Bridgestone tyres after a promising test at Jerez in Spain last week.
The German, who has been signed up to race alongside Mark Webber next season, admits he is still getting himself up to full speed with F1 machinery but is pleased with how his running is going.
"Generally I have been positively surprised by the Bridgestone tyre test," he told autosport.com after Sunday's simulated wet running. "In Barcelona although we did some running there, it was very difficult to assess as the temperature was so low.
"The wet test was fantastic and together with (Toyota's) Ricardo Zonta we have covered so much mileage.
"What was so educational was the electronics control systems. I have so much to learn but I have completed the wet programme, and it was a very good test."
Rosberg has said that not everything is perfect, however, because of mechanical dramas that have affected his recent running at Jerez.
"We've had a fair share of problems here, so we did not get much running," he added. "But I am pretty confident in the car. The handling is fantastic and I think I have been the fastest of the V8 runners for the past three days."
Williams are also working on modifying Rosberg's seat for the team's next test, as it is currently slightly too small for him.
"It is not quite perfect and it needs adjusting a bit," he said. "We will have to change it for the next test."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]MF1 blocking Super Aguri entry
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 11:22 GMT
Super Aguri's hopes of making it onto the Formula One grid next year now rest with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone convincing MF1 Racing to back down in their opposition to the Japanese team's entry.
Aguri Suzuki's team failed to make the original entry list to the 2006 season after not lodging their $48 million bond with the FIA in time.
Under the sport's regulations, however, they can still gain an entry providing they satisfy the FIA's criteria and they get approval from all the other teams on the grid. The team are believed to have the bond ready and are poised to resubmit the entry.
The unanimous support from their rivals is not forthcoming, though, with sources claiming that MF1 are still refusing to back down in their opposition to Super Aguri's entry. Ecclestone is believed to have convinced the other teams to support the Super Aguri's inclusion in next year's Championship.
MF1 are believed to be concerned that Super Aguri could knock them outside the top 10 teams in the Constructors' Championship - which would cost them vital commercial revenue from the sale of television rights. Only the top 10 outfits are eligible for payment by Ecclestone.
Although Super Aguri would not be eligible for the money themselves for next year, as teams have to compete for two full seasons before qualifying for the income, any failure by Midland to make the top 10 would result in them losing the money anyway.
Sources claim that Ecclestone is now working hard at trying to convince Midland to back down in their opposition but that he has not yet been successful in his plans.
It may involve some kind of financial incentive for the team, especially because the outfit have proved loyal to Ecclestone so far and are already committed to F1 from the start of 2008.
Super Aguri are still working on the design of their 2006 car, as well as getting the 2002 Arrows A23 car, which they will start the season with, ready.
Chief technical officer Mark Preston told Autosport: "It's pretty much business as usual. We have 50 people here working absolutely flat out on trying to get things sorted out and we have a huge pile of CVs from people who want to work for us.
"We'll continue to develop the car until we're told to do otherwise."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Davidson not ruling out Aguri drive
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 14:54 GMT
Anthony Davidson has not ruled out joining the Super Aguri team in Formula One next season - despite reports claiming that he is poised to snub the outfit.
Honda Racing boss Nick Fry said last week that he would like Davidson to remain as his team's third driver in 2006, in a move that would see the Briton return to Friday testing duties at Grands Prix.
However, Davidson has not yet committed to that job as he awaits news on whether Super Aguri will be granted an entry to next year's World Championship. Should they be given the green light for 2006 then Davidson is favourite to join Takuma Sato, who is in talks with the team.
"I would love to be racing and if an opportunity comes along then it would be tempting," Davidson told autosport.com. "I haven't yet spoken to anybody at Suzuki, but I plan to in the very near future.
"Obviously I want to be racing next year, that is always my goal and it is always what I have said. But I feel committed to Honda at the same time and I am getting on with winter testing as per the norm. I cannot really say any more, because I haven't spoken to Suzuki yet. It has been all done through Honda."
Davidson admitted that he was in a difficult position in trying to make a decision because of the current uncertainty about Super Aguri's future. The team's attempt to gain an entry to next year's Championship is currently dependent on whether MF1 Racing will give their support.
"At the moment they are not actually part of the line-up for next year, they haven't got an entry and haven't signed any drivers. So for me to commit to a team that doesn't exist would be a case of running before you can walk.
"I've got to make a decision soon but it's a real tough one, because I 100 percent want to be racing.
"It is really frustrating to be in this situation at this time of the year, but everything else has gone. Let's wait and see what comes out of it."
But even if talks with Super Aguri do not get anywhere, Davidson has said he would be more than happy to remain Honda Racing's third driver � especially as it would give him a good shop-window in his hopes of getting a race drive in 2007.
"I would be happy," he said. "I have Fridays again to help the team with and to show what I can do again. It does give you a lot of credit and respect and it will hopefully put me in the market again next season.
"I feel Honda are going to be strong team next year and already they have got a strong engine and the car will be good. At the same time I would love to be racing so in a way I wish I could be doing both, but that is not realistic."
Sato is understood to have visited Super Aguri's Leafield factory last week to continue his talks with the team. The Japanese driver has not yet signed a contract, however, as he also awaits news of the team's future.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Karthikeyan to get second Williams test
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 14:13 GMT
Narain Karthikeyan has been recalled by Williams for this week's test at Jerez in Spain, heightening speculation that he will secure the third driver role at the team for 2006.
The Indian, who drove for Jordan this year but has not been retained by the renamed MF1 Racing outfit, tested for one day at Jerez last week with Williams so they could evaluate his technical feedback and speed.
And after outpacing Williams race driver Nico Rosberg during his one-day stint, Karthikeyan has been asked back for this week's run at the Spanish track. He will test on Wednesday and Friday.
Speaking to Indian media this week, Karthikeyan admitted that he had been blown away by the experience of testing for the front-running team.
"I found it to be a very satisfying experience driving the Williams car," he said. "Now I know why this team has done so well in Grands Prix. It's truly fantastic and I was able to give some valuable input to the team engineers."
Karthikeyan is in a fight with Danish driver Nicolas Kiesa for the third driver role, but the recall for this week's test would indicate that he is now in pole position for the job.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]De la Rosa: V8 cars a lot easier to drive
December 12th 2005, 13:45 GMT
Driving a V8-powered Formula One car is a lot easier and more like being behind the wheel of a GP2 machine, according to Pedro de la Rosa.
"I think [driving] is a lot easier," the McLaren test driver told Spanish daily Marca. "Physically is less demanding. Now you can complete a test and do 100 laps very easily.
"It's like asking a marathon runner to complete every kilometre in 3:20 instead of 3:15. It takes away the adrenaline rush and all the driving skill required to drive an F1 car.
"To me, this is more like a GP2 car."
Grand Prix cars will use engines with less capacity next year after the FIA introduced new rules to switch from 3.0 to 2.4 litre power units.
But with the amount of downforce remaining unchanged, de la Rosa reckons the cars are now less fun to drive.
"If the loss of power had been combined with a loss of downforce, the car would still be fun to drive," he added. "But if the car is the same and they take away 200 horsepower it becomes very easy. It's like a limpet.
"I think they have overdone it taking so much power out. They should have also reduced the downforce by 20 per cent. Even the crowd is going to notice the sound difference, it's less spectacular than before."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Rosberg encouraged by tyre performance
By Jonathan Noble December 12th 2005, 10:30 GMT
Williams rookie Nico Rosberg has said he is encouraged by his early experience of Bridgestone tyres after a promising test at Jerez in Spain last week.
The German, who has been signed up to race alongside Mark Webber next season, admits he is still getting himself up to full speed with F1 machinery but is pleased with how his running is going.
"Generally I have been positively surprised by the Bridgestone tyre test," he told autosport.com after Sunday's simulated wet running. "In Barcelona although we did some running there, it was very difficult to assess as the temperature was so low.
"The wet test was fantastic and together with (Toyota's) Ricardo Zonta we have covered so much mileage.
"What was so educational was the electronics control systems. I have so much to learn but I have completed the wet programme, and it was a very good test."
Rosberg has said that not everything is perfect, however, because of mechanical dramas that have affected his recent running at Jerez.
"We've had a fair share of problems here, so we did not get much running," he added. "But I am pretty confident in the car. The handling is fantastic and I think I have been the fastest of the V8 runners for the past three days."
Williams are also working on modifying Rosberg's seat for the team's next test, as it is currently slightly too small for him.
"It is not quite perfect and it needs adjusting a bit," he said. "We will have to change it for the next test."[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 12-12-2005 10:09 AM |
Cool, an Indian co-worker of mine will be very happy to see that Williams story.
| artkevin | 12-12-2005 11:40 AM |
I hope Super Aguri makes it in. I know they wil be slow as all hell but it will be a nice addition.
| Ferg | 12-12-2005 12:07 PM |
I hope so too, even if they'll be nowhere in terms of speed next year.
Meanwhile....
[QUOTE]Schumacher can't wait to start working
December 12th 2005, 16:49 GMT
Former World Champion Michael Schumacher has admitted that he is itching to get back behind the wheel of his Ferrari for testing this week.
The German will return to the cockpit at Jerez in Spain this Thursday and Friday and claims that his disappointing 2005 campaign has left him more motivated than ever to get down to work.
"When I came home from racing in China, I did not feel the way I expected to feel," he told his official website on Monday. "I had no need for a vacation and no desire to rest. Quite the opposite in fact. Instead I began my preparation training for the next season.
"Through the winter I have been in regular contact with Maranello and stayed permanently in touch during the tests. This only made me want to drive again even more - so it is good that it is this Thursday and Friday and the wait is over. I am happy about that."
Despite the struggles that Ferrari faced in 2005, Schumacher believes that there is a renewed desire from everyone at the team to fight back. It was something he noticed at the team's Christmas party.
"The Ferrari Christmas party, as always is a large lunch with the total motoring department, sponsors, supplier and partners," he explained.
"This time it ended somewhat differently to previous years - this time had we now really nothing to celebrate - but as usual the atmosphere was fantastic nonetheless.
"The best part of the day was listening to the applause for Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's speech. You could sense a crackling tension and the desire to eliminate this year. Everyone is fired up which pleased me very much because that is what I feel also."[/QUOTE]
Meanwhile....
[QUOTE]Schumacher can't wait to start working
December 12th 2005, 16:49 GMT
Former World Champion Michael Schumacher has admitted that he is itching to get back behind the wheel of his Ferrari for testing this week.
The German will return to the cockpit at Jerez in Spain this Thursday and Friday and claims that his disappointing 2005 campaign has left him more motivated than ever to get down to work.
"When I came home from racing in China, I did not feel the way I expected to feel," he told his official website on Monday. "I had no need for a vacation and no desire to rest. Quite the opposite in fact. Instead I began my preparation training for the next season.
"Through the winter I have been in regular contact with Maranello and stayed permanently in touch during the tests. This only made me want to drive again even more - so it is good that it is this Thursday and Friday and the wait is over. I am happy about that."
Despite the struggles that Ferrari faced in 2005, Schumacher believes that there is a renewed desire from everyone at the team to fight back. It was something he noticed at the team's Christmas party.
"The Ferrari Christmas party, as always is a large lunch with the total motoring department, sponsors, supplier and partners," he explained.
"This time it ended somewhat differently to previous years - this time had we now really nothing to celebrate - but as usual the atmosphere was fantastic nonetheless.
"The best part of the day was listening to the applause for Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo's speech. You could sense a crackling tension and the desire to eliminate this year. Everyone is fired up which pleased me very much because that is what I feel also."[/QUOTE]
| driggity | 12-12-2005 12:44 PM |
[QUOTE]Although Super Aguri would not be eligible for the money themselves for next year, as teams have to compete for two full seasons before qualifying for the income, any failure by Midland to make the top 10 would result in them losing the money anyway.[/QUOTE]
That sure is one hell of a racket Bernie has going on there.
That sure is one hell of a racket Bernie has going on there.
| Ferg | 12-12-2005 02:45 PM |
Bernie is the master of rackets.
Consider the fact that Bernie has managed to sell Formula One three times (two sales and one float) over the last decade...
Consider the fact that Bernie has managed to sell Formula One three times (two sales and one float) over the last decade...
| Ferg | 12-13-2005 01:03 PM |
Today's news and testing
[QUOTE]Massa tops the times at Jerez
December 13th 2005, 16:24 GMT
Ferrari's Felipe Massa comfortably led the way on the opening day of this week's test at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday, although he was the only driver running with a V10 engine.
The Brazilian, whose car had been fitted with an air-restricted V10 for the first time, outpaced Ricardo Zonta in the V8-powered TF106 by almost a whole second.
"I tried out several set-ups with controlled tyres," Zonta told autosport.com. "We have to understand how the car responds, especially with weight distribution we have found some good directions already."
The Brazilian also joined several of his colleagues in saying V8-engined cars are less demanding to drive.
"It is less physical to drive, so drivers will be closer to the limit and also it means you have more time to correct. I am used to the V8 now but if I ever drive a V10 again I will probably feel the difference.
"Pedro (de la Rosa) told me there was so much power when he drove the V10 last week after driving so many days with V8."
Gary Paffett put an early morning spin on cold tyres behind him to set the third quickest time for McLaren, boosting his hopes of securing a test deal with the team by outpacing Pedro de la Rosa.
The team spent their day focusing on long runs to get valuable mileage on their V8 engines, although Paffett suffered a mechanical problem late in the day and stopped out on the track.
"We are just doing lots of lots of mileage on the engine," de la Rosa told autosport.com "I am used to the engine now, and in fact it is so easy to drive with this engine.
"We are still on controlled tyres but we are learning lots of different directions with these tyres. Maybe we can go onto a compound test tomorrow. But we have a lot to learn from the engine and the tyres at the moment. So far no problems."
Nick Heidfeld continued BMW-Sauber's preparations with the fifth quickest time, having a wild run across the grass at one point, while Toyota development driver Franck Perera had a pretty incident-filled day.
He went off wide at the right-hander before the chicane and kissed the barriers just after 12pm, before spinning off for the second time just moments before the test ended.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:19.070 91 *
2. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:20.061 92
3. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.226 66
4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.318 84
5. Heidfeld Sauber-BMW (M) 1:20.794 85
6. Perera Toyota (B) 1:21.337 60
(*) V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Aguri hoping to learn fate this week
By Jonathan Noble December 13th 2005, 12:19 GMT
Super Aguri are hoping to find out later this week whether their entry to next year's Formula One World Championship will be accepted.
The team are awaiting news on how successful F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been in persuading the other teams on the grid to give the unanimous support required for Aguri's entry to be accepted.
And although Ecclestone has had to work hard to get over initial resistance from some outfits, believed to include Ferrari, sources close to Aguri have told autosport.com that the problem at the moment remains a complete refusal by the MF1 Racing to support the move.
Ecclestone is believed to be campaigning hard on Aguri's behalf but Midland are understood to have shown little desire to back down in their opposition.
As well as concerns about losing television rights money if Super Aguri finish ahead of them in the Championship, sources have claimed that MF1's engine supplier Toyota may be putting the team under pressure to ensure that arch rivals Honda's plan for a second team do not come off.
There may also be an issue over Takuma Sato's future, with MF1 still believed to be interested in his services for next year. If the team scupper Aguri's efforts then it will almost certainly leave Sato with no other option but to join MF1.
A source close to Super Aguri has said that a decision about the team's entry could be made as early as the end of this week, but the final outcome will depend on Ecclestone and FIA president Max Mosley.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Massa tops the times at Jerez
December 13th 2005, 16:24 GMT
Ferrari's Felipe Massa comfortably led the way on the opening day of this week's test at Jerez in Spain on Tuesday, although he was the only driver running with a V10 engine.
The Brazilian, whose car had been fitted with an air-restricted V10 for the first time, outpaced Ricardo Zonta in the V8-powered TF106 by almost a whole second.
"I tried out several set-ups with controlled tyres," Zonta told autosport.com. "We have to understand how the car responds, especially with weight distribution we have found some good directions already."
The Brazilian also joined several of his colleagues in saying V8-engined cars are less demanding to drive.
"It is less physical to drive, so drivers will be closer to the limit and also it means you have more time to correct. I am used to the V8 now but if I ever drive a V10 again I will probably feel the difference.
"Pedro (de la Rosa) told me there was so much power when he drove the V10 last week after driving so many days with V8."
Gary Paffett put an early morning spin on cold tyres behind him to set the third quickest time for McLaren, boosting his hopes of securing a test deal with the team by outpacing Pedro de la Rosa.
The team spent their day focusing on long runs to get valuable mileage on their V8 engines, although Paffett suffered a mechanical problem late in the day and stopped out on the track.
"We are just doing lots of lots of mileage on the engine," de la Rosa told autosport.com "I am used to the engine now, and in fact it is so easy to drive with this engine.
"We are still on controlled tyres but we are learning lots of different directions with these tyres. Maybe we can go onto a compound test tomorrow. But we have a lot to learn from the engine and the tyres at the moment. So far no problems."
Nick Heidfeld continued BMW-Sauber's preparations with the fifth quickest time, having a wild run across the grass at one point, while Toyota development driver Franck Perera had a pretty incident-filled day.
He went off wide at the right-hander before the chicane and kissed the barriers just after 12pm, before spinning off for the second time just moments before the test ended.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:19.070 91 *
2. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:20.061 92
3. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.226 66
4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.318 84
5. Heidfeld Sauber-BMW (M) 1:20.794 85
6. Perera Toyota (B) 1:21.337 60
(*) V10 engine
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Aguri hoping to learn fate this week
By Jonathan Noble December 13th 2005, 12:19 GMT
Super Aguri are hoping to find out later this week whether their entry to next year's Formula One World Championship will be accepted.
The team are awaiting news on how successful F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been in persuading the other teams on the grid to give the unanimous support required for Aguri's entry to be accepted.
And although Ecclestone has had to work hard to get over initial resistance from some outfits, believed to include Ferrari, sources close to Aguri have told autosport.com that the problem at the moment remains a complete refusal by the MF1 Racing to support the move.
Ecclestone is believed to be campaigning hard on Aguri's behalf but Midland are understood to have shown little desire to back down in their opposition.
As well as concerns about losing television rights money if Super Aguri finish ahead of them in the Championship, sources have claimed that MF1's engine supplier Toyota may be putting the team under pressure to ensure that arch rivals Honda's plan for a second team do not come off.
There may also be an issue over Takuma Sato's future, with MF1 still believed to be interested in his services for next year. If the team scupper Aguri's efforts then it will almost certainly leave Sato with no other option but to join MF1.
A source close to Super Aguri has said that a decision about the team's entry could be made as early as the end of this week, but the final outcome will depend on Ecclestone and FIA president Max Mosley.[/QUOTE]
| MGXsport | 12-13-2005 03:36 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Wow...[/QUOTE]
How can it go 333 revolutions a second. :confused: That just blows my mind.
How can it go 333 revolutions a second. :confused: That just blows my mind.
| artkevin | 12-14-2005 09:48 AM |
Well, lets see here.
[B]Vodafone signs with McLaren:[/B]
McLaren has announced that Vodafone will become it's title sponsor from 2007 onwards in a deal that will last to 2010 and beyond. The team will become known as 'Vodafone McLaren Mercedes' and Vodafone will be McLaren's 'Official Mobile Partner'. Vodafone is currently a major sponsor of Ferrari.
"This is only the third time for more than 30 years that the opportunity to become the team's title sponsor has existed," said Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group and McLaren Mercedes Team Principal. "The status of the brand and the level of activation in support of the sponsorship were key criteria for our choice of title sponsor and Vodafone over-delivers in all respects. In addition, as our agreement is long-term, this provides important stability within the team, allowing us to focus fully on our objective of winning races and Championships together. We are delighted to welcome Vodafone to the team and look forward to many future successes."
"We welcome Vodafone as the new title sponsor to the team," said Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "The fact that a world-renowned brand like Vodafone with such an impressive market performance has joined us is of significant importance not only for the team but also for all our world class sponsor partners. I am sure that each one will benefit from the respective activities of the other, which is a first class prospect for everybody involved."
[B]
And Michelin to pull out after 2006:[/B]
Last week the FIA announced that in 2008 there will be only one tyre supplier allowed in the sport. Today, Wednesday, Michelin announced it will quit Formula One at the end of the 2006 season as it does not want to be in Formula One as the sole tyre supplier.
A Michelin statement said: "Michelin considers Formula One to be a highly technical motorsport in which the tyre is a very influential component in the scope of the performance of the vehicle. The teams' freedom to choose their own tyres is essential. Therefore, competition between at least two tyre manufacturers is critical; this provides the basis for real competition between tyre suppliers, which, in turn, stimulates progress for the public's greater interest. Today, it would appear as though Formula One rules will be modified to impose a single tyre supplier. After consulting with its loyal partners (McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber F1, Renault F1, Honda Racing F1) as well as with Sir Frank Williams, Michelin is now convinced that the evolution towards a single tyre supplier is inevitable. Michelin expresses its regret to see F1 lose a part of its high technology."
The statement further more hit out at the constant changes in Formula 1: "In addition to this new direction in F1, there are constant changes to racing regulations without warning. Such practices also make planning for the future completely impossible. In this context, continuing to make long-term investments in Formula One no longer presents the same interest. Michelin has therefore decided not to extend its Formula One involvement beyond the 2006 season.
This decision is the result of profound differences between Michelin's long-standing sporting philosophy and the way Formula One is managed by the regulating authorities, which no longer provide a clear and sustainable environment to justify long-term investments," commented Mr. Edouard Michelin. "For Michelin, leaving Formula One in no way represents abandoning motorsports, to which the Michelin brand has been committed for 117 years. If F1's ways of functioning were to be significantly modified, Michelin would not hesitate in proposing its services to the different teams once again."
Michelin's withdrawal at the end of 2006 will almost certainly bring into play a single tyre supplier in 2007. In this new situation, it should be possible to verify if the FIA's vaunted advantages of control tyres are proven and, in particular, if equality amongst teams really is guaranteed.
[B]Vodafone signs with McLaren:[/B]
McLaren has announced that Vodafone will become it's title sponsor from 2007 onwards in a deal that will last to 2010 and beyond. The team will become known as 'Vodafone McLaren Mercedes' and Vodafone will be McLaren's 'Official Mobile Partner'. Vodafone is currently a major sponsor of Ferrari.
"This is only the third time for more than 30 years that the opportunity to become the team's title sponsor has existed," said Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group and McLaren Mercedes Team Principal. "The status of the brand and the level of activation in support of the sponsorship were key criteria for our choice of title sponsor and Vodafone over-delivers in all respects. In addition, as our agreement is long-term, this provides important stability within the team, allowing us to focus fully on our objective of winning races and Championships together. We are delighted to welcome Vodafone to the team and look forward to many future successes."
"We welcome Vodafone as the new title sponsor to the team," said Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. "The fact that a world-renowned brand like Vodafone with such an impressive market performance has joined us is of significant importance not only for the team but also for all our world class sponsor partners. I am sure that each one will benefit from the respective activities of the other, which is a first class prospect for everybody involved."
[B]
And Michelin to pull out after 2006:[/B]
Last week the FIA announced that in 2008 there will be only one tyre supplier allowed in the sport. Today, Wednesday, Michelin announced it will quit Formula One at the end of the 2006 season as it does not want to be in Formula One as the sole tyre supplier.
A Michelin statement said: "Michelin considers Formula One to be a highly technical motorsport in which the tyre is a very influential component in the scope of the performance of the vehicle. The teams' freedom to choose their own tyres is essential. Therefore, competition between at least two tyre manufacturers is critical; this provides the basis for real competition between tyre suppliers, which, in turn, stimulates progress for the public's greater interest. Today, it would appear as though Formula One rules will be modified to impose a single tyre supplier. After consulting with its loyal partners (McLaren Mercedes, BMW Sauber F1, Renault F1, Honda Racing F1) as well as with Sir Frank Williams, Michelin is now convinced that the evolution towards a single tyre supplier is inevitable. Michelin expresses its regret to see F1 lose a part of its high technology."
The statement further more hit out at the constant changes in Formula 1: "In addition to this new direction in F1, there are constant changes to racing regulations without warning. Such practices also make planning for the future completely impossible. In this context, continuing to make long-term investments in Formula One no longer presents the same interest. Michelin has therefore decided not to extend its Formula One involvement beyond the 2006 season.
This decision is the result of profound differences between Michelin's long-standing sporting philosophy and the way Formula One is managed by the regulating authorities, which no longer provide a clear and sustainable environment to justify long-term investments," commented Mr. Edouard Michelin. "For Michelin, leaving Formula One in no way represents abandoning motorsports, to which the Michelin brand has been committed for 117 years. If F1's ways of functioning were to be significantly modified, Michelin would not hesitate in proposing its services to the different teams once again."
Michelin's withdrawal at the end of 2006 will almost certainly bring into play a single tyre supplier in 2007. In this new situation, it should be possible to verify if the FIA's vaunted advantages of control tyres are proven and, in particular, if equality amongst teams really is guaranteed.
| Ferg | 12-14-2005 09:56 AM |
Huge moves...can't say I'm surprised about Michelin's exit. Looks like Williams and Toyota called it right and made a smart move by dropping them early.
Vodafone however, that's a bit out of nowhere. There was a report awhile back that they were "revieing" their sponsorship wth Ferrari, but I didn't think they would jump to another team. I wonder if Eddie Jordan is going to come back and try suing them again.
In other news...
[QUOTE]Toyota supporting Super Aguri entry
By Tony Dodgins & Jonathan Noble December 14th 2005, 14:36 GMT
Toyota have moved to express their full support for the Super Aguri team's late application for next year's Formula One World Championship, as sources claim there are now three teams opposing the Japanese team's entry.
Speculation has linked Toyota to Midland F1's opposition to the team because Midland use Toyota engines and Super Aguri are supported by rival Japanese manufacturer, Honda.
But Toyota Racing president John Howett made it clear on Wednesday that his team will fully support Suzuki's entry.
He said: "In response to speculation suggesting that Panasonic Toyota Racing opposes the Super Aguri team's Formula One entry, we are fully supportive of new teams competing in Grand Prix racing, which is something we have always made clear.
"Toyota Motorsport have signed indicating their position and we have made that clear to the Midland F1 team."
Super Aguri did not appear on the F1 entry list because they were late lodging the required $48 million bond with the FIA.
Super Aguri Managing Director Daniele Audetto told autosport.com: "Basically the bond money was late because of a misunderstanding caused by the tough money-laundering legislation that is now in place.
"Missing the entry deadline means that we now need the unanimous approval of all teams, which is causing us a problem."
Although Midland F1 have so far been singled out as the main team not supporting the entry, high level sources have claimed that there is also opposition from Ferrari and Williams to Suzuki's entry.
Speculation that World Champions Renault are also being obstructive are wide of the mark, according to Audetto.
"At first, Flavio Briatore told me that we didn't want a **** team in F1," Audetto explained. "So he sent Pat Symonds (Renault's director of engineering) round to Leafield to have a look and I think Pat was quite impressed.
"Charlie Whiting has also been to the factory and I think he is satisfied with what we showed him and told him. We have had Mark Preston involved at Technical Working Group meetings and we have had representation at team principals' meetings, so at the moment we are part of the circus, but we are not."
Audetto said that he hoped the opposition from the teams blocking his squad's entry would be overcome, but he acknowledged the likely concerns from MF1 Racing about losing television rights revenue and travel subsidies.
"I'm sure that's the case," Audetto said, "but it doesn't make a lot of sense because a new team is not eligible for money for two years anyway. On top of that, F1 is basically designed to work with 12 teams.
"Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone are still being supportive of a late entry route and hopefully common sense will prevail. We have good support from Fuji TV, a lot of people behind Takuma Sato and Japanese sponsors.
"But it seems that not everyone is looking at sport. Some are looking to their own pockets."[/QUOTE]
Vodafone however, that's a bit out of nowhere. There was a report awhile back that they were "revieing" their sponsorship wth Ferrari, but I didn't think they would jump to another team. I wonder if Eddie Jordan is going to come back and try suing them again.
In other news...
[QUOTE]Toyota supporting Super Aguri entry
By Tony Dodgins & Jonathan Noble December 14th 2005, 14:36 GMT
Toyota have moved to express their full support for the Super Aguri team's late application for next year's Formula One World Championship, as sources claim there are now three teams opposing the Japanese team's entry.
Speculation has linked Toyota to Midland F1's opposition to the team because Midland use Toyota engines and Super Aguri are supported by rival Japanese manufacturer, Honda.
But Toyota Racing president John Howett made it clear on Wednesday that his team will fully support Suzuki's entry.
He said: "In response to speculation suggesting that Panasonic Toyota Racing opposes the Super Aguri team's Formula One entry, we are fully supportive of new teams competing in Grand Prix racing, which is something we have always made clear.
"Toyota Motorsport have signed indicating their position and we have made that clear to the Midland F1 team."
Super Aguri did not appear on the F1 entry list because they were late lodging the required $48 million bond with the FIA.
Super Aguri Managing Director Daniele Audetto told autosport.com: "Basically the bond money was late because of a misunderstanding caused by the tough money-laundering legislation that is now in place.
"Missing the entry deadline means that we now need the unanimous approval of all teams, which is causing us a problem."
Although Midland F1 have so far been singled out as the main team not supporting the entry, high level sources have claimed that there is also opposition from Ferrari and Williams to Suzuki's entry.
Speculation that World Champions Renault are also being obstructive are wide of the mark, according to Audetto.
"At first, Flavio Briatore told me that we didn't want a **** team in F1," Audetto explained. "So he sent Pat Symonds (Renault's director of engineering) round to Leafield to have a look and I think Pat was quite impressed.
"Charlie Whiting has also been to the factory and I think he is satisfied with what we showed him and told him. We have had Mark Preston involved at Technical Working Group meetings and we have had representation at team principals' meetings, so at the moment we are part of the circus, but we are not."
Audetto said that he hoped the opposition from the teams blocking his squad's entry would be overcome, but he acknowledged the likely concerns from MF1 Racing about losing television rights revenue and travel subsidies.
"I'm sure that's the case," Audetto said, "but it doesn't make a lot of sense because a new team is not eligible for money for two years anyway. On top of that, F1 is basically designed to work with 12 teams.
"Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone are still being supportive of a late entry route and hopefully common sense will prevail. We have good support from Fuji TV, a lot of people behind Takuma Sato and Japanese sponsors.
"But it seems that not everyone is looking at sport. Some are looking to their own pockets."[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 12-14-2005 10:09 AM |
I have heard several times that Vodafone was going to jump to Honda in 07. The Mclaren thing is stunning.
| Ferg | 12-14-2005 11:24 AM |
Honda? I missed those stories, but I haven't been following that side of the sport very closely lately. Ferrari are on their way to a serious downward slide, once the sponsors start jumping ship...
more news...
[QUOTE]Bridgestone: no plans to leave F1
By Jonathan Noble December 14th 2005, 15:51 GMT
Bridgestone has said that it has no intention of following rivals Michelin out of the sport.
With Michelin having announced on Wednesday that it will quit Formula One at the end of 2006 because it is unhappy about the move to a single tyre supplier, Bridgestone has made it clear that it is committed to the sport for the long term.
Bridgestone's technical manager Hisao Suganuma said that the company would remain in F1 - whether there was competition or not.
"In a competition one can learn a lot and one can improve a lot," he told autosport.com during testing at Jerez in Spain. "And of course Bridgestone prefers competition.
"However, Bridgestone as a company has a very long term commitment to F1 and whether there is competition or just one make, we continue to stay."
Suganuma claimed that Michelin's decision to withdraw at the end of next season would only serve to increase the competitive tension between the two manufacturers in 2006.
"It is very similar to the situation in 1998," said Suganuma, referring to Goodyear's final season in F1. "The only thing we can do, having got more teams for this year, is to do our best to supply those teams with the best possible products.
"They (Michelin) will want to leave the sport on a high � they will want to leave as champions I am sure. And we would like to finish 2006 as champions too.
"So we do our maximum to achieve that. But how much effort we have to make I cannot really quantify, although we will do our best."
Suganuma admitted that from a personal viewpoint he would prefer for there to be competition in F1, despite the sport's future switch to control tyres.
"As a tyre engineer it is more interesting to be in a competitive situation as we can try out so many new things," he said. "We can really advance a lot faster. It keeps the motivation level high, so personally I welcome the competition.
"Beyond 2006, I suppose it will be very conservative but we go about it, I am not thinking about that now. Let me think about that once we have won in 2006."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Mansell tells Button to focus
December 14th 2005, 11:22 GMT
Former World Champion Nigel Mansell still believes that Jenson Button needs to make more of an effort in his job as a Grand Prix driver if he is going to score his maiden F1 victory.
Mansell, who recently backed Button as a future World Champion at the Autosport Awards, has said that the Honda Racing driver may still be enjoying his life off the track too much.
"It is time Jenson realised he must concentrate on his job," said Mansell in an interview with The Sun. "He must forget about some of the other things he gets involved in.
"When you start winning Grands Prix - then it can be party time. Jenson has the talent to win races and compete for the title, that's never been in doubt. Now he has this 100-race statistic around his neck and knows he has to prove himself."
Mansell has enjoyed a return to the media spotlight thanks to his involvement in the Grand Prix Masters series and his more recent appointment as an ambassador for Formula BMW UK, in which his sons will compete next year.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ferrari planning aggressive approach
By Michele Lostia December 14th 2005, 13:39 GMT
Ferrari's determination to return to the top of Formula One has resulted in the team putting in more effort into the design concept of their new car than they have ever done before.
That is the claim of the team's technical director Ross Brawn, who says that the Italian outfit have adopted an aggressive approach in understanding exactly what they need for their 2006 challenger.
"Last season we didn't meet our objectives," he said in an interview with Italian magazine Autosprint. "During this winter we've deeply analysed all the parameters regarding the chassis, tyres and engine like we never did before, to understand what areas require the most effort to improve the situation.
"In the past we never had such an analytic approach in building the new car like it's been happening for the 2006 Ferrari. The same process goes for improving the organization of the team.
"The lesson we've learned from 2005 is that we need to have a more aggressive approach to improve the performance of the car."
Although Ferrari's chief designer Aldo Costa was criticised by some quarters for the inadequacies in the design of the F2005, Brawn has said he has no reason to doubt that there will be any repeat of problems with the 2006 car.
"Aldo's been heavily involved in the design of all the Ferrari F1 cars of the last nine years," explained Brawn. "Rory Byrne and Costa in all this time have created their own design philosophy. I'm in a privileged position to assess their work and I can say that there haven't been changes in this way of working, even on the 2005 car.
"They are different persons, each with his own personality. The transition between the two isn't completed yet: Byrne is at the end of his career, while Costa is at the peak, but their way of working is similar."[/QUOTE]
more news...
[QUOTE]Bridgestone: no plans to leave F1
By Jonathan Noble December 14th 2005, 15:51 GMT
Bridgestone has said that it has no intention of following rivals Michelin out of the sport.
With Michelin having announced on Wednesday that it will quit Formula One at the end of 2006 because it is unhappy about the move to a single tyre supplier, Bridgestone has made it clear that it is committed to the sport for the long term.
Bridgestone's technical manager Hisao Suganuma said that the company would remain in F1 - whether there was competition or not.
"In a competition one can learn a lot and one can improve a lot," he told autosport.com during testing at Jerez in Spain. "And of course Bridgestone prefers competition.
"However, Bridgestone as a company has a very long term commitment to F1 and whether there is competition or just one make, we continue to stay."
Suganuma claimed that Michelin's decision to withdraw at the end of next season would only serve to increase the competitive tension between the two manufacturers in 2006.
"It is very similar to the situation in 1998," said Suganuma, referring to Goodyear's final season in F1. "The only thing we can do, having got more teams for this year, is to do our best to supply those teams with the best possible products.
"They (Michelin) will want to leave the sport on a high � they will want to leave as champions I am sure. And we would like to finish 2006 as champions too.
"So we do our maximum to achieve that. But how much effort we have to make I cannot really quantify, although we will do our best."
Suganuma admitted that from a personal viewpoint he would prefer for there to be competition in F1, despite the sport's future switch to control tyres.
"As a tyre engineer it is more interesting to be in a competitive situation as we can try out so many new things," he said. "We can really advance a lot faster. It keeps the motivation level high, so personally I welcome the competition.
"Beyond 2006, I suppose it will be very conservative but we go about it, I am not thinking about that now. Let me think about that once we have won in 2006."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Mansell tells Button to focus
December 14th 2005, 11:22 GMT
Former World Champion Nigel Mansell still believes that Jenson Button needs to make more of an effort in his job as a Grand Prix driver if he is going to score his maiden F1 victory.
Mansell, who recently backed Button as a future World Champion at the Autosport Awards, has said that the Honda Racing driver may still be enjoying his life off the track too much.
"It is time Jenson realised he must concentrate on his job," said Mansell in an interview with The Sun. "He must forget about some of the other things he gets involved in.
"When you start winning Grands Prix - then it can be party time. Jenson has the talent to win races and compete for the title, that's never been in doubt. Now he has this 100-race statistic around his neck and knows he has to prove himself."
Mansell has enjoyed a return to the media spotlight thanks to his involvement in the Grand Prix Masters series and his more recent appointment as an ambassador for Formula BMW UK, in which his sons will compete next year.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ferrari planning aggressive approach
By Michele Lostia December 14th 2005, 13:39 GMT
Ferrari's determination to return to the top of Formula One has resulted in the team putting in more effort into the design concept of their new car than they have ever done before.
That is the claim of the team's technical director Ross Brawn, who says that the Italian outfit have adopted an aggressive approach in understanding exactly what they need for their 2006 challenger.
"Last season we didn't meet our objectives," he said in an interview with Italian magazine Autosprint. "During this winter we've deeply analysed all the parameters regarding the chassis, tyres and engine like we never did before, to understand what areas require the most effort to improve the situation.
"In the past we never had such an analytic approach in building the new car like it's been happening for the 2006 Ferrari. The same process goes for improving the organization of the team.
"The lesson we've learned from 2005 is that we need to have a more aggressive approach to improve the performance of the car."
Although Ferrari's chief designer Aldo Costa was criticised by some quarters for the inadequacies in the design of the F2005, Brawn has said he has no reason to doubt that there will be any repeat of problems with the 2006 car.
"Aldo's been heavily involved in the design of all the Ferrari F1 cars of the last nine years," explained Brawn. "Rory Byrne and Costa in all this time have created their own design philosophy. I'm in a privileged position to assess their work and I can say that there haven't been changes in this way of working, even on the 2005 car.
"They are different persons, each with his own personality. The transition between the two isn't completed yet: Byrne is at the end of his career, while Costa is at the peak, but their way of working is similar."[/QUOTE]
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