| artkevin | 03-31-2006 11:57 AM |
[QUOTE=Draken]Maybe this has been asked before, but um...why not push the limit up to say 30 positions? I mean, seriously, they revise the rules to make thngs more cost effective, talk about "new teams" coming on board, and yet keep an artificial limit.
Chris H.[/QUOTE]
I forgot Penske. I would be cool to see an American team in there.
I don't think many of the garages would be able to handle 15 teams and 30 cars. At least not how they are now. In practice last night they talked about how just the addition of Super Aguri is already squeezing the paddock. I am sure they could find away around it. I would personally like to see about 26 cars.
Chris H.[/QUOTE]
I forgot Penske. I would be cool to see an American team in there.
I don't think many of the garages would be able to handle 15 teams and 30 cars. At least not how they are now. In practice last night they talked about how just the addition of Super Aguri is already squeezing the paddock. I am sure they could find away around it. I would personally like to see about 26 cars.
| Ferg | 03-31-2006 12:03 PM |
What was Bernie's rant about "quality vs quantity" when they did away with pre-qualifying years ago.
26 does seem a good number Kevin, if we got Prodrive and Penske on the grid, Irv and the Russians buy out Midland, and one more nohoper so Verstappen can get back into the game and we'd be set.
:D
Just a recap for those who missed page 24...
[QUOTE]FIA receives 22 entry applications for 2008
Friday, March 31st 2006, 15:47 GMT
Twenty two teams have applied for 12 available slots in the 2008 Formula One championship, the sport's governing body FIA said on Friday.
"The FIA has received applications from 22 teams wishing to compete in the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship," a statement said.
"All applicants have been invited to a meeting in London on April 10, 2006."[/QUOTE]
Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
Minardi
Prodrive
Anyone want to take odds on who the other 9 teams are?
[QUOTE]Curiosity surrounds identity of applicants
By Alan Baldwin Friday, March 31st 2006, 16:47 GMT
Despite high interest in the 2008 world championship, with 22 teams applying to enter, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says there will only be slots for 12 teams.
The current 11 teams have submitted applications and can expect to be on the 2008 starting grid.
Other applicants are known to include former Minardi owner and aviation entrepreneur Paul Stoddart, and ex-BAR and Benetton team principal David Richards' Prodrive company, which confirmed it had applied earlier on Friday.
Craig Pollock, a BAR founder who is also the manager of Canada's 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, could be another would-be entrant.
"Anybody who puts an entry in is making a huge personal commitment," Pollock told Speedtv.com without confirming or denying his interest.
"It's not a long way away - they'd have a very short time to build up anything. And I wish everybody a lot of luck. It'll be tough for everybody."
Some manufacturers may be planning 'B' teams. Mercedes-powered McLaren are known to be interested in such a step, while others competing in junior series such as GP2 might also want to move up to the top level.
The FIA said applications will be accepted or rejected in the governing body's absolute discretion.
[B]"The FIA will publish the list of cars and drivers accepted together with their race numbers on 28 April, 2006, having first notifed unsuccessful applicants," the FIA said.[/B]
All applicants have agreed to pay a 300,000 euro ($363,500 USD) entry fee to the FIA by November 1, 2007, if successful.[/QUOTE]
26 does seem a good number Kevin, if we got Prodrive and Penske on the grid, Irv and the Russians buy out Midland, and one more nohoper so Verstappen can get back into the game and we'd be set.
:D
Just a recap for those who missed page 24...
[QUOTE]FIA receives 22 entry applications for 2008
Friday, March 31st 2006, 15:47 GMT
Twenty two teams have applied for 12 available slots in the 2008 Formula One championship, the sport's governing body FIA said on Friday.
"The FIA has received applications from 22 teams wishing to compete in the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship," a statement said.
"All applicants have been invited to a meeting in London on April 10, 2006."[/QUOTE]
Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
Minardi
Prodrive
Anyone want to take odds on who the other 9 teams are?
[QUOTE]Curiosity surrounds identity of applicants
By Alan Baldwin Friday, March 31st 2006, 16:47 GMT
Despite high interest in the 2008 world championship, with 22 teams applying to enter, Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone says there will only be slots for 12 teams.
The current 11 teams have submitted applications and can expect to be on the 2008 starting grid.
Other applicants are known to include former Minardi owner and aviation entrepreneur Paul Stoddart, and ex-BAR and Benetton team principal David Richards' Prodrive company, which confirmed it had applied earlier on Friday.
Craig Pollock, a BAR founder who is also the manager of Canada's 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, could be another would-be entrant.
"Anybody who puts an entry in is making a huge personal commitment," Pollock told Speedtv.com without confirming or denying his interest.
"It's not a long way away - they'd have a very short time to build up anything. And I wish everybody a lot of luck. It'll be tough for everybody."
Some manufacturers may be planning 'B' teams. Mercedes-powered McLaren are known to be interested in such a step, while others competing in junior series such as GP2 might also want to move up to the top level.
The FIA said applications will be accepted or rejected in the governing body's absolute discretion.
[B]"The FIA will publish the list of cars and drivers accepted together with their race numbers on 28 April, 2006, having first notifed unsuccessful applicants," the FIA said.[/B]
All applicants have agreed to pay a 300,000 euro ($363,500 USD) entry fee to the FIA by November 1, 2007, if successful.[/QUOTE]
| JoD | 03-31-2006 12:31 PM |
[QUOTE=Student Driver]Hmmm, maybe Kimi is holding out for one of the newcomers?
/me ducks as JoD starts throwing stuff. :devil:[/QUOTE]
:lol: Me.... never. I'm not a violent girl...
As much as it would suck for him and his world championship hopes, I could imagine him driving for Eddie Irvine just for the added perks of banging Pam. I'm sure my boy would be all over that mess....
/me ducks as JoD starts throwing stuff. :devil:[/QUOTE]
:lol: Me.... never. I'm not a violent girl...
As much as it would suck for him and his world championship hopes, I could imagine him driving for Eddie Irvine just for the added perks of banging Pam. I'm sure my boy would be all over that mess....
| meebs | 03-31-2006 01:13 PM |
[QUOTE=JoD]:lol: Me.... never. I'm not a violent girl...
As much as it would suck for him and his world championship hopes, I could imagine him driving for Eddie Irvine just for the added perks of banging Pam. I'm sure my boy would be all over that mess....[/QUOTE]
:lol: :lol: :lol:
As much as it would suck for him and his world championship hopes, I could imagine him driving for Eddie Irvine just for the added perks of banging Pam. I'm sure my boy would be all over that mess....[/QUOTE]
:lol: :lol: :lol:
| StuBeck | 03-31-2006 03:07 PM |
The problem with having more cars, at least how it stands now, is that you simply can't get enough funding to make fast cars. Think of three other teams [i]slower[/i] then Super Aguri and you have issues of people getting lapped every 10 laps or so. I think in a few years when costs go down it might be an opportunity, but I also think a few manufacter teams will probably leave by then.
The garage space is also a big issue, the top teams are given an extra stall (which they admit they basically waste) but you can't add too many garages especially at places like Monaco. Taking out the spare car will help with the space issues but tracks are still not going to want to make 80 high end garages which are basically only used to full effect once or twice a year.
The garage space is also a big issue, the top teams are given an extra stall (which they admit they basically waste) but you can't add too many garages especially at places like Monaco. Taking out the spare car will help with the space issues but tracks are still not going to want to make 80 high end garages which are basically only used to full effect once or twice a year.
| meebs | 03-31-2006 03:26 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]The problem with having more cars, at least how it stands now, is that you simply can't get enough funding to make fast cars. Think of three other teams [i]slower[/i] then Super Aguri and you have issues of people getting lapped every 10 laps or so. I think in a few years when costs go down it might be an opportunity, but I also think a few manufacter teams will probably leave by then.
The garage space is also a big issue, the top teams are given an extra stall (which they admit they basically waste) but you can't add too many garages especially at places like Monaco. Taking out the spare car will help with the space issues but tracks are still not going to want to make 80 high end garages which are basically only used to full effect once or twice a year.[/QUOTE]
Agreed. The only time you can see that many cars is in a series that has ZERO development, and that just isn't F1 (at least for now and hopefully in the future)
Plus, there isn't enough TV time for everyone as it is!
The garage space is also a big issue, the top teams are given an extra stall (which they admit they basically waste) but you can't add too many garages especially at places like Monaco. Taking out the spare car will help with the space issues but tracks are still not going to want to make 80 high end garages which are basically only used to full effect once or twice a year.[/QUOTE]
Agreed. The only time you can see that many cars is in a series that has ZERO development, and that just isn't F1 (at least for now and hopefully in the future)
Plus, there isn't enough TV time for everyone as it is!
| Ferg | 04-01-2006 10:51 AM |
Add Direxiv to the list of potentials.
[QUOTE]Dennis says Direxiv submitted F1 entry
By Jonathan Noble Saturday, April 1st 2006, 07:12 GMT
McLaren chief Ron Dennis says Japanese company Direxiv has applied to enter the 2008 Formula One World Championship, but denied it will be a McLaren B-team.
"I do believe that Direxiv has entered the world championship but it is for them to comment about that entry and not me," Dennis said.
The Japanese company had been linked in the past with McLaren's second F1 team.
Although the British squad had admitted earlier this year they were looking at the possibility of running a "B" team, Dennis said on Saturday they had not submitted an entry to compete in 2008.
The FIA, the sport's governing body, said yesterday it had received a total of 22 applications from teams wanting to enter Formula One from 2008.
"There is no McLaren B-team," Dennis said. "We have been approached several times by several organisations with a view to helping them into F1.
"(Mercedes motorsport boss) Norbert (Haug) has on several occasions been green lighted as regards a second engine supply and it is something that he and I talk about, the benefits and pluses and minuses."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
Minardi
Prodrive
Direxiv (McLaren B Team)
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Dennis says Direxiv submitted F1 entry
By Jonathan Noble Saturday, April 1st 2006, 07:12 GMT
McLaren chief Ron Dennis says Japanese company Direxiv has applied to enter the 2008 Formula One World Championship, but denied it will be a McLaren B-team.
"I do believe that Direxiv has entered the world championship but it is for them to comment about that entry and not me," Dennis said.
The Japanese company had been linked in the past with McLaren's second F1 team.
Although the British squad had admitted earlier this year they were looking at the possibility of running a "B" team, Dennis said on Saturday they had not submitted an entry to compete in 2008.
The FIA, the sport's governing body, said yesterday it had received a total of 22 applications from teams wanting to enter Formula One from 2008.
"There is no McLaren B-team," Dennis said. "We have been approached several times by several organisations with a view to helping them into F1.
"(Mercedes motorsport boss) Norbert (Haug) has on several occasions been green lighted as regards a second engine supply and it is something that he and I talk about, the benefits and pluses and minuses."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
Minardi
Prodrive
Direxiv (McLaren B Team)
[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-01-2006 09:13 PM |
No to Penske and Arden.
[QUOTE]Penske did not apply for 2008
By Jeff Olson Saturday, April 1st 2006, 21:35 GMT
Roger Penske did not file an entry to join Formula One in 2008, telling autosport.com: "If I can't be involved in it directly myself, it really doesn't give me the returns."
Speculation about Penske's interest in Formula One began rising when the March 31st deadline for 2008 F1 applications passed and FIA officials acknowledged that 22 teams had applied.
All 11 current F1 teams are among those applicants, along with Prodrive, Minardi and Direxiv. The other applicants are believed to include primarily GP2 teams hoping to move up the ladder.
Penske's name was also included as a likely applicant, after FIA president Max Mosley alluded last winter that the American was considering a return to Formula One.
However, during preparations for an IRL IndyCar Series race in St. Petersburg, Florida, Penske denied that his team was among the applicants, saying his IRL, NASCAR and sportscar teams were enough to keep Penske Racing busy.
"At this point, we have a full plate," Penske said. "We've made no commitments to anyone, and I don't think you'll see us with a team in Formula One under the current circumstances."
Penske met in December with Bernie Ecclestone, giving rise to speculation that Penske's team might return to F1, where it competed from 1974 to 1977 with several drivers, including the late Mark Donohue.
"It would be a great opportunity to be in that sport, but right now we just don't see it as an option," Penske said.
"We've got the Indy cars, the long-distance racing with Porsche, and our two NASCAR cars. Our plate is pretty full. If I can't be involved in it directly myself, it really doesn't give me the returns, both personally and from a business perspective."
Penske is famous for being hands-on with his race teams, calling Sam Hornish Jr.'s races in the IRL and handling NASCAR Nextel Cup races when he's not with the IRL team.
"I have a business to run, and I'm committed to the drivers and the teams in the U.S.," Penske said. "At this particular time, it would be pretty hard to split yourself around the world the way Formula One is scheduled."
In an effort to bring teams' annual budgets below $100 million USD from a current estimated high of $500 million, FIA has made cost-containment its primary goal when the Concorde Agreement expires after the 2007 season.
Among the plans expected to take effect in 2008 are regulation freezing, engine homologation and standard electronics units.
Penske said those moves are positives steps, but didn't influence his decision to stay where he is.
"Cost-containment is a smart move," Penske said. "Sponsors and manufacturers only have so much budget to put into motorsports.
"If it gets too expensive and one big company decides to get out of it, it's amazing how the others follow. That's the one thing you don't want to have. We've seen it in U.S. racing."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Arden not among the 2008 applicants
By Jonathan Noble Saturday, April 1st 2006, 22:41 GMT
GP2 front-runners Arden have joined the list of teams who have denied lodging an entry to the 2008 Formula One World Championship.
The outfit have long been linked with a possible graduation to F1, and it had been thought that the cost-cutting measures due to be introduced in two years' time could give them the opportunity to make the move.
Two years ago, Arden team owner Christian Horner said he was looking at entering Formula One and would make the move if the requirement for a $48 million USD bond was removed.
However, Horner has since joined Red Bull Racing as the team's sporting director, and this weekend the Briton told autosport.com he was content with his current job and with keeping Arden in the junior categories.
"I am completely concentrating on Red Bull Racing," he said. "And I think being involved in GP2 and A1 Grand Prix is more than enough for Arden."
Arden have run the British entry in A1 Grand Prix's inaugural season and will decide this summer whether to continue in the series.
Penske Racing admitted this morning that they were also not in the running for a 2008 entry, while GP2 champions ART have also said that they are not one of the 22 teams who have entered.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Penske did not apply for 2008
By Jeff Olson Saturday, April 1st 2006, 21:35 GMT
Roger Penske did not file an entry to join Formula One in 2008, telling autosport.com: "If I can't be involved in it directly myself, it really doesn't give me the returns."
Speculation about Penske's interest in Formula One began rising when the March 31st deadline for 2008 F1 applications passed and FIA officials acknowledged that 22 teams had applied.
All 11 current F1 teams are among those applicants, along with Prodrive, Minardi and Direxiv. The other applicants are believed to include primarily GP2 teams hoping to move up the ladder.
Penske's name was also included as a likely applicant, after FIA president Max Mosley alluded last winter that the American was considering a return to Formula One.
However, during preparations for an IRL IndyCar Series race in St. Petersburg, Florida, Penske denied that his team was among the applicants, saying his IRL, NASCAR and sportscar teams were enough to keep Penske Racing busy.
"At this point, we have a full plate," Penske said. "We've made no commitments to anyone, and I don't think you'll see us with a team in Formula One under the current circumstances."
Penske met in December with Bernie Ecclestone, giving rise to speculation that Penske's team might return to F1, where it competed from 1974 to 1977 with several drivers, including the late Mark Donohue.
"It would be a great opportunity to be in that sport, but right now we just don't see it as an option," Penske said.
"We've got the Indy cars, the long-distance racing with Porsche, and our two NASCAR cars. Our plate is pretty full. If I can't be involved in it directly myself, it really doesn't give me the returns, both personally and from a business perspective."
Penske is famous for being hands-on with his race teams, calling Sam Hornish Jr.'s races in the IRL and handling NASCAR Nextel Cup races when he's not with the IRL team.
"I have a business to run, and I'm committed to the drivers and the teams in the U.S.," Penske said. "At this particular time, it would be pretty hard to split yourself around the world the way Formula One is scheduled."
In an effort to bring teams' annual budgets below $100 million USD from a current estimated high of $500 million, FIA has made cost-containment its primary goal when the Concorde Agreement expires after the 2007 season.
Among the plans expected to take effect in 2008 are regulation freezing, engine homologation and standard electronics units.
Penske said those moves are positives steps, but didn't influence his decision to stay where he is.
"Cost-containment is a smart move," Penske said. "Sponsors and manufacturers only have so much budget to put into motorsports.
"If it gets too expensive and one big company decides to get out of it, it's amazing how the others follow. That's the one thing you don't want to have. We've seen it in U.S. racing."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Arden not among the 2008 applicants
By Jonathan Noble Saturday, April 1st 2006, 22:41 GMT
GP2 front-runners Arden have joined the list of teams who have denied lodging an entry to the 2008 Formula One World Championship.
The outfit have long been linked with a possible graduation to F1, and it had been thought that the cost-cutting measures due to be introduced in two years' time could give them the opportunity to make the move.
Two years ago, Arden team owner Christian Horner said he was looking at entering Formula One and would make the move if the requirement for a $48 million USD bond was removed.
However, Horner has since joined Red Bull Racing as the team's sporting director, and this weekend the Briton told autosport.com he was content with his current job and with keeping Arden in the junior categories.
"I am completely concentrating on Red Bull Racing," he said. "And I think being involved in GP2 and A1 Grand Prix is more than enough for Arden."
Arden have run the British entry in A1 Grand Prix's inaugural season and will decide this summer whether to continue in the series.
Penske Racing admitted this morning that they were also not in the running for a 2008 entry, while GP2 champions ART have also said that they are not one of the 22 teams who have entered.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-02-2006 11:48 AM |
But add Eddie Jordan to the list.
[QUOTE]Eddie Jordan among applicants for 2008
By Jonathan Noble Sunday, April 2nd 2006, 03:58 GMT
Eddie Jordan has submitted an entry to the 2008 Formula One World Championship, autosport.com can reveal.
Although the Irishman has not been involved in the sport since selling his eponymous team to Midland at the start of 2005, sources close to Jordan have confirmed that he is one of the 22 applicants who have lodged their entry with the FIA.
Jordan is understood to have put his name forward after consultation with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who he has kept in close contact with the Irishman since the latter ended his full-time involvement in the sport.
Although Jordan is thought not to have any of the infrastructure needed to run a team in place at the moment, there would be little point in doing too much work on that front without a confirmed entry in the first place.
All the new applicants, which definitely include Prodrive, Paul Stoddart, Direxiv and GP2 front-runner Racing Engineering, will join the current 11 teams at a meeting in London on April 10 to discuss the entries.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE] Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
European Minardi (Paul Stoddart)
Prodrive
Direxiv (McLaren B Team?)
Eddie Jordan
Racing Engineering
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Eddie Jordan among applicants for 2008
By Jonathan Noble Sunday, April 2nd 2006, 03:58 GMT
Eddie Jordan has submitted an entry to the 2008 Formula One World Championship, autosport.com can reveal.
Although the Irishman has not been involved in the sport since selling his eponymous team to Midland at the start of 2005, sources close to Jordan have confirmed that he is one of the 22 applicants who have lodged their entry with the FIA.
Jordan is understood to have put his name forward after consultation with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who he has kept in close contact with the Irishman since the latter ended his full-time involvement in the sport.
Although Jordan is thought not to have any of the infrastructure needed to run a team in place at the moment, there would be little point in doing too much work on that front without a confirmed entry in the first place.
All the new applicants, which definitely include Prodrive, Paul Stoddart, Direxiv and GP2 front-runner Racing Engineering, will join the current 11 teams at a meeting in London on April 10 to discuss the entries.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE] Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
European Minardi (Paul Stoddart)
Prodrive
Direxiv (McLaren B Team?)
Eddie Jordan
Racing Engineering
[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 04-02-2006 12:55 PM |
USGP to Daytona. April fools?
[url]http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article.php?cid=7987[/url]
Sorry if this has alreay been posted. At times it's a challenge to keep ahead and remember the contents of this immense thread.
[url]http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article.php?cid=7987[/url]
Sorry if this has alreay been posted. At times it's a challenge to keep ahead and remember the contents of this immense thread.
| StuBeck | 04-02-2006 01:15 PM |
Yes, its April Fools, no way the F1 cars would run on the banking and the lack of runoff and pits wouldn't make it happen.
| Bonzo | 04-02-2006 01:58 PM |
I agree I posted the about the banking issue in the thread where I saw this.
| artkevin | 04-02-2006 02:25 PM |
[QUOTE=Bonzo]USGP to Daytona. April fools?
[url]http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article.php?cid=7987[/url]
Sorry if this has alreay been posted. At times it's a challenge to keep ahead and remember the contents of this immense thread.[/QUOTE]
Jeez I hope its a joke. I couldn't imagine them going one one roval to a crappier roval. I don't want to travel to FL either.
[url]http://www.autoracingdaily.com/article.php?cid=7987[/url]
Sorry if this has alreay been posted. At times it's a challenge to keep ahead and remember the contents of this immense thread.[/QUOTE]
Jeez I hope its a joke. I couldn't imagine them going one one roval to a crappier roval. I don't want to travel to FL either.
| Ferg | 04-03-2006 10:02 AM |
News and more political wrangling.
[QUOTE][B]Exclusive: teams ask FIA to exclude STR
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 04:35 GMT
Super Aguri and Midland F1 have written to the FIA asking that Scuderia Toro Rosso be excluded from scoring points in this year's constructors' championship, as other teams look set to join a campaign to get the performance of V10 engines pegged back, autosport.com can reveal.
Although it appeared that the row over Toro Rosso's V10 engines had died down following their fairly low-key performances in the Bahrain and Malaysian Grands Prix, high-level sources have revealed that behind-the-scene moves are currently taking place to lobby the FIA to change the regulations.
This all came before Vitantonio Liuzzi showed the capabilities of the V10 engine when he overtook Michael Schumacher in the Australian Grand Prix, and Scott Speed crossed the finish line in eighth place before losing that position because of a yellow flag infringement.
Autosport.com understands that at a meeting of the manufacturers' engine representative at Sepang two weeks ago, the equivalency formula between V10 and V8 engines was discussed at length and a proposal was put forward to register the level of unhappiness at the situation with the FIA.
While Toro Rosso had not scored points in the first two races of the season, the engine makers feared that the torque-advantage that is held by the V10 engines would allow the team to mix it near the front of the field at tracks like Monaco and Hungary.
Following the Malaysian Grand Prix, Super Aguri and Midland put together a joint letter, which was handed to the FIA at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix.
The letter expresses the two teams' concerns about the performance of Toro Rosso's V10 engines and, amid fears that the points-scoring potential could have a major impact on their own constructors' championship hopes, the teams ask that the FIA change the regulations so that the Red Bull-owned team do not score constructors' championship points.
Super Aguri managing director Daniel Audetto confirmed the existence of the letter and explained that there was a great deal of frustration at Toro Rosso's use of V10s.
"We are trying to protect our investment," he told autosport.com. "We think that it was an unfair situation when Red Bull bought Minardi, because I understand they gave this authorisation to use the V10 because otherwise Paul Stoddart was out of business. The teams said, 'okay we need 10 teams so you have this special dispensation.'
"That was the reason and the fact that Red Bull is now owning Toro Rosso, they have not only the money to buy a V8 but they could buy Cosworth if they want.
"It gives them an unfair advantage against the small teams, but at circuits like Monaco, Hungary, Montreal or if it is wet then they could mix it up with the big boys and take away points from the others.
"We think the best thing is for the FIA to let them race but without scoring points for the constructors' championship. They should still get points in the drivers' championship."
Audetto admitted, however, that the chances of the FIA acting on their request were slim, especially because any change to the Formula One Sporting Regulations would need unanimous approval. Toro Rosso and sister team Red Bull Racing would certainly not vote in favour of the move.
"I think it is unlikely that the FIA will accept our request because it is very difficult to change during the year the regulations, but at least we made a point," added Audetto.
The letter from Super Aguri and Midland is expected to be followed in the next fortnight by a joint letter from a number of teams and manufacturers urging the FIA to take action about the V10 engine situation.
Sources suggest that the letter, which is being drafted at the moment, will indicate support for the Super Aguri and Midland request, but adopt a slightly softer stance in requesting the FIA to 'encourage' Toro Rosso to move away from a V10 engine.
"The best way to encourage them is simply to turn their power down," said one source who was supporting the campaign. "If you make a V10 a lot slower, then Toro Rosso will want to switch to a V8."
Audetto said he welcomed the future support from rival teams and said even if the request falls on deaf ears, at least the FIA will have been made aware of the discontent among teams.
"I think it is important that [FIA president] Max [Mosley] knows our feeling - that we made a point," he added.
"Even if he cannot change the rules. And I think also for [Red Bull owner] Mr. [Dietrich] Mateschitz, to be aware of an unfair situation. I think he is a very honourable man and will make his own decision."
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost was unmoved by the complaints from rival teams, however, and insisted that his outfit were doing nothing wrong in trying to make the most our of their situation.
He told autosport.com: "The FIA last year created a regulation that allows the private teams to use a V10 engine. If these teams complain now that we have an advantage, then I am sorry because I cannot understand it.
"We can sell them an engine if they want, they can buy an engine from us. If they think that the increase in performance from Toro Rosso is only because of the engine then they are a little bit wrong, I would say.
"The FIA made this regulation, all the other teams signed and they agreed to this. And I don't think that the FIA will change anything because we are not so far in front."
Tost indicated that his team were fully focused on getting even quicker this season - and warned his rival teams that they had better get used to seeing Toro Rosso challenging them.
"The people have to get used to, in their minds, the fact that Toro Rosso will not stay on the last row of the grid," he said. "We will fight and we will come forward.
"There is no point in the regulations that says Toro Rosso with the V10 engine is not allowed to be within the first ten. For me it is a question of expectations. Where do our opponents expect us to be?
"If they expect us to be in the last two positions, then their expectations are wrong because we will not be in the last two positions, even with another engine.
"And the other teams should be happy we do not have a V8 because otherwise we would be in the top 10 for sure."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Todt plays down Toro Rosso performance
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 13:17 GMT
Ferrari team chief Jean Todt has played down Toro Rosso's performance at the Australian Grand Prix.
With some of Toro Rosso's rivals having expressed their unhappiness at the team's competitiveness with the V10 engine, Todt has said Vitantonio Liuzzi's overtaking of Michael Schumacher in Australia was only down to the tyres.
Schumacher struggled to get heat into his tyres after the four Safety Cars periods before crashing out of the race.
"Not at all," said Todt when asked if Toro Rosso's pace was superior because of the V10. "If you take the race 15 laps later, when Michael had the right temperature in his tyres, he was two seconds quicker than them.
"It's not the reason why Michael was overtaken."
As exclusively revealed by autosport.com, the Super Aguri and Midland teams have written to the FIA asking that Toro Rosso to be excluded from scoring points in the constructors' championship following their performance in the first three races of the season.
Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost also downplayed his team's pace in Australia and hit out at those teams complaining against them.
"We were a little bit too slow," Tost told autosport.com. "Complain, the only people who do have not done their work in a proper way, the others do not complain.
"Look at the livery on our car, Toro Rosso is fighting and that is what we enjoy to do in any position."
BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen, on the other hand, said Toro Rosso's performance in Australia had been better than it should have been.
"Well we saw Toro Rosso today fighting Ferrari and that looks a bit strange," he said. "Certainly on this track they were quite competitive, maybe a bit more than they should be for the rest of the package but maybe I think we should watch them for another one or two races." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Symonds not leaving Renault
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 07:17 GMT
Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds has made it clear that he is not interested in moving teams, despite rumours and speculations linking him with a move to both Honda and McLaren.
Symonds' role in helping establish Renault as the team to beat in Formula One this year, following Fernando Alonso's title success last season, has made him an obvious target for those teams who are struggling to match the Anglo-French squad at the moment.
But speaking after Alonso's dominant Australian Grand Prix win, Symonds said quashed the rumours, saying he had not given any thought to leaving the team he has been with since it was named Toleman.
When asked about the rumours linking him with other teams who would benefit from a top-line strategist, Symonds said: "I'm staying at Renault, so I don't need to blow my own trumpet.
"It depends what you mean by strategy; I had somebody help me this year and I've never had that before. And he's a really good guy.
"But it's a lot more about your experience and how you go racing. It's not what lap you stop on; it's so much more than that.
"You can certainly lose if you get it wrong. You can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory if you're not careful."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]McLaren deny talks with Rosberg
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Saturday, April 1st 2006, 07:33 GMT
McLaren boss Ron Dennis has dismissed reports that his team are poised to make a swoop for Williams driver Nico Rosberg.
Speculation after the Malaysian Grand Prix suggested that McLaren were considering buying Rosberg out of his Williams contract to slot in alongside Fernando Alonso at the team next year.
But speaking at Albert Park on Saturday, Dennis rubbished the rumours - and further denied other suggestions that he was looking at poaching Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds.
"We have had no dialogue with Nico, nor Keke (Rosberg), nor Frank (Williams), so I have absolutely no idea where this rumour came from," said Dennis. "And I can add Pat Symonds to that. I have had no dialogue with him nor has any other member of McLaren."
Dennis's denials about Symonds come at a time when rival teams have been luring staff away from his outfit. Red Bull Racing in particular have captured the signatures of designer Adrian Newey and aerodynamicist Peter Prodromou, with Red Bull Racing's former chief designer Rob Taylor moving the other way.
Speaking about the movement of staff, Dennis said: "We are totally committed to our current design and engineering group.
"They are doing an excellent job...The vast majority of people in the organisation are on long multi-year contracts and there is an inevitability that they are approached by some of the teams that don't have the depth or calibre of staff that we enjoy.
"But that is just part of having a Formula One Grand Prix team and doing a good job. People are constantly going to be approached, but at the moment we are very stable, very focused and we have a very committed group of engineers and mechanics."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Exclusive: teams ask FIA to exclude STR
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 04:35 GMT
Super Aguri and Midland F1 have written to the FIA asking that Scuderia Toro Rosso be excluded from scoring points in this year's constructors' championship, as other teams look set to join a campaign to get the performance of V10 engines pegged back, autosport.com can reveal.
Although it appeared that the row over Toro Rosso's V10 engines had died down following their fairly low-key performances in the Bahrain and Malaysian Grands Prix, high-level sources have revealed that behind-the-scene moves are currently taking place to lobby the FIA to change the regulations.
This all came before Vitantonio Liuzzi showed the capabilities of the V10 engine when he overtook Michael Schumacher in the Australian Grand Prix, and Scott Speed crossed the finish line in eighth place before losing that position because of a yellow flag infringement.
Autosport.com understands that at a meeting of the manufacturers' engine representative at Sepang two weeks ago, the equivalency formula between V10 and V8 engines was discussed at length and a proposal was put forward to register the level of unhappiness at the situation with the FIA.
While Toro Rosso had not scored points in the first two races of the season, the engine makers feared that the torque-advantage that is held by the V10 engines would allow the team to mix it near the front of the field at tracks like Monaco and Hungary.
Following the Malaysian Grand Prix, Super Aguri and Midland put together a joint letter, which was handed to the FIA at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix.
The letter expresses the two teams' concerns about the performance of Toro Rosso's V10 engines and, amid fears that the points-scoring potential could have a major impact on their own constructors' championship hopes, the teams ask that the FIA change the regulations so that the Red Bull-owned team do not score constructors' championship points.
Super Aguri managing director Daniel Audetto confirmed the existence of the letter and explained that there was a great deal of frustration at Toro Rosso's use of V10s.
"We are trying to protect our investment," he told autosport.com. "We think that it was an unfair situation when Red Bull bought Minardi, because I understand they gave this authorisation to use the V10 because otherwise Paul Stoddart was out of business. The teams said, 'okay we need 10 teams so you have this special dispensation.'
"That was the reason and the fact that Red Bull is now owning Toro Rosso, they have not only the money to buy a V8 but they could buy Cosworth if they want.
"It gives them an unfair advantage against the small teams, but at circuits like Monaco, Hungary, Montreal or if it is wet then they could mix it up with the big boys and take away points from the others.
"We think the best thing is for the FIA to let them race but without scoring points for the constructors' championship. They should still get points in the drivers' championship."
Audetto admitted, however, that the chances of the FIA acting on their request were slim, especially because any change to the Formula One Sporting Regulations would need unanimous approval. Toro Rosso and sister team Red Bull Racing would certainly not vote in favour of the move.
"I think it is unlikely that the FIA will accept our request because it is very difficult to change during the year the regulations, but at least we made a point," added Audetto.
The letter from Super Aguri and Midland is expected to be followed in the next fortnight by a joint letter from a number of teams and manufacturers urging the FIA to take action about the V10 engine situation.
Sources suggest that the letter, which is being drafted at the moment, will indicate support for the Super Aguri and Midland request, but adopt a slightly softer stance in requesting the FIA to 'encourage' Toro Rosso to move away from a V10 engine.
"The best way to encourage them is simply to turn their power down," said one source who was supporting the campaign. "If you make a V10 a lot slower, then Toro Rosso will want to switch to a V8."
Audetto said he welcomed the future support from rival teams and said even if the request falls on deaf ears, at least the FIA will have been made aware of the discontent among teams.
"I think it is important that [FIA president] Max [Mosley] knows our feeling - that we made a point," he added.
"Even if he cannot change the rules. And I think also for [Red Bull owner] Mr. [Dietrich] Mateschitz, to be aware of an unfair situation. I think he is a very honourable man and will make his own decision."
Toro Rosso team principal Franz Tost was unmoved by the complaints from rival teams, however, and insisted that his outfit were doing nothing wrong in trying to make the most our of their situation.
He told autosport.com: "The FIA last year created a regulation that allows the private teams to use a V10 engine. If these teams complain now that we have an advantage, then I am sorry because I cannot understand it.
"We can sell them an engine if they want, they can buy an engine from us. If they think that the increase in performance from Toro Rosso is only because of the engine then they are a little bit wrong, I would say.
"The FIA made this regulation, all the other teams signed and they agreed to this. And I don't think that the FIA will change anything because we are not so far in front."
Tost indicated that his team were fully focused on getting even quicker this season - and warned his rival teams that they had better get used to seeing Toro Rosso challenging them.
"The people have to get used to, in their minds, the fact that Toro Rosso will not stay on the last row of the grid," he said. "We will fight and we will come forward.
"There is no point in the regulations that says Toro Rosso with the V10 engine is not allowed to be within the first ten. For me it is a question of expectations. Where do our opponents expect us to be?
"If they expect us to be in the last two positions, then their expectations are wrong because we will not be in the last two positions, even with another engine.
"And the other teams should be happy we do not have a V8 because otherwise we would be in the top 10 for sure."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Todt plays down Toro Rosso performance
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 13:17 GMT
Ferrari team chief Jean Todt has played down Toro Rosso's performance at the Australian Grand Prix.
With some of Toro Rosso's rivals having expressed their unhappiness at the team's competitiveness with the V10 engine, Todt has said Vitantonio Liuzzi's overtaking of Michael Schumacher in Australia was only down to the tyres.
Schumacher struggled to get heat into his tyres after the four Safety Cars periods before crashing out of the race.
"Not at all," said Todt when asked if Toro Rosso's pace was superior because of the V10. "If you take the race 15 laps later, when Michael had the right temperature in his tyres, he was two seconds quicker than them.
"It's not the reason why Michael was overtaken."
As exclusively revealed by autosport.com, the Super Aguri and Midland teams have written to the FIA asking that Toro Rosso to be excluded from scoring points in the constructors' championship following their performance in the first three races of the season.
Toro Rosso boss Franz Tost also downplayed his team's pace in Australia and hit out at those teams complaining against them.
"We were a little bit too slow," Tost told autosport.com. "Complain, the only people who do have not done their work in a proper way, the others do not complain.
"Look at the livery on our car, Toro Rosso is fighting and that is what we enjoy to do in any position."
BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen, on the other hand, said Toro Rosso's performance in Australia had been better than it should have been.
"Well we saw Toro Rosso today fighting Ferrari and that looks a bit strange," he said. "Certainly on this track they were quite competitive, maybe a bit more than they should be for the rest of the package but maybe I think we should watch them for another one or two races." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Symonds not leaving Renault
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 07:17 GMT
Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds has made it clear that he is not interested in moving teams, despite rumours and speculations linking him with a move to both Honda and McLaren.
Symonds' role in helping establish Renault as the team to beat in Formula One this year, following Fernando Alonso's title success last season, has made him an obvious target for those teams who are struggling to match the Anglo-French squad at the moment.
But speaking after Alonso's dominant Australian Grand Prix win, Symonds said quashed the rumours, saying he had not given any thought to leaving the team he has been with since it was named Toleman.
When asked about the rumours linking him with other teams who would benefit from a top-line strategist, Symonds said: "I'm staying at Renault, so I don't need to blow my own trumpet.
"It depends what you mean by strategy; I had somebody help me this year and I've never had that before. And he's a really good guy.
"But it's a lot more about your experience and how you go racing. It's not what lap you stop on; it's so much more than that.
"You can certainly lose if you get it wrong. You can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory if you're not careful."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]McLaren deny talks with Rosberg
[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Saturday, April 1st 2006, 07:33 GMT
McLaren boss Ron Dennis has dismissed reports that his team are poised to make a swoop for Williams driver Nico Rosberg.
Speculation after the Malaysian Grand Prix suggested that McLaren were considering buying Rosberg out of his Williams contract to slot in alongside Fernando Alonso at the team next year.
But speaking at Albert Park on Saturday, Dennis rubbished the rumours - and further denied other suggestions that he was looking at poaching Renault's director of engineering Pat Symonds.
"We have had no dialogue with Nico, nor Keke (Rosberg), nor Frank (Williams), so I have absolutely no idea where this rumour came from," said Dennis. "And I can add Pat Symonds to that. I have had no dialogue with him nor has any other member of McLaren."
Dennis's denials about Symonds come at a time when rival teams have been luring staff away from his outfit. Red Bull Racing in particular have captured the signatures of designer Adrian Newey and aerodynamicist Peter Prodromou, with Red Bull Racing's former chief designer Rob Taylor moving the other way.
Speaking about the movement of staff, Dennis said: "We are totally committed to our current design and engineering group.
"They are doing an excellent job...The vast majority of people in the organisation are on long multi-year contracts and there is an inevitability that they are approached by some of the teams that don't have the depth or calibre of staff that we enjoy.
"But that is just part of having a Formula One Grand Prix team and doing a good job. People are constantly going to be approached, but at the moment we are very stable, very focused and we have a very committed group of engineers and mechanics."
[/QUOTE]
| Student Driver | 04-03-2006 07:17 PM |
I move that Stupid Aguri be removed from the grid as a safety hazard.
| artkevin | 04-03-2006 07:36 PM |
[QUOTE=Student Driver]I move that Stupid Aguri be removed from the grid as a safety hazard.[/QUOTE]
Sato was ahead of the pace of several heavy hitters in Melbourne including DC and Rubens. Ide on the other hand was not so fast but at least during the race he did not make himself a factor.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/58050.jpg[/IMG]
Sato was ahead of the pace of several heavy hitters in Melbourne including DC and Rubens. Ide on the other hand was not so fast but at least during the race he did not make himself a factor.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/58050.jpg[/IMG]
| meebs | 04-03-2006 08:22 PM |
The whole V10 argument is so dumb dumb dumb. Just like Matchette said, You want to save costs?? [b] EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE RUN RESTRICTED V10'S... [/b] Rosso is damned if they do and damned if they don't. If they score points everyone else is going to cry, yet they are within the rules.
Just stating that because they're owned by Red Bull means they can afford to develop an engine... or buy out Cosworth? That's the dumbest thing I've heard in a long time. I hate politics. Usually they have ZERO common sense behind them.
Just stating that because they're owned by Red Bull means they can afford to develop an engine... or buy out Cosworth? That's the dumbest thing I've heard in a long time. I hate politics. Usually they have ZERO common sense behind them.
| StuBeck | 04-03-2006 08:32 PM |
Yea, everyone could have run a restricted V10 if they hadn't had their heads up their ass in the middle of 04 and not come to any sort of decision on safety issues. The teams are bitching about it but the only reason they came up with the decision for V8's is because none of the teams could come up with any safety matters on their own.
Saying Red Bull could buy out cosworth is silly too, if anything they could pull the poor card and say "look, we own two teams with no sponsorship, we don't have the money to be throwing at V8's in all four cars"
Saying Red Bull could buy out cosworth is silly too, if anything they could pull the poor card and say "look, we own two teams with no sponsorship, we don't have the money to be throwing at V8's in all four cars"
| Ferg | 04-03-2006 09:59 PM |
A little present to myself arrived this afternoon.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/58166795/large.jpg[/IMG]
:banana:
"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/58166795/large.jpg[/IMG]
:banana:
"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."
| rupertberr | 04-03-2006 11:14 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]A little present to myself arrived this afternoon.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/58166795/large.jpg[/IMG]
:banana:
"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."[/QUOTE]
Nice! Got mine about a week ago for my Birthday. :banana:
Always check out the top ten list first. Liked their picks this year.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/58166795/large.jpg[/IMG]
:banana:
"It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."[/QUOTE]
Nice! Got mine about a week ago for my Birthday. :banana:
Always check out the top ten list first. Liked their picks this year.
| Wr4wrX | 04-04-2006 03:21 AM |
[QUOTE]
Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
European Minardi (Paul Stoddart)
Prodrive
Direxiv (McLaren B Team?)
Eddie Jordan
Racing Engineering
[B]BCN Competicion[/B]
[/QUOTE]
Apparently another GP2 team's applied for 2008.
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=114357[/url]
Teams we know of...
Ferrari
Williams
Red Bull
Toro Rosso
Midland
Super Aguri
BMW-Sauber
McLaren
Renault
Toyota
Honda
Teams we know submitted entry for 2008...
European Minardi (Paul Stoddart)
Prodrive
Direxiv (McLaren B Team?)
Eddie Jordan
Racing Engineering
[B]BCN Competicion[/B]
[/QUOTE]
Apparently another GP2 team's applied for 2008.
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=114357[/url]
| artkevin | 04-04-2006 09:55 AM |
BCN is run by Santa Claus! :lol:
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/news/58163.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/news/58163.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 04-04-2006 09:59 AM |
[QUOTE=rupertberr]Nice! Got mine about a week ago for my Birthday. :banana:
Always check out the top ten list first. Liked their picks this year.[/QUOTE]
Right on! I like Henry's picks as well, although I was surprised not to see Webber listed. I thought he at [i]least[/i] had a better season than Massa last year, especially towards the end. I noticed they switched to a new publisher (I missed last years issue) and beefed up the interviews a bit. I was very happy to see Nigel Roebuck's interview with Bernie. :D
[QUOTE=Wr4wrX]Apparently another GP2 team's applied for 2008.[/QUOTE]
Good find! Hopefully Racing Engineering and BCN Competicion, if accepted into the big show, will come up with some better sounding names. They work, but they're just not very passionate. Of course the same can be said about MF1 Racing...
News.
[QUOTE]No quick fix for tyre issues, says Fry
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, April 4th 2006, 11:15 GMT
Honda Racing boss Nick Fry admits that there will be no quick fix to the tyre issues that wrecked Jenson Button's chances of fighting for victory in the Australian Grand Prix.
Although Button was able to put the RA106 on pole, major difficulties getting heat into his Michelin tyres effectively ruined his afternoon, as a lack of grip meant he slumped to fifth place before his Honda engine blew up coming out of the final corner.
Fry said: "The problem was the inability to get heat into the tyres - especially the front tyre. When there are not so many safety cars then that is obviously not such an issue, but with so many safety cars it was.
"Every time the safety car was about to go in, he had trouble getting around the final corner onto the straight, which meant he was slow there.
"People could get alongside him and pass him on the straight, and the tyres were pretty cold when he went into the first corner, so he lost one or two places every time that happened. And as there were so many safety cars, that was obviously a huge disadvantage to him."
Although sources have suggested that Honda Racing went against the advice of tyre supplier Michelin in their tyre choice for the Albert Park race, Fry has insisted that the root cause of the problem has more to do with the characteristics of their car than what specification of rubber they chose.
"It is a car issue," he explained. "We did choose a slightly different tyre, but I don't think really that this was the issue at all. It is a car issue.
"We are very light on tyres, and we tend to run fairly low tyre temperatures anyway. And obviously when the tyre cools down we have a problem getting heat back into them.
"So it is a problem we have got, but it is a problem that was hugely exacerbated by the circumstances of today."
When asked by autosport.com about whether the problem was easy to resolve before the San Marino Grand Prix, Fry said: "It is quite difficult to understand why.
"It is not something that is completely new to us, and obviously it is a problem that was exacerbated by the situation today.
"Hopefully there aren't many safety cars at Imola. I think these were extraordinary circumstances, and for Imola we've got two weeks of testing before then, where maybe we can find something.
"We've got a whole host of other improvements for Imola. It is a circuit where we went well at last year, and generally we are pretty good at, and we go there hopeful."
Fry admitted, however, that it appeared Renault's advantage at the front of the field was greater than he believed after Malaysia.
"What we saw last time around was about three tenths of a second. I haven't looked at the data from Melbourne yet, but it looked like more in these conditions."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Gascoyne: Toyota on top of tyre problems
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 14:20 GMT
Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne is confident that his team are now fully on top of their early-season tyre issues after grabbing a podium in the Australian Grand Prix.
Ralf Schumacher bounced back from a pitlane speeding penalty and made the most of several Safety Car spells to take a surprise third placed finish - just two races after Toyota were left at crisis point following a disastrous Bahrain Grand Prix outing.
But Gascoyne is upbeat that their Melbourne performance was not a flash in the pan and, although he could not rule out possible future struggles, he was confident that the team now understand the issues that hit them at the start of the year.
"We are on top of it, but you can never say there will never be a repeat," he said. "But we know what to do and I don't think it will happen to just us in the future. Whether it happens in general again you just can't tell.
"We endured a pretty ****ty weekend in Bahrain and I think we learned our lessons. And this race, and the weekend, shows that we covered it. It can happen again, but we know things that if it does happen that can help the matter. We used them this weekend and we clearly struggled less than anyone else."
Gascoyne explained that Toyota's increase in pace compared to Bahrain was simply down to them understanding the tyres better rather than any specific modifications they had made to the TF106.
"The car is exactly the same," he explained. "I think it is just getting the tyres in the right operating window. It is as simple as that and once you have got the tyres switched on you have got the performance level.
"I am sure a lot of people said, 'yeah, yeah, yeah,' but this weekend we showed that was the case. Renault were clearly ahead but I think we have shown that we can race with the rest.
"I think from here we have got to have some solid races, pick up the odd podium and then get two cars into the points."
When asked whether he felt an element of relief about taking the podium so soon after the Bahrain Grand Prix, Gascoyne responded: "Relief is probably the wrong word.
"We were always confident in what we did. We said we were confident to have a good pace when we got the tyres working properly, and it is nice to prove that. We have just got to make sure we do it every race."[/QUOTE]
Always check out the top ten list first. Liked their picks this year.[/QUOTE]
Right on! I like Henry's picks as well, although I was surprised not to see Webber listed. I thought he at [i]least[/i] had a better season than Massa last year, especially towards the end. I noticed they switched to a new publisher (I missed last years issue) and beefed up the interviews a bit. I was very happy to see Nigel Roebuck's interview with Bernie. :D
[QUOTE=Wr4wrX]Apparently another GP2 team's applied for 2008.[/QUOTE]
Good find! Hopefully Racing Engineering and BCN Competicion, if accepted into the big show, will come up with some better sounding names. They work, but they're just not very passionate. Of course the same can be said about MF1 Racing...
News.
[QUOTE]No quick fix for tyre issues, says Fry
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, April 4th 2006, 11:15 GMT
Honda Racing boss Nick Fry admits that there will be no quick fix to the tyre issues that wrecked Jenson Button's chances of fighting for victory in the Australian Grand Prix.
Although Button was able to put the RA106 on pole, major difficulties getting heat into his Michelin tyres effectively ruined his afternoon, as a lack of grip meant he slumped to fifth place before his Honda engine blew up coming out of the final corner.
Fry said: "The problem was the inability to get heat into the tyres - especially the front tyre. When there are not so many safety cars then that is obviously not such an issue, but with so many safety cars it was.
"Every time the safety car was about to go in, he had trouble getting around the final corner onto the straight, which meant he was slow there.
"People could get alongside him and pass him on the straight, and the tyres were pretty cold when he went into the first corner, so he lost one or two places every time that happened. And as there were so many safety cars, that was obviously a huge disadvantage to him."
Although sources have suggested that Honda Racing went against the advice of tyre supplier Michelin in their tyre choice for the Albert Park race, Fry has insisted that the root cause of the problem has more to do with the characteristics of their car than what specification of rubber they chose.
"It is a car issue," he explained. "We did choose a slightly different tyre, but I don't think really that this was the issue at all. It is a car issue.
"We are very light on tyres, and we tend to run fairly low tyre temperatures anyway. And obviously when the tyre cools down we have a problem getting heat back into them.
"So it is a problem we have got, but it is a problem that was hugely exacerbated by the circumstances of today."
When asked by autosport.com about whether the problem was easy to resolve before the San Marino Grand Prix, Fry said: "It is quite difficult to understand why.
"It is not something that is completely new to us, and obviously it is a problem that was exacerbated by the situation today.
"Hopefully there aren't many safety cars at Imola. I think these were extraordinary circumstances, and for Imola we've got two weeks of testing before then, where maybe we can find something.
"We've got a whole host of other improvements for Imola. It is a circuit where we went well at last year, and generally we are pretty good at, and we go there hopeful."
Fry admitted, however, that it appeared Renault's advantage at the front of the field was greater than he believed after Malaysia.
"What we saw last time around was about three tenths of a second. I haven't looked at the data from Melbourne yet, but it looked like more in these conditions."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Gascoyne: Toyota on top of tyre problems
By Jonathan Noble Monday, April 3rd 2006, 14:20 GMT
Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne is confident that his team are now fully on top of their early-season tyre issues after grabbing a podium in the Australian Grand Prix.
Ralf Schumacher bounced back from a pitlane speeding penalty and made the most of several Safety Car spells to take a surprise third placed finish - just two races after Toyota were left at crisis point following a disastrous Bahrain Grand Prix outing.
But Gascoyne is upbeat that their Melbourne performance was not a flash in the pan and, although he could not rule out possible future struggles, he was confident that the team now understand the issues that hit them at the start of the year.
"We are on top of it, but you can never say there will never be a repeat," he said. "But we know what to do and I don't think it will happen to just us in the future. Whether it happens in general again you just can't tell.
"We endured a pretty ****ty weekend in Bahrain and I think we learned our lessons. And this race, and the weekend, shows that we covered it. It can happen again, but we know things that if it does happen that can help the matter. We used them this weekend and we clearly struggled less than anyone else."
Gascoyne explained that Toyota's increase in pace compared to Bahrain was simply down to them understanding the tyres better rather than any specific modifications they had made to the TF106.
"The car is exactly the same," he explained. "I think it is just getting the tyres in the right operating window. It is as simple as that and once you have got the tyres switched on you have got the performance level.
"I am sure a lot of people said, 'yeah, yeah, yeah,' but this weekend we showed that was the case. Renault were clearly ahead but I think we have shown that we can race with the rest.
"I think from here we have got to have some solid races, pick up the odd podium and then get two cars into the points."
When asked whether he felt an element of relief about taking the podium so soon after the Bahrain Grand Prix, Gascoyne responded: "Relief is probably the wrong word.
"We were always confident in what we did. We said we were confident to have a good pace when we got the tyres working properly, and it is nice to prove that. We have just got to make sure we do it every race."[/QUOTE]
| Student Driver | 04-04-2006 01:08 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Sato was ahead of the pace of several heavy hitters in Melbourne including DC and Rubens. Ide on the other hand was not so fast but at least during the race he did not make himself a factor.
[/QUOTE]
I guess we are forgetting qualifying, eh? I'm sure a certain Honda driver isn't... ;)
[/QUOTE]
I guess we are forgetting qualifying, eh? I'm sure a certain Honda driver isn't... ;)
| StuBeck | 04-04-2006 01:09 PM |
I think a quick fix for the tyre situation is to simply run a softer compound, its not rocket science.
On F1Racing.net they have a story where Jackie Stewart says Schumacher's gonna kill imself if he continues to go off like he has. I think he's confusing him with Massa though to be honest cuz Schumi only crashed once last weekend.
On F1Racing.net they have a story where Jackie Stewart says Schumacher's gonna kill imself if he continues to go off like he has. I think he's confusing him with Massa though to be honest cuz Schumi only crashed once last weekend.
| Ferg | 04-04-2006 02:06 PM |
Didn't Buton say they were already on the softest tire Michelin offers? I don't know how much softer thay can go before it simply won't last a full stint.
Apparently a bit of a shake up at Toyota....
[QUOTE][B]Gascoyne has left Toyota[/B]
Tuesday, April 4th 2006, 17:54 GMT
Technical director Mike Gascoyne has left the Toyota Formula One team as part of a major management and technical reshuffle of the Japanese squad.
Sources have confirmed the news to autosport.com and further suggested that Pascal Vasselon is being lined up to replace Gascoyne as technical director, with other changes expected to take place in both Cologne and at Toyota Motorsport in Tokoyo.
Despite scoring a podium at the Australian Grand Prix, Gascoyne has had a strained relationship with senior team management, which intensified following their troubled start to the season.
Furthermore, a senior official at Toyota Motor Company suggested recently that the company is looking for a replacement for Gascoyne, and once a new technical director was found, the Briton would be released.
Gascoyne's contract was up for renewal in the next few months, and the Briton apparently was not eager to remain at the Cologne-based outfit. However, the option to renew the contract or termintate it was entirely on Toyota's side.
According to a report on grandprix.com today, Gascoyne would not comment on his departure.
Lending further credence to the rumour is the fact that Toyota's press and marketing department - usually one of the most attainable in the F1 paddock - has mysteriously gone underground, with not a single person (of the many working for the department) reachable by phone or mobile.
Gascoyne joined Toyota in 2003 after a successful spell with Renault/Benetton. His salary at Toyota was reportedly the highest a technical director had ever earned, prior to Adrian Newey's move to Red Bull this year.
Vasselon has joined the Cologne-based team last year afer heading the Formula One project for Michelin.[/QUOTE]
Apparently a bit of a shake up at Toyota....
[QUOTE][B]Gascoyne has left Toyota[/B]
Tuesday, April 4th 2006, 17:54 GMT
Technical director Mike Gascoyne has left the Toyota Formula One team as part of a major management and technical reshuffle of the Japanese squad.
Sources have confirmed the news to autosport.com and further suggested that Pascal Vasselon is being lined up to replace Gascoyne as technical director, with other changes expected to take place in both Cologne and at Toyota Motorsport in Tokoyo.
Despite scoring a podium at the Australian Grand Prix, Gascoyne has had a strained relationship with senior team management, which intensified following their troubled start to the season.
Furthermore, a senior official at Toyota Motor Company suggested recently that the company is looking for a replacement for Gascoyne, and once a new technical director was found, the Briton would be released.
Gascoyne's contract was up for renewal in the next few months, and the Briton apparently was not eager to remain at the Cologne-based outfit. However, the option to renew the contract or termintate it was entirely on Toyota's side.
According to a report on grandprix.com today, Gascoyne would not comment on his departure.
Lending further credence to the rumour is the fact that Toyota's press and marketing department - usually one of the most attainable in the F1 paddock - has mysteriously gone underground, with not a single person (of the many working for the department) reachable by phone or mobile.
Gascoyne joined Toyota in 2003 after a successful spell with Renault/Benetton. His salary at Toyota was reportedly the highest a technical director had ever earned, prior to Adrian Newey's move to Red Bull this year.
Vasselon has joined the Cologne-based team last year afer heading the Formula One project for Michelin.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 04-04-2006 02:48 PM |
[QUOTE=Student Driver]I guess we are forgetting qualifying, eh? I'm sure a certain Honda driver isn't... ;)[/QUOTE]
I was just talking about the race itself, not quali.
I was just talking about the race itself, not quali.
| artkevin | 04-04-2006 03:35 PM |
Didn't see this one coming. Mike Gascoyne is gone from Toyota. :eek:
from f1racing.net/en
Gascoyne leaves Toyota
04 April 2006
Mike Gascoyne has reportedly left the Toyota Formula One team as part of a major management reshuffle. Nobody at Toyota was immediately available to comment on the rumour.
Gascoyne along with Adrian Newey is one of the highest paid engineers in F1 and despite working for Cologne-based Toyota, Gascoyne never moved to Germany instead preferring to commute from his home and family in the UK.
Gascoyne joined Toyota in a big-money move from Renault. Stay tuned for more details.
from f1racing.net/en
Gascoyne leaves Toyota
04 April 2006
Mike Gascoyne has reportedly left the Toyota Formula One team as part of a major management reshuffle. Nobody at Toyota was immediately available to comment on the rumour.
Gascoyne along with Adrian Newey is one of the highest paid engineers in F1 and despite working for Cologne-based Toyota, Gascoyne never moved to Germany instead preferring to commute from his home and family in the UK.
Gascoyne joined Toyota in a big-money move from Renault. Stay tuned for more details.
| Student Driver | 04-04-2006 03:45 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]I was just talking about the race itself, not quali.[/QUOTE]
Right, but Ide is so insanely off the pace that it's a real problem. Sato isn't that much better, and having those cars "in the way" during qualifying seems even more dangerous than during the race. Seems like 21st and 22nd on the grid could just be a "gimme"...
:)
Also, isn't it possible that the drivers just aren't getting everything out of the Toyotas? I mean, I don't know much about their careers, but it seems like there's a lot of finger pointing going on at Toyota.
Right, but Ide is so insanely off the pace that it's a real problem. Sato isn't that much better, and having those cars "in the way" during qualifying seems even more dangerous than during the race. Seems like 21st and 22nd on the grid could just be a "gimme"...
:)
Also, isn't it possible that the drivers just aren't getting everything out of the Toyotas? I mean, I don't know much about their careers, but it seems like there's a lot of finger pointing going on at Toyota.
| artkevin | 04-04-2006 03:48 PM |
I agree w/ on Ide but not Sato. Rubens and DC couldn't get past him and he was driving clean by all accounts. Sato's car is no worse then the Minadri's of last year percentage wise. Takuma's race pace was amazing for the crap box he's in. Hopefully the SA06 will be better so they can hang with the Midlands are mayeb sniff the STRs.
| BriDrive | 04-04-2006 03:57 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]I think a quick fix for the tyre situation is to simply run a softer compound, its not rocket science..."
[/QUOTE]
Come on StuBeck...you know better than that. F1 tire production is very much like rocket science these days, if not more so.
The tire is actually defining the engineering parameters of almost everything on each and every one of the top cars these days...
BriDrive
[/QUOTE]
Come on StuBeck...you know better than that. F1 tire production is very much like rocket science these days, if not more so.
The tire is actually defining the engineering parameters of almost everything on each and every one of the top cars these days...
BriDrive
| BriDrive | 04-04-2006 04:03 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Sato was ahead of the pace of several heavy hitters in Melbourne including DC and Rubens..."[QUOTE]
Or more appropriately, he was prescribing (read blocking) the pace...until they could find away around him ultimately...
Fastest laps:
Sato: 1:30.574
DC: 1:28.250
RB: 1:27.690
BriDrive
Or more appropriately, he was prescribing (read blocking) the pace...until they could find away around him ultimately...
Fastest laps:
Sato: 1:30.574
DC: 1:28.250
RB: 1:27.690
BriDrive
| Student Driver | 04-04-2006 04:06 PM |
[QUOTE=BriDrive][QUOTE=artkevin]Sato was ahead of the pace of several heavy hitters in Melbourne including DC and Rubens..."[/QUOTE]
Or more appropriately, he was prescribing (read blocking) the pace...until they could find away around him ultimately...
Fastest laps:
Sato: 1:30.574
DC: 1:28.250
RB: 1:27.690
BriDrive[/QUOTE]
This was the way I saw it as well. All the traffic out there led to slower lap times for them, so the SA team only looked "miserable" in pace, and not "pathetic" like they did in qualifying. There is a touch of entertainment value when watching Kimi and the rest of the fast crew have to dart around them during qualifying.
Or more appropriately, he was prescribing (read blocking) the pace...until they could find away around him ultimately...
Fastest laps:
Sato: 1:30.574
DC: 1:28.250
RB: 1:27.690
BriDrive[/QUOTE]
This was the way I saw it as well. All the traffic out there led to slower lap times for them, so the SA team only looked "miserable" in pace, and not "pathetic" like they did in qualifying. There is a touch of entertainment value when watching Kimi and the rest of the fast crew have to dart around them during qualifying.
| artkevin | 04-04-2006 04:08 PM |
True BiDrive but you can't use fastest lap as the determining factor. Look at Kimi. He put in fastest lap of the race on the last lap by over 0.5 seconds. Sato was up there on the 1st stint. How did he get there? Why wouldn't Rubens try to put a pass on him if he was going to ruin an entire stint? There is no doubt that SA is slower then RB or Honda but I still give Sato mad phat props.
| BriDrive | 04-04-2006 04:16 PM |
I agree on "fast lap" data of course Kevin and was playing a little devil's advocate...
Also, I see NO problem having Aguri out there...assuming the drivers prove responsible/qualified etc...Going back over last few years, Minardi and Arrows played these roles as well to certain degrees...
The bigger problem, no secret to us all, is that modern F1 cars, even really fast ones, have trouble passing safely if at all these days...that sucks.
I hate having to see slower cars define outcomes. Recall Alonso/M.Schumacher wherever that was last year. Bravo for Alonso, but CRIMINY...the Ferrari deserved the win in every way shape and form...except he could not find a way past.
Also, I see NO problem having Aguri out there...assuming the drivers prove responsible/qualified etc...Going back over last few years, Minardi and Arrows played these roles as well to certain degrees...
The bigger problem, no secret to us all, is that modern F1 cars, even really fast ones, have trouble passing safely if at all these days...that sucks.
I hate having to see slower cars define outcomes. Recall Alonso/M.Schumacher wherever that was last year. Bravo for Alonso, but CRIMINY...the Ferrari deserved the win in every way shape and form...except he could not find a way past.
| artkevin | 04-04-2006 04:57 PM |
Its all good baby! :D
I absolutely love the San Marino GP from 05. I was on the edge of my seat going through the 7 stages of depression willing Freddy on. He drove a masterful race but I see what you mean about passing. Then again, Freddy got Michael going into 130R last year too and Kimi got Fisi into the Ss. Hmmmm.
I absolutely love the San Marino GP from 05. I was on the edge of my seat going through the 7 stages of depression willing Freddy on. He drove a masterful race but I see what you mean about passing. Then again, Freddy got Michael going into 130R last year too and Kimi got Fisi into the Ss. Hmmmm.
| ForceFed4 | 04-04-2006 05:29 PM |
So much hate for Super Best Friends here :D .
I still remember just a few years ago when it was questionable whether there'd be enough cars/teams to make up a decent full grid.
As far as I'm concerned, new teams are welcome, and should be given some time to work their way into the sport. "Easing" into F1 is a mighty tough feat.
I still remember just a few years ago when it was questionable whether there'd be enough cars/teams to make up a decent full grid.
As far as I'm concerned, new teams are welcome, and should be given some time to work their way into the sport. "Easing" into F1 is a mighty tough feat.
| grippgoat | 04-04-2006 09:04 PM |
[QUOTE=ForceFed4]So much hate for Super Best Friends here :D .
I still remember just a few years ago when it was questionable whether there'd be enough cars/teams to make up a decent full grid.
As far as I'm concerned, new teams are welcome, and should be given some time to work their way into the sport. "Easing" into F1 is a mighty tough feat.[/QUOTE]
I agree. I also want a T-Shirt with a picture of Sato giving a cheesy thumbs up, that says "Super Best Friends FOR THE WIN!" or something.
But seriously, Ide spun like 4 times in qualifying. I thought there was a rules clarification that said if you stop on track, you're out of qualifying. I think after the first red flag he caused, he should have been excluded from the rest of the session.
And I think the reason Rubens couldn't pass anyone is because he can't push the braking in the way he'd need to in order to pass someone. He's still struggling with the left-foot braking.
-Mike
I still remember just a few years ago when it was questionable whether there'd be enough cars/teams to make up a decent full grid.
As far as I'm concerned, new teams are welcome, and should be given some time to work their way into the sport. "Easing" into F1 is a mighty tough feat.[/QUOTE]
I agree. I also want a T-Shirt with a picture of Sato giving a cheesy thumbs up, that says "Super Best Friends FOR THE WIN!" or something.
But seriously, Ide spun like 4 times in qualifying. I thought there was a rules clarification that said if you stop on track, you're out of qualifying. I think after the first red flag he caused, he should have been excluded from the rest of the session.
And I think the reason Rubens couldn't pass anyone is because he can't push the braking in the way he'd need to in order to pass someone. He's still struggling with the left-foot braking.
-Mike
| Ferg | 04-05-2006 10:03 AM |
The fact that Super Aguri turned a former airport showcar into a Grand Prix finisher, okay so it was four laps down, in something like 180 days is pretty impressive. That team has a lot of heart.
Not so fast Mike Gascoyne!
[QUOTE]Toyota: Gascoyne has been suspended
By Biranit Goren Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 07:54 GMT
Toyota Motorsport has this morning confirmed that technical director Mike Gascoyne has left his position at the Formula One team, but the company said the Briton has been "suspended".
Reports emerged yesterday that Gascoyne had left Toyota after more than two years, following a period of strained relationship with the senior management and as part of a major reshuffle at the team.
A Toyota Motorsport spokesman effectively confirmed this morning the deteriorating relationship between the sides.
The spokesman said: "Due to a fundamental difference of opinion with regard to the technical operations of its Formula One team, Toyota Motorsport has suspended its Technical Director Chassis, Mike Gascoyne, until further notice.
"Toyota Motorsport will not make any additional comments on this matter at this time."[/QUOTE]
:huh:
More news.
[QUOTE]FIA cancels London meeting
By Biranit Goren Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 10:09 GMT
Formula One's ruling body, the FIA, has cancelled a meeting with all the applicants who submitted their entries to the 2008 Formula One championship.
The FIA had invited the 22 applicants to a meeting in London on April 10.
But with a three-week break before the next Grand Prix, the meeting has been cancelled as many teams had already planned holidays for that period.
An FIA spokesman told autosport.com: "The meeting has been cancelled because some of the teams that were invited couldn't make it, due to holidays planned for the April season break."
Asked if the meeting has been rescheduled for a new date, the spokesman said: "It has not been rescheduled at the moment, but that doesn't mean it won't be."
Last Friday was the deadline set by the FIA for all teams to enter if they wanted to have a say in writing the regulations for 2008.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso: Schumacher will bounce back
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 11:22 GMT
Fernando Alonso believes Michael Schumacher is still a force to be reckoned with and the Renault driver says his German rival will win 'often' this season.
"I don't think so, Michael is always extremely fast," Alonso told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Schumacher was ready to retire. "He's a driver who, besides last Sunday, doesn't make too many mistakes.
"This year he started well in Bahrain; now he's suffering a bit, but on the tracks better suited to Bridgestone and Ferrari, he'll win often."
Schumacher and his Ferrari team showed promising form in the season-opening race in Bahrain, fighting for victory with Alonso.
In Malaysia and Australia, however, the German failed to fight at the top and in Melbourne he retired after crashing out when pushing too hard.
Seven-time champion Schumacher is the oldest driver on the grid at 37, but Alonso believes the German is still hungry for another title.
"Yes, because his motivation is intact," Alonso added. "On top of that, he is consistent and always gets points. He made a mistake on Sunday, but he had little grip. He's a driver who always brings out the best from his car."
Asked if he expected Schumacher to retire at the end of the season, Alonso said: "No, I think he'll carry on."
The Spaniard admitted he would welcome Schumacher to continue racing "because it's better to race against a great professional."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso still believes McLaren move is right
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 10:37 GMT
World champion Fernando Alonso still believes he has made the right decision in joining McLaren next year despite his Renault team's dominant form.
The French squad have won the first three races of the season in dominant style, allowing Alonso to take a commanding lead in the championship. The Spaniard, winner in Bahrain and Australia, has scored 28 points to his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella's 14.
McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen is tied on points with Fisichella, and his team trail Renault by 19 points in the teams' standings.
But despite Renault's impressive start, Alonso reckons McLaren will be the team to beat next season.
"McLaren have taken a big step forward. I'm convinced that there isn't another team around, able to make a car improve as quickly as them," Alonso told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"In 2007, the second year of the V8 era, they will be the best around, that's why I chose them."
Asked about his reasons to leave Renault, Alonso added: "The sensation that a cycle is coming to an end anyway. I and Renault came to F1 practically together.
"Now that I've won here there's little left to do."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Don't give up on F1, Ganassi tells duo
By Tim Redmayne Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 12:57 GMT
Chip Ganassi has urged his two IRL drivers not to give up on their dreams of racing in Formula One.
Ganassi, who famously lost both Alex Zanardi and Juan Pablo Montoya to the Williams team, has said that both former IRL champions Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon shouldn't give up on any aspirations regarding a switch to Europe.
Wheldon was linked with a third-driver role at BMW Sauber in the off-season, before committing to Ganassi for 2006. Dixon has tested for Williams in the past.
"I hope they don't put Formula One out of their mind, as far as I'm concerned," Ganassi said. "I don't want - I want people always to want to - I want people to realise their dreams. If those are their dreams, I want them to realise them."
Both Wheldon and Dixon admit that it Formula One is still something they would like to do, however, they accept it isn't something they are focusing on.
"It's always been a dream or, you know, growing up in New Zealand, that's mainly what I watched, and it's probably similar for Dan growing up in Europe," Dixon said. "At this stage it's not something I'm pushing toward because I'm happy doing what I'm doing and concentrating on what I'm doing. Down the road, I don't know. We'll see."
Wheldon said: "Right now all I'm interested in is being able to continue winning [IRL] races and proving a point. And then I think you never know what lies ahead of you in the future. So we just have to wait and see."[/QUOTE]
Not so fast Mike Gascoyne!
[QUOTE]Toyota: Gascoyne has been suspended
By Biranit Goren Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 07:54 GMT
Toyota Motorsport has this morning confirmed that technical director Mike Gascoyne has left his position at the Formula One team, but the company said the Briton has been "suspended".
Reports emerged yesterday that Gascoyne had left Toyota after more than two years, following a period of strained relationship with the senior management and as part of a major reshuffle at the team.
A Toyota Motorsport spokesman effectively confirmed this morning the deteriorating relationship between the sides.
The spokesman said: "Due to a fundamental difference of opinion with regard to the technical operations of its Formula One team, Toyota Motorsport has suspended its Technical Director Chassis, Mike Gascoyne, until further notice.
"Toyota Motorsport will not make any additional comments on this matter at this time."[/QUOTE]
:huh:
More news.
[QUOTE]FIA cancels London meeting
By Biranit Goren Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 10:09 GMT
Formula One's ruling body, the FIA, has cancelled a meeting with all the applicants who submitted their entries to the 2008 Formula One championship.
The FIA had invited the 22 applicants to a meeting in London on April 10.
But with a three-week break before the next Grand Prix, the meeting has been cancelled as many teams had already planned holidays for that period.
An FIA spokesman told autosport.com: "The meeting has been cancelled because some of the teams that were invited couldn't make it, due to holidays planned for the April season break."
Asked if the meeting has been rescheduled for a new date, the spokesman said: "It has not been rescheduled at the moment, but that doesn't mean it won't be."
Last Friday was the deadline set by the FIA for all teams to enter if they wanted to have a say in writing the regulations for 2008.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso: Schumacher will bounce back
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 11:22 GMT
Fernando Alonso believes Michael Schumacher is still a force to be reckoned with and the Renault driver says his German rival will win 'often' this season.
"I don't think so, Michael is always extremely fast," Alonso told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked if Schumacher was ready to retire. "He's a driver who, besides last Sunday, doesn't make too many mistakes.
"This year he started well in Bahrain; now he's suffering a bit, but on the tracks better suited to Bridgestone and Ferrari, he'll win often."
Schumacher and his Ferrari team showed promising form in the season-opening race in Bahrain, fighting for victory with Alonso.
In Malaysia and Australia, however, the German failed to fight at the top and in Melbourne he retired after crashing out when pushing too hard.
Seven-time champion Schumacher is the oldest driver on the grid at 37, but Alonso believes the German is still hungry for another title.
"Yes, because his motivation is intact," Alonso added. "On top of that, he is consistent and always gets points. He made a mistake on Sunday, but he had little grip. He's a driver who always brings out the best from his car."
Asked if he expected Schumacher to retire at the end of the season, Alonso said: "No, I think he'll carry on."
The Spaniard admitted he would welcome Schumacher to continue racing "because it's better to race against a great professional."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso still believes McLaren move is right
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 10:37 GMT
World champion Fernando Alonso still believes he has made the right decision in joining McLaren next year despite his Renault team's dominant form.
The French squad have won the first three races of the season in dominant style, allowing Alonso to take a commanding lead in the championship. The Spaniard, winner in Bahrain and Australia, has scored 28 points to his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella's 14.
McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen is tied on points with Fisichella, and his team trail Renault by 19 points in the teams' standings.
But despite Renault's impressive start, Alonso reckons McLaren will be the team to beat next season.
"McLaren have taken a big step forward. I'm convinced that there isn't another team around, able to make a car improve as quickly as them," Alonso told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"In 2007, the second year of the V8 era, they will be the best around, that's why I chose them."
Asked about his reasons to leave Renault, Alonso added: "The sensation that a cycle is coming to an end anyway. I and Renault came to F1 practically together.
"Now that I've won here there's little left to do."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Don't give up on F1, Ganassi tells duo
By Tim Redmayne Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 12:57 GMT
Chip Ganassi has urged his two IRL drivers not to give up on their dreams of racing in Formula One.
Ganassi, who famously lost both Alex Zanardi and Juan Pablo Montoya to the Williams team, has said that both former IRL champions Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon shouldn't give up on any aspirations regarding a switch to Europe.
Wheldon was linked with a third-driver role at BMW Sauber in the off-season, before committing to Ganassi for 2006. Dixon has tested for Williams in the past.
"I hope they don't put Formula One out of their mind, as far as I'm concerned," Ganassi said. "I don't want - I want people always to want to - I want people to realise their dreams. If those are their dreams, I want them to realise them."
Both Wheldon and Dixon admit that it Formula One is still something they would like to do, however, they accept it isn't something they are focusing on.
"It's always been a dream or, you know, growing up in New Zealand, that's mainly what I watched, and it's probably similar for Dan growing up in Europe," Dixon said. "At this stage it's not something I'm pushing toward because I'm happy doing what I'm doing and concentrating on what I'm doing. Down the road, I don't know. We'll see."
Wheldon said: "Right now all I'm interested in is being able to continue winning [IRL] races and proving a point. And then I think you never know what lies ahead of you in the future. So we just have to wait and see."[/QUOTE]
| JoD | 04-05-2006 12:50 PM |
[QUOTE=grippgoat]I agree. I also want a T-Shirt with a picture of Sato giving a cheesy thumbs up, that says "Super Best Friends FOR THE WIN!" or something.
-Mike[/QUOTE]
If you make one, I'll buy one! (Please make cutsie girl version on a baby doll T-shirt) - thnx ok bye...
:D
-Mike[/QUOTE]
If you make one, I'll buy one! (Please make cutsie girl version on a baby doll T-shirt) - thnx ok bye...
:D
| Ferg | 04-05-2006 02:17 PM |
Today's testing round up.
[QUOTE]Kovalainen goes quickest at Ricard
Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 17:00 GMT
Renault's Heikki Kovalainen set the fastest lap in testing at the Paul Ricard circuit, where five teams kicked off their preparations for the start of the European season.
The Finn driver worked at the wheel of two different R26 chassis, setting his quickest time in the morning before going on to complete a total of 137 laps around the 3E layout of the French circuit.
Most teams focused on tyre testing for the San Marino Grand Prix, which will take place in three weeks time.
Kovalainen, the only driver who lapped in less than 65 seconds, finished ahead of Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa in the McLaren MP4-21.
De la Rosa worked alongside teammate Gary Paffett, who was at the wheel of the hybrid MP4-20, fitted with a V10 engine and sporting the orange livery. Paffett was fifth quickest.
The BMW team had two men on duty today, with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve being the only racing driver in action at Paul Ricard.
The Canadian and teammate Robert Kubica carried out tyre testing for the German squad, the Pole finishing as third fastest, four places ahead of Villeneuve.
Toyota's Ricardo Zonta was fourth fastest as the Japanese squad got back to work following their first podium of the season in Australia. Zonta worked on a tyre programme for Imola, while teammate Olivier Panis also carried out set-up work, doing long runs.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:04.927 137
2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:05.028 104
3. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.075 150
4. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:05.291 142
5. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:05.534 84
6. Panis Toyota (B) 1:05.754 109
7. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.812 93
8. Doornbos Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:06.420 58
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher on top at Vallelunga
Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 17:51 GMT
Michael Schumacher set the pace on the second day of this week's testing at the Vallelunga circuit, near Rome.
Ferrari, who kicked off their programme on Tuesday, were working with Luca Badoer and Schumacher, who joined the test today replacing Marc Gene.
While Badoer drove the F2004 fitted with a V10 engine, Schumacher worked at the wheel of the 248 F1, both men working on tyre testing.
Schumacher also concentrated on engine reliability work, covering a total of 128 laps on his way to the fastest time of the day.
Schumacher finished ahead of Britons Anthony Davidson and Jenson Button, who were in charge of testing duties for the Honda team. The team, trying to solve the tyre problems that hindered Button at the Australian Grand Prix, completed over 250 laps.
Williams third driver Alexander Wurz was the other man in action at the Italian track, the Austrian finishing at the bottom of the times.
"We spent the morning testing new suspension parts on both the front and the rear of the car and carrying out some tyre warm up tests," said Williams' test team manager Mike Condliffe.
"The afternoon saw Alex complete tyre comparisons for the forthcoming race at Imola."
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:13.831 128
2. Davidson Honda (M) 1:14.753 156
3. Button Honda (M) 1:15.445 108
4. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:15.924 99
5. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:16.099 101
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Kovalainen goes quickest at Ricard
Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 17:00 GMT
Renault's Heikki Kovalainen set the fastest lap in testing at the Paul Ricard circuit, where five teams kicked off their preparations for the start of the European season.
The Finn driver worked at the wheel of two different R26 chassis, setting his quickest time in the morning before going on to complete a total of 137 laps around the 3E layout of the French circuit.
Most teams focused on tyre testing for the San Marino Grand Prix, which will take place in three weeks time.
Kovalainen, the only driver who lapped in less than 65 seconds, finished ahead of Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa in the McLaren MP4-21.
De la Rosa worked alongside teammate Gary Paffett, who was at the wheel of the hybrid MP4-20, fitted with a V10 engine and sporting the orange livery. Paffett was fifth quickest.
The BMW team had two men on duty today, with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve being the only racing driver in action at Paul Ricard.
The Canadian and teammate Robert Kubica carried out tyre testing for the German squad, the Pole finishing as third fastest, four places ahead of Villeneuve.
Toyota's Ricardo Zonta was fourth fastest as the Japanese squad got back to work following their first podium of the season in Australia. Zonta worked on a tyre programme for Imola, while teammate Olivier Panis also carried out set-up work, doing long runs.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:04.927 137
2. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:05.028 104
3. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.075 150
4. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:05.291 142
5. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:05.534 84
6. Panis Toyota (B) 1:05.754 109
7. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.812 93
8. Doornbos Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:06.420 58
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher on top at Vallelunga
Wednesday, April 5th 2006, 17:51 GMT
Michael Schumacher set the pace on the second day of this week's testing at the Vallelunga circuit, near Rome.
Ferrari, who kicked off their programme on Tuesday, were working with Luca Badoer and Schumacher, who joined the test today replacing Marc Gene.
While Badoer drove the F2004 fitted with a V10 engine, Schumacher worked at the wheel of the 248 F1, both men working on tyre testing.
Schumacher also concentrated on engine reliability work, covering a total of 128 laps on his way to the fastest time of the day.
Schumacher finished ahead of Britons Anthony Davidson and Jenson Button, who were in charge of testing duties for the Honda team. The team, trying to solve the tyre problems that hindered Button at the Australian Grand Prix, completed over 250 laps.
Williams third driver Alexander Wurz was the other man in action at the Italian track, the Austrian finishing at the bottom of the times.
"We spent the morning testing new suspension parts on both the front and the rear of the car and carrying out some tyre warm up tests," said Williams' test team manager Mike Condliffe.
"The afternoon saw Alex complete tyre comparisons for the forthcoming race at Imola."
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:13.831 128
2. Davidson Honda (M) 1:14.753 156
3. Button Honda (M) 1:15.445 108
4. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:15.924 99
5. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:16.099 101
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| finnRex | 04-05-2006 04:36 PM |
I was unaware of the strained relations between Gascoyne and upper management. I wasn't expecting that at all.
Paffetts doing relatively well in his test drives, me thinks. I think there's a future for him in F1(not just as a test driver).
Mika
Paffetts doing relatively well in his test drives, me thinks. I think there's a future for him in F1(not just as a test driver).
Mika
| StuBeck | 04-05-2006 05:56 PM |
I think it has to do with Toyota not doing much for a while after hiring Gascoyne and him not being able to turn it around at all.
| finnRex | 04-05-2006 06:57 PM |
Sorry, they need to put Ralfie on a catapult and shotput his butt back to Germany. I don't think Trulli's much better either. If anything, he's consistent, whereas Ralf is more peaky.
Mika
Mika
| Yannerd | 04-05-2006 10:57 PM |
I think Toyota has a lot of potential at this point it's just a matter of them finding the right formula. They're not up there with the other teams like Renault, Ferrari, and McLaren but who knows they could be like the next Renault one day I think.
| Ferg | 04-06-2006 12:34 AM |
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57335670/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/58260308/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/58260308/original.jpg[/IMG]
| artkevin | 04-06-2006 01:04 PM |
I really like Thompson's stuff. He gets a hell of a lot of details right and is actually kind of funny.
| Ferg | 04-06-2006 01:57 PM |
News and such.
[QUOTE][B]Davidson edges Schumacher at Vallellunga[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 17:47 GMT
Briton Anthony Davidson topped the timesheets on the third day of testing at the Vallelunga circuit.
The Honda driver just edged Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and teammate Jenson Button.
It was another busy day for Davidson, who covered a total of 163 laps around the Italian circuit, beating Schumacher by less than a tenth of a second.
Ferrari driver Schumacher covered 102 laps as he tested new components fitted to his 248 F1 car. The German's day, however, was cut short when he stopped on track with a mechanical problem.
Schumacher's teammate Luca Badoer continued at the wheel of the F2004 fitted with a V10 engine, the Italian working on tyre testing for Bridgestone.
Williams' third driver Alex Wurz was slowest for the second day running, the Austrian finishing over 1.2 seconds off the pace following an accident in the morning session.
"This morning was overcast and grey with low track temperatures and Alex suffered a low speed accident," explained test team manager Mike Condliffe.
Fortunately, he was fine but the car required some repairs which reduced our running time. In the afternoon session, with improved track conditions, we continued testing tyre compounds in preparation for Imola while we also carried out brake cooling modifications."
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:14.499 163
2. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:14.591 102
3. Button Honda (M) 1:14.657 114
4. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:15.105 81
5. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:16.270 90
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]De la Rosa tops the times at Paul Ricard[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 16:16 GMT
Pedro de la Rosa topped the times on the second day of testing at Paul Ricard in France on Thursday - but the leading drivers were separated by just hundredths of a second.
The Spaniard was continuing development work on the latest specification Mercedes-Benz engine that had so impressed him in work ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
After its encouraging performance in Melbourne, de la Rosa was using more revs to evaluate its reliability as he set a best time of 1:04.231 .
That time was just three hundredths of a second faster than Robert Doornbos in the Red Bull Racing-Ferrari, who joined his fellow Michelin runners in working on Imola-specification tyres for the San Marino Grand Prix later this month.
"Yesterday I suffered a lot from gearbox problems and today in the morning too, but the afternoon went well and I took a bit of a risk for the last run," Doornbos told autosport.com.
"It is nice to get that quick time in at the end of the day."
Heikki Kovalainen was third fastest in the Renault despite completing just 11 laps during the day. The Finn broke the suspension of his car after going over a kerb.
Gary Paffett was fourth quickest and Giancarlo Fisichella fifth as he worked on an engine programme.
Toyota test driver Ricardo Zonta put his team's controversy surrounding Mike Gascoyne behind him to work on tyre construction and compounds for Imola, having left Olivier Panis to work on the long runs with the tyres selected on Wednesday.
Vitantonio Liuzzi made his scheduled appearance in the Red Bull Racing but, after causing two red flags for suspected mechanical problems, he ended the day seven tenths slower than Doornbos.
The other red flag was caused by BMW's Robert Kubica, who stopped at 1030am with a mechanical problem.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.231 147
2. Doornbos Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:04.262 118
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:04.274 11
4. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.279 127
5. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:04.380 104
6. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:04.655 133
7. Liuzzi Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:04.914 169
8. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:04.961 50
9. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.398 123
10. Panis Toyota (B) 1:05.867 47
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Toyota, Gascoyne part company[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 12:05 GMT
The Toyota team and Mike Gascoyne have reached a mutual agreement to end their working relationship with immediate effect, the Japanese squad have said.
Gascoyne, who had been "suspended" earlier this week, will remain contracted to Toyota Motorsport until the end of October, but he will not carry out any work for the team.
"Obviously, it is the end of an era but nobody can dispute that Toyota has made a big step forward over the last two seasons," said Gascoyne.
"We have now reached a crossroads in our working relationship and I believe that it is the right time for us to part ways amicably and for me to move back to the UK where I can also enjoy spending more time with my family.
"I extend my thanks to all members of the team and wish them a successful future in Formula One."
Toyota said the team and Gascoyne had developed "different opinions about the future direction of the technical operations in the team's chassis and engineering areas, which have resulted in the need for a change on both sides."
"Although we have reached a joint decision to go our separate ways, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mike for the indisputable contribution he has made to our team over the last few years," said team principal Tsutomu Tomita.
"This separation should in no way undermine the work he has done, nor reflect his technical expertise. We all wish him well for the future."
Toyota are yet to announced Gascoyne's replacement.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Burgess parts ways with Midland[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 12:17 GMT
The MF1 Racing team have announced the departure of Sporting Director Adrian Burgess, effective immediately.
The team said Burgess' departure was due to a planned internal re-structuring of race and test team operations.
Burgess had joined the team in May 2005, replacing Trevor Carlin.
"Adrian's experience and expertise were very helpful to us during the team's transition season," said MF1's Managing Director, Colin Kolles.
"We wish him every success as he leaves to pursue other challenges, and we fully expect to see him back in the F1 paddock before too long."
Team manager Andy Stevenson and chief race and test engineer Dominic Harlow will share Burgess' duties.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Toyota warn of possible withdrawal[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 11:41 GMT
Toyota team principal John Howett has dropped a major hint that the Japanese carmaker may pull out of Formula One if the FIA does not make it clear that it wants manufacturers in the sport.
FIA president Max Mosley has made no secret in recent weeks that he wants to do everything he can to help independent teams flourish in the sport, because he believes they - not the manufacturers - are its lifeblood.
And with none of the sport's current teams currently having a guarantee that they will be granted an entry to F1 in 2008, Howett has told this week's Autosport that the long-term future of Toyota is uncertain.
"It's all very unclear at the moment," he said. "Are we welcome or not? If we really are not welcome, it should be said publicly. The FIA has got to understand that we are being asked to commit to Formula One until the end of 2012 without giving any indication of whether we are wanted.
"We are prepared to commit to F1, but we need certain core values to remain. That means for example, that it has to remain the pinnacle of motorsport. Using technology doesn't always mean more cost, it can mean the opposite.
"If F1 can't remain the pinnacle, then the board will have to decide on the company's participation."
Despite the comments about Toyota's future, it appears unlikely that any withdrawal from F1 could take place before the end of 2008.
According to sources, those teams that have put forward their entry to the 2008 championship with the FIA are deemed to have signed a binding contract to commit to the series, providing they get an entry.
The 2008 entry form in the Sporting Regulations, which has been signed by those teams who have lodged an entry, states: "We confirm that we have read and understand the provisions of the International Sporting Code, the 1998 Concorde Agreement (including its Schedules), the 2008 Formula One Technical Regulations and the 2008 Formula One Sporting Regulations.
"We agree to be bound by them (as supplemented or amended) and further we agree on our own behalf and on behalf of everyone associated with our participation in the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship to observe them.
"We declare that we have examined this Entry Form and that the information given is true, correct and complete and we undertake to pay the entry fee of �300,000 (three hundred thousand Euros) to the FIA no later than 1 November 2007. "
Article 68 of the International Sporting Code makes it clear that an entry is binding between the teams and FIA - which means that any team who break the contract could be subject to punishment.
"An entry is a contract between a competitor and the organising committee (see Article 25). It can be signed by both parties or result from an exchange of correspondence.
"It compels the competitor to take part in the competition in which they have accepted to run, except in case of duly established force majeure."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Davidson edges Schumacher at Vallellunga[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 17:47 GMT
Briton Anthony Davidson topped the timesheets on the third day of testing at the Vallelunga circuit.
The Honda driver just edged Ferrari's Michael Schumacher and teammate Jenson Button.
It was another busy day for Davidson, who covered a total of 163 laps around the Italian circuit, beating Schumacher by less than a tenth of a second.
Ferrari driver Schumacher covered 102 laps as he tested new components fitted to his 248 F1 car. The German's day, however, was cut short when he stopped on track with a mechanical problem.
Schumacher's teammate Luca Badoer continued at the wheel of the F2004 fitted with a V10 engine, the Italian working on tyre testing for Bridgestone.
Williams' third driver Alex Wurz was slowest for the second day running, the Austrian finishing over 1.2 seconds off the pace following an accident in the morning session.
"This morning was overcast and grey with low track temperatures and Alex suffered a low speed accident," explained test team manager Mike Condliffe.
Fortunately, he was fine but the car required some repairs which reduced our running time. In the afternoon session, with improved track conditions, we continued testing tyre compounds in preparation for Imola while we also carried out brake cooling modifications."
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:14.499 163
2. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:14.591 102
3. Button Honda (M) 1:14.657 114
4. Badoer Ferrari (B) 1:15.105 81
5. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:16.270 90
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]De la Rosa tops the times at Paul Ricard[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 16:16 GMT
Pedro de la Rosa topped the times on the second day of testing at Paul Ricard in France on Thursday - but the leading drivers were separated by just hundredths of a second.
The Spaniard was continuing development work on the latest specification Mercedes-Benz engine that had so impressed him in work ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
After its encouraging performance in Melbourne, de la Rosa was using more revs to evaluate its reliability as he set a best time of 1:04.231 .
That time was just three hundredths of a second faster than Robert Doornbos in the Red Bull Racing-Ferrari, who joined his fellow Michelin runners in working on Imola-specification tyres for the San Marino Grand Prix later this month.
"Yesterday I suffered a lot from gearbox problems and today in the morning too, but the afternoon went well and I took a bit of a risk for the last run," Doornbos told autosport.com.
"It is nice to get that quick time in at the end of the day."
Heikki Kovalainen was third fastest in the Renault despite completing just 11 laps during the day. The Finn broke the suspension of his car after going over a kerb.
Gary Paffett was fourth quickest and Giancarlo Fisichella fifth as he worked on an engine programme.
Toyota test driver Ricardo Zonta put his team's controversy surrounding Mike Gascoyne behind him to work on tyre construction and compounds for Imola, having left Olivier Panis to work on the long runs with the tyres selected on Wednesday.
Vitantonio Liuzzi made his scheduled appearance in the Red Bull Racing but, after causing two red flags for suspected mechanical problems, he ended the day seven tenths slower than Doornbos.
The other red flag was caused by BMW's Robert Kubica, who stopped at 1030am with a mechanical problem.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.231 147
2. Doornbos Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:04.262 118
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:04.274 11
4. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.279 127
5. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:04.380 104
6. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:04.655 133
7. Liuzzi Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:04.914 169
8. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:04.961 50
9. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.398 123
10. Panis Toyota (B) 1:05.867 47
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Toyota, Gascoyne part company[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 12:05 GMT
The Toyota team and Mike Gascoyne have reached a mutual agreement to end their working relationship with immediate effect, the Japanese squad have said.
Gascoyne, who had been "suspended" earlier this week, will remain contracted to Toyota Motorsport until the end of October, but he will not carry out any work for the team.
"Obviously, it is the end of an era but nobody can dispute that Toyota has made a big step forward over the last two seasons," said Gascoyne.
"We have now reached a crossroads in our working relationship and I believe that it is the right time for us to part ways amicably and for me to move back to the UK where I can also enjoy spending more time with my family.
"I extend my thanks to all members of the team and wish them a successful future in Formula One."
Toyota said the team and Gascoyne had developed "different opinions about the future direction of the technical operations in the team's chassis and engineering areas, which have resulted in the need for a change on both sides."
"Although we have reached a joint decision to go our separate ways, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mike for the indisputable contribution he has made to our team over the last few years," said team principal Tsutomu Tomita.
"This separation should in no way undermine the work he has done, nor reflect his technical expertise. We all wish him well for the future."
Toyota are yet to announced Gascoyne's replacement.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Burgess parts ways with Midland[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 12:17 GMT
The MF1 Racing team have announced the departure of Sporting Director Adrian Burgess, effective immediately.
The team said Burgess' departure was due to a planned internal re-structuring of race and test team operations.
Burgess had joined the team in May 2005, replacing Trevor Carlin.
"Adrian's experience and expertise were very helpful to us during the team's transition season," said MF1's Managing Director, Colin Kolles.
"We wish him every success as he leaves to pursue other challenges, and we fully expect to see him back in the F1 paddock before too long."
Team manager Andy Stevenson and chief race and test engineer Dominic Harlow will share Burgess' duties.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Toyota warn of possible withdrawal[/B]
Thursday, April 6th 2006, 11:41 GMT
Toyota team principal John Howett has dropped a major hint that the Japanese carmaker may pull out of Formula One if the FIA does not make it clear that it wants manufacturers in the sport.
FIA president Max Mosley has made no secret in recent weeks that he wants to do everything he can to help independent teams flourish in the sport, because he believes they - not the manufacturers - are its lifeblood.
And with none of the sport's current teams currently having a guarantee that they will be granted an entry to F1 in 2008, Howett has told this week's Autosport that the long-term future of Toyota is uncertain.
"It's all very unclear at the moment," he said. "Are we welcome or not? If we really are not welcome, it should be said publicly. The FIA has got to understand that we are being asked to commit to Formula One until the end of 2012 without giving any indication of whether we are wanted.
"We are prepared to commit to F1, but we need certain core values to remain. That means for example, that it has to remain the pinnacle of motorsport. Using technology doesn't always mean more cost, it can mean the opposite.
"If F1 can't remain the pinnacle, then the board will have to decide on the company's participation."
Despite the comments about Toyota's future, it appears unlikely that any withdrawal from F1 could take place before the end of 2008.
According to sources, those teams that have put forward their entry to the 2008 championship with the FIA are deemed to have signed a binding contract to commit to the series, providing they get an entry.
The 2008 entry form in the Sporting Regulations, which has been signed by those teams who have lodged an entry, states: "We confirm that we have read and understand the provisions of the International Sporting Code, the 1998 Concorde Agreement (including its Schedules), the 2008 Formula One Technical Regulations and the 2008 Formula One Sporting Regulations.
"We agree to be bound by them (as supplemented or amended) and further we agree on our own behalf and on behalf of everyone associated with our participation in the 2008 FIA Formula One World Championship to observe them.
"We declare that we have examined this Entry Form and that the information given is true, correct and complete and we undertake to pay the entry fee of �300,000 (three hundred thousand Euros) to the FIA no later than 1 November 2007. "
Article 68 of the International Sporting Code makes it clear that an entry is binding between the teams and FIA - which means that any team who break the contract could be subject to punishment.
"An entry is a contract between a competitor and the organising committee (see Article 25). It can be signed by both parties or result from an exchange of correspondence.
"It compels the competitor to take part in the competition in which they have accepted to run, except in case of duly established force majeure."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-06-2006 01:57 PM |
more news...
[QUOTE][B]Super Aguri to further delay new car[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 6th 2006, 09:58 GMT
Super Aguri have admitted that their new car is now unlikely to make its debut until the British Grand Prix in June, after being forced to abandon plans to use an updated version of last year's BAR007 chassis.
The Japanese team have impressed many with the job they have done so far this year with the developed 2002 Arrows A23, but the outfit have always insisted that it was only a stop-gap solution before their definitive challenger hit the track.
The original idea was for the team to switch to an updated version of last year's BAR007 hybrid car for the San Marino Grand Prix later this month, but that date slipped back while discussions took place with Honda about getting hold of the car.
Following a series of recent meetings, however, Super Aguri have been told that they will now not be able to use the BAR007 car at all.
This is because of fears about it breaching the terms of the Concorde Agreement, which dictate teams must design and build their own cars, and also because Honda's F1 team do not want to divert any of their attention away from their own efforts on track this year.
Super Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto admitted the news on the BAR car was a setback, but made it clear the team already had a back-up plan in place to aggressively develop their current SA05 car until their own new SA06 was now ready.
"The car is delayed now," he told autosport.com. "We have to make a completely new SA06 without much help from Honda, because they have to focus on their own situation.
"We think it will not be before Silverstone probably, so we have decided to go in parallel in developing the SA05 with developments that carry over to the SA06."
Speaking about the improvements expected to be fitted to the SA05, Audetto said: "We will have a new gearbox, we will get the centre of gravity lower and we will also work on the weight distribution.
"We hope to reduce the weight and also have some ballast to improve the situation. Also there will be some aerodynamics which will come from the SA06 development."
Although Scuderia Toro Rosso have been able to run last year's RB1 chassis because technically it does not breach the terms of the Concorde Agreement, it is believed that Honda are reluctant to release their old car so easily on two grounds.
The first is that their F1 team are still under a suspended ban after their disqualification from the San Marino Grand Prix last year, and any actions that leave them open to dispute could leave them exposed to further punishment from the FIA.
Also, unlike Red Bull Racing, Honda have not yet committed to F1 beyond 2008. Ahead of discussions with the FIA about future rules, the company is believed to be reluctant to press ahead with any activity that would compromise its bargaining position with the FIA.
When asked whether he thought the situation could change in the next few weeks, and that Aguri could persuade Honda to release the BAR007, Audetto said: "I cannot force Honda to change their mind, so we have to go our own way."
Although Aguri have done an impressive job this year considering how quickly the team were put together, Audetto has made it clear that they are not going to rest on their laurels - and that they were determined to end the year in the top 10 of the constructors' championship.
"We have done quite well, but it is not well enough to be in the top 10," he said. "Our target this year is to finish in the top 10. Still we are about two seconds slower than the Midland and, even with the improvements to the aerodynamics, the centre of gravity and the gearbox I don't think we can catch up with them.
"So we need the new car as soon as possible to get in the points."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Red Bull remain impartial on V10 issue[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 6th 2006, 10:34 GMT
Red Bull Racing have made it clear that they are going to stay out of the row surrounding sister team Scuderia Toro Rosso over their V10 engines.
As was first revealed by autosport.com, Super Aguri and Midland F1 wrote to the FIA last week asking for Toro Rosso to be excluded from scoring constructors' championship points this year, with other teams and manufacturers expected to support their campaign with a letter before the San Marino Grand Prix.
However, Red Bull Racing's sporting director Christian Horner has said that his team will not be drawn into the row - even though he was forced to see Toro Rosso's Scott Speed edge his driver David Coulthard across the line in Melbourne last weekend prior to his time-penalty.
"We remain impartial," he said about the V10 situation. "Obviously their (Toro Rosso's) relative performance is pretty respectable, but that is not just down to the engine, it is down to the car.
"It is a pretty decent car and they have two good drivers so their performance in Australia looked good. In a straight-line they are quick, but their overall laptime is not significantly that far ahead - so it something not worth getting too excited about."
Horner believes that the performance of the V10 engines have been flattered at the start of the season by the fact that other teams have had to peg back the performance of their V8s because of worries about reliability.
"As the development of the V8 comes on stream, their position will remain static. So they were always going to be looking in pretty decent shape for the first few races and, as we head back to Europe and the development starts coming through, that benefit will start to negate itself so it shouldn't become an issue."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Super Aguri to further delay new car[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 6th 2006, 09:58 GMT
Super Aguri have admitted that their new car is now unlikely to make its debut until the British Grand Prix in June, after being forced to abandon plans to use an updated version of last year's BAR007 chassis.
The Japanese team have impressed many with the job they have done so far this year with the developed 2002 Arrows A23, but the outfit have always insisted that it was only a stop-gap solution before their definitive challenger hit the track.
The original idea was for the team to switch to an updated version of last year's BAR007 hybrid car for the San Marino Grand Prix later this month, but that date slipped back while discussions took place with Honda about getting hold of the car.
Following a series of recent meetings, however, Super Aguri have been told that they will now not be able to use the BAR007 car at all.
This is because of fears about it breaching the terms of the Concorde Agreement, which dictate teams must design and build their own cars, and also because Honda's F1 team do not want to divert any of their attention away from their own efforts on track this year.
Super Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto admitted the news on the BAR car was a setback, but made it clear the team already had a back-up plan in place to aggressively develop their current SA05 car until their own new SA06 was now ready.
"The car is delayed now," he told autosport.com. "We have to make a completely new SA06 without much help from Honda, because they have to focus on their own situation.
"We think it will not be before Silverstone probably, so we have decided to go in parallel in developing the SA05 with developments that carry over to the SA06."
Speaking about the improvements expected to be fitted to the SA05, Audetto said: "We will have a new gearbox, we will get the centre of gravity lower and we will also work on the weight distribution.
"We hope to reduce the weight and also have some ballast to improve the situation. Also there will be some aerodynamics which will come from the SA06 development."
Although Scuderia Toro Rosso have been able to run last year's RB1 chassis because technically it does not breach the terms of the Concorde Agreement, it is believed that Honda are reluctant to release their old car so easily on two grounds.
The first is that their F1 team are still under a suspended ban after their disqualification from the San Marino Grand Prix last year, and any actions that leave them open to dispute could leave them exposed to further punishment from the FIA.
Also, unlike Red Bull Racing, Honda have not yet committed to F1 beyond 2008. Ahead of discussions with the FIA about future rules, the company is believed to be reluctant to press ahead with any activity that would compromise its bargaining position with the FIA.
When asked whether he thought the situation could change in the next few weeks, and that Aguri could persuade Honda to release the BAR007, Audetto said: "I cannot force Honda to change their mind, so we have to go our own way."
Although Aguri have done an impressive job this year considering how quickly the team were put together, Audetto has made it clear that they are not going to rest on their laurels - and that they were determined to end the year in the top 10 of the constructors' championship.
"We have done quite well, but it is not well enough to be in the top 10," he said. "Our target this year is to finish in the top 10. Still we are about two seconds slower than the Midland and, even with the improvements to the aerodynamics, the centre of gravity and the gearbox I don't think we can catch up with them.
"So we need the new car as soon as possible to get in the points."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Red Bull remain impartial on V10 issue[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 6th 2006, 10:34 GMT
Red Bull Racing have made it clear that they are going to stay out of the row surrounding sister team Scuderia Toro Rosso over their V10 engines.
As was first revealed by autosport.com, Super Aguri and Midland F1 wrote to the FIA last week asking for Toro Rosso to be excluded from scoring constructors' championship points this year, with other teams and manufacturers expected to support their campaign with a letter before the San Marino Grand Prix.
However, Red Bull Racing's sporting director Christian Horner has said that his team will not be drawn into the row - even though he was forced to see Toro Rosso's Scott Speed edge his driver David Coulthard across the line in Melbourne last weekend prior to his time-penalty.
"We remain impartial," he said about the V10 situation. "Obviously their (Toro Rosso's) relative performance is pretty respectable, but that is not just down to the engine, it is down to the car.
"It is a pretty decent car and they have two good drivers so their performance in Australia looked good. In a straight-line they are quick, but their overall laptime is not significantly that far ahead - so it something not worth getting too excited about."
Horner believes that the performance of the V10 engines have been flattered at the start of the season by the fact that other teams have had to peg back the performance of their V8s because of worries about reliability.
"As the development of the V8 comes on stream, their position will remain static. So they were always going to be looking in pretty decent shape for the first few races and, as we head back to Europe and the development starts coming through, that benefit will start to negate itself so it shouldn't become an issue."[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 04-06-2006 02:37 PM |
I'm with Toyota... having a field of 30 cars would be cool, but I'd rather have 15 Ferraris than 30 Minardis on the grid.
| Ferg | 04-06-2006 02:43 PM |
[B][i]->Just tuning in? Plenty of news on the previous page!<-[/i][/B]
Here's a great little interview with Flav, who as usual puts things in proper perspective.
[QUOTE][B]Q: Your meeting in Maranello caused quite a stir. What's the story behind it?[/B]
Briatore: "It's not a secret that in the last two or three years I've been working very hard to make sure that F1 is more efficient. We have a lot at stake to make this happen. The meeting in Maranello... Ferrari is part of the championship, a very big player in the championship. It was quite normal to have a meeting to understand the position of Ferrari regarding the costs. And Cosworth as well.
"It was not a meeting to split the manufacturers. It was only a meeting for more information to present to the manufacturers. Ferrari preferred to have a meeting with me, and not with somebody else, as simple as that."
[B]Q: So Jean Todt invited you...[/B]
Briatore: "No, it was [FIA president] Max [Mosley] who really wanted to put this stuff together. We're working for the last two years, we always try, and Max and Ferrari, to find a solution to make F1 more efficient, with more stability, and this is what we've done. It was nothing secret."
[B]Q: But the other GPMA guys didn't know what you were doing?[/B]
Briatore: "Everybody needs to be more efficient in this business. Somebody needs to jump the river. I feel it was the moment to jump the river, because we are in a very tough situation, where nobody moved."
[B]Q: Are you in a special situation because Renault's future commitment is not clear?[/B]
Briatore: "The future commitment of Renault is we want to stay in F1. But we want F1 to be more efficient, less costly, as simple as that. It's difficult, if you have somebody in the group who says this is what the shareholders want. And other people's shareholders might say you need to win, whatever the money. A different agenda, no? Sometimes we are not in the same area.
"Renault want to stay in F1, like Ferrari, like Cosworth, on one condition - a more efficient F1. We want to win, but we need to cut dramatically the costs. On the other side, you have people saying we want to win, whatever the cost. In the mean time, you see that the people more sensible are winning, and the people not sensible are losing!"
[B]Q: So was it a good meeting?[/B]
Briatore: "Fantastic. You know, meetings in F1 are usually three hours of fighting to organise the next meeting! It was six or seven hours, very, very smooth, because it was done by business people - sensible business people. And it was not only about engineers who want to play with some more money."
[B]Q: One of the results is that now there can be an engine upgrade on January 1st each year. Is that a step forward?[/B]
Briatore: "We're talking about stability. We talk about the stability of chassis, but we need the same for engines for five years, and every year there's some possibility for development in one controlled range, with this we still keep the technology, we still keep going, and we are more efficient.
"We have one homologated engine, and homologated parts, but every year we know a small step is possible. I know already how much it costs me, I know already how much is my budget. I'm not doing my budget in the dark, I'm doing the budget with what I know. We are a serious company now. I go to my shareholders, I talk about the next five years of F1, it costs you that."
[B]Q: Is the June 1st deadline for homologation still happening?[/B]
Briatore: "We need to sit together and have a more efficient way. We don't want to penalise anybody. First, everybody needs to achieve reliability. But we don't want people to spend fortunes on development, and the reliability is not there because instead of working on reliability, they're working on steps.
"It shouldn't be about 'I have the best engine.' Have an engine for doing racing. Sometimes our people forget our target. Our target, our business, is racing, and making the people enjoy our show."
[B]Q: I've seen you talking to people like Mario Theissen this weekend. What has been the reaction from the other GPMA guys?[/B]
Briatore: "Mario says he's happy. Some people think that we jumped, they feel that Renault jumped at this moment. But Mario is happy to have F1 run more efficiently, and I see the guy from Mercedes, Norbert Haug, and he thinks the same. I didn't see Ron Dennis yet, but I'm sure he's happy too to have F1 more efficient."
[B]Q: Were they confused at first about what you were doing?[/B]
Briatore: "Ferrari is a big player in F1, so this is logical that we get together for [a discussion on] the F1 of the future. I'm sure that everybody wants to be more efficient, invest in the right way, and not waste money.
"The environment around us is not so wonderful. Any technology we have, we have to really make sure that the general public understands what we're doing. F1 is the top of the technology, but from a marketing point of view we need to explain to the people watching TV what kind of technology we're talking about.
"For example, an engine for low fuel consumption is technology, because everybody understands maybe it's good for my car next year. We need to have technology that's useful for the manufacturers for reducing costs with the normal car."
[B]Q: So what's the next step?[/B]
Briatore: "For 2008, it looks like we go ahead with the majority, that's in the new sporting regulations. And now what we have to decide is what we do in 2007. If we're using a 2006 engine for the future, maybe it makes sense for 2007."
[B]Q: So are we going to see the return of Supertec - and maybe you as a team owner?[/B]
Briatore: "No. I've done that already. I'm trying to keep F1 going in the future, with me or without me - it makes no difference. But it's a fantastic sport, and Bernie put this event together. It's very difficult to put a big event together and keep it together.
"We want to see F1 healthy for the future, and the only way is to have efficiency, like we have in any other business."[/QUOTE]
Here's a great little interview with Flav, who as usual puts things in proper perspective.
[QUOTE][B]Q: Your meeting in Maranello caused quite a stir. What's the story behind it?[/B]
Briatore: "It's not a secret that in the last two or three years I've been working very hard to make sure that F1 is more efficient. We have a lot at stake to make this happen. The meeting in Maranello... Ferrari is part of the championship, a very big player in the championship. It was quite normal to have a meeting to understand the position of Ferrari regarding the costs. And Cosworth as well.
"It was not a meeting to split the manufacturers. It was only a meeting for more information to present to the manufacturers. Ferrari preferred to have a meeting with me, and not with somebody else, as simple as that."
[B]Q: So Jean Todt invited you...[/B]
Briatore: "No, it was [FIA president] Max [Mosley] who really wanted to put this stuff together. We're working for the last two years, we always try, and Max and Ferrari, to find a solution to make F1 more efficient, with more stability, and this is what we've done. It was nothing secret."
[B]Q: But the other GPMA guys didn't know what you were doing?[/B]
Briatore: "Everybody needs to be more efficient in this business. Somebody needs to jump the river. I feel it was the moment to jump the river, because we are in a very tough situation, where nobody moved."
[B]Q: Are you in a special situation because Renault's future commitment is not clear?[/B]
Briatore: "The future commitment of Renault is we want to stay in F1. But we want F1 to be more efficient, less costly, as simple as that. It's difficult, if you have somebody in the group who says this is what the shareholders want. And other people's shareholders might say you need to win, whatever the money. A different agenda, no? Sometimes we are not in the same area.
"Renault want to stay in F1, like Ferrari, like Cosworth, on one condition - a more efficient F1. We want to win, but we need to cut dramatically the costs. On the other side, you have people saying we want to win, whatever the cost. In the mean time, you see that the people more sensible are winning, and the people not sensible are losing!"
[B]Q: So was it a good meeting?[/B]
Briatore: "Fantastic. You know, meetings in F1 are usually three hours of fighting to organise the next meeting! It was six or seven hours, very, very smooth, because it was done by business people - sensible business people. And it was not only about engineers who want to play with some more money."
[B]Q: One of the results is that now there can be an engine upgrade on January 1st each year. Is that a step forward?[/B]
Briatore: "We're talking about stability. We talk about the stability of chassis, but we need the same for engines for five years, and every year there's some possibility for development in one controlled range, with this we still keep the technology, we still keep going, and we are more efficient.
"We have one homologated engine, and homologated parts, but every year we know a small step is possible. I know already how much it costs me, I know already how much is my budget. I'm not doing my budget in the dark, I'm doing the budget with what I know. We are a serious company now. I go to my shareholders, I talk about the next five years of F1, it costs you that."
[B]Q: Is the June 1st deadline for homologation still happening?[/B]
Briatore: "We need to sit together and have a more efficient way. We don't want to penalise anybody. First, everybody needs to achieve reliability. But we don't want people to spend fortunes on development, and the reliability is not there because instead of working on reliability, they're working on steps.
"It shouldn't be about 'I have the best engine.' Have an engine for doing racing. Sometimes our people forget our target. Our target, our business, is racing, and making the people enjoy our show."
[B]Q: I've seen you talking to people like Mario Theissen this weekend. What has been the reaction from the other GPMA guys?[/B]
Briatore: "Mario says he's happy. Some people think that we jumped, they feel that Renault jumped at this moment. But Mario is happy to have F1 run more efficiently, and I see the guy from Mercedes, Norbert Haug, and he thinks the same. I didn't see Ron Dennis yet, but I'm sure he's happy too to have F1 more efficient."
[B]Q: Were they confused at first about what you were doing?[/B]
Briatore: "Ferrari is a big player in F1, so this is logical that we get together for [a discussion on] the F1 of the future. I'm sure that everybody wants to be more efficient, invest in the right way, and not waste money.
"The environment around us is not so wonderful. Any technology we have, we have to really make sure that the general public understands what we're doing. F1 is the top of the technology, but from a marketing point of view we need to explain to the people watching TV what kind of technology we're talking about.
"For example, an engine for low fuel consumption is technology, because everybody understands maybe it's good for my car next year. We need to have technology that's useful for the manufacturers for reducing costs with the normal car."
[B]Q: So what's the next step?[/B]
Briatore: "For 2008, it looks like we go ahead with the majority, that's in the new sporting regulations. And now what we have to decide is what we do in 2007. If we're using a 2006 engine for the future, maybe it makes sense for 2007."
[B]Q: So are we going to see the return of Supertec - and maybe you as a team owner?[/B]
Briatore: "No. I've done that already. I'm trying to keep F1 going in the future, with me or without me - it makes no difference. But it's a fantastic sport, and Bernie put this event together. It's very difficult to put a big event together and keep it together.
"We want to see F1 healthy for the future, and the only way is to have efficiency, like we have in any other business."[/QUOTE]
| finnRex | 04-06-2006 02:46 PM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens]I'm with Toyota... having a field of 30 cars would be cool, but I'd rather have 15 Ferraris than 30 Minardis on the grid.[/QUOTE]
Well said, and I agree 100%.
Am I the only one that thinks Gascoyne got kicked to the curb for wrong reasons? He's been making steady improvemens the time he's been there. I don't get it. Who knows, maybe I'm oblivious to some things(no comments, kevin;) ).
Ferg, thanks for continuing the updates:).
Mika
Well said, and I agree 100%.
Am I the only one that thinks Gascoyne got kicked to the curb for wrong reasons? He's been making steady improvemens the time he's been there. I don't get it. Who knows, maybe I'm oblivious to some things(no comments, kevin;) ).
Ferg, thanks for continuing the updates:).
Mika
| artkevin | 04-06-2006 03:12 PM |
From interviews I have read w/ Mike Gascoyne and what I have heard he really just seems like a jerk. He is a pretty good designer but I remember Steve Matchett talking about how he's got a lot of credit for cars that he had little to do with because he started his job with the new team after all the major development work had been done. I do think that the Yodas have been getting better as a whole. I am just glad that Toyota stopped sacking their drivers over and over.
See Mika, a whole post w/o me taking a jab at you. :)
See Mika, a whole post w/o me taking a jab at you. :)
| BriDrive | 04-06-2006 03:14 PM |
[QUOTE=finnRex]Well said, and I agree 100%.
Am I the only one that thinks Gascoyne got kicked to the curb for wrong reasons? ...
Mika[/QUOTE]
My guess is that Gascoyne wanted it most probably...it could be something as stupid as Toyota not agreeing to let him be in England as much as he wants throughout the year.
Too bad we couldn't all be flys on the wall for many,many of the conversations, etc. that take place in this circus...
Am I the only one that thinks Gascoyne got kicked to the curb for wrong reasons? ...
Mika[/QUOTE]
My guess is that Gascoyne wanted it most probably...it could be something as stupid as Toyota not agreeing to let him be in England as much as he wants throughout the year.
Too bad we couldn't all be flys on the wall for many,many of the conversations, etc. that take place in this circus...
| finnRex | 04-06-2006 04:36 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]From interviews I have read w/ Mike Gascoyne and what I have heard he really just seems like a jerk. He is a pretty good designer but I remember Steve Matchett talking about how he's got a lot of credit for cars that he had little to do with because he started his job with the new team after all the major development work had been done. I do think that the Yodas have been getting better as a whole. I am just glad that Toyota stopped sacking their drivers over and over.
See Mika, a whole post w/o me taking a jab at you. :)[/QUOTE]
I didn't know that he was 43h [email�protected] Maybe I've been misled into thinking that he was all that and a bag of chips(I've been suckered before, believe it or not;) ).
As far as 1 post without jabs, I don't know what to do now. Ya know, it's like deer in the headlights look:lol:. J/K. Something something unfamiliar territory :)
Agreed, BriDrive. I think it very well could be the fact that he wanted to be back home, and those annoying people who pay his check didn't want him to(how dare them).
Mika(respects 'da man from t3h Sweaty H)
See Mika, a whole post w/o me taking a jab at you. :)[/QUOTE]
I didn't know that he was 43h [email�protected] Maybe I've been misled into thinking that he was all that and a bag of chips(I've been suckered before, believe it or not;) ).
As far as 1 post without jabs, I don't know what to do now. Ya know, it's like deer in the headlights look:lol:. J/K. Something something unfamiliar territory :)
Agreed, BriDrive. I think it very well could be the fact that he wanted to be back home, and those annoying people who pay his check didn't want him to(how dare them).
Mika(respects 'da man from t3h Sweaty H)
| Ferg | 04-07-2006 12:31 PM |
News.
[QUOTE][B]Zonta ends Paul Ricard test on top
[/B]
Friday, April 7th 2006, 16:20 GMT
Ricardo Zonta proved that Toyota were getting on top of their tyre issues when he topped the final day of testing at Paul Ricard in France on Friday.
The Brazilian, running new aerodynamic updates, edged out Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella as he and teammate Olivier Panis spent the day focusing on long runs with the new Bridgestone compounds for Imola.
Zonta's best time came right at the end of the day as he put in a string of quick laps that indicate that Toyota have found something to unlock the full potential of the TF106.
The runs also gave the team more confidence with the new cold weather Bridgestones that Ralf Schumacher had put to such good use in Melbourne, with some members of the engineering staff having been a little sceptical about the tyres in Australia.
Toyota's day was overseen by Pascal Vasselon, the man who is expected to take over technical leadership at the team following the departure earlier this week of technical director Mike Gascoyne. The Frenchman declined to comment about the recent goings on at the team or their future plans, however.
Fisichella was Renault's only runner on Friday as the team had been unable to repair the damage on Heikki Kovalainen's car that had been caused when he ran over a kerb on Thursday.
Pedro de la Rosa was third quickest in the McLaren as he put more valuable mileage on the latest specification Mercedes-Benz engine. Having used the same power-unit since the first day of the test, it finally expired at 4.45pm on Friday.
The Spaniard told autosport.com: "It has been a good test. We checked the aero settings for Imola and we now have one candidate each for the Imola specification prime and option tyres. Clearly we have to verify that in Imola but it looks good.
"We have the speed and reliability and we really have to put the pressure on Renault as no-one is doing it at the moment. Let's see what happens."
McLaren's other driver Gary Paffett spent the day focusing on Nurburgring specification tyres in the MP4-20.
Robert Kubica set the fifth fastest time during a qualifying-simulation run in the afternoon, while Nick Heidfeld was sixth quickest after stopping out on the track at 4.10pm.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:04.157 156
2. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:04.258 160
3. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.591 120
4. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.899 163
5. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:04.944 107
6. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.673 92
7. Panis Toyota (B) 1:06.741 60
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Speed vows not to change attitude[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 7th 2006, 12:00 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso's Scott Speed has said he is not going to soften his attitude towards rivals, despite being fined for swearing at David Coulthard at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix.
Speed was hauled in front of the race stewards after overtaking Coulthard under yellow flags while they fought for position at Albert Park. During the meeting, however, Speed was reported to have told Coulthard to '**** off' - landing himself a $5,000 fine.
Although he lost his eighth placed finish in Melbourne for the yellow flag infringement, the swearing episode grabbed far more attention down the pitlane.
But, speaking at a press conference in America this week, Speed has made it clear that the episode will not make him change his ways - and he is adamant that he needs to stick up for himself if he is going to make a success of his time in F1.
"I'm the American out there," Speed said. "My mom taught me not to get into fights, but I've got to stand up. I won't take **** from no one.
"People try to take advantage of you. But it's very important that you don't let them. You've got to speak up."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Aguri unlikely to hire full-time reserve[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 7th 2006, 10:57 GMT
Super Aguri have said that they are unlikely to appoint a full-time reserve driver this year after Honda blocked plans to release James Rossiter for the role.
Aguri had been in discussions with Rossiter about the job, but the Honda young driver was not given the necessary approval to take on the role. Honda preferred for him to concentrate on his World Series by Renault activities this year.
Following the news of Honda's veto on Rossiter, Aguri have subsequently asked whether they could have access to Honda's own reserve driver Anthony Davidson if any of their current drivers were unable to race.
The team are still awaiting a decision on that front and, if the approval is not forthcoming, then they have admitted that they are unlikely to chase anyone else.
Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto said: "We have had some discussions with Honda that we could use Anthony as our reserve, because we don't have a Friday driver.
"The priority for him would obviously be if Rubens Barrichello or Jenson Button had a problem, but if they didn't and we did then we would want to use Anthony as our reserve driver. They have not agreed on that request though."
Audetto said that if Honda declined the Davidson request then the team would most likely just call on available Friday drivers from other teams to fill in for them if there was a problem, rather than appoint a designated reserve like Franck Montagny, who they used at the first two races of the season.
"It is always wise to have a reserve driver, but there are many drivers available on a Sunday who have finished their job on a Friday, so it is not such a big problem.
"We will not bring any more anyone like Montagny. The reason to bring Montagny was because it was the first race for Yuji Ide, and we were not sure about him in case he was not fit or fast. In the end he did a quite reasonable job.
"To have a good driver like Montagny to mess around was frustrating for him and us, and also a cost. For a small team to have a reserve driver is a luxury. Of course we would prefer to have a Honda driver, but if Honda think for whatever reason it is not possible then we will not have our own reserve driver."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Zonta ends Paul Ricard test on top
[/B]
Friday, April 7th 2006, 16:20 GMT
Ricardo Zonta proved that Toyota were getting on top of their tyre issues when he topped the final day of testing at Paul Ricard in France on Friday.
The Brazilian, running new aerodynamic updates, edged out Renault's Giancarlo Fisichella as he and teammate Olivier Panis spent the day focusing on long runs with the new Bridgestone compounds for Imola.
Zonta's best time came right at the end of the day as he put in a string of quick laps that indicate that Toyota have found something to unlock the full potential of the TF106.
The runs also gave the team more confidence with the new cold weather Bridgestones that Ralf Schumacher had put to such good use in Melbourne, with some members of the engineering staff having been a little sceptical about the tyres in Australia.
Toyota's day was overseen by Pascal Vasselon, the man who is expected to take over technical leadership at the team following the departure earlier this week of technical director Mike Gascoyne. The Frenchman declined to comment about the recent goings on at the team or their future plans, however.
Fisichella was Renault's only runner on Friday as the team had been unable to repair the damage on Heikki Kovalainen's car that had been caused when he ran over a kerb on Thursday.
Pedro de la Rosa was third quickest in the McLaren as he put more valuable mileage on the latest specification Mercedes-Benz engine. Having used the same power-unit since the first day of the test, it finally expired at 4.45pm on Friday.
The Spaniard told autosport.com: "It has been a good test. We checked the aero settings for Imola and we now have one candidate each for the Imola specification prime and option tyres. Clearly we have to verify that in Imola but it looks good.
"We have the speed and reliability and we really have to put the pressure on Renault as no-one is doing it at the moment. Let's see what happens."
McLaren's other driver Gary Paffett spent the day focusing on Nurburgring specification tyres in the MP4-20.
Robert Kubica set the fifth fastest time during a qualifying-simulation run in the afternoon, while Nick Heidfeld was sixth quickest after stopping out on the track at 4.10pm.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:04.157 156
2. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:04.258 160
3. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.591 120
4. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:04.899 163
5. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:04.944 107
6. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:05.673 92
7. Panis Toyota (B) 1:06.741 60
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Speed vows not to change attitude[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 7th 2006, 12:00 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso's Scott Speed has said he is not going to soften his attitude towards rivals, despite being fined for swearing at David Coulthard at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix.
Speed was hauled in front of the race stewards after overtaking Coulthard under yellow flags while they fought for position at Albert Park. During the meeting, however, Speed was reported to have told Coulthard to '**** off' - landing himself a $5,000 fine.
Although he lost his eighth placed finish in Melbourne for the yellow flag infringement, the swearing episode grabbed far more attention down the pitlane.
But, speaking at a press conference in America this week, Speed has made it clear that the episode will not make him change his ways - and he is adamant that he needs to stick up for himself if he is going to make a success of his time in F1.
"I'm the American out there," Speed said. "My mom taught me not to get into fights, but I've got to stand up. I won't take **** from no one.
"People try to take advantage of you. But it's very important that you don't let them. You've got to speak up."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B]Aguri unlikely to hire full-time reserve[/B]
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 7th 2006, 10:57 GMT
Super Aguri have said that they are unlikely to appoint a full-time reserve driver this year after Honda blocked plans to release James Rossiter for the role.
Aguri had been in discussions with Rossiter about the job, but the Honda young driver was not given the necessary approval to take on the role. Honda preferred for him to concentrate on his World Series by Renault activities this year.
Following the news of Honda's veto on Rossiter, Aguri have subsequently asked whether they could have access to Honda's own reserve driver Anthony Davidson if any of their current drivers were unable to race.
The team are still awaiting a decision on that front and, if the approval is not forthcoming, then they have admitted that they are unlikely to chase anyone else.
Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto said: "We have had some discussions with Honda that we could use Anthony as our reserve, because we don't have a Friday driver.
"The priority for him would obviously be if Rubens Barrichello or Jenson Button had a problem, but if they didn't and we did then we would want to use Anthony as our reserve driver. They have not agreed on that request though."
Audetto said that if Honda declined the Davidson request then the team would most likely just call on available Friday drivers from other teams to fill in for them if there was a problem, rather than appoint a designated reserve like Franck Montagny, who they used at the first two races of the season.
"It is always wise to have a reserve driver, but there are many drivers available on a Sunday who have finished their job on a Friday, so it is not such a big problem.
"We will not bring any more anyone like Montagny. The reason to bring Montagny was because it was the first race for Yuji Ide, and we were not sure about him in case he was not fit or fast. In the end he did a quite reasonable job.
"To have a good driver like Montagny to mess around was frustrating for him and us, and also a cost. For a small team to have a reserve driver is a luxury. Of course we would prefer to have a Honda driver, but if Honda think for whatever reason it is not possible then we will not have our own reserve driver."[/QUOTE]
| finnRex | 04-07-2006 01:12 PM |
Speed should learn how to keep his piehole shut. I'm a whitey being oppressed. Great attitude to have and show the rest of the world.
Mika
Mika
| Fogfest | 04-07-2006 01:17 PM |
Especially with all the focus F1 is placing on him - and not just SpeedTV - presumably in an effort to recover the American audience.
| Ferg | 04-07-2006 01:24 PM |
I'm happy to see him speaking his mind.
To me it shows he has some fight.
F1 has too many choirboys as it is.
To me it shows he has some fight.
F1 has too many choirboys as it is.
| finnRex | 04-07-2006 01:26 PM |
I really wish Speed would see the whole picture. I mean, I understand that its his career, but its also one of America's few chances as of late to get international recognition with F1. Indy's fiasco with F1 didn't help out at all, even though it wasn't America's fault.
I would like to see more American recognition, so that the American public becomes less ignorant of F1.
Fogfest, 100% agreed:).
Mika
I would like to see more American recognition, so that the American public becomes less ignorant of F1.
Fogfest, 100% agreed:).
Mika
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