| Ferg | 11-28-2005 10:33 AM |
F1 2006 is GO! Launches, Testing & News Round Up
�
�
Time to start the madness...the 2006 season starts here.
[QUOTE]
[B]Renault R26 (M)[/B]
1 Fernando Alonso (E)
2 Giancarlo Fisichella (I)
[B]McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 (M) [/B]
3 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)
4 Juan Pablo Montoya (CO)
[B]Ferrari 248 F1 (B)[/B]
5 Michael Schumacher (D)
6 Felipe Massa (BR)
[B]Toyota TF106 (B)[/B]
7 Ralf Schumacher (D)
8 Jarno Trulli (I)
[B]Williams FW28 Cosworth (B) +[/B]
9 Mark Webber (AUS)
10 Nico Rosberg (D)
[i]Friday Driver, Alex Wurz[/i]
[B]Honda RA106 (M) +[/B]
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[i]Friday Driver, Anthony Davidson[/i]
[B]Red Bull RB2 Ferrari (M) +[/B]
13 David Coulthard (GB)
14 Christian Klien (AU)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Doornbos*[/i]
[B]BMW Sauber F1.06 (M) +[/B]
15 Nick Heidfeld (D)
16 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Kubica[/i]
[B]MF1 Racing M16 Toyota (B) + [/B]
17 Tiago Monteiro (P)
18 Christijan Albers (NL)
[i]Friday Drivers, Manfred Winkelhock, Adrian Sutil, Giorgio Mondini[/i]
[B]Scuderia Toro Rosso SRT01 Cosworth (M) +[/B]
19 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
20 Scott Speed (USA)
[i]Friday Driver, TBA[/i]
[B]Super Aguri Racing SA05 (SA06 mid-season) Honda (B)[/B]
21 Takuma Sato* (JPN)
22 Yuji Ide* (JPN)
* unconfirmed but expected
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Toyota unveil their 2006 car
November 28th 2005, 09:18 GMT
The Toyota team have surprisingly unveiled their car for the 2006 season, as Winter testing is set to kick off today at Barcelona.
The Japanese squad, renowned for their early car launches since making their debut in 2000, unleashed the 2006 car over three months before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Technical Director Chassis Mike Gascoyne believes the head start could offer the team a significant advantage.
"We have been working on the TF106 since the end of 2004," said Gascoyne, "and the introduction of this car at such an early stage is a true testament to the work of the team and shows that we are able to react and push forward at a rate that is necessary to be at the forefront of Formula One."
The TF106 sports a brand new rear end, designed to accommodate the new V8 engine, with a development of the monocoque and front suspension of the TF105B interim car that was brought in for the final two races of the 2005 season.
Gascoyne said the new car will run in Barcelona already this week.
"We are adopting a similar schedule to last season by testing the car early," added Gascoyne.
"This allows us to develop the mechanical side of car thoroughly before we introduce a new aero package in time for the first race. This strategy helped us to be extremely competitive at the start 2005 and we are confident the same will happen in 2006."
"The front end of the TF106 is an evolution of our TF105B that raced in Japan and China, but the major design change for 2006 has been the implementation of the V8 engine in line with the new technical regulations, which has resulted in the redesign of the rear end," added Gascoyne.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904781/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904777/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904779/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904775/original.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Wurz, Paffett kick off winter testing
By Jonathan Noble November 28th 2005, 10:59 GMT
DTM champion Gary Paffett and McLaren test driver Alexander Wurz have kicked off Formula One's winter testing at Barcelona in Spain on Monday, as teams begin their build-up to the 2006 season.
Paffett and Wurz, driving hybrid MP4-20 chassis fitted with Mercedes-Benz's V8 engine, completed a few shakedown laps after the pitlane opened in the morning.
Wurz then earned the accolade of bringing out the first red flag of the winter when his car stopped at the entrance to the pitlane with a suspected electronics problem.
The only other driver testing at Barcelona on Monday is BMW's Nick Heidfeld, who is returning to the Formula One cockpit for the first time since he withdrew from the Italian Grand Prix with concussion.
Heidfeld's BMW-Sauber was running in the team's usual colour scheme, with BMW's definitive livery set to be unveiled when their new car is launched in the middle of January.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52906856/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Toro Rosso secure Michelin deal
By Jonathan Noble November 28th 2005, 15:06 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso have succeeded in securing a supply of Michelin tyres for 2006 and will test with the French rubber at Barcelona this week, autosport.com can reveal.
The former Minardi outfit put in a request for a switch from Bridgestone to Michelin in September, because team owners Red Bull wanted their junior team to run on the same tyres as Red Bull Racing.
The situation remained uncertain for several weeks, however, while Michelin pondered whether it had the capabilities to supply a sixth team.
And although there has not been an official announcement yet, autosport.com has learned that a deal is in place and the Scuderia Toro Rosso cars have already been fitted with Michelin tyres in Barcelona ahead of their first test tomorrow.
Bridgestone have also confirmed they will not be supplying the team with rubber. A spokesman for the tyre company told autosport.com: "We had an agreement with Minardi, but we do not have any agreement with Scuderia Toro Rosso."
The switch to Michelin is entirely logical for Toro Rosso, as the team bid to share as much technical knowledge with Red Bull Racing as possible. There could also have been the problem of technical knowledge from either tyre supplier finding a way to their rivals.
Bridgestone supplied tyres for Minardi's final test at Vallelunga last week, with their contract with the Italian team running until the end of this month. The Japanese tyre manufacturer are likely to stay involved in the two-seater Formula One project that former Minardi boss Paul Stoddart runs.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Button gives up 11 for Barrichello
November 28th 2005, 12:34 GMT
Jenson Button has offered to sacrifice his claim on the lead entry number in the BAR-Honda team in deference to new teammate Rubens Barrichello.
The allocated driver numbers for the team, 11 and 12, reflect the team's position in this year's Constructors' Championship. Button was at liberty to continue with the lead number for 2006, but the Briton has decided to offer it to Barrichello.
Barrichello scored his first race win as the number 11 driver, he won all his karting titles as number 11 and also took his first victory in the Formula Ford championship sporting that number.
"I have no particular affinity with any number - other than 1 of course, which I hope to race with enormous pride when I achieve my goal of winning the World Championship," said Button.
"In the meantime, I know how special the number 11 has been to Rubens in his past career and I thought it would be nice to make the gesture.
"We'll have plenty to be competing for on-track next season. We're good friends already and we're both looking forward to being teammates. I just hope number 11 isn't too lucky for Rubens next year!"[/QUOTE]
[i]*fixed the pictures*[/i]
[QUOTE]
[B]Renault R26 (M)[/B]
1 Fernando Alonso (E)
2 Giancarlo Fisichella (I)
[B]McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 (M) [/B]
3 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)
4 Juan Pablo Montoya (CO)
[B]Ferrari 248 F1 (B)[/B]
5 Michael Schumacher (D)
6 Felipe Massa (BR)
[B]Toyota TF106 (B)[/B]
7 Ralf Schumacher (D)
8 Jarno Trulli (I)
[B]Williams FW28 Cosworth (B) +[/B]
9 Mark Webber (AUS)
10 Nico Rosberg (D)
[i]Friday Driver, Alex Wurz[/i]
[B]Honda RA106 (M) +[/B]
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[i]Friday Driver, Anthony Davidson[/i]
[B]Red Bull RB2 Ferrari (M) +[/B]
13 David Coulthard (GB)
14 Christian Klien (AU)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Doornbos*[/i]
[B]BMW Sauber F1.06 (M) +[/B]
15 Nick Heidfeld (D)
16 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Kubica[/i]
[B]MF1 Racing M16 Toyota (B) + [/B]
17 Tiago Monteiro (P)
18 Christijan Albers (NL)
[i]Friday Drivers, Manfred Winkelhock, Adrian Sutil, Giorgio Mondini[/i]
[B]Scuderia Toro Rosso SRT01 Cosworth (M) +[/B]
19 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
20 Scott Speed (USA)
[i]Friday Driver, TBA[/i]
[B]Super Aguri Racing SA05 (SA06 mid-season) Honda (B)[/B]
21 Takuma Sato* (JPN)
22 Yuji Ide* (JPN)
* unconfirmed but expected
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Toyota unveil their 2006 car
November 28th 2005, 09:18 GMT
The Toyota team have surprisingly unveiled their car for the 2006 season, as Winter testing is set to kick off today at Barcelona.
The Japanese squad, renowned for their early car launches since making their debut in 2000, unleashed the 2006 car over three months before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Technical Director Chassis Mike Gascoyne believes the head start could offer the team a significant advantage.
"We have been working on the TF106 since the end of 2004," said Gascoyne, "and the introduction of this car at such an early stage is a true testament to the work of the team and shows that we are able to react and push forward at a rate that is necessary to be at the forefront of Formula One."
The TF106 sports a brand new rear end, designed to accommodate the new V8 engine, with a development of the monocoque and front suspension of the TF105B interim car that was brought in for the final two races of the 2005 season.
Gascoyne said the new car will run in Barcelona already this week.
"We are adopting a similar schedule to last season by testing the car early," added Gascoyne.
"This allows us to develop the mechanical side of car thoroughly before we introduce a new aero package in time for the first race. This strategy helped us to be extremely competitive at the start 2005 and we are confident the same will happen in 2006."
"The front end of the TF106 is an evolution of our TF105B that raced in Japan and China, but the major design change for 2006 has been the implementation of the V8 engine in line with the new technical regulations, which has resulted in the redesign of the rear end," added Gascoyne.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904781/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904777/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904779/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52904775/original.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Wurz, Paffett kick off winter testing
By Jonathan Noble November 28th 2005, 10:59 GMT
DTM champion Gary Paffett and McLaren test driver Alexander Wurz have kicked off Formula One's winter testing at Barcelona in Spain on Monday, as teams begin their build-up to the 2006 season.
Paffett and Wurz, driving hybrid MP4-20 chassis fitted with Mercedes-Benz's V8 engine, completed a few shakedown laps after the pitlane opened in the morning.
Wurz then earned the accolade of bringing out the first red flag of the winter when his car stopped at the entrance to the pitlane with a suspected electronics problem.
The only other driver testing at Barcelona on Monday is BMW's Nick Heidfeld, who is returning to the Formula One cockpit for the first time since he withdrew from the Italian Grand Prix with concussion.
Heidfeld's BMW-Sauber was running in the team's usual colour scheme, with BMW's definitive livery set to be unveiled when their new car is launched in the middle of January.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52906856/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Toro Rosso secure Michelin deal
By Jonathan Noble November 28th 2005, 15:06 GMT
Scuderia Toro Rosso have succeeded in securing a supply of Michelin tyres for 2006 and will test with the French rubber at Barcelona this week, autosport.com can reveal.
The former Minardi outfit put in a request for a switch from Bridgestone to Michelin in September, because team owners Red Bull wanted their junior team to run on the same tyres as Red Bull Racing.
The situation remained uncertain for several weeks, however, while Michelin pondered whether it had the capabilities to supply a sixth team.
And although there has not been an official announcement yet, autosport.com has learned that a deal is in place and the Scuderia Toro Rosso cars have already been fitted with Michelin tyres in Barcelona ahead of their first test tomorrow.
Bridgestone have also confirmed they will not be supplying the team with rubber. A spokesman for the tyre company told autosport.com: "We had an agreement with Minardi, but we do not have any agreement with Scuderia Toro Rosso."
The switch to Michelin is entirely logical for Toro Rosso, as the team bid to share as much technical knowledge with Red Bull Racing as possible. There could also have been the problem of technical knowledge from either tyre supplier finding a way to their rivals.
Bridgestone supplied tyres for Minardi's final test at Vallelunga last week, with their contract with the Italian team running until the end of this month. The Japanese tyre manufacturer are likely to stay involved in the two-seater Formula One project that former Minardi boss Paul Stoddart runs.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Button gives up 11 for Barrichello
November 28th 2005, 12:34 GMT
Jenson Button has offered to sacrifice his claim on the lead entry number in the BAR-Honda team in deference to new teammate Rubens Barrichello.
The allocated driver numbers for the team, 11 and 12, reflect the team's position in this year's Constructors' Championship. Button was at liberty to continue with the lead number for 2006, but the Briton has decided to offer it to Barrichello.
Barrichello scored his first race win as the number 11 driver, he won all his karting titles as number 11 and also took his first victory in the Formula Ford championship sporting that number.
"I have no particular affinity with any number - other than 1 of course, which I hope to race with enormous pride when I achieve my goal of winning the World Championship," said Button.
"In the meantime, I know how special the number 11 has been to Rubens in his past career and I thought it would be nice to make the gesture.
"We'll have plenty to be competing for on-track next season. We're good friends already and we're both looking forward to being teammates. I just hope number 11 isn't too lucky for Rubens next year!"[/QUOTE]
[i]*fixed the pictures*[/i]
| artkevin | 11-28-2005 11:26 AM |
Death by the red x Ferg. Man, I am so pumped, I didn't think there would be any releases for at least another month. Appearently the Williams is an interem paint job until they release their new livery on Jan 27th.
Stand up move by Jense to give up the lead number. 1st stand up thing he has done in a couple of years.
[IMG]http://www.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/35406_2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/35400_2.jpg[/IMG]
Stand up move by Jense to give up the lead number. 1st stand up thing he has done in a couple of years.
[IMG]http://www.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/35406_2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.itv-f1.com/ImageLibrary/35400_2.jpg[/IMG]
| mav1c | 11-28-2005 11:31 AM |
Is anyone doing an F1 Fantasy league next year? Any one you'd recommend?
| Ferg | 11-28-2005 11:53 AM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Death by the red x Ferg. [/QUOTE]
bah...
I'll host them myself when I get home this afternoon.
bah...
I'll host them myself when I get home this afternoon.
| artkevin | 11-28-2005 12:16 PM |
Cool Ferg, are they of the Toyota?
Did the Yodas go with a deeper red this year? It looks more sinsiter but it might be the lighting. Their old red is too close to Ferrari's red if you ask me and it doesn't help that Honda might go witha pure white/red theme to pay homage to their orginal F1 cars.
Did the Yodas go with a deeper red this year? It looks more sinsiter but it might be the lighting. Their old red is too close to Ferrari's red if you ask me and it doesn't help that Honda might go witha pure white/red theme to pay homage to their orginal F1 cars.
| Ferg | 11-28-2005 12:19 PM |
They're the official press release photos of the new Toyota. You posted one of them.
You know I've never liked Toyota's livery, too garrish for my tastes. Oddly enough I do think they have the best looking driver's overalls...the white, grey, and red look great IMHO. Of course I may have been swooned somewhat by Trulli's hair.
I absolutely LOVE the big number on the side of the Williams. So old school.
I hope they start a trend!
:D
You know I've never liked Toyota's livery, too garrish for my tastes. Oddly enough I do think they have the best looking driver's overalls...the white, grey, and red look great IMHO. Of course I may have been swooned somewhat by Trulli's hair.
I absolutely LOVE the big number on the side of the Williams. So old school.
I hope they start a trend!
:D
| Ferg | 11-28-2005 12:21 PM |
Testing times from today.
[QUOTE]Paffett quickest at Barcelona
November 28th 2005, 16:10 GMT
DTM champion Gary Paffett made an impressive return to the Formula One cockpit at Barcelona in Spain on Monday when he topped the first day of winter testing.
The Briton, who has been drafted in to help McLaren's testing programme as a reward for capturing the German touring car crown, edged out teammate Alexander Wurz by less than one tenth of a second even though he had not driven an F1 car since 2003.
But Wurz's time was far from representative after he suffered a gearbox problem early in the morning. His car stopped as he returned to the pits on the first lap of the day and he only got back out on the track 45 minutes before the end of the day, completing just ten laps in total.
The only other driver testing was BMW-Sauber's Nick Heidfeld, who marked his return to the Swiss team after spending the last two seasons at Jordan and Williams. His best lap was eight tenths slower than Paffett, and he caused the second red flag of the day when his car stopped on the track at 3.30pm.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.586 57
2. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.665 10
3. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.356 30[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52908955/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52906854/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Paffett quickest at Barcelona
November 28th 2005, 16:10 GMT
DTM champion Gary Paffett made an impressive return to the Formula One cockpit at Barcelona in Spain on Monday when he topped the first day of winter testing.
The Briton, who has been drafted in to help McLaren's testing programme as a reward for capturing the German touring car crown, edged out teammate Alexander Wurz by less than one tenth of a second even though he had not driven an F1 car since 2003.
But Wurz's time was far from representative after he suffered a gearbox problem early in the morning. His car stopped as he returned to the pits on the first lap of the day and he only got back out on the track 45 minutes before the end of the day, completing just ten laps in total.
The only other driver testing was BMW-Sauber's Nick Heidfeld, who marked his return to the Swiss team after spending the last two seasons at Jordan and Williams. His best lap was eight tenths slower than Paffett, and he caused the second red flag of the day when his car stopped on the track at 3.30pm.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.586 57
2. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:20.665 10
3. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.356 30[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52908955/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52906854/large.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 11-28-2005 12:27 PM |
Doornbos in at Red Bull
[QUOTE]Doornbos set for Red Bull role
By Jonathan Noble November 28th 2005, 11:48 GMT
Former Minardi driver Robert Doornbos is on the verge of signing a deal to become Red Bull Racing's third driver next season, and is set to test for the team at Barcelona this week.
Sources have told autosport.com that the Dutchman, who has close links with Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner after driving for his Arden team in Formula 3000 in 2004, is set to land the position to work alongside David Coulthard and Christian Klien.
Although a final contract has not been signed, it is understood that the team are now in the final stages of sorting out the details and it should be agreed by this afternoon - when an announcement could be made.
That means Doornbos will be able to fly to Barcelona in Spain to join Red Bull Racing's first day of winter testing tomorrow � driving alongside Klien.
The appointment of Doornbos at Red Bull Racing means that GP2 front-runner Neel Jani, who had been expected to take the third driver role, may now be moved across to fulfil that position for the new Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Doornbos set for Red Bull role
By Jonathan Noble November 28th 2005, 11:48 GMT
Former Minardi driver Robert Doornbos is on the verge of signing a deal to become Red Bull Racing's third driver next season, and is set to test for the team at Barcelona this week.
Sources have told autosport.com that the Dutchman, who has close links with Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner after driving for his Arden team in Formula 3000 in 2004, is set to land the position to work alongside David Coulthard and Christian Klien.
Although a final contract has not been signed, it is understood that the team are now in the final stages of sorting out the details and it should be agreed by this afternoon - when an announcement could be made.
That means Doornbos will be able to fly to Barcelona in Spain to join Red Bull Racing's first day of winter testing tomorrow � driving alongside Klien.
The appointment of Doornbos at Red Bull Racing means that GP2 front-runner Neel Jani, who had been expected to take the third driver role, may now be moved across to fulfil that position for the new Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 11-28-2005 07:10 PM |
Weldon NOT switching to F1 for 2006.
[QUOTE]Ganassi confirm Wheldon for 2006
By Tim Redmayne November 28th 2005, 22:26 GMT
Target Chip Ganassi Racing have confirmed that they have signed new IRL champion Dan Wheldon.
Wheldon will partner 2003 champion Scott Dixon in one of the strongest line-ups on next season's grid.
The move end's Wheldon's three-year association with Andretti-Green Racing that yielded nine victories and last year's Indy 500 crown, and puts to bed any speculation that he would move to F1 next season.
The 27 year-old Brit was unveiled at a news conference held at the team's Indianapolis headquarters today. Team boss Chip Ganassi has signed the Brit in an attempt to improve the fortunes of the team that powered Dixon to the 2003 title.
They have only won one race since Dixon's championship and suffered a large repair bill last season as the result of many accidents in the hands of Dixon, Jaques Lazier, Darren Manning and Ryan Briscoe.
Briscoe, who drove the team's third car last season before a fiery accident ended his season at Chicagoland, has not been retained, and the team will shrink to two cars.
Ganassi also confirmed they will switch to Wheldon's preferred technical package of Dallara chassis combined with Honda engines, the team switching from the Panoz/Toyota combination that they fielded this season.
Ganassi experimented with a Dallara in practice for this year's Indy 500 but opted to race with their regular Panoz for the rest of the season. However, the Dallara/Honda combination, which Wheldon secured this season's title with, has been chosen. Toyota are expected to announce their withdrawal from the sport before next season.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ganassi confirm Wheldon for 2006
By Tim Redmayne November 28th 2005, 22:26 GMT
Target Chip Ganassi Racing have confirmed that they have signed new IRL champion Dan Wheldon.
Wheldon will partner 2003 champion Scott Dixon in one of the strongest line-ups on next season's grid.
The move end's Wheldon's three-year association with Andretti-Green Racing that yielded nine victories and last year's Indy 500 crown, and puts to bed any speculation that he would move to F1 next season.
The 27 year-old Brit was unveiled at a news conference held at the team's Indianapolis headquarters today. Team boss Chip Ganassi has signed the Brit in an attempt to improve the fortunes of the team that powered Dixon to the 2003 title.
They have only won one race since Dixon's championship and suffered a large repair bill last season as the result of many accidents in the hands of Dixon, Jaques Lazier, Darren Manning and Ryan Briscoe.
Briscoe, who drove the team's third car last season before a fiery accident ended his season at Chicagoland, has not been retained, and the team will shrink to two cars.
Ganassi also confirmed they will switch to Wheldon's preferred technical package of Dallara chassis combined with Honda engines, the team switching from the Panoz/Toyota combination that they fielded this season.
Ganassi experimented with a Dallara in practice for this year's Indy 500 but opted to race with their regular Panoz for the rest of the season. However, the Dallara/Honda combination, which Wheldon secured this season's title with, has been chosen. Toyota are expected to announce their withdrawal from the sport before next season.[/QUOTE]
| AndyRoo | 11-28-2005 08:11 PM |
how does villenueve still have a seat? :lol:
| Ferg | 11-28-2005 08:22 PM |
According to JV he signed a two year contract with Sauber, which (again according to him) BMW bought when they poined up the millions for the team. He expects BMW to honor that contract.
[QUOTE]"Yes, certain. Besides, there's no indication that BMW are unhappy with the fact of my contract. So, there's no reason for me to be worried. And I'm already building good relationships with Mario [Theissen, BMW's motorsport director] and the other BMW guys. It's going to be fantastic."[/QUOTE]
I expect BMW to buy him out. Sorry Jacques.
There's too much money at stake for BMW to keep him, plus they already have Heidfeld who brings plenty of experience and speed to the team. There's been rumblimgs that Flavio wants Heikki Kovalainen to get the drive for a year or two before they make a decidion on bringing him to Renault. Sebastian Bourdais claims he's had talks with BMW about a drive...
[QUOTE]"Yes, certain. Besides, there's no indication that BMW are unhappy with the fact of my contract. So, there's no reason for me to be worried. And I'm already building good relationships with Mario [Theissen, BMW's motorsport director] and the other BMW guys. It's going to be fantastic."[/QUOTE]
I expect BMW to buy him out. Sorry Jacques.
There's too much money at stake for BMW to keep him, plus they already have Heidfeld who brings plenty of experience and speed to the team. There's been rumblimgs that Flavio wants Heikki Kovalainen to get the drive for a year or two before they make a decidion on bringing him to Renault. Sebastian Bourdais claims he's had talks with BMW about a drive...
| Ferg | 11-29-2005 08:52 AM |
Spa again in doubt...
[QUOTE]Ecclestone: Belgian GP must go ahead
By Jonathan Noble November 29th 2005, 12:22 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has insisted that the Belgian Grand Prix must go ahead next season, despite the fact the race promoters have gone bankrupt.
The future of the race has been thrown into doubt after the government of Belgium's south Walloon region faced being forced to fork out millions of pounds to honour a contract for the event at Spa-Francorchamps.
But despite discussions about the race, Ecclestone told Belgian newspaper La Soir on Tuesday that there was no need for discussions because he believed the contract was watertight.
"There is a contract between us and the Walloon government," he said. "I am held to it and I do not see why it would still be necessary to discuss it.
"There is nothing any more but one concern: that the contract is respected. When a contract is signed, it should be respected. Period."
When asked about the fact that the Walloon government had asked to talk about the terms of the agreement, Ecclestone responded: "To negotiate. Why? There is no urgency. The contract already exists."
Ecclestone's stance is in contrast to warnings from the Walloon government earlier this month, who claimed that there would be limits as to how much they would pay out to bankroll the race.
"We are searching for a solution for the Grand Prix but not at any price," said Philippe Malburny, spokesman for Walloon's economy minister. "There are two possibilities, either we organise it or we don't."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone: Belgian GP must go ahead
By Jonathan Noble November 29th 2005, 12:22 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has insisted that the Belgian Grand Prix must go ahead next season, despite the fact the race promoters have gone bankrupt.
The future of the race has been thrown into doubt after the government of Belgium's south Walloon region faced being forced to fork out millions of pounds to honour a contract for the event at Spa-Francorchamps.
But despite discussions about the race, Ecclestone told Belgian newspaper La Soir on Tuesday that there was no need for discussions because he believed the contract was watertight.
"There is a contract between us and the Walloon government," he said. "I am held to it and I do not see why it would still be necessary to discuss it.
"There is nothing any more but one concern: that the contract is respected. When a contract is signed, it should be respected. Period."
When asked about the fact that the Walloon government had asked to talk about the terms of the agreement, Ecclestone responded: "To negotiate. Why? There is no urgency. The contract already exists."
Ecclestone's stance is in contrast to warnings from the Walloon government earlier this month, who claimed that there would be limits as to how much they would pay out to bankroll the race.
"We are searching for a solution for the Grand Prix but not at any price," said Philippe Malburny, spokesman for Walloon's economy minister. "There are two possibilities, either we organise it or we don't."[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 11-29-2005 09:25 AM |
Why is the best track on the planet ALWAYS in doubt?!?!
I hope the state or a private investor can save this race. It was heart breaking to not see the best cars on the planet on the best track a few years back.
I hope the state or a private investor can save this race. It was heart breaking to not see the best cars on the planet on the best track a few years back.
| Ferg | 11-29-2005 02:30 PM |
I think Spa is cursed, every year it's the same story.
Times from today's session in Barcelona.
[QUOTE]Klien goes quickest at Barcelona
November 29th 2005, 16:32 GMT
Red Bull's Christian Klien kicked off his team's winter testing programme in promising style when he topped the times on the second day of this week's test at the Barcelona circuit.
The Austrian driver posted a quickest time of 1:17.567 after 43 laps at the wheel of the RB1 car, which was powered by Cosworth's V10 engine with next year's V8 software as the team wait to test their new car with the Ferrari unit.
Klien was joined by Robert Doornbos, who was today confirmed as Red Bull's third driver for the 2006 season. The Dutchman covered 51 laps on his debut with the team and finished over three seconds behind his teammate.
Alexander Wurz was the quickest of the drivers at the wheel of a car with a V8 engine, the McLaren tester enjoying a better session than yesterday, when he was hit by a gearbox problem that cut his running short.
Today, Wurz managed 69 laps while teammate Pedro de la Rosa, replacing Gary Paffett in the second MP4-20B, completed 64 on his way to the fourth fastest time.
Toyota's new TF106 made its track debut after being unveiled on Monday, with both Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta putting it through its paces. The Brazilian driver was the fastest of the two, although Trulli had a fruitful day and covered 82 laps to finish as fifth quickest.
It was also the first time that Toyota tested with Bridgestone tyres.
The Toro Rosso team made their track debut under their new ownership, with Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi running this year's Red Bull chassis with a detuned Cosworth V10 engine.
Williams driver Nico Rosberg and WTCC champion Andy Priaulx kicked off the British squad's testing programme, both their cars fitted with Cosworth's new V8 engine and Bridgestone tyres.
Nick Heidfeld was again the only man in action for the BMW Sauber team, the German's day being cut shot after he suffered a leak in the fuel rail of his P86 V8 engine.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:17.567 43
2. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.754 69
3. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:17.821 58
4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.066 64
5. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:18.641 82
6. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.756 58
7. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.456 58
8. Doornbos Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.701 51
9. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.013 27
10. Priaulx Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:25.055 18
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
Interesting to note that the detuned V10 Red Bull chassis is just as quick as the new crop of V8s...at least for now.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931122/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931123/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931124/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931221/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52942274/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52942275/large.jpg[/IMG]
Times from today's session in Barcelona.
[QUOTE]Klien goes quickest at Barcelona
November 29th 2005, 16:32 GMT
Red Bull's Christian Klien kicked off his team's winter testing programme in promising style when he topped the times on the second day of this week's test at the Barcelona circuit.
The Austrian driver posted a quickest time of 1:17.567 after 43 laps at the wheel of the RB1 car, which was powered by Cosworth's V10 engine with next year's V8 software as the team wait to test their new car with the Ferrari unit.
Klien was joined by Robert Doornbos, who was today confirmed as Red Bull's third driver for the 2006 season. The Dutchman covered 51 laps on his debut with the team and finished over three seconds behind his teammate.
Alexander Wurz was the quickest of the drivers at the wheel of a car with a V8 engine, the McLaren tester enjoying a better session than yesterday, when he was hit by a gearbox problem that cut his running short.
Today, Wurz managed 69 laps while teammate Pedro de la Rosa, replacing Gary Paffett in the second MP4-20B, completed 64 on his way to the fourth fastest time.
Toyota's new TF106 made its track debut after being unveiled on Monday, with both Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta putting it through its paces. The Brazilian driver was the fastest of the two, although Trulli had a fruitful day and covered 82 laps to finish as fifth quickest.
It was also the first time that Toyota tested with Bridgestone tyres.
The Toro Rosso team made their track debut under their new ownership, with Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi running this year's Red Bull chassis with a detuned Cosworth V10 engine.
Williams driver Nico Rosberg and WTCC champion Andy Priaulx kicked off the British squad's testing programme, both their cars fitted with Cosworth's new V8 engine and Bridgestone tyres.
Nick Heidfeld was again the only man in action for the BMW Sauber team, the German's day being cut shot after he suffered a leak in the fuel rail of his P86 V8 engine.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:17.567 43
2. Wurz McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.754 69
3. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:17.821 58
4. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.066 64
5. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:18.641 82
6. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.756 58
7. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.456 58
8. Doornbos Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:20.701 51
9. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.013 27
10. Priaulx Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:25.055 18
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
Interesting to note that the detuned V10 Red Bull chassis is just as quick as the new crop of V8s...at least for now.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931122/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931123/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931124/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931221/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52942274/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52942275/large.jpg[/IMG]
| artkevin | 11-29-2005 03:14 PM |
Good shots Ferg. I couldn't find any shots of the STR. I'm not sure how I feel about the gold in place of the silver but it might grow on me. Why would they be running this year's RB1 and not this year's Minardi?
| Ferg | 11-29-2005 03:26 PM |
Thanks Kevin, I'll try to keep up with the pictures sicne it's the only thing keeping me fom pulling my hair out until the first race...only 102 more days to go.
This year's Minardi is dog slow, I'm guessing it's been retired to the junk pile.
I thought their plan all along was to run this years RB1 with a restricted Cosworth V10 (love that restrictor in the airbox)...how this works with the FIA is confusing...a suppose since Red Bull owns both teams there's no problem with them using the old chassis.
I do know some of the other teams are very concerned about it. There wasn;t much concern about Miardi running with a V10 sicne they wouldn't have any funds to develop the car or test anyways...but with Red Bull cash pumped into a proper testing team and a decent chassis/engine combo, could be the little Red Bull team is going to walk the early races.
This year's Minardi is dog slow, I'm guessing it's been retired to the junk pile.
I thought their plan all along was to run this years RB1 with a restricted Cosworth V10 (love that restrictor in the airbox)...how this works with the FIA is confusing...a suppose since Red Bull owns both teams there's no problem with them using the old chassis.
I do know some of the other teams are very concerned about it. There wasn;t much concern about Miardi running with a V10 sicne they wouldn't have any funds to develop the car or test anyways...but with Red Bull cash pumped into a proper testing team and a decent chassis/engine combo, could be the little Red Bull team is going to walk the early races.
| artkevin | 11-29-2005 04:19 PM |
Hmmm...
I am just not clear at all where the whole FIA thing comes into play. I thought each team had to develope and design their own chasis. If thats the case with RBR and STR then why can't Super Aguri run the BAR 007? Man, I hate being dumb!
I am just not clear at all where the whole FIA thing comes into play. I thought each team had to develope and design their own chasis. If thats the case with RBR and STR then why can't Super Aguri run the BAR 007? Man, I hate being dumb!
| AndyRoo | 11-29-2005 09:09 PM |
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931123/original.jpg[/IMG]
great pics. interesting front wing...that's the new william's car right? again with the funky front wings.
also, what happened to Jordan? are they done?
- andrew
great pics. interesting front wing...that's the new william's car right? again with the funky front wings.
also, what happened to Jordan? are they done?
- andrew
| Ferg | 11-29-2005 09:16 PM |
It's Williams interim car. The front wing looks like a dead copy of the Renault.
The Jordan name is done, consigned to the history books. Midland have rebranded the team MF1 Racing. I've got a pic of their proposed livery but nothing in the carbon fiber yet. It's definately not yellow.
The Jordan name is done, consigned to the history books. Midland have rebranded the team MF1 Racing. I've got a pic of their proposed livery but nothing in the carbon fiber yet. It's definately not yellow.
| Ferg | 11-29-2005 09:29 PM |
I was reading an article in the latest F1 Racing today while stuck at the mall about the problems Montoya had with the front end of the McLaren. The article claimed that the McLaren's front was far too sensitive and twitchy for a driver like Montoya. The thought was that McLaren eventually dumbed down the front end to slow up the weight transfer and allow Montoya the space he needed to adjust the front with the throttle...something Kimi apparently doesn't do.
Anyway it made me think...
Toyota basically copied McLaren's "no keel" design with the TF105B and suddenly poor Jarno was nowhere, complaining of a front end he couldn't feel..while Ralfie was overjoyed with the change, Ralf being more of a Kimi than a Montoya style driver.
[QUOTE]Trulli struggles with new car's handling
By Jonathan Noble November 29th 2005, 14:40 GMT
Jarno Trulli says he is still looking for a better handling of the new Toyota TF106, which he claims has the same issues that blighted his end-of-season races in the TF105B.
The Japanese team have unleashed their new TF106 for running at Barcelona this week, but after the first morning of running Trulli said the car was still suffering with suspension problems.
Trulli experienced front-end sensitivity with the TF105B, which hampered his corner entry speed at the final two races of 2005, and the Italian said the team are now looking to overcome similar difficulties with the new car.
"I still have the same problems with the (front) suspension like I did in the last two races of 2005," he told autosport.com. "It is just the same and I cannot get much feeling out of it.
"We are trying something here to see if we can improve it, and maybe we will modify it for the next test. We are, at the moment, trying to guess which direction we should go."
Trulli's feelings about the car were supported by the laptimes, with his best effort from the early part of the day being eight tenths slower than the team's test driver Ricardo Zonta.
But despite these initial difficulties, Trulli believed that Toyota had no other major issues that need to be overcome.
"It is too early to say anything really," he added. "The initial feeling on the tyres was good and the handling was very positive. It is easy to drive but I cannot judge more than that. We just need to run some more to see."[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52956463/large.jpg[/IMG]
Anyway it made me think...
Toyota basically copied McLaren's "no keel" design with the TF105B and suddenly poor Jarno was nowhere, complaining of a front end he couldn't feel..while Ralfie was overjoyed with the change, Ralf being more of a Kimi than a Montoya style driver.
[QUOTE]Trulli struggles with new car's handling
By Jonathan Noble November 29th 2005, 14:40 GMT
Jarno Trulli says he is still looking for a better handling of the new Toyota TF106, which he claims has the same issues that blighted his end-of-season races in the TF105B.
The Japanese team have unleashed their new TF106 for running at Barcelona this week, but after the first morning of running Trulli said the car was still suffering with suspension problems.
Trulli experienced front-end sensitivity with the TF105B, which hampered his corner entry speed at the final two races of 2005, and the Italian said the team are now looking to overcome similar difficulties with the new car.
"I still have the same problems with the (front) suspension like I did in the last two races of 2005," he told autosport.com. "It is just the same and I cannot get much feeling out of it.
"We are trying something here to see if we can improve it, and maybe we will modify it for the next test. We are, at the moment, trying to guess which direction we should go."
Trulli's feelings about the car were supported by the laptimes, with his best effort from the early part of the day being eight tenths slower than the team's test driver Ricardo Zonta.
But despite these initial difficulties, Trulli believed that Toyota had no other major issues that need to be overcome.
"It is too early to say anything really," he added. "The initial feeling on the tyres was good and the handling was very positive. It is easy to drive but I cannot judge more than that. We just need to run some more to see."[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52956463/large.jpg[/IMG]
| viper74656 | 11-29-2005 09:49 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52942275/large.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
The new Williams is hot! :banana:
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52942275/large.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
The new Williams is hot! :banana:
| TimStevens | 11-30-2005 08:27 AM |
New Williams is hot. Shame it's not their final color scheme.
Found some sound clips comparing the detuned V10 to a V8:
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=104191[/url]
I think it sounds pretty good :) Lacks some of the intensity of the old V10's, but it still sounds like F1 to me!
Found some sound clips comparing the detuned V10 to a V8:
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=104191[/url]
I think it sounds pretty good :) Lacks some of the intensity of the old V10's, but it still sounds like F1 to me!
| rupertberr | 11-30-2005 10:01 AM |
Nice! I want that on my cell phone! :banana: :devil:
| Ferg | 11-30-2005 10:08 AM |
Nice find Tim, thanks!
Here's some odds and end news.
[QUOTE]Andretti: Schumacher could race at 50
By Michele Lostia November 30th 2005, 11:04 GMT
Michael Schumacher could race in Formula One until he is 50, according to former World Champion Mario Andretti.
Schumacher, the oldest driver on the Formula One grid in 2005 at the age of 36, will turn 37 next January but has a year of his contract with Ferrari left to run and has hinted that he could go on racing if he feels he is competitive.
65-year old Andretti, the World Champion in 1978, retired from Formula One in 1982, but he continued racing in the United States until he was 54.
The American believes Schumacher could go on racing if he is mentally ready, as he believes the German would not have physical problems.
"If Schumacher wants to, he can race in F1 until he's fifty," Andretti told Autosprint. "It's not a physical problem nor a mental one, it's just about motivations. Through the years your brain might become less reactive, but your greater experience helps you.
"When I got on pole at Monza at 41 years old (in 1982) I drove a scorbutic and difficult car with 1,100 horsepower, but if I didn't have problems in the race with the turbo I would have won the Grand Prix. Obviously some extreme performances can't be reached if you aren't at the top physically and mentally, and at Monza I still was.
"I quit at the end of 1994, when I was 54, not for physical reasons but because I was tired: with the arrival of Nigel Mansell at the Newman-Haas team, the atmosphere got bad.
"A few months after retiring I realized I made a mistake, as I really only needed some rest. I mixed up the tiredness of the moment with the desire to quit racing, and that was an error I still regret.
"Nowadays drivers retire at 35, as if it was the rule, but it all depends on the motivations of each driver. To stay on top, motor racing must remain the number one priority, like a religion and a philosophy of life which comes before anything else: money and family affections.
"If Schumacher keeps this mental condition, and considering his excellent physical preparation, then he could race for ten more years at the top. It's just a matter of desire and priorities." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Red Bull plan early debut for RB2
November 30th 2005, 14:03 GMT
The Red Bull Racing team plan to shake down their new RB2 car for the first time next month, autosport.com has learned.
The team, who enjoyed a promising 2005 season using Cosworth engines, will test their Ferrari-powered car at the Silverstone circuit on 16 December, before the Christmas break.
The RB2 will be the first car to be built under the leadership of Technical Director Mark Smith. The team are currently testing their 2005 car with a restricted Cosworth V10 engine.
Red Bull will use Ferrari V8 engines next year and have recruited top designer Adrian Newey from McLaren.
The team, however, said they will wait until the first race of the season in Bahrain in March before launching the car.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Wheldon: F1 deal didn't seem right
By Tim Redmayne November 30th 2005, 11:39 GMT
Dan Wheldon has said his heart wasn't in a switch to Formula One next season.
The Indy 500 and IRL champion this week opted to stay in IndyCar racing next year, instead of a possible move to Formula One.
The 27 year-old says that he wasn't motivated enough by a switch to the sport, and has chosen to switch IRL teams and sign with Ganassi Racing for 2006.
"We were at one point talking to a Formula One team or two, it just wasn't for me," Wheldon said. "You can have people approach you, but your heart has got to be 100 percent into it, and mine really wasn't. The deal didn't seem right to me, and like I say, my heart didn't feel like that was the thing to be doing.
"Certainly I love to race, and with the Formula One opportunity, that wasn't going to be around. But the problem with Formula One to me nowadays is you've got to get a deal that's realistic for yourself, and that wasn't a possibility."
Wheldon says he was considering moving to the sport as a test driver initially to get up to speed for a possible race drive in 2007, however he decided that it wasn't the right option for him.
He added: "Well, to be quite frank, when we started conversations it was always my intention to be a test driver because I don't know many of the tracks there, and with the test ban situation, it really didn't seem viable.
"Whenever I do something, I always want to run at the front; I'm definitely not going to be there to follow the field or run with the pack. I certainly want to run very competitively, and I thought that would be the best way to do it.
"But it didn't seem - my heart wasn't completely into that situation, and I do think very, very highly of this series [the IRL]. I love the Indianapolis 500. That's a race that I very, very much enjoy, and I'm looking forward to next year."
"I do love racing in America, I love the Indianapolis 500 and I love being part of the series."[/QUOTE]
:)
Here's some odds and end news.
[QUOTE]Andretti: Schumacher could race at 50
By Michele Lostia November 30th 2005, 11:04 GMT
Michael Schumacher could race in Formula One until he is 50, according to former World Champion Mario Andretti.
Schumacher, the oldest driver on the Formula One grid in 2005 at the age of 36, will turn 37 next January but has a year of his contract with Ferrari left to run and has hinted that he could go on racing if he feels he is competitive.
65-year old Andretti, the World Champion in 1978, retired from Formula One in 1982, but he continued racing in the United States until he was 54.
The American believes Schumacher could go on racing if he is mentally ready, as he believes the German would not have physical problems.
"If Schumacher wants to, he can race in F1 until he's fifty," Andretti told Autosprint. "It's not a physical problem nor a mental one, it's just about motivations. Through the years your brain might become less reactive, but your greater experience helps you.
"When I got on pole at Monza at 41 years old (in 1982) I drove a scorbutic and difficult car with 1,100 horsepower, but if I didn't have problems in the race with the turbo I would have won the Grand Prix. Obviously some extreme performances can't be reached if you aren't at the top physically and mentally, and at Monza I still was.
"I quit at the end of 1994, when I was 54, not for physical reasons but because I was tired: with the arrival of Nigel Mansell at the Newman-Haas team, the atmosphere got bad.
"A few months after retiring I realized I made a mistake, as I really only needed some rest. I mixed up the tiredness of the moment with the desire to quit racing, and that was an error I still regret.
"Nowadays drivers retire at 35, as if it was the rule, but it all depends on the motivations of each driver. To stay on top, motor racing must remain the number one priority, like a religion and a philosophy of life which comes before anything else: money and family affections.
"If Schumacher keeps this mental condition, and considering his excellent physical preparation, then he could race for ten more years at the top. It's just a matter of desire and priorities." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Red Bull plan early debut for RB2
November 30th 2005, 14:03 GMT
The Red Bull Racing team plan to shake down their new RB2 car for the first time next month, autosport.com has learned.
The team, who enjoyed a promising 2005 season using Cosworth engines, will test their Ferrari-powered car at the Silverstone circuit on 16 December, before the Christmas break.
The RB2 will be the first car to be built under the leadership of Technical Director Mark Smith. The team are currently testing their 2005 car with a restricted Cosworth V10 engine.
Red Bull will use Ferrari V8 engines next year and have recruited top designer Adrian Newey from McLaren.
The team, however, said they will wait until the first race of the season in Bahrain in March before launching the car.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Wheldon: F1 deal didn't seem right
By Tim Redmayne November 30th 2005, 11:39 GMT
Dan Wheldon has said his heart wasn't in a switch to Formula One next season.
The Indy 500 and IRL champion this week opted to stay in IndyCar racing next year, instead of a possible move to Formula One.
The 27 year-old says that he wasn't motivated enough by a switch to the sport, and has chosen to switch IRL teams and sign with Ganassi Racing for 2006.
"We were at one point talking to a Formula One team or two, it just wasn't for me," Wheldon said. "You can have people approach you, but your heart has got to be 100 percent into it, and mine really wasn't. The deal didn't seem right to me, and like I say, my heart didn't feel like that was the thing to be doing.
"Certainly I love to race, and with the Formula One opportunity, that wasn't going to be around. But the problem with Formula One to me nowadays is you've got to get a deal that's realistic for yourself, and that wasn't a possibility."
Wheldon says he was considering moving to the sport as a test driver initially to get up to speed for a possible race drive in 2007, however he decided that it wasn't the right option for him.
He added: "Well, to be quite frank, when we started conversations it was always my intention to be a test driver because I don't know many of the tracks there, and with the test ban situation, it really didn't seem viable.
"Whenever I do something, I always want to run at the front; I'm definitely not going to be there to follow the field or run with the pack. I certainly want to run very competitively, and I thought that would be the best way to do it.
"But it didn't seem - my heart wasn't completely into that situation, and I do think very, very highly of this series [the IRL]. I love the Indianapolis 500. That's a race that I very, very much enjoy, and I'm looking forward to next year."
"I do love racing in America, I love the Indianapolis 500 and I love being part of the series."[/QUOTE]
:)
| artkevin | 11-30-2005 10:45 AM |
I'm surprised to hear Wheldon say that. Very mature but it seems like it would be every British kid racer's dream to run in F1. I hope the ship hasn't passed him by with staying another year.
| Ferg | 11-30-2005 10:51 AM |
Good question.
Really depends on how his 2006 IRL season goes. If he wins another championship or Indy 500 he'll still have a shot at F1. If he has a bad season well...
I think it'll be hard to repeat the kind of success he found at AGR with Gannassi though, at least until they get the new package sorted.
I think Weldon is a hell of a racer, but I'm not sure how complete of a driver he is. There's plenty of people who credit his 2005 success to the quality of his team mates at AGR. Having guys with as much experience as Kannan, Herta, and Franchitti to lean on certainly didn't hurt.
Really depends on how his 2006 IRL season goes. If he wins another championship or Indy 500 he'll still have a shot at F1. If he has a bad season well...
I think it'll be hard to repeat the kind of success he found at AGR with Gannassi though, at least until they get the new package sorted.
I think Weldon is a hell of a racer, but I'm not sure how complete of a driver he is. There's plenty of people who credit his 2005 success to the quality of his team mates at AGR. Having guys with as much experience as Kannan, Herta, and Franchitti to lean on certainly didn't hurt.
| Ferg | 11-30-2005 11:43 AM |
Barcelona Day 3, Button on top.
[QUOTE]Button sets the pace at Barcelona
November 30th 2005, 16:35 GMT
Briton Jenson Button got back to work on Wednesday to top the timesheets on the third day of this week's testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Button and his BAR-Honda team had not tested since the season-ending Chinese Grand Prix, and had decided to skip the first two days of work at Barcelona.
But the British driver set a blistering pace in his return, setting a fastest time of 1:14.111 to finish well over 1.5 seconds ahead of the closest rival.
Button used two different chassis throughout the day, both fitted with V10 engines, to compare 2004 and 2005 aerodynamic components. Meanwhile, test driver Anthony Davidson worked at the wheel of the hybrid car fitted with the V8 Honda engine, a new gearbox and new rear suspension.
World Champions Renault also got back to work today following their title-winning campaign, with Frenchman Franck Montagny working alongside GP2 racer Jose Maria Lopez. Both men were driving last season's R25 car with restricted V10 engines.
Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta continued with the development of the new Toyota TF106, the duo posting the fastest times of the cars fitted with V8 engines, almost three seconds off Button's pace.
The Italian driver enjoyed a positive day and covered 65 laps, but Zonta was not so lucky and succumbed to problems with the fuel pump twice during the day.
BMW's Nick Heidfeld had a promising session with the C24B car and BMW's new V8 engine, finishing as fifth quickest after 68 laps.
Scot David Coulthard joined his Red Bull team's preparations, taking over from tester Robert Doornbos and working alongside Austrian Christian Klien, quickest on Tuesday. Both men were at the wheel of the V10-powered RB1 chassis.
Vitantonio Liuzzi was again the only man in charge of testing for the Scuderia Toro Rosso, who made their Formula One test debut on Tuesday with a version of the car raced by Red Bull's other team this year. The Italian was ninth quickest.
Toro Rosso, replacing Minardi on the starting grid, have left open whether they intended to race the RB1 in 2006 - a decision likely to require the agreement of the other teams as well as the world governing body.
The Williams team, working with an hybrid chassis with the new Cosworth V8 engine, finished at the bottom of the times with both Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, the German driver completing only 18 laps after being hit by mechanical problems early in the day.
The day was filled with red flags by Rosberg, Webber, Lopez, Montagny, Heidfeld and Davidson.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Button BAR-Honda (M) 1:14.111 97
2. Montagny Renault (M) 1:15.848 52
3. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:17.019 65
4. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:17.440 20
5. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:17.559 68
6. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:18.392 38
7. Lopez Renault (M) 1:18.428 52
8. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:18.471 89
9. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.065 58
10. Davidson BAR-Honda (M) 1:19.231 37
11. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.625 70
12. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.444 18
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989712/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989710/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Button sets the pace at Barcelona
November 30th 2005, 16:35 GMT
Briton Jenson Button got back to work on Wednesday to top the timesheets on the third day of this week's testing at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.
Button and his BAR-Honda team had not tested since the season-ending Chinese Grand Prix, and had decided to skip the first two days of work at Barcelona.
But the British driver set a blistering pace in his return, setting a fastest time of 1:14.111 to finish well over 1.5 seconds ahead of the closest rival.
Button used two different chassis throughout the day, both fitted with V10 engines, to compare 2004 and 2005 aerodynamic components. Meanwhile, test driver Anthony Davidson worked at the wheel of the hybrid car fitted with the V8 Honda engine, a new gearbox and new rear suspension.
World Champions Renault also got back to work today following their title-winning campaign, with Frenchman Franck Montagny working alongside GP2 racer Jose Maria Lopez. Both men were driving last season's R25 car with restricted V10 engines.
Jarno Trulli and Ricardo Zonta continued with the development of the new Toyota TF106, the duo posting the fastest times of the cars fitted with V8 engines, almost three seconds off Button's pace.
The Italian driver enjoyed a positive day and covered 65 laps, but Zonta was not so lucky and succumbed to problems with the fuel pump twice during the day.
BMW's Nick Heidfeld had a promising session with the C24B car and BMW's new V8 engine, finishing as fifth quickest after 68 laps.
Scot David Coulthard joined his Red Bull team's preparations, taking over from tester Robert Doornbos and working alongside Austrian Christian Klien, quickest on Tuesday. Both men were at the wheel of the V10-powered RB1 chassis.
Vitantonio Liuzzi was again the only man in charge of testing for the Scuderia Toro Rosso, who made their Formula One test debut on Tuesday with a version of the car raced by Red Bull's other team this year. The Italian was ninth quickest.
Toro Rosso, replacing Minardi on the starting grid, have left open whether they intended to race the RB1 in 2006 - a decision likely to require the agreement of the other teams as well as the world governing body.
The Williams team, working with an hybrid chassis with the new Cosworth V8 engine, finished at the bottom of the times with both Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, the German driver completing only 18 laps after being hit by mechanical problems early in the day.
The day was filled with red flags by Rosberg, Webber, Lopez, Montagny, Heidfeld and Davidson.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Button BAR-Honda (M) 1:14.111 97
2. Montagny Renault (M) 1:15.848 52
3. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:17.019 65
4. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:17.440 20
5. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:17.559 68
6. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:18.392 38
7. Lopez Renault (M) 1:18.428 52
8. Klien Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:18.471 89
9. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.065 58
10. Davidson BAR-Honda (M) 1:19.231 37
11. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.625 70
12. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.444 18
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989712/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989710/large.jpg[/IMG]
| driggity | 11-30-2005 12:13 PM |
So are all the teams that are running last year's cars with restricted V10s testing out new aero? It was specifically mentioned that BAR is doing this but I haven't seen it spelled out for the other teams. I'd imagine that they would be but I don't know for sure.
I really like the new Williams look. Hopefully the final version isn't too different.
There's some interesting stuff about the potential F2006 on Formula1.com (although I'm not sure what is based on conjecture and what is based on real knowledge of what they are doing):
[url]http://www.formula1.com/insight/technical_analysis/team/2005/3/218.html[/url]
I really like the new Williams look. Hopefully the final version isn't too different.
There's some interesting stuff about the potential F2006 on Formula1.com (although I'm not sure what is based on conjecture and what is based on real knowledge of what they are doing):
[url]http://www.formula1.com/insight/technical_analysis/team/2005/3/218.html[/url]
| artkevin | 11-30-2005 12:14 PM |
The Wheldon thing could turn out to be another Bourdais thing if he has a bad season. Seb has had 1 awesome season followed by 2 world beating seasons and can't even get a sniff at an F1 team, not even Renualt, AND HE'S FRENCH! Ever since Orange Arrows went bye bye he has been screwed by F1. I just hope the same thing doesn't happen to another good racer that won't get the respect he derseves simply becuase he is succesful *only* in America.
BTW, Road America is back on the calender in place of Las Vegas in Champ Car.
BTW, Road America is back on the calender in place of Las Vegas in Champ Car.
| Ferg | 11-30-2005 12:24 PM |
I would guess most of the teams are running with new aero bits. There never seems to be an end to new aero bits after all.
Thanks for the link Drakos, interesting to see Ferrari go the "no-keel" route. Definately going to be the major trend for 2006 I think, although I don't expect Renault to do it for some reason.
We might hear a lot more drivers complaining of troublesome front ends next year.
I'm not sure about Bourdais. The lack of depth in Champ Cars doesn't seem to be helping his reputation any.
"I only car about who won a race when I know who finished second." -Dennis Jenkinson
Thanks for the link Drakos, interesting to see Ferrari go the "no-keel" route. Definately going to be the major trend for 2006 I think, although I don't expect Renault to do it for some reason.
We might hear a lot more drivers complaining of troublesome front ends next year.
I'm not sure about Bourdais. The lack of depth in Champ Cars doesn't seem to be helping his reputation any.
"I only car about who won a race when I know who finished second." -Dennis Jenkinson
| ChrisW | 11-30-2005 12:47 PM |
anyone notice the lack of barge boards on the new toyota
[img]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931221/large.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.pbase.com/image/52931221/large.jpg[/img]
| artkevin | 11-30-2005 04:08 PM |
The Yodas have never run bardge boards, well, not in the past few seasons. The Williams didn't either for a long time but started at the end of 05. BAR usually doesn't run them either.
| Ferg | 11-30-2005 04:09 PM |
Nice little end of year bonus for Mr Alonso.
[QUOTE]Renault give Alonso his title-winning R25
By Jonathan Noble November 30th 2005, 20:14 GMT
Renault has presented World Champion Fernando Alonso with his title-winning R25 car as a surprise present for his title success this year.
The Spaniard unwrapped his special gift in front of Renault guests at a celebratory event at its communications headquarters in Paris on Wednesday.
The car was hidden inside a big yellow and blue package for most of the evening and was only unveiled at the end of proceedings.
Alonso admitted that he knew he was going to be given a present at the function, but said he was completely taken aback for it to have been an actual car.
"It is a little bit of a surprise," he admitted, after being handed the car by Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn. "I had seen the package was quite big so I knew it was going to be a big surprise, but this is something special.
"I will now have to find a home for it. But even if I have to build something special to house it, then I will do it."
The car that Alonso was given was chassis R25/4, which Alonso took to six victories in the first half of the season. Renault decided to give him that car because it was the one that effectively won him and the team the world titles.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989714/large.jpg[/IMG]
I had yet to look at the chassis numbers for last year yet so I didn't realize that Alonso drove the same car during those early races. That really says a lot about Renault's reliability. I wonder how many chassis Kimi used...
[QUOTE]Renault give Alonso his title-winning R25
By Jonathan Noble November 30th 2005, 20:14 GMT
Renault has presented World Champion Fernando Alonso with his title-winning R25 car as a surprise present for his title success this year.
The Spaniard unwrapped his special gift in front of Renault guests at a celebratory event at its communications headquarters in Paris on Wednesday.
The car was hidden inside a big yellow and blue package for most of the evening and was only unveiled at the end of proceedings.
Alonso admitted that he knew he was going to be given a present at the function, but said he was completely taken aback for it to have been an actual car.
"It is a little bit of a surprise," he admitted, after being handed the car by Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn. "I had seen the package was quite big so I knew it was going to be a big surprise, but this is something special.
"I will now have to find a home for it. But even if I have to build something special to house it, then I will do it."
The car that Alonso was given was chassis R25/4, which Alonso took to six victories in the first half of the season. Renault decided to give him that car because it was the one that effectively won him and the team the world titles.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989714/large.jpg[/IMG]
I had yet to look at the chassis numbers for last year yet so I didn't realize that Alonso drove the same car during those early races. That really says a lot about Renault's reliability. I wonder how many chassis Kimi used...
| SolbergWRCfan | 11-30-2005 07:39 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]The Yodas have never run bardge boards, well, not in the past few seasons. The Williams didn't either for a long time but started at the end of 05. BAR usually doesn't run them either.[/QUOTE]
Toyota, BAR, and Williams all have made extensive use of turning vanes mounted inside the wheels on the suspension wishbones. The FW27 was the first Williams I have seen in awhile that ran bargeboards.
Jon
Toyota, BAR, and Williams all have made extensive use of turning vanes mounted inside the wheels on the suspension wishbones. The FW27 was the first Williams I have seen in awhile that ran bargeboards.
Jon
| SolbergWRCfan | 11-30-2005 07:43 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Nice little end of year bonus for Mr Alonso.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989714/large.jpg[/IMG]
I had yet to look at the chassis numbers for last year yet so I didn't realize that Alonso drove the same car during those early races. That really says a lot about Renault's reliability. I wonder how many chassis Kimi used...[/QUOTE]
I don't believe a chassis is scrapped when the engine fails or even in anything but a horrific accident, but I am not positive. I was under the impression that teams only produced 8 or 9 chassis a year if not less.
Jon
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/52989714/large.jpg[/IMG]
I had yet to look at the chassis numbers for last year yet so I didn't realize that Alonso drove the same car during those early races. That really says a lot about Renault's reliability. I wonder how many chassis Kimi used...[/QUOTE]
I don't believe a chassis is scrapped when the engine fails or even in anything but a horrific accident, but I am not positive. I was under the impression that teams only produced 8 or 9 chassis a year if not less.
Jon
| artkevin | 11-30-2005 08:45 PM |
I think Ferrari produces that many cars a year but most only make around 4 from what I have heard. Minardi only makes maybe 3 but since the money wars have started I have heard reports of BAR running 2 full test teams on different sides of Europe in case the weather is bad at one of them they already have another team ready to go. So they must have a butt load too.
| Ferg | 11-30-2005 08:46 PM |
Yeah I know, I was sort of kidding with the crack about Kimi. :D They only write off a chassis if it's structural integrity is compromised, or in Minardi's case, it's more than five years old.
I wish Speed's coverage would include a reference to the chassis number the driver is using. I'm sure Matchett could be persuded to keep track of it throughout the season.
Not to go off topic (God forbid), but I noticed you drive an A3 Kevin? Nice. I have another friend who just bought one and he loves it.
I wish Speed's coverage would include a reference to the chassis number the driver is using. I'm sure Matchett could be persuded to keep track of it throughout the season.
Not to go off topic (God forbid), but I noticed you drive an A3 Kevin? Nice. I have another friend who just bought one and he loves it.
| artkevin | 12-01-2005 12:23 AM |
Yeah, I just got it a couple of weeks ago. I loved my Subie but I had it in the shop for the same thing 8 times since April and the last time it was in there for 22 days. Grrrr.:mad: Turns out it was a cracked block that had been there since about year 1. Yeah for compression loss.
The A3 is cool, I am still trying to get used to the DSG tranny and getting the right gear at the right time. There's NO grip compared to the WRX. Every time I goose it I get wheel spin.
Anyways, back on topic. Look at the pretty pictures.
[IMG]http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/photos/2005/tests66/diapo_161.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/photos/2005/tests69/diapo_179.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53670.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53604.jpg[/IMG]
The A3 is cool, I am still trying to get used to the DSG tranny and getting the right gear at the right time. There's NO grip compared to the WRX. Every time I goose it I get wheel spin.
Anyways, back on topic. Look at the pretty pictures.
[IMG]http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/photos/2005/tests66/diapo_161.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/photos/2005/tests69/diapo_179.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53670.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53604.jpg[/IMG]
| artkevin | 12-01-2005 09:24 AM |
Villeneuve is in at BMW Sauber. Will wonders never cease...
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=104372[/url]
[url]http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=104372[/url]
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 09:57 AM |
Wow, called that one wrong!
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 10:39 AM |
Something I hadn't posted up here yet. Monza is in danger of being dropped from the calender in the future due to a lawsuit about noise.
[QUOTE]Officials launch Monza appeal
By Michele Lostia December 1st 2005, 11:24 GMT
The managers of the Monza circuit yesterday handed in a document appealing against the decision which bans all competitions at the track unless a suitable system to reduce the noise levels is adopted.
Last month's verdict came after a group of Monza residents filed a formal complaint in 2001 about the noises coming from the historic circuit, which hosts the Italian Grand Prix.
The 60-page document handed in by SIAS, the company which manages the Monza autodrome for the Automobile Club Milano, outlines five points to defend the circuit, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The points listed range from errors in accurately detecting the noise levels, to the fact that the solutions suggested by the judge are based on technical conclusions which the judge himself declared void, to the fact that the decision would disregard noise pollution laws regarding airports and autodromes.
Furthermore, the defense casts doubts over the allegations that there have been health problems, and in that case whether they were caused by the circuit's activities.
Finally, the SIAS claims that, for the good of only six people - the ones complaining about health problems - it's not right to put the job of its 33 employees and the induced activity involving 250,000 more people at risk.
The document also underlines how magistrate Marco Manunta would have taken sides by writing in his verdict that racing is "a superfluous, dangerous and socially useless activity with a big impact on the environment."
A new decision is expected for mid January.[/QUOTE]
A season without Monza or Spa wouldn't be much of a season.
[QUOTE]Officials launch Monza appeal
By Michele Lostia December 1st 2005, 11:24 GMT
The managers of the Monza circuit yesterday handed in a document appealing against the decision which bans all competitions at the track unless a suitable system to reduce the noise levels is adopted.
Last month's verdict came after a group of Monza residents filed a formal complaint in 2001 about the noises coming from the historic circuit, which hosts the Italian Grand Prix.
The 60-page document handed in by SIAS, the company which manages the Monza autodrome for the Automobile Club Milano, outlines five points to defend the circuit, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The points listed range from errors in accurately detecting the noise levels, to the fact that the solutions suggested by the judge are based on technical conclusions which the judge himself declared void, to the fact that the decision would disregard noise pollution laws regarding airports and autodromes.
Furthermore, the defense casts doubts over the allegations that there have been health problems, and in that case whether they were caused by the circuit's activities.
Finally, the SIAS claims that, for the good of only six people - the ones complaining about health problems - it's not right to put the job of its 33 employees and the induced activity involving 250,000 more people at risk.
The document also underlines how magistrate Marco Manunta would have taken sides by writing in his verdict that racing is "a superfluous, dangerous and socially useless activity with a big impact on the environment."
A new decision is expected for mid January.[/QUOTE]
A season without Monza or Spa wouldn't be much of a season.
| TimStevens | 12-01-2005 10:49 AM |
Yeah, seriously. Just put some whistle tips on all their exhausts... that'll do it :)
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 11:04 AM |
Super Aguri will NOT race in 2006...
[QUOTE]Super Aguri not on 2006 entry list
By Jonathan Noble December 1st 2005, 16:01 GMT
Aguri Suzuki's plans to get a Formula One team on the grid appear to have collapsed after his outfit failed to make it onto the official 2006 entry list.
The FIA published a list of those teams that are eligible to compete next season and Super Aguri were a notable absence.
Although there has been no official explanation for why Super Aguri are not there, it is understood that it may relate to the team's failure to have lodged the mandatory $48 million bond that all new teams must pay.
The news comes after the team have been working hard on trying to get a car onto the grid next season - having recently installed members of staff at the former Arrows factory in Leafield.
Only this week, Autosport magazine claimed that Aguri were planning to run old Arrows A23 chassis from 2002 for the first three fly-away races of the year before getting their own new car ready for the start of the European season.[/QUOTE]
Much more news to follow I'm sure.
[QUOTE]Super Aguri not on 2006 entry list
By Jonathan Noble December 1st 2005, 16:01 GMT
Aguri Suzuki's plans to get a Formula One team on the grid appear to have collapsed after his outfit failed to make it onto the official 2006 entry list.
The FIA published a list of those teams that are eligible to compete next season and Super Aguri were a notable absence.
Although there has been no official explanation for why Super Aguri are not there, it is understood that it may relate to the team's failure to have lodged the mandatory $48 million bond that all new teams must pay.
The news comes after the team have been working hard on trying to get a car onto the grid next season - having recently installed members of staff at the former Arrows factory in Leafield.
Only this week, Autosport magazine claimed that Aguri were planning to run old Arrows A23 chassis from 2002 for the first three fly-away races of the year before getting their own new car ready for the start of the European season.[/QUOTE]
Much more news to follow I'm sure.
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 11:14 AM |
BAR officially now called Honda.
[QUOTE]BAR's new name confirmed
December 1st 2005, 16:09 GMT
BAR's new name has been confirmed as the Honda Racing F1 Team after motor racing's governing issued their 2006 Formula One entry list on Thursday.
Although the Honda-owner team have kept quiet about the name change, despite team boss Nick Fry accidentally leaking it during a presentation at a motorsport's conference, the FIA entry list has revealed the alteration for them.
Beyond the BAR name change and the absence of the Super Aguri team, the entry list has also confirmed that Tiago Monteiro will race alongside Christijan Albers at MF1 Racing next year.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]BAR's new name confirmed
December 1st 2005, 16:09 GMT
BAR's new name has been confirmed as the Honda Racing F1 Team after motor racing's governing issued their 2006 Formula One entry list on Thursday.
Although the Honda-owner team have kept quiet about the name change, despite team boss Nick Fry accidentally leaking it during a presentation at a motorsport's conference, the FIA entry list has revealed the alteration for them.
Beyond the BAR name change and the absence of the Super Aguri team, the entry list has also confirmed that Tiago Monteiro will race alongside Christijan Albers at MF1 Racing next year.[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 12-01-2005 11:28 AM |
What's the story with MF1? Just another Toyota?
Man I can't keep these teams straight...
Man I can't keep these teams straight...
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 11:32 AM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens]What's the story with MF1? Just another Toyota?
Man I can't keep these teams straight...[/QUOTE]
Tell me about it!
MF1 is the rebranded Jordan team.
I'll try and find that pic of their proposed livery.
Man I can't keep these teams straight...[/QUOTE]
Tell me about it!
MF1 is the rebranded Jordan team.
I'll try and find that pic of their proposed livery.
| Harvey_Mushman | 12-01-2005 11:32 AM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Super Aguri will NOT race in 2006...
Much more news to follow I'm sure.[/QUOTE]
Arrowed!
/sorry, had to
Much more news to follow I'm sure.[/QUOTE]
Arrowed!
/sorry, had to
| TimStevens | 12-01-2005 11:37 AM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Tell me about it!
MF1 is the rebranded Jordan team.
I'll try and find that pic of their proposed livery.[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah, duh. I knew they were name changing, but didn't hear the new name.
MF1 is the rebranded Jordan team.
I'll try and find that pic of their proposed livery.[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah, duh. I knew they were name changing, but didn't hear the new name.
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 11:50 AM |
Hmmm, can't find the pics, but on Midland's team site they have an artists rendering with a countdown clock.
[URL=http://www.midlandf1.com/]MF1 Racing[/URL]
[URL=http://www.midlandf1.com/]MF1 Racing[/URL]
| asquaredrex | 12-01-2005 11:51 AM |
Bush stays in the White House... Villeneuve stays in an F1 seat (and gets paid $2.5 million!)...
*sigh* what's the world coming to...
*sigh* what's the world coming to...
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 12:02 PM |
Still hope for Super Aguri?
[QUOTE]Super Aguri fate now rests with rivals
By Jonathan Noble December 1st 2005, 16:49 GMT
Super Aguri's hopes of making it onto the Formula One grid now rest in the hands of their rivals, even if they manage to get their $48 million deposit together.
The Japanese outfit were absent from the official 2006 entry list that was published on Thursday, with sources claiming that they had failed to lodge the mandatory deposit with the FIA in time.
That means that the team now have the option of abandoning plans to race next year completely or lodging the deposit and then pleading with their rivals to be allowed to enter the championship.
The regulations mean that if the FIA is happy with the entry, then there must still be unanimous support from the other teams to allow Aguri into F1.
There is a precedent for such a scenario, with Williams famously being absent from the original 1993 entry list after they failed to lodge their application in time.
They were eventually allowed back into the championship after the FIA accepted their entry and the other teams eventually supported their addition, despite some opposition at first.
It is not clear whether Suzuki will have support from their rival teams.
The FIA has declined to comment at length about the reasons for Super Aguri's absence.
A spokesman told autosport.com: "We have notified the team that the application has been refused. Any further questions should be addressed to the team."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Who's driving for who and other what's what...
[b]Renault[/b] (M)
1 Fernando Alonso (E)
2 Giancarlo Fisichella (I)
[b]McLaren Mercedes[/b] (M)
3 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)
4 Juan Pablo Montoya (CO)
[b]Ferrari[/b] (B)
5 Michael Schumacher (D)
6 Felipe Massa (BR)
[b]Toyota[/b] (B)
7 Ralf Schumacher (D)
8 Jarno Trulli (I)
[b]Williams Cosworth[/b] + (B)
9 Mark Webber (AUS)
10 Nico Rosberg (D)
[b]Honda[/b] + (M)
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[b]Red Bull Ferrari[/b] + (M)
14 David Coulthard (GB)
15 Christian Klien (AT)
[b]BMW Sauber[/b] + (M)
16 Nick Heidfeld (D)
17 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[b]MF1 Racing Toyota[/b] + (B)
18 Tiago Monteiro (P)
19 Christijan Albers (NL)
[b]Scuderia Toro Rosso Cosworth[/b] + (M)
20 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
21 Scott Speed (USA)
*= unconfirmed
+= allowed third car and driver on Friday[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri fate now rests with rivals
By Jonathan Noble December 1st 2005, 16:49 GMT
Super Aguri's hopes of making it onto the Formula One grid now rest in the hands of their rivals, even if they manage to get their $48 million deposit together.
The Japanese outfit were absent from the official 2006 entry list that was published on Thursday, with sources claiming that they had failed to lodge the mandatory deposit with the FIA in time.
That means that the team now have the option of abandoning plans to race next year completely or lodging the deposit and then pleading with their rivals to be allowed to enter the championship.
The regulations mean that if the FIA is happy with the entry, then there must still be unanimous support from the other teams to allow Aguri into F1.
There is a precedent for such a scenario, with Williams famously being absent from the original 1993 entry list after they failed to lodge their application in time.
They were eventually allowed back into the championship after the FIA accepted their entry and the other teams eventually supported their addition, despite some opposition at first.
It is not clear whether Suzuki will have support from their rival teams.
The FIA has declined to comment at length about the reasons for Super Aguri's absence.
A spokesman told autosport.com: "We have notified the team that the application has been refused. Any further questions should be addressed to the team."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Who's driving for who and other what's what...
[b]Renault[/b] (M)
1 Fernando Alonso (E)
2 Giancarlo Fisichella (I)
[b]McLaren Mercedes[/b] (M)
3 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)
4 Juan Pablo Montoya (CO)
[b]Ferrari[/b] (B)
5 Michael Schumacher (D)
6 Felipe Massa (BR)
[b]Toyota[/b] (B)
7 Ralf Schumacher (D)
8 Jarno Trulli (I)
[b]Williams Cosworth[/b] + (B)
9 Mark Webber (AUS)
10 Nico Rosberg (D)
[b]Honda[/b] + (M)
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[b]Red Bull Ferrari[/b] + (M)
14 David Coulthard (GB)
15 Christian Klien (AT)
[b]BMW Sauber[/b] + (M)
16 Nick Heidfeld (D)
17 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[b]MF1 Racing Toyota[/b] + (B)
18 Tiago Monteiro (P)
19 Christijan Albers (NL)
[b]Scuderia Toro Rosso Cosworth[/b] + (M)
20 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
21 Scott Speed (USA)
*= unconfirmed
+= allowed third car and driver on Friday[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 12-01-2005 12:06 PM |
Honda (BAR who?) fast again at Barcelona.
[QUOTE]Button on top again at Barcelona
December 1st 2005, 17:00 GMT
Briton Jenson Button continued to set the pace in Barcelona, topping the timesheets for the second consecutive day for his BAR-Honda team.
Button, testing with this year's 007 car with a V10 engine, set a quickest time of 1:14.145 to finish ahead of teammate Anthony Davidson, who continued working the hybrid BAR chassis powered by the new Honda V8 engine to be used next season.
Toyota's test driver Ricardo Zonta posted the third quickest time in the team's new TF106, which today was driven for the first time by Ralf Schumacher, who took over from teammate Jarno Trulli.
The German, however, could not escape trouble, his car stopping with an apparent mechanical problem during the morning session. Even so, Schumacher managed 48 laps on his way to the ninth fastest time.
The Williams team enjoyed a better session today after finishing at the bottom of the times on Wednesday, Australian Mark Webber posting the fourth quickest time in the Cosworth-powered FW27. Teammate Nico Rosberg was eighth fastest.
McLaren were back to work after skipping yesterday's session, working with Pedro de la Rosa and Juan Pablo Montoya, who was back behind the wheel of his car after the end of the 2005 season.
World Champions Renault had three drivers in action as World Series champion Robert Kubica and Former Formula Renault Eurocup V6 champion Giorgio Mondini made their debut at the wheel of a Grand Prix car.
Frenchman Franck Montagny was also working for the team at Barcelona.
American driver Scott Speed replaced Vitantonio Liuzzi at the Toro Rosso team, who continued testing with last season's Red Bull's car powered by a restricted V10 engine.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Button BAR-Honda (M) 1:14.145 94
2. Davidson BAR-Honda (M) 1:15.273 78
3. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:16.647 60
4. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:17.282 66
5. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.449 79
6. Montagny Renault (M) 1:17.592 86
7. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.763 61
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:17.805 44
9. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:17.982 48
10. Kubica Renault (M) 1:17.997 41
11. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:18.318 85
12. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.053 82
13. Mondini Renault (M) 1:19.093 40
14. Doornbos Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:19.114 110
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026487/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026488/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026490/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026489/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Button on top again at Barcelona
December 1st 2005, 17:00 GMT
Briton Jenson Button continued to set the pace in Barcelona, topping the timesheets for the second consecutive day for his BAR-Honda team.
Button, testing with this year's 007 car with a V10 engine, set a quickest time of 1:14.145 to finish ahead of teammate Anthony Davidson, who continued working the hybrid BAR chassis powered by the new Honda V8 engine to be used next season.
Toyota's test driver Ricardo Zonta posted the third quickest time in the team's new TF106, which today was driven for the first time by Ralf Schumacher, who took over from teammate Jarno Trulli.
The German, however, could not escape trouble, his car stopping with an apparent mechanical problem during the morning session. Even so, Schumacher managed 48 laps on his way to the ninth fastest time.
The Williams team enjoyed a better session today after finishing at the bottom of the times on Wednesday, Australian Mark Webber posting the fourth quickest time in the Cosworth-powered FW27. Teammate Nico Rosberg was eighth fastest.
McLaren were back to work after skipping yesterday's session, working with Pedro de la Rosa and Juan Pablo Montoya, who was back behind the wheel of his car after the end of the 2005 season.
World Champions Renault had three drivers in action as World Series champion Robert Kubica and Former Formula Renault Eurocup V6 champion Giorgio Mondini made their debut at the wheel of a Grand Prix car.
Frenchman Franck Montagny was also working for the team at Barcelona.
American driver Scott Speed replaced Vitantonio Liuzzi at the Toro Rosso team, who continued testing with last season's Red Bull's car powered by a restricted V10 engine.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Button BAR-Honda (M) 1:14.145 94
2. Davidson BAR-Honda (M) 1:15.273 78
3. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:16.647 60
4. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:17.282 66
5. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.449 79
6. Montagny Renault (M) 1:17.592 86
7. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.763 61
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:17.805 44
9. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:17.982 48
10. Kubica Renault (M) 1:17.997 41
11. Coulthard Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:18.318 85
12. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.053 82
13. Mondini Renault (M) 1:19.093 40
14. Doornbos Red Bull-Cosworth (M) 1:19.114 110
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026487/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026488/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026490/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53026489/large.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 12-02-2005 01:16 PM |
News wrap up.
[QUOTE]Aguri to re-apply for 2006 F1 grid spot
By Alastair Himmer December 2nd 2005, 08:57 GMT
Japan's planned Super Aguri Formula One team said on Friday they will re-apply for next year's championship after being left off the list of 2006 entrants.
Formula One's ruling International Automobile Federation (FIA) excluded Super Aguri from its list of 10 teams for 2006 as they had failed to complete the required paperwork.
But team boss Aguri Suzuki said he planned to re-apply to join the grid for next season following a telephone call with FIA president Max Mosley.
"Our goal is still absolutely to have two cars on the grid for the start of next year," the ex-Formula One driver said in a statement.
"Based on talks with the FIA we have decided to begin the registration process again."
Aguri announced last month his team had applied to the FIA ahead of the November 15 deadline and would be powered by Honda engines.
Despite leaving Super Aguri off the FIA's list, Mosley told Suzuki he would welcome a Japanese team on the grid and invited him to re-apply.
However, even if accepted by the FIA, Super Aguri's participation in next year's championship would require the agreement of the other 10 teams.
"Mr. Mosley kindly said on the phone we could apply once more, even though the cut-off line has passed," Suzuki's business partner Fumito Akita told Reuters.
"Mr. Mosley said he would welcome a Japanese team but the other teams have to say okay. That could be a little difficult."
The last new entrant was Toyota in 2002 when there were 11 teams. There have been 10 teams since Arrows folded during that season.
Akita feared the Super Aguri team could face considerable resistance from potential rivals in the Formula One paddock.
"Going from 10 teams to 11 teams means less TV income for each team," he said. "Finishing places would also be at stake. I don't know what level we would be racing at but some teams wouldn't want to be finishing behind us."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Renault confirm Kovalainen as third driver
December 2nd 2005, 15:05 GMT
Renault have confirmed that Heikki Kovalainen will be their third driver next season.
The GP2 front-runner will replace Franck Montagny, who will continue to test for the team until the end of the year before moving on.
"I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity by Renault," said Kovalainen. "I have already done some testing for the team, but I still have a lot to learn.
"This role will allow me to understand more about the team and how Formula One works while developing my driving and technical skills at this level. It is a privilege to be invited to join a championship-winning team, and I am determined to help Renault retain its world titles."
Renault boss Flavio Briatore, who told Autosport this week that Kovalainen was '90 percent' certain to race for Renault in 2007, added: " We are delighted to welcome Heikki to the team as our third driver for 2006.
"He has demonstrated that he is a talented, aggressive driver in the GP2 Series, and he has impressed our engineers during his tests with the team.
"The test driver's role will be crucial during 2006 as we develop our V8 engine through the season to defend the world championship. I am confident Heikki will make a valuable contribution to our success.
"Franck Montagny will continue testing for us until the end of 2005, and I want to pay tribute to his dedication and contribution during his time as test driver. His work with the test team played an important part in our championship victory, and we wish him well for the future."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Kovalainen 'likely' to race for Renault
December 2nd 2005, 11:58 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella looks almost certain to face a major battle to keep hold of his Renault seat beyond next year after team boss Flavio Briatore revealed it was '90 percent' certain Heikki Kovalainen will race for the outfit in 2007.
GP2 front-runner Kovalainen will be Renault's test driver next season after Briatore could not reach an agreement with BMW for a loan deal for the Finn to race at Sauber. BMW had wanted Kovalainen for two years, but Briatore only wanted to release him for a single season.
Briatore's insistence on keeping first-call on Kovalainen's services for 2007 is because he believes the Finn is a virtual shoe-in for a race drive at Renault then, where he would likely line-up alongside Fernando Alonso, despite the World Champion's contract running out at the end of next season.
Speaking to Autosport, Briatore said: "'Kovy' is going to drive for Renault next year and be our test driver.
"We have invested a lot in him and he is an asset that we have to look after. We want him to drive 30-40 thousand kilometers next year to be ready to race in 2007.
"It is 90 percent likely that will be with Renault, and 10 percent with another team."
Renault chairman Patrick Faure told autosport.com this week that Kovalainen would definitely be part of the French manufacturer's future plans.
"He is going to be with us in the coming years because he is a good and experienced driver," said Faure. "He has done a very good GP2 season and only lost the title at the last race. I think he will also be a very talented driver in the future."
When asked whether Renault would likely loan him out to a rival team in the future, Faure said: "No. For the moment we are happy with Fernando and Giancarlo.
"We have only one target, which is to win the world title, and we have a duty, Flavio and me, to pick the best drivers with which to be World Champion. We didn't miss this year."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Button: V8 enjoyable despite power loss
December 2nd 2005, 17:20 GMT
Briton Jenson Button says driving a V8-engined car is still enjoyable despite the loss of power.
Button tested the hybrid BAR car fitted with the Honda V8 engine for the first time in Barcelona today, and despite the rain hindering his progress he was still pleased with the power plant's performance.
The Honda driver, however, has warned that errors will be more costly than when the cars were powered by V10 units.
"I was not expecting so much so what I have done I am quite reasonably happy with," Button told autosport.com at the end of the test.
"It is the first time (testing the V8) and there is loss of power, but it is still enjoyable. It's not that bad, but it does cost you so much more when you make a mistake, it is so hard to get back the speed.
"The engine was reliable and there were no problems whatsoever. Before that I had done some 2004 aero work, and also on 2005. It was productive.
"It was a shame about the weather today but we still did traction control and throttle mapping, so it was not all wasted. I am quite happy with the work we have done."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Montagny: V8s to shift set-up focus
By Jonathan Noble December 2nd 2005, 12:16 GMT
The switch to V8 engines next year is likely to lead to a major shift in car design focus, claims Renault test driver Franck Montagny.
The Frenchman has been running a restricted V10 Renault engine this week, which simulates the power levels expected from next year's 2.4-litre power-units, and he claims that the different configuration will affect the chassis concept.
He believes teams will move their attention to getting the front of their cars working well, with recent focus having been on the rear.
"The engine is a central parameter in the chassis set-up," he said. "So any change has an impact, and that is what we have been working on this week.
"This year, with the V10, we were very much focused on the behaviour and wear at the rear of the car, because the high engine power meant that the rear tyres were working very hard in the high speed corners.
"Now though, with the restricted engine, we have seen that the rear is now less critical, and that we are concentrating more on the front end of the car to balance the car."
Although there is an estimated 20 percent power loss from V8 engines, compared to the V10s, Montagny still believes that the new engines will provide a challenge for drivers.
"At the start of 2005, when the new aero regulations were introduced, the drivers were all generally a bit disappointed because the cars were more sensitive and harder to drive, but as we brought out new developments through the year, we managed to develop a very quick car - and a quick car is always fun to drive," he said.
"The V10 will soon be forgotten, and the new regulations will certainly shuffle the pack a bit in terms of performance. What we need to do now is understand the demands of this new challenge faster, and better, than our rivals."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Davidson tops wet final day at Barcelona
December 2nd 2005, 16:46 GMT
A constant rain throughout most of the day hampered the final testing session of the week at the Barcelona circuit, where only three drivers completed significant running.
After the Toyota and McLaren teams decided to pack up early and leave the track, only Honda and Renault were left at the Spanish circuit.
Honda's test driver Anthony Davidson was the quickest on the three drivers on track at the wheel of the 007 chassis with a V10 engine. He was also the busiest man with 48 laps covered.
Teammate Jenson Button drove the hybrid car fitted with the V8 engine and finished over five seconds behind after only 23 laps.
Italian Giancarlo Fisichella returned to work following the end of the season, but had an unproductive day at the wheel of the R25 with the restricted V10 engine.
Nonetheless, he managed 44 laps as he tried to work on the car set-up to improve and adapt its handling in the new V8 power levels, with two of the 10 cylinders of his engine not working.
"It was just a bit too wet," Fisichella told autosport.com. "I felt loss of potential in the V8, and the set-up was not that great, but it was important to feel the difference.
"I did feel the loss of power and next time I drive it will be the new car in January so I know more or less what to expect. Hopefully it will be better than this."
Test driver Franck Montagny did not drive today owing to the bad weather conditions that would have prevented him from doing making productive progress.
"It was impossible to learn anything today because of the very bad and cold conditions," said Renault's chief test engineer Christian Silk. "Anyway we ran as we could because we wanted Giancarlo to acclimatize himself to the car and especially to the new power output.
"It helped him to have feelings of the engine changes and he got some understanding of the different chassis set-ups."
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:25.542 48
2. Button Honda (M) 1:30.807 23
3. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:30.854 44[/QUOTE]
[i]**added new article**[/i]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53059609/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Aguri to re-apply for 2006 F1 grid spot
By Alastair Himmer December 2nd 2005, 08:57 GMT
Japan's planned Super Aguri Formula One team said on Friday they will re-apply for next year's championship after being left off the list of 2006 entrants.
Formula One's ruling International Automobile Federation (FIA) excluded Super Aguri from its list of 10 teams for 2006 as they had failed to complete the required paperwork.
But team boss Aguri Suzuki said he planned to re-apply to join the grid for next season following a telephone call with FIA president Max Mosley.
"Our goal is still absolutely to have two cars on the grid for the start of next year," the ex-Formula One driver said in a statement.
"Based on talks with the FIA we have decided to begin the registration process again."
Aguri announced last month his team had applied to the FIA ahead of the November 15 deadline and would be powered by Honda engines.
Despite leaving Super Aguri off the FIA's list, Mosley told Suzuki he would welcome a Japanese team on the grid and invited him to re-apply.
However, even if accepted by the FIA, Super Aguri's participation in next year's championship would require the agreement of the other 10 teams.
"Mr. Mosley kindly said on the phone we could apply once more, even though the cut-off line has passed," Suzuki's business partner Fumito Akita told Reuters.
"Mr. Mosley said he would welcome a Japanese team but the other teams have to say okay. That could be a little difficult."
The last new entrant was Toyota in 2002 when there were 11 teams. There have been 10 teams since Arrows folded during that season.
Akita feared the Super Aguri team could face considerable resistance from potential rivals in the Formula One paddock.
"Going from 10 teams to 11 teams means less TV income for each team," he said. "Finishing places would also be at stake. I don't know what level we would be racing at but some teams wouldn't want to be finishing behind us."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Renault confirm Kovalainen as third driver
December 2nd 2005, 15:05 GMT
Renault have confirmed that Heikki Kovalainen will be their third driver next season.
The GP2 front-runner will replace Franck Montagny, who will continue to test for the team until the end of the year before moving on.
"I am delighted to have been offered this opportunity by Renault," said Kovalainen. "I have already done some testing for the team, but I still have a lot to learn.
"This role will allow me to understand more about the team and how Formula One works while developing my driving and technical skills at this level. It is a privilege to be invited to join a championship-winning team, and I am determined to help Renault retain its world titles."
Renault boss Flavio Briatore, who told Autosport this week that Kovalainen was '90 percent' certain to race for Renault in 2007, added: " We are delighted to welcome Heikki to the team as our third driver for 2006.
"He has demonstrated that he is a talented, aggressive driver in the GP2 Series, and he has impressed our engineers during his tests with the team.
"The test driver's role will be crucial during 2006 as we develop our V8 engine through the season to defend the world championship. I am confident Heikki will make a valuable contribution to our success.
"Franck Montagny will continue testing for us until the end of 2005, and I want to pay tribute to his dedication and contribution during his time as test driver. His work with the test team played an important part in our championship victory, and we wish him well for the future."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Kovalainen 'likely' to race for Renault
December 2nd 2005, 11:58 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella looks almost certain to face a major battle to keep hold of his Renault seat beyond next year after team boss Flavio Briatore revealed it was '90 percent' certain Heikki Kovalainen will race for the outfit in 2007.
GP2 front-runner Kovalainen will be Renault's test driver next season after Briatore could not reach an agreement with BMW for a loan deal for the Finn to race at Sauber. BMW had wanted Kovalainen for two years, but Briatore only wanted to release him for a single season.
Briatore's insistence on keeping first-call on Kovalainen's services for 2007 is because he believes the Finn is a virtual shoe-in for a race drive at Renault then, where he would likely line-up alongside Fernando Alonso, despite the World Champion's contract running out at the end of next season.
Speaking to Autosport, Briatore said: "'Kovy' is going to drive for Renault next year and be our test driver.
"We have invested a lot in him and he is an asset that we have to look after. We want him to drive 30-40 thousand kilometers next year to be ready to race in 2007.
"It is 90 percent likely that will be with Renault, and 10 percent with another team."
Renault chairman Patrick Faure told autosport.com this week that Kovalainen would definitely be part of the French manufacturer's future plans.
"He is going to be with us in the coming years because he is a good and experienced driver," said Faure. "He has done a very good GP2 season and only lost the title at the last race. I think he will also be a very talented driver in the future."
When asked whether Renault would likely loan him out to a rival team in the future, Faure said: "No. For the moment we are happy with Fernando and Giancarlo.
"We have only one target, which is to win the world title, and we have a duty, Flavio and me, to pick the best drivers with which to be World Champion. We didn't miss this year."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Button: V8 enjoyable despite power loss
December 2nd 2005, 17:20 GMT
Briton Jenson Button says driving a V8-engined car is still enjoyable despite the loss of power.
Button tested the hybrid BAR car fitted with the Honda V8 engine for the first time in Barcelona today, and despite the rain hindering his progress he was still pleased with the power plant's performance.
The Honda driver, however, has warned that errors will be more costly than when the cars were powered by V10 units.
"I was not expecting so much so what I have done I am quite reasonably happy with," Button told autosport.com at the end of the test.
"It is the first time (testing the V8) and there is loss of power, but it is still enjoyable. It's not that bad, but it does cost you so much more when you make a mistake, it is so hard to get back the speed.
"The engine was reliable and there were no problems whatsoever. Before that I had done some 2004 aero work, and also on 2005. It was productive.
"It was a shame about the weather today but we still did traction control and throttle mapping, so it was not all wasted. I am quite happy with the work we have done."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Montagny: V8s to shift set-up focus
By Jonathan Noble December 2nd 2005, 12:16 GMT
The switch to V8 engines next year is likely to lead to a major shift in car design focus, claims Renault test driver Franck Montagny.
The Frenchman has been running a restricted V10 Renault engine this week, which simulates the power levels expected from next year's 2.4-litre power-units, and he claims that the different configuration will affect the chassis concept.
He believes teams will move their attention to getting the front of their cars working well, with recent focus having been on the rear.
"The engine is a central parameter in the chassis set-up," he said. "So any change has an impact, and that is what we have been working on this week.
"This year, with the V10, we were very much focused on the behaviour and wear at the rear of the car, because the high engine power meant that the rear tyres were working very hard in the high speed corners.
"Now though, with the restricted engine, we have seen that the rear is now less critical, and that we are concentrating more on the front end of the car to balance the car."
Although there is an estimated 20 percent power loss from V8 engines, compared to the V10s, Montagny still believes that the new engines will provide a challenge for drivers.
"At the start of 2005, when the new aero regulations were introduced, the drivers were all generally a bit disappointed because the cars were more sensitive and harder to drive, but as we brought out new developments through the year, we managed to develop a very quick car - and a quick car is always fun to drive," he said.
"The V10 will soon be forgotten, and the new regulations will certainly shuffle the pack a bit in terms of performance. What we need to do now is understand the demands of this new challenge faster, and better, than our rivals."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Davidson tops wet final day at Barcelona
December 2nd 2005, 16:46 GMT
A constant rain throughout most of the day hampered the final testing session of the week at the Barcelona circuit, where only three drivers completed significant running.
After the Toyota and McLaren teams decided to pack up early and leave the track, only Honda and Renault were left at the Spanish circuit.
Honda's test driver Anthony Davidson was the quickest on the three drivers on track at the wheel of the 007 chassis with a V10 engine. He was also the busiest man with 48 laps covered.
Teammate Jenson Button drove the hybrid car fitted with the V8 engine and finished over five seconds behind after only 23 laps.
Italian Giancarlo Fisichella returned to work following the end of the season, but had an unproductive day at the wheel of the R25 with the restricted V10 engine.
Nonetheless, he managed 44 laps as he tried to work on the car set-up to improve and adapt its handling in the new V8 power levels, with two of the 10 cylinders of his engine not working.
"It was just a bit too wet," Fisichella told autosport.com. "I felt loss of potential in the V8, and the set-up was not that great, but it was important to feel the difference.
"I did feel the loss of power and next time I drive it will be the new car in January so I know more or less what to expect. Hopefully it will be better than this."
Test driver Franck Montagny did not drive today owing to the bad weather conditions that would have prevented him from doing making productive progress.
"It was impossible to learn anything today because of the very bad and cold conditions," said Renault's chief test engineer Christian Silk. "Anyway we ran as we could because we wanted Giancarlo to acclimatize himself to the car and especially to the new power output.
"It helped him to have feelings of the engine changes and he got some understanding of the different chassis set-ups."
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Davidson Honda (M) 1:25.542 48
2. Button Honda (M) 1:30.807 23
3. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:30.854 44[/QUOTE]
[i]**added new article**[/i]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/53059609/large.jpg[/IMG]
| meebs | 12-02-2005 01:32 PM |
Kovalinen vs. Raikkonen in 2008. ;)
| TimStevens | 12-02-2005 01:33 PM |
[QUOTE=meebs]Kovalinen vs. Raikkonen in 2008. ;)[/QUOTE]
:banana: Can't wait!
:banana: Can't wait!
| Ferg | 12-02-2005 01:34 PM |
Don't forget about Rosberg. It's going to be a Finnish battle royale. :D
| artkevin | 12-02-2005 02:36 PM |
Rosberg is German by nationality but Finnish by descent.
| Ferg | 12-02-2005 02:44 PM |
eh, close enough for me.
He's got Keke's genes so that makes him a Finn in my book.
:D
He's got Keke's genes so that makes him a Finn in my book.
:D
| parker/slc/gc8fan | 12-02-2005 02:45 PM |
Way to go Ferg on the updates.
I'm glad to see testing this year is so "out in the open" compared to years past.
I'm glad to see testing this year is so "out in the open" compared to years past.
| Ferg | 12-02-2005 03:01 PM |
Thanks. I'm trying to keep up with all the news, it keeps me occupied until next year and you all seem to appreciate it. :)
Here's a little story...
[QUOTE]Williams sell GP collection
December 2nd 2005, 15:42 GMT
Williams have cancelled a sale of Formula One memorabilia, including cars driven by champions Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill, after an anonymous private collector bought everything on offer.
Auctioneers Bonhams said the collector had paid a substantial sum.
More than 20 cars and 150 lots of parts and memorabilia had been due to go under the hammer at Williams' Grove factory in England on Dec. 14.
They included the car driven by Briton Mansell in the first five races of 1992, his championship-winning season, along with Hill's FW18 machine.
Other items included the front wishbone from Hill's 1994 FW16B, damaged in a notorious collision with Benetton's Michael Schumacher at the Australian Grand Prix, and the race suit worn by Canadian Jacques Villeneuve when he won the title in 1997. [/QUOTE]
So how big of a check do you think it was?
Here's a little story...
[QUOTE]Williams sell GP collection
December 2nd 2005, 15:42 GMT
Williams have cancelled a sale of Formula One memorabilia, including cars driven by champions Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill, after an anonymous private collector bought everything on offer.
Auctioneers Bonhams said the collector had paid a substantial sum.
More than 20 cars and 150 lots of parts and memorabilia had been due to go under the hammer at Williams' Grove factory in England on Dec. 14.
They included the car driven by Briton Mansell in the first five races of 1992, his championship-winning season, along with Hill's FW18 machine.
Other items included the front wishbone from Hill's 1994 FW16B, damaged in a notorious collision with Benetton's Michael Schumacher at the Australian Grand Prix, and the race suit worn by Canadian Jacques Villeneuve when he won the title in 1997. [/QUOTE]
So how big of a check do you think it was?
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét