| TimStevens | 01-26-2006 10:05 AM |
Red Bull is going to kick ass next year... I hope they don't drop DC before then.
| artkevin | 01-26-2006 10:21 AM |
I think if you can say one thing about Red Bull is that they are loyal. They seem to stick to what they like for a long long time. I mean Speed has been with the org. for something like 4 years. Klien for longer then that. I think DC will have a place at RB for a long time to come. Maybe not as a driver but his input seems to be very valued.
| TimStevens | 01-26-2006 10:30 AM |
Oh, I'm sure, but I want to see him win behind the wheel not behind the pit wall :)
| StuBeck | 01-26-2006 10:42 AM |
The new car looks like years ahead of the old one, I really hope they do well, especially considering the case mod project I'm doing.
| Ferg | 01-26-2006 11:41 AM |
Barcelona Day Four.
[QUOTE]Massa quickest again with F2004
January 26th 2006, 16:33 GMT
The Ferrari team continued to top the times in testing at the Barcelona circuit as Felipe Massa posted the quickest time of the day in the old F2004 car.
But it was Brazilian Rubens Barrichello who shone in the new Honda RA106, setting the quickest time of those driving V8-engined cars.
Barrichello just edged Italian Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella by 0.004 seconds as several drivers ran with their times closely matched at the Spanish track. Barrichello led a group of eight cars split by less than one second.
Massa was the only man capable of lapping in less than 76 seconds, but the Ferrari driver was at the wheel of the F2004 car, although powered by a V8 engine.
Ferrari's new 248 F1 machine tested alongside its rivals for the first time after being launched last Tuesday, with Michael Schumacher doing the driving. The German seven-time champion managed 78 laps with the new car.
BMW also had an encouraging day, with Nick Heidfeld placing the new F1.06 in fourth position on the timesheets, less than two tenths behind Barrichello.
Both Heidfeld and teammate Robert Kubica, driving the hybrid car, focused mainly on tyre testing while the Polish test driver also continued acclimatising to the demands of Formula One cars.
Fisichella and teammate Fernando Alonso ran different programmes today, the Italian completing shorter stints while the World Champion carried out a Grand Prix simulation, with pitstops included.
Despite a spin, the Spaniard had a very good day's work and covered 109 laps.
David Coulthard gave his Red Bull team something to smile about after finishing around half a second behind Barrichello, but the Scot covered just 43 laps as the team worked on trying to solve their cooling problems.
Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher were ninth and tenth quickest as the Japanese squad worked on a massive tyre testing programme for Bridgestone.
Kimi Raikkonen finally got back to work after 102 days outside the cockpit of his McLaren, but the Finn and his team did not enjoy a very good day, finishing at the bottom of the times.
Raikkonen, who spent a long time in this pits while his mechanics worked on the new MP4-21, covered 65 laps on his way to the 12th quickest time of the day.
His teammate Pedro de la Rosa, meanwhile, was slowest in the MP4-20 after his Mercedes engine let go early in the session.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:15.970 73
2. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:16.361 66
3. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:16.365 68
4. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:16.549 89
5. Button Honda (M) 1:16.739 81
6. Alonso Renault (M) 1:16.754 109
7. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:16.885 43
8. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:16.907 78
9. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:17.250 85
10. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:17.506 71
11. Liuzzi Toro Rosso (M) 1:17.590 93
12. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.741 65
13. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:17.992 93
14. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.258 47
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Massa quickest again with F2004
January 26th 2006, 16:33 GMT
The Ferrari team continued to top the times in testing at the Barcelona circuit as Felipe Massa posted the quickest time of the day in the old F2004 car.
But it was Brazilian Rubens Barrichello who shone in the new Honda RA106, setting the quickest time of those driving V8-engined cars.
Barrichello just edged Italian Renault driver Giancarlo Fisichella by 0.004 seconds as several drivers ran with their times closely matched at the Spanish track. Barrichello led a group of eight cars split by less than one second.
Massa was the only man capable of lapping in less than 76 seconds, but the Ferrari driver was at the wheel of the F2004 car, although powered by a V8 engine.
Ferrari's new 248 F1 machine tested alongside its rivals for the first time after being launched last Tuesday, with Michael Schumacher doing the driving. The German seven-time champion managed 78 laps with the new car.
BMW also had an encouraging day, with Nick Heidfeld placing the new F1.06 in fourth position on the timesheets, less than two tenths behind Barrichello.
Both Heidfeld and teammate Robert Kubica, driving the hybrid car, focused mainly on tyre testing while the Polish test driver also continued acclimatising to the demands of Formula One cars.
Fisichella and teammate Fernando Alonso ran different programmes today, the Italian completing shorter stints while the World Champion carried out a Grand Prix simulation, with pitstops included.
Despite a spin, the Spaniard had a very good day's work and covered 109 laps.
David Coulthard gave his Red Bull team something to smile about after finishing around half a second behind Barrichello, but the Scot covered just 43 laps as the team worked on trying to solve their cooling problems.
Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher were ninth and tenth quickest as the Japanese squad worked on a massive tyre testing programme for Bridgestone.
Kimi Raikkonen finally got back to work after 102 days outside the cockpit of his McLaren, but the Finn and his team did not enjoy a very good day, finishing at the bottom of the times.
Raikkonen, who spent a long time in this pits while his mechanics worked on the new MP4-21, covered 65 laps on his way to the 12th quickest time of the day.
His teammate Pedro de la Rosa, meanwhile, was slowest in the MP4-20 after his Mercedes engine let go early in the session.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:15.970 73
2. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:16.361 66
3. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:16.365 68
4. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:16.549 89
5. Button Honda (M) 1:16.739 81
6. Alonso Renault (M) 1:16.754 109
7. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:16.885 43
8. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:16.907 78
9. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:17.250 85
10. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:17.506 71
11. Liuzzi Toro Rosso (M) 1:17.590 93
12. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:17.741 65
13. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:17.992 93
14. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.258 47
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 01-26-2006 12:06 PM |
Finally!
SUPER AGURI GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
Last Updated: Thursday, 26, January, 2006, 16:59
Super Aguri F1 has won its battle to compete in the 2006 Formula 1 world championship after the FIA confirmed its late entry on Thursday afternoon.
The team has faced an anxious wait since before Christmas after it was denied an initial entry because it did not provide the necessary paperwork.
The FIA then granted permission to Japanese former F1 racer Aguri Suzuki to seek a late entry, which gave him time to come up with the necessary $US48m bond to secure a place on the grid.
Suzuki also required unanimous support from the 10 rival teams in order for the FIA to able to consider a late entry possible.
An FIA spokesman confirmed that all the necessary requirements had been met and that Super Aguri has been given the green light to become F1's 11th team.
This marks the first time since 2002 that there have more than 20 cars in the field.
SUPER AGURI GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
Last Updated: Thursday, 26, January, 2006, 16:59
Super Aguri F1 has won its battle to compete in the 2006 Formula 1 world championship after the FIA confirmed its late entry on Thursday afternoon.
The team has faced an anxious wait since before Christmas after it was denied an initial entry because it did not provide the necessary paperwork.
The FIA then granted permission to Japanese former F1 racer Aguri Suzuki to seek a late entry, which gave him time to come up with the necessary $US48m bond to secure a place on the grid.
Suzuki also required unanimous support from the 10 rival teams in order for the FIA to able to consider a late entry possible.
An FIA spokesman confirmed that all the necessary requirements had been met and that Super Aguri has been given the green light to become F1's 11th team.
This marks the first time since 2002 that there have more than 20 cars in the field.
| Ferg | 01-26-2006 12:22 PM |
It's about time...
So we can finally add them to the line up. Anyone recall if they were due to run Michelins or Bridgestones and wheter or not a new team is allowed to run a third car on Friday?
[QUOTE] Who's driving for who and other what's what...
[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)
[B]Honda RA106 (M) +[/B]
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[B]Red Bull RB2 Ferrari (M) +[/B]
13 David Coulthard (GB)
14 Christian Klien (AU)
[B]BMW Sauber F1.06 (M) +[/B]
15 Nick Heidfeld (D)
16 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[B]MF1 Racing M16 Toyota (B) + [/B]
17 Tiago Monteiro (P)
18 Christijan Albers (NL)
[B]Scuderia Toro Rosso Cosworth (M) +[/B]
19 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
20 Scott Speed (USA)
[B]Super Aguri Racing Honda[/B]
21 TBA Takuma Sato* (JPN)
22 TBA Yuji Ide* (JPN)
* unconfirmed but expected
[/QUOTE]
So we can finally add them to the line up. Anyone recall if they were due to run Michelins or Bridgestones and wheter or not a new team is allowed to run a third car on Friday?
[QUOTE] Who's driving for who and other what's what...
[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)
[B]Honda RA106 (M) +[/B]
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[B]Red Bull RB2 Ferrari (M) +[/B]
13 David Coulthard (GB)
14 Christian Klien (AU)
[B]BMW Sauber F1.06 (M) +[/B]
15 Nick Heidfeld (D)
16 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[B]MF1 Racing M16 Toyota (B) + [/B]
17 Tiago Monteiro (P)
18 Christijan Albers (NL)
[B]Scuderia Toro Rosso Cosworth (M) +[/B]
19 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
20 Scott Speed (USA)
[B]Super Aguri Racing Honda[/B]
21 TBA Takuma Sato* (JPN)
22 TBA Yuji Ide* (JPN)
* unconfirmed but expected
[/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 01-26-2006 12:32 PM |
Scuderia Toro Rosso has confirmed Luizzi and Speed btw. And REd Bull has confirmed Klien.
| Ferg | 01-26-2006 12:34 PM |
Right on, I must have missed that. Updated. Thanks Stu :)
| artkevin | 01-26-2006 12:38 PM |
Did you type that list out Ferg?!?!
I always assumed you were pulling that off of another website.
I can't find anything as of yet for tires or 3rd cars. I don't know if they will be able to afford or build a 3rd car yet.
I always assumed you were pulling that off of another website.
I can't find anything as of yet for tires or 3rd cars. I don't know if they will be able to afford or build a 3rd car yet.
| driggity | 01-26-2006 12:38 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Some common themes can be seen like the chimenys and flipups on all the side pods.[/QUOTE]
Theres even a good amount of difference in the design of the flipups (assuming you mean the things in front of the rear tires). McLaren and Renault with two elements on theirs, Renault and Honda with a lower one as well, and BMW seems to have theirs mounted higher on the sidepod but that could just be because of the shape of the body. I love seeing all the different designs that attempt to accomplish the same task.
I really like the look of the McLaren other than the nose, but I think I'd like the BMW the best if it didn't have those damn mini wings on the front of the front wing.
Theres even a good amount of difference in the design of the flipups (assuming you mean the things in front of the rear tires). McLaren and Renault with two elements on theirs, Renault and Honda with a lower one as well, and BMW seems to have theirs mounted higher on the sidepod but that could just be because of the shape of the body. I love seeing all the different designs that attempt to accomplish the same task.
I really like the look of the McLaren other than the nose, but I think I'd like the BMW the best if it didn't have those damn mini wings on the front of the front wing.
| Dussander | 01-26-2006 12:59 PM |
You can view the tests at Catalunya live if you go here:
[url]http://aplicacions.circuitcat.com/tempsonline/pagines/EntrenamentsF1.asp?Idioma=2[/url]
The time change makes it a bit difficult to be up early enough to actually watch it live, but the lap by lap break down per driver is cool.
The pace of the McLarens worry me. Supposedly way down on the straights compared to others.
[url]http://aplicacions.circuitcat.com/tempsonline/pagines/EntrenamentsF1.asp?Idioma=2[/url]
The time change makes it a bit difficult to be up early enough to actually watch it live, but the lap by lap break down per driver is cool.
The pace of the McLarens worry me. Supposedly way down on the straights compared to others.
| Ferg | 01-26-2006 01:01 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Did you type that list out Ferg?!?!
I always assumed you were pulling that off of another website.
I can't find anything as of yet for tires or 3rd cars. I don't know if they will be able to afford or build a 3rd car yet.[/QUOTE]
It's just something I put together when I started this thread using what was out there, updating it as more and more information came out. It always helps me to get a grasp on the coming season when everything is put down on paper.
I didn't figure Aguri had the cash for a third car, not if they're paying Stoddart for the museum piece Arrows while trying to get a brand new car on the grid by mid-season...I don't envy their work load.
I always assumed you were pulling that off of another website.
I can't find anything as of yet for tires or 3rd cars. I don't know if they will be able to afford or build a 3rd car yet.[/QUOTE]
It's just something I put together when I started this thread using what was out there, updating it as more and more information came out. It always helps me to get a grasp on the coming season when everything is put down on paper.
I didn't figure Aguri had the cash for a third car, not if they're paying Stoddart for the museum piece Arrows while trying to get a brand new car on the grid by mid-season...I don't envy their work load.
| Ferg | 01-26-2006 01:05 PM |
More Aguri news.
[QUOTE]Aguri thankful to F1 teams
By Alan Baldwin January 26th 2006, 17:42 GMT
Super Aguri team principal Aguri Suzuki was thankful after his new squad were given the green light to compete in the 2006 Formula One Championship.
Formula One will have 11 teams this season after the sport's governing body confirmed Super Aguri as a new entrant.
The arrival of the Honda-powered team, whose application was initially rejected after a $48 million bond was not paid by a November deadline, puts 22 cars on the starting grid for the first time since the demise of Arrows in late 2002.
The last newcomer, in a sport with several top teams spending well in excess of $200 million a year, was Japanese car giant Toyota in 2002.
"I am thankful for the support we received from all of the other F1 teams and we look forward to seeing them soon," Aguri said in a statement.
"Our team members are doing their best to make sure that we are on the grid in Bahrain - and I am confident that we will make it," he added.
Super Aguri have taken over the old Arrows factory in central England and are racing against time to be ready for the start of the season on March 12.
They have yet to name any race drivers, although one of the two is certain to be Japan's Takuma Sato after he was dropped last year by BAR - now renamed as Honda Racing F1.
Suzuki, who started 88 Grands Prix and was the first Japanese to stand on the Formula One podium, said last year his goal was to build a team that Sato would want to drive for. A number of other Japanese drivers have been linked to the fledgling team and Suzuki said an announcement would be made soon.
Honda's British test driver Anthony Davidson could be an eventual option, although Honda want him as their Friday tester at Grand Prix weekends.
Super Aguri are working on a new car but intend to start the season with old Arrows bought from ex-Minardi boss Paul Stoddart. Japan's Bridgestone have been approached for tyres.
"Of course we do not expect to be on the pace straight away," team managing director Daniele Audetto said in a statement last month. "We will use the first GPs to train the team before our definitive car reaches the track."
Honda are providing the engines but are otherwise concentrating on their own team.
"They share an engine...but at the moment we are focused on what we need to do, which is to do the best that we possibly can and we cannot have massive diversion from that," Honda team boss Nick Fry told reporters in Barcelona on Wednesday.
Suzuki has in any case ruled out being a Honda 'B' team.
"We are a Japanese team, that's very important," he told reporters in November. "But we aren't Honda's B team by any means. Our goal is to have the Japanese 'rising sun' raised above the podium." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Analysis: F1 looks healthier with Aguri
By Alan Baldwin January 26th 2006, 17:49 GMT
For the first time since 2002, when Arrows followed Prost onto the scrapheap, Formula One will have 22 cars on the starting grid after Super Aguri's confirmation as the 11th team.
More could follow before long, even if commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone insists that 12 teams is the maximum permissable.
International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley believes there are three or four more interested parties out there.
"If we manage to reduce the costs, to $100 million to $120 million, for a reasonable budget, they will come," he told French newspaper L'Equipe recently.
Penske Racing, who won the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix with Briton John Watson, have been mentioned while former Benetton and BAR boss David Richards's name keeps on cropping up.
Austrian Gerhard Berger, the former racer and ex-BMW motorsport director, is another interested party according to media reports.
Mosley, ever the astute politician, has an obvious interest in talking up would-be participants at a time when the governing body and leading carmakers are fighting over the sport's commercial future.
Five manufacturers, four of whom own teams outright, are threatening a rival series from 2008 while five teams have agreed to extend the existing agreement with Ecclestone.
The FIA has, meanwhile, published rule changes for 2008 designed to encourage 'independent' teams.
Billionaire Owners
Despite the political uncertainty, and most people expect a deal to prevent any split, Formula One teams look more financially stable than they have in years.
Two years ago the picture was very different. Ford's decision to quit and sell both Jaguar and engine maker Cosworth in 2004 sent a tremor through the sport, with Jordan left without an engine and Minardi in serious difficulties.
There was a sense of crisis, with fears that a domino effect could reduce the grid to seven or eight teams.
Since then, Dietrich Mateschitz's Red Bull energy drink company has bought both Jaguar and Minardi while Toyota provided engines to Jordan, now Midland under the ownership of Russian-born businessman Alex Shnaider.
Mateschitz and Shnaider operate on another level to entrepreneurs like Eddie Jordan or Minardi's Paul Stoddart.
The Austrian is worth at least $2 billion, according to Forbes' list of the world's richest people, while Midland owner Shnaider weighs in at $1.4 billion.
Doubts remain about champions Renault, with Fernando Alonso's move to McLaren for 2007 prompting new speculation that the French carmaker could leave in two years' time, but others have waded in deeper.
Honda have bought BAR and are helping Super Aguri with engines while BMW have taken over Sauber.
McLaren F1 managing director Martin Whitmarsh said this week that Mercedes, who own 40 percent of his team, were more committed than ever.
"The level of interest in McLaren from Mercedes-Benz is higher than it has ever been on all fronts and I think there is absolutely and clearly a commitment to being in F1 for a long time," said Whitmarsh.
Bahrain Deadline
The fact that Super Aguri managed to win over all 10 teams to let them compete after missing the November deadline to post a $48 million bond also shows how much the climate has changed.
Ecclestone did much of the arm-twisting but even he has struggled in the past to sway bosses who rarely agree anything unanimously.
Super Aguri now have a race to be ready for the season-opener in Bahrain on March 12.
The Honda-powered team have an interim car, after buying chassis and intellectual property rights to the 2002 Arrows from Stoddart, and intend to run their own after the first three long-haul races.
"In 2001 we had to build an entirely new car, which they don't," said Stoddart, recalling a similar battle he faced after buying Minardi in 2001. "We did it in six weeks and three days...it won't be easy but I'm sure they will achieve it.
"It's no different to what Jordan had to do last year when they ran what was predominantly the 2004 car and had to put a Toyota engine in it," the Australian told Reuters.
The headache for organisers now is how to squeeze 11 teams into the pits and paddock at races like Australia, Monaco and Brazil's Interlagos where space is limited. [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Aguri thankful to F1 teams
By Alan Baldwin January 26th 2006, 17:42 GMT
Super Aguri team principal Aguri Suzuki was thankful after his new squad were given the green light to compete in the 2006 Formula One Championship.
Formula One will have 11 teams this season after the sport's governing body confirmed Super Aguri as a new entrant.
The arrival of the Honda-powered team, whose application was initially rejected after a $48 million bond was not paid by a November deadline, puts 22 cars on the starting grid for the first time since the demise of Arrows in late 2002.
The last newcomer, in a sport with several top teams spending well in excess of $200 million a year, was Japanese car giant Toyota in 2002.
"I am thankful for the support we received from all of the other F1 teams and we look forward to seeing them soon," Aguri said in a statement.
"Our team members are doing their best to make sure that we are on the grid in Bahrain - and I am confident that we will make it," he added.
Super Aguri have taken over the old Arrows factory in central England and are racing against time to be ready for the start of the season on March 12.
They have yet to name any race drivers, although one of the two is certain to be Japan's Takuma Sato after he was dropped last year by BAR - now renamed as Honda Racing F1.
Suzuki, who started 88 Grands Prix and was the first Japanese to stand on the Formula One podium, said last year his goal was to build a team that Sato would want to drive for. A number of other Japanese drivers have been linked to the fledgling team and Suzuki said an announcement would be made soon.
Honda's British test driver Anthony Davidson could be an eventual option, although Honda want him as their Friday tester at Grand Prix weekends.
Super Aguri are working on a new car but intend to start the season with old Arrows bought from ex-Minardi boss Paul Stoddart. Japan's Bridgestone have been approached for tyres.
"Of course we do not expect to be on the pace straight away," team managing director Daniele Audetto said in a statement last month. "We will use the first GPs to train the team before our definitive car reaches the track."
Honda are providing the engines but are otherwise concentrating on their own team.
"They share an engine...but at the moment we are focused on what we need to do, which is to do the best that we possibly can and we cannot have massive diversion from that," Honda team boss Nick Fry told reporters in Barcelona on Wednesday.
Suzuki has in any case ruled out being a Honda 'B' team.
"We are a Japanese team, that's very important," he told reporters in November. "But we aren't Honda's B team by any means. Our goal is to have the Japanese 'rising sun' raised above the podium." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Analysis: F1 looks healthier with Aguri
By Alan Baldwin January 26th 2006, 17:49 GMT
For the first time since 2002, when Arrows followed Prost onto the scrapheap, Formula One will have 22 cars on the starting grid after Super Aguri's confirmation as the 11th team.
More could follow before long, even if commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone insists that 12 teams is the maximum permissable.
International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley believes there are three or four more interested parties out there.
"If we manage to reduce the costs, to $100 million to $120 million, for a reasonable budget, they will come," he told French newspaper L'Equipe recently.
Penske Racing, who won the 1976 Austrian Grand Prix with Briton John Watson, have been mentioned while former Benetton and BAR boss David Richards's name keeps on cropping up.
Austrian Gerhard Berger, the former racer and ex-BMW motorsport director, is another interested party according to media reports.
Mosley, ever the astute politician, has an obvious interest in talking up would-be participants at a time when the governing body and leading carmakers are fighting over the sport's commercial future.
Five manufacturers, four of whom own teams outright, are threatening a rival series from 2008 while five teams have agreed to extend the existing agreement with Ecclestone.
The FIA has, meanwhile, published rule changes for 2008 designed to encourage 'independent' teams.
Billionaire Owners
Despite the political uncertainty, and most people expect a deal to prevent any split, Formula One teams look more financially stable than they have in years.
Two years ago the picture was very different. Ford's decision to quit and sell both Jaguar and engine maker Cosworth in 2004 sent a tremor through the sport, with Jordan left without an engine and Minardi in serious difficulties.
There was a sense of crisis, with fears that a domino effect could reduce the grid to seven or eight teams.
Since then, Dietrich Mateschitz's Red Bull energy drink company has bought both Jaguar and Minardi while Toyota provided engines to Jordan, now Midland under the ownership of Russian-born businessman Alex Shnaider.
Mateschitz and Shnaider operate on another level to entrepreneurs like Eddie Jordan or Minardi's Paul Stoddart.
The Austrian is worth at least $2 billion, according to Forbes' list of the world's richest people, while Midland owner Shnaider weighs in at $1.4 billion.
Doubts remain about champions Renault, with Fernando Alonso's move to McLaren for 2007 prompting new speculation that the French carmaker could leave in two years' time, but others have waded in deeper.
Honda have bought BAR and are helping Super Aguri with engines while BMW have taken over Sauber.
McLaren F1 managing director Martin Whitmarsh said this week that Mercedes, who own 40 percent of his team, were more committed than ever.
"The level of interest in McLaren from Mercedes-Benz is higher than it has ever been on all fronts and I think there is absolutely and clearly a commitment to being in F1 for a long time," said Whitmarsh.
Bahrain Deadline
The fact that Super Aguri managed to win over all 10 teams to let them compete after missing the November deadline to post a $48 million bond also shows how much the climate has changed.
Ecclestone did much of the arm-twisting but even he has struggled in the past to sway bosses who rarely agree anything unanimously.
Super Aguri now have a race to be ready for the season-opener in Bahrain on March 12.
The Honda-powered team have an interim car, after buying chassis and intellectual property rights to the 2002 Arrows from Stoddart, and intend to run their own after the first three long-haul races.
"In 2001 we had to build an entirely new car, which they don't," said Stoddart, recalling a similar battle he faced after buying Minardi in 2001. "We did it in six weeks and three days...it won't be easy but I'm sure they will achieve it.
"It's no different to what Jordan had to do last year when they ran what was predominantly the 2004 car and had to put a Toyota engine in it," the Australian told Reuters.
The headache for organisers now is how to squeeze 11 teams into the pits and paddock at races like Australia, Monaco and Brazil's Interlagos where space is limited. [/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 01-27-2006 09:52 AM |
FW28 is out. I like the look of it. Has the same low slung nose as the BMW Sauber but gets a little twistier as you go back in the car.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55409.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55404.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55402.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55409.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55404.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55402.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 01-27-2006 09:54 AM |
No testing today...canned due to snow.
[QUOTE]Barcelona test called off
January 27th 2006, 13:40 GMT
The final day of this week's testing at the Barcelona circuit was called off after snow and rain hit the track and made it impossible for the teams to carry out any work.
Toyota, Honda, McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull were scheduled to work at the Spanish circuit today.
Track conditions, however, made testing useless and one by one the teams packed up and left the circuit to start preparing next week's test at Valencia.
A few drivers ventured out to the track early in the morning, but none set a time.
The Valencia test begins on Monday.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams launch the FW28
January 27th 2006, 14:31 GMT
The Williams team unveiled their new challenger for the 2006 season on Friday, the Grove-based squad hoping it will help them return to the top.
The FW28 will be powered by a Cosworth engine after Williams ended their partnership with BMW last season.
The new car features a completely revised suspension to help adjust to Bridgestone tyres after Williams switched to the Japanese manufacturer this year.
It also features an aggressive barbed sting on the back of the engine cover.
The new car progresses the cascaded front wing that the team used in the final two races of 2005.
Williams technical director Sam Michael said the expectations on the new car are high.
"The FW28 has a lot resting on its shoulders and it must re-establish Williams at the sharp end," said Michael. "There are many good teams in Formula One now and how to beat them is simple - design a faster car.
"The FW28 has been a large departure from previous Williams' designs due in part to new aerodynamic efficiency targets, but also the mechanical challenges of changing to Bridgestone tyres and Cosworth's V8 engine. It has been a really interesting car to design and I believe that will continue to be the case during its development in 2006."
Williams co-founder Patrick Head added: "I'm expecting it to make a difference. I am expecting to win races."
The car will test for the first time at the Valencia circuit on January 31.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams confirm Karthikeyan
January 27th 2006, 09:37 GMT
Williams have confirmed Narain Karthikeyan as their fourth driver this season.
The Indian driver, who made his Formula One debut last season with the Jordan team, will test for Williams but he will not drive in Friday practice of Grand Prix weekends - a role reserved for the experienced Alex Wurz.
"Narain's brief period in the car in December, during which he provided valuable feedback, made a very distinct impression on our engineers," Frank Williams commented.
"Having a year's GP racing and testing to his credit is also advantageous for us, so I am pleased we can now formally confirm his appointment to the team."
Karthikeyan himself added: "It has taken some while to resolve what I would be doing for 2006, but having tested for Williams late last year, joining the team was the best option for me and I am delighted that we can finally confirm this today.
"I am looking forward to testing the FW28 and making a contribution to Williams' competitiveness this season."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri to begin testing next month
By Biranit Goren January 27th 2006, 09:26 GMT
Super Aguri will begin testing next month, when they join the other Formula One teams at the Barcelona circuit in Spain.
The newly announced Japanese outfit were confirmed yesterday as the 11th team for the 2006 championship, and with less than six weeks to go before the team show up in Bahrain for the first round, Super Aguri have much work cut out for them.
The first priority is getting the cars ready. Super Aguri have bought the 2002 Arrows chassis from former Minardi owner Paul Stoddart, and they plan to run the old machines in the first few rounds of the season.
At the same time, the technical staff at the Leafield factory are working on a brand new car, with the hope of seeing it make a racing debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in May.
The second priority is signing up sponsors and suppliers, as well as filling in the drivers' line-up.
So far, Honda have committed to support Super Aguri, at the very least with engine supply. The team are also negotiating at the moment with Bridgestone for a tyre supply.
Honda's protege, Takuma Sato, is certain for the lead driver role. The two other seats - of the second racing driver and the test driver - remain open, and a team spokeswoman said there are a few candidates for these roles.
She also told autosport.com Super Aguri will make their testing debut at Barcelona, on February 21. An official launch is not planned at the moment, and will most likely take place in Bahrain, ahead of the Grand Prix.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Raikkonen worried about Mercedes form
By Pablo Elizalde January 27th 2006, 10:58 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen, yesterdayMcLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen says engine supplier Mercedes has a lot of work to do before the start of the season if the team are to be competitive.
The Finn returned to work on Thursday, driving for the first time since the 2005 season ended more than 100 days ago.
Raikkonen joined his team at the Barcelona circuit and took to the track with the new MP4-21 car, which was unveiled last Monday.
The McLaren driver, however, did not enjoy a good day, spending a lot of time in the pits and finishing as 12th quickest.
The team's test driver Pedro de la Rosa finished at the bottom of the times after suffering an engine blow-up.
"It is the first time I was driving, and it was okay, but we still have work to do," Raikkonen told autosport.com at the end of the day.
"I was expecting nothing before I came, so I knew we have issues with certain stuff, but we are going to get there and there is going to be some improvement.
"The biggest part of the problem is the engine, but like I said, things are happening so in the coming weeks we will improve it."
When asked how many races will McLaren need to be more competitive, Raikkonen said: "I do not know, you ask Mercedes.
"They are not where they should be and they need to improve. On the engine side we have a lot of work to do."
Although Raikkonen admitted he was worried about their form, last year's runner-up was hoping the team would be able to make progress before the start of the season.
"We have been testing for a long time but we have not been able to make progress," he added. "It [the engine] is definitely our weakest link now, but improvement is coming.
"It is the first time I am in the car. I know there is a lot of work to do but they are improving, and I know what is coming. I am slightly worried but not too much. Sure I can expect more but now we'll wait for a proper engine and we'll see."
Despite the problems, however, Raikkonen was happy to finally return to work.
"It's nice to come back but of course when you come back you would rather see yourself fast, but it is always nice to come back."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Raikkonen to decide on future soon
By Pablo Elizalde January 27th 2006, 11:36 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen says he will decide on his future soon and claims that Fernando Alonso arriving at McLaren will not influence his decision.
Raikkonen's contract with McLaren ends at the end of this season and the Finn has been linked with a move to Ferrari in 2007.
McLaren have already announced they have signed World Champion Alonso for 2007 but it is not yet known who will partner him.
Raikkonen says Alonso's arrival will not influence a decision on his future.
"It is nothing to do with who my teammate is, it is if I want to stay or not," the Finn told autosport.com. "For me it does not matter. I do not care who my teammate is. It does not matter if it is him or someone else."
The McLaren driver said he has set no date to make a decision but reckons it will have to be sooner rather than later.
"I do not have any date but it cannot go on for too long. At some point everyone needs to make a decision," he said.
Raikkonen also said there was still a possibility he will want to partner Alonso next year, but admitted leaving McLaren was also possible.
"Everything is possible but I have not decided what I want to to do."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Barcelona test called off
January 27th 2006, 13:40 GMT
The final day of this week's testing at the Barcelona circuit was called off after snow and rain hit the track and made it impossible for the teams to carry out any work.
Toyota, Honda, McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and Red Bull were scheduled to work at the Spanish circuit today.
Track conditions, however, made testing useless and one by one the teams packed up and left the circuit to start preparing next week's test at Valencia.
A few drivers ventured out to the track early in the morning, but none set a time.
The Valencia test begins on Monday.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams launch the FW28
January 27th 2006, 14:31 GMT
The Williams team unveiled their new challenger for the 2006 season on Friday, the Grove-based squad hoping it will help them return to the top.
The FW28 will be powered by a Cosworth engine after Williams ended their partnership with BMW last season.
The new car features a completely revised suspension to help adjust to Bridgestone tyres after Williams switched to the Japanese manufacturer this year.
It also features an aggressive barbed sting on the back of the engine cover.
The new car progresses the cascaded front wing that the team used in the final two races of 2005.
Williams technical director Sam Michael said the expectations on the new car are high.
"The FW28 has a lot resting on its shoulders and it must re-establish Williams at the sharp end," said Michael. "There are many good teams in Formula One now and how to beat them is simple - design a faster car.
"The FW28 has been a large departure from previous Williams' designs due in part to new aerodynamic efficiency targets, but also the mechanical challenges of changing to Bridgestone tyres and Cosworth's V8 engine. It has been a really interesting car to design and I believe that will continue to be the case during its development in 2006."
Williams co-founder Patrick Head added: "I'm expecting it to make a difference. I am expecting to win races."
The car will test for the first time at the Valencia circuit on January 31.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams confirm Karthikeyan
January 27th 2006, 09:37 GMT
Williams have confirmed Narain Karthikeyan as their fourth driver this season.
The Indian driver, who made his Formula One debut last season with the Jordan team, will test for Williams but he will not drive in Friday practice of Grand Prix weekends - a role reserved for the experienced Alex Wurz.
"Narain's brief period in the car in December, during which he provided valuable feedback, made a very distinct impression on our engineers," Frank Williams commented.
"Having a year's GP racing and testing to his credit is also advantageous for us, so I am pleased we can now formally confirm his appointment to the team."
Karthikeyan himself added: "It has taken some while to resolve what I would be doing for 2006, but having tested for Williams late last year, joining the team was the best option for me and I am delighted that we can finally confirm this today.
"I am looking forward to testing the FW28 and making a contribution to Williams' competitiveness this season."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri to begin testing next month
By Biranit Goren January 27th 2006, 09:26 GMT
Super Aguri will begin testing next month, when they join the other Formula One teams at the Barcelona circuit in Spain.
The newly announced Japanese outfit were confirmed yesterday as the 11th team for the 2006 championship, and with less than six weeks to go before the team show up in Bahrain for the first round, Super Aguri have much work cut out for them.
The first priority is getting the cars ready. Super Aguri have bought the 2002 Arrows chassis from former Minardi owner Paul Stoddart, and they plan to run the old machines in the first few rounds of the season.
At the same time, the technical staff at the Leafield factory are working on a brand new car, with the hope of seeing it make a racing debut at the Spanish Grand Prix in May.
The second priority is signing up sponsors and suppliers, as well as filling in the drivers' line-up.
So far, Honda have committed to support Super Aguri, at the very least with engine supply. The team are also negotiating at the moment with Bridgestone for a tyre supply.
Honda's protege, Takuma Sato, is certain for the lead driver role. The two other seats - of the second racing driver and the test driver - remain open, and a team spokeswoman said there are a few candidates for these roles.
She also told autosport.com Super Aguri will make their testing debut at Barcelona, on February 21. An official launch is not planned at the moment, and will most likely take place in Bahrain, ahead of the Grand Prix.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Raikkonen worried about Mercedes form
By Pablo Elizalde January 27th 2006, 10:58 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen, yesterdayMcLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen says engine supplier Mercedes has a lot of work to do before the start of the season if the team are to be competitive.
The Finn returned to work on Thursday, driving for the first time since the 2005 season ended more than 100 days ago.
Raikkonen joined his team at the Barcelona circuit and took to the track with the new MP4-21 car, which was unveiled last Monday.
The McLaren driver, however, did not enjoy a good day, spending a lot of time in the pits and finishing as 12th quickest.
The team's test driver Pedro de la Rosa finished at the bottom of the times after suffering an engine blow-up.
"It is the first time I was driving, and it was okay, but we still have work to do," Raikkonen told autosport.com at the end of the day.
"I was expecting nothing before I came, so I knew we have issues with certain stuff, but we are going to get there and there is going to be some improvement.
"The biggest part of the problem is the engine, but like I said, things are happening so in the coming weeks we will improve it."
When asked how many races will McLaren need to be more competitive, Raikkonen said: "I do not know, you ask Mercedes.
"They are not where they should be and they need to improve. On the engine side we have a lot of work to do."
Although Raikkonen admitted he was worried about their form, last year's runner-up was hoping the team would be able to make progress before the start of the season.
"We have been testing for a long time but we have not been able to make progress," he added. "It [the engine] is definitely our weakest link now, but improvement is coming.
"It is the first time I am in the car. I know there is a lot of work to do but they are improving, and I know what is coming. I am slightly worried but not too much. Sure I can expect more but now we'll wait for a proper engine and we'll see."
Despite the problems, however, Raikkonen was happy to finally return to work.
"It's nice to come back but of course when you come back you would rather see yourself fast, but it is always nice to come back."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Raikkonen to decide on future soon
By Pablo Elizalde January 27th 2006, 11:36 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen says he will decide on his future soon and claims that Fernando Alonso arriving at McLaren will not influence his decision.
Raikkonen's contract with McLaren ends at the end of this season and the Finn has been linked with a move to Ferrari in 2007.
McLaren have already announced they have signed World Champion Alonso for 2007 but it is not yet known who will partner him.
Raikkonen says Alonso's arrival will not influence a decision on his future.
"It is nothing to do with who my teammate is, it is if I want to stay or not," the Finn told autosport.com. "For me it does not matter. I do not care who my teammate is. It does not matter if it is him or someone else."
The McLaren driver said he has set no date to make a decision but reckons it will have to be sooner rather than later.
"I do not have any date but it cannot go on for too long. At some point everyone needs to make a decision," he said.
Raikkonen also said there was still a possibility he will want to partner Alonso next year, but admitted leaving McLaren was also possible.
"Everything is possible but I have not decided what I want to to do."[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 01-27-2006 10:02 AM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]No testing today...canned due to snow.[/QUOTE]
Wimps!
Wimps!
| artkevin | 01-27-2006 10:40 AM |
Strap some chains to it and lets go!
| gh32 | 01-27-2006 11:18 AM |
To everyone who reports on the latest news, just wanted to give a huge thanks for all the work!! :banana:
-George
-George
| Draken | 01-27-2006 12:00 PM |
Ditto for me. I usually follow the F1 stuff pretty closely myself, but with this thread here, i save lots of time. So my motorcycle, my cat, and I thank you.
Chris H.
Chris H.
| Ferg | 01-27-2006 12:03 PM |
No problem guys, like I've always said, I'm more than happy to share whatever juicy bits of news I come across. I'd really like to thank all the regulars who've kept this thing going for as long as you have, I hope it's helped you through the long off season as much as it has me. :)
We've got 43 days to go until the start of the season!
:banana:
We've got 43 days to go until the start of the season!
:banana:
| artkevin | 01-27-2006 12:18 PM |
I hope this thread doesn't trail off as the season starts up. I think its a good central point for all info in F1 seperate from the races themselves.
I would like to thank Ferg for making me feel like less of a freak to know that there is at least one more person out there like me. :)
I would like to thank Ferg for making me feel like less of a freak to know that there is at least one more person out there like me. :)
| Ferg | 01-27-2006 01:21 PM |
You guys are like a therapy session helping me to come to terms with my addiction.
[QUOTE]Schumacher: Renault still the team to beat
By Biranit Goren January 27th 2006, 17:41 GMT
Renault are the team best prepared so far, followed by Honda Racing. That is the assessment of former world champion Michael Schumacher, after a day of testing at the Barcelona circuit in Spain.
The Ferrari driver, in his 15th year in Formula One, ran the new 248 F1 car for the first time alongside rival teams, with all but Williams and Midland present at the Catalunya track.
Asked today what were his impressions of the rival cars, Schumacher told autosport.com: "Renault looks well prepared, as well as Honda - they also look to be prepared. After them, BMW seem to do a reasonable job, considering it's their first car.
"But, as I said, Renault seem to be best prepared - they are the ones to beat. They are looking very fast. This is the picture we get at the moment."
Nevertheless, Schumacher was confident the new 248 will allow him to challenge for the world championship again, saying: "We are quite happy with the new car. We are pretty reliable and we have small issues, not major.
"The speed is looking quite promising, so all in all we have come up with a car that will help us fight for the championship again."
Testing at Barcelona was cut short today due to snow, and most teams will now resume their pre-season preparations at Valencia in Spain next week.
And Schumacher will have a unique opportunity, to test alongside MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who will for the first time participate in Ferrari's testing programme along other teams.
Asked, however, if he would provide Rossi any help next week, Schumacher - an avid motorcycle rider - replied: "I hope he will take his bike down there; then I can show him a good [racing] line on his bike."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams expect Rosberg to shine
By Jonathan Noble January 27th 2006, 17:56 GMT
Williams' co-owner Patrick Head expects Nico Rosberg to have a better maiden Formula One season than Jenson Button had when the Briton made his debut with the team.
Twenty-year old Rosberg, son of 1982 world champion Keke, has joined Williams after winning last year's inaugural GP2 championship.
The German driver will partner Australian Mark Webber as the British team try to recover from a disappointing 2005.
Head said Rosberg's performances will depend on how competitive the new FW28 proves, but the Briton reckons he can do better than Button in his first season.
Button also made his debut at 20 and he scored 12 points, also becoming the youngest point-scorer in F1.
"I think it [Rosberg's results] depends enormously on how good the car is and whether we are reliable," Head said. "If you say the car is competitive and we are reliable then I cannot really name the number, because I will be asked about it at the last race of the year.
"But Jenson scored 11 [12] points in his first season and I would hope Nico would be well ahead of that but it will depend very much on whether our car is fast and reliable.
"We have seen from Nico he seems to be pretty cool and calm. I am not saying his father was completely the opposite but he got a bit more agitated than Nico when things went wrong but Nico has his thoughts well under control and in testing he has made few mistakes.
"There has been the odd trip into the gravel trap but usually when our software has been a bit too adventurous in the controls, and so he seems to be pretty reliable and a good judgement and he has also been pretty quick."
Williams technical director Sam Michael also expects Rosberg to shine, but he reckons the young German will not have it easy with Webber as teammate.
"He is very good," said Michael. "He is a very intelligent guy. He is going to make mistakes like everyone does in their first year but I think in terms in the medium to longterm we can definitely see something very special in Nico.
"But next year it is up to him to prove that and I don't mean for him to win races and even going up against his teammate Mark Webber is a pretty tall order, but I think enough of him next year to know if he has really got what it takes to be one of the next big guys."
Team principal Frank Williams said Rosberg junior was very different from his father.
"Keke was more excitable which he certainly was, Keke's car control was just spectacular," said Williams. "He was unforgettable like that.
"I remember at Spa when the turbo cars were dominating in 1983 there was a group of five turbo cars in a train and right behind them in car number 6 was Keke, buzzing around after that. I looked at Ken Tyrrell on the pit wall and every lap Keke went by still right there and he said he did not understand it. He was brilliant in a racing car.
"Nico is more understated but very clever with his car, I say that. I witness what you would have seen in GP2, his overtaking was masterful, it was carefully planned choreography. Here is hoping."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Spain to have another F1 test track
By Pablo Elizalde January 27th 2006, 15:55 GMT
Spain will soon have another circuit ready to host Formula One testing thanks to the construction of a 4.5 km track in Huelva, in the South of the Mediterranean country.
The Monteblanco circuit is currently being built in La Palma del Condado, Huelva, and track owners have said the track is designed to FIA's T1 standards, which will allow the track to host Formula One testing and even up to GP2 races.
The track will include a 1.1 km street circuit, which can be linked to the main layout, as well as several, up to 14, possible configurations.
A total of 24 pit garages will be built.
Organisers are also constructing a techno-park inside the track, with the intention of offering a full-time operation base to Formula One teams.
"Our intention is to become Spain's leading testing facility for F1 and private teams," circuit director Michel Ligonnet told autosport.com.
"But also, because of the multiple track configurations and the facilities we are providing, we will be aiming at the car launches market, and big corporate days."
Currently, 80 percent of ground movement has been completed, and the Tarmac is scheduled to be laid down at the beginning of next Summer.
The track is expected to be ready in December.
The Monteblanco circuit is a private project promoted by a French businessman living in Spain.
The project was kicked off in 2001 and there are plans to start a parallel project to build a golf course, a hotel and residences in the same location.
Spain currently hosts the majority of Formula One testing, shared between Barcelona, Jerez and Valencia.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1138377773.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Schumacher: Renault still the team to beat
By Biranit Goren January 27th 2006, 17:41 GMT
Renault are the team best prepared so far, followed by Honda Racing. That is the assessment of former world champion Michael Schumacher, after a day of testing at the Barcelona circuit in Spain.
The Ferrari driver, in his 15th year in Formula One, ran the new 248 F1 car for the first time alongside rival teams, with all but Williams and Midland present at the Catalunya track.
Asked today what were his impressions of the rival cars, Schumacher told autosport.com: "Renault looks well prepared, as well as Honda - they also look to be prepared. After them, BMW seem to do a reasonable job, considering it's their first car.
"But, as I said, Renault seem to be best prepared - they are the ones to beat. They are looking very fast. This is the picture we get at the moment."
Nevertheless, Schumacher was confident the new 248 will allow him to challenge for the world championship again, saying: "We are quite happy with the new car. We are pretty reliable and we have small issues, not major.
"The speed is looking quite promising, so all in all we have come up with a car that will help us fight for the championship again."
Testing at Barcelona was cut short today due to snow, and most teams will now resume their pre-season preparations at Valencia in Spain next week.
And Schumacher will have a unique opportunity, to test alongside MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who will for the first time participate in Ferrari's testing programme along other teams.
Asked, however, if he would provide Rossi any help next week, Schumacher - an avid motorcycle rider - replied: "I hope he will take his bike down there; then I can show him a good [racing] line on his bike."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Williams expect Rosberg to shine
By Jonathan Noble January 27th 2006, 17:56 GMT
Williams' co-owner Patrick Head expects Nico Rosberg to have a better maiden Formula One season than Jenson Button had when the Briton made his debut with the team.
Twenty-year old Rosberg, son of 1982 world champion Keke, has joined Williams after winning last year's inaugural GP2 championship.
The German driver will partner Australian Mark Webber as the British team try to recover from a disappointing 2005.
Head said Rosberg's performances will depend on how competitive the new FW28 proves, but the Briton reckons he can do better than Button in his first season.
Button also made his debut at 20 and he scored 12 points, also becoming the youngest point-scorer in F1.
"I think it [Rosberg's results] depends enormously on how good the car is and whether we are reliable," Head said. "If you say the car is competitive and we are reliable then I cannot really name the number, because I will be asked about it at the last race of the year.
"But Jenson scored 11 [12] points in his first season and I would hope Nico would be well ahead of that but it will depend very much on whether our car is fast and reliable.
"We have seen from Nico he seems to be pretty cool and calm. I am not saying his father was completely the opposite but he got a bit more agitated than Nico when things went wrong but Nico has his thoughts well under control and in testing he has made few mistakes.
"There has been the odd trip into the gravel trap but usually when our software has been a bit too adventurous in the controls, and so he seems to be pretty reliable and a good judgement and he has also been pretty quick."
Williams technical director Sam Michael also expects Rosberg to shine, but he reckons the young German will not have it easy with Webber as teammate.
"He is very good," said Michael. "He is a very intelligent guy. He is going to make mistakes like everyone does in their first year but I think in terms in the medium to longterm we can definitely see something very special in Nico.
"But next year it is up to him to prove that and I don't mean for him to win races and even going up against his teammate Mark Webber is a pretty tall order, but I think enough of him next year to know if he has really got what it takes to be one of the next big guys."
Team principal Frank Williams said Rosberg junior was very different from his father.
"Keke was more excitable which he certainly was, Keke's car control was just spectacular," said Williams. "He was unforgettable like that.
"I remember at Spa when the turbo cars were dominating in 1983 there was a group of five turbo cars in a train and right behind them in car number 6 was Keke, buzzing around after that. I looked at Ken Tyrrell on the pit wall and every lap Keke went by still right there and he said he did not understand it. He was brilliant in a racing car.
"Nico is more understated but very clever with his car, I say that. I witness what you would have seen in GP2, his overtaking was masterful, it was carefully planned choreography. Here is hoping."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Spain to have another F1 test track
By Pablo Elizalde January 27th 2006, 15:55 GMT
Spain will soon have another circuit ready to host Formula One testing thanks to the construction of a 4.5 km track in Huelva, in the South of the Mediterranean country.
The Monteblanco circuit is currently being built in La Palma del Condado, Huelva, and track owners have said the track is designed to FIA's T1 standards, which will allow the track to host Formula One testing and even up to GP2 races.
The track will include a 1.1 km street circuit, which can be linked to the main layout, as well as several, up to 14, possible configurations.
A total of 24 pit garages will be built.
Organisers are also constructing a techno-park inside the track, with the intention of offering a full-time operation base to Formula One teams.
"Our intention is to become Spain's leading testing facility for F1 and private teams," circuit director Michel Ligonnet told autosport.com.
"But also, because of the multiple track configurations and the facilities we are providing, we will be aiming at the car launches market, and big corporate days."
Currently, 80 percent of ground movement has been completed, and the Tarmac is scheduled to be laid down at the beginning of next Summer.
The track is expected to be ready in December.
The Monteblanco circuit is a private project promoted by a French businessman living in Spain.
The project was kicked off in 2001 and there are plans to start a parallel project to build a golf course, a hotel and residences in the same location.
Spain currently hosts the majority of Formula One testing, shared between Barcelona, Jerez and Valencia.[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1138377773.jpg[/IMG]
| nKoan | 01-29-2006 03:11 PM |
I took a quick look, but didn't see this posted yet...
Speed TV seems to have finally added F1 to their lineup this year.
[url]http://www.speedtv.com/programs/28/[/url]
Speed TV seems to have finally added F1 to their lineup this year.
[url]http://www.speedtv.com/programs/28/[/url]
| StuBeck | 01-29-2006 03:38 PM |
Yea, they've signed a deal for a while, luckly people other than us actually watch F1 versus the WRC coverage which no one watches.
| 786 | 01-29-2006 07:32 PM |
wonder how rossi will stack up to the big boys next week...i give him props for trying, hes got some balls for sure...biaggi had a go as well but hes just havn fun...
| artkevin | 01-29-2006 07:52 PM |
Yeah, Rossi is haning' it out with the big boys by running at the same time on the same track this week. Takes a lot of guts to do that.
| Ferg | 01-30-2006 10:44 AM |
Valencia test starts tomorrow with Rossi...stay tuned.
In other news.
[QUOTE]Bridgestone to supply Super Aguri
January 30th 2006, 09:04 GMT
Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone will supply the Super Aguri Formula One team this year, the company announced on Monday.
Bridgestone said they had entered a multi-year deal with the new team, whose entry in this year's championship was confirmed only last week.
The team, who are planning to test their car for the first time in February, will use Honda engines.
"The Super Aguri F1 team is a new but ambitious team and we are delighted that it has chosen Bridgestone to be its official supplier," said Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport.
"Working with a new team that is making its debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship is an extremely exciting prospect.
"Bridgestone has had a long relationship with the team's founder, Aguri Suzuki, spanning more than twenty years and encompassing numerous motorsport series. Consequently, we have every confidence in his ability and desire to run a successful and professional team.
"The Super Aguri F1 team's inaugural season will not be an easy one but we wish them the very best of luck in 2006 and we look forward to seeing them in action shortly."
The news means Bridgestone will supply five teams in 2006, with Aguri joining Ferrari, Williams, Toyota and Midland.
Michelin, who will quit F1 at the end of the year, will supply the other six teams.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Gascoyne hopes tyre pact lasts
By Jonathan Noble January 30th 2006, 12:42 GMT
Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne is hoping that the testing co-operation pact between Bridgestone's teams will remain intact throughout the season - even if it means some outfits lose their advantage.
Details of the agreement between Toyota, Ferrari, Williams and Midland to pool all their testing data together in a bid to help Bridgestone was revealed last week, as the Japanese tyre manufacturer bids to get back to the front of the field.
And although the spirit of co-operation between the teams will likely come under threat once the season is in full-swing, Gascoyne is hopeful that all the outfits involved will put Bridgestone's needs ahead of their own.
"I would hope it goes on at all tests where we are running together and doing tyre test programmes, because it is beneficial for the quick guys," he said.
"Okay, you do something and share the information, and sure some others may benefit from that information, but ultimately as long as Bridgestone benefit and we all get a better tyre then that is how we benefit first and foremost.
"In terms of having a quicker car over the fellow Bridgestone runners, that is our job as a team."
Gascoyne believes that the pact will be crucial in helping Bridgestone's efforts this season - and comes after the company realised their mistake in focusing everything around Ferrari in recent years.
"I think it will help," explained Gascoyne. "It helps you to know where you are relative to the opposition, but it means you get a clearer picture of the tyres you are testing. We obviously have to give our feedback to Bridgestone independently of the others, but it does mean there is a pool of information because we share that information.
"I think they (Bridgestone) know that they have been really hurt going the route of just one team testing for them, and Ferrari have realised that as well.
"That is why all the parties are fairly keen to be open about it and from our side that is the way we are used to working with Michelin and with Pascal (Vasselon, former Michelin technician) on board, that is how we wanted to work anyway.
"So both Ferrari and Bridgestone have realised that they need that information and they need to share it."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Midland confident of step forward
By Jonathan Noble January 30th 2006, 11:04 GMT
Midland F1 are confident that they will be able to make a major step forward in performance this year despite their struggles after the takeover of Jordan last season.
Although the team spent much of 2005 battling at the back of the grid with Minardi, sporting director Adrian Burgess is adamant that the team will unveil a much-improved car at Silverstone on Friday.
"It's all coming together," said Burgess. "Obviously, at this time of year it's always hectic, but as of today we have things under control and we'll make it on time.
"We feel that we're going to produce a far better package than we did a year ago. We've had 12 months of stability now, we know who the owner is, we know where we're going, and we know what the engine is.
"Last year, the Toyota was really thrown into the back of the previous car. The installation was OK, and the reliability showed that everyone did a good job, but with this year's package we've had that much extra time.
"We've been able to attend to details that we couldn't with last year's car. So everyone is excited and eager to get on with it."
Burgess' confidence over the new car is based on the fact that the M16 is an all-new design, something Jordan did not have for several seasons.
"We're quite happy with what we've seen in the wind tunnel, and by virtue of having a new chassis we've seen some fairly decent gains over the car we raced in China last year," added Burgess.
"Just having a new chassis has opened up so many different areas in the wind tunnel that are now giving us results, whereas we tried things before on the old chassis and they weren't really effective."
Indian Narain Karthikeyan, who drove for Jordan last season before moving to Williams as a test driver, said Midland's new car could not be any worse than the old Jordan.
"They will definitely have a better car than last year. The car last year was almost three years old so it can't get any worse," he said.[/QUOTE]
In other news.
[QUOTE]Bridgestone to supply Super Aguri
January 30th 2006, 09:04 GMT
Japanese tyre manufacturer Bridgestone will supply the Super Aguri Formula One team this year, the company announced on Monday.
Bridgestone said they had entered a multi-year deal with the new team, whose entry in this year's championship was confirmed only last week.
The team, who are planning to test their car for the first time in February, will use Honda engines.
"The Super Aguri F1 team is a new but ambitious team and we are delighted that it has chosen Bridgestone to be its official supplier," said Hiroshi Yasukawa, Director of Bridgestone Motorsport.
"Working with a new team that is making its debut in the FIA Formula One World Championship is an extremely exciting prospect.
"Bridgestone has had a long relationship with the team's founder, Aguri Suzuki, spanning more than twenty years and encompassing numerous motorsport series. Consequently, we have every confidence in his ability and desire to run a successful and professional team.
"The Super Aguri F1 team's inaugural season will not be an easy one but we wish them the very best of luck in 2006 and we look forward to seeing them in action shortly."
The news means Bridgestone will supply five teams in 2006, with Aguri joining Ferrari, Williams, Toyota and Midland.
Michelin, who will quit F1 at the end of the year, will supply the other six teams.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Gascoyne hopes tyre pact lasts
By Jonathan Noble January 30th 2006, 12:42 GMT
Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne is hoping that the testing co-operation pact between Bridgestone's teams will remain intact throughout the season - even if it means some outfits lose their advantage.
Details of the agreement between Toyota, Ferrari, Williams and Midland to pool all their testing data together in a bid to help Bridgestone was revealed last week, as the Japanese tyre manufacturer bids to get back to the front of the field.
And although the spirit of co-operation between the teams will likely come under threat once the season is in full-swing, Gascoyne is hopeful that all the outfits involved will put Bridgestone's needs ahead of their own.
"I would hope it goes on at all tests where we are running together and doing tyre test programmes, because it is beneficial for the quick guys," he said.
"Okay, you do something and share the information, and sure some others may benefit from that information, but ultimately as long as Bridgestone benefit and we all get a better tyre then that is how we benefit first and foremost.
"In terms of having a quicker car over the fellow Bridgestone runners, that is our job as a team."
Gascoyne believes that the pact will be crucial in helping Bridgestone's efforts this season - and comes after the company realised their mistake in focusing everything around Ferrari in recent years.
"I think it will help," explained Gascoyne. "It helps you to know where you are relative to the opposition, but it means you get a clearer picture of the tyres you are testing. We obviously have to give our feedback to Bridgestone independently of the others, but it does mean there is a pool of information because we share that information.
"I think they (Bridgestone) know that they have been really hurt going the route of just one team testing for them, and Ferrari have realised that as well.
"That is why all the parties are fairly keen to be open about it and from our side that is the way we are used to working with Michelin and with Pascal (Vasselon, former Michelin technician) on board, that is how we wanted to work anyway.
"So both Ferrari and Bridgestone have realised that they need that information and they need to share it."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Midland confident of step forward
By Jonathan Noble January 30th 2006, 11:04 GMT
Midland F1 are confident that they will be able to make a major step forward in performance this year despite their struggles after the takeover of Jordan last season.
Although the team spent much of 2005 battling at the back of the grid with Minardi, sporting director Adrian Burgess is adamant that the team will unveil a much-improved car at Silverstone on Friday.
"It's all coming together," said Burgess. "Obviously, at this time of year it's always hectic, but as of today we have things under control and we'll make it on time.
"We feel that we're going to produce a far better package than we did a year ago. We've had 12 months of stability now, we know who the owner is, we know where we're going, and we know what the engine is.
"Last year, the Toyota was really thrown into the back of the previous car. The installation was OK, and the reliability showed that everyone did a good job, but with this year's package we've had that much extra time.
"We've been able to attend to details that we couldn't with last year's car. So everyone is excited and eager to get on with it."
Burgess' confidence over the new car is based on the fact that the M16 is an all-new design, something Jordan did not have for several seasons.
"We're quite happy with what we've seen in the wind tunnel, and by virtue of having a new chassis we've seen some fairly decent gains over the car we raced in China last year," added Burgess.
"Just having a new chassis has opened up so many different areas in the wind tunnel that are now giving us results, whereas we tried things before on the old chassis and they weren't really effective."
Indian Narain Karthikeyan, who drove for Jordan last season before moving to Williams as a test driver, said Midland's new car could not be any worse than the old Jordan.
"They will definitely have a better car than last year. The car last year was almost three years old so it can't get any worse," he said.[/QUOTE]
| TimStevens | 01-30-2006 10:46 AM |
[img]http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1138377773.jpg[/img]
Good lord... what an awful looking track. It looks like someone just made a bunch of random lines with a ruler then made perfectly symmetrical turns to connect them. Zzzz...
Good lord... what an awful looking track. It looks like someone just made a bunch of random lines with a ruler then made perfectly symmetrical turns to connect them. Zzzz...
| Ferg | 01-30-2006 01:22 PM |
It does look a bit busy doesn't it? I like the idea of having a "street course" you can add on.
[QUOTE]GPMA confident of deal with Ecclestone
By Jonathan Noble January 30th 2006, 18:00 GMT
The manufacturers planning a breakaway from Formula One are confident that they are edging closer to a settlement deal with Bernie Ecclestone over the future of the sport, autosport.com has learned, despite making no major breakthrough in a meeting on Friday.
Representatives of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA), which is made up of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Honda and Toyota, held a four-hour meeting with Ecclestone at the end of last week to discuss the latest situation in talks over F1's future beyond 2007.
Although the discussions did not result in any significant progress being made in terms of finding a settlement, sources have claimed that the talks were 'positive'.
One source told autosport.com: "We feel quite good about where the situation is heading."
The GPMA is still awaiting final confirmation on the details of the recent F1 sell-off to CVC Capital Partners, including EU clearance in terms of competition law and whether American bank Lehman Brother's shares in the sport will be bought out.
However, it is believed that the sport's commercial situation is no longer the major sticking point in the talks - with some concern believed to have been raised about the cost-cutting rules package on the table for 2008.
Only last week, Honda Racing Development president Yasuhiro Wada expressed his company's concern about the move to cut back on technology in the sport in a bid to reduce costs.
"I think we see some signs of getting close and getting some compromise with some good discussions going on but after seeing the 2008 regulations proposals from the FIA, many people are upset with it and not happy with that," Wada told reporters in Barcelona.
"So we need to talk with the FIA about the future regulations."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]GPMA confident of deal with Ecclestone
By Jonathan Noble January 30th 2006, 18:00 GMT
The manufacturers planning a breakaway from Formula One are confident that they are edging closer to a settlement deal with Bernie Ecclestone over the future of the sport, autosport.com has learned, despite making no major breakthrough in a meeting on Friday.
Representatives of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA), which is made up of BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Honda and Toyota, held a four-hour meeting with Ecclestone at the end of last week to discuss the latest situation in talks over F1's future beyond 2007.
Although the discussions did not result in any significant progress being made in terms of finding a settlement, sources have claimed that the talks were 'positive'.
One source told autosport.com: "We feel quite good about where the situation is heading."
The GPMA is still awaiting final confirmation on the details of the recent F1 sell-off to CVC Capital Partners, including EU clearance in terms of competition law and whether American bank Lehman Brother's shares in the sport will be bought out.
However, it is believed that the sport's commercial situation is no longer the major sticking point in the talks - with some concern believed to have been raised about the cost-cutting rules package on the table for 2008.
Only last week, Honda Racing Development president Yasuhiro Wada expressed his company's concern about the move to cut back on technology in the sport in a bid to reduce costs.
"I think we see some signs of getting close and getting some compromise with some good discussions going on but after seeing the 2008 regulations proposals from the FIA, many people are upset with it and not happy with that," Wada told reporters in Barcelona.
"So we need to talk with the FIA about the future regulations."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 01-31-2006 08:37 AM |
BAH!!!
[QUOTE]Rain hinders Rossi's first public test
By Michele Lostia January 31st 2006, 12:18 GMT
Valentino Rossi's first public test with the Ferrari team is yet to get underway after poor weather at the Valencia circuit has forced the Italian to stay in the pits.
A team spokesman told autosport.com Ferrari are waiting for the conditions to improve before sending Rossi out.
The MotoGP champion is testing alongside other Formula One drivers for the first time today, working alongside Michael Schumacher, who is driving the team's new 248 F1 car.
Rossi will test at the wheel of the old F2004, fitted with a restricted V10 engine.
"The test will allow him to improve his knowledge of the car, so he won't do any development work, as this will be carried out on the new car," a Ferrari spokesman told autosport.com.
McLaren, Williams, Honda and Red Bull are also on track today.[/QUOTE]
[i] looks like he sat on his keys...[/i]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55530191/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Trulli welcomes Rossi to F1
By Michele Lostia January 31st 2006, 11:03 GMT
Toyota driver Jarno Trulli has given a warm welcome to Valentino Rossi ahead of the MotoGP champion's first test alongside Formula One drivers.
Rossi will test for Ferrari at the Valencia circuit today, and for the first time since he made his Formula One debut the Italian will measure himself against other drivers, including Ferrari's former World Champion Michael Schumacher.
Speaking in a letter written for Gazzetta dello Sport, Trulli has welcomed Rossi and also has given some advice to his compatriot.
"Allow me to welcome you in F1 with a smile, also on behalf of my colleagues, who will not only be anxious to observe you, but also to meet you and to chat with you," wrote Trulli.
"We have been waiting for you, after reading what you were up to in Fiorano and Mugello. But even I didn't think you would compare yourself so soon with us.
"Being a few years older than you, allow me to give you some advice: don't look at the chronometer; do things calmly; start to understand how the car behaves as the fuel load decreases, how the various set of tyres perform, how to lay down strategies.
"You'll see, it's a fascinating but tough job. Speak a lot to your engineers, face them, ask questions.
"Only after that, each performance over a lap will have its own meaning, whether in perspective or not. Remember that, to drive 1.5 seconds off the track record is easy, but the last two tenths will make you suffer.
"In the meantime, hats off to you for the courage you're showing this time too. And keep up the good work."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso feeling less pressure now
January 31st 2006, 13:27 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso says he will drive with less pressure in the 2006 season despite having to defend his crown.
"From my point of view, there will be less pressure," said Alonso as his Renault team officially launched their new car for the 2006 season in Monaco.
"Until last year, you always heard people saying I was one of the young, talented drivers. When that is the opinion, you have to prove you deserve the reputation - and you have to win before it is too late.
"Now, I have done it and out of 22 drivers, we are only three who have won the championship: Michael (Schumacher), Jacques (Villeneuve) and me. So from that point of view, I think the other nineteen drivers have the pressure."
Spaniard Alonso became Formula One's youngest driver after scoring seven wins during 2005, fending off the challenge from McLaren rival Kimi Raikkonen.
After last year's success, the 24-year old says nothing but another title will suffice.
"At this time of year, it doesn't mean anything to say you can win the title � but I certainly want to be fighting for it," he added. "Renault has the potential, the team has the confidence that we can do it from last year, and the form of the car seems competitive.
"My goal is to defend the number one on the nose of the R26."
Although the McLaren team were Renault's main rivals last season, Alonso expects Ferrari to return to form after a disappointing 2005.
"From what we can see at the moment, Ferrari look strong. McLaren will be at the front I am sure. Then, we generally see another surprise. In 2004, that was Honda. In 2005, Toyota were there at the start of the season. I expect at least one of those two to be competitive as well."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso says he needed McLaren challenge
January 31st 2006, 13:33 GMT
Fernando Alonso has justified his surprising decision to move to McLaren by saying he needed a fresh challenge after taking the title with Renault last year.
Less than two months after the season ended, Alonso announced he will leave the Renault team to drive for McLaren in 2007, when his current contract with the French outfit expires.
The Spanish driver said his main motivation was finding a new challenge.
"This has been my team for five years, and Renault made me World Champion at a very young age," said Alonso. "On the other side, when I arrived in Formula One and spent a year with Minardi, I was fighting with the Renaults - and now we are at the front of the grid.
"We have helped each other. But I do not think a driver can race all his career for the same team. I am still young and felt I needed a new challenge from 2007. So I made the choice that I think is best, and my career will start a new chapter next season."
Alonso, however, has played down suggestions that his announcement will have any influence on his performance throughout the season.
"Not at all. Formula One is a very complex sport, and we have a very long championship over 19 races. I am a competitor who always gives 100%.
"In our world, it is impossible to maintain your focus on the job if you are distracted. So, until the Monday after the final race, I am not thinking about anything else. It doesn't matter which cars I come up against, I will be driving to my maximum for Renault."[/QUOTE]
wow...page ten.
[QUOTE]Rain hinders Rossi's first public test
By Michele Lostia January 31st 2006, 12:18 GMT
Valentino Rossi's first public test with the Ferrari team is yet to get underway after poor weather at the Valencia circuit has forced the Italian to stay in the pits.
A team spokesman told autosport.com Ferrari are waiting for the conditions to improve before sending Rossi out.
The MotoGP champion is testing alongside other Formula One drivers for the first time today, working alongside Michael Schumacher, who is driving the team's new 248 F1 car.
Rossi will test at the wheel of the old F2004, fitted with a restricted V10 engine.
"The test will allow him to improve his knowledge of the car, so he won't do any development work, as this will be carried out on the new car," a Ferrari spokesman told autosport.com.
McLaren, Williams, Honda and Red Bull are also on track today.[/QUOTE]
[i] looks like he sat on his keys...[/i]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/55530191/large.jpg[/IMG]
[QUOTE]Trulli welcomes Rossi to F1
By Michele Lostia January 31st 2006, 11:03 GMT
Toyota driver Jarno Trulli has given a warm welcome to Valentino Rossi ahead of the MotoGP champion's first test alongside Formula One drivers.
Rossi will test for Ferrari at the Valencia circuit today, and for the first time since he made his Formula One debut the Italian will measure himself against other drivers, including Ferrari's former World Champion Michael Schumacher.
Speaking in a letter written for Gazzetta dello Sport, Trulli has welcomed Rossi and also has given some advice to his compatriot.
"Allow me to welcome you in F1 with a smile, also on behalf of my colleagues, who will not only be anxious to observe you, but also to meet you and to chat with you," wrote Trulli.
"We have been waiting for you, after reading what you were up to in Fiorano and Mugello. But even I didn't think you would compare yourself so soon with us.
"Being a few years older than you, allow me to give you some advice: don't look at the chronometer; do things calmly; start to understand how the car behaves as the fuel load decreases, how the various set of tyres perform, how to lay down strategies.
"You'll see, it's a fascinating but tough job. Speak a lot to your engineers, face them, ask questions.
"Only after that, each performance over a lap will have its own meaning, whether in perspective or not. Remember that, to drive 1.5 seconds off the track record is easy, but the last two tenths will make you suffer.
"In the meantime, hats off to you for the courage you're showing this time too. And keep up the good work."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso feeling less pressure now
January 31st 2006, 13:27 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso says he will drive with less pressure in the 2006 season despite having to defend his crown.
"From my point of view, there will be less pressure," said Alonso as his Renault team officially launched their new car for the 2006 season in Monaco.
"Until last year, you always heard people saying I was one of the young, talented drivers. When that is the opinion, you have to prove you deserve the reputation - and you have to win before it is too late.
"Now, I have done it and out of 22 drivers, we are only three who have won the championship: Michael (Schumacher), Jacques (Villeneuve) and me. So from that point of view, I think the other nineteen drivers have the pressure."
Spaniard Alonso became Formula One's youngest driver after scoring seven wins during 2005, fending off the challenge from McLaren rival Kimi Raikkonen.
After last year's success, the 24-year old says nothing but another title will suffice.
"At this time of year, it doesn't mean anything to say you can win the title � but I certainly want to be fighting for it," he added. "Renault has the potential, the team has the confidence that we can do it from last year, and the form of the car seems competitive.
"My goal is to defend the number one on the nose of the R26."
Although the McLaren team were Renault's main rivals last season, Alonso expects Ferrari to return to form after a disappointing 2005.
"From what we can see at the moment, Ferrari look strong. McLaren will be at the front I am sure. Then, we generally see another surprise. In 2004, that was Honda. In 2005, Toyota were there at the start of the season. I expect at least one of those two to be competitive as well."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso says he needed McLaren challenge
January 31st 2006, 13:33 GMT
Fernando Alonso has justified his surprising decision to move to McLaren by saying he needed a fresh challenge after taking the title with Renault last year.
Less than two months after the season ended, Alonso announced he will leave the Renault team to drive for McLaren in 2007, when his current contract with the French outfit expires.
The Spanish driver said his main motivation was finding a new challenge.
"This has been my team for five years, and Renault made me World Champion at a very young age," said Alonso. "On the other side, when I arrived in Formula One and spent a year with Minardi, I was fighting with the Renaults - and now we are at the front of the grid.
"We have helped each other. But I do not think a driver can race all his career for the same team. I am still young and felt I needed a new challenge from 2007. So I made the choice that I think is best, and my career will start a new chapter next season."
Alonso, however, has played down suggestions that his announcement will have any influence on his performance throughout the season.
"Not at all. Formula One is a very complex sport, and we have a very long championship over 19 races. I am a competitor who always gives 100%.
"In our world, it is impossible to maintain your focus on the job if you are distracted. So, until the Monday after the final race, I am not thinking about anything else. It doesn't matter which cars I come up against, I will be driving to my maximum for Renault."[/QUOTE]
wow...page ten.
| Bonzo | 01-31-2006 09:16 AM |
[IMG]http://www.autosport.com/images/upload/1138377773.jpg[/IMG]
This track reminds me of Sepang. I do see many different combinations you could do that would make it a bit more "fun".
Pretty classy of Trulli to welcome and offfer some very wise words to Valentino. Vale sure does have some confidence to do this. :eek: :banana:
Props to ferg for doing all the leg work here. :)
This track reminds me of Sepang. I do see many different combinations you could do that would make it a bit more "fun".
Pretty classy of Trulli to welcome and offfer some very wise words to Valentino. Vale sure does have some confidence to do this. :eek: :banana:
Props to ferg for doing all the leg work here. :)
| Ferg | 01-31-2006 09:57 AM |
The waiting is killing me....dammit Rossi get out there already!
meanwhile..
[QUOTE]Renault: no plans to leave F1
By Jonathan Noble January 31st 2006, 14:19 GMT
Renault have no plans to pull out of Formula One and the future involvement of the French company is not in doubt, president Carlos Ghosn said today, quashing the numerous rumours that surrounded the team in the past couple of months.
Stories have circulated for some time suggesting that Renault are set to withdraw from Formula One at the end of this season, or put the team on sale, or cut back their involvement in the sport.
But Ghosn made it clear Renault will continue to race in Formula One as long as they can be competitive, while Flavio Briatore blamed the French press for spreading false rumours about the marque.
Asked at the team launch today about Renault's future in Formula One, Ghosn replied: "As long as we continue to perform well and offer a good show and be at the top level of F1, then there is no question about the future.
"There is obviously some uncertainty about the conditions starting in 2008, of how F1 will involve, but that is a matter for all manufacturers to be concerned with. We want to come to a good solution, but as long as F1 has a good return for manufacturers and investors, then we should be there."
On his part, Renault team boss Briatore lashed out at the French press, who he believes are responsible for the speculations that have surrounded the team in the last few months.
"I read in the French press that Renault are going to leave F1 this year, and that was specifically the French press," the Italian said at Monaco.
"We have heard what the president said, and maybe the journalists need a new job. So they had false information which they disseminated everywhere.
"The French always ask for a French driver. But we have a French team that is winning. We have a press conference where Renault say they will stay in F1 with the same condition as Toyota, BMW, the Germans, Honda... The five of us want the same conditions. I think everybody except the French press understand that."
Ghosn also explained why Renault, who posted a rise of 6 per cent in combined sales in 2005, have every business reason to stay in Formula One.
"Winning the championships was without any doubt a great boost to everybody inside Renault, our partners and dealers," Ghosn said.
"This lead to a boost in the knowledge of the Renault brand, too. It is known in France, but when you go to countries where Renault is not as known - like in India, Asia - then winning in F1 gave a us big improvement in terms of knowledge and fame of the brand.
"On top of this, I should say one of the reason we had the double championship in 2005 was the reliability of the car; it failed less than the competitors'. This is important, because it is something we want to associate with the Renault brand."
Patrick Faure, Renault F1 Team's president, followed up on his superior's analysis and promised the Formula One team will contribute even further to the marketing of the road car division.
"We will try and use it a lot more than in the past, make a closer link between F1 and the road cars," the Frenchman said. "So we will work in advertising, communications and marketing.
"And we will also develop more high range sporting products to make the link between F1 and Renault products more visible."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella optimistic of drivers' title
January 31st 2006, 13:49 GMT
Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella is confident he will be able to fight for the drivers' title in the 2006 season.
Fisichella arrived at Renault last year with high hopes, but after scoring victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, he endured a tough year and was eclipsed by his teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the drivers' title.
But the Roman is now optimistic things will go his way this season.
"It is simple for me: I am aiming for the World Championship," said Fisichella. "This is a team that is defending the world title and working hard to win it again, so I am looking forward to a great season. I want to score points, win races and be in the fight for the championship until the last races of the season.
"2005 was an interesting year for me, but it is in the past now. I needed a lot of determination at certain points, and there were some very good battles, some sweet moments and also some difficult times. I am now completely comfortable within the whole team.
"We work very well together, I think the reliability problems from last year have been resolved, so I am looking forward to a very strong year working together."
Despite Alonso's number one on his car, Fisichella claims they will both start the season on equal footing and the Italian is looking forward to their rivalry.
"The easy answer to that is no. Fernando had a fantastic season in 2005, and he did a great job. But everybody starts the championship on an equal footing. We are on the same level in the championship and in the team.
"From my point of view, it starts again from zero in Bahrain, and I hope we can have a good rivalry this year."[/QUOTE]
meanwhile..
[QUOTE]Renault: no plans to leave F1
By Jonathan Noble January 31st 2006, 14:19 GMT
Renault have no plans to pull out of Formula One and the future involvement of the French company is not in doubt, president Carlos Ghosn said today, quashing the numerous rumours that surrounded the team in the past couple of months.
Stories have circulated for some time suggesting that Renault are set to withdraw from Formula One at the end of this season, or put the team on sale, or cut back their involvement in the sport.
But Ghosn made it clear Renault will continue to race in Formula One as long as they can be competitive, while Flavio Briatore blamed the French press for spreading false rumours about the marque.
Asked at the team launch today about Renault's future in Formula One, Ghosn replied: "As long as we continue to perform well and offer a good show and be at the top level of F1, then there is no question about the future.
"There is obviously some uncertainty about the conditions starting in 2008, of how F1 will involve, but that is a matter for all manufacturers to be concerned with. We want to come to a good solution, but as long as F1 has a good return for manufacturers and investors, then we should be there."
On his part, Renault team boss Briatore lashed out at the French press, who he believes are responsible for the speculations that have surrounded the team in the last few months.
"I read in the French press that Renault are going to leave F1 this year, and that was specifically the French press," the Italian said at Monaco.
"We have heard what the president said, and maybe the journalists need a new job. So they had false information which they disseminated everywhere.
"The French always ask for a French driver. But we have a French team that is winning. We have a press conference where Renault say they will stay in F1 with the same condition as Toyota, BMW, the Germans, Honda... The five of us want the same conditions. I think everybody except the French press understand that."
Ghosn also explained why Renault, who posted a rise of 6 per cent in combined sales in 2005, have every business reason to stay in Formula One.
"Winning the championships was without any doubt a great boost to everybody inside Renault, our partners and dealers," Ghosn said.
"This lead to a boost in the knowledge of the Renault brand, too. It is known in France, but when you go to countries where Renault is not as known - like in India, Asia - then winning in F1 gave a us big improvement in terms of knowledge and fame of the brand.
"On top of this, I should say one of the reason we had the double championship in 2005 was the reliability of the car; it failed less than the competitors'. This is important, because it is something we want to associate with the Renault brand."
Patrick Faure, Renault F1 Team's president, followed up on his superior's analysis and promised the Formula One team will contribute even further to the marketing of the road car division.
"We will try and use it a lot more than in the past, make a closer link between F1 and the road cars," the Frenchman said. "So we will work in advertising, communications and marketing.
"And we will also develop more high range sporting products to make the link between F1 and Renault products more visible."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella optimistic of drivers' title
January 31st 2006, 13:49 GMT
Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella is confident he will be able to fight for the drivers' title in the 2006 season.
Fisichella arrived at Renault last year with high hopes, but after scoring victory at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, he endured a tough year and was eclipsed by his teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the drivers' title.
But the Roman is now optimistic things will go his way this season.
"It is simple for me: I am aiming for the World Championship," said Fisichella. "This is a team that is defending the world title and working hard to win it again, so I am looking forward to a great season. I want to score points, win races and be in the fight for the championship until the last races of the season.
"2005 was an interesting year for me, but it is in the past now. I needed a lot of determination at certain points, and there were some very good battles, some sweet moments and also some difficult times. I am now completely comfortable within the whole team.
"We work very well together, I think the reliability problems from last year have been resolved, so I am looking forward to a very strong year working together."
Despite Alonso's number one on his car, Fisichella claims they will both start the season on equal footing and the Italian is looking forward to their rivalry.
"The easy answer to that is no. Fernando had a fantastic season in 2005, and he did a great job. But everybody starts the championship on an equal footing. We are on the same level in the championship and in the team.
"From my point of view, it starts again from zero in Bahrain, and I hope we can have a good rivalry this year."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 01-31-2006 10:34 AM |
still waiting for a report from Valencia...in the meantime, Flav is always good for a quote.
[QUOTE]Briatore: Red Bull betrayed Michelin
By Jonathan Noble January 31st 2006, 15:30 GMT
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has accused Red Bull of "betraying" the Michelin teams by voting in favour of bringing back tyre changes this season.
Autosport.com understands that Red Bull Racing were the sole Michelin team to cast a vote in favour of the rule change, along with Ferrari, Toyota, Williams, Midland, Toro Rosso - who are also owned by Red Bull - and Bridgestone.
Red Bull's vote tipped the balance in favour of introducing tyre changes during the race, after these were banned in 2005 and proved beneficial for the Michelin tyre.
According to sources, Red Bull's vote had taken their rivals by surprise, while the French tyre maker was in fact so angry, the company was investigating the possibility of bringing legal action against Red Bull for a breach of contract.
Speaking at the Renault 2006 car launch in Monaco today, Briatore said his team were in favour of the new knock-out qualifying format that will be used this season but he was not supportive of the tyre changes.
"In terms of a spectacle, we have accepted to change qualifying - normally the ones who win do not want to change anything, but for the sake of the racing, we agreed," the Italian said.
"However, we thought it was good to have one tyre for the race. But somebody betrayed us from within the Michelin family.
"Red Bull voting like that was completely mad. I'm upset and it will be very interesting to see how they will perform this season."
Briatore was nevertheless adamant that the French tyre company, which said it will pull out of Formula One at the end of this season, will continue to do a better job than its Japanese rival.
"We have a lot of confidence in the Michelin team and Mr. Michelin," Briatore said. "It is their last year in F1, they want to win the title, and I have every confidence in them. I am sure we can beat Bridgestone this year." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Briatore: Red Bull betrayed Michelin
By Jonathan Noble January 31st 2006, 15:30 GMT
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has accused Red Bull of "betraying" the Michelin teams by voting in favour of bringing back tyre changes this season.
Autosport.com understands that Red Bull Racing were the sole Michelin team to cast a vote in favour of the rule change, along with Ferrari, Toyota, Williams, Midland, Toro Rosso - who are also owned by Red Bull - and Bridgestone.
Red Bull's vote tipped the balance in favour of introducing tyre changes during the race, after these were banned in 2005 and proved beneficial for the Michelin tyre.
According to sources, Red Bull's vote had taken their rivals by surprise, while the French tyre maker was in fact so angry, the company was investigating the possibility of bringing legal action against Red Bull for a breach of contract.
Speaking at the Renault 2006 car launch in Monaco today, Briatore said his team were in favour of the new knock-out qualifying format that will be used this season but he was not supportive of the tyre changes.
"In terms of a spectacle, we have accepted to change qualifying - normally the ones who win do not want to change anything, but for the sake of the racing, we agreed," the Italian said.
"However, we thought it was good to have one tyre for the race. But somebody betrayed us from within the Michelin family.
"Red Bull voting like that was completely mad. I'm upset and it will be very interesting to see how they will perform this season."
Briatore was nevertheless adamant that the French tyre company, which said it will pull out of Formula One at the end of this season, will continue to do a better job than its Japanese rival.
"We have a lot of confidence in the Michelin team and Mr. Michelin," Briatore said. "It is their last year in F1, they want to win the title, and I have every confidence in them. I am sure we can beat Bridgestone this year." [/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 01-31-2006 12:16 PM |
Oh dear...
[QUOTE]Barrichello on top as Rossi spins
January 31st 2006, 17:11 GMT
Rubens Barrichello topped the times on the first day of this week's testing at the Valencia circuit, where the poor weather hampered the teams' progress.
Little running was done in the morning as the rain hit the circuit, but the conditions improved in the afternoon.
The Honda team shone with their new R106 car, with Barrichello and teammate Anthony Davidson topping the times ahead of Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari.
The seven-time World Champion was the busiest man on track with 87 laps covered as he continued with the development of the new car from the Italian squad. Schumacher's best time, however, was set with an old car, while he was around 0.2 seconds slower with the 248 F1.
Schumacher was joined today by MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who was scheduled to test alongside other drivers for the first time. The Italian rider, however, stayed in the pits for most of the day as Ferrari waited for the track conditions to improve.
With 135 journalists covering the test, Rossi finally took to the track with half an hour of the session left, driving the old F2004 fitted with a restricted V10 engine. But Rossi, whose car was fitted with wet weather tyres, did not last long on track, and the Italian spun after only 10 corners.
His Ferrari got stuck in the gravel trap and the session had to be red flagged while the car was rescued and taken back to the pits. Italy's highest paid sportsman will return to action tomorrow.
Kimi Raikkonen was fourth fastest in the McLaren MP4-21, the Finn's day being cut short by a mechanical problem which saw him stopping on track early in the session. He covered only 24 laps and finished nearly two seconds behind Barrichello.
The Williams team began their first proper test with the new FW28 unveiled last Friday, with Australian Mark Webber doing the driving. The team were already in action at Valencia on Monday, but they spent the day filming the new car.
Webber had an encouraging first day and managed 77 trouble-free laps. His teammate Nico Rosberg in the hybrid car fitted with a V8 engine was not so lucky, causing three of the five red flags of the day.
The German went off the track twice and lost an engine late in the day.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Barrichello Honda (M) 1.19.359 59
2. Davidson Honda (M) 1.19.996 63
3. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1.20.358 87
4. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.21.194 24
5. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.22.388 77
6. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1.22.599 42
7. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.23.836 42
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.23.936 75
9. Rossi Ferrari (B) No time 0
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
Here's hoping for a better showing tomorrow. :D
[QUOTE]Barrichello on top as Rossi spins
January 31st 2006, 17:11 GMT
Rubens Barrichello topped the times on the first day of this week's testing at the Valencia circuit, where the poor weather hampered the teams' progress.
Little running was done in the morning as the rain hit the circuit, but the conditions improved in the afternoon.
The Honda team shone with their new R106 car, with Barrichello and teammate Anthony Davidson topping the times ahead of Michael Schumacher in the Ferrari.
The seven-time World Champion was the busiest man on track with 87 laps covered as he continued with the development of the new car from the Italian squad. Schumacher's best time, however, was set with an old car, while he was around 0.2 seconds slower with the 248 F1.
Schumacher was joined today by MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who was scheduled to test alongside other drivers for the first time. The Italian rider, however, stayed in the pits for most of the day as Ferrari waited for the track conditions to improve.
With 135 journalists covering the test, Rossi finally took to the track with half an hour of the session left, driving the old F2004 fitted with a restricted V10 engine. But Rossi, whose car was fitted with wet weather tyres, did not last long on track, and the Italian spun after only 10 corners.
His Ferrari got stuck in the gravel trap and the session had to be red flagged while the car was rescued and taken back to the pits. Italy's highest paid sportsman will return to action tomorrow.
Kimi Raikkonen was fourth fastest in the McLaren MP4-21, the Finn's day being cut short by a mechanical problem which saw him stopping on track early in the session. He covered only 24 laps and finished nearly two seconds behind Barrichello.
The Williams team began their first proper test with the new FW28 unveiled last Friday, with Australian Mark Webber doing the driving. The team were already in action at Valencia on Monday, but they spent the day filming the new car.
Webber had an encouraging first day and managed 77 trouble-free laps. His teammate Nico Rosberg in the hybrid car fitted with a V8 engine was not so lucky, causing three of the five red flags of the day.
The German went off the track twice and lost an engine late in the day.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Barrichello Honda (M) 1.19.359 59
2. Davidson Honda (M) 1.19.996 63
3. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1.20.358 87
4. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.21.194 24
5. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.22.388 77
6. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1.22.599 42
7. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1.23.836 42
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1.23.936 75
9. Rossi Ferrari (B) No time 0
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
Here's hoping for a better showing tomorrow. :D
| TimStevens | 01-31-2006 12:23 PM |
"Italy's highest paid sportsman will return to action tomorrow." Hopefully action on the hard stuff.
And damn, I hope that's not indicative of Red Bull's performance this season.
:edit: duelling edits
And damn, I hope that's not indicative of Red Bull's performance this season.
:edit: duelling edits
| Ferg | 01-31-2006 12:25 PM |
Thanks Tim, I missed the bit about him running tomorrow :)
Yeah, Red Bull... I'm not feeling very positive about them for this season.
If they have severe overheating problems in Spain in January what's going to happen in Bahrain or Sepang?
Yeah, Red Bull... I'm not feeling very positive about them for this season.
If they have severe overheating problems in Spain in January what's going to happen in Bahrain or Sepang?
| Bonzo | 01-31-2006 12:26 PM |
I hope like hell Rubens shows up his old team....mate.
| TimStevens | 01-31-2006 12:31 PM |
[QUOTE=Bonzo]I hope like hell Rubens shows up his old team....mate.[/QUOTE]
And his new teammate :devil:
And his new teammate :devil:
| MPME | 01-31-2006 04:48 PM |
New pics
�
�
Rossi testing for Ferrari, Renault launch, etc
[URL]http:[email�protected]/sets/72057594050646486/[/URL]
[URL]http:[email�protected]/sets/72057594050646486/[/URL]
| Ferg | 02-01-2006 08:42 AM |
Here's anice long interview with Alonso while we all wait to see if Rossi can pull it tigether..
[QUOTE]Q & A with Fernando Alonso
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 11:19 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso has pretty much kept out of the media spotlight since he made the shock announcement that he was switching to McLaren in 2007.
There has been endless speculation about the reasons for his move, plus a lot of talk of trouble between himself and Renault boss (and manager) Flavio Briatore.
At the launch of Renault's 2006 challenger, however, Alonso could maintain his silence no longer and spoke at some length about the season ahead, the reasons behind the decision to turn his back on a championship-winning team and his relationship with Briatore.
There is still plenty that remains to be answered about the Alonso-McLaren deal, especially how the deal was put together, but there is at least some clarity emerging about the motivation behind the Spaniard's defection.
[B]Q. How does this year's R26 car compare with last year's?[/B]
Alonso: There are many things very similar. Chassis-wise nothing really changed dramatically and it is quite similar to drive. The amount of power we have now feels much less, something we, the drivers, need to get used to. I'm quite happy with the package. Compared to the opponents we are in a good starting point. We need to improve the car but we have all of February to test and at the moment we are quite happy. From the drivers' point of view, nothing has really changed compared to the R25 for the Renault drivers.
[B]Q. You have said many times that you will still be the same driver this year. Are you happy that the team will treat you in the same way and will not look more to Giancarlo Fisichella?[/B]
Alonso: No, I'm completely sure that they will help me in the way that they have helped me always, like last year, and nothing really will change in terms of helping one driver over the other driver. This is not in the plans of Renault and not something that should be done. I am 100 per cent confident in the Renault team; I am working for them in 2006. I will defend the Number 1 and they will defend the Constructors' Championship; we need to help each other and I'm sure we can do it again.
[B]Q. Has the mood in the team changed since you made your announcement?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing. Nothing has changed; the same motivation, the same confidence in ourselves. It's quite normal; when you finish one contract, you can choose what you want. It's not that I leave Renault in a bad way or in the middle of the contract. It is something that everybody understands in the team and we are all working together this year. It's the last year for me in the team; it's the last year for Michelin in F1 at this moment. We all need and we all must leave the team or whatever in the best way possible - and this is repeating the championship.
We are confident in the package and the motivation is higher than ever this year because we have number one and number two and all the mechanics and engineers are working with much more interest than last year. This is coming to all parts of the team, not just the mechanics and the engineers. The people in the kitchen are happy, the drivers as well. Everybody is extremely motivated. Nothing will change from my side.
[B]Q. Fernando, what would be your perfect goodbye present for Renault?[/B]
Alonso: The best farewell present for all of us would be to win the championship. For them, the same thing. We have a fantastic relationship. Renault has been my family from when I started in Formula One. I gave a lot of things to Renault and they gave me a lot of things. The respect we have for each other is fantastic and we need to do the maximum together again this year.
[B]Q. So Fernando, why do you leave the team that brought you into F1 - the team you won the World Championship with for the team that came second?[/B]
Alonso: Well, because I think it is one of my stages in my career. I arrived with Renault in 2002 and they were nearly fighting with Minardi in 2001; we grew up together and in 2005 we reached the maximum target, which is to win both titles. And now with my contract expiring at the end of the year, I look at my options. Now I feel that this period of my career finishes here and I need to win with other teams and I need to find new motivation.
[B]Q. Fernando, Flavio has said he was not involved in the negotiations. When did they start and did you initiate it?[/B]
Alonso: We can talk about this at other press conferences, but not here. It is not the right moment. I think it is good to clarify what we did; what is the motivation for this year and the target for this year. But all the details, I don't think is the right time.
[B]Q. Do you think that in the future you might seek out another new challenge, maybe Ferrari?
[/B]
Alonso: I don't know.
[B]Q. Are you the kind of person that needs that new challenge all the time?[/B]
Alonso: Yes. Yes, at the end of 2009 I will see...
[B]Q. Tyre changes and qualifying changes for this year. How do you think that will work for you?[/B]
Alonso: I don't think it will change too much how we will approach the races. For the drivers the strategy may be a little bit more complex; especially the qualifying format will be a good challenge for the technical directors and the engineers. But for the drivers it will be very similar.
Tyre changes? Maybe it doesn't help Michelin at the moment because we had a fantastic tyre last year for the whole race and we had a clear advantage compared to Bridgestone and this year maybe we can lose this advantage. But we have 100 per cent confidence in Michelin to give us the good tyre for the right distance they have to do now and nothing will change dramatically.
[B]Q. McLaren have had problems so far. Will they be the main challengers do you think?[/B]
Alonso: I don't know. At the moment the best teams in the test sessions we did have been Honda, Renault and Ferrari. We saw that clearly last week in Barcelona. I think they are the teams that are the reference at the moment but we are only at the end of January. We have to wait. We are testing with three degrees-four degrees track conditions and the first three races will be completely different. We have to wait, but at the moment as I said these three teams are the big teams.
[B]Q. Are you concerned that McLaren are having problems? It doesn't look good for the future...[/B]
Alonso: No, I don't think so. The new rules don't help anybody. We have to build a completely new engine - I don't know what McLaren did. Renault started in July 2005, testing the V8 on the dyno. We put the engine in the car quite late in January but the engine was completely ready after many tests on the dyno, but I have no real worries about anything.
I'm sure at the beginning of the season, the engines will be quite different to compare one team to another team and from the middle of the season to the end, I'm sure all the engines will be very similar. All the manufacturers will have a good V8.
[B]Q. The announcement that you were joining McLaren was seen as being damaging to Renault and you appear to have been blamed for this. How do you feel about that?[/B]
Alonso: We can talk about all this, but I think not today. I do what I should do and everybody is free to do anything after you finish your relationship with anoth[B]er team.
Q. Has it changed your relationship with Flavio at all?[/B]
Alonso: No. Nothing at all. It is even stronger.
[B]Q. What did Flavio say when you told him you were joining McLaren?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing. When you finish a contract with one job, you can normally choose what you want to do. It is nothing strange.
[B]Q. But you are going to a rival team?[/B]
Alonso: We are all rivals; we are 11 teams. At the end of the day, there are three or four teams that are always at the top. And the other six teams have more difficulties. When you are with a top team, and you change, normally you go to a rival. This is what happened and there is nothing more to say.
[B]Q. When did Flavio find out?[/B]
Alonso: That is something between Flavio and me.
[B]Q. Will your contract run out at the last race or at the end of the year?[/B]
Alonso: We will see. We will find out next year.
[B]Q. Is Flavio still your manager?[/B]
Alonso: Yes, for sure.
[B]Q. What is more difficult for you. To win the title or to defend it?[/B]
Alonso: To win the title. It's always difficult to win races and it is always difficult to be competitive in this sport and I think this is the great challenge and the great opportunity for the drivers in F1. Every race is different and can change things, and anything can happen, and this is why maybe Formula One is big.
[B]Q. Is there anything that Renault could have done to stop you from moving to McLaren?[/B]
Alonso: Probably...yes.
[B]Q. What would that have been?[/B]
Alonso: It is between Renault and me.
[B]Q. Was it more money?[/B]
Alonso: No, is not more money; it is more the future.
[B]Q. What is the biggest change in you between this time last year and now?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing has changed, to be honest. I am the same driver. I had the same confidence in myself last year but I was waiting for a competitive car to prove to everybody. Maybe this year I have the same confidence, the same motivation, and I want to win again. But maybe I have less pressure this year, to be honest. Maybe last year I was a young driver with talent who needed to prove that he can win a championship, not only races. And now I am maybe more relaxed because I am maybe more confident in myself.
[B]Q. Can you go for more wins this year, do you think?[/B]
Alonso: Yes, I was maybe more conservative because I wanted to win the championship; this year I want to win the championship but I'm not so stressed.
[B]Q. You said that in the second half of the year all the V8s would be the same. Does that mean that the first half of the year is when you can win the championship?[/B]
Alonso: Yeah, the team that arrives ready 100 per cent for the first race can have a big advantage. With the V10, the last three or four years we saw many manufacturers come into F1 and they already have a good V10 running in the car - like Toyota, Honda, Renault and whoever. I think with the V8 it is a new challenge and it will take some months to have a competitive engine and that is the challenge for the engine men. In Renault I think they have done a fantastic job at the moment. We have no mechanical problems, which is good for testing now. We need to find some power but I am sure that we will have a good engine in the first few races and maybe this could make a difference.
[B]Q. When you contract ends with Renault, will your management contract with Flavio also come to an end?[/B]
Alonso: No. Flavio will still be my manager.
[B]Q. So if it wasn't money that was the issue with Renault, was it that Renault could not say that they would be in F1 in 2009.[/B]
Alonso: Who knows? (smiles)
[B]Q. If you will not tell us what Renault would not offer you, can you tell us what Ron Dennis did?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing. I choose what I believe is the best team for my future.
[B]Q. Fernando, you won the World Championship last year but people say McLaren had the better car and Kimi won a few awards as driver of the year. Does that make you annoyed you at all?[/B]
Alonso: No, no; the opposite. I like it when people say that because it means my title or my victories were even more painful for the people.....
[B]Q. Fernando you have done so much in your career. Do you feel like an old man now?[/B]
Alonso: No, no, not really! I started very young in go kart and then I had the steps into F1 very quick and I was 19 when I arrived in Minardi and now at 24 I have won the title. So I am not old but I achieve many things in a very short space of time. This is a good thing and I believe this helps me for my career and my achievements in the future. I'm really looking forward to being even older than now and to have achieved more at the top.
[B]Q. Talking about age. What about the old man, Michael Schumacher? Will he still be a force if Ferrari get a competitive package?[/B]
Alonso: Yes, for sure; no doubts about this. If Ferrari is showing us their potential in this winter test arriving in Bahrain, for me the first name that I will see on the list of times will be Michael's, for sure. He will probably be the favourite one. [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Q & A with Fernando Alonso
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 11:19 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso has pretty much kept out of the media spotlight since he made the shock announcement that he was switching to McLaren in 2007.
There has been endless speculation about the reasons for his move, plus a lot of talk of trouble between himself and Renault boss (and manager) Flavio Briatore.
At the launch of Renault's 2006 challenger, however, Alonso could maintain his silence no longer and spoke at some length about the season ahead, the reasons behind the decision to turn his back on a championship-winning team and his relationship with Briatore.
There is still plenty that remains to be answered about the Alonso-McLaren deal, especially how the deal was put together, but there is at least some clarity emerging about the motivation behind the Spaniard's defection.
[B]Q. How does this year's R26 car compare with last year's?[/B]
Alonso: There are many things very similar. Chassis-wise nothing really changed dramatically and it is quite similar to drive. The amount of power we have now feels much less, something we, the drivers, need to get used to. I'm quite happy with the package. Compared to the opponents we are in a good starting point. We need to improve the car but we have all of February to test and at the moment we are quite happy. From the drivers' point of view, nothing has really changed compared to the R25 for the Renault drivers.
[B]Q. You have said many times that you will still be the same driver this year. Are you happy that the team will treat you in the same way and will not look more to Giancarlo Fisichella?[/B]
Alonso: No, I'm completely sure that they will help me in the way that they have helped me always, like last year, and nothing really will change in terms of helping one driver over the other driver. This is not in the plans of Renault and not something that should be done. I am 100 per cent confident in the Renault team; I am working for them in 2006. I will defend the Number 1 and they will defend the Constructors' Championship; we need to help each other and I'm sure we can do it again.
[B]Q. Has the mood in the team changed since you made your announcement?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing. Nothing has changed; the same motivation, the same confidence in ourselves. It's quite normal; when you finish one contract, you can choose what you want. It's not that I leave Renault in a bad way or in the middle of the contract. It is something that everybody understands in the team and we are all working together this year. It's the last year for me in the team; it's the last year for Michelin in F1 at this moment. We all need and we all must leave the team or whatever in the best way possible - and this is repeating the championship.
We are confident in the package and the motivation is higher than ever this year because we have number one and number two and all the mechanics and engineers are working with much more interest than last year. This is coming to all parts of the team, not just the mechanics and the engineers. The people in the kitchen are happy, the drivers as well. Everybody is extremely motivated. Nothing will change from my side.
[B]Q. Fernando, what would be your perfect goodbye present for Renault?[/B]
Alonso: The best farewell present for all of us would be to win the championship. For them, the same thing. We have a fantastic relationship. Renault has been my family from when I started in Formula One. I gave a lot of things to Renault and they gave me a lot of things. The respect we have for each other is fantastic and we need to do the maximum together again this year.
[B]Q. So Fernando, why do you leave the team that brought you into F1 - the team you won the World Championship with for the team that came second?[/B]
Alonso: Well, because I think it is one of my stages in my career. I arrived with Renault in 2002 and they were nearly fighting with Minardi in 2001; we grew up together and in 2005 we reached the maximum target, which is to win both titles. And now with my contract expiring at the end of the year, I look at my options. Now I feel that this period of my career finishes here and I need to win with other teams and I need to find new motivation.
[B]Q. Fernando, Flavio has said he was not involved in the negotiations. When did they start and did you initiate it?[/B]
Alonso: We can talk about this at other press conferences, but not here. It is not the right moment. I think it is good to clarify what we did; what is the motivation for this year and the target for this year. But all the details, I don't think is the right time.
[B]Q. Do you think that in the future you might seek out another new challenge, maybe Ferrari?
[/B]
Alonso: I don't know.
[B]Q. Are you the kind of person that needs that new challenge all the time?[/B]
Alonso: Yes. Yes, at the end of 2009 I will see...
[B]Q. Tyre changes and qualifying changes for this year. How do you think that will work for you?[/B]
Alonso: I don't think it will change too much how we will approach the races. For the drivers the strategy may be a little bit more complex; especially the qualifying format will be a good challenge for the technical directors and the engineers. But for the drivers it will be very similar.
Tyre changes? Maybe it doesn't help Michelin at the moment because we had a fantastic tyre last year for the whole race and we had a clear advantage compared to Bridgestone and this year maybe we can lose this advantage. But we have 100 per cent confidence in Michelin to give us the good tyre for the right distance they have to do now and nothing will change dramatically.
[B]Q. McLaren have had problems so far. Will they be the main challengers do you think?[/B]
Alonso: I don't know. At the moment the best teams in the test sessions we did have been Honda, Renault and Ferrari. We saw that clearly last week in Barcelona. I think they are the teams that are the reference at the moment but we are only at the end of January. We have to wait. We are testing with three degrees-four degrees track conditions and the first three races will be completely different. We have to wait, but at the moment as I said these three teams are the big teams.
[B]Q. Are you concerned that McLaren are having problems? It doesn't look good for the future...[/B]
Alonso: No, I don't think so. The new rules don't help anybody. We have to build a completely new engine - I don't know what McLaren did. Renault started in July 2005, testing the V8 on the dyno. We put the engine in the car quite late in January but the engine was completely ready after many tests on the dyno, but I have no real worries about anything.
I'm sure at the beginning of the season, the engines will be quite different to compare one team to another team and from the middle of the season to the end, I'm sure all the engines will be very similar. All the manufacturers will have a good V8.
[B]Q. The announcement that you were joining McLaren was seen as being damaging to Renault and you appear to have been blamed for this. How do you feel about that?[/B]
Alonso: We can talk about all this, but I think not today. I do what I should do and everybody is free to do anything after you finish your relationship with anoth[B]er team.
Q. Has it changed your relationship with Flavio at all?[/B]
Alonso: No. Nothing at all. It is even stronger.
[B]Q. What did Flavio say when you told him you were joining McLaren?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing. When you finish a contract with one job, you can normally choose what you want to do. It is nothing strange.
[B]Q. But you are going to a rival team?[/B]
Alonso: We are all rivals; we are 11 teams. At the end of the day, there are three or four teams that are always at the top. And the other six teams have more difficulties. When you are with a top team, and you change, normally you go to a rival. This is what happened and there is nothing more to say.
[B]Q. When did Flavio find out?[/B]
Alonso: That is something between Flavio and me.
[B]Q. Will your contract run out at the last race or at the end of the year?[/B]
Alonso: We will see. We will find out next year.
[B]Q. Is Flavio still your manager?[/B]
Alonso: Yes, for sure.
[B]Q. What is more difficult for you. To win the title or to defend it?[/B]
Alonso: To win the title. It's always difficult to win races and it is always difficult to be competitive in this sport and I think this is the great challenge and the great opportunity for the drivers in F1. Every race is different and can change things, and anything can happen, and this is why maybe Formula One is big.
[B]Q. Is there anything that Renault could have done to stop you from moving to McLaren?[/B]
Alonso: Probably...yes.
[B]Q. What would that have been?[/B]
Alonso: It is between Renault and me.
[B]Q. Was it more money?[/B]
Alonso: No, is not more money; it is more the future.
[B]Q. What is the biggest change in you between this time last year and now?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing has changed, to be honest. I am the same driver. I had the same confidence in myself last year but I was waiting for a competitive car to prove to everybody. Maybe this year I have the same confidence, the same motivation, and I want to win again. But maybe I have less pressure this year, to be honest. Maybe last year I was a young driver with talent who needed to prove that he can win a championship, not only races. And now I am maybe more relaxed because I am maybe more confident in myself.
[B]Q. Can you go for more wins this year, do you think?[/B]
Alonso: Yes, I was maybe more conservative because I wanted to win the championship; this year I want to win the championship but I'm not so stressed.
[B]Q. You said that in the second half of the year all the V8s would be the same. Does that mean that the first half of the year is when you can win the championship?[/B]
Alonso: Yeah, the team that arrives ready 100 per cent for the first race can have a big advantage. With the V10, the last three or four years we saw many manufacturers come into F1 and they already have a good V10 running in the car - like Toyota, Honda, Renault and whoever. I think with the V8 it is a new challenge and it will take some months to have a competitive engine and that is the challenge for the engine men. In Renault I think they have done a fantastic job at the moment. We have no mechanical problems, which is good for testing now. We need to find some power but I am sure that we will have a good engine in the first few races and maybe this could make a difference.
[B]Q. When you contract ends with Renault, will your management contract with Flavio also come to an end?[/B]
Alonso: No. Flavio will still be my manager.
[B]Q. So if it wasn't money that was the issue with Renault, was it that Renault could not say that they would be in F1 in 2009.[/B]
Alonso: Who knows? (smiles)
[B]Q. If you will not tell us what Renault would not offer you, can you tell us what Ron Dennis did?[/B]
Alonso: Nothing. I choose what I believe is the best team for my future.
[B]Q. Fernando, you won the World Championship last year but people say McLaren had the better car and Kimi won a few awards as driver of the year. Does that make you annoyed you at all?[/B]
Alonso: No, no; the opposite. I like it when people say that because it means my title or my victories were even more painful for the people.....
[B]Q. Fernando you have done so much in your career. Do you feel like an old man now?[/B]
Alonso: No, no, not really! I started very young in go kart and then I had the steps into F1 very quick and I was 19 when I arrived in Minardi and now at 24 I have won the title. So I am not old but I achieve many things in a very short space of time. This is a good thing and I believe this helps me for my career and my achievements in the future. I'm really looking forward to being even older than now and to have achieved more at the top.
[B]Q. Talking about age. What about the old man, Michael Schumacher? Will he still be a force if Ferrari get a competitive package?[/B]
Alonso: Yes, for sure; no doubts about this. If Ferrari is showing us their potential in this winter test arriving in Bahrain, for me the first name that I will see on the list of times will be Michael's, for sure. He will probably be the favourite one. [/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 02-01-2006 08:46 AM |
Rossi spun it on the first lap so wasn't able to complete a time yesterday.
Honda is known for running fast in winter testing and then slowing for the season, I'm not too concerned with their speed. Red Bull is getting over the cooling problems so their lack of speed is also not too concernning. Just as long as they fix them I think they should be in good shape.
Honda is known for running fast in winter testing and then slowing for the season, I'm not too concerned with their speed. Red Bull is getting over the cooling problems so their lack of speed is also not too concernning. Just as long as they fix them I think they should be in good shape.
| Ferg | 02-01-2006 09:47 AM |
I love bike racers...
[QUOTE]Biaggi mocks Rossi over spin
By Michele Lostia February 1st 2006, 13:55 GMT
Max Biaggi has mocked Valentino Rossi for his spin in a Formula One car at Valencia yesterday, the MotoGP outcast saying he could offer the champion some advice.
Rossi began a three-day test at Valencia yesterday with Ferrari, but due to bad weather, the Italian only ran one installation lap - spinning halfway and ending his day on a shuttle back to the garages.
Biaggi and Rossi have had an acrimonious relationship on and off the track, and the two clashed numerous times in motorcycle racing's top category.
Rossi had previous mocked Biaggi for his inability to sort out technical issues on his bike, specifically the suspension chattering under cornering, and now it's payback time.
"This time I've beaten him," Biaggi told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He mocked me about the bike's chattering? Well, as soon as I got on a current F1 car, the Midland, I did ten laps in the wet at Silverstone, on a real track which I had never seen before, while he didn't even reach the tenth turn at Valencia.
"If he says he needs to ask for my advice on the bike's chattering, then I reply I could explain to him how not to spin an F1 car. Whenever he wants..."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Briatore undecided on future
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 13:41 GMT
Renault boss Flavio Briatore has moved to quash talk that he is planning to retire when his contract with the team runs out at the end of this year.
The flamboyant Italian's tenure at the outfit has been under the spotlight ever since the team lost Fernando Alonso to McLaren for 2007 - but Briatore insists there is no reason for him to think about leaving.
He claims he is completely undecided about his future � although his feeling at the moment is that he will carry on for some time.
"You know, my contract expires every year," he said. "I will stay as long as I feel I can perform and I feel my people can perform.
"To keep the jobs of 850 people who work for me, and protect my people and put my people at the top of the grid all the time � that is my goal in F1. I love this job.
"The moment I feel I am not hungry any more, I don't have motivation any more and I do not want to risk my people because I want to spend more time on the boat, then I will stop.
"But for the moment I will do it my way. I don't know when I'll stop, maybe next week, I don't care. Or maybe two weeks, or two years or 10. I don't know. Maybe tomorrow?"
He added: "As long as I carry on enjoying myself and I realise I'm doing this job well, I'm staying here. At the moment it looks like I'm doing it better than Ron Dennis and Frank Williams."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Briatore attacks McLaren's 'lack of class'
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 10:41 GMT
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has hit out at McLaren chief Ron Dennis for his decision to announce Fernando Alonso's deal one year early.
Just two months after the 2005 season had ended, McLaren, runners-up to Renault in 2005, announced Alonso would join them when his contract with the French team expires at the end of this year.
The timing of the announcement made Briatore angry, although the Italian boss admitted he had no problems with Alonso's decision.
"From the sport point of view I have zero problem, zero, zero, zero problem," said Briatore during the launch of the new Renault in Monaco.
"But what I don't think was so classy was the way it was announced. I don't have a problem with Fernando driving for McLaren in 2007.
"Fernando wanted to drive for McLaren in 2007, he has made the choice, and I am very happy."
Briatore was very critical of Dennis, pointing out to that fact that the McLaren team chief had already done the same before.
At the end of 2003, McLaren announced Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya would join the team in 2005 while the Colombian was driving for Williams.
"Ron Dennis did the same last year," said Briatore. "I don't have any problem, but the way it was announced was simply not classy. It is the same story as last year with Montoya. Now I am curious to see what happens in 2007, for the drivers for 2008.
"I believe it is wrong to announce drivers one year early. This is wrong, as simple as that. But somebody is very consistent because it happened last year... But I want to talk about the present and we won the championship and Fernando is with us with car number one and we go racing in 2006.
"For 2007 we'll find out what McLaren do for 2008."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Renault want to prove Alonso wrong
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 12:14 GMT
Renault want to make Fernando Alonso have second thoughts about making a move to McLaren in 2007.
With the team heading into the new season knowing that the reigning World Champion has already agreed a deal to move to their main rivals at the end of the year, Renault's F1 president Patrick Faure has outlined his ambition to prove Alonso has made the wrong decision.
Faure wants Renault to be so dominant this year that Alonso will be forced to think again about his move.
"Maybe if we have extremely good results this year he will wonder whether he made the right decision," said Faure. "That is what we are going to try to do. And if after that he wants to keep going to McLaren then it will be easy to have a target for 2007."
Faure claims that the announcement of Alonso's departure to McLaren has only served to increase Renault's determination at their Enstone and Viry-Chatillon factories to reclaim their titles this year
When asked at the team launch whether the team's concentration had been knocked by Alonso's defection, he said: "No. I think it is exactly the contrary at the moment. I have never seen Viry as motivated as they are now because they really want to win this year.
"First of all because they want to win but secondly because they want to prove he was wrong to want to change teams. In Enstone and Viry they are really 120 percent pushing... it is fascinating that they are more motivated this year than they were 12 months ago."
Despite fully understanding Alonso's desire to find a new challenge with McLaren, Faure has expressed some disappointment at the way the deal was made public so early. His comment comes after Renault boss Flavio Briatore said McLaren had lacked 'class' in the way they handled the affair.
"The timing was not exactly very friendly, but at the end of the day we can live with that," explained Faure. "It is nothing dramatic in it. The thing that I am really sorry about is the timing and the way it was done.
"It could have been done some months later and us knowing it a bit earlier to prepare ourselves. But that is details and it is finished now."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Biaggi mocks Rossi over spin
By Michele Lostia February 1st 2006, 13:55 GMT
Max Biaggi has mocked Valentino Rossi for his spin in a Formula One car at Valencia yesterday, the MotoGP outcast saying he could offer the champion some advice.
Rossi began a three-day test at Valencia yesterday with Ferrari, but due to bad weather, the Italian only ran one installation lap - spinning halfway and ending his day on a shuttle back to the garages.
Biaggi and Rossi have had an acrimonious relationship on and off the track, and the two clashed numerous times in motorcycle racing's top category.
Rossi had previous mocked Biaggi for his inability to sort out technical issues on his bike, specifically the suspension chattering under cornering, and now it's payback time.
"This time I've beaten him," Biaggi told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He mocked me about the bike's chattering? Well, as soon as I got on a current F1 car, the Midland, I did ten laps in the wet at Silverstone, on a real track which I had never seen before, while he didn't even reach the tenth turn at Valencia.
"If he says he needs to ask for my advice on the bike's chattering, then I reply I could explain to him how not to spin an F1 car. Whenever he wants..."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Briatore undecided on future
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 13:41 GMT
Renault boss Flavio Briatore has moved to quash talk that he is planning to retire when his contract with the team runs out at the end of this year.
The flamboyant Italian's tenure at the outfit has been under the spotlight ever since the team lost Fernando Alonso to McLaren for 2007 - but Briatore insists there is no reason for him to think about leaving.
He claims he is completely undecided about his future � although his feeling at the moment is that he will carry on for some time.
"You know, my contract expires every year," he said. "I will stay as long as I feel I can perform and I feel my people can perform.
"To keep the jobs of 850 people who work for me, and protect my people and put my people at the top of the grid all the time � that is my goal in F1. I love this job.
"The moment I feel I am not hungry any more, I don't have motivation any more and I do not want to risk my people because I want to spend more time on the boat, then I will stop.
"But for the moment I will do it my way. I don't know when I'll stop, maybe next week, I don't care. Or maybe two weeks, or two years or 10. I don't know. Maybe tomorrow?"
He added: "As long as I carry on enjoying myself and I realise I'm doing this job well, I'm staying here. At the moment it looks like I'm doing it better than Ron Dennis and Frank Williams."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Briatore attacks McLaren's 'lack of class'
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 10:41 GMT
Renault team boss Flavio Briatore has hit out at McLaren chief Ron Dennis for his decision to announce Fernando Alonso's deal one year early.
Just two months after the 2005 season had ended, McLaren, runners-up to Renault in 2005, announced Alonso would join them when his contract with the French team expires at the end of this year.
The timing of the announcement made Briatore angry, although the Italian boss admitted he had no problems with Alonso's decision.
"From the sport point of view I have zero problem, zero, zero, zero problem," said Briatore during the launch of the new Renault in Monaco.
"But what I don't think was so classy was the way it was announced. I don't have a problem with Fernando driving for McLaren in 2007.
"Fernando wanted to drive for McLaren in 2007, he has made the choice, and I am very happy."
Briatore was very critical of Dennis, pointing out to that fact that the McLaren team chief had already done the same before.
At the end of 2003, McLaren announced Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya would join the team in 2005 while the Colombian was driving for Williams.
"Ron Dennis did the same last year," said Briatore. "I don't have any problem, but the way it was announced was simply not classy. It is the same story as last year with Montoya. Now I am curious to see what happens in 2007, for the drivers for 2008.
"I believe it is wrong to announce drivers one year early. This is wrong, as simple as that. But somebody is very consistent because it happened last year... But I want to talk about the present and we won the championship and Fernando is with us with car number one and we go racing in 2006.
"For 2007 we'll find out what McLaren do for 2008."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Renault want to prove Alonso wrong
By Jonathan Noble February 1st 2006, 12:14 GMT
Renault want to make Fernando Alonso have second thoughts about making a move to McLaren in 2007.
With the team heading into the new season knowing that the reigning World Champion has already agreed a deal to move to their main rivals at the end of the year, Renault's F1 president Patrick Faure has outlined his ambition to prove Alonso has made the wrong decision.
Faure wants Renault to be so dominant this year that Alonso will be forced to think again about his move.
"Maybe if we have extremely good results this year he will wonder whether he made the right decision," said Faure. "That is what we are going to try to do. And if after that he wants to keep going to McLaren then it will be easy to have a target for 2007."
Faure claims that the announcement of Alonso's departure to McLaren has only served to increase Renault's determination at their Enstone and Viry-Chatillon factories to reclaim their titles this year
When asked at the team launch whether the team's concentration had been knocked by Alonso's defection, he said: "No. I think it is exactly the contrary at the moment. I have never seen Viry as motivated as they are now because they really want to win this year.
"First of all because they want to win but secondly because they want to prove he was wrong to want to change teams. In Enstone and Viry they are really 120 percent pushing... it is fascinating that they are more motivated this year than they were 12 months ago."
Despite fully understanding Alonso's desire to find a new challenge with McLaren, Faure has expressed some disappointment at the way the deal was made public so early. His comment comes after Renault boss Flavio Briatore said McLaren had lacked 'class' in the way they handled the affair.
"The timing was not exactly very friendly, but at the end of the day we can live with that," explained Faure. "It is nothing dramatic in it. The thing that I am really sorry about is the timing and the way it was done.
"It could have been done some months later and us knowing it a bit earlier to prepare ourselves. But that is details and it is finished now."[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 02-01-2006 09:56 AM |
haha, another childish outburst by Biaggi. And he wonders why he's not racing this season.
| Ferg | 02-01-2006 10:10 AM |
I don't know much about the Biaggi/Rossi tiff since I don't follow MotoGP with anything approaching the obsessiveness that F1 recieves.... I assume that Biaggi is well past his sell-by date and Rossi has been running circles around him?
Some good news about the split.
[QUOTE]Manufacturers close to a deal, says Faure
January 31st 2006, 19:56 GMT
Formula One could reach a deal by the start of the season to end the threat of a damaging split, according to Renault F1 president Patrick Faure.
"When you see in which direction we are going as far as the rules are concerned and as far as the discussions with the owners of Formula One, I really think we can be more optimistic than we could have been six months or a year ago," he said at the launch of Renault's 2006 car on Tuesday.
"It's not impossible," added the Frenchman, when asked if there could be an agreement before the season-opener in Bahrain on March 12.
"We have moved forward in many directions. It seems that now everybody is conscious that a good compromise from all would be a good solution for the future of Formula One. We need to be more sensible than we probably were in the past, all of us."
Champions Renault are members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) along with Mercedes, BMW, Toyota and Honda.
The five have been threatening their own series from 2008, when the existing commercial agreement expires, unless the teams get a far greater share of the revenues and the championship is run in a more transparent way.
Five teams, including Ferrari and Williams, have agreed an extension to the existing commercial agreement with the governing body and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.[/QUOTE]
Some good news about the split.
[QUOTE]Manufacturers close to a deal, says Faure
January 31st 2006, 19:56 GMT
Formula One could reach a deal by the start of the season to end the threat of a damaging split, according to Renault F1 president Patrick Faure.
"When you see in which direction we are going as far as the rules are concerned and as far as the discussions with the owners of Formula One, I really think we can be more optimistic than we could have been six months or a year ago," he said at the launch of Renault's 2006 car on Tuesday.
"It's not impossible," added the Frenchman, when asked if there could be an agreement before the season-opener in Bahrain on March 12.
"We have moved forward in many directions. It seems that now everybody is conscious that a good compromise from all would be a good solution for the future of Formula One. We need to be more sensible than we probably were in the past, all of us."
Champions Renault are members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) along with Mercedes, BMW, Toyota and Honda.
The five have been threatening their own series from 2008, when the existing commercial agreement expires, unless the teams get a far greater share of the revenues and the championship is run in a more transparent way.
Five teams, including Ferrari and Williams, have agreed an extension to the existing commercial agreement with the governing body and F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 02-01-2006 11:16 AM |
In short Biaggi was doing pretty good until this kid named and fellow Italian Vale came upon the scene and started spanking everyone. From then on Biaggi's ego and emotion clouded his riding. Pretty standard fare I guess for those that lose sight of the true goal.
Now Biaggi can't land a B-team world superbike ride.
Now Biaggi can't land a B-team world superbike ride.
| Ferg | 02-01-2006 12:14 PM |
I see, makes sense now. I couldn't understand where all the hostility was coming from.
Hey, looks like Rossi came through, time for the rumor mill to go into overdrive.
[QUOTE]Alonso quickest, Rossi shines at Valencia
February 1st 2006, 16:54 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso posted the fastest time of the day in testing at the Valencia circuit, which saw over 5,500 people attending the test to watch their local hero.
Alonso, however, had to share the attention with MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who shone in his first proper test alongside other Formula One drivers.
Rossi, who yesterday had an embarrassing day after he spun halfway through his opening lap, managed to complete a total of 51 laps today despite spinning twice at the same corner as yesterday.
The Italian, driving an old F2004 fitted with a detuned V10 engines, set the ninth quickest time of the day, finishing slightly over a second behind Michael Schumacher.
Schumacher, at the wheel of the new 248 F1 car, was third quickest, although most of the eyes were on Rossi, who outpaced six Formula One drivers. The Italian will complete his test with Ferrari tomorrow.
Renault driver Alonso returned to work with his team after the French squad officially launched their new car in Monaco yesterday. The Spaniard, who stopped in the pitlane when he suffered a sensor-related problem in the morning, completed 52 laps in the first of the R26s.
Alonso was joined by test driver Heikki Kovalainen, who today made his debut at the wheel of the new Renault.
Briton Jenson Button continued to show Honda's promising pace by finishing second quickest behind Alonso in the new R106. He worked alongside teammate Rubens Barrichello, quickest yesterday, as both men focused on long runs to test their Michelin tyres.
McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya began testing at Valencia a day earlier than planned after his teammate Kimi Raikkonen was forced to withdraw from the test feeling sick.
The Colombian worked with the new MP4-21 and set a promising fourth fastest time, while the team's test driver Gary Paffett was down in 12th with the hybrid car.
Toyota joined the test today with Ricardo Zonta and Jarno Trulli at the wheel of the TF106, both men causing a red flag each when they went off track.
Williams' test driver Alexander Wurz caused the other red flag of the day when he stopped on track. The Austrian was driving the interim car while Australian Mark Webber continued putting miles in the new FW28 unveiled last Friday.
Jacques Villeneuve and Robert Kubica were the men in charge of testing duties for the BMW team, the Canadian working with the new car while the Pole drove the hybrid machine.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:11.291 52
2. Button Honda (M) 1:11.327 87
3. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:11.831 72
4. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.998 68
5. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:12.062 112
6. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:12.113 27
7. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:12.619 77
8. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:12.660 87
[B] 9. Rossi Ferrari (B) 1:12.856 51[/B]
10. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:12.883 36
11. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:12.925 82
12. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:12.937 116
13. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:13.050 68
14. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:13.078 105
15. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:13.332 65
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
Hey, looks like Rossi came through, time for the rumor mill to go into overdrive.
[QUOTE]Alonso quickest, Rossi shines at Valencia
February 1st 2006, 16:54 GMT
World Champion Fernando Alonso posted the fastest time of the day in testing at the Valencia circuit, which saw over 5,500 people attending the test to watch their local hero.
Alonso, however, had to share the attention with MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who shone in his first proper test alongside other Formula One drivers.
Rossi, who yesterday had an embarrassing day after he spun halfway through his opening lap, managed to complete a total of 51 laps today despite spinning twice at the same corner as yesterday.
The Italian, driving an old F2004 fitted with a detuned V10 engines, set the ninth quickest time of the day, finishing slightly over a second behind Michael Schumacher.
Schumacher, at the wheel of the new 248 F1 car, was third quickest, although most of the eyes were on Rossi, who outpaced six Formula One drivers. The Italian will complete his test with Ferrari tomorrow.
Renault driver Alonso returned to work with his team after the French squad officially launched their new car in Monaco yesterday. The Spaniard, who stopped in the pitlane when he suffered a sensor-related problem in the morning, completed 52 laps in the first of the R26s.
Alonso was joined by test driver Heikki Kovalainen, who today made his debut at the wheel of the new Renault.
Briton Jenson Button continued to show Honda's promising pace by finishing second quickest behind Alonso in the new R106. He worked alongside teammate Rubens Barrichello, quickest yesterday, as both men focused on long runs to test their Michelin tyres.
McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya began testing at Valencia a day earlier than planned after his teammate Kimi Raikkonen was forced to withdraw from the test feeling sick.
The Colombian worked with the new MP4-21 and set a promising fourth fastest time, while the team's test driver Gary Paffett was down in 12th with the hybrid car.
Toyota joined the test today with Ricardo Zonta and Jarno Trulli at the wheel of the TF106, both men causing a red flag each when they went off track.
Williams' test driver Alexander Wurz caused the other red flag of the day when he stopped on track. The Austrian was driving the interim car while Australian Mark Webber continued putting miles in the new FW28 unveiled last Friday.
Jacques Villeneuve and Robert Kubica were the men in charge of testing duties for the BMW team, the Canadian working with the new car while the Pole drove the hybrid machine.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Tyres Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:11.291 52
2. Button Honda (M) 1:11.327 87
3. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:11.831 72
4. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.998 68
5. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:12.062 112
6. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:12.113 27
7. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:12.619 77
8. Zonta Toyota (B) 1:12.660 87
[B] 9. Rossi Ferrari (B) 1:12.856 51[/B]
10. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:12.883 36
11. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:12.925 82
12. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:12.937 116
13. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:13.050 68
14. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:13.078 105
15. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:13.332 65
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 02-01-2006 12:32 PM |
w00t! Pretty damn respectable for a n00b. :D
| rupertberr | 02-01-2006 12:36 PM |
[QUOTE=Bonzo]w00t! Pretty damn respectable for a n00b. :D[/QUOTE]
Hmmm, wasn't Ferrari the first team to give motorcycle World Champion John Surtees a crack at F1? Ended up winning the 1964 World Driving Championship with them. Maybe they are on to another one?
Hmmm, wasn't Ferrari the first team to give motorcycle World Champion John Surtees a crack at F1? Ended up winning the 1964 World Driving Championship with them. Maybe they are on to another one?
| TimStevens | 02-01-2006 12:37 PM |
<conspiracy_theory>
Was that [i]really[/i] a detuned V10?
</conspiracy_theory>
Was that [i]really[/i] a detuned V10?
</conspiracy_theory>
| Ferg | 02-01-2006 12:40 PM |
Surtees got his start in Vanwalls in Formula 500 before making his GP debut with Lotus in 1960 (was it 61?).
I wish Ferrari would run Rossi in a 2006 spec car rather than a detuned V10 machine. It's hard to get an idea of his true pace when he's running an older car.
Still very very impressive.
:D
I wish Ferrari would run Rossi in a 2006 spec car rather than a detuned V10 machine. It's hard to get an idea of his true pace when he's running an older car.
Still very very impressive.
:D
| StuBeck | 02-01-2006 01:02 PM |
Yea, I wish Ferrari would stop with the playing and run the 2006 car, or worst case scenario the 2005 car. Even detuning the 04 engine it is still easier to drive since it has a lot more downforce.
| Bonzo | 02-01-2006 01:21 PM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens]<conspiracy_theory>
Was that [i]really[/i] a detuned V10?
</conspiracy_theory>[/QUOTE]
let me guess... you're from Tinfoilbelt, NY. :D
Was that [i]really[/i] a detuned V10?
</conspiracy_theory>[/QUOTE]
let me guess... you're from Tinfoilbelt, NY. :D
| TimStevens | 02-01-2006 01:28 PM |
Used to be snowbelt :mad:
| Bonzo | 02-01-2006 01:46 PM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens]Used to be snowbelt :mad:[/QUOTE]
yeah, karma's a bitch for dissing my man. :p
close to 40 here again today. :( Amazingly the ice is still holding up.
yeah, karma's a bitch for dissing my man. :p
close to 40 here again today. :( Amazingly the ice is still holding up.
| tdm74 | 02-01-2006 07:08 PM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens]<conspiracy_theory>
Was that [i]really[/i] a detuned V10?
</conspiracy_theory>[/QUOTE]
It was a hybrid F2004 with a V8
[url]http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=34967[/url]
Was that [i]really[/i] a detuned V10?
</conspiracy_theory>[/QUOTE]
It was a hybrid F2004 with a V8
[url]http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=34967[/url]
| Ferg | 02-01-2006 07:10 PM |
Sorry, it was a 2004 chassis with a detuned V10.
Autosport > ITV-F1
:)
Autosport > ITV-F1
:)
| tdm74 | 02-01-2006 07:29 PM |
my bad :(
| Bonzo | 02-01-2006 07:32 PM |
For the record, I copied this from cyclenews.com.
[QUOTE]Briton John Surtees is the only person to win world championships in both motorcycle and car racing. Surtees won four motorcycle world championships before moving to four wheels in 1960. He won the F-1 title in 1964, driving a Ferrari.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Briton John Surtees is the only person to win world championships in both motorcycle and car racing. Surtees won four motorcycle world championships before moving to four wheels in 1960. He won the F-1 title in 1964, driving a Ferrari.[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 02-01-2006 07:35 PM |
[QUOTE=tdm74]my bad :([/QUOTE]
No worries man, ITV-F1 is a good source for news, but Autosport tends to be the more reliable when it comes to all the little details. :)
Stu, so a 1960 debut with Lotus and then the world championship in 64 for Ferrari.
Nice work if you can get it. :D
No worries man, ITV-F1 is a good source for news, but Autosport tends to be the more reliable when it comes to all the little details. :)
Stu, so a 1960 debut with Lotus and then the world championship in 64 for Ferrari.
Nice work if you can get it. :D
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