| JoD | 02-16-2006 12:23 PM |
Wicked Wallpapers...
�
�
[IMG]http://www.mclaren.com/interactive/wallpaper/MP4-21_800_2.jpg[/IMG]
Just an FYI for those wanting some new wallpapers - McLaren's website ([url]www.mclaren.com[/url]) has some wicked shots of the MP4-21 avaiable underneath the "Interactive" section. There are three of the new car available, (including the one above) plus many shots of the test cars for those of you partial to that wonderful orange. Enjoy!
Just an FYI for those wanting some new wallpapers - McLaren's website ([url]www.mclaren.com[/url]) has some wicked shots of the MP4-21 avaiable underneath the "Interactive" section. There are three of the new car available, (including the one above) plus many shots of the test cars for those of you partial to that wonderful orange. Enjoy!
| bitterWRX | 02-16-2006 12:27 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Oh come on that's just not true...all throughout the 2004 season Button was always quick to thank his team and his guys. True he's slagged off the car a few times, but which driver hasn't? Even Schumacher griped about the Ferrari last year..and that's truly never happened before!
I'll be happy if either Jenson or Rubens has a breakout year, but on the evidence so far I think Jenson is going to have the edge. Now once Ruben's gets Honda's engine guys on his side like Senna did at McLaren.... :devil:[/QUOTE]
I think the biggest problem I still have with Jenson (I'm a big Honda fan by the way) is that he doesn't have the skill yet to play with the big boys. Imola 2005... a duel between Alonso, Button, and Schumacher... even with a "poor" F2005 Ferrari chassis, Shumacher managed to pull ahead of Button with a beautifully timed passing move. Unless Button gets better quick in his defensive lines and passing, he's nothing but a pretty face in F1. I sure hope he steps up his game a notch or two... for the sake of Honda.
I'll be happy if either Jenson or Rubens has a breakout year, but on the evidence so far I think Jenson is going to have the edge. Now once Ruben's gets Honda's engine guys on his side like Senna did at McLaren.... :devil:[/QUOTE]
I think the biggest problem I still have with Jenson (I'm a big Honda fan by the way) is that he doesn't have the skill yet to play with the big boys. Imola 2005... a duel between Alonso, Button, and Schumacher... even with a "poor" F2005 Ferrari chassis, Shumacher managed to pull ahead of Button with a beautifully timed passing move. Unless Button gets better quick in his defensive lines and passing, he's nothing but a pretty face in F1. I sure hope he steps up his game a notch or two... for the sake of Honda.
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 12:34 PM |
I think Button can play with the big boys just fine...Hockenheim 2004 comes to mind, Jenson put quite a move on Alonso.
As for Imola, IIRC Button's BAR was graining it's tires towards the end of the race while Schumacher's Ferrari was truly in the sweet spot. Not making excuses since Alonso also had a bit of a dodgy car at the end. Should Button have held him off? You bet..and it was a driver error on his part that let Schu get by, something Alonso didn't do, even after several laps of massive pressure.
In the end you're all correct...for sure Button has shown flashes of brilliance , no question there, but he still very much needs to prove himself to be anything other than a talented guy making up the numbers.
2006 is definately Jenson's make or brake season, and just one of many stories that's hopefully going to make this year an absolute classic.
:D
As for Imola, IIRC Button's BAR was graining it's tires towards the end of the race while Schumacher's Ferrari was truly in the sweet spot. Not making excuses since Alonso also had a bit of a dodgy car at the end. Should Button have held him off? You bet..and it was a driver error on his part that let Schu get by, something Alonso didn't do, even after several laps of massive pressure.
In the end you're all correct...for sure Button has shown flashes of brilliance , no question there, but he still very much needs to prove himself to be anything other than a talented guy making up the numbers.
2006 is definately Jenson's make or brake season, and just one of many stories that's hopefully going to make this year an absolute classic.
:D
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 12:37 PM |
Valencia, day four (is it day four? I'm losing track...)
[QUOTE]Kovalainen leds the way at Valencia
Thursday, February 16th 2006, 17:30 GMT
The Renault team dominated the third day of testing at the Valencia circuit, with Heikki Kovalainen finishing on top of the times.
Kovalainen, who today focused on a big tyre programme for Michelin, covered a massive 141 laps to finish three tenths of a second ahead of teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, who also had a busy day covering 119 laps.
Both men enjoyed an almost trouble-free day with their R26 cars.
"This was one of our best days of the winter," said chief test engineer Christian Silk. "We did more than 1000 km with only minor problems on both cars, and the R26 seems very competitive.
"Heikki completed his programme of tyre and brake testing without any problems, and we found some very interesting directions with the Michelin tyres.
"As for Giancarlo, his race distance was interrupted by a minor hydraulic problem, but he ran trouble-free this afternoon as he worked on set-up and tyre development."
Juan Pablo Montoya split the Renault drivers with his McLaren MP4-21, the Colombian causing two red flags during the day, the first one when he went off track and the second when his car stopped.
Teammate Kimi Raikkonen was fifth fastest in the other MP4-21.
The third red flag of the day was caused by Williams driver Nico Rosberg, who stopped on track with an apparent mechanical problem.
Scot David Coulthard was the only Red Bull Racing driver in action today as the team shipped the other car to the factory to be fitted with the new bodywork package. Coulthard tried the revised package for the first time and finished in sixth place.
German Adrian Sutil made his debut at the wheel of a Formula One car when he tested the hybrid EJ15B for the Midland team. The test driver worked alongside Dutchman Christijan Albers, who continued putting miles in the new MF16 machine and finished down in eighth.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:10.618 140
2. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:10.657 50
3. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:10.938 118
4. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:11.139 78
5. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.174 66
6. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:11.217 73
7. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:12.233 119
8. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:12.778 46
9. Sutil MF1-Toyota (B) 1:17.912 27
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Kovalainen leds the way at Valencia
Thursday, February 16th 2006, 17:30 GMT
The Renault team dominated the third day of testing at the Valencia circuit, with Heikki Kovalainen finishing on top of the times.
Kovalainen, who today focused on a big tyre programme for Michelin, covered a massive 141 laps to finish three tenths of a second ahead of teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, who also had a busy day covering 119 laps.
Both men enjoyed an almost trouble-free day with their R26 cars.
"This was one of our best days of the winter," said chief test engineer Christian Silk. "We did more than 1000 km with only minor problems on both cars, and the R26 seems very competitive.
"Heikki completed his programme of tyre and brake testing without any problems, and we found some very interesting directions with the Michelin tyres.
"As for Giancarlo, his race distance was interrupted by a minor hydraulic problem, but he ran trouble-free this afternoon as he worked on set-up and tyre development."
Juan Pablo Montoya split the Renault drivers with his McLaren MP4-21, the Colombian causing two red flags during the day, the first one when he went off track and the second when his car stopped.
Teammate Kimi Raikkonen was fifth fastest in the other MP4-21.
The third red flag of the day was caused by Williams driver Nico Rosberg, who stopped on track with an apparent mechanical problem.
Scot David Coulthard was the only Red Bull Racing driver in action today as the team shipped the other car to the factory to be fitted with the new bodywork package. Coulthard tried the revised package for the first time and finished in sixth place.
German Adrian Sutil made his debut at the wheel of a Formula One car when he tested the hybrid EJ15B for the Midland team. The test driver worked alongside Dutchman Christijan Albers, who continued putting miles in the new MF16 machine and finished down in eighth.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:10.618 140
2. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:10.657 50
3. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:10.938 118
4. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:11.139 78
5. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.174 66
6. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:11.217 73
7. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:12.233 119
8. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:12.778 46
9. Sutil MF1-Toyota (B) 1:17.912 27
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 02-16-2006 12:42 PM |
[IMG]http://www.mclaren.com/interactive/wallpaper/MP4-21_800_2.jpg[/IMG]
IT'S RED JoD!
You did that on purpose. I know you did. :furious: :D
IT'S RED JoD!
You did that on purpose. I know you did. :furious: :D
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 12:45 PM |
Papaya Orange dammit! :p :lol:
Those pics make me long for the days of wide cars and slick tires...then you'd truly have a sexy Macca.
*sigh*
Those pics make me long for the days of wide cars and slick tires...then you'd truly have a sexy Macca.
*sigh*
| artkevin | 02-16-2006 12:51 PM |
After further discussion with JoD, I retract my earlier statement of anger about the difference in Red vs. Orange. We have had a 5 month argument about if the color of the traditional car is red or orange.
My bad.
Continue with the thread. :D
My bad.
Continue with the thread. :D
| bitterWRX | 02-16-2006 02:20 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]I think Button can play with the big boys just fine...Hockenheim 2004 comes to mind, Jenson put quite a move on Alonso.
As for Imola, IIRC Button's BAR was graining it's tires towards the end of the race while Schumacher's Ferrari was truly in the sweet spot. Not making excuses since Alonso also had a bit of a dodgy car at the end. Should Button have held him off? You bet..and it was a driver error on his part that let Schu get by, something Alonso didn't do, even after several laps of massive pressure.
In the end you're all correct...for sure Button has shown flashes of brilliance , no question there, but he still very much needs to prove himself to be anything other than a talented guy making up the numbers.
2006 is definately Jenson's make or brake season, and just one of many stories that's hopefully going to make this year an absolute classic.
:D[/QUOTE]
Agreed. I think 2006 is going to be a very exciting season to watch.
Its almost instinctual to hope that Alonso or Raikonnen will win again since it was such a close race to the WDC last year. But I think Schumacher might take it this year. Here's hoping that Ferrari can keep up with Schumacher.
[B]
Who do you guys think will take WDC this year?
[/B]
As for Imola, IIRC Button's BAR was graining it's tires towards the end of the race while Schumacher's Ferrari was truly in the sweet spot. Not making excuses since Alonso also had a bit of a dodgy car at the end. Should Button have held him off? You bet..and it was a driver error on his part that let Schu get by, something Alonso didn't do, even after several laps of massive pressure.
In the end you're all correct...for sure Button has shown flashes of brilliance , no question there, but he still very much needs to prove himself to be anything other than a talented guy making up the numbers.
2006 is definately Jenson's make or brake season, and just one of many stories that's hopefully going to make this year an absolute classic.
:D[/QUOTE]
Agreed. I think 2006 is going to be a very exciting season to watch.
Its almost instinctual to hope that Alonso or Raikonnen will win again since it was such a close race to the WDC last year. But I think Schumacher might take it this year. Here's hoping that Ferrari can keep up with Schumacher.
[B]
Who do you guys think will take WDC this year?
[/B]
| NYEJ25 | 02-16-2006 02:26 PM |
[QUOTE=bitterWRX]Who do you guys think will take WDC this year?
[/B][/QUOTE]
Trulli :D
<--------Wishful Thinking!!
[/B][/QUOTE]
Trulli :D
<--------Wishful Thinking!!
| artkevin | 02-16-2006 02:48 PM |
I vote for JPM. :)
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 02:58 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]I vote for JPM. :)[/QUOTE]
Same here :) 2006 will be Montoya's year.
I think there's going to be a lot of new things this season...
Honda and Button will win a race.
Toyota and Trulli will win a race.
Massa will win a race (after Schumacher's car breaks obviously!)
Webber will win a race.
Rosberg will get on the podium in the first three races.
Red Bull will score a podium.
Villeneuve will redeem himself with a podium or two.
Toro Rosso will absolutely FLY at Monza!
:D
Same here :) 2006 will be Montoya's year.
I think there's going to be a lot of new things this season...
Honda and Button will win a race.
Toyota and Trulli will win a race.
Massa will win a race (after Schumacher's car breaks obviously!)
Webber will win a race.
Rosberg will get on the podium in the first three races.
Red Bull will score a podium.
Villeneuve will redeem himself with a podium or two.
Toro Rosso will absolutely FLY at Monza!
:D
| JoD | 02-16-2006 03:07 PM |
I'd love to see Kimi take the WDC. I think he's due. However, I'm not sure if Mercedes is going to give him an engine that will last a race, let alone win one... :(
| bitterWRX | 02-16-2006 03:08 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]I vote for JPM. :)[/QUOTE]
I really hope Ron Dennis doesn't get in the way of that. :furious:
His favoritism for Raikonnen knows no end.
I really hope Ron Dennis doesn't get in the way of that. :furious:
His favoritism for Raikonnen knows no end.
| artkevin | 02-16-2006 03:09 PM |
Actually I am pulling for JPM but I think Alonso is still the man to beat. McLaren as A LOT of problems to take care of before Kimi or JPM will be able to challenge. If any team can do it, its them.
I agree with all the predictions you gave Ferg. I will add that Woobens will finish with more points then Button. I also will throw Williams in for WCC. Just becuase I like them.
I agree with all the predictions you gave Ferg. I will add that Woobens will finish with more points then Button. I also will throw Williams in for WCC. Just becuase I like them.
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 03:11 PM |
Oh and for some reason, BMW will figure out how to get the best out of their car for the new qualifying format and both Vileneuve and Heidfeld will score a handful of poles.
heh, "handful of poles"
stupid formula one!
heh, "handful of poles"
stupid formula one!
| finnRex | 02-16-2006 03:14 PM |
[QUOTE=bitterWRX]I really hope Ron Dennis doesn't get in the way of that. :furious:
His favoritism for Raikonnen knows no end.[/QUOTE]
Juan has to stop playing hopscotch or whatever he was doing to prevent getting hurt. Playing favorites? I'd play favorites too if I was in Ron's shoes. Seeing as how Kimi had more points throughout the majority of the season. Being fair, it was close at the beginning until JPM hurt himself.
JoD, I agree 100%. Give Kimi a car that the engine doesn't go blammo, and he'll take care of business.
If I had to vote for WDC, it'd be either Alonso or Schumacher. My personal favorite is Kimi(that's a given), and next year it may be Kovalainen if Renault gives him a seat.
Mika
His favoritism for Raikonnen knows no end.[/QUOTE]
Juan has to stop playing hopscotch or whatever he was doing to prevent getting hurt. Playing favorites? I'd play favorites too if I was in Ron's shoes. Seeing as how Kimi had more points throughout the majority of the season. Being fair, it was close at the beginning until JPM hurt himself.
JoD, I agree 100%. Give Kimi a car that the engine doesn't go blammo, and he'll take care of business.
If I had to vote for WDC, it'd be either Alonso or Schumacher. My personal favorite is Kimi(that's a given), and next year it may be Kovalainen if Renault gives him a seat.
Mika
| JoD | 02-16-2006 03:14 PM |
:devil: Ferg, you naughty boy...
:)
:)
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 03:20 PM |
Hey, I try. :D
So I just popped over to Borders to pick up the latest (as in week old...) issue of Autosport and while I was standing in line, the two guys behind me were also picking up F1 related magazines...which in all my years of being a fan has never happened. Sort of a funny moment for all of us once we realized what was going on.
Most of the time the clerk just says, "Autosport...wow someone actually buys this?"
So I just popped over to Borders to pick up the latest (as in week old...) issue of Autosport and while I was standing in line, the two guys behind me were also picking up F1 related magazines...which in all my years of being a fan has never happened. Sort of a funny moment for all of us once we realized what was going on.
Most of the time the clerk just says, "Autosport...wow someone actually buys this?"
| artkevin | 02-16-2006 03:24 PM |
Only 1 shop I can find in Houston even carries Autosport. I am going to bite the bullet and subscribe to that rag.
Cool transparent lollipop.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/56152.jpg[/IMG]
Cool transparent lollipop.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/56152.jpg[/IMG]
| JoD | 02-16-2006 03:26 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]
Most of the time the clerk just says, "Autosport...wow someone actually buys this?"[/QUOTE]
I gotcha on that one, Ferg. I have a Kimi screensaver on my computer at work, along with some watercolors by Kevin by my desk. I can't tell you how many people coming through our office go - "Oh, so you like IRL?" At least they didn't say NASCAR....
I feel like I'm in a secret society sometimes...
Most of the time the clerk just says, "Autosport...wow someone actually buys this?"[/QUOTE]
I gotcha on that one, Ferg. I have a Kimi screensaver on my computer at work, along with some watercolors by Kevin by my desk. I can't tell you how many people coming through our office go - "Oh, so you like IRL?" At least they didn't say NASCAR....
I feel like I'm in a secret society sometimes...
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 03:27 PM |
The last time I checked it actually cost more to subscribe to Autosport than to just buy it at the shop...
I need to check into that again.
STUPID formula one!
[i]crud...page 17...[/i]
Time to roll out this again since Super Aguri made things official..
[QUOTE]
[B]Renault R26 (M)[/B]
1 Fernando Alonso (E)
2 Giancarlo Fisichella (I)
[B]McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 (M) [/B]
3 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)
4 Juan Pablo Montoya (CO)
[B]Ferrari 248 F1 (B)[/B]
5 Michael Schumacher (D)
6 Felipe Massa (BR)
[B]Toyota TF106 (B)[/B]
7 Ralf Schumacher (D)
8 Jarno Trulli (I)
[B]Williams FW28 Cosworth (B) +[/B]
9 Mark Webber (AUS)
10 Nico Rosberg (D)
[i]Friday Driver, Alex Wurz[/i]
[B]Honda RA106 (M) +[/B]
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[i]Friday Driver, Anthony Davidson[/i]
[B]Red Bull RB2 Ferrari (M) +[/B]
13 David Coulthard (GB)
14 Christian Klien (AU)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Doornbos*[/i]
[B]BMW Sauber F1.06 (M) +[/B]
15 Nick Heidfeld (D)
16 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Kubica[/i]
[B]MF1 Racing M16 Toyota (B) + [/B]
17 Tiago Monteiro (P)
18 Christijan Albers (NL)
[i]Friday Drivers, Markus Winkelhock, Adrian Sutil, Giorgio Mondini[/i]
[B]Scuderia Toro Rosso SRT01 Cosworth (M) +[/B]
19 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
20 Scott Speed (USA)
[i]Friday Driver, TBA[/i]
[B]Super Aguri Racing SA05 (SA06 mid-season) Honda (B)[/B]
21 Takuma Sato (JPN)
22 Yuji Ide (JPN)[/QUOTE]
I need to check into that again.
STUPID formula one!
[i]crud...page 17...[/i]
Time to roll out this again since Super Aguri made things official..
[QUOTE]
[B]Renault R26 (M)[/B]
1 Fernando Alonso (E)
2 Giancarlo Fisichella (I)
[B]McLaren-Mercedes MP4-21 (M) [/B]
3 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)
4 Juan Pablo Montoya (CO)
[B]Ferrari 248 F1 (B)[/B]
5 Michael Schumacher (D)
6 Felipe Massa (BR)
[B]Toyota TF106 (B)[/B]
7 Ralf Schumacher (D)
8 Jarno Trulli (I)
[B]Williams FW28 Cosworth (B) +[/B]
9 Mark Webber (AUS)
10 Nico Rosberg (D)
[i]Friday Driver, Alex Wurz[/i]
[B]Honda RA106 (M) +[/B]
11 Rubens Barrichello (BR)
12 Jenson Button (GB)
[i]Friday Driver, Anthony Davidson[/i]
[B]Red Bull RB2 Ferrari (M) +[/B]
13 David Coulthard (GB)
14 Christian Klien (AU)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Doornbos*[/i]
[B]BMW Sauber F1.06 (M) +[/B]
15 Nick Heidfeld (D)
16 Jacques Villeneuve (CN)
[i]Friday Driver, Robert Kubica[/i]
[B]MF1 Racing M16 Toyota (B) + [/B]
17 Tiago Monteiro (P)
18 Christijan Albers (NL)
[i]Friday Drivers, Markus Winkelhock, Adrian Sutil, Giorgio Mondini[/i]
[B]Scuderia Toro Rosso SRT01 Cosworth (M) +[/B]
19 Vitantonio Liuzzi (I)
20 Scott Speed (USA)
[i]Friday Driver, TBA[/i]
[B]Super Aguri Racing SA05 (SA06 mid-season) Honda (B)[/B]
21 Takuma Sato (JPN)
22 Yuji Ide (JPN)[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 02-16-2006 03:32 PM |
I think its about $100. I always miss the issues that I like becuase I have to drive half way across Houston to get an issue. I missed the annual driver of the year issue and thats gonna piss me off in a few years. I like looking back at them to see who went where. Taku San was in the top 20 two years ago.
| enduroshark | 02-16-2006 03:33 PM |
[QUOTE=Bonzo]Way to go Legge. I will get to see her and many others at Road America this summer for the first time in a few years. :banana:
I remember the six wheeled Tyrells and Mario winning his WC. At that time coswroth ruled as it was basically a spec engine series for a while. They sounded sooooo cool and reved so high.
Niki Laudas crash and then return. :eek:
Then came the turbo era, side skirts, and rock hard suspension to keep the now fixed side skirts sealed. Drivers were coming out of their race cars beaten and bruised. Keke Rosberg was my man and was also [I]the[/I] man.
I also remember watching Gilles and Jaques Villenueve racing snowmobiles on several occasions each winter in the early 70's. Gilles was wild then. His brother amazingly is still competing in this gritty, tough and very physical sport today. He's just like his brother. Jocko also won the very first CART race at Road America.
*looks for my cane* :p[/QUOTE]
I learned about and became and instant fan of F1 during the turbo era, with Keke going sideways all the time, Arnoux in the Renault, Alboreto at Ferrari, etc.
I remember the six wheeled Tyrells and Mario winning his WC. At that time coswroth ruled as it was basically a spec engine series for a while. They sounded sooooo cool and reved so high.
Niki Laudas crash and then return. :eek:
Then came the turbo era, side skirts, and rock hard suspension to keep the now fixed side skirts sealed. Drivers were coming out of their race cars beaten and bruised. Keke Rosberg was my man and was also [I]the[/I] man.
I also remember watching Gilles and Jaques Villenueve racing snowmobiles on several occasions each winter in the early 70's. Gilles was wild then. His brother amazingly is still competing in this gritty, tough and very physical sport today. He's just like his brother. Jocko also won the very first CART race at Road America.
*looks for my cane* :p[/QUOTE]
I learned about and became and instant fan of F1 during the turbo era, with Keke going sideways all the time, Arnoux in the Renault, Alboreto at Ferrari, etc.
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 03:44 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]I think its about $100. I always miss the issues that I like becuase I have to drive half way across Houston to get an issue. I missed the annual driver of the year issue and thats gonna piss me off in a few years. I like looking back at them to see who went where. Taku San was in the top 20 two years ago.[/QUOTE]
Ooh, then it's come down quite a bit. I may have to bite the bullet and do the same.
Ooh, then it's come down quite a bit. I may have to bite the bullet and do the same.
| JoD | 02-16-2006 05:27 PM |
Ferg - I was looking at your list of drivers and was amused by the Midland Friday driver's name - Manfred Winkelhock. I googled his name to see what a Manfred Winkelhock would look like and discovered that he won't be a very effective Friday driver, because he's dead. And been so for 20 years. (He did sport a lovely mullet while he was alive though.)
[IMG]http://www.geocities.com/piquet2004/WinkelhockManfred.jpeg[/IMG]
[URL]http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?method=4&dsid=2222&dekey=Manfred+Winkelhock&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&linktext=Manfred%20Winkelhock[/URL]
I believe the correct driver's name should be his son, Markus Winkelhock. Apparently Markus has experience in DTM, Formula 3 and Formula Renault.
[URL]http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?method=4&dsid=2222&dekey=Markus+Winkelhock&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&linktext=Markus%20Winkelhock[/URL]
All of you guys know so much F1 history and technical stuff, so I thought I'd throw in a little dead guy trivia when I got the chance....
:)
[IMG]http://www.geocities.com/piquet2004/WinkelhockManfred.jpeg[/IMG]
[URL]http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?method=4&dsid=2222&dekey=Manfred+Winkelhock&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&linktext=Manfred%20Winkelhock[/URL]
I believe the correct driver's name should be his son, Markus Winkelhock. Apparently Markus has experience in DTM, Formula 3 and Formula Renault.
[URL]http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery?method=4&dsid=2222&dekey=Markus+Winkelhock&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&linktext=Markus%20Winkelhock[/URL]
All of you guys know so much F1 history and technical stuff, so I thought I'd throw in a little dead guy trivia when I got the chance....
:)
| Wr4wrX | 02-16-2006 06:53 PM |
I've been wondering about this for a while, so perhaps somebody can explain to me when and why "[B]Squadra[/B] Torro Rosso" became "[B]Scuderia[/B] Torro Rosso." The original STR name used "Squadra," but somewhere along the line, it changed to "Scuderia." My understanding is that "Scuderia" is Italian for a horse stable or something of that nature and in racing, the term is always linked with Ferrari. I know that Ferrari is supplying Red Bull Racing with engines, but STR uses Cosworth, so I'm sorta confused.
| artkevin | 02-16-2006 07:28 PM |
Yes, Scuderia refers to stable of cars or horses. Squadra refers to a squad or team which is appropriate for an athletic team but not a racing program. I think it has more to do with proper use of the language then being linked with Ferrari.
| Ferg | 02-16-2006 08:34 PM |
[QUOTE=JoD]Ferg - I was looking at your list of drivers and was amused by the Midland Friday driver's name - Manfred Winkelhock. I googled his name to see what a Manfred Winkelhock would look like and discovered that he won't be a very effective Friday driver, because he's dead. And been so for 20 years. (He did sport a lovely mullet while he was alive though.)
I believe the correct driver's name should be his son, Markus Winkelhock. Apparently Markus has experience in DTM, Formula 3 and Formula Renault.
All of you guys know so much F1 history and technical stuff, so I thought I'd throw in a little dead guy trivia when I got the chance....
:)[/QUOTE]
Whooops! I'm not sure how that happened, weird.... I must have just seen the name Winklehock, and thought, "Yeah, that's him." Who knew there was more than one.
:huh:
Thanks for the fact check!
:D
I believe the correct driver's name should be his son, Markus Winkelhock. Apparently Markus has experience in DTM, Formula 3 and Formula Renault.
All of you guys know so much F1 history and technical stuff, so I thought I'd throw in a little dead guy trivia when I got the chance....
:)[/QUOTE]
Whooops! I'm not sure how that happened, weird.... I must have just seen the name Winklehock, and thought, "Yeah, that's him." Who knew there was more than one.
:huh:
Thanks for the fact check!
:D
| StuBeck | 02-17-2006 12:18 AM |
Minardi was also Scuderia Minardi btw. I think Red Bull just realized the name sounded wierd. Just a little different now but it sounds a lot better.
| grandpa rex | 02-17-2006 07:21 AM |
[QUOTE=JoD]I gotcha on that one, Ferg. I have a Kimi screensaver on my computer at work, along with some watercolors by Kevin by my desk. I can't tell you how many people coming through our office go - "Oh, so you like IRL?" At least they didn't say NASCAR....
I feel like I'm in a secret society sometimes...[/QUOTE]
I keep a pic of Senna at La Rascasse as my screen saver. Nobody knows what it is. I was wearing my Team Mclaren Mercedes hat the other day with a picture of Mika's car the other day and had a stranger recognize it. I used to wear a hat with PDLR on the front. (Pedro De La Rosa, or as we call him Pete Rose). Been in several bars where I'd challenge anyone to tell me what it meant for a free drink. Never had to pay off.
F1 in the US is a secret society.
I feel like I'm in a secret society sometimes...[/QUOTE]
I keep a pic of Senna at La Rascasse as my screen saver. Nobody knows what it is. I was wearing my Team Mclaren Mercedes hat the other day with a picture of Mika's car the other day and had a stranger recognize it. I used to wear a hat with PDLR on the front. (Pedro De La Rosa, or as we call him Pete Rose). Been in several bars where I'd challenge anyone to tell me what it meant for a free drink. Never had to pay off.
F1 in the US is a secret society.
| Ferg | 02-17-2006 08:34 AM |
Morning news.
What goes around comes around...
[QUOTE]McLaren sign Red Bull's chief designer
By Jonathan Noble Friday, February 17th 2006, 13:10 GMT
McLaren have boosted their technical line-up with the capture of Red Bull Racing's chief designer Rob Taylor, autosport.com can reveal.
The news, which was exclusively predicted by Autosport magazine earlier this month, comes at a time when the Woking-based outfit were surrounded by rumours of a brain-drain following the departure of Adrian Newey and other leading technical staff.
Taylor, who was the chief designer of Red Bull's RB1, will renew his working partnership with friend Mike Coughlan after they were colleagues at John Barnard's B3 Engineering company and then later Arrows. Taylor switched to Jaguar as chief designer following the collapse of Arrows.
Although there has been no official announcement of the deal, a McLaren spokeswoman confirmed to autosport.com that Taylor would be joining them imminently.
"We can confirm that McLaren have further strengthened their technical team by employing Rob Taylor as senior design team leader," said the spokeswoman. "Rob will report to chief designer Mike Coughlan."
It is not clear when Taylor will join McLaren, as he is currently on gardening leave from Red Bull Racing, but it is thought it will be just after the start of the 2006 season.
Taylor's switch from Red Bull Racing comes at a time when McLaren have lost several senior figures.
As well as Newey's defection, McLaren will lose head of aerodynamics Peter Prodromou later this year to Red Bull Racing as well. The team have also lost ex-chief aerodynamics engineer Nicholas Tombazis, who will join Ferrari next month.
McLaren's F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh told Autosport recently that the team still had plenty of strength in depth with their technical team.
"When an organisation demonstrates its ability to produce competitive cars it will always get some team members approached by competitors," he said. "That's been the case throughout my 17 years at McLaren.
"We still have excellent strength in depth across our engineering structure."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone considering Las Vegas race
By Michele Lostia Friday, February 17th 2006, 10:48 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that he is considering moving the United States Grand Prix to Las Vegas in 2007, if a new deal with Indianapolis does not come off.
The tyre controversy that marred last year's race at Indianapolis has cast big doubt about whether circuit boss Tony George will want to renew his contract with Ecclestone - which runs out at the end of this year.
And although it had been previously thought that the collapse of a new deal at Indianapolis would result in the end of the United States Grand Prix, Ecclestone has instead claimed he is focusing on a race in Las Vegas as a replacement.
"The contract with Indianapolis expires this year, and I don't yet know whether there will be the conditions to renew it," he said in an interview with Autosprint. "I'm looking around for an alternative solution.
"You can forget the idea of going back to Long Beach, although I'd like a street circuit anyway, like in the 1980's. Ideally it would be a track in Las Vegas, obtained from the 'Strip,' the road with all the most important casinos. We are trying that, we're working on it."
At last year's United States Grand Prix, Renault boss Flavio Briatore said he hoped F1 would return to Las Vegas, where a race was last held in a car park next to Caesar's Palace in 1982.
"You know (Formula One supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) has tried very hard to have a race in Las Vegas and we have a few friends from Las Vegas visiting Formula One this weekend and I hope we start talking," he said.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher says Ferrari problem solved
By Michele Lostia Friday, February 17th 2006, 10:28 GMT
Michael Schumacher is confident that Ferrari have finally got on top of the engine problems that have marred their test in Bahrain so far this week.
The former World Champion has only been able to complete a total of 60 laps during his two days of testing at Sakhir, with vibrations from Ferrari's V8 engine causing havoc with the rest of the car.
The vibrations were understood to be stressing the 248's clutch electronics units - which left it unable to recognize any data sent by driver input or the engine.
Schumacher claims, however, that a solution has now been put in place that should allow the team's testing programme to get back on track in Bahrain today.
"The small problem has been solved," Schumacher told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We identified with certainty the reason for the malfunctioning of the clutch.
"Yes, for two days I've been more still in the garage than lapping on the track, but this is also what testing is about, sometimes."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso: Rossi wasting Ferrari's time
Friday, February 17th 2006, 09:54 GMT
Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso says he is unimpressed with his motorcycling counterpart Valentino Rossi's attempts at trying out on four wheels.
The Renault driver said he was in fact happy Rossi was testing for Ferrari, because it meant the Italian squad were not focusing on developing their car.
"I'm glad that Rossi has tested with Ferrari because that means they have lost valuable time preparing the cars for the show they put on," the Spaniard told a news conference at a promotional event in Madrid on Thursday.
"Let him come and drive. It will be good because there will be more media attention.
"Until we see him race we won't know his true potential, but it will be very difficult for him. He might finish fifth or even get on the podium some time, but I could do the same on the bikes if I was given a bit of time to practise."
Rossi, winner in motorcycling's top category for the past five years, tested with Ferrari in Spain earlier this month and is seen as a serious prospect to switch from two wheels to four in the future.
Despite a few spins, the 27-year-old Italian acquitted himself well in testing and seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher said he has the talent to make it in Formula One. [/QUOTE]
What goes around comes around...
[QUOTE]McLaren sign Red Bull's chief designer
By Jonathan Noble Friday, February 17th 2006, 13:10 GMT
McLaren have boosted their technical line-up with the capture of Red Bull Racing's chief designer Rob Taylor, autosport.com can reveal.
The news, which was exclusively predicted by Autosport magazine earlier this month, comes at a time when the Woking-based outfit were surrounded by rumours of a brain-drain following the departure of Adrian Newey and other leading technical staff.
Taylor, who was the chief designer of Red Bull's RB1, will renew his working partnership with friend Mike Coughlan after they were colleagues at John Barnard's B3 Engineering company and then later Arrows. Taylor switched to Jaguar as chief designer following the collapse of Arrows.
Although there has been no official announcement of the deal, a McLaren spokeswoman confirmed to autosport.com that Taylor would be joining them imminently.
"We can confirm that McLaren have further strengthened their technical team by employing Rob Taylor as senior design team leader," said the spokeswoman. "Rob will report to chief designer Mike Coughlan."
It is not clear when Taylor will join McLaren, as he is currently on gardening leave from Red Bull Racing, but it is thought it will be just after the start of the 2006 season.
Taylor's switch from Red Bull Racing comes at a time when McLaren have lost several senior figures.
As well as Newey's defection, McLaren will lose head of aerodynamics Peter Prodromou later this year to Red Bull Racing as well. The team have also lost ex-chief aerodynamics engineer Nicholas Tombazis, who will join Ferrari next month.
McLaren's F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh told Autosport recently that the team still had plenty of strength in depth with their technical team.
"When an organisation demonstrates its ability to produce competitive cars it will always get some team members approached by competitors," he said. "That's been the case throughout my 17 years at McLaren.
"We still have excellent strength in depth across our engineering structure."
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone considering Las Vegas race
By Michele Lostia Friday, February 17th 2006, 10:48 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that he is considering moving the United States Grand Prix to Las Vegas in 2007, if a new deal with Indianapolis does not come off.
The tyre controversy that marred last year's race at Indianapolis has cast big doubt about whether circuit boss Tony George will want to renew his contract with Ecclestone - which runs out at the end of this year.
And although it had been previously thought that the collapse of a new deal at Indianapolis would result in the end of the United States Grand Prix, Ecclestone has instead claimed he is focusing on a race in Las Vegas as a replacement.
"The contract with Indianapolis expires this year, and I don't yet know whether there will be the conditions to renew it," he said in an interview with Autosprint. "I'm looking around for an alternative solution.
"You can forget the idea of going back to Long Beach, although I'd like a street circuit anyway, like in the 1980's. Ideally it would be a track in Las Vegas, obtained from the 'Strip,' the road with all the most important casinos. We are trying that, we're working on it."
At last year's United States Grand Prix, Renault boss Flavio Briatore said he hoped F1 would return to Las Vegas, where a race was last held in a car park next to Caesar's Palace in 1982.
"You know (Formula One supremo) Bernie (Ecclestone) has tried very hard to have a race in Las Vegas and we have a few friends from Las Vegas visiting Formula One this weekend and I hope we start talking," he said.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher says Ferrari problem solved
By Michele Lostia Friday, February 17th 2006, 10:28 GMT
Michael Schumacher is confident that Ferrari have finally got on top of the engine problems that have marred their test in Bahrain so far this week.
The former World Champion has only been able to complete a total of 60 laps during his two days of testing at Sakhir, with vibrations from Ferrari's V8 engine causing havoc with the rest of the car.
The vibrations were understood to be stressing the 248's clutch electronics units - which left it unable to recognize any data sent by driver input or the engine.
Schumacher claims, however, that a solution has now been put in place that should allow the team's testing programme to get back on track in Bahrain today.
"The small problem has been solved," Schumacher told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We identified with certainty the reason for the malfunctioning of the clutch.
"Yes, for two days I've been more still in the garage than lapping on the track, but this is also what testing is about, sometimes."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso: Rossi wasting Ferrari's time
Friday, February 17th 2006, 09:54 GMT
Formula One World Champion Fernando Alonso says he is unimpressed with his motorcycling counterpart Valentino Rossi's attempts at trying out on four wheels.
The Renault driver said he was in fact happy Rossi was testing for Ferrari, because it meant the Italian squad were not focusing on developing their car.
"I'm glad that Rossi has tested with Ferrari because that means they have lost valuable time preparing the cars for the show they put on," the Spaniard told a news conference at a promotional event in Madrid on Thursday.
"Let him come and drive. It will be good because there will be more media attention.
"Until we see him race we won't know his true potential, but it will be very difficult for him. He might finish fifth or even get on the podium some time, but I could do the same on the bikes if I was given a bit of time to practise."
Rossi, winner in motorcycling's top category for the past five years, tested with Ferrari in Spain earlier this month and is seen as a serious prospect to switch from two wheels to four in the future.
Despite a few spins, the 27-year-old Italian acquitted himself well in testing and seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher said he has the talent to make it in Formula One. [/QUOTE]
| Harvey_Mushman | 02-17-2006 09:36 AM |
[QUOTE]...said he hoped F1 would return to Las Vegas, where a race was last held [B]in a car park [/B]next to Caesar's Palace in 1982.[/QUOTE]
I didn't know there was ever a Grand Prix in a parking lot.
Is an F1 car considered "Street Prepared?" Were there orange cones?
I didn't know there was ever a Grand Prix in a parking lot.
Is an F1 car considered "Street Prepared?" Were there orange cones?
| Ferg | 02-17-2006 09:59 AM |
[QUOTE]Renault behind 'engine freeze' idea
By Jonathan Noble Friday, February 17th 2006, 14:10 GMT
Renault are the driving force behind a controversial plan to freeze engine development in Formula One, autosport.com has learned.
This new information suggests the French manufacturer is about to turn its back on plans for a breakaway series and commit long term to Formula One.
FIA president Max Mosley caused a stir earlier this week when he announced an idea to prevent engine manufacturers from developing their power-units for three years from the start of 2008, once their design has been submitted.
This would lead to a dramatic reduction in costs, which Mosley believes is necessary to secure the sport's future, but goes against some manufacturers' ideals of advancing technology in F1.
Although there are some suggestions that the engine proposal has served to raise tensions between Mosley and the rebel Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA), autosport.com can reveal that the idea has actually come from one of the members of that group - Renault.
With the French car manufacturer's CEO Carlos Ghosn recently making it clear that his company would remain in F1 only as long as it made commercial sense, there has been mounting pressure on the team's management to ensure they can justify the investment needed to compete.
Sources claim that part of this push involves campaigning for reduced costs and has included the radical idea to freeze engine development.
The FIA has, however, refused to confirm whether Renault are the ones pushing for the 'engine freeze' idea � although interestingly they have not denied it.
A spokesman for the FIA said: "It would be inappropriate to comment."
The push for the engine freeze seems to put Renault in a different camp to some other manufacturers, who are determined to ensure that F1 remains very much the pinnacle of high-technology, and highlights the possibility of an open split in the GPMA ranks.
Although the five GPMA members, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Toyota, have all signed an agreement that binds them together to the breakaway cause until September, there are mounting suggestions that Renault are going to break that deal and sign-up with Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA in the next few months.
That idea has grown strength in recent weeks, especially on the back of claims from Renault boss Flavio Briatore that the only realistic option for the future is for the manufacturers to abandon the GPMA and sign up to F1.
"It is very simple," said Briatore in an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport recently. "The cards are on the table and everybody is free to decide what he prefers. The ones who want to compete with reasonable cost have to stay in Formula One. The rest have to do something different.
"We only should have one thing in mind. It took ages to bring this sport to the level that we have now. It can take only one season to destroy it all."
Talking about the possibility of the manufacturers running their own series, Briatore added: "People in this business have a very short memory. For most of us the world ends at the door of our own garage. Max and Bernie see the whole picture.
"Mosley has to act as he does, because we never find an agreement. It is normal that doing this results from time to time in not so good decisions.
"But all in all he does a very good job. Bernie made us all rich. I do not understand the people, who complain all the time, that they do not get enough money. I know colleagues who started as normal people in this business. Now, they are normal people with a private jet."[/QUOTE]
I like this rumor! First I've heard of this.
[QUOTE]Jordan: Schumacher considering team
Friday, February 17th 2006, 14:41 GMT
Former team boss Eddie Jordan thinks Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn may be nurturing the idea of setting up their own team - and they could even takeover Renault together.
Renault's future in Formula One has been subject to speculation over the past months, and although the company's CEO Carlos Ghosn said recently the French carmaker plans to stay in the sport in the near future he admitted he would be reviewing the situation constantly.
Speaking in the latest issue of F1 Racing, which is on sale next week, Jordan said he understands the idea of setting up their own team is being discussed between Schumacher and Ferrari's technical director. Both their contracts run out at the end of this year.
"I'm not saying it will definitely happen. But I believe the idea is being discussed, and I can imagine Michael doing it," said Jordan, who sold his team to Midland last year. "He's still a very powerful figure and his name carries huge weight in F1. Schumi could certainly open doors that other people would find locked.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he encouraged Volkswagen, perhaps using their Audi brand, to come to the F1 table. 'Team Schumacher Audi F1' or 'Team Schumacher Volkswagen F1' would immediately attract a huge following in Germany - and worldwide."
He added: "None of this is certain, but I could see Michael and Ross basing their new team at the (Renault) Enstone facility they had so much success at before."
Schumacher and Brawn worked together at the Benetton team before Renault took over the Enstone-based squad.
Schumacher's spokeswoman, however, denied there was any truth in the story.
"This is a new rumour, although it's not too full of fantasy, considering the link between Michael and Ross," she said. "But it's pure rumour - Michael has said countless times that there are few things he would be less interested in doing."
Schumacher, the oldest driver on the grid at 37, will make a decision on his future later this year.
Brawn said he was unaware of Schumacher's plans, but he also dismissed the rumour.
"I cannot comment on Michael's plans for the future because I don't know them! But as far as I know, there's no truth in the rumour, especially the bit concerning me," Brawn[/QUOTE]
By Jonathan Noble Friday, February 17th 2006, 14:10 GMT
Renault are the driving force behind a controversial plan to freeze engine development in Formula One, autosport.com has learned.
This new information suggests the French manufacturer is about to turn its back on plans for a breakaway series and commit long term to Formula One.
FIA president Max Mosley caused a stir earlier this week when he announced an idea to prevent engine manufacturers from developing their power-units for three years from the start of 2008, once their design has been submitted.
This would lead to a dramatic reduction in costs, which Mosley believes is necessary to secure the sport's future, but goes against some manufacturers' ideals of advancing technology in F1.
Although there are some suggestions that the engine proposal has served to raise tensions between Mosley and the rebel Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA), autosport.com can reveal that the idea has actually come from one of the members of that group - Renault.
With the French car manufacturer's CEO Carlos Ghosn recently making it clear that his company would remain in F1 only as long as it made commercial sense, there has been mounting pressure on the team's management to ensure they can justify the investment needed to compete.
Sources claim that part of this push involves campaigning for reduced costs and has included the radical idea to freeze engine development.
The FIA has, however, refused to confirm whether Renault are the ones pushing for the 'engine freeze' idea � although interestingly they have not denied it.
A spokesman for the FIA said: "It would be inappropriate to comment."
The push for the engine freeze seems to put Renault in a different camp to some other manufacturers, who are determined to ensure that F1 remains very much the pinnacle of high-technology, and highlights the possibility of an open split in the GPMA ranks.
Although the five GPMA members, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Toyota, have all signed an agreement that binds them together to the breakaway cause until September, there are mounting suggestions that Renault are going to break that deal and sign-up with Bernie Ecclestone and the FIA in the next few months.
That idea has grown strength in recent weeks, especially on the back of claims from Renault boss Flavio Briatore that the only realistic option for the future is for the manufacturers to abandon the GPMA and sign up to F1.
"It is very simple," said Briatore in an interview with Auto Motor Und Sport recently. "The cards are on the table and everybody is free to decide what he prefers. The ones who want to compete with reasonable cost have to stay in Formula One. The rest have to do something different.
"We only should have one thing in mind. It took ages to bring this sport to the level that we have now. It can take only one season to destroy it all."
Talking about the possibility of the manufacturers running their own series, Briatore added: "People in this business have a very short memory. For most of us the world ends at the door of our own garage. Max and Bernie see the whole picture.
"Mosley has to act as he does, because we never find an agreement. It is normal that doing this results from time to time in not so good decisions.
"But all in all he does a very good job. Bernie made us all rich. I do not understand the people, who complain all the time, that they do not get enough money. I know colleagues who started as normal people in this business. Now, they are normal people with a private jet."[/QUOTE]
I like this rumor! First I've heard of this.
[QUOTE]Jordan: Schumacher considering team
Friday, February 17th 2006, 14:41 GMT
Former team boss Eddie Jordan thinks Michael Schumacher and Ross Brawn may be nurturing the idea of setting up their own team - and they could even takeover Renault together.
Renault's future in Formula One has been subject to speculation over the past months, and although the company's CEO Carlos Ghosn said recently the French carmaker plans to stay in the sport in the near future he admitted he would be reviewing the situation constantly.
Speaking in the latest issue of F1 Racing, which is on sale next week, Jordan said he understands the idea of setting up their own team is being discussed between Schumacher and Ferrari's technical director. Both their contracts run out at the end of this year.
"I'm not saying it will definitely happen. But I believe the idea is being discussed, and I can imagine Michael doing it," said Jordan, who sold his team to Midland last year. "He's still a very powerful figure and his name carries huge weight in F1. Schumi could certainly open doors that other people would find locked.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he encouraged Volkswagen, perhaps using their Audi brand, to come to the F1 table. 'Team Schumacher Audi F1' or 'Team Schumacher Volkswagen F1' would immediately attract a huge following in Germany - and worldwide."
He added: "None of this is certain, but I could see Michael and Ross basing their new team at the (Renault) Enstone facility they had so much success at before."
Schumacher and Brawn worked together at the Benetton team before Renault took over the Enstone-based squad.
Schumacher's spokeswoman, however, denied there was any truth in the story.
"This is a new rumour, although it's not too full of fantasy, considering the link between Michael and Ross," she said. "But it's pure rumour - Michael has said countless times that there are few things he would be less interested in doing."
Schumacher, the oldest driver on the grid at 37, will make a decision on his future later this year.
Brawn said he was unaware of Schumacher's plans, but he also dismissed the rumour.
"I cannot comment on Michael's plans for the future because I don't know them! But as far as I know, there's no truth in the rumour, especially the bit concerning me," Brawn[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 02-17-2006 10:59 AM |
[QUOTE=Harvey_Mushman]I didn't know there was ever a Grand Prix in a parking lot.
Is an F1 car considered "Street Prepared?" Were there orange cones?[/QUOTE]
One of many failed races in America including Dallas which was held in downtown. From what I have heard that course was nothing but right angle turns but Senna was supposed to have put in one of his best preformaces of all time there. The Vegas race really was in a parking lot outside of Cesar's. Just pathetic.
It would be really cool to see the cars doing 200mph down the strip. The city could obviously handle it but it would have to come down to do they need F1. I think not. Vegas can make just as much money with having the streets open 24 hours a day selling chips to blue hairs. Maybe they can pull a Monaco and just shut it down for the hours of track time and open it back up at night.
Is an F1 car considered "Street Prepared?" Were there orange cones?[/QUOTE]
One of many failed races in America including Dallas which was held in downtown. From what I have heard that course was nothing but right angle turns but Senna was supposed to have put in one of his best preformaces of all time there. The Vegas race really was in a parking lot outside of Cesar's. Just pathetic.
It would be really cool to see the cars doing 200mph down the strip. The city could obviously handle it but it would have to come down to do they need F1. I think not. Vegas can make just as much money with having the streets open 24 hours a day selling chips to blue hairs. Maybe they can pull a Monaco and just shut it down for the hours of track time and open it back up at night.
| Ferg | 02-17-2006 11:24 AM |
Testing of sorts from Sahkir...
[QUOTE]Schumacher makes progress in Bahrain
Friday, February 17th 2006, 16:05 GMT
German driver Michael Schumacher completed the fifth day of testing at the Sahkir circuit, where the former World Champion ran solo.
Schumacher was the only driver on track today after teammate Felipe Massa completed his programme in the old F2004 yesterday. The Honda and Toro Rosso teams left yesterday.
Schumacher, who had two troubled days on Wednesday and Thursday, enjoyed a better session and covered a total of 92 laps with the 248 F1 car.
Ferrari's programme focussed on the development of the car and also on tyre testing for Bridgestone. Schumacher's best time was 1:32.702.
The Italian squad will continue testing at Bahrain on Sunday.[/QUOTE]
Recall that Button and Rubens were turning laps in the mid to low 31s all day long yesterday.. Ignore Massa with the V10 F2004.
[QUOTE]Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:30.578 90
2. Button Honda (M) 1:31.261 133
3. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:31.385 56
4. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:31.590 97
5. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:32.623 62
6. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:32.909 23[/QUOTE]
Ferrari not finding the pace yet...
[QUOTE]Schumacher makes progress in Bahrain
Friday, February 17th 2006, 16:05 GMT
German driver Michael Schumacher completed the fifth day of testing at the Sahkir circuit, where the former World Champion ran solo.
Schumacher was the only driver on track today after teammate Felipe Massa completed his programme in the old F2004 yesterday. The Honda and Toro Rosso teams left yesterday.
Schumacher, who had two troubled days on Wednesday and Thursday, enjoyed a better session and covered a total of 92 laps with the 248 F1 car.
Ferrari's programme focussed on the development of the car and also on tyre testing for Bridgestone. Schumacher's best time was 1:32.702.
The Italian squad will continue testing at Bahrain on Sunday.[/QUOTE]
Recall that Button and Rubens were turning laps in the mid to low 31s all day long yesterday.. Ignore Massa with the V10 F2004.
[QUOTE]Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:30.578 90
2. Button Honda (M) 1:31.261 133
3. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:31.385 56
4. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:31.590 97
5. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:32.623 62
6. M.Schumacher Ferrari (B) 1:32.909 23[/QUOTE]
Ferrari not finding the pace yet...
| Ferg | 02-17-2006 11:45 AM |
...while Kimi and McLaren do.
[QUOTE]Raikkonen flies at Valencia
Friday, February 17th 2006, 16:41 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen gave his McLaren team something to smile about after posting the quickest time of the year in the fourth and final day of testing at the Valencia circuit.
The Finn, whose team have been hampered by engine problems so far, posted a fastest lap of 1:09.983, the best by a V8-engined car this year.
The time was set in the morning, when Raikkonen concentrated on short stints with his McLaren MP4-21.
His teammate Pedro de la Rosa worked on longer runs with the second McLaren, the Spaniard finishing down in fifth place after 113 laps.
The Renault team enjoyed another positive day despite Giancarlo Fisichella finishing nearly a second behind Raikkonen in the R26 car. The Italian, who caused one red flag during the day, completed 81 laps while teammate Heikki Kovalainen covered a colossal 161 in the second Renault.
David Coulthard was again the only Red Bull driver on track, the Scot continuing with the development of the revised package introduced this week. Coulthard, however, did not enjoy a good day and completed only 34 laps.
The MF1 team completed their four-day test at the Spanish circuit, with Tiago Monteiro joining test driver Adrian Sutil, who yesterday made his Formula One debut. Monteiro drove the new MF16 while Sutil was at the wheel of the hybrid car.
Between them, the Midland drivers caused three of the four red flags of the day, with Monteiro going off late in the afternoon after having stopped on track with apparent problems earlier on.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:09.983 81
2. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:10.912 83
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:11.071 161
4. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:11.076 34
5. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.245 113
6. Sutil MF1-Toyota (B) 1:13.027 73
7. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:13.815 93
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Raikkonen flies at Valencia
Friday, February 17th 2006, 16:41 GMT
Kimi Raikkonen gave his McLaren team something to smile about after posting the quickest time of the year in the fourth and final day of testing at the Valencia circuit.
The Finn, whose team have been hampered by engine problems so far, posted a fastest lap of 1:09.983, the best by a V8-engined car this year.
The time was set in the morning, when Raikkonen concentrated on short stints with his McLaren MP4-21.
His teammate Pedro de la Rosa worked on longer runs with the second McLaren, the Spaniard finishing down in fifth place after 113 laps.
The Renault team enjoyed another positive day despite Giancarlo Fisichella finishing nearly a second behind Raikkonen in the R26 car. The Italian, who caused one red flag during the day, completed 81 laps while teammate Heikki Kovalainen covered a colossal 161 in the second Renault.
David Coulthard was again the only Red Bull driver on track, the Scot continuing with the development of the revised package introduced this week. Coulthard, however, did not enjoy a good day and completed only 34 laps.
The MF1 team completed their four-day test at the Spanish circuit, with Tiago Monteiro joining test driver Adrian Sutil, who yesterday made his Formula One debut. Monteiro drove the new MF16 while Sutil was at the wheel of the hybrid car.
Between them, the Midland drivers caused three of the four red flags of the day, with Monteiro going off late in the afternoon after having stopped on track with apparent problems earlier on.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:09.983 81
2. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:10.912 83
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:11.071 161
4. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:11.076 34
5. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:11.245 113
6. Sutil MF1-Toyota (B) 1:13.027 73
7. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:13.815 93
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 02-17-2006 12:26 PM |
Adjustments to the new quali format.
[QUOTE]FIA moves to close qualifying loophole
By Jonathan Noble Friday, February 17th 2006, 17:23 GMT
Motor racing's governing body has moved to alleviate fears of drivers adopting bizarre 'go-slow' tactics in qualifying this year by introducing a 110 percent rule, autosport.com can reveal.
While the teams continue to ponder the implications of the new knock-out qualifying format, and try and pre-empt problems that may arise, the FIA has made it clear that it is only too willing to try and make the new system a success by agreeing to act on possible loopholes.
Sources have revealed that the most recent concern voiced by teams at a Technical Working Group meeting was of drivers deliberately going on an economy run to save fuel in the early stages of the final 20-minute session that decides the top 10 grid positions.
Teams are allowed to refuel their cars at the end of qualifying by an FIA-determined number of litres per lap they complete. Therefore, drivers can theoretically get a strategic advantage in the race if they burn off less fuel in qualifying than the FIA figure.
The go-slow tactics also opened up the possibility of dawdling drivers causing a danger on the track, as their speed could have caused problems for other drivers putting in quick laps in the early part of the session.
F1 teams are understood to have requested that some regulation be put in place to prevent these economy runs, and autosport.com understands that the FIA has now written to the teams explaining the solution.
The clarification means that, for the final 20-minute session, any driver who sets a lap that is more than 110 percent of his fastest qualifying lap will not have that lap count towards the tally of laps that they are allowed to refuel for after the session. It means that any drivers going slow will lose out on fuel, which could prove costly in the race.
A FIA spokesman told autosport.com: "The so-called 110% rule will ensure that drivers do not do very slow in or out laps in the third period of qualifying in an attempt to save fuel.
"If they are outside 110% of their own fastest lap that lap will not count towards their fuel credit."
The FIA originally introduced the fuel credit system in a bid to prevent teams from making expensive modifications to their engines to burn off maximum fuel in the early stages of the final session.
FIA president Max Mosley said earlier this week: "We will tell them, you have done eight laps, so you are allowed to put in 20 litres or whatever. Otherwise it would have been like having them going around with flamethrowers coming out of the back."[/QUOTE]
Here's a quick refresh on the new format.
[QUOTE]Qualifying
For 2006, the single-lap system used in recent years is replaced be a new three-part, knockout format, with multiple cars on track throughout the qualifying hour, which is split into two 15-minute sessions and a final 20-minute session, with five-minute breaks in between.
[B]Part one: All 22 cars may run laps at any time during the first 15 minutes of the hour. At the end of the first 15 minutes, the six slowest cars drop out and fill the final six grid places.
Part two: After a five-minute break, the times will be reset and the 16 remaining cars then will then run in a second 15-minute session - again they may complete as many laps as they want at any time during that period. At the end of the 15 minutes, the six slowest cars drop out and fill places 11 to 16 on the grid.
Part three: After another five-minute break, the times are reset and the final 20-minute session will feature a shootout between the remaining 10 cars to decide pole position and the starting order for the top 10 grid places. Again, these cars may run as many laps as they wish.
[/B]
In the first two 15-minute sessions, cars may run any fuel load and drivers knocked out after those sessions may refuel ahead of the race. However, the top-ten drivers must begin the final 20-minute session with the fuel load on which they plan to start the race. They will be weighed before they leave the pits, and whatever fuel they use in the 20 minutes may be replaced at the end of the session.
[i]For the final 20-minute session, any driver who sets a lap that is more than 110 percent of his fastest qualifying lap will not have that lap count towards the tally of laps that they are allowed to refuel for after the session.[/i]
If a driver is deemed to have stopped unnecessarily on the circuit or impeded another driver during the qualifying session, then his times will be cancelled.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]FIA moves to close qualifying loophole
By Jonathan Noble Friday, February 17th 2006, 17:23 GMT
Motor racing's governing body has moved to alleviate fears of drivers adopting bizarre 'go-slow' tactics in qualifying this year by introducing a 110 percent rule, autosport.com can reveal.
While the teams continue to ponder the implications of the new knock-out qualifying format, and try and pre-empt problems that may arise, the FIA has made it clear that it is only too willing to try and make the new system a success by agreeing to act on possible loopholes.
Sources have revealed that the most recent concern voiced by teams at a Technical Working Group meeting was of drivers deliberately going on an economy run to save fuel in the early stages of the final 20-minute session that decides the top 10 grid positions.
Teams are allowed to refuel their cars at the end of qualifying by an FIA-determined number of litres per lap they complete. Therefore, drivers can theoretically get a strategic advantage in the race if they burn off less fuel in qualifying than the FIA figure.
The go-slow tactics also opened up the possibility of dawdling drivers causing a danger on the track, as their speed could have caused problems for other drivers putting in quick laps in the early part of the session.
F1 teams are understood to have requested that some regulation be put in place to prevent these economy runs, and autosport.com understands that the FIA has now written to the teams explaining the solution.
The clarification means that, for the final 20-minute session, any driver who sets a lap that is more than 110 percent of his fastest qualifying lap will not have that lap count towards the tally of laps that they are allowed to refuel for after the session. It means that any drivers going slow will lose out on fuel, which could prove costly in the race.
A FIA spokesman told autosport.com: "The so-called 110% rule will ensure that drivers do not do very slow in or out laps in the third period of qualifying in an attempt to save fuel.
"If they are outside 110% of their own fastest lap that lap will not count towards their fuel credit."
The FIA originally introduced the fuel credit system in a bid to prevent teams from making expensive modifications to their engines to burn off maximum fuel in the early stages of the final session.
FIA president Max Mosley said earlier this week: "We will tell them, you have done eight laps, so you are allowed to put in 20 litres or whatever. Otherwise it would have been like having them going around with flamethrowers coming out of the back."[/QUOTE]
Here's a quick refresh on the new format.
[QUOTE]Qualifying
For 2006, the single-lap system used in recent years is replaced be a new three-part, knockout format, with multiple cars on track throughout the qualifying hour, which is split into two 15-minute sessions and a final 20-minute session, with five-minute breaks in between.
[B]Part one: All 22 cars may run laps at any time during the first 15 minutes of the hour. At the end of the first 15 minutes, the six slowest cars drop out and fill the final six grid places.
Part two: After a five-minute break, the times will be reset and the 16 remaining cars then will then run in a second 15-minute session - again they may complete as many laps as they want at any time during that period. At the end of the 15 minutes, the six slowest cars drop out and fill places 11 to 16 on the grid.
Part three: After another five-minute break, the times are reset and the final 20-minute session will feature a shootout between the remaining 10 cars to decide pole position and the starting order for the top 10 grid places. Again, these cars may run as many laps as they wish.
[/B]
In the first two 15-minute sessions, cars may run any fuel load and drivers knocked out after those sessions may refuel ahead of the race. However, the top-ten drivers must begin the final 20-minute session with the fuel load on which they plan to start the race. They will be weighed before they leave the pits, and whatever fuel they use in the 20 minutes may be replaced at the end of the session.
[i]For the final 20-minute session, any driver who sets a lap that is more than 110 percent of his fastest qualifying lap will not have that lap count towards the tally of laps that they are allowed to refuel for after the session.[/i]
If a driver is deemed to have stopped unnecessarily on the circuit or impeded another driver during the qualifying session, then his times will be cancelled.[/QUOTE]
| rupertberr | 02-17-2006 12:48 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]One of many failed races in America including Dallas which was held in downtown. From what I have heard that course was nothing but right angle turns but Senna was supposed to have put in one of his best preformaces of all time there. The Vegas race really was in a parking lot outside of Cesar's. Just pathetic.
It would be really cool to see the cars doing 200mph down the strip. The city could obviously handle it but it would have to come down to do they need F1. I think not. Vegas can make just as much money with having the streets open 24 hours a day selling chips to blue hairs. Maybe they can pull a Monaco and just shut it down for the hours of track time and open it back up at night.[/QUOTE]
Yep I went to both Vegas and Dallas. Vegas wasn't that bad but it was the parking lot of Caeser's Palace. Met more drivers there then at any other GP I went too. Dallas was hot. The track melted. They almost called the whole thing off Sunday morning until they found some quick dry cement. Senna was driving a Toleman and spun to the back of the field on the first lap. Nigel Headswell qualified on the pole in a Lotus and then collapsed in spectacular fashion when he was trying to push his car across the finish line about 50 feet in front of me. I was able to sneak into the hot pits wearing the previous years Brabham mechanics shirt I bought off a crew members back. The Brabham guys let me hangout so long as Bernie wasn't around. Those were the days. :banana: :disco: :devil:
It would be really cool to see the cars doing 200mph down the strip. The city could obviously handle it but it would have to come down to do they need F1. I think not. Vegas can make just as much money with having the streets open 24 hours a day selling chips to blue hairs. Maybe they can pull a Monaco and just shut it down for the hours of track time and open it back up at night.[/QUOTE]
Yep I went to both Vegas and Dallas. Vegas wasn't that bad but it was the parking lot of Caeser's Palace. Met more drivers there then at any other GP I went too. Dallas was hot. The track melted. They almost called the whole thing off Sunday morning until they found some quick dry cement. Senna was driving a Toleman and spun to the back of the field on the first lap. Nigel Headswell qualified on the pole in a Lotus and then collapsed in spectacular fashion when he was trying to push his car across the finish line about 50 feet in front of me. I was able to sneak into the hot pits wearing the previous years Brabham mechanics shirt I bought off a crew members back. The Brabham guys let me hangout so long as Bernie wasn't around. Those were the days. :banana: :disco: :devil:
| Ferg | 02-17-2006 12:57 PM |
Don't forget it was Keke who managed to tiptoe his Williams Honda around Dallas that day...the on-off power delivery of the engine apparently not giving him much worry. :D
I'm soooo jealous you got to see that in person!
Mr. Max clarifies his thoughts on the new proposed engine regs...it's long but worth the read.
[QUOTE]There is a plan now, if the World Council agrees on March 22, to open the entries on March 23 and then close them again fairly soon thereafter, maybe 10 days or a bit longer. And then after another 30 days, we would announce who the entrants are.
The reason for doing this is under the new regulations we can change anything, even things which affect the design of the car, up to 18 months before January 1. So for 2008, we have got until June 30 (this year). So what makes a lot of sense is once we know who wants to compete in the championship, have that group together and take any steps that need to be taken and finalise the regulations, making sure everything is as it should be. And that's really it.
Under the Concorde Agreement we have to publish the technical regulations for 2008 before the end of 2005, which we have done. And of course once we know who is in the championship, we can sit down with those people and adjust the regulations if necessary, so the idea is to know who is going to be competing in the championship in good time so that we can adjust the regulations should they need it before June 30, 2006.
The other thing we brought out yesterday was a proposal that has been discussed between us and the committed teams, which is the possibility of having a homologated engine. What that means is from a certain point, for example June 2006, say that's the homologation date, we would want one example of each competing engine deposited with the FIA. That engine would be the homologated engine. It would mean that any engine used by any team in the championship in 2008, '09 and '10 would be identical to that engine, so there would be no R&D at least for those three years.
The effect of that will be significant because, first of all, in the middle of the season, this coming season, the chances are that no matter how much money people have been spending, no one will have pulled out a huge advantage. They may be a little bit better or a little bit worse but they will all be in the ballpark. So all the engines will be within a very narrow range.
But at the moment, the most economical manufacturers are spending about 100 million Euros a year on their engines and the most extravagant are spending more than 200 million Euros. Well, if you stop the R&D, a new 2006-spec engine, all new parts, costs approximately 200,000 Euros.
If you assume that you then have a two-race engine - because the original plan for a three-race engine won't work because the engines we want to homologate are two-race - you would then expect a team to use 18 engines for its two cars per season. Assuming they do 30,000km of testing, 1,500km per engine is reasonable, so that's another 20 engines - so that is in total 40 engines, times 200,000 is about eight million Euros.
In fact, in some ways that would be an overestimate, because you would not make a brand new engine each time. Some of the parts would be carried over. On the other hand, for some of the manufacturers, the basic engine will cost more than 200,000 Euros. But it is eight million Euros more or less. That is an enormous saving, so you would save all the manufacturers collectively about a billion Euros before you start on the savings on the chassis, and the racing spectacle, the interest and the racing will not be affected in the slightest.
The immediate question is what happens if another manufacturer wants to come in or what happens if somebody has developed a significant problem with the engine, that fitting it to a new chassis causes vibrations, for example? Well, the answer is you would allow a new manufacturer in, provided he could satisfy the Technical Working Group - that really means the existing competitors - that it was fair and equitable to let him do that. In other words, his engine in all relevant features - power, fuel consumption, durability, or duty cycle - fell within the same spectrum as the existing engines. The same would apply to a modification. So that would be the engines solved.
So why do we need to do this for the major manufacturers? Well, if the major manufacturers can run their teams relatively inexpensively then the chances of them stopping becomes very, very small. If you take the case of Renault, [CEO Carlos] Ghosn has made it clear that if it is cost-effective he will do it, and if it is not cost-effective then he won't. And I think the same, sooner or later, is going to apply to the other manufacturers.
They are happily spending these hundreds of millions at the moment, but sooner or later the boards of these companies are going to say, 'Are we really giving value for money?' And there is no doubt if it is cheaper then the chances of them shutting it down is much smaller.
The other factor is that if we can lower the costs generally to the point where everybody - including independent teams - can survive, which means the 100 million dollar bracket, what they can get from commercial sponsorship and from Bernie, means they can survive on that comfortably. Then you have 12 teams quite competitive from one to another, all of whom have enough money to compete at this level. Then it makes for much better racing, much better competition, and much more chance for drivers to shine. It makes a better championship.
If somebody says 'what about the ultimate technology?' Well, you would still have a formula that was three or four times more expensive than any other racing formula, and it means that - unless they are spending the money unwisely - the technology would be greater. The engine would still run to 19,000rpm and 20,000rpm and it would be a magnificent engine.
If they say, 'you stopped us doing development, we are a big manufacturer, this is outrageous', the response to that would be 'yes, but your product cycle for your road cars is five years and we are talking about three years'. What is wrong with building an engine and not changing it for three years? People might say it's against the traditions of F1, but F1 in the 1970s was built on that because there was a de facto engine that hardly changed at all. Those who developed their own engines, like Ferrari, BRM and various people, never succeeded to a point where it was a threat.
What it all comes down to in the end is that we need to know what we are doing. We need to sit down with the people actually in the championship, finalise the regulations and then stop all the arguments. If there are people who don't want to join on those terms, that's fine for them. If anyone wants to run a series with unlimited expenditure and unlimited technology, we will give them every assistance in doing that, as long as it's not dangerous.
But we don't believe that that is viable, to run a series with unlimited technology, because if you do, it becomes a money-spending competition, at which point the whole interest in the championship will disappear. It will become increasingly a one-make or two-make series, which is exactly what we know the public don't like and none of us want. And it doesn't actually help the manufacturer in the end, when it becomes known they have only won by spending more money than everybody else.
We think this is the best, the simplest and fairest way to produce a good competition and therefore needs to be pushed through. But it all depends on getting the World Council to agree and also that the six committed teams should go along with it. The homologated engine is still under discussion.[/QUOTE]
I'm soooo jealous you got to see that in person!
Mr. Max clarifies his thoughts on the new proposed engine regs...it's long but worth the read.
[QUOTE]There is a plan now, if the World Council agrees on March 22, to open the entries on March 23 and then close them again fairly soon thereafter, maybe 10 days or a bit longer. And then after another 30 days, we would announce who the entrants are.
The reason for doing this is under the new regulations we can change anything, even things which affect the design of the car, up to 18 months before January 1. So for 2008, we have got until June 30 (this year). So what makes a lot of sense is once we know who wants to compete in the championship, have that group together and take any steps that need to be taken and finalise the regulations, making sure everything is as it should be. And that's really it.
Under the Concorde Agreement we have to publish the technical regulations for 2008 before the end of 2005, which we have done. And of course once we know who is in the championship, we can sit down with those people and adjust the regulations if necessary, so the idea is to know who is going to be competing in the championship in good time so that we can adjust the regulations should they need it before June 30, 2006.
The other thing we brought out yesterday was a proposal that has been discussed between us and the committed teams, which is the possibility of having a homologated engine. What that means is from a certain point, for example June 2006, say that's the homologation date, we would want one example of each competing engine deposited with the FIA. That engine would be the homologated engine. It would mean that any engine used by any team in the championship in 2008, '09 and '10 would be identical to that engine, so there would be no R&D at least for those three years.
The effect of that will be significant because, first of all, in the middle of the season, this coming season, the chances are that no matter how much money people have been spending, no one will have pulled out a huge advantage. They may be a little bit better or a little bit worse but they will all be in the ballpark. So all the engines will be within a very narrow range.
But at the moment, the most economical manufacturers are spending about 100 million Euros a year on their engines and the most extravagant are spending more than 200 million Euros. Well, if you stop the R&D, a new 2006-spec engine, all new parts, costs approximately 200,000 Euros.
If you assume that you then have a two-race engine - because the original plan for a three-race engine won't work because the engines we want to homologate are two-race - you would then expect a team to use 18 engines for its two cars per season. Assuming they do 30,000km of testing, 1,500km per engine is reasonable, so that's another 20 engines - so that is in total 40 engines, times 200,000 is about eight million Euros.
In fact, in some ways that would be an overestimate, because you would not make a brand new engine each time. Some of the parts would be carried over. On the other hand, for some of the manufacturers, the basic engine will cost more than 200,000 Euros. But it is eight million Euros more or less. That is an enormous saving, so you would save all the manufacturers collectively about a billion Euros before you start on the savings on the chassis, and the racing spectacle, the interest and the racing will not be affected in the slightest.
The immediate question is what happens if another manufacturer wants to come in or what happens if somebody has developed a significant problem with the engine, that fitting it to a new chassis causes vibrations, for example? Well, the answer is you would allow a new manufacturer in, provided he could satisfy the Technical Working Group - that really means the existing competitors - that it was fair and equitable to let him do that. In other words, his engine in all relevant features - power, fuel consumption, durability, or duty cycle - fell within the same spectrum as the existing engines. The same would apply to a modification. So that would be the engines solved.
So why do we need to do this for the major manufacturers? Well, if the major manufacturers can run their teams relatively inexpensively then the chances of them stopping becomes very, very small. If you take the case of Renault, [CEO Carlos] Ghosn has made it clear that if it is cost-effective he will do it, and if it is not cost-effective then he won't. And I think the same, sooner or later, is going to apply to the other manufacturers.
They are happily spending these hundreds of millions at the moment, but sooner or later the boards of these companies are going to say, 'Are we really giving value for money?' And there is no doubt if it is cheaper then the chances of them shutting it down is much smaller.
The other factor is that if we can lower the costs generally to the point where everybody - including independent teams - can survive, which means the 100 million dollar bracket, what they can get from commercial sponsorship and from Bernie, means they can survive on that comfortably. Then you have 12 teams quite competitive from one to another, all of whom have enough money to compete at this level. Then it makes for much better racing, much better competition, and much more chance for drivers to shine. It makes a better championship.
If somebody says 'what about the ultimate technology?' Well, you would still have a formula that was three or four times more expensive than any other racing formula, and it means that - unless they are spending the money unwisely - the technology would be greater. The engine would still run to 19,000rpm and 20,000rpm and it would be a magnificent engine.
If they say, 'you stopped us doing development, we are a big manufacturer, this is outrageous', the response to that would be 'yes, but your product cycle for your road cars is five years and we are talking about three years'. What is wrong with building an engine and not changing it for three years? People might say it's against the traditions of F1, but F1 in the 1970s was built on that because there was a de facto engine that hardly changed at all. Those who developed their own engines, like Ferrari, BRM and various people, never succeeded to a point where it was a threat.
What it all comes down to in the end is that we need to know what we are doing. We need to sit down with the people actually in the championship, finalise the regulations and then stop all the arguments. If there are people who don't want to join on those terms, that's fine for them. If anyone wants to run a series with unlimited expenditure and unlimited technology, we will give them every assistance in doing that, as long as it's not dangerous.
But we don't believe that that is viable, to run a series with unlimited technology, because if you do, it becomes a money-spending competition, at which point the whole interest in the championship will disappear. It will become increasingly a one-make or two-make series, which is exactly what we know the public don't like and none of us want. And it doesn't actually help the manufacturer in the end, when it becomes known they have only won by spending more money than everybody else.
We think this is the best, the simplest and fairest way to produce a good competition and therefore needs to be pushed through. But it all depends on getting the World Council to agree and also that the six committed teams should go along with it. The homologated engine is still under discussion.[/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 02-17-2006 02:07 PM |
Ferrari's scenaigans are funny. "Oh, the engine vibrating so much the gearbox had no idea what was happening isn't a bad thing...wait, we're slower then minardi?" This isn't good at all. If it was such a small issue they would be running both cars. I'll be happy if they really are that slow in a months time.
Mosley's plan does seem to work well. People will bitch and moan and call him a Nazi. But it makes sense. The multiple race per engine rule has saved teh manufacters a ton of money. I think having it for three years might be a little optomistic, I think one year is enough really. Problems will occur which will need to be fixed and not allowing them for a few years will probably mean they won't return.
Mosley's plan does seem to work well. People will bitch and moan and call him a Nazi. But it makes sense. The multiple race per engine rule has saved teh manufacters a ton of money. I think having it for three years might be a little optomistic, I think one year is enough really. Problems will occur which will need to be fixed and not allowing them for a few years will probably mean they won't return.
| Student Driver | 02-17-2006 03:45 PM |
[QUOTE=JoD]Ferg - I was looking at your list of drivers and was amused by the Midland Friday driver's name - Manfred Winkelhock. I googled his name to see what a Manfred Winkelhock would look like and discovered that he [b]won't be a very effective Friday driver, because he's dead[/b]. And been so for 20 years. (He did sport a lovely mullet while he was alive though.)
[/QUOTE]
Pfftt. He's obviously not applying himself then. I mean, look at NASCAR drivers, they aren't alive, are they? :devil:
[/QUOTE]
Pfftt. He's obviously not applying himself then. I mean, look at NASCAR drivers, they aren't alive, are they? :devil:
| JoD | 02-17-2006 03:59 PM |
[QUOTE=Student Driver]Pfftt. He's obviously not applying himself then. I mean, look at NASCAR drivers, they aren't alive, are they? :devil:[/QUOTE]
Nice!! :lol:
Nice!! :lol:
| Student Driver | 02-17-2006 04:25 PM |
Well, that's why the tracks are in a bowl shape; it keeps the cars on the track. Hence the confusion on flattened surfaces with turns.
| bitterWRX | 02-17-2006 05:15 PM |
[QUOTE=grandpa rex]
F1 in the US is a secret society.[/QUOTE]
That's how I always feel. I actually don't know any other big F1 fans. Everytime I talk about it, it either they think I'm spouting out nonsense or I get people asking "Isn't Danica Patrick in it?" :(
But yeah, it's truly an amazing motorsport with the level of skill required. It's a shame not many people recognize that. I wonder how it would be with more exposure in the US though.
F1 in the US is a secret society.[/QUOTE]
That's how I always feel. I actually don't know any other big F1 fans. Everytime I talk about it, it either they think I'm spouting out nonsense or I get people asking "Isn't Danica Patrick in it?" :(
But yeah, it's truly an amazing motorsport with the level of skill required. It's a shame not many people recognize that. I wonder how it would be with more exposure in the US though.
| artkevin | 02-17-2006 05:20 PM |
Everyone I have ever exposed F1 to has been impressed. My dad came to the USGP quali session last year and I thought he would hate it. Loud cars, hard to follow, confusing rules and what not. He loved it and is coming back this year.
If you show someone a race like Monaco, Turkey, Imola or Japan from last year it's hard not to be interested in it.
If you show someone a race like Monaco, Turkey, Imola or Japan from last year it's hard not to be interested in it.
| Ferg | 02-17-2006 06:46 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Turkey[/QUOTE]
w00t! for a four apex lefty :devil:
w00t! for a four apex lefty :devil:
| bitterWRX | 02-17-2006 07:16 PM |
Monaco and Suzuka are my favorites. Monaco is just a beautiful city to race through... and at Suzuka, the esses and the 130R corner are just amazing.
| StuBeck | 02-17-2006 07:26 PM |
Yea, most of the tracks in reality are good. I don't like China just because you control the one turn and no one can pass, but the rest are basically good. People who I have shown the races to seem to like it, but I can see where NASCAR people don't like it. They claim their passes make it more interesting where it is usually just drafting...not an actual change in position which really means the passer is faster.
| speedyHAM | 02-18-2006 05:55 PM |
I just don't find a pass in Nascar exciting. One car slowly cruises past another through a corner because he got a draft on the straight and the lower line through the corner. I'll take Kimi's pass on Fernando (and you all know which one I'm talking about) over any Nascar pass anyday and twice on Sunday.
I like Suzuka the best. Malaysia's a close second for me. :)
I like Suzuka the best. Malaysia's a close second for me. :)
| nKoan | 02-18-2006 06:37 PM |
[QUOTE=speedyHAM]I just don't find a pass in Nascar exciting. One car slowly cruises past another through a corner because he got a draft on the straight and the lower line through the corner. I'll take Kimi's pass on Fernando (and you all know which one I'm talking about) over any Nascar pass anyday and twice on Sunday.
I like Suzuka the best. Malaysia's a close second for me. :)[/QUOTE]
Hah, I was just discussing this the other day.
Nascar passes: quantity over quality
F1 passes: quality over quantity
I like Suzuka the best. Malaysia's a close second for me. :)[/QUOTE]
Hah, I was just discussing this the other day.
Nascar passes: quantity over quality
F1 passes: quality over quantity
| StuBeck | 02-18-2006 08:55 PM |
Kimi's pass over Fischella was amazing. JPM passing Kimi at the hockenheimring a few years ago where they were side by side for half a lap was amazing too.
| TimStevens | 02-19-2006 09:31 AM |
[QUOTE=nKoan]Hah, I was just discussing this the other day.
Nascar passes: quantity over quality
F1 passes: quality over quantity[/QUOTE]
It's like hockey vs. basketball.
Nascar passes: quantity over quality
F1 passes: quality over quantity[/QUOTE]
It's like hockey vs. basketball.
| artkevin | 02-19-2006 11:42 AM |
[QUOTE=TimStevens]It's like hockey vs. basketball.[/QUOTE]
Nice! :lol:
Nice! :lol:
| enduroshark | 02-20-2006 09:18 AM |
[QUOTE=Harvey_Mushman]I didn't know there was ever a Grand Prix in a parking lot.
Is an F1 car considered "Street Prepared?" Were there orange cones?[/QUOTE]
We are all still trying to forget!
Don't even mention the words "Dallas" and "F1" together!!!
:lol:
Phoenix was also a street circuit, if I remember correctly. They actually raced there more than once too!
Is an F1 car considered "Street Prepared?" Were there orange cones?[/QUOTE]
We are all still trying to forget!
Don't even mention the words "Dallas" and "F1" together!!!
:lol:
Phoenix was also a street circuit, if I remember correctly. They actually raced there more than once too!
| enduroshark | 02-20-2006 09:25 AM |
[QUOTE=nKoan]Hah, I was just discussing this the other day.
Nascar passes: quantity over quality
F1 passes: quality over quantity[/QUOTE]
I've always said that to enjoy F1, you have to learn and enjoy the whole circus. A race is a pass, a season is a race and teams battle for this multi-decade championship.
Nascar passes: quantity over quality
F1 passes: quality over quantity[/QUOTE]
I've always said that to enjoy F1, you have to learn and enjoy the whole circus. A race is a pass, a season is a race and teams battle for this multi-decade championship.
| artkevin | 02-20-2006 09:34 AM |
I have always thought that F1 rewards you for the more you "know" about the sport. To watch MS chase down Fernando at Imola was an amazing spectacle visually but if you know the histoy behind it its that much more rewarding. MS-7 time world champion in a car that should win the WC chasing down a young upstart in a car that should be 3rd at best in Ferrari's back yard for the closing 12 laps. Amazing stuff. And no pass was made!
| TimStevens | 02-20-2006 09:50 AM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]I have always thought that F1 rewards you for the more you "know" about the sport. To watch MS chase down Fernando at Imola was an amazing spectacle visually but if you know the histoy behind it its that much more rewarding. MS-7 time world champion in a car that should win the WC chasing down a young upstart in a car that should be 3rd at best in Ferrari's back yard for the closing 12 laps. Amazing stuff. And no pass was made![/QUOTE]
That's true of most sports... in fact I think the only reason anyone would find NASCAR watchable is because they get into the politics/soap opera drama of it all. Make it "personal" and it becomes all the more interesting.
That's true of most sports... in fact I think the only reason anyone would find NASCAR watchable is because they get into the politics/soap opera drama of it all. Make it "personal" and it becomes all the more interesting.
| Ferg | 02-20-2006 01:21 PM |
Morning news...
[QUOTE]Ferrari facing reliability issues
By Jonathan Noble Sunday, February 19th 2006, 18:29 GMT
Ferrari's technical director Ross Brawn has admitted the Italian team are still struggling with the 248 F1 car reliability, although he downplayed the seriousness of these problems.
Brawn joined his team at the Bahrain International Circuit for intensive pre-season testing, with less than three weeks to go until the first round of 2006 takes place at the same track.
Asked if the team has progressed to his satisfaction, Brawn said: "It's not perfect. The car's not bad, the car is working well. But it's not as reliable as I would hope at the moment - in fact we were not running [on Wednesday afternoon] because of a technical problem."
But Brawn was adamant these problems were not extraordinary, and he added: "I don't think I've had a perfect winter yet. This is the time when you're sorting all your problems out and you hope to get them all fixed before the first race.
"So I'd say it's normal this time of year, but it's not perfect."
Brawn said reliability was a particularly important issue this year, as he believes several teams are showing both pace and reliability, making the competition even tougher.
"The competition is so strong, they have become so reliable, that you really have to have both reliability and pace," Brawn said.
"Even though we have a new engine formula this year, you can see from testing that the general levels of reliability are good.
"I'm sure we'll see a few more failures than perhaps has been normal (because of the new engine rules), but there's three or four teams out there that are very strong in performance and are going to finish races. So you've got to have both."
But the Briton said the competition was good for Ferrari and the engineers. "It's what takes us forward," he said.
"When you consider that we have different cars, different engines, different tyres, different drivers - yet we're all within a few tenths of a seconds of each other, and why is that? It's because we drive each other.
"So we'll come here, we'll judge our performance, we'll go back to the factory, and decide what we have to do if we don't feel competitive enough. There'll be all sorts of things.
"So we're all pushing each other. If there is no competition, you just stagnate. And for us, as an engineering company, it's important. For Ferrari it's important. We genuinely get spin-off between racing and road cars, and there's things on the new road cars that come from the racing programme.
"So it's pretty important for motivation, it's pretty important for our business. So we welcome the competition... as long as we're the front runners!"[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone: V8 rule a costly mistake
By Michele Lostia Sunday, February 19th 2006, 16:41 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes the change of regulations to a 2.4-litre V8 engine proved a very costly mistake - but he says the constructors have no one to blame but themselves.
All teams but Scuderia Toro Rosso will race with a 2.4l V8 engine this season following changes in the regulations that were aimed at cutting costs and lowering speeds.
But Ecclestone says the same goals could have been achieved by limiting the revs on the existing V10 engines - in a similar way to what Toro Rosso are doing. And the Briton believes the new rule proved more costly than originally imagined.
"It's a rule I don't like," Ecclestone told Autosprint magazine. "It was not necessary either, because they could have reached the same objectives with the old ten-cylinder engines, by limiting their power.
"The new V8 engines cost a fortune, and the next step will be to limit their revs because they'll become too powerful. So they could have done the same thing immediately, by limiting the V10s. They would have saved plenty of money."
But Ecclestone emphasized the move to V8 was entirely up to the teams.
"There was a meeting in Monaco with all the teams, to discuss cost reductions, and things started going badly, because the prevailing idea was that by limiting the engine capacity by 20%, there would have been a similar reduction in costs and power.
"It was total nonsense; no one analyzed the problems in-depth. The constructors pledged to make the V8s, but only later they realized what costs they were about to face."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella targets Bahrain GP win
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, February 20th 2006, 09:56 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella has set his sights on winning the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix as he targets the drivers' title.
"Yes I hope so [to win in Bahrain], but the important thing is to win the rest of the season and score lots of points," Fisichella said. "Last year I had some problems, so I didn't have enough points to fight for the championship. This year, I want to win."
The Renault driver had a perfect start to his 2005 season, winning the Australian Grand Prix from pole position.
After that, however, Fisichella endured a poor streak of results and did not return to the podium until his home Grand Prix in Italy, the 15th round of the championship, where he finished in third place.
The Roman finished the championship in fifth place after not winning another race.
Fisichella's confidence for the 2006 season comes from the fact that he believes the new R26 car is better than last year's machine.
"It is good," he said. "I have got a good feeling with the R26. I am really comfortable in the car, and we have made a step forward compared to last year, especially with the rear end of the car. It is more stable under braking and in the middle of the corner, and the traction is a good improvement as well.
"Even though we have lost power with the change to the V8 engine, we have definitely made a step forward with the car.
"It feels very comfortable for me. Things are improving day by day, and I am getting a better feeling with the car. At the moment, I am concentrating on the job, and I am feeling confident for the season."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri gear up for first public test
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, February 20th 2006, 11:26 GMT
The Super Aguri team are gearing up for their first public Formula One test this week at the Barcelona circuit in Spain.
The Japanese team already rolled out their car for the first time last week at the Kemble airfield, where Japanese driver Takuma Sato was at the wheel. Sato, who was left without a drive after leaving the BAR team last year, will race alongside Yuji Ide this year.
Sato will be in charge of testing duties tomorrow, when Super Aguri kick off their first proper test with the SA05 car. Ide, who came second in Japan's Formula Nippon series last year, will take over from Sato on Wednesday to make his Formula One debut.
Super Aguri will have only one car at the Barcelona circuit and both drivers are scheduled to share driving duties on the final day of the test.
The car is based on the 2003 Arrows A23 raced in 2002, updated to meet the new aerodynamics regulations and powered by Honda engines.
The Leafield-based squad plan to introduce their own car, the SA06, later in the season.
Renault, McLaren, Toyota, Williams, Honda, Red Bull and Midland are scheduled to test alongside Super Aguri this week at Barcelona.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Suzuki expects difficult start
Monday, February 20th 2006, 13:41 GMT
Super Aguri boss Aguri Suzuki is under no illusions about the difficult task his Formula One team will face this year.
British-based Super Aguri will be Formula One's 11th team on the starting grid in 2006 after securing a last-minute entry. The team will use cars based on old Arrows chassis before they introduce their own car later in the season.
Super Aguri will only start testing their car this week, joining the majority of their rivals at the Barcelona circuit. The season kicks off in Bahrain in less than three weeks.
With that in mind, Suzuki is predicting a difficult start for the team.
"Since we launched the team in a short period, assorted problems are rising and there are many things that should be solved," Suzuki told reporters in a joint news conference with the Honda team.
"I'm afraid that we will be in a fairly tough position at the beginning. My objective this year is to make our team competitive as a Formula One team."
Super Aguri, who will be powered by Honda engines this year, will have Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide as their drivers.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Michelin: exit won't affect performance
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, February 20th 2006, 15:37 GMT
Michelin's Formula One director Nick Shorrock says the company's decision to leave Formula One at the end of the season will not have any effect on its performance.
"It won't," Shorrock said when asked how would Michelin's withdrawal affect its development programme throughout the season.
"Everybody remains totally committed - and our advanced research team will be able to focus all its efforts on this year, rather than dividing its time between the present season and longer-term projects."
Michelin announced it will quit Formula One at the end of 2006 because it was unhappy about the move to a single tyre supplier in the sport in 2008.
Shorrock said the company's sporting division understood the decision.
"Formula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport and Michelin has done a very good job since it returned in 2001, particularly last year," added Shorrock. "It's a pity that we won't be carrying on, but everyone here understands the reasons why.
"Next year, all of the F1 personnel will move on to new, equally challenging roles within Michelin. In the meantime, our motivation is as strong as ever."
The French tyre supplier dominated the 2005 season, winning all but one races and Shorrock is confident they will be able to repeat the feat and leave the sport on top.
"Michelin actively sought more balanced tyre distribution in F1 for 2006 and has achieved that," he said. "It would be exceptional if we were to repeat last season's magnificent results, but being realistic we anticipate that some of our keenest rivals will up their game.
"We don't expect it to be easy, but we are confident that we can win again this season by offering our partners high-performance products that will play a contributory role in their future successes." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ferrari facing reliability issues
By Jonathan Noble Sunday, February 19th 2006, 18:29 GMT
Ferrari's technical director Ross Brawn has admitted the Italian team are still struggling with the 248 F1 car reliability, although he downplayed the seriousness of these problems.
Brawn joined his team at the Bahrain International Circuit for intensive pre-season testing, with less than three weeks to go until the first round of 2006 takes place at the same track.
Asked if the team has progressed to his satisfaction, Brawn said: "It's not perfect. The car's not bad, the car is working well. But it's not as reliable as I would hope at the moment - in fact we were not running [on Wednesday afternoon] because of a technical problem."
But Brawn was adamant these problems were not extraordinary, and he added: "I don't think I've had a perfect winter yet. This is the time when you're sorting all your problems out and you hope to get them all fixed before the first race.
"So I'd say it's normal this time of year, but it's not perfect."
Brawn said reliability was a particularly important issue this year, as he believes several teams are showing both pace and reliability, making the competition even tougher.
"The competition is so strong, they have become so reliable, that you really have to have both reliability and pace," Brawn said.
"Even though we have a new engine formula this year, you can see from testing that the general levels of reliability are good.
"I'm sure we'll see a few more failures than perhaps has been normal (because of the new engine rules), but there's three or four teams out there that are very strong in performance and are going to finish races. So you've got to have both."
But the Briton said the competition was good for Ferrari and the engineers. "It's what takes us forward," he said.
"When you consider that we have different cars, different engines, different tyres, different drivers - yet we're all within a few tenths of a seconds of each other, and why is that? It's because we drive each other.
"So we'll come here, we'll judge our performance, we'll go back to the factory, and decide what we have to do if we don't feel competitive enough. There'll be all sorts of things.
"So we're all pushing each other. If there is no competition, you just stagnate. And for us, as an engineering company, it's important. For Ferrari it's important. We genuinely get spin-off between racing and road cars, and there's things on the new road cars that come from the racing programme.
"So it's pretty important for motivation, it's pretty important for our business. So we welcome the competition... as long as we're the front runners!"[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ecclestone: V8 rule a costly mistake
By Michele Lostia Sunday, February 19th 2006, 16:41 GMT
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone believes the change of regulations to a 2.4-litre V8 engine proved a very costly mistake - but he says the constructors have no one to blame but themselves.
All teams but Scuderia Toro Rosso will race with a 2.4l V8 engine this season following changes in the regulations that were aimed at cutting costs and lowering speeds.
But Ecclestone says the same goals could have been achieved by limiting the revs on the existing V10 engines - in a similar way to what Toro Rosso are doing. And the Briton believes the new rule proved more costly than originally imagined.
"It's a rule I don't like," Ecclestone told Autosprint magazine. "It was not necessary either, because they could have reached the same objectives with the old ten-cylinder engines, by limiting their power.
"The new V8 engines cost a fortune, and the next step will be to limit their revs because they'll become too powerful. So they could have done the same thing immediately, by limiting the V10s. They would have saved plenty of money."
But Ecclestone emphasized the move to V8 was entirely up to the teams.
"There was a meeting in Monaco with all the teams, to discuss cost reductions, and things started going badly, because the prevailing idea was that by limiting the engine capacity by 20%, there would have been a similar reduction in costs and power.
"It was total nonsense; no one analyzed the problems in-depth. The constructors pledged to make the V8s, but only later they realized what costs they were about to face."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Fisichella targets Bahrain GP win
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, February 20th 2006, 09:56 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella has set his sights on winning the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix as he targets the drivers' title.
"Yes I hope so [to win in Bahrain], but the important thing is to win the rest of the season and score lots of points," Fisichella said. "Last year I had some problems, so I didn't have enough points to fight for the championship. This year, I want to win."
The Renault driver had a perfect start to his 2005 season, winning the Australian Grand Prix from pole position.
After that, however, Fisichella endured a poor streak of results and did not return to the podium until his home Grand Prix in Italy, the 15th round of the championship, where he finished in third place.
The Roman finished the championship in fifth place after not winning another race.
Fisichella's confidence for the 2006 season comes from the fact that he believes the new R26 car is better than last year's machine.
"It is good," he said. "I have got a good feeling with the R26. I am really comfortable in the car, and we have made a step forward compared to last year, especially with the rear end of the car. It is more stable under braking and in the middle of the corner, and the traction is a good improvement as well.
"Even though we have lost power with the change to the V8 engine, we have definitely made a step forward with the car.
"It feels very comfortable for me. Things are improving day by day, and I am getting a better feeling with the car. At the moment, I am concentrating on the job, and I am feeling confident for the season."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Super Aguri gear up for first public test
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, February 20th 2006, 11:26 GMT
The Super Aguri team are gearing up for their first public Formula One test this week at the Barcelona circuit in Spain.
The Japanese team already rolled out their car for the first time last week at the Kemble airfield, where Japanese driver Takuma Sato was at the wheel. Sato, who was left without a drive after leaving the BAR team last year, will race alongside Yuji Ide this year.
Sato will be in charge of testing duties tomorrow, when Super Aguri kick off their first proper test with the SA05 car. Ide, who came second in Japan's Formula Nippon series last year, will take over from Sato on Wednesday to make his Formula One debut.
Super Aguri will have only one car at the Barcelona circuit and both drivers are scheduled to share driving duties on the final day of the test.
The car is based on the 2003 Arrows A23 raced in 2002, updated to meet the new aerodynamics regulations and powered by Honda engines.
The Leafield-based squad plan to introduce their own car, the SA06, later in the season.
Renault, McLaren, Toyota, Williams, Honda, Red Bull and Midland are scheduled to test alongside Super Aguri this week at Barcelona.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Suzuki expects difficult start
Monday, February 20th 2006, 13:41 GMT
Super Aguri boss Aguri Suzuki is under no illusions about the difficult task his Formula One team will face this year.
British-based Super Aguri will be Formula One's 11th team on the starting grid in 2006 after securing a last-minute entry. The team will use cars based on old Arrows chassis before they introduce their own car later in the season.
Super Aguri will only start testing their car this week, joining the majority of their rivals at the Barcelona circuit. The season kicks off in Bahrain in less than three weeks.
With that in mind, Suzuki is predicting a difficult start for the team.
"Since we launched the team in a short period, assorted problems are rising and there are many things that should be solved," Suzuki told reporters in a joint news conference with the Honda team.
"I'm afraid that we will be in a fairly tough position at the beginning. My objective this year is to make our team competitive as a Formula One team."
Super Aguri, who will be powered by Honda engines this year, will have Takuma Sato and Yuji Ide as their drivers.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Michelin: exit won't affect performance
By Pablo Elizalde Monday, February 20th 2006, 15:37 GMT
Michelin's Formula One director Nick Shorrock says the company's decision to leave Formula One at the end of the season will not have any effect on its performance.
"It won't," Shorrock said when asked how would Michelin's withdrawal affect its development programme throughout the season.
"Everybody remains totally committed - and our advanced research team will be able to focus all its efforts on this year, rather than dividing its time between the present season and longer-term projects."
Michelin announced it will quit Formula One at the end of 2006 because it was unhappy about the move to a single tyre supplier in the sport in 2008.
Shorrock said the company's sporting division understood the decision.
"Formula One is widely regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport and Michelin has done a very good job since it returned in 2001, particularly last year," added Shorrock. "It's a pity that we won't be carrying on, but everyone here understands the reasons why.
"Next year, all of the F1 personnel will move on to new, equally challenging roles within Michelin. In the meantime, our motivation is as strong as ever."
The French tyre supplier dominated the 2005 season, winning all but one races and Shorrock is confident they will be able to repeat the feat and leave the sport on top.
"Michelin actively sought more balanced tyre distribution in F1 for 2006 and has achieved that," he said. "It would be exceptional if we were to repeat last season's magnificent results, but being realistic we anticipate that some of our keenest rivals will up their game.
"We don't expect it to be easy, but we are confident that we can win again this season by offering our partners high-performance products that will play a contributory role in their future successes." [/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 02-20-2006 01:22 PM |
From Sahkir...
[QUOTE]Schumacher hits trouble at Bahrain
Monday, February 20th 2006, 14:58 GMT
The Ferrari team on Monday continued with their testing programme at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, home of the first Grand Prix of the season.
Both Michael Schumacher and teammate Felipe Massa were again in charge of testing duties, the German driving the new 248 F1 and the Brazilian at the wheel of the F2004 fitted with a V10 engine.
Schumacher's programme focused on tyre testing and set-up work while Massa carried out tyre and electronics testing.
Ferrari continued to have problems with their new car, however, and Schumacher could only manage 49 laps with a best time of 1:31.390.
Massa had a fruitful day and completed 124 laps with a best time of 1:30.410.
Both men continue testing tomorrow.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Schumacher hits trouble at Bahrain
Monday, February 20th 2006, 14:58 GMT
The Ferrari team on Monday continued with their testing programme at the Sakhir circuit in Bahrain, home of the first Grand Prix of the season.
Both Michael Schumacher and teammate Felipe Massa were again in charge of testing duties, the German driving the new 248 F1 and the Brazilian at the wheel of the F2004 fitted with a V10 engine.
Schumacher's programme focused on tyre testing and set-up work while Massa carried out tyre and electronics testing.
Ferrari continued to have problems with their new car, however, and Schumacher could only manage 49 laps with a best time of 1:31.390.
Massa had a fruitful day and completed 124 laps with a best time of 1:30.410.
Both men continue testing tomorrow.[/QUOTE]
| Bonzo | 02-20-2006 02:00 PM |
so will MS run a v10 if the v8 is a turd?
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