| asquaredrex | 04-21-2006 01:22 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Flavio sounds so smart when you read his quotes, because he is. The problem is when you see him. He really looks like he couldn't give two ****s while he's bangin' models and lving the life on a yatch.
Max wrote an article in this month's F1 Racing Mag saying that Flavio is an extremely asstute and thoughtful man that makes everything he touches turn to gold. I guess I agree w/ Max for once.[/QUOTE]
[img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/Flav01.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/Flav03.jpg[/img]
Max wrote an article in this month's F1 Racing Mag saying that Flavio is an extremely asstute and thoughtful man that makes everything he touches turn to gold. I guess I agree w/ Max for once.[/QUOTE]
[img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/Flav01.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.sniffpetrol.com/Flav03.jpg[/img]
| Ferg | 04-21-2006 03:13 PM |
:lol:
Nice find!
More on the impending deal from the GPMA side...
[QUOTE]GPMA: fine-tuning needed for new F1 deal
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 21st 2006, 19:06 GMT
Formula One's manufacturers believe that more fine-tuning still needs to be done before they can reach a final agreement over their commitment to the sport, despite earlier hopes of a breakthrough in talks.
As autosport.com revealed earlier today, Renault boss Flavio Briatore said that he was ready to commit his team to F1 until the end of 2012 after talks with Ecclestone and F1 owners CVC Capital Partners about a new Concorde Agreement.
As a member of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association, his comments indicated that there was a chance a settlement could be reached imminently.
But in a meeting at Imola on Friday evening between the other members of the GPMA to analyse the latest offer, they decided that further talks were necessary before they could commit.
Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug said he remained optimistic a deal was close, but that further fine tuning of the details of the agreement needed sorting out.
He told autosport.com: "If you look at where we started four years ago, there have been a lot of talks and we have achieved a lot in that time. But there is still some fine tuning to be done here and there."
Briatore was optimistic the deal would be struck within the next few days, however.
"I am sure it is close," he told Reuters. "The deal has been on the table for the last three or four weeks. It depends when the manufacturers want to sign.
"We need to go ahead...for sponsorship, for anything, we need to give stability - we need to give a signal that we will do the 2008 championship, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012," added the Italian.
"It makes no sense to lose time. The difference between what is on offer and what the people request is a motorhome," he added gesturing towards some of the imposing team facilities that can cost several million dollars.
Asked whether a deal could be sealed this weekend, Briatore replied: "I hope so, especially for us.
"It is a deal, good or bad. Only the future tells you how good or bad it is. I am optimistic." [/QUOTE]
Nice find!
More on the impending deal from the GPMA side...
[QUOTE]GPMA: fine-tuning needed for new F1 deal
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 21st 2006, 19:06 GMT
Formula One's manufacturers believe that more fine-tuning still needs to be done before they can reach a final agreement over their commitment to the sport, despite earlier hopes of a breakthrough in talks.
As autosport.com revealed earlier today, Renault boss Flavio Briatore said that he was ready to commit his team to F1 until the end of 2012 after talks with Ecclestone and F1 owners CVC Capital Partners about a new Concorde Agreement.
As a member of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association, his comments indicated that there was a chance a settlement could be reached imminently.
But in a meeting at Imola on Friday evening between the other members of the GPMA to analyse the latest offer, they decided that further talks were necessary before they could commit.
Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug said he remained optimistic a deal was close, but that further fine tuning of the details of the agreement needed sorting out.
He told autosport.com: "If you look at where we started four years ago, there have been a lot of talks and we have achieved a lot in that time. But there is still some fine tuning to be done here and there."
Briatore was optimistic the deal would be struck within the next few days, however.
"I am sure it is close," he told Reuters. "The deal has been on the table for the last three or four weeks. It depends when the manufacturers want to sign.
"We need to go ahead...for sponsorship, for anything, we need to give stability - we need to give a signal that we will do the 2008 championship, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012," added the Italian.
"It makes no sense to lose time. The difference between what is on offer and what the people request is a motorhome," he added gesturing towards some of the imposing team facilities that can cost several million dollars.
Asked whether a deal could be sealed this weekend, Briatore replied: "I hope so, especially for us.
"It is a deal, good or bad. Only the future tells you how good or bad it is. I am optimistic." [/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-25-2006 11:25 AM |
More on The Deal and changes at BMW-Sauber.
[QUOTE]Briatore wants new F1 deal by Nurburgring
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, April 25th 2006, 10:11 GMT
Renault boss Flavio Briatore is still hoping the team can sign a long-term commercial agreement with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone at the European Grand Prix, even though other manufacturers are still reluctant to commit themselves.
Negotiations between Ecclestone, commercial owners CVC Capital Partners and Briatore, who had been put forward by the manufacturers to lead negotiations in the latest round of talks over a commercial deal, have left the carmakers closer than ever to finding a settlement.
But despite Briatore saying he is happy with the latest offer from Ecclestone, and wanting to sign-up at Imola last weekend, the other members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) still want more talks to improve the terms.
They held a meeting at the San Marino Grand Prix to discuss whether to accept the latest Ecclestone offer negotiated by Briatore, but decided to reject it.
The current terms on offer from Ecclestone, of 50 percent of the sport's entire commercial revenue, is understood to be 10 percent less than what had been on the table prior to the failed talks on the eve of the Bahrain Grand Prix, when Ecclestone suddenly revised his terms downwards.
One source suggested the difference could be as much as $100 million per season - which amounts to $500 million over the five-year term of the new commercial arrangement.
"It is far more than the cost of a motorhome, as some people have been saying," explained the source.
The failure of the other GPMA members to agree to the offer left Renault unable to sign up at Imola thanks to a pact of unity signed between the GPMA members last September. It means that none of manufacturers can act unilaterally is signing up with Ecclestone.
However, Briatore has made it clear that he is still targeting a deal as soon as the next race.
"Once we find a solution we will sign at the Nurburgring," he said. "I don't wait for anybody. With the negotiations, at some point, we have to stop."
McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who has played a key role in the talks, is less optimistic that a deal is that close.
"Whilst there are some drafts, there is a lot of work to be done before there is a document we can feel comfortable with," he said. "Preceding that there are some first steps to be taken and, while everyone's position is different, it is not radically so.
"The common desire is to strengthen and stabilise F1. That's what we want to see. I think we can make F1 better if we are a unified entity."
When asked what the sticking points are, he said: "It is inappropriate to say. I don't think there is anything that is insurmountable, but it is a stressful process.
"Everyone has different long term strategies and it's trying to make everyone's interests common. That is difficult, but not impossible, there is light at the end of the tunnel."
But following talks between FIA president Max Mosley and BMW's Burkhard Goeschel, who is head of the GPMA, at Imola, as well as a big push from CVC's Donald MacKenzie over the weekend, the likelihood is that a deal can still be agreed before the end of next month.
One high-level source involved in the negotiations said: "I think we are highly likely to have something agreed by the Monaco Grand Prix, although it may not actually be formally signed then."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]BMW sign Zander as new chief designer
Tuesday, April 25th 2006, 09:26 GMT
The BMW Sauber team have signed German Jorg Zander as their new chief designer, the Formula One squad announced on Tuesday.
Zander will take full responsibility for the design of the team's racing car starting next July, and he will report to technical director Willy Rampf.
"The development of the BMW Sauber F1 team continues to move forward, and that includes adding a chief designer to our staff line-up," said BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen.
"We are certain that in Jorg Zander we have found the right man for this pivotal position. His experience will be an important asset to us."
Zander, 42, had started working in Formula One in 1999 with the Toyota team, before moving to BAR-Honda in 2002. In 2005, he was appointed head of design at the Williams team.
He had announced his exit from Williams earlier this year, citing personal reasons.
Zander added: "The BMW Sauber F1 team is in its set-up phase, which presents a major challenge. It isn't just a matter of technology but of laying down the structures and processes as well. Drawing on my experience, I would like to do my bit to support the team on its way up."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Briatore wants new F1 deal by Nurburgring
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, April 25th 2006, 10:11 GMT
Renault boss Flavio Briatore is still hoping the team can sign a long-term commercial agreement with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone at the European Grand Prix, even though other manufacturers are still reluctant to commit themselves.
Negotiations between Ecclestone, commercial owners CVC Capital Partners and Briatore, who had been put forward by the manufacturers to lead negotiations in the latest round of talks over a commercial deal, have left the carmakers closer than ever to finding a settlement.
But despite Briatore saying he is happy with the latest offer from Ecclestone, and wanting to sign-up at Imola last weekend, the other members of the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) still want more talks to improve the terms.
They held a meeting at the San Marino Grand Prix to discuss whether to accept the latest Ecclestone offer negotiated by Briatore, but decided to reject it.
The current terms on offer from Ecclestone, of 50 percent of the sport's entire commercial revenue, is understood to be 10 percent less than what had been on the table prior to the failed talks on the eve of the Bahrain Grand Prix, when Ecclestone suddenly revised his terms downwards.
One source suggested the difference could be as much as $100 million per season - which amounts to $500 million over the five-year term of the new commercial arrangement.
"It is far more than the cost of a motorhome, as some people have been saying," explained the source.
The failure of the other GPMA members to agree to the offer left Renault unable to sign up at Imola thanks to a pact of unity signed between the GPMA members last September. It means that none of manufacturers can act unilaterally is signing up with Ecclestone.
However, Briatore has made it clear that he is still targeting a deal as soon as the next race.
"Once we find a solution we will sign at the Nurburgring," he said. "I don't wait for anybody. With the negotiations, at some point, we have to stop."
McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who has played a key role in the talks, is less optimistic that a deal is that close.
"Whilst there are some drafts, there is a lot of work to be done before there is a document we can feel comfortable with," he said. "Preceding that there are some first steps to be taken and, while everyone's position is different, it is not radically so.
"The common desire is to strengthen and stabilise F1. That's what we want to see. I think we can make F1 better if we are a unified entity."
When asked what the sticking points are, he said: "It is inappropriate to say. I don't think there is anything that is insurmountable, but it is a stressful process.
"Everyone has different long term strategies and it's trying to make everyone's interests common. That is difficult, but not impossible, there is light at the end of the tunnel."
But following talks between FIA president Max Mosley and BMW's Burkhard Goeschel, who is head of the GPMA, at Imola, as well as a big push from CVC's Donald MacKenzie over the weekend, the likelihood is that a deal can still be agreed before the end of next month.
One high-level source involved in the negotiations said: "I think we are highly likely to have something agreed by the Monaco Grand Prix, although it may not actually be formally signed then."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]BMW sign Zander as new chief designer
Tuesday, April 25th 2006, 09:26 GMT
The BMW Sauber team have signed German Jorg Zander as their new chief designer, the Formula One squad announced on Tuesday.
Zander will take full responsibility for the design of the team's racing car starting next July, and he will report to technical director Willy Rampf.
"The development of the BMW Sauber F1 team continues to move forward, and that includes adding a chief designer to our staff line-up," said BMW motorsport boss Mario Theissen.
"We are certain that in Jorg Zander we have found the right man for this pivotal position. His experience will be an important asset to us."
Zander, 42, had started working in Formula One in 1999 with the Toyota team, before moving to BAR-Honda in 2002. In 2005, he was appointed head of design at the Williams team.
He had announced his exit from Williams earlier this year, citing personal reasons.
Zander added: "The BMW Sauber F1 team is in its set-up phase, which presents a major challenge. It isn't just a matter of technology but of laying down the structures and processes as well. Drawing on my experience, I would like to do my bit to support the team on its way up."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-25-2006 01:04 PM |
No rest for the wicked, Silverstone testing resport.
[QUOTE]Montoya quickest at Silverstone
Tuesday, April 25th 2006, 16:44 GMT
Juan Pablo Montoya made the most of the latest specification Mercedes-Benz engine to lead the way on the first day of testing at a wet and windy Silverstone on Tuesday.
The Colombian used three sets of new tyres in the final 15-minutes of the day to knock Jenson Button off the top spot.
His running had been generally limited by the wet weather in the morning, with the circuit only drying up after 2pm.
Button, who had been at the Honda Racing factory on Monday to try and lift spirits after another disappointing outing for the team at Imola, spent the day focusing on general set-up work to try and help the team improve their tyre situation.
Renault's Heikki Kovalainen was third quickest as he conducted a Michelin tyre test with fourth fastest teammate Fernando Alonso, who brought out the red flags at 2.55pm when his car stopped on the track with a suspected mechanical problem.
Red Bull Racing duo David Coulthard and Christian Klien also brought out a red flag each, as their cars stopped in the final complex with mechanical problems.
The other red flag was brought out by BMW's Robert Kubica, whose car stopped at 2.30pm with a technical issue.
As had been expected before the test, the latest generation of tyres have led to a dramatic leap in cornering speeds at Silverstone - which looks set to make this year's British Grand Prix one of the most physical races of the year.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:21.087 41
2. Button Honda (M) 1:21.118 59
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:21.232 86
4. Alonso Renault (M) 1:21.309 32
5. Davidson Honda (M) 1:22.085 68
6. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:22.216 91
7. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:22.228 36
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:22.256 108
9. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:22.258 58
10. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:22.712 58
11. Jani Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:23.350 84
12. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:23.358 38
13. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:23.770 15
14. Mondini MF1-Toyota (B) 1:24.471 25
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Montoya quickest at Silverstone
Tuesday, April 25th 2006, 16:44 GMT
Juan Pablo Montoya made the most of the latest specification Mercedes-Benz engine to lead the way on the first day of testing at a wet and windy Silverstone on Tuesday.
The Colombian used three sets of new tyres in the final 15-minutes of the day to knock Jenson Button off the top spot.
His running had been generally limited by the wet weather in the morning, with the circuit only drying up after 2pm.
Button, who had been at the Honda Racing factory on Monday to try and lift spirits after another disappointing outing for the team at Imola, spent the day focusing on general set-up work to try and help the team improve their tyre situation.
Renault's Heikki Kovalainen was third quickest as he conducted a Michelin tyre test with fourth fastest teammate Fernando Alonso, who brought out the red flags at 2.55pm when his car stopped on the track with a suspected mechanical problem.
Red Bull Racing duo David Coulthard and Christian Klien also brought out a red flag each, as their cars stopped in the final complex with mechanical problems.
The other red flag was brought out by BMW's Robert Kubica, whose car stopped at 2.30pm with a technical issue.
As had been expected before the test, the latest generation of tyres have led to a dramatic leap in cornering speeds at Silverstone - which looks set to make this year's British Grand Prix one of the most physical races of the year.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:21.087 41
2. Button Honda (M) 1:21.118 59
3. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:21.232 86
4. Alonso Renault (M) 1:21.309 32
5. Davidson Honda (M) 1:22.085 68
6. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:22.216 91
7. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:22.228 36
8. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:22.256 108
9. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:22.258 58
10. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:22.712 58
11. Jani Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:23.350 84
12. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:23.358 38
13. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:23.770 15
14. Mondini MF1-Toyota (B) 1:24.471 25
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
| SolbergWRCfan | 04-25-2006 05:31 PM |
Lewis Hamilton in for McLaren B-Team in 2008?
[QUOTE]McLaren-Mercedes may have secured the final place on the F1 grid in 2008, for their much talked about and long rumoured 'B' team, according to the latest gossip.
Although it was thought that Prodrive had secured the final slot to enter the sport when the new Concorde Agreement comes into operation in two years time, it now appears that might not be the case.
Indeed Crash.net has learned that the project being headed up by former F1 racer, Jean Alesi and backed by Japanese luxury good company Direxiv, may be in the frame to get the nod this Friday, when the FIA, the sports governing body, is due to confirm which team will join the current established eleven in the sport.
A number of the other entries have already been turned down, including Paul Stoddart's bid to re-enter the sport with Minardi, despite having sold out to Red Bull only at the end of last season.
In a separate development meanwhile some sources also suggest that Carlin are still in with a shout too![/QUOTE]
I think we will see Lewis on the grid in 2008 seeing as he drives a Direxiv car right now, will most likely win the GP2 championship in 2007, and has been a McLaren protege for a time now.
Jon
[QUOTE]McLaren-Mercedes may have secured the final place on the F1 grid in 2008, for their much talked about and long rumoured 'B' team, according to the latest gossip.
Although it was thought that Prodrive had secured the final slot to enter the sport when the new Concorde Agreement comes into operation in two years time, it now appears that might not be the case.
Indeed Crash.net has learned that the project being headed up by former F1 racer, Jean Alesi and backed by Japanese luxury good company Direxiv, may be in the frame to get the nod this Friday, when the FIA, the sports governing body, is due to confirm which team will join the current established eleven in the sport.
A number of the other entries have already been turned down, including Paul Stoddart's bid to re-enter the sport with Minardi, despite having sold out to Red Bull only at the end of last season.
In a separate development meanwhile some sources also suggest that Carlin are still in with a shout too![/QUOTE]
I think we will see Lewis on the grid in 2008 seeing as he drives a Direxiv car right now, will most likely win the GP2 championship in 2007, and has been a McLaren protege for a time now.
Jon
| artkevin | 04-25-2006 05:42 PM |
I think we'll see Lewis in the F1 one way or another. I am personally pulling for Prodrive to get the nod but most people around here probably are too. I watched him in Valencia last night and I am going to try to watch Imola tonight. He seems to be the complete package. Well spoken, smart, good looking and, fast, technical and it doesn't hurt to be under Ron's arm.
| Ferg | 04-25-2006 06:44 PM |
We'll find out who the mystery team is on Friday, the 28th.
place your bets place your bets place your bets
Kevin, you'll love the Imola GP2 race, stupid safety car and all.
place your bets place your bets place your bets
Kevin, you'll love the Imola GP2 race, stupid safety car and all.
| JoD | 04-25-2006 09:38 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Well spoken, smart, good looking and, fast, technical and it doesn't hurt to be under Ron's arm.[/QUOTE]
Good looking is an understatement... ;)
[IMG]http://www.f1photographs.co.uk/images/Lewis%20Hamilton%2066d_JPG.jpg[/IMG]
Rrroowwwllll.
Good looking is an understatement... ;)
[IMG]http://www.f1photographs.co.uk/images/Lewis%20Hamilton%2066d_JPG.jpg[/IMG]
Rrroowwwllll.
| artkevin | 04-26-2006 09:32 AM |
Ferg, what in the world happened w/ Hamilton in the long race? He passed the saftey car? How do you have a jump start, a penalty and pass the saftey car all in one race?
He did drive outstandingly until then.
He did drive outstandingly until then.
| Ferg | 04-26-2006 10:00 AM |
The safety car thing was unlucky, just one of the weird miscues like JPM in Canada last year.
[QUOTE]Hamilton laments safety car error
By Andrew van de Burgt Saturday, April 22nd 2006, 17:33 GMT
Lewis Hamilton was left ruing the moment he overtook the safety car in the GP2 feature race at Imola, which caused him to be disqualified from the race.
Hamilton ran second to eventual race winner Gianmaria Bruni in the early stages, but was penalised for a jump start. When he came in to complete his drive-through penalty, the safety car was deployed after Lucas di Grassi's sizeable shunt.
When Hamilton returned to the track he was behind the Campos cars of Adrian Valles and Felix Porteiro, who had been delayed at the start, these were waved by the safety car, and Hamilton followed.
"After the drive through, I thought I was in last place. So I just passed the safety car and tried to get round to the back of the pack so that I could make my mandatory stop."
However, as the chasing pack had also pitted, Hamilton was indeed the leader, and the offence was punished with disqualification.
"It's very unfortunate," he added. "I know we had the pace. I made a bloody good start, it was just that I rolled a little bit when we formed up the grid. I was stopped when the race started." [/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Hamilton laments safety car error
By Andrew van de Burgt Saturday, April 22nd 2006, 17:33 GMT
Lewis Hamilton was left ruing the moment he overtook the safety car in the GP2 feature race at Imola, which caused him to be disqualified from the race.
Hamilton ran second to eventual race winner Gianmaria Bruni in the early stages, but was penalised for a jump start. When he came in to complete his drive-through penalty, the safety car was deployed after Lucas di Grassi's sizeable shunt.
When Hamilton returned to the track he was behind the Campos cars of Adrian Valles and Felix Porteiro, who had been delayed at the start, these were waved by the safety car, and Hamilton followed.
"After the drive through, I thought I was in last place. So I just passed the safety car and tried to get round to the back of the pack so that I could make my mandatory stop."
However, as the chasing pack had also pitted, Hamilton was indeed the leader, and the offence was punished with disqualification.
"It's very unfortunate," he added. "I know we had the pace. I made a bloody good start, it was just that I rolled a little bit when we formed up the grid. I was stopped when the race started." [/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-26-2006 10:03 AM |
Here's something I definately do not want to see in Grand Prix racing.
[QUOTE]Cosworth propose boost button for F1
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 13:50 GMT
Engine suppliers Cosworth have suggested the introduction of a boost button to help increase overtaking in Formula One.
The system, which has been successfully used in the A1 GP series this season, allows a driver to have access to more engine power with the click of a button.
In A1 GP's case, the boost button allowed a driver to have an extra 30HP for a limited number of times during a race.
Cosworth's proposal would require rev-limited engines that would surpass that limit when the button is pressed, this helping a driver overtake.
"It's a spectacular and relatively simple solution: the idea is to supply, during the race, an amount of time of extra revs equals to one or two laps' worth," Cosworth's commercial director Bernand Ferguson told Autosprint magazine.[/QUOTE]
And more from the bottomless checkbook that is Red Bull Racing.
[QUOTE]Red Bull Racing sign new strategy chief
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 08:39 GMT
Red Bull Racing appear to have pulled off another personnel coup with sources claiming that they have lured McLaren operations chief Neil Martin to be their new Head of Strategic Operations, autosport.com can reveal.
Although the news has not been confirmed by the team, there are suggestions that he will be joining Red Bull at the start of next year after seeing out his current contract with McLaren.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit have been on a huge recruitment drive over the winter in a bid to put together the personnel that they believe they need to allow them to fight for wins. Insiders suggest they see Martin's capture as one of their 'key' moves. He was McLaren's Team Leader of Operational Research.
As well as his strategy input which proved crucial at races, Martin provided factory based technological support to the race team. This allowed them to have access to data on parts and strategy that would help their performance at the track.
He helped co-ordinate software to give the team instant access to data on specific car components, rather than needing to refer back to systems at the factory. This often proved crucial in helping the team deal with problems encountered on cars during races.
Speaking a few years ago about the systems that he helped set-up, Martin said: "The pitwall team no longer runs to us for help. Their silence is possibly the highest praise you can receive: it speaks volumes for the display system's value."
Earlier this month, Red Bull Racing announced that they had appointed Renault's Keith Saunt as their new Operations Director.
Red Bull Racing's capture of Martin comes after the recruitment of technical director Adrian Newey and aerodynamicist Peter Prodromou from McLaren. Newey has already joined the outfit, while Prodromou is expected to switch teams at the start of next year.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis admitted recently that losing staff to rival teams was a part of F1 life.
"We are totally committed to our current design and engineering group," he said. "They are doing an excellent job... The vast majority of people in the organisation are on long multi-year contracts and there is an inevitability that they are approached by some of the teams that don't have the depth or calibre of staff that we enjoy.
"But that is just part of having a Formula One Grand Prix team and doing a good job. People are constantly going to be approached, but at the moment we are very stable, very focused and we have a very committed group of engineers and mechanics."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Cosworth propose boost button for F1
By Michele Lostia Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 13:50 GMT
Engine suppliers Cosworth have suggested the introduction of a boost button to help increase overtaking in Formula One.
The system, which has been successfully used in the A1 GP series this season, allows a driver to have access to more engine power with the click of a button.
In A1 GP's case, the boost button allowed a driver to have an extra 30HP for a limited number of times during a race.
Cosworth's proposal would require rev-limited engines that would surpass that limit when the button is pressed, this helping a driver overtake.
"It's a spectacular and relatively simple solution: the idea is to supply, during the race, an amount of time of extra revs equals to one or two laps' worth," Cosworth's commercial director Bernand Ferguson told Autosprint magazine.[/QUOTE]
And more from the bottomless checkbook that is Red Bull Racing.
[QUOTE]Red Bull Racing sign new strategy chief
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 08:39 GMT
Red Bull Racing appear to have pulled off another personnel coup with sources claiming that they have lured McLaren operations chief Neil Martin to be their new Head of Strategic Operations, autosport.com can reveal.
Although the news has not been confirmed by the team, there are suggestions that he will be joining Red Bull at the start of next year after seeing out his current contract with McLaren.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit have been on a huge recruitment drive over the winter in a bid to put together the personnel that they believe they need to allow them to fight for wins. Insiders suggest they see Martin's capture as one of their 'key' moves. He was McLaren's Team Leader of Operational Research.
As well as his strategy input which proved crucial at races, Martin provided factory based technological support to the race team. This allowed them to have access to data on parts and strategy that would help their performance at the track.
He helped co-ordinate software to give the team instant access to data on specific car components, rather than needing to refer back to systems at the factory. This often proved crucial in helping the team deal with problems encountered on cars during races.
Speaking a few years ago about the systems that he helped set-up, Martin said: "The pitwall team no longer runs to us for help. Their silence is possibly the highest praise you can receive: it speaks volumes for the display system's value."
Earlier this month, Red Bull Racing announced that they had appointed Renault's Keith Saunt as their new Operations Director.
Red Bull Racing's capture of Martin comes after the recruitment of technical director Adrian Newey and aerodynamicist Peter Prodromou from McLaren. Newey has already joined the outfit, while Prodromou is expected to switch teams at the start of next year.
McLaren boss Ron Dennis admitted recently that losing staff to rival teams was a part of F1 life.
"We are totally committed to our current design and engineering group," he said. "They are doing an excellent job... The vast majority of people in the organisation are on long multi-year contracts and there is an inevitability that they are approached by some of the teams that don't have the depth or calibre of staff that we enjoy.
"But that is just part of having a Formula One Grand Prix team and doing a good job. People are constantly going to be approached, but at the moment we are very stable, very focused and we have a very committed group of engineers and mechanics."[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 04-26-2006 10:58 AM |
I was under the impression that F1 cars basically had a boost button in not so many words. Most teams don't run their engines at 100% all the time to save fuel and reliability. They can turn it up to that if they need the power for passing. Seems like a strange proposal to me.
| StuBeck | 04-26-2006 11:41 AM |
Yea, they have a button to increase the rev's. I don't know if it will help much, they've had it in ChampCar the last few years but I don't think it has helped much.
Looks like Montagny is in for Super Aguri for the friday role in Nurburgring. Weber's saying Schumi's not interested in driving for other teams, but he makes so much **** up I don't really take anything he says anymore, and Flavio say they're not interested in JPM...but they said they weren't intersted in the constructors championship last year either...so yea.
Looks like Montagny is in for Super Aguri for the friday role in Nurburgring. Weber's saying Schumi's not interested in driving for other teams, but he makes so much **** up I don't really take anything he says anymore, and Flavio say they're not interested in JPM...but they said they weren't intersted in the constructors championship last year either...so yea.
| artkevin | 04-26-2006 11:44 AM |
Wasn't Weber who just said that Michael was looking around?!?
That guy pisses me off. The Drew Rosenhaus (sp?) of F1.
That guy pisses me off. The Drew Rosenhaus (sp?) of F1.
| Ferg | 04-26-2006 12:33 PM |
Like a mad dog with a bone, nobody wants to let the following go.
[QUOTE]Honda still suspicious on Ferrari's wings
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 16:16 GMT
Honda Racing have written to the FIA claiming that they have fresh suspicions that Ferrari's rear wing is still flexing, even though the matter appeared to have been cleared up after the Australian Grand Prix.
Ferrari were at the centre of a row in Malaysia when eight of their rivals threatened to protest Michael Schumacher's car because they felt its front and rear wings were illegally flexing.
After intervention from the FIA, Ferrari were asked to make changes to their wings for the following race in Australia - where the situation appeared to calm down.
The issue of flexi-wings was then discussed at last week's meeting of thinktank the Technical Working Group, where the sport's technical directors decided that no change to regulations or new tests were needed for this season � although new slot-gap regulations and more rigorous tests were likely for 2007.
However, Ferrari's strong performance in last weekend's San Marino Grand Prix � especially their benchmark pace through the speed-traps � appears to have re-ignited the controversy.
In qualifying Michael Schumacher topped the speed trap figures at 295.1kph, with team-ate Felipe Massa just behind him on 294kph. The nearest challenger was Juan Pablo Montoya at just 291.8kph.
On the back of that performance, Honda Racing technical director Geoff Willis has subsequently written a letter to FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting expressing his concern at the situation.
Team boss Nick Fry confirmed to autosport.com that the letter had been written because of what the team had observed in Imola.
"Yes it's true," he said. "We just wanted to register our concerns, because at one point Michael Schumacher's car was 6kph faster than Fernando Alonso and at another point he was 6kph slower."
Willis was unavailable for comment today but told this week's Autosprint that he believed Ferrari's rear wing was still flexing � and that he had video evidence to support his views.
He told the Italian magazine: "I've already written to Charlie Whiting because the speed of the Ferrari at the end of each sector is amazing. I feel I have enough video evidence to demonstrate their rear wing still flexes."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Honda still suspicious on Ferrari's wings
By Jonathan Noble Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 16:16 GMT
Honda Racing have written to the FIA claiming that they have fresh suspicions that Ferrari's rear wing is still flexing, even though the matter appeared to have been cleared up after the Australian Grand Prix.
Ferrari were at the centre of a row in Malaysia when eight of their rivals threatened to protest Michael Schumacher's car because they felt its front and rear wings were illegally flexing.
After intervention from the FIA, Ferrari were asked to make changes to their wings for the following race in Australia - where the situation appeared to calm down.
The issue of flexi-wings was then discussed at last week's meeting of thinktank the Technical Working Group, where the sport's technical directors decided that no change to regulations or new tests were needed for this season � although new slot-gap regulations and more rigorous tests were likely for 2007.
However, Ferrari's strong performance in last weekend's San Marino Grand Prix � especially their benchmark pace through the speed-traps � appears to have re-ignited the controversy.
In qualifying Michael Schumacher topped the speed trap figures at 295.1kph, with team-ate Felipe Massa just behind him on 294kph. The nearest challenger was Juan Pablo Montoya at just 291.8kph.
On the back of that performance, Honda Racing technical director Geoff Willis has subsequently written a letter to FIA technical delegate Charlie Whiting expressing his concern at the situation.
Team boss Nick Fry confirmed to autosport.com that the letter had been written because of what the team had observed in Imola.
"Yes it's true," he said. "We just wanted to register our concerns, because at one point Michael Schumacher's car was 6kph faster than Fernando Alonso and at another point he was 6kph slower."
Willis was unavailable for comment today but told this week's Autosprint that he believed Ferrari's rear wing was still flexing � and that he had video evidence to support his views.
He told the Italian magazine: "I've already written to Charlie Whiting because the speed of the Ferrari at the end of each sector is amazing. I feel I have enough video evidence to demonstrate their rear wing still flexes."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-26-2006 01:22 PM |
Silverstone, Day Two testing report.
[QUOTE]Alonso sets blistering Silverstone pace
Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 16:55 GMT
World champion Fernando Alonso set a blistering pace in testing at the Silverstone circuit, as times tumbled at the British track.
Unlike yesterday, the weather allowed for a productive day of work, and 15 drivers took to the track to continue with their preparations for the European Grand Prix.
Renault dominated today's session, with Alonso and teammate Giancarlo Fisichella finishing on top of the times after being the only two drivers capable of lapping the British circuit in less than 79 seconds.
Thanks to the softer tyres used this year, the seven quickest drivers in today's session beat the pole position time of the 2005 British Grand Prix.
The tyres, added to the less powerful V8 engines, has caused some drivers to claim they don't have to use their brakes at Silverstone until Club, the ninth corner of the track.
That situation has also caused problems, as the brakes don't get up to the proper working temperature when going into the complex section.
Despite that, Alonso and Fisichella enjoyed a strong day for the Renault team, completing over 200 laps between the two, with Alonso beating Jenson Button in the Honda by over half a second.
Button was joined by teammate Rubens Barrichello, sixth fastest today.
McLaren's Juan Pablo Montoya continued working with the latest specification of the Mercedes engine the British team will use at the European Grand Prix. The Colombian was the only McLaren driver using the unit.
Teammate Kimi Raikkonen, joining the test today, had to use the old engine following a failure in the second unit yesterday when the car was driven by Pedro de la Rosa.
The BMW Sauber team had three drivers on track, with Nick Heidfeld joining Jacques Villeneuve and test driver Robert Kubica, who was the quickest of the three.
German Heidfeld, however, could only complete 36 laps before suffering a muscle twinge in his back which forced him to leave the test, with Kubica taking over.
David Coulthard and Vitantonio Liuzzi were in action for the Red Bull team, the Italian Toro Rosso driver taking to the wheel of the RB2 for the second time. Liuzzi's day, however, was cut short when he crashed heavily at the Becketts corner, causing heavy damage to the car.
Although Liuzzi escaped injury, he was unable to continue testing. He is expected to return to action tomorrow if the team manage to repair the damaged car.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:18.646 94
2. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:18.964 116
3. Button Honda (M) 1:19.378 133
4. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.404 72
5. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.556 37
6. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.643 71
7. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:19.691 108
8. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.186 71
9. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:20.482 105
10. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:20.565 51
11. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:20.671 73
12. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:20.957 24
13. Liuzzi Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:21.661 42
14. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.865 84
15. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.858 36
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Alonso sets blistering Silverstone pace
Wednesday, April 26th 2006, 16:55 GMT
World champion Fernando Alonso set a blistering pace in testing at the Silverstone circuit, as times tumbled at the British track.
Unlike yesterday, the weather allowed for a productive day of work, and 15 drivers took to the track to continue with their preparations for the European Grand Prix.
Renault dominated today's session, with Alonso and teammate Giancarlo Fisichella finishing on top of the times after being the only two drivers capable of lapping the British circuit in less than 79 seconds.
Thanks to the softer tyres used this year, the seven quickest drivers in today's session beat the pole position time of the 2005 British Grand Prix.
The tyres, added to the less powerful V8 engines, has caused some drivers to claim they don't have to use their brakes at Silverstone until Club, the ninth corner of the track.
That situation has also caused problems, as the brakes don't get up to the proper working temperature when going into the complex section.
Despite that, Alonso and Fisichella enjoyed a strong day for the Renault team, completing over 200 laps between the two, with Alonso beating Jenson Button in the Honda by over half a second.
Button was joined by teammate Rubens Barrichello, sixth fastest today.
McLaren's Juan Pablo Montoya continued working with the latest specification of the Mercedes engine the British team will use at the European Grand Prix. The Colombian was the only McLaren driver using the unit.
Teammate Kimi Raikkonen, joining the test today, had to use the old engine following a failure in the second unit yesterday when the car was driven by Pedro de la Rosa.
The BMW Sauber team had three drivers on track, with Nick Heidfeld joining Jacques Villeneuve and test driver Robert Kubica, who was the quickest of the three.
German Heidfeld, however, could only complete 36 laps before suffering a muscle twinge in his back which forced him to leave the test, with Kubica taking over.
David Coulthard and Vitantonio Liuzzi were in action for the Red Bull team, the Italian Toro Rosso driver taking to the wheel of the RB2 for the second time. Liuzzi's day, however, was cut short when he crashed heavily at the Becketts corner, causing heavy damage to the car.
Although Liuzzi escaped injury, he was unable to continue testing. He is expected to return to action tomorrow if the team manage to repair the damaged car.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Alonso Renault (M) 1:18.646 94
2. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:18.964 116
3. Button Honda (M) 1:19.378 133
4. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.404 72
5. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.556 37
6. Rosberg Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:19.643 71
7. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:19.691 108
8. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.186 71
9. Speed Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:20.482 105
10. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:20.565 51
11. Villeneuve BMW-Sauber (M) 1:20.671 73
12. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:20.957 24
13. Liuzzi Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:21.661 42
14. Monteiro MF1-Toyota (B) 1:21.865 84
15. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (M) 1:21.858 36
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| meebs | 04-26-2006 03:13 PM |
Glad to see Speed oupacing Liuzzi.
They need to let the wing issue go... sheesh.
They need to let the wing issue go... sheesh.
| Ferg | 04-27-2006 09:45 AM |
Morning news.
[QUOTE]Direxiv pushing ahead with F1 plans
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 27th 2006, 10:13 GMT
Japanese company Direxiv are still pushing ahead with plans to enter Formula One next season, even though their entry for the 2008 championship has been rejected by the FIA.
Motor racing's governing body is expected to announce tomorrow that the 12 successful entrants for 2008 are the current 11 teams plus new entry Prodrive. The unsuccessful entrants were notified last week about their failed applications.
That decision appeared to have scuppered plans for Direxiv's move to F1 - following months of negotiations with McLaren-Mercedes to arrange assistance on the chassis and engine side, and the refurbishment of McLaren's old Woking factory to run the new team.
However, former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi, who plans to help run the team, has made it clear that Direxiv are still looking at entering F1 in 2007.
"The plan is still for 2007," he told autosport.com. "We are working hard to reach an agreement. We have a factory and we still want to use it next year. We are determined to make it work."
Alesi made it clear that provision for the $48 million entry bond, which the team would need to lodge if they wanted to race next year, had been included in Direxiv's plans to make the move to F1.
The major complication for Direxiv, however, is the uncertainty about what would happen to their team after next year � because of the lack of entry for 2008.
Alesi said about the problems posed by the 2008 entry list: "That is something we are going to have to sort out."
McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who has been offering assistance to the Direxiv plans, said he was unsure about how the situation would pan out.
"I don't know," he said when asked about the situation for 2008 if a team entered next season. "We have asked that ourselves because of the assistance we have been trying to give to Direxiv.
"We are obviously aware of everything that has happened over the last few days (in deciding the entry list) and I'm surprised there has not been more subjectivity over analyzing the top three contenders and giving them a more rigorous process to comply to. Why? Because it is commonly known that a position on the grid adds value.
"If you spoke to the teams in F1 - there is always value irrespective of the fiscal condition of the team - there is always valued placed on having a position in F1. It has a value and a necessity for a far more subjective test."
A report in this week's Autosport suggests, however, that there is the possibility of the 2008 grid being opened up to more than 12 teams.
The magazine reveals that FIA sources believe the limit of 12 teams is far from fixed, even though FIA president Max Mosley has said such a scenario would require unanimous support of the teams.
"Thirteen teams would be possible," Mosley told Autosport. "But there are no plans to do that. It would require the agreement of all the teams."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Cosworth aim to expand engine supply
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 27th 2006, 11:49 GMT
Cosworth are making a bid to expand their engine supply to two leading Formula One teams next season, with sources suggesting they could remain with Williams and grab a new contract off one of Red Bull's outfits.
The Northampton-based engine constructor have greatly impressed this year with their all-new V8 engine - which started the season as arguably the most powerful and highest-revving in the field.
The performance of the engine will be key in helping Cosworth try to pull off deals to remain in F1, especially with Williams considering switching camps to Toyota in 2007. A decision on that front is expected within the next four weeks, with Williams believed to have the right of first refusal over a Cosworth deal.
Speaking to autosport.com, Cosworth's commercial director Bernard Ferguson said he was looking beyond just Williams for next year � and said there was likely to be a major push in the next few weeks to try and conclude preliminary negotiations that have taken place.
"Ideally we would like to have two competitive teams, but then again wouldn't everybody," said Ferguson. " I think basically what we are trying to do is do the best possible job we can do for Williams. That is to make a decision to go anywhere else very difficult for them, but also by doing that it gives us a shop window for the rest of the grid.
"There is a very small market place and everyone can see what everyone else is doing, and I think that we are getting a lot of good press in real terms and in terms of perception from the rest of the teams.
"We are exploring conversations with other people that have not advanced that far at this stage for next year, but I think that will pick up quite quickly now we are into Europe.
"These guys (Williams) have already started conversations about the engine installation in the chassis, and everybody else is doing the same. I would think by some time in June all the deals that are going to be done, with everyone and not just Cosworth, will be pretty much signed and sealed."
Although Ferguson has drawn short of naming the teams he is speaking to, sources have revealed that preliminary negotiations have taken place with Red Bull Racing about a renewal of the partnership the two teams enjoyed last season.
Red Bull Racing have had a difficult start to their new relationship with Ferrari, and although it is believed the talks with Cosworth have been focused around a possible link-up for 2008, after the current Ferrari deal ends, there is an outside chance of a deal being put together for as soon as next year.
The other option for Cosworth is to renegotiate Scuderia Toro Rosso's contract with them � which is currently for V10 engines as part of the deal that was originally negotiated with Minardi until the end of 2007.
There were rumours in the Imola paddock last weekend, however, that Toro Rosso could be switched onto Ferrari engines next year to further ramp up their affinity with Italy.
Such a deal would in theory allow Red Bull to see out the second year of their Ferrari contract, while allowing Red Bull Racing to switch to Cosworth.
Ferguson said that no talks had taken place with Toro Rosso but that he would happily talk to the Red Bull-owned outfit if they wanted to discuss engines for next year.
"At the moment they have a contract with us for V10s for 2007 and I am sure that is not guaranteed to cheer up any of the other teams who have a view on the V10," he said.
"We are contracted to them for next year, and they are contracted to the V10. If they want to come and talk to us about V8s then we are very happy to talk to them. But in the end it is their call."
Should Williams switch to Toyota, then Cosworth would be favourites to step in and provide the Midland teams with engine. The new Prodrive F1 team are expected to use Cosworth engines in 2008.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Marlboro to fund Ferrari dream team
Thursday, April 27th 2006, 11:00 GMT
Ferrari title sponsor Marlboro has said it is willing to bankroll the $70 million pay packet of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari next season, according to a report in this week's Autosport.
As speculation continues to link Kimi Raikkonen with a move to the team for 2007, the potential stumbling block of the team's wage-bill if Schumacher also decided to stay appears to have been removed thanks to the involvement of Marlboro.
Autosport reports that Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris believes that the promotional benefits of a Schumacher-Raikkonen partnership at Ferrari is worth paying for - even if it means that it has to foot the wage-bill.
The company is planning to be Ferrari's title sponsor until the end of 2011 and sources have suggested that it will invest huge sums of money in their F1 involvement to make the most of the opportunity - with tobacco advertising restrictions hampering its marketing capabilities in other fields.
One source told Autosport: "If the only place in the world you could advertise your product was a single billboard in Piccadilly Circus, you'd be prepared to spend quite a bit to make sure you got it, wouldn't you."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Direxiv pushing ahead with F1 plans
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 27th 2006, 10:13 GMT
Japanese company Direxiv are still pushing ahead with plans to enter Formula One next season, even though their entry for the 2008 championship has been rejected by the FIA.
Motor racing's governing body is expected to announce tomorrow that the 12 successful entrants for 2008 are the current 11 teams plus new entry Prodrive. The unsuccessful entrants were notified last week about their failed applications.
That decision appeared to have scuppered plans for Direxiv's move to F1 - following months of negotiations with McLaren-Mercedes to arrange assistance on the chassis and engine side, and the refurbishment of McLaren's old Woking factory to run the new team.
However, former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi, who plans to help run the team, has made it clear that Direxiv are still looking at entering F1 in 2007.
"The plan is still for 2007," he told autosport.com. "We are working hard to reach an agreement. We have a factory and we still want to use it next year. We are determined to make it work."
Alesi made it clear that provision for the $48 million entry bond, which the team would need to lodge if they wanted to race next year, had been included in Direxiv's plans to make the move to F1.
The major complication for Direxiv, however, is the uncertainty about what would happen to their team after next year � because of the lack of entry for 2008.
Alesi said about the problems posed by the 2008 entry list: "That is something we are going to have to sort out."
McLaren boss Ron Dennis, who has been offering assistance to the Direxiv plans, said he was unsure about how the situation would pan out.
"I don't know," he said when asked about the situation for 2008 if a team entered next season. "We have asked that ourselves because of the assistance we have been trying to give to Direxiv.
"We are obviously aware of everything that has happened over the last few days (in deciding the entry list) and I'm surprised there has not been more subjectivity over analyzing the top three contenders and giving them a more rigorous process to comply to. Why? Because it is commonly known that a position on the grid adds value.
"If you spoke to the teams in F1 - there is always value irrespective of the fiscal condition of the team - there is always valued placed on having a position in F1. It has a value and a necessity for a far more subjective test."
A report in this week's Autosport suggests, however, that there is the possibility of the 2008 grid being opened up to more than 12 teams.
The magazine reveals that FIA sources believe the limit of 12 teams is far from fixed, even though FIA president Max Mosley has said such a scenario would require unanimous support of the teams.
"Thirteen teams would be possible," Mosley told Autosport. "But there are no plans to do that. It would require the agreement of all the teams."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Cosworth aim to expand engine supply
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, April 27th 2006, 11:49 GMT
Cosworth are making a bid to expand their engine supply to two leading Formula One teams next season, with sources suggesting they could remain with Williams and grab a new contract off one of Red Bull's outfits.
The Northampton-based engine constructor have greatly impressed this year with their all-new V8 engine - which started the season as arguably the most powerful and highest-revving in the field.
The performance of the engine will be key in helping Cosworth try to pull off deals to remain in F1, especially with Williams considering switching camps to Toyota in 2007. A decision on that front is expected within the next four weeks, with Williams believed to have the right of first refusal over a Cosworth deal.
Speaking to autosport.com, Cosworth's commercial director Bernard Ferguson said he was looking beyond just Williams for next year � and said there was likely to be a major push in the next few weeks to try and conclude preliminary negotiations that have taken place.
"Ideally we would like to have two competitive teams, but then again wouldn't everybody," said Ferguson. " I think basically what we are trying to do is do the best possible job we can do for Williams. That is to make a decision to go anywhere else very difficult for them, but also by doing that it gives us a shop window for the rest of the grid.
"There is a very small market place and everyone can see what everyone else is doing, and I think that we are getting a lot of good press in real terms and in terms of perception from the rest of the teams.
"We are exploring conversations with other people that have not advanced that far at this stage for next year, but I think that will pick up quite quickly now we are into Europe.
"These guys (Williams) have already started conversations about the engine installation in the chassis, and everybody else is doing the same. I would think by some time in June all the deals that are going to be done, with everyone and not just Cosworth, will be pretty much signed and sealed."
Although Ferguson has drawn short of naming the teams he is speaking to, sources have revealed that preliminary negotiations have taken place with Red Bull Racing about a renewal of the partnership the two teams enjoyed last season.
Red Bull Racing have had a difficult start to their new relationship with Ferrari, and although it is believed the talks with Cosworth have been focused around a possible link-up for 2008, after the current Ferrari deal ends, there is an outside chance of a deal being put together for as soon as next year.
The other option for Cosworth is to renegotiate Scuderia Toro Rosso's contract with them � which is currently for V10 engines as part of the deal that was originally negotiated with Minardi until the end of 2007.
There were rumours in the Imola paddock last weekend, however, that Toro Rosso could be switched onto Ferrari engines next year to further ramp up their affinity with Italy.
Such a deal would in theory allow Red Bull to see out the second year of their Ferrari contract, while allowing Red Bull Racing to switch to Cosworth.
Ferguson said that no talks had taken place with Toro Rosso but that he would happily talk to the Red Bull-owned outfit if they wanted to discuss engines for next year.
"At the moment they have a contract with us for V10s for 2007 and I am sure that is not guaranteed to cheer up any of the other teams who have a view on the V10," he said.
"We are contracted to them for next year, and they are contracted to the V10. If they want to come and talk to us about V8s then we are very happy to talk to them. But in the end it is their call."
Should Williams switch to Toyota, then Cosworth would be favourites to step in and provide the Midland teams with engine. The new Prodrive F1 team are expected to use Cosworth engines in 2008.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Marlboro to fund Ferrari dream team
Thursday, April 27th 2006, 11:00 GMT
Ferrari title sponsor Marlboro has said it is willing to bankroll the $70 million pay packet of Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari next season, according to a report in this week's Autosport.
As speculation continues to link Kimi Raikkonen with a move to the team for 2007, the potential stumbling block of the team's wage-bill if Schumacher also decided to stay appears to have been removed thanks to the involvement of Marlboro.
Autosport reports that Marlboro's parent company Phillip Morris believes that the promotional benefits of a Schumacher-Raikkonen partnership at Ferrari is worth paying for - even if it means that it has to foot the wage-bill.
The company is planning to be Ferrari's title sponsor until the end of 2011 and sources have suggested that it will invest huge sums of money in their F1 involvement to make the most of the opportunity - with tobacco advertising restrictions hampering its marketing capabilities in other fields.
One source told Autosport: "If the only place in the world you could advertise your product was a single billboard in Piccadilly Circus, you'd be prepared to spend quite a bit to make sure you got it, wouldn't you."[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-27-2006 01:18 PM |
Silverstone, Day Three.
[QUOTE]Renault still on top at Silverstone
Thursday, April 27th 2006, 17:05 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella led the way for Renault again on the final day of this week's test at Silverstone on Thursday as Michelin's pace continued to impress.
Fisichella joined teammate Heikki Kovalainen in evaluating new rubber from their French tyre supplier - and it was its ability to get up to full operating temperature so quickly that left the team pretty impressed.
Rubens Barrichello gave his Honda Racing team a welcome morale boost with the second fastest time, as he continued to work on set-up issues to help resolve the lack of race pace they have been suffering from in recent events.
Barrichello's time was a one-off lap, however, with the RA106 clearly having shown that it is not lacking in single lap pace after Jenson Button's strong qualifying performances so far this year.
Kimi Raikkonen was third quickest for McLaren, as he finally got his hands on the latest specification engine from Mercedes-Benz. The German car manufacturer only have two of the new power-units available and, after Pedro de la Rosa hit trouble with his engine on Tuesday, it had to be shipped off for repairs.
That meant Raikkonen was forced to use the standard engine on Wednesday before the repaired unit was fitted to his car for the start of testing on Thursday.
Christian Klien enjoyed a slightly better day for Red Bull Racing as he managed to complete 42 laps, but he still suffered an engine problem in the early afternoon.
The day was dominated by a spate of red flags, as [B]the estimated 75 percent full-throttle that is now required for Silverstone[/B] :eek: took its toll on the cars and V8 power-units.
Robert Kubica's BMW engine blew up at 9:10am, while he stopped again later in the day � as did Juan Pablo Montoya, Kovalainen and Christijan Albers.
Midland F1 test driver Adrian Sutil made his debut for the team, but it did not get off to such a good start when he brought out the red flag after running off the track at 9:30am.
He only tested until 10.30am when he stopped with a suspected mechanical problem.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:18.506 121
2. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:18.664 71
3. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.664 96
4. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:19.094 102
5. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:19.550 42
6. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.674 40
7. Davidson Honda (M) 1:19.701 143
8. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.998 83
9. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:20.047 81
10. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.422 80
11. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:20.925 99
12. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:20.978 47
13. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:21.190 107
14. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:21.888 7
15. Sutil MF1-Toyota (B) 1:25.403 11
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Renault still on top at Silverstone
Thursday, April 27th 2006, 17:05 GMT
Giancarlo Fisichella led the way for Renault again on the final day of this week's test at Silverstone on Thursday as Michelin's pace continued to impress.
Fisichella joined teammate Heikki Kovalainen in evaluating new rubber from their French tyre supplier - and it was its ability to get up to full operating temperature so quickly that left the team pretty impressed.
Rubens Barrichello gave his Honda Racing team a welcome morale boost with the second fastest time, as he continued to work on set-up issues to help resolve the lack of race pace they have been suffering from in recent events.
Barrichello's time was a one-off lap, however, with the RA106 clearly having shown that it is not lacking in single lap pace after Jenson Button's strong qualifying performances so far this year.
Kimi Raikkonen was third quickest for McLaren, as he finally got his hands on the latest specification engine from Mercedes-Benz. The German car manufacturer only have two of the new power-units available and, after Pedro de la Rosa hit trouble with his engine on Tuesday, it had to be shipped off for repairs.
That meant Raikkonen was forced to use the standard engine on Wednesday before the repaired unit was fitted to his car for the start of testing on Thursday.
Christian Klien enjoyed a slightly better day for Red Bull Racing as he managed to complete 42 laps, but he still suffered an engine problem in the early afternoon.
The day was dominated by a spate of red flags, as [B]the estimated 75 percent full-throttle that is now required for Silverstone[/B] :eek: took its toll on the cars and V8 power-units.
Robert Kubica's BMW engine blew up at 9:10am, while he stopped again later in the day � as did Juan Pablo Montoya, Kovalainen and Christijan Albers.
Midland F1 test driver Adrian Sutil made his debut for the team, but it did not get off to such a good start when he brought out the red flag after running off the track at 9:30am.
He only tested until 10.30am when he stopped with a suspected mechanical problem.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Fisichella Renault (M) 1:18.506 121
2. Barrichello Honda (M) 1:18.664 71
3. Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:18.664 96
4. Kovalainen Renault (M) 1:19.094 102
5. Klien Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:19.550 42
6. Montoya McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:19.674 40
7. Davidson Honda (M) 1:19.701 143
8. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Cosworth (M) 1:19.998 83
9. Coulthard Red Bull-Ferrari (M) 1:20.047 81
10. Webber Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:20.422 80
11. Kubica BMW-Sauber (M) 1:20.925 99
12. Albers MF1-Toyota (B) 1:20.978 47
13. Wurz Williams-Cosworth (B) 1:21.190 107
14. Paffett McLaren-Mercedes (M) 1:21.888 7
15. Sutil MF1-Toyota (B) 1:25.403 11
All Timing Unofficial
[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 04-27-2006 03:22 PM |
Crap! 75% at full throttle must mean that Copse to Stowe have to be flat out now. They are a rythm section that required very little lift before and have to be "easy" now. To bad we won't ge to see that at Eau Rouge this year. Seems that would be flat but scary as hell with the v-8s.
| StuBeck | 04-27-2006 04:04 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Wasn't Weber who just said that Michael was looking around?!?
That guy pisses me off. The Drew Rosenhaus (sp?) of F1.[/QUOTE]
Yep, the thing I hate the most about people is those who lie, second is misplaced arrogance.
I think the wing issue is huge. Ferrari has already admitted to having an issue and if they still have a problem after changing the wing I think a big penalty is in order.
That guy pisses me off. The Drew Rosenhaus (sp?) of F1.[/QUOTE]
Yep, the thing I hate the most about people is those who lie, second is misplaced arrogance.
I think the wing issue is huge. Ferrari has already admitted to having an issue and if they still have a problem after changing the wing I think a big penalty is in order.
| Ferg | 04-27-2006 04:07 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Crap! 75% at full throttle must mean that Copse to Stowe have to be flat out now. They are a rythm section that required very little lift before and have to be "easy" now. To bad we won't ge to see that at Eau Rouge this year. Seems that would be flat but scary as hell with the v-8s.[/QUOTE]
It's going to be crazy this year...according to some drivers they aren't even [i]touching[/i] the brakes until Club!!!
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/56928285/original.jpg[/IMG]
I guess we'll have to start thinking of the new V8 machines as monster Formula Fords!
:eek:
It's going to be crazy this year...according to some drivers they aren't even [i]touching[/i] the brakes until Club!!!
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/56928285/original.jpg[/IMG]
I guess we'll have to start thinking of the new V8 machines as monster Formula Fords!
:eek:
| artkevin | 04-27-2006 05:06 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]Yep, the thing I hate the most about people is those who lie, second is misplaced arrogance.
I think the wing issue is huge. Ferrari has already admitted to having an issue and if they still have a problem after changing the wing I think a big penalty is in order.[/QUOTE]
I've said it before about the wing but how is their flexi wing any different then the oversized brake ducts that Toyota and Williams used in Canada in 2004? They both got zero room to fix it next race. All the points they gained were gone. Rightly so. One argument I have heard that is that some of the other teams had the same issue. Go after them too. It's just a joke. Ferrari uses blatantly illegal wings (well at least VERY visible) and then puts a shroud around what seems like could still be very illegal and there's no investigation. Seems off to me.
I think the wing issue is huge. Ferrari has already admitted to having an issue and if they still have a problem after changing the wing I think a big penalty is in order.[/QUOTE]
I've said it before about the wing but how is their flexi wing any different then the oversized brake ducts that Toyota and Williams used in Canada in 2004? They both got zero room to fix it next race. All the points they gained were gone. Rightly so. One argument I have heard that is that some of the other teams had the same issue. Go after them too. It's just a joke. Ferrari uses blatantly illegal wings (well at least VERY visible) and then puts a shroud around what seems like could still be very illegal and there's no investigation. Seems off to me.
| StuBeck | 04-28-2006 07:51 AM |
I think we're going to see a downforce loss in the future. Maggotts and becketts weren't full throttle before, it was more turn, brake, downshift for each turn before, now I'm guessing its just the g's bringing down the cars speed.
| Ferg | 04-28-2006 08:31 AM |
I realize there's a thread already going on this but if I don't post it here I can;t have closure on the topic!
[QUOTE]FIA confirms Prodrive for 2008
Friday, April 28th 2006, 08:20 GMT
David Richards' Prodrive team have been granted entry to the 2008 Formula One World Championship, the FIA confirmed today.
Prodrive will join the 11 current F1 teams.
The FIA released this morning the official entry list of the twelve outfits that were selected among the 22 applications made earlier this month.
Among those rejected are former Minardi owner Paul Stoddart, Japanese company Direxiv, and British F3 team Carlin Motorsport.
The 2008 Fia Formula One World Championship Entry List:
BMW Sauber F1 Team
Honda Racing F1 Team
MF1 Racing
Prodrive
Red Bull Racing
Renault F1 Team
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
Super Aguri F1 Team
Scuderia Toro Rosso
Panasonic Toyota Racing
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
WilliamsF1 Team
[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]FIA confirms Prodrive for 2008
Friday, April 28th 2006, 08:20 GMT
David Richards' Prodrive team have been granted entry to the 2008 Formula One World Championship, the FIA confirmed today.
Prodrive will join the 11 current F1 teams.
The FIA released this morning the official entry list of the twelve outfits that were selected among the 22 applications made earlier this month.
Among those rejected are former Minardi owner Paul Stoddart, Japanese company Direxiv, and British F3 team Carlin Motorsport.
The 2008 Fia Formula One World Championship Entry List:
BMW Sauber F1 Team
Honda Racing F1 Team
MF1 Racing
Prodrive
Red Bull Racing
Renault F1 Team
Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
Super Aguri F1 Team
Scuderia Toro Rosso
Panasonic Toyota Racing
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
WilliamsF1 Team
[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 04-28-2006 08:48 AM |
Here's some word from the drivers about the "new" Silverstone.
[QUOTE]Silverstone challenge excites the drivers
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 28th 2006, 09:20 GMT
Increased cornering speeds this year have turned Silverstone into one of the most challenging and exciting Grand Prix tracks on the calendar.
That is the verdict of leading Formula One drivers, who have been left wide-eyed by how their cars are performing on the fast corners at the Northamptonshire track following this week's pre-British Grand Prix test.
In particular, Copse Corner has taken on the mantle as a turn that sorts the men out from the boys - as most drivers tried to build up their confidence through it during the week in a bid to take it completely flat.
In fact, that challenge led to some great rivalry between McLaren duo Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen as each dared the other to try and achieve that feat first.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, Montoya was convinced that he had finally done it - but after intense examination of the telemetry of the lap, Raikkonen's race engineers reckoned they had seen a slight blip on the throttle through the corner and discounted his achievement.
However, by the time the track was well rubbered in on Thursday, those drivers opting to do some low-fuel runs were finally able to take it flat - and thoroughly loved the experience.
Add the Copse challenge to the fact that the circuit is now 75 per cent full-throttle and drivers now do not use the brakes between the final corner at Luffield and Club corner almost halfway around the track, it was no wonder why the drivers were left loving Silverstone so much.
David Coulthard told autosport.com: "We can now go through Copse in seventh gear and it is incredible.
"It has always been a challenge to go into Becketts anyway, and although it is not so physical, it is the speed here. This is what Formula One should be about. It is not like the other clinical circuits out there."
Mark Webber added: "In Copse, it is amazing. If you drop the fuel maybe you can go flat, but it is incredible to go through there. And Stowe Corner, it is fast but not quite flat for us."
Christian Klien claimed that on a low fuel run he had managed to take Copse at full throttle. "We got through some tyres and set-ups, and in the end I did manage to go flat. It is a pretty good first corner."
The increased speed in the quick corners has of course started to take its physical toll on drivers - with Nick Heidfeld having to pull out of this test with a back twinge as a probable result of the increased G-forces.
Raikkonen and Rubens Barrichello both suffered trapped nerves during recent testing at Barcelona, and there is no doubt the drivers are going to face a tough time at some of the tracks with high-speed corners - like Barcelona, Silverstone and Suzuka.
"It is getting physical in the corners," explained McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa. "It was like that in Barcelona. And on this track too we are getting more speed out of the corners.
"We do have the V8 so the lap-time is slower, but in the high speed corners we are definitely faster."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Silverstone challenge excites the drivers
By Jonathan Noble Friday, April 28th 2006, 09:20 GMT
Increased cornering speeds this year have turned Silverstone into one of the most challenging and exciting Grand Prix tracks on the calendar.
That is the verdict of leading Formula One drivers, who have been left wide-eyed by how their cars are performing on the fast corners at the Northamptonshire track following this week's pre-British Grand Prix test.
In particular, Copse Corner has taken on the mantle as a turn that sorts the men out from the boys - as most drivers tried to build up their confidence through it during the week in a bid to take it completely flat.
In fact, that challenge led to some great rivalry between McLaren duo Juan Pablo Montoya and Kimi Raikkonen as each dared the other to try and achieve that feat first.
Late on Wednesday afternoon, Montoya was convinced that he had finally done it - but after intense examination of the telemetry of the lap, Raikkonen's race engineers reckoned they had seen a slight blip on the throttle through the corner and discounted his achievement.
However, by the time the track was well rubbered in on Thursday, those drivers opting to do some low-fuel runs were finally able to take it flat - and thoroughly loved the experience.
Add the Copse challenge to the fact that the circuit is now 75 per cent full-throttle and drivers now do not use the brakes between the final corner at Luffield and Club corner almost halfway around the track, it was no wonder why the drivers were left loving Silverstone so much.
David Coulthard told autosport.com: "We can now go through Copse in seventh gear and it is incredible.
"It has always been a challenge to go into Becketts anyway, and although it is not so physical, it is the speed here. This is what Formula One should be about. It is not like the other clinical circuits out there."
Mark Webber added: "In Copse, it is amazing. If you drop the fuel maybe you can go flat, but it is incredible to go through there. And Stowe Corner, it is fast but not quite flat for us."
Christian Klien claimed that on a low fuel run he had managed to take Copse at full throttle. "We got through some tyres and set-ups, and in the end I did manage to go flat. It is a pretty good first corner."
The increased speed in the quick corners has of course started to take its physical toll on drivers - with Nick Heidfeld having to pull out of this test with a back twinge as a probable result of the increased G-forces.
Raikkonen and Rubens Barrichello both suffered trapped nerves during recent testing at Barcelona, and there is no doubt the drivers are going to face a tough time at some of the tracks with high-speed corners - like Barcelona, Silverstone and Suzuka.
"It is getting physical in the corners," explained McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa. "It was like that in Barcelona. And on this track too we are getting more speed out of the corners.
"We do have the V8 so the lap-time is slower, but in the high speed corners we are definitely faster."[/QUOTE]
| meebs | 04-28-2006 10:22 AM |
can't wait 'till June!!
| NYEJ25 | 04-28-2006 10:40 AM |
So glad Prodrive got the bid. I hope they open up the grid to more then 12 teams and go back to the old prequailifing format. Should be interesting none the less. I have a feeling that prodrive is going to be powered by Cosworth.
| artkevin | 04-28-2006 12:30 PM |
Max said that F1 could see more then 12 teams but it would take the current teams help to make the pits of the tracks capable of housing them.
It would be great to see 36 cars showing up knowing that 10 or 12 of them would be going home Saturday night. I miss the days of the 107% rule, pulling for Mindari to make it.
It would be great to see 36 cars showing up knowing that 10 or 12 of them would be going home Saturday night. I miss the days of the 107% rule, pulling for Mindari to make it.
| StuBeck | 04-28-2006 02:03 PM |
Its not the other teams which require the work, its the tracks which have to add the space. But I don't think it will be such an issue, especially since Monaco has such a decent pit lane now. It will simply be used as a bargaining tool by Ecclestone to force the tracks to increase their pitlane space or lose their race.
| meebs | 04-28-2006 05:44 PM |
Vegas! Vegas! Vegas! [url]http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns16727.html[/url]
/pipedream.
Would be a good spot though... cheap airfare/hotel stay for sure!
/pipedream.
Would be a good spot though... cheap airfare/hotel stay for sure!
| Ferg | 04-28-2006 07:52 PM |
Here's a little treasure.
[URL=http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/downloadtrial/fivelive/thechequeredflag/rss.xml]->BBC Radio Checkered Flag Podcast<-[/URL]
Maurice Hamilton, Matt Bishop, and a host of F1 pundits and figures give their opinions on the latest race.
It's free podcast, so if you have iTunes or another podcast software program check it out.
:D
[URL=http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/rmhttp/downloadtrial/fivelive/thechequeredflag/rss.xml]->BBC Radio Checkered Flag Podcast<-[/URL]
Maurice Hamilton, Matt Bishop, and a host of F1 pundits and figures give their opinions on the latest race.
It's free podcast, so if you have iTunes or another podcast software program check it out.
:D
| nKoan | 04-28-2006 08:11 PM |
[QUOTE=meebs]Vegas! Vegas! Vegas! [url]http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns16727.html[/url]
/pipedream.
Would be a good spot though... cheap airfare/hotel stay for sure![/QUOTE]
Doubt it. Vegas is notorious for jacking up prices when big conventions or events come to town.
/pipedream.
Would be a good spot though... cheap airfare/hotel stay for sure![/QUOTE]
Doubt it. Vegas is notorious for jacking up prices when big conventions or events come to town.
| bitterWRX | 04-28-2006 08:17 PM |
[QUOTE=nKoan]Doubt it. Vegas is notorious for jacking up prices when big conventions or events come to town.[/QUOTE]
Seriously. Vegas prices will be rape if F1 makes it there.
Seriously. Vegas prices will be rape if F1 makes it there.
| Ferg | 04-28-2006 08:26 PM |
Before I forget...
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57335670/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/59345370/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57335670/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/59345370/original.jpg[/IMG]
| meebs | 05-06-2006 12:46 AM |
[QUOTE=bitterWRX]Seriously. Vegas prices will be rape if F1 makes it there.[/QUOTE]
True... but it seems like a good fit to me. :( Plus it's closer. :)
True... but it seems like a good fit to me. :( Plus it's closer. :)
| bitterWRX | 05-06-2006 07:41 AM |
[QUOTE=meebs]True... but it seems like a good fit to me. :( Plus it's closer. :)[/QUOTE]
It would be [B]great[/B] if they had F1 at Vegas! I would drive my dad's van and sleep in it to avoid the hotels. :lol:
It would be [B]great[/B] if they had F1 at Vegas! I would drive my dad's van and sleep in it to avoid the hotels. :lol:
| Wr4wrX | 05-06-2006 04:38 PM |
I remember a while back somebody saw an Intel commercial with JV in it. I don't think it's been posted, so if you're interested, check out [URL=http://driventoperform.intel.com/eng/media/video/default.aspx]JV on some guy's lap.[/URL]
| artkevin | 05-06-2006 04:51 PM |
Probably the creepiest F1 based commerical I have ever seen.
| bitterWRX | 05-06-2006 07:25 PM |
Why does JV like his racing suit baggy? It bugs me.
| artkevin | 05-06-2006 09:27 PM |
Bothers me too. He says he doesn't like being bound by tight fire suits.
He looks like a kid wearing their dad's clothes.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55150.jpg[/IMG]
But none of the F1 guys pulls off Homeless Chic quite the way he does.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53073.jpg[/IMG]
He looks like a kid wearing their dad's clothes.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/55150.jpg[/IMG]
But none of the F1 guys pulls off Homeless Chic quite the way he does.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53073.jpg[/IMG]
| f1vlad | 05-07-2006 12:16 AM |
I think Jacques was lucky today that he was sitting in the car as Fisi entered his garage, I was concerned Fisichella was going to start punching people.
| REX8 | 05-07-2006 04:28 PM |
Ron says one driver will remain at McLaren after the announcement this summer...
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...
| JoD | 05-07-2006 06:23 PM |
[QUOTE=REX8]Ron says one driver will remain at McLaren after the announcement this summer...
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...[/QUOTE]
I obviously vote for Kimi to stay with Merc (and not just because I HATE Ferrari). More than anything, I want SOOOOO badly to see him and Alonso in a weekly head to head face off on virtually the same car. No offense to you Alonso freaks out there, but IB my boy comes out of top of that battle.
On a side note, I was happy to see Schumi win today instead of Alonso. If it can't be Kimi up threre, I'd rather the balance of power stay a little more even than a run away, which is never fun.
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...[/QUOTE]
I obviously vote for Kimi to stay with Merc (and not just because I HATE Ferrari). More than anything, I want SOOOOO badly to see him and Alonso in a weekly head to head face off on virtually the same car. No offense to you Alonso freaks out there, but IB my boy comes out of top of that battle.
On a side note, I was happy to see Schumi win today instead of Alonso. If it can't be Kimi up threre, I'd rather the balance of power stay a little more even than a run away, which is never fun.
| bitterWRX | 05-07-2006 06:29 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]But none of the F1 guys pulls off Homeless Chic quite the way he does.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53073.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
:lol:
Serious. He looks like such a scrub.
[QUOTE=REX8]Ron says one driver will remain at McLaren after the announcement this summer...
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...[/QUOTE]
I think its still to early to cast a vote... since none of the rumors are confirmed for Kimi. But I have a feeling the Montoya is going to stay at McLaren.
By the way, can someone explain to me the 120% they were talking about for pitting times (Euro GP)? I am kind of confused. I have no clue what they were referring to.
[IMG]http://images.f1racing.net/large/53073.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
:lol:
Serious. He looks like such a scrub.
[QUOTE=REX8]Ron says one driver will remain at McLaren after the announcement this summer...
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...[/QUOTE]
I think its still to early to cast a vote... since none of the rumors are confirmed for Kimi. But I have a feeling the Montoya is going to stay at McLaren.
By the way, can someone explain to me the 120% they were talking about for pitting times (Euro GP)? I am kind of confused. I have no clue what they were referring to.
| StuBeck | 05-07-2006 07:45 PM |
[QUOTE=Wr4wrX]I remember a while back somebody saw an Intel commercial with JV in it. I don't think it's been posted, so if you're interested, check out [URL=http://driventoperform.intel.com/eng/media/video/default.aspx]JV on some guy's lap.[/URL][/QUOTE]
I liked that commercial.
The 120% deal for the third segment of qual yesterday was on the in and out laps. The pit lane is longer at the track so it requires the driver to slow down more. It is meant to be used for the fuel credit deal where if they're slower than 120% of the fastest lap in the session they will not be given credit for that lap so won't be able to refill the gas tank with the fuel they used in that lap.
I don't know who will stay with McLaren. I'm thinking JPM because he's much cheaper then Kimi, but it could go either way since neither has done much this year.
I liked that commercial.
The 120% deal for the third segment of qual yesterday was on the in and out laps. The pit lane is longer at the track so it requires the driver to slow down more. It is meant to be used for the fuel credit deal where if they're slower than 120% of the fastest lap in the session they will not be given credit for that lap so won't be able to refill the gas tank with the fuel they used in that lap.
I don't know who will stay with McLaren. I'm thinking JPM because he's much cheaper then Kimi, but it could go either way since neither has done much this year.
| REX8 | 05-07-2006 07:47 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]
I don't know who will stay with McLaren. I'm thinking JPM because he's much cheaper then Kimi, but it could go either way since neither has done much this year.[/QUOTE]
Not to metion he's been kissing MAJOR butt this year...
I don't know who will stay with McLaren. I'm thinking JPM because he's much cheaper then Kimi, but it could go either way since neither has done much this year.[/QUOTE]
Not to metion he's been kissing MAJOR butt this year...
| Ferg | 05-07-2006 09:41 PM |
[QUOTE=REX8]Ron says one driver will remain at McLaren after the announcement this summer...
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...[/QUOTE]
To be fair to Ron, I believe he said that they "..won't have two new drivers next season."
Read into that whatever you want!
:D
Who will it be...
Kimi or Mantoy....cast your vote...[/QUOTE]
To be fair to Ron, I believe he said that they "..won't have two new drivers next season."
Read into that whatever you want!
:D
| finnRex | 05-07-2006 10:15 PM |
[QUOTE=JoD]I obviously vote for Kimi to stay with Merc (and not just because I HATE Ferrari). More than anything, I want SOOOOO badly to see him and Alonso in a weekly head to head face off on virtually the same car. No offense to you Alonso freaks out there, but IB my boy comes out of top of that battle.
On a side note, I was happy to see Schumi win today instead of Alonso. If it can't be Kimi up threre, I'd rather the balance of power stay a little more even than a run away, which is never fun.[/QUOTE]
I hate being pessimistic, but I don't see Kimi winning a DC with Merc. Sorry, but the story's been like that since Mika left back in '01? The reason Mika retired was because he knew that he couldn't hold off Michael with the car that he had.
I want Kimi to win a DC, and quite frankly, I don't care what team he'd be on. If Merc, cool. But I honestly think he'd have more of a sporting chance with Renault or Ferrari.
Ferg, do you see Ron going with Hamilton and Alonso next year?
Mika(Michael and Kimi for '07!)
On a side note, I was happy to see Schumi win today instead of Alonso. If it can't be Kimi up threre, I'd rather the balance of power stay a little more even than a run away, which is never fun.[/QUOTE]
I hate being pessimistic, but I don't see Kimi winning a DC with Merc. Sorry, but the story's been like that since Mika left back in '01? The reason Mika retired was because he knew that he couldn't hold off Michael with the car that he had.
I want Kimi to win a DC, and quite frankly, I don't care what team he'd be on. If Merc, cool. But I honestly think he'd have more of a sporting chance with Renault or Ferrari.
Ferg, do you see Ron going with Hamilton and Alonso next year?
Mika(Michael and Kimi for '07!)
| Ferg | 05-07-2006 10:26 PM |
Maybe...
Ron said as recently as this weekend (after Hamilton pulled the double) that he wasn't going to rule it out, so who knows. I wouldn't be that suprised...JPM goes to BMW to partner Heidfeld, Kimi goes to Ferrari to partner Schumacher, Webber goes to Renault to partner Kovalainen (have to learn how to spell that guys name eventually) leaving Alonso and Hamilton at Macca...
It [i]could[/i] happen.
Ron said as recently as this weekend (after Hamilton pulled the double) that he wasn't going to rule it out, so who knows. I wouldn't be that suprised...JPM goes to BMW to partner Heidfeld, Kimi goes to Ferrari to partner Schumacher, Webber goes to Renault to partner Kovalainen (have to learn how to spell that guys name eventually) leaving Alonso and Hamilton at Macca...
It [i]could[/i] happen.
| finnRex | 05-08-2006 08:23 AM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]Maybe...
Ron said as recently as this weekend (after Hamilton pulled the double) that he wasn't going to rule it out, so who knows. I wouldn't be that suprised...JPM goes to BMW to partner Heidfeld, Kimi goes to Ferrari to partner Schumacher, Webber goes to Renault to partner Kovalainen (have to learn how to spell that guys name eventually) leaving Alonso and Hamilton at Macca...
It [i]could[/i] happen.[/QUOTE]
You spelled it right!:) You get a :banana: . My last name is Hyytiainen. I like to see Finnish last names spelled correctly;).
Mika
Ron said as recently as this weekend (after Hamilton pulled the double) that he wasn't going to rule it out, so who knows. I wouldn't be that suprised...JPM goes to BMW to partner Heidfeld, Kimi goes to Ferrari to partner Schumacher, Webber goes to Renault to partner Kovalainen (have to learn how to spell that guys name eventually) leaving Alonso and Hamilton at Macca...
It [i]could[/i] happen.[/QUOTE]
You spelled it right!:) You get a :banana: . My last name is Hyytiainen. I like to see Finnish last names spelled correctly;).
Mika
| WillisW555 | 05-08-2006 06:45 PM |
I'd love to see Kimi and Schumi in a Ferrari... Not a F2005GA, but a good car, like they had in the early 2000s and so far this European portion of the season.
I think the commentators said, and I agree though, that Kimi wouldn't sign on as #2. I wonder if Schumi would stick around as #2. :confused:
I wonder if Renault will even be in F1. There has to be a reason that Alonso jumped ship so long before the season even started.
It's nice to see a two man race at the front... though I'd love to see Kimi and the McLaren fight it out up there too.
I think the commentators said, and I agree though, that Kimi wouldn't sign on as #2. I wonder if Schumi would stick around as #2. :confused:
I wonder if Renault will even be in F1. There has to be a reason that Alonso jumped ship so long before the season even started.
It's nice to see a two man race at the front... though I'd love to see Kimi and the McLaren fight it out up there too.
| StuBeck | 05-08-2006 08:45 PM |
Mika retired because he just didn't have the need to run anymore. He retired in Monaco in '01 with no actual fault of the car, he just didn't feel like driving.
| finnRex | 05-08-2006 11:09 PM |
Anyone subscribe to F1 Racing? They had a report that said that Ferrari already paid Kimi "$5 million merely to allow them first refusal on his services for 2007 and beyond."
So, Kimi signs with Ferrari, and reportedly will make $30m/year+, or he doesn't sign with Ferrari and makes $5m for doing nothing. People might not know where he's going next year, but one things for certain. He ain't no broke joke.
Mika
So, Kimi signs with Ferrari, and reportedly will make $30m/year+, or he doesn't sign with Ferrari and makes $5m for doing nothing. People might not know where he's going next year, but one things for certain. He ain't no broke joke.
Mika
| artkevin | 05-09-2006 11:51 AM |
I think I would skip the drive w/ Chanoch Nissany.
Minardi offer 2-seater rides to public
Tuesday, May 9th 2006, 11:55 GMT
Minardi are to offer passenger rides in their two-seater Formula One cars to the general public later this year.
The prized rides in the Minardi F1x2 cars have previously only been up for grabs at charity auctions or to corporate guests, but Paul Stoddart is putting on a special event in Hungary on August 22/23 where the public can turn up and get a ride.
For 2,000 Euros for a single lap, rising to 4,500 Euros for three laps, fans will get the chance to lap the home of the Hungarian Grand Prix with former Minardi F1 drivers Zsolt Baumgartner and Patrick Friesacher, as well as tester Chanoch Nissany and Stoddart himself.
Stoddart said: "Over the six years the F1x2 programme has been in operation, the team has received a huge number of enquiries from individuals wanting passenger rides.
"It's taken a while to organize, as our primary focus has been on corporate events, but we have decided the time is now right to provide rides to individuals, as this represents the ultimate expression of our philosophy of trying to bring Formula One closer to the fans.
"We're very excited by the prospect, and if previous public interest in two-seater passenger rides is anything to go by, we are going to have a sell-out event on our hands."
Places at the event are limited to 50 people per day. Those interested in the rides can find more information at [url]www.minardif1x2.com[/url].
Minardi offer 2-seater rides to public
Tuesday, May 9th 2006, 11:55 GMT
Minardi are to offer passenger rides in their two-seater Formula One cars to the general public later this year.
The prized rides in the Minardi F1x2 cars have previously only been up for grabs at charity auctions or to corporate guests, but Paul Stoddart is putting on a special event in Hungary on August 22/23 where the public can turn up and get a ride.
For 2,000 Euros for a single lap, rising to 4,500 Euros for three laps, fans will get the chance to lap the home of the Hungarian Grand Prix with former Minardi F1 drivers Zsolt Baumgartner and Patrick Friesacher, as well as tester Chanoch Nissany and Stoddart himself.
Stoddart said: "Over the six years the F1x2 programme has been in operation, the team has received a huge number of enquiries from individuals wanting passenger rides.
"It's taken a while to organize, as our primary focus has been on corporate events, but we have decided the time is now right to provide rides to individuals, as this represents the ultimate expression of our philosophy of trying to bring Formula One closer to the fans.
"We're very excited by the prospect, and if previous public interest in two-seater passenger rides is anything to go by, we are going to have a sell-out event on our hands."
Places at the event are limited to 50 people per day. Those interested in the rides can find more information at [url]www.minardif1x2.com[/url].
| artkevin | 05-09-2006 01:18 PM |
If you read between the lines it looks like JPM is going to get the boot.
McLaren aim to keep pressure off Hamilton
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, May 9th 2006, 10:55 GMT
McLaren are aiming to keep the pressure off GP2 race winner Lewis Hamilton this year - despite growing speculation linking the Briton with a move to F1 next season since his double race success at the Nurburgring last weekend.
With McLaren boss Ron Dennis admitting on Sunday that it was 'not impossible' that Hamilton could race for his team in 2007, there are fear that the talk about his future could affect the ART driver's GP2 title chances.
But McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh has moved to quell the talk linking Hamilton with a seat alongside Fernando Alonso next year.
He insists that their number one target remains Kimi Raikkonen and that Hamilton, who has a long-term management contract with McLaren, must focus on capturing the GP2 crown.
"There is obviously a huge amount of pressure on any driver who puts on a set of McLaren overalls," said Whitmarsh in the Guardian.
"We've made no secret of the fact that we would prefer Kimi Raikkonen to remain in the team with Alonso in 2007, and to that end we've given him the maximum amount of time to decide what he wants to do.
"Together with Lewis, we've obviously got a good stable of drivers signed up, including Juan Pablo Montoya and our test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett.
"We really want to keep as much pressure and sense of anticipation off Lewis's shoulders while he concentrates on his first priority, which is winning the GP2 title."
Despite being cautious about Hamilton's future prospects, Whitmarsh said that the British driver's performance at the Nurburgring was 'astounding' as he moved to within one point of championship leader Nelson Piquet Jr.
"Lewis's performance in the Saturday race was the most phenomenal performance I have ever seen in a GP2 race," he said.
"If he continues like that, he could decimate the entire field through the remainder of the year, and this is doubly impressive when you consider that most of his strongest rivals are in their second year racing in the category. It was really outstanding stuff."
McLaren aim to keep pressure off Hamilton
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, May 9th 2006, 10:55 GMT
McLaren are aiming to keep the pressure off GP2 race winner Lewis Hamilton this year - despite growing speculation linking the Briton with a move to F1 next season since his double race success at the Nurburgring last weekend.
With McLaren boss Ron Dennis admitting on Sunday that it was 'not impossible' that Hamilton could race for his team in 2007, there are fear that the talk about his future could affect the ART driver's GP2 title chances.
But McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh has moved to quell the talk linking Hamilton with a seat alongside Fernando Alonso next year.
He insists that their number one target remains Kimi Raikkonen and that Hamilton, who has a long-term management contract with McLaren, must focus on capturing the GP2 crown.
"There is obviously a huge amount of pressure on any driver who puts on a set of McLaren overalls," said Whitmarsh in the Guardian.
"We've made no secret of the fact that we would prefer Kimi Raikkonen to remain in the team with Alonso in 2007, and to that end we've given him the maximum amount of time to decide what he wants to do.
"Together with Lewis, we've obviously got a good stable of drivers signed up, including Juan Pablo Montoya and our test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett.
"We really want to keep as much pressure and sense of anticipation off Lewis's shoulders while he concentrates on his first priority, which is winning the GP2 title."
Despite being cautious about Hamilton's future prospects, Whitmarsh said that the British driver's performance at the Nurburgring was 'astounding' as he moved to within one point of championship leader Nelson Piquet Jr.
"Lewis's performance in the Saturday race was the most phenomenal performance I have ever seen in a GP2 race," he said.
"If he continues like that, he could decimate the entire field through the remainder of the year, and this is doubly impressive when you consider that most of his strongest rivals are in their second year racing in the category. It was really outstanding stuff."
| Ferg | 05-10-2006 08:25 AM |
Speaking of getting the boot....
Ide out for the rest of 2006.
[QUOTE]Ide will not race again with Aguri in 2006
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, May 10th 2006, 11:46 GMT
Super Aguri driver Yuji Ide's superlicense has been revoked by Formula One's ruling body and he will not return to racing this season.
The Japanese driver, making his Grand Prix debut this season, was replaced by the team with Frenchman Franck Montagny for last weekend's European Grand Prix after he struggled in the first four races of the season.
The team had replaced Ide following advice from the sport's governing body.
At his last race at Imola, he was reprimanded by the stewards for causing a spectacular accident that sent Midland's Dutch driver Christijan Albers barrel-rolling into the gravel on the opening lap.
The team expected Ide to return to racing action this season, but that has been ruled out following the FIA's decision to revoke his license.
The Super Aguri team confirmed on Wednesday that's Ide's license had been retracted and that he would be replaced by Montagny again in the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
"Super Aguri F1 confirms that the FIA Permit Office has retracted Yuji Ide's Super License. He will therefore not be participating in any further official FIA Formula One World Championship events this year," said the team in a statement.
"It is with sadness and regret that the team accepts this decision, however Aguri Suzuki and A.Company (Japan) shall continue to seek driving opportunities for Yuji and hopefully a path back into Formula One.
"As a result, Franck Montagny will drive once again for the SAF1 Team at the forthcoming Spanish Grand Prix and the Monaco Grand Prix whilst discussions with a number of parties continue regarding the permanent positions of second race seat and third driver."[/QUOTE]
Ide out for the rest of 2006.
[QUOTE]Ide will not race again with Aguri in 2006
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, May 10th 2006, 11:46 GMT
Super Aguri driver Yuji Ide's superlicense has been revoked by Formula One's ruling body and he will not return to racing this season.
The Japanese driver, making his Grand Prix debut this season, was replaced by the team with Frenchman Franck Montagny for last weekend's European Grand Prix after he struggled in the first four races of the season.
The team had replaced Ide following advice from the sport's governing body.
At his last race at Imola, he was reprimanded by the stewards for causing a spectacular accident that sent Midland's Dutch driver Christijan Albers barrel-rolling into the gravel on the opening lap.
The team expected Ide to return to racing action this season, but that has been ruled out following the FIA's decision to revoke his license.
The Super Aguri team confirmed on Wednesday that's Ide's license had been retracted and that he would be replaced by Montagny again in the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
"Super Aguri F1 confirms that the FIA Permit Office has retracted Yuji Ide's Super License. He will therefore not be participating in any further official FIA Formula One World Championship events this year," said the team in a statement.
"It is with sadness and regret that the team accepts this decision, however Aguri Suzuki and A.Company (Japan) shall continue to seek driving opportunities for Yuji and hopefully a path back into Formula One.
"As a result, Franck Montagny will drive once again for the SAF1 Team at the forthcoming Spanish Grand Prix and the Monaco Grand Prix whilst discussions with a number of parties continue regarding the permanent positions of second race seat and third driver."[/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 05-10-2006 08:59 AM |
I think that is a good thing, at least on safety ground
| artkevin | 05-10-2006 10:27 AM |
I think the Ide thing makes the FIA look worse then Ide. How did he get a super license to begin w/ if he couldn't handle the car safely? He only caused 1 accident (100% his fault btw) but you shouldn't have you licese revoked for that. Don't get me wrong, he shouldn't have had one to being w/ but whats the process to get one at all if he can and be that far off the pace? Shouldn't you be forced to do FIA mandated testing or at least have the creds. from lower series?
| Ferg | 05-10-2006 11:11 AM |
Was Ide racing with a provisional Superlicense?
I remember the FIA had Kimi under a race by race provisional back in 2001 because he had almost zero experience. What was it, something like only twenty or so actual car races before he made his F1 debut. I think by the third or fourth race they finally said, "OK Kimi, you seem to have [i]some[/i] talent for this, here's your superlicense."
I remember the FIA had Kimi under a race by race provisional back in 2001 because he had almost zero experience. What was it, something like only twenty or so actual car races before he made his F1 debut. I think by the third or fourth race they finally said, "OK Kimi, you seem to have [i]some[/i] talent for this, here's your superlicense."
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