| grandpa rex | 02-12-2007 06:29 AM |
I think that most of the seating at Indy sucks with the exception of seats up high at turn one. Most of the seats are too far from the cars. The front straight seats are close, but the cars go by so fast, it's boring. Plus, it's the loudest place I've ever been
I think that the best view is from the viewing mound at the end of the back stretch. Real close to the cars, can smell the fuel, brakes, etc as they come onto the turn. You can see the braver drivers braking later and carrying more speed. Great place to watch practices, but there's no jumbotron to keep in touch with everything else.
We watch the various practices from different vantage points on the track because each gives you a little different look. Quals is best watched from high up at turn one. There is open seating on Friday and Saturday so you can go anywhere to sit. Sunday, we sit up high in the SW vista and watch the cars come out of the infield and onto the oval. There's a jumbotron right in front of us, and other than the first year, the stand is virtually empty.
From there, when the race is over, we're on the interstate within 15 minutes.
I think that the best view is from the viewing mound at the end of the back stretch. Real close to the cars, can smell the fuel, brakes, etc as they come onto the turn. You can see the braver drivers braking later and carrying more speed. Great place to watch practices, but there's no jumbotron to keep in touch with everything else.
We watch the various practices from different vantage points on the track because each gives you a little different look. Quals is best watched from high up at turn one. There is open seating on Friday and Saturday so you can go anywhere to sit. Sunday, we sit up high in the SW vista and watch the cars come out of the infield and onto the oval. There's a jumbotron right in front of us, and other than the first year, the stand is virtually empty.
From there, when the race is over, we're on the interstate within 15 minutes.
| f1vlad | 02-12-2007 08:57 AM |
Yes, I personally don't like to sit anywhere on start-finish straight. It's too loud as the cars go full throttle. Turn 1 and up is where you can get to see cars up close.
Like he said go to practices and you get to see cars from all turns and see for yourself where you would like it the best.
Like he said go to practices and you get to see cars from all turns and see for yourself where you would like it the best.
| TimStevens | 02-12-2007 09:05 AM |
Start/finish is THE place to sit during quali...at least it was when Montoya was there and the Crazy Columbians filled the stands.
| Ferg | 02-12-2007 10:06 AM |
Prost weighs in...
[QUOTE][B][U]Prost: 2007 impossible to predict[/U][/B]
By Michele Lostia and Pablo Elizalde Sunday, February 11th 2007, 23:18 GMT
Four times Formula One world champion Alain Prost believes the 2007 season will be very open following all the changes in driver line-up that have taken place since last year.
Michael Schumacher retired at the end of last season, Kimi Raikkonen moved to Ferrari, and reigning world champion Fernando Alonso has joined the McLaren team, where he will be driving alongside rookie Lewis Hamilton.
World champions Renault have also opted for a rookie, with Heikki Kovalainen teaming with Giancarlo Fisichella.
All those changes lead Prost to believe that the title winner is impossible to predict.
"This will be the first year of a completely new cycle," Prost told Autosprint magazine. "At the moment no one can say who will win, simply because everything has changed.
"Not only (Michael) Schumacher isn't around anymore, but all the top drivers have changed teams."
Prost, who retired from Formula One after winning his fourth title in 1993, believes Alonso, twice a champion with Renault, is very motivated to win a third crown, this time with McLaren.
"I see Alonso doing well at McLaren, especially for psychological reasons," the Frenchman added. "Ron Dennis's team was his childhood dream, and to be able to go there with two titles on his belt will be of great motivation for him. Fernando is young, quick, and motivated.
"He's dreamt about McLaren from the beginning, and the team nowadays need him very much, so they'll do their utmost to please him and put him in with a chance to win the world title."
Prost also reckons that Alonso could benefit from Ferrari's problems, with the former driver and team owner expecting Raikkonen to have a hard time acclimatising to the Italian squad.
"Ferrari for me is a bit of a question mark," Prost said. "The integration of Raikkonen inside the team won't be easy. They have long been used to have just one number one driver, and now they have two, both of them wanting to emerge at all costs. It won't be easy to manage them.
"Technically, by contrast, Ferrari won't have problems, in fact they'll be advantaged by their better knowledge of Bridgestone tyres compared to McLaren and Renault."
With Alonso replaced by rookie Kovalainen, Prost predicts Renault will endure a difficult year, unless they manage a car markedly faster than their rivals'.
"I don't know about Renault. Either they have a markedly faster car than the others', otherwise I can't see it easy for them. It's tough to lose someone like Alonso, and Kovalainen is a big question mark.
"No matter how good he can turn out to be, he is still a rookie. But it's not possible for him to be at the same level as the top guys, especially if he finds himself in the fight near the top end of the championship table."[/QUOTE]
Toro Rosso launches tomorrow, maybe even name some drivers.
[QUOTE][B][U]Prost: 2007 impossible to predict[/U][/B]
By Michele Lostia and Pablo Elizalde Sunday, February 11th 2007, 23:18 GMT
Four times Formula One world champion Alain Prost believes the 2007 season will be very open following all the changes in driver line-up that have taken place since last year.
Michael Schumacher retired at the end of last season, Kimi Raikkonen moved to Ferrari, and reigning world champion Fernando Alonso has joined the McLaren team, where he will be driving alongside rookie Lewis Hamilton.
World champions Renault have also opted for a rookie, with Heikki Kovalainen teaming with Giancarlo Fisichella.
All those changes lead Prost to believe that the title winner is impossible to predict.
"This will be the first year of a completely new cycle," Prost told Autosprint magazine. "At the moment no one can say who will win, simply because everything has changed.
"Not only (Michael) Schumacher isn't around anymore, but all the top drivers have changed teams."
Prost, who retired from Formula One after winning his fourth title in 1993, believes Alonso, twice a champion with Renault, is very motivated to win a third crown, this time with McLaren.
"I see Alonso doing well at McLaren, especially for psychological reasons," the Frenchman added. "Ron Dennis's team was his childhood dream, and to be able to go there with two titles on his belt will be of great motivation for him. Fernando is young, quick, and motivated.
"He's dreamt about McLaren from the beginning, and the team nowadays need him very much, so they'll do their utmost to please him and put him in with a chance to win the world title."
Prost also reckons that Alonso could benefit from Ferrari's problems, with the former driver and team owner expecting Raikkonen to have a hard time acclimatising to the Italian squad.
"Ferrari for me is a bit of a question mark," Prost said. "The integration of Raikkonen inside the team won't be easy. They have long been used to have just one number one driver, and now they have two, both of them wanting to emerge at all costs. It won't be easy to manage them.
"Technically, by contrast, Ferrari won't have problems, in fact they'll be advantaged by their better knowledge of Bridgestone tyres compared to McLaren and Renault."
With Alonso replaced by rookie Kovalainen, Prost predicts Renault will endure a difficult year, unless they manage a car markedly faster than their rivals'.
"I don't know about Renault. Either they have a markedly faster car than the others', otherwise I can't see it easy for them. It's tough to lose someone like Alonso, and Kovalainen is a big question mark.
"No matter how good he can turn out to be, he is still a rookie. But it's not possible for him to be at the same level as the top guys, especially if he finds himself in the fight near the top end of the championship table."[/QUOTE]
Toro Rosso launches tomorrow, maybe even name some drivers.
| Ferg | 02-12-2007 10:23 AM |
Most of the heavies are in Barcelona this week, testing report later...
Here's a nice little sotry.
[QUOTE][B][U]Evernham invites Schumacher to test[/U][/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, February 12th 2007, 11:28 GMT
Michael Schumacher has been given an open invitation to complete a NASCAR test after claiming he saw nothing that would interest him in the stock car series.
The seven-time world champion recently told the New York Times that he did not understand why Juan Pablo Montoya had made the switch from F1 to NASCAR.
He said: "Personally, I wouldn't do it. What do you do in NASCAR? What is exciting there? I can't see that, running around on ovals."
But race-winning team boss Ray Evernham, whose driver Kasey Kahne is one of the favourites for this year's crown, has said that he wants Schumacher to reconsider his position.
Evernham has said he will provide Schumacher with a NASCAR for any time he wants to try it out.
"I'll put him in a red car, a real good car, any time he wants to come over here and try it," Evernham was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. "A lot has changed in recent years.
"These cars are looked on as much more sophisticated than they used to be. I think he'd find them technical enough to keep him happy."[/QUOTE]
Here's a nice little sotry.
[QUOTE][B][U]Evernham invites Schumacher to test[/U][/B]
By Jonathan Noble Monday, February 12th 2007, 11:28 GMT
Michael Schumacher has been given an open invitation to complete a NASCAR test after claiming he saw nothing that would interest him in the stock car series.
The seven-time world champion recently told the New York Times that he did not understand why Juan Pablo Montoya had made the switch from F1 to NASCAR.
He said: "Personally, I wouldn't do it. What do you do in NASCAR? What is exciting there? I can't see that, running around on ovals."
But race-winning team boss Ray Evernham, whose driver Kasey Kahne is one of the favourites for this year's crown, has said that he wants Schumacher to reconsider his position.
Evernham has said he will provide Schumacher with a NASCAR for any time he wants to try it out.
"I'll put him in a red car, a real good car, any time he wants to come over here and try it," Evernham was quoted as saying by the Associated Press. "A lot has changed in recent years.
"These cars are looked on as much more sophisticated than they used to be. I think he'd find them technical enough to keep him happy."[/QUOTE]
| RALLYT-WRX | 02-12-2007 10:58 AM |
Ms...
�
�
[QUOTE=Ferg;17020286]Most of the heavies are in Barcelona this week, testing report later...
Here's a nice little sotry.[/QUOTE]
Schumi in NASCRAP! LOL! That's funny. :rolleyes:
I would love to see MS face when they tell him that they have to adjust the Carb. on the push rod V-8. And to make sure that he doesn't rev over 9,000 RPM. :lol:
Here's a nice little sotry.[/QUOTE]
Schumi in NASCRAP! LOL! That's funny. :rolleyes:
I would love to see MS face when they tell him that they have to adjust the Carb. on the push rod V-8. And to make sure that he doesn't rev over 9,000 RPM. :lol:
| artkevin | 02-12-2007 11:28 AM |
Quote:
[I]"These cars are looked on as much more sophisticated than they used to be. I think he'd find them technical enough to keep him happy." [/I]:lol: :lol: :lol:
BUwhahahahaha!
Schumi was understressed driving a F1 car with 26 buttons and dials on the steering wheel while adjusting the brake basis, talking to his pit crew, keeping an eye on Felipe, his real competition AND turning both directions.
[I]"These cars are looked on as much more sophisticated than they used to be. I think he'd find them technical enough to keep him happy." [/I]:lol: :lol: :lol:
BUwhahahahaha!
Schumi was understressed driving a F1 car with 26 buttons and dials on the steering wheel while adjusting the brake basis, talking to his pit crew, keeping an eye on Felipe, his real competition AND turning both directions.
| Indocti Discant | 02-12-2007 11:36 AM |
i donnno i find the idea of driving 160 mph inches from others cars in a pack extremely extremely disturbing...
| Ferg | 02-12-2007 11:52 AM |
Barcelona, Day One.
[QUOTE][B][U]De la Rosa just edges Kubica at Barcelona[/U][/B]
Monday, February 12th 2007, 16:45 GMT
The McLaren team again showed their form in pre-season testing at Barcelona, where Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa topped the times on the opening day of this week's test.
De la Rosa, however, beat BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica by just a thousand of a second as the German squad continued to show they could be the surprise of the season judging by their current form.
World champion Fernando Alonso completed a good day for McLaren with the third best time of the day, less than a tenth behind teammate de la Rosa.
The Williams team had another encouraging day, with Alexander Wurz posting the fourth fastest time in the FW29. Teammate Nico Rosberg was ninth fastest after 28 laps.
Ferrari endured a dismal day, with both Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen being hit by electrical problems that hindered their programme and cut their running short.
Massa's car stopped on his opening lap, the electrical problem causing a small fire that led to a long stop for repairs. Raikkonen also spent several hours in the garage as the Italian squad tried to solve the problem.
Italian Jarno Trulli and Frenchman Franck Montagny continued with the development of the new Toyota TF107, the Japanese squad hoping to put several miles on the car this week following a somewhat trouble Jerez test.
Trulli had a productive day, covering a Grand Prix distance on his way to the seventh fastest time.
Heikki Kovalainen was the quickest of the Renault drivers, the French squad testing new aero developments as well as set-ups. The Finn outpaced teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, 11th quickest.
Honda had another low-key day of testing with their new car. Test driver Christian Klien finished 13th after 51 laps, while teammate Rubens Barrichello covered just 24 after going off track.
The Brazilian driver only outpaced the Spyker of Adrian Sutil, whose team were testing along their rivals for the first time since they unveiled their new car last week.
Red Bull's David Coulthard and Mark Webber once more finished close to the bottom of the times, with the Australian's running cut short by a hydraulic problem.
Anthony Davidson was the only Super Aguri driver on track, leaving just Toro Rosso as the sole Formula One team not testing today at Barcelona.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.634 76
2. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.635 60
3. Alonso McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.726 56
4. Wurz Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.037 44
5. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:23.077 29
6. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:23.215 79
7. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:23.239 74
8. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:23.491 55
9. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.602 78
10. Glock BMW-Sauber (B) 1:23.653 61
11. Fisichella Renault (B) 1:23.869 79
12. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:24.015 64
13. Klien Honda (B) 1:24.227 51
14. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.291 80
15. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.531 83
16. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:24.574 66
17. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:24.934 24
18. Sutil Spyker-Ferrari (B) 1:25.581 83[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B][U]De la Rosa just edges Kubica at Barcelona[/U][/B]
Monday, February 12th 2007, 16:45 GMT
The McLaren team again showed their form in pre-season testing at Barcelona, where Spaniard Pedro de la Rosa topped the times on the opening day of this week's test.
De la Rosa, however, beat BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica by just a thousand of a second as the German squad continued to show they could be the surprise of the season judging by their current form.
World champion Fernando Alonso completed a good day for McLaren with the third best time of the day, less than a tenth behind teammate de la Rosa.
The Williams team had another encouraging day, with Alexander Wurz posting the fourth fastest time in the FW29. Teammate Nico Rosberg was ninth fastest after 28 laps.
Ferrari endured a dismal day, with both Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen being hit by electrical problems that hindered their programme and cut their running short.
Massa's car stopped on his opening lap, the electrical problem causing a small fire that led to a long stop for repairs. Raikkonen also spent several hours in the garage as the Italian squad tried to solve the problem.
Italian Jarno Trulli and Frenchman Franck Montagny continued with the development of the new Toyota TF107, the Japanese squad hoping to put several miles on the car this week following a somewhat trouble Jerez test.
Trulli had a productive day, covering a Grand Prix distance on his way to the seventh fastest time.
Heikki Kovalainen was the quickest of the Renault drivers, the French squad testing new aero developments as well as set-ups. The Finn outpaced teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, 11th quickest.
Honda had another low-key day of testing with their new car. Test driver Christian Klien finished 13th after 51 laps, while teammate Rubens Barrichello covered just 24 after going off track.
The Brazilian driver only outpaced the Spyker of Adrian Sutil, whose team were testing along their rivals for the first time since they unveiled their new car last week.
Red Bull's David Coulthard and Mark Webber once more finished close to the bottom of the times, with the Australian's running cut short by a hydraulic problem.
Anthony Davidson was the only Super Aguri driver on track, leaving just Toro Rosso as the sole Formula One team not testing today at Barcelona.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.634 76
2. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.635 60
3. Alonso McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.726 56
4. Wurz Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.037 44
5. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:23.077 29
6. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:23.215 79
7. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:23.239 74
8. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:23.491 55
9. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.602 78
10. Glock BMW-Sauber (B) 1:23.653 61
11. Fisichella Renault (B) 1:23.869 79
12. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:24.015 64
13. Klien Honda (B) 1:24.227 51
14. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.291 80
15. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:24.531 83
16. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:24.574 66
17. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:24.934 24
18. Sutil Spyker-Ferrari (B) 1:25.581 83[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 02-12-2007 12:17 PM |
[QUOTE=owace;17021162]i donnno i find the idea of driving 160 mph inches from others cars in a pack extremely extremely disturbing...[/QUOTE]
Agreed. I wouldn't want to do it. I respect NASCAR and oval racing in general but it is kinda nuts. I was more refering to "technical enough to keep him happy" comment.
Agreed. I wouldn't want to do it. I respect NASCAR and oval racing in general but it is kinda nuts. I was more refering to "technical enough to keep him happy" comment.
| sirfrankwilliams | 02-12-2007 12:28 PM |
<-- just saw Talladega Nights on Saturday. :lol: Would watch again.
[IMG]http://www.giantmag.com/photos/0806_movies_02_Talladega.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.giantmag.com/photos/0806_movies_02_Talladega.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 02-12-2007 01:31 PM |
A little one on one time with Hamilton..
Why is he not in the car every single day of every single test? :confused:
[QUOTE][B][U][SIZE="4"]Q & A with Lewis Hamilton[/SIZE][/U][/B]
Monday, February 12th 2007, 09:58 GMT
Conducted and provided by McLaren's press office.
[B]Q. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes looks very strong, what is your opinion on that?[/B]
Lewis Hamilton: "Well when you look at the amount of laps we are doing, we have been fortunate not to have too many problems, it looks very good and on the engine side also we are looking strong. So far we have not had a lot of setbacks with the programme we are running but we are all aware that there is still a lot of work to do before Australia, that is for sure, but it is all going in the right direction."
[B]Q. What is the main difference you have found between the Formula One car and the GP2 car?
[/B]
LH: "Well you have traction control, you have grooved tyres, the G-Force is a lot more and braking is a lot heavier. So I have had to do a lot of training, especially on my neck. But the more and more you drive the more you get used to it. It a little bit more mentally demanding and physically, but learning about the technical side has definitely been the hardest part."
[B]Q. What do you think of this new generation showing up?
[/B]
LH:"I think it is good for Formula One to see some new people coming through. Anyone that has been watching over the past 10 years will have seen the same people, so I think it is really good to see new faces join. I had been thinking earlier about how I am now testing, Nico Rosberg is at the test, Robert Kubica is here; I used to race with them all in karting and I remember back then we all sat there thinking Formula One is where we want to be. It is an amazing feeling to think that we have all made it and we are all working hard to win."
[B]Q. You finished the test this week with a faster time than your teammate...[/B]
LH:"It is really difficult to compare these things and I do not read into them as we are both working on different programmes and focusing on developing these. This makes it very difficult to say who was fastest today, but we are very close and the test was pretty good. I covered more than 100 laps on both days, which demonstrates that we are getting there with the reliability, so it is looking pretty good."
[B]Q. Are you surprised at how well you are adjusting to Formula One and how well you already seem to be doing?[/B]
LH:"I am working very hard, and the hard work really shows in the results. I am at the McLaren Technology Centre everyday during the week when I am not testing. I spend as much time as possible with my engineer really studying the data and learning as much as possible which it all seems to be flowing nicely. I am just taking it all step by step and I think that is the best approach. "
[B]Q. Do you think it makes any difference with you not being a test driver before?[/B]
LH:"Not particularly no, I think I have been fortunate enough to have around 10-12 test days before the end of the 2006 season and I am doing all the testing now. I think it is plenty of mileage and in the past I have only ever had the winter testing to acclimatise so I don't necessarily think that it is a negative."
[B]Q. Is Fernando a good teacher for you?[/B]
LH:"It is great to be in the same team as him as I can learn from him. When I look at the data I am able to see where I am losing and where I can gain and I think when we go to tracks like Australia and Malaysia where I have not been before, with his experience it is going to make it a lot easier for me to learn the circuit." [/QUOTE]
Why is he not in the car every single day of every single test? :confused:
[QUOTE][B][U][SIZE="4"]Q & A with Lewis Hamilton[/SIZE][/U][/B]
Monday, February 12th 2007, 09:58 GMT
Conducted and provided by McLaren's press office.
[B]Q. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes looks very strong, what is your opinion on that?[/B]
Lewis Hamilton: "Well when you look at the amount of laps we are doing, we have been fortunate not to have too many problems, it looks very good and on the engine side also we are looking strong. So far we have not had a lot of setbacks with the programme we are running but we are all aware that there is still a lot of work to do before Australia, that is for sure, but it is all going in the right direction."
[B]Q. What is the main difference you have found between the Formula One car and the GP2 car?
[/B]
LH: "Well you have traction control, you have grooved tyres, the G-Force is a lot more and braking is a lot heavier. So I have had to do a lot of training, especially on my neck. But the more and more you drive the more you get used to it. It a little bit more mentally demanding and physically, but learning about the technical side has definitely been the hardest part."
[B]Q. What do you think of this new generation showing up?
[/B]
LH:"I think it is good for Formula One to see some new people coming through. Anyone that has been watching over the past 10 years will have seen the same people, so I think it is really good to see new faces join. I had been thinking earlier about how I am now testing, Nico Rosberg is at the test, Robert Kubica is here; I used to race with them all in karting and I remember back then we all sat there thinking Formula One is where we want to be. It is an amazing feeling to think that we have all made it and we are all working hard to win."
[B]Q. You finished the test this week with a faster time than your teammate...[/B]
LH:"It is really difficult to compare these things and I do not read into them as we are both working on different programmes and focusing on developing these. This makes it very difficult to say who was fastest today, but we are very close and the test was pretty good. I covered more than 100 laps on both days, which demonstrates that we are getting there with the reliability, so it is looking pretty good."
[B]Q. Are you surprised at how well you are adjusting to Formula One and how well you already seem to be doing?[/B]
LH:"I am working very hard, and the hard work really shows in the results. I am at the McLaren Technology Centre everyday during the week when I am not testing. I spend as much time as possible with my engineer really studying the data and learning as much as possible which it all seems to be flowing nicely. I am just taking it all step by step and I think that is the best approach. "
[B]Q. Do you think it makes any difference with you not being a test driver before?[/B]
LH:"Not particularly no, I think I have been fortunate enough to have around 10-12 test days before the end of the 2006 season and I am doing all the testing now. I think it is plenty of mileage and in the past I have only ever had the winter testing to acclimatise so I don't necessarily think that it is a negative."
[B]Q. Is Fernando a good teacher for you?[/B]
LH:"It is great to be in the same team as him as I can learn from him. When I look at the data I am able to see where I am losing and where I can gain and I think when we go to tracks like Australia and Malaysia where I have not been before, with his experience it is going to make it a lot easier for me to learn the circuit." [/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 02-12-2007 02:18 PM |
Sweet, RBR is slow again :(
| Ferg | 02-12-2007 03:10 PM |
My only hope for them is the fact that they are starting from absolute zero with the RB3...and it can only get faster.
The reliability issues are more worrying.
That brings to mind something that's been said of Newey cars for a long time. He's a great designer when he's paired (or checked if you will) with someone like Patrick Head who can keep him grounded, but when left on his own Newey forgets the most basic principle of racing; to finish first, first you must finish.
33 days to go...I hope they can get themselves sorted.
Fingers crossed for Webbo and DC.
The reliability issues are more worrying.
That brings to mind something that's been said of Newey cars for a long time. He's a great designer when he's paired (or checked if you will) with someone like Patrick Head who can keep him grounded, but when left on his own Newey forgets the most basic principle of racing; to finish first, first you must finish.
33 days to go...I hope they can get themselves sorted.
Fingers crossed for Webbo and DC.
| sirfrankwilliams | 02-12-2007 03:21 PM |
^be careful, you're going to break your fingers if you cross them too hard.
| Ferg | 02-12-2007 03:36 PM |
Actually I just counted and I don't have enough fingers to cross for everyone I'm pulling for this year! :lol:
I hope Heikki lives up to his potential
I hope Williams have finally figured out how to run a wind tunnel
I hope Hamilton doesn't crack
I hope Kimi wins the WDC
I hope Spyker lasts the season without changing names
I hope Toyota give Trulli a winning car (I'll take a podium anyways...)
I hope Wurz remembers what happens when the red lights go out
I hope Super Aguri and Toro Rosso get to race without needing a court order
I hope Fuji doesn't suck as much as it's probably going to suck
I hope Nico can remember what (and how!) he did in Bahrain
I hope Kubica wins a race before Heidfeld
I hope Monaco is a wet race
I hope Spa is a dry race
I hope Button wins again
I hope this isn't Ruben's last year
I hope they remember to remove the "R" for Ralfi's graphics
I hope the next 33 days go by really really really fast!
:D
I hope Heikki lives up to his potential
I hope Williams have finally figured out how to run a wind tunnel
I hope Hamilton doesn't crack
I hope Kimi wins the WDC
I hope Spyker lasts the season without changing names
I hope Toyota give Trulli a winning car (I'll take a podium anyways...)
I hope Wurz remembers what happens when the red lights go out
I hope Super Aguri and Toro Rosso get to race without needing a court order
I hope Fuji doesn't suck as much as it's probably going to suck
I hope Nico can remember what (and how!) he did in Bahrain
I hope Kubica wins a race before Heidfeld
I hope Monaco is a wet race
I hope Spa is a dry race
I hope Button wins again
I hope this isn't Ruben's last year
I hope they remember to remove the "R" for Ralfi's graphics
I hope the next 33 days go by really really really fast!
:D
| FujiApples | 02-12-2007 03:40 PM |
Good list. I'm with you pretty much every one of them. :)
| REX8 | 02-12-2007 03:54 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;17024629]Actually I just counted and I don't have enough fingers to cross for everyone I'm pulling for this year! :lol:
I hope Heikki lives up to his potential
I hope Williams have finally figured out how to run a wind tunnel
I hope Hamilton doesn't crack
I hope Kimi wins the WDC
I hope Spyker lasts the season without changing names
I hope Toyota give Trulli a winning car (I'll take a podium anyways...)
I hope Wurz remembers what happens when the red lights go out
I hope Super Aguri and Toro Rosso get to race without needing a court order
I hope Fuji doesn't suck as much as it's probably going to suck
I hope Nico can remember what (and how!) he did in Bahrain
I hope Kubica wins a race before Heidfeld
I hope Monaco is a wet race
I hope Spa is a dry race
I hope Button wins again
I hope this isn't Ruben's last year
I hope they remember to remove the "R" for Ralfi's graphics
I hope the next 33 days go by really really really fast!
:D[/QUOTE]
I agree with all of them but Kimi. I'm actually pulling for Massa.
(DUCK AND COVER!)
I hope Heikki lives up to his potential
I hope Williams have finally figured out how to run a wind tunnel
I hope Hamilton doesn't crack
I hope Kimi wins the WDC
I hope Spyker lasts the season without changing names
I hope Toyota give Trulli a winning car (I'll take a podium anyways...)
I hope Wurz remembers what happens when the red lights go out
I hope Super Aguri and Toro Rosso get to race without needing a court order
I hope Fuji doesn't suck as much as it's probably going to suck
I hope Nico can remember what (and how!) he did in Bahrain
I hope Kubica wins a race before Heidfeld
I hope Monaco is a wet race
I hope Spa is a dry race
I hope Button wins again
I hope this isn't Ruben's last year
I hope they remember to remove the "R" for Ralfi's graphics
I hope the next 33 days go by really really really fast!
:D[/QUOTE]
I agree with all of them but Kimi. I'm actually pulling for Massa.
(DUCK AND COVER!)
| StuBeck | 02-12-2007 05:37 PM |
I think part of the problem with Newey's cars at McLaren were the Mercedes engine. Its been crap for a long time now. The MP4/19/18a was a poor chassis in rigidity which caused some engine failures, but the 19b, 20 and 21 didn't have the same issues.
I hope RBR can get some speed soon, hell, run the thing dry and show us you can qual good...something! They are starting from nothing, but I would hope they would be closer than they were last year with the new car. But Coulthard is the only thing which has been the same since last year too.
At least we'll find out about Speed and Luizzi tomorrow.
I hope RBR can get some speed soon, hell, run the thing dry and show us you can qual good...something! They are starting from nothing, but I would hope they would be closer than they were last year with the new car. But Coulthard is the only thing which has been the same since last year too.
At least we'll find out about Speed and Luizzi tomorrow.
| sirfrankwilliams | 02-12-2007 05:51 PM |
[quote=StuBeck;17026353]At least we'll find out about Speed and Luizzi tomorrow.[/quote]
"Tomorrow" never seems to come. :confused:
"Tomorrow" never seems to come. :confused:
| StuBeck | 02-12-2007 07:24 PM |
They are having the launch tomorrow. They said they're annoucing the drivers then.
| f1vlad | 02-12-2007 08:09 PM |
I hope Speed and Luizzi both stay.
| KAX | 02-12-2007 08:13 PM |
at this point i'd see no reason why they wouldn't. have they mentioned anything about a new driver they were looking at? I know they called a whole bunch of people, but everyone i heard about was a huge stretch.
| Ferg | 02-12-2007 09:06 PM |
If anything it'll be Dornboos and his checkbook replacing Speed.
Someone's going to have to foot their legal bill...
Someone's going to have to foot their legal bill...
| StuBeck | 02-13-2007 08:04 AM |
Tonio is in, Speed is probably in, but he doesn't have a contract yet
[quote]Speed deal may be delayed until first GP
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, February 13th 2007, 12:49 GMT
Scott Speed's Formula One future may not be sorted out until the first race of the season, according to Scuderia Toro Rosso owner Gerhard Berger.
The American is absent from today's launch of the new STR2 with the team only confirming that Vitantonio Liuzzi will remain on board for 2007.
The exact reasons for the delay in firming up Speed has not been confirmed, with the team simply saying that they relate to 'confidential' contractual matters.
And Berger has said that he is no rush to sort out the situation, and that he will happily wait until the season-opening Australian Grand Prix if that is how long it takes to sort out the deal.
"We will have to discuss it for as long as it takes," he told reporters at the launch of his team's new Ferrari-powered car. "It could be in a matter of a few days, or it could be a matter of a few weeks.
"It is going to take as long as necessary, and it could be as late as Melbourne. But he is in pole position for the seat."
It is not thought that Berger is evaluating other contenders for the race seat at the moment, with drivers previously linked with the seat now focused on ambitions elsewhere.
Robert Doornbos is currently testing for Minardi in Champ Car, while Tiago Monteiro has admitted that he is looking to race in another category after rejecting all his F1 offers.
[/quote]
[url]http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56722[/url]
[quote]Speed deal may be delayed until first GP
By Jonathan Noble Tuesday, February 13th 2007, 12:49 GMT
Scott Speed's Formula One future may not be sorted out until the first race of the season, according to Scuderia Toro Rosso owner Gerhard Berger.
The American is absent from today's launch of the new STR2 with the team only confirming that Vitantonio Liuzzi will remain on board for 2007.
The exact reasons for the delay in firming up Speed has not been confirmed, with the team simply saying that they relate to 'confidential' contractual matters.
And Berger has said that he is no rush to sort out the situation, and that he will happily wait until the season-opening Australian Grand Prix if that is how long it takes to sort out the deal.
"We will have to discuss it for as long as it takes," he told reporters at the launch of his team's new Ferrari-powered car. "It could be in a matter of a few days, or it could be a matter of a few weeks.
"It is going to take as long as necessary, and it could be as late as Melbourne. But he is in pole position for the seat."
It is not thought that Berger is evaluating other contenders for the race seat at the moment, with drivers previously linked with the seat now focused on ambitions elsewhere.
Robert Doornbos is currently testing for Minardi in Champ Car, while Tiago Monteiro has admitted that he is looking to race in another category after rejecting all his F1 offers.
[/quote]
[url]http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/56722[/url]
| Ferg | 02-13-2007 08:50 AM |
I'm really disapointed with Berger, usually he's a class act.
While we wait for pics to hit the internets...
[URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f-zTD4u2FA]Gerhard adjusts the non-adjustable mirror..[/URL] :lol:
While we wait for pics to hit the internets...
[URL=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f-zTD4u2FA]Gerhard adjusts the non-adjustable mirror..[/URL] :lol:
| artkevin | 02-13-2007 10:14 AM |
Why is it taking so long for pics to hit the intraweb!?!?:furious:
Seriously, whats up with Berger? It can't be good for a driver to have to wait until the 1st GP to know if he'll even have a job. Sign Speed or let him look else where.
Seriously, whats up with Berger? It can't be good for a driver to have to wait until the 1st GP to know if he'll even have a job. Sign Speed or let him look else where.
| Ferg | 02-13-2007 10:19 AM |
Maybe it never left the garage? :confused:
Who thinks the "contractual disputes" are simply a matter of Speed having to come up with a dollar amount :rolleyes:
Who thinks the "contractual disputes" are simply a matter of Speed having to come up with a dollar amount :rolleyes:
| TimStevens | 02-13-2007 10:32 AM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;17034799]Maybe it never left the garage? :confused:
Who thinks the "contractual disputes" are simply a matter of Speed having to come up with a dollar amount :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]
But they're not interested in the drivers with the biggest sponsorship!
:)
Who thinks the "contractual disputes" are simply a matter of Speed having to come up with a dollar amount :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]
But they're not interested in the drivers with the biggest sponsorship!
:)
| StuBeck | 02-13-2007 10:34 AM |
I think Speed is probably going to have to pay for the drive. They'll put Jani in the drive if Speed doesn't come up with the cash.
| cooleyjb | 02-13-2007 10:41 AM |
Berger is probably realizing right about now that having the only American in F1 isn't going to last long. Marco Andretti having 2 tests in one month could be considered writing on the wall that he'll be headed to F1 very soon and with his last name he'll be able to secure what little American F1 exposure and money there will be.
Speed will find a ride this year if he's not with Toro Rosso. It probably won't be in f1 but he'll be able to find a ride if he wants.
Speed will find a ride this year if he's not with Toro Rosso. It probably won't be in f1 but he'll be able to find a ride if he wants.
| artkevin | 02-13-2007 10:44 AM |
[QUOTE=cooleyjb;17035095]Berger is probably realizing right about now that having the only American in F1 isn't going to last long. Marco Andretti having 2 tests in one month could be considered writing on the wall that he'll be headed to F1 very soon and with his last name he'll be able to secure what little American F1 exposure and money there will be.
Speed will find a ride this year if he's not with Toro Rosso. It probably won't be in f1 but he'll be able to find a ride if he wants.[/QUOTE]
Hmmm, Button/Andretti in 2008? I think I like that.
Speed will find a ride this year if he's not with Toro Rosso. It probably won't be in f1 but he'll be able to find a ride if he wants.[/QUOTE]
Hmmm, Button/Andretti in 2008? I think I like that.
| Ferg | 02-13-2007 11:13 AM |
Barcelona, Day Two
[QUOTE][B][U]Ferrari duo dominate at Barcelona[/U][/B]
Tuesday, February 13th 2007, 16:09 GMT
The Ferrari team bounced back from a disappointing first day of testing at Barcelona to dominate the second session, with Felipe Massa leading the way ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen.
Both Ferrari drivers were hindered by electrical problems yesterday, in a dismal day for the Italian squad.
But the team showed they can't be written off yet, with a very strong day of testing at the Spanish track.
Both Massa and Raikkonen covered a lot of mileage, the Finn completing over two Grand Prix distances and the Brazilian over 100 laps.
Massa finished over half a second ahead of his teammate, with the Italian team showing strong form over long runs.
Renault's Heikki Kovalainen was third fastest after a productive day for the French squad. The Finn was again quicker than teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, fifth fastest after 129 laps.
World champion Fernando Alonso was over seven tenths of a second slower than Massa in the first McLaren, the Spaniard joined today by teammate Lewis Hamilton. The Briton posted the sixth quickest time.
The BMW Sauber team, tipped by many to shine at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, had more of a low-key session today, with Robert Kubica finishing as seventh fastest after an engine problem forced him to stop on track in the afternoon.
Kubica's teammate Nick Heidfeld, 12th fastest, also caused a red flag late in the day.
The remaining red flags were caused by Honda's Rubens Barrichello, the first man who got into trouble early in the morning, Toyota's Jarno Trulli, Williams driver Nico Rosberg and Spyker's Christijan Albers, who took over from teammate Adrian Sutil at the wheel of the new car.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:21.181 107
2. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:21.719 154
3. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:21.819 99
4. Alonso McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:21.901 63
5. Fisichella Renault (B) 1:21.997 129
6. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.078 118
7. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.100 56
8. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:22.227 96
9. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.249 10
10. Wurz Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.288 55
11. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:22.476 96
12. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.618 92
13. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:22.669 85
14. Button Honda (B) 1:22.816 91
15. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.916 83
16. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.322 50
17. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:23.969 97
18. Albers Spyker-Ferrari (B) 1:24.425 108
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE][B][U]Ferrari duo dominate at Barcelona[/U][/B]
Tuesday, February 13th 2007, 16:09 GMT
The Ferrari team bounced back from a disappointing first day of testing at Barcelona to dominate the second session, with Felipe Massa leading the way ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen.
Both Ferrari drivers were hindered by electrical problems yesterday, in a dismal day for the Italian squad.
But the team showed they can't be written off yet, with a very strong day of testing at the Spanish track.
Both Massa and Raikkonen covered a lot of mileage, the Finn completing over two Grand Prix distances and the Brazilian over 100 laps.
Massa finished over half a second ahead of his teammate, with the Italian team showing strong form over long runs.
Renault's Heikki Kovalainen was third fastest after a productive day for the French squad. The Finn was again quicker than teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, fifth fastest after 129 laps.
World champion Fernando Alonso was over seven tenths of a second slower than Massa in the first McLaren, the Spaniard joined today by teammate Lewis Hamilton. The Briton posted the sixth quickest time.
The BMW Sauber team, tipped by many to shine at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, had more of a low-key session today, with Robert Kubica finishing as seventh fastest after an engine problem forced him to stop on track in the afternoon.
Kubica's teammate Nick Heidfeld, 12th fastest, also caused a red flag late in the day.
The remaining red flags were caused by Honda's Rubens Barrichello, the first man who got into trouble early in the morning, Toyota's Jarno Trulli, Williams driver Nico Rosberg and Spyker's Christijan Albers, who took over from teammate Adrian Sutil at the wheel of the new car.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:21.181 107
2. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:21.719 154
3. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:21.819 99
4. Alonso McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:21.901 63
5. Fisichella Renault (B) 1:21.997 129
6. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.078 118
7. Kubica BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.100 56
8. Trulli Toyota (B) 1:22.227 96
9. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.249 10
10. Wurz Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.288 55
11. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:22.476 96
12. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:22.618 92
13. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:22.669 85
14. Button Honda (B) 1:22.816 91
15. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.916 83
16. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:23.322 50
17. Davidson Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:23.969 97
18. Albers Spyker-Ferrari (B) 1:24.425 108
All Timing Unofficial[/QUOTE]
| Ferg | 02-13-2007 12:22 PM |
Crappy pics so far...
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74340625/large.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74340625/large.jpg[/IMG]
| nKoan | 02-13-2007 12:27 PM |
Ug, I hope Speed gets confirmed soon. I hope it doesn't take a month more to confirm him (or a second driver).
| artkevin | 02-13-2007 12:51 PM |
Looks an awful lot like the RBR3. But as Tost has said, they have a Ferrari and not a Renault lump in the back so by def. it is a strutrualy different car. Some more crappy pics:
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68606.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68602.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68604.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68605.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68603.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68606.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68602.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68604.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68605.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68603.jpg[/IMG]
| StuBeck | 02-13-2007 12:52 PM |
RBR is staying exactly where they were before, about a second off the pace. This is getting annoying.
I do like the look of the STR car.
I do like the look of the STR car.
| Ferg | 02-13-2007 12:55 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck;17037037]RBR is staying exactly where they were before, about a second off the pace. This is getting annoying.[/QUOTE]
At least they're finally getting some laps in the bag.
Is it just me or does F1 need more flaming skulls? Would someone please put some flaming skulls on a car? Is that too much to ask?
At least they're finally getting some laps in the bag.
Is it just me or does F1 need more flaming skulls? Would someone please put some flaming skulls on a car? Is that too much to ask?
| artkevin | 02-13-2007 01:02 PM |
I personally really like the look of the RBR3 and STR2.
Isn't Newey known for sandbagging in testing? I don't think they will show their true pace until Melbourne Q1. But then again, Alonso feels McLaren are only on the top of the time sheets because everyone is sandbagging.
Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean people aren't watching you. :)
Isn't Newey known for sandbagging in testing? I don't think they will show their true pace until Melbourne Q1. But then again, Alonso feels McLaren are only on the top of the time sheets because everyone is sandbagging.
Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean people aren't watching you. :)
| bitterWRX | 02-13-2007 02:32 PM |
STR + Bergher has been the most frustrating pre-season team ever. They need to either give Speed the drive, or balls up fire him. It's so annoying watching them struggle along.
| sirfrankwilliams | 02-13-2007 03:00 PM |
[quote=StuBeck;17026353]At least we'll find out about Speed and Luizzi tomorrow.[/quote]
....so for the sake of argument, 'tomorrow' didn't come in the case of Speed afterall.
....so for the sake of argument, 'tomorrow' didn't come in the case of Speed afterall.
| Ferg | 02-13-2007 03:14 PM |
Liuzzi sharing fashion tips....
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74344280/original.jpg[/IMG]
:huh:
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74344280/original.jpg[/IMG]
:huh:
| MattDell | 02-13-2007 03:17 PM |
STR doesn't get any sponsors other than Red Bull?
| Ferg | 02-13-2007 03:17 PM |
The Red Bull guys obviously sharing in your stress Stu.
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74344477/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74344477/original.jpg[/IMG]
| TimStevens | 02-13-2007 03:32 PM |
OUCH that's not a positive pic.
| StuBeck | 02-13-2007 04:37 PM |
[QUOTE=sirfrankwilliams;17038892]....so for the sake of argument, 'tomorrow' didn't come in the case of Speed afterall.[/QUOTE]
:lol: Yep, you were right.
:lol: Yep, you were right.
| artkevin | 02-13-2007 05:53 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;17039077]Liuzzi sharing fashion tips....
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74344280/original.jpg[/IMG]
:huh:[/QUOTE]
:lol: Roman Helmet :lol:
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74344280/original.jpg[/IMG]
:huh:[/QUOTE]
:lol: Roman Helmet :lol:
| grippgoat | 02-13-2007 06:37 PM |
[img]http://images.gpupdate.net/large/68604.jpg[/img]
Liuzzi looks like a cross between Jeff Gordon, and Quentin Tarantino. :huh:
-Mike
Liuzzi looks like a cross between Jeff Gordon, and Quentin Tarantino. :huh:
-Mike
| TimStevens | 02-13-2007 07:00 PM |
I just noticed the double-breasted drivers' suit...:huh:
| StuBeck | 02-13-2007 07:56 PM |
I actually sort of like that. But I am weird, and he does look like a cross of Gordon and Tarantino.
| KAX | 02-13-2007 08:40 PM |
yeh the driver suits pretty cool. Its no different then a normal suit except the flap covers more then just the zipper, more stylish.
| TimStevens | 02-13-2007 09:02 PM |
And more weight! How much do you think they've spent to shave that much weight off of other components in the car? ;)
| KAX | 02-13-2007 09:46 PM |
haha, your probably right! :lol:
| Ferg | 02-14-2007 09:22 AM |
It moves!
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74368430/large.jpg[/IMG]
And um...yeah, which one is which?
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74368436/large.jpg[/IMG]
Alonso adding to the confusion.
[QUOTE][B][U]Alonso says five teams ready to win[/U][/B]
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, February 14th 2007, 11:30 GMT
World champion Fernando Alonso reckons it's impossible to tell who is the favourite to win this year's titles judging by the teams' testing pace.
The McLaren driver reckons right now there are up to five teams who could fight for victories in 2007, if testing form is anything to go by.
At the same time, Alonso is adamant his own team are strong enough to fight at the top.
"The team is working very hard and is very focused in getting the best out of the car," the Spaniard told reporters during testing at Barcelona.
"What you can see is that our rivals are very strong too, that the differences are very small, just a few tenths of hundredths of a second, and I think it's going to be a very interesting championship.
"There are four or five teams who could win right now. BMW, Renault and Ferrari... I think Honda is a little bit behind. As of today, it's very close and no one know what's going on, because there's a surprise every day and I'm a little confused, so we'll have to wait until the first race.
"The important thing is to be among the top four or five cars, running well and doing as many laps as possible to improve the reliability, and that's something we did not achieve today.
"We did 40 or 50 laps and we have electronic problems, which is better to have now, but we have to work a little more on that."
Alonso also clarified his comments from last week, when he said he felt McLaren was not yet ready to win and that the colours of his car was the thing he liked best.
"I said last week that the car was pretty good, but we had to improve some things, and it was interpreted like I said the car was very bad, and I also said that I liked the colours and it was interpreted like I said it was the only thing I liked," he added.
"I like the whole team and in the newspapers you only read what they want."[/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74368430/large.jpg[/IMG]
And um...yeah, which one is which?
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74368436/large.jpg[/IMG]
Alonso adding to the confusion.
[QUOTE][B][U]Alonso says five teams ready to win[/U][/B]
By Pablo Elizalde Wednesday, February 14th 2007, 11:30 GMT
World champion Fernando Alonso reckons it's impossible to tell who is the favourite to win this year's titles judging by the teams' testing pace.
The McLaren driver reckons right now there are up to five teams who could fight for victories in 2007, if testing form is anything to go by.
At the same time, Alonso is adamant his own team are strong enough to fight at the top.
"The team is working very hard and is very focused in getting the best out of the car," the Spaniard told reporters during testing at Barcelona.
"What you can see is that our rivals are very strong too, that the differences are very small, just a few tenths of hundredths of a second, and I think it's going to be a very interesting championship.
"There are four or five teams who could win right now. BMW, Renault and Ferrari... I think Honda is a little bit behind. As of today, it's very close and no one know what's going on, because there's a surprise every day and I'm a little confused, so we'll have to wait until the first race.
"The important thing is to be among the top four or five cars, running well and doing as many laps as possible to improve the reliability, and that's something we did not achieve today.
"We did 40 or 50 laps and we have electronic problems, which is better to have now, but we have to work a little more on that."
Alonso also clarified his comments from last week, when he said he felt McLaren was not yet ready to win and that the colours of his car was the thing he liked best.
"I said last week that the car was pretty good, but we had to improve some things, and it was interpreted like I said the car was very bad, and I also said that I liked the colours and it was interpreted like I said it was the only thing I liked," he added.
"I like the whole team and in the newspapers you only read what they want."[/QUOTE]
| StuBeck | 02-14-2007 10:20 AM |
The rear wing is different...but thats about all I can tell from that picture.
| FujiApples | 02-14-2007 11:47 AM |
[QUOTE=Ferg;17048221][IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/74368430/large.jpg[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]
I laughed when I saw the writing on the rear wing in this picture. The camera angle makes it look like "It gives you win". So THAT's their seceret weapon. :lol:
[/QUOTE]
I laughed when I saw the writing on the rear wing in this picture. The camera angle makes it look like "It gives you win". So THAT's their seceret weapon. :lol:
| FujiApples | 02-14-2007 11:49 AM |
oops, double post
| artkevin | 02-14-2007 12:16 PM |
Just For you Stu!
[B]Coulthard tops the times at Barcelona [/B]
Wednesday, February 14th 2007, 16:14 GMT
David Coulthard emerged as the surprising pace-setter on the third and final day of testing at the Barcelona circuit, where all the Formula One teams were in action today.
After several days of unimpressive times, the Scot finally showed the potential of the new Adrian Newey-designed Red Bull RB3, finishing ahead of the remaining 18 drivers who took to the Spanish circuit on the extremely windy session.
The Austrian squad's strong showing coincided with a visit from Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz in Barcelona.
Red Bull's day, however, was far from trouble-free, with Coulthard stopping with engine problems around lunchtime. Teammate Mark Webber forced the session to be halted twice after stopping on track, first early in the morning, and then around 2:30pm.
Coulthard's best lap of 1:21.855 put him a tenth of a second ahead of Nick Heidfeld, whose BMW Sauber team enjoyed another strong outing.
The team's third driver Sebastian Vettel took over from Robert Kubica to continue working with the second F1.07 chassis. The young German brought the session to a halt in the morning when he spun his car.
Ferrari's Felipe Massa, quickest yesterday, was third fastest today at the wheel of the F2007, although the Brazilian's day was not as good after stopping on track late in the day. Teammate Kimi Raikkonen was seventh fastest after only 45 laps.
Ferrari's drivers were joined by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, who visited the Italian squad.
World champion Fernando Alonso and teammate Lewis Hamilton were again the men in charge of testing duties for McLaren, the duo enjoying a productive day, covering nearly 240 laps between them.
The Williams team were once more close to the top of the times thanks to Nico Rosberg, fifth fastest. Alex Wurz was down in 14th after a late problem with his FW29 cut his running short.
Renault drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen were ninth and tenth quickest respectively, the Italian driver trying a new aero package used by his Finnish teammate yesterday. Kovalainen managed 56 laps and caused a red flag when he stopped on track in the morning.
Honda's Jenson Button was 12th quickest as he and teammate Rubens Barrichello carried out aero comparison work over long runs.
Barrichello's day, however, finished early when he came into the pits with apparent engine-related problems around lunchtime. He didn't return to the track after that.
The Toro Rosso team completed their first day of work with the new STR2 car unveiled yesterday, with Tonio Liuzzi at the wheel. The Italian completed only 30 laps and finished five seconds off the pace.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:21.855 112
2. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:21.958 96
3. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:21.964 92
4. Alonso McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.103 114
5. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.280 86
6. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.292 125
7. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:22.369 45
8. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:22.446 107
9. Fisichella Renault (B) 1:22.758 90
10. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:22.783 56
11. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.834 61
12. Button Honda (B) 1:23.061 91
13. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:23.257 39
14. Wurz Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.275 39
15. Vettel BMW-Sauber (B) 1:23.569 56
16. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:23.789 82
17. Albers Spyker-Ferrari (B) 1:23.947 87
18. Sato Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:24.568 123
19. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:26.822 30
[B]Coulthard tops the times at Barcelona [/B]
Wednesday, February 14th 2007, 16:14 GMT
David Coulthard emerged as the surprising pace-setter on the third and final day of testing at the Barcelona circuit, where all the Formula One teams were in action today.
After several days of unimpressive times, the Scot finally showed the potential of the new Adrian Newey-designed Red Bull RB3, finishing ahead of the remaining 18 drivers who took to the Spanish circuit on the extremely windy session.
The Austrian squad's strong showing coincided with a visit from Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz in Barcelona.
Red Bull's day, however, was far from trouble-free, with Coulthard stopping with engine problems around lunchtime. Teammate Mark Webber forced the session to be halted twice after stopping on track, first early in the morning, and then around 2:30pm.
Coulthard's best lap of 1:21.855 put him a tenth of a second ahead of Nick Heidfeld, whose BMW Sauber team enjoyed another strong outing.
The team's third driver Sebastian Vettel took over from Robert Kubica to continue working with the second F1.07 chassis. The young German brought the session to a halt in the morning when he spun his car.
Ferrari's Felipe Massa, quickest yesterday, was third fastest today at the wheel of the F2007, although the Brazilian's day was not as good after stopping on track late in the day. Teammate Kimi Raikkonen was seventh fastest after only 45 laps.
Ferrari's drivers were joined by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, who visited the Italian squad.
World champion Fernando Alonso and teammate Lewis Hamilton were again the men in charge of testing duties for McLaren, the duo enjoying a productive day, covering nearly 240 laps between them.
The Williams team were once more close to the top of the times thanks to Nico Rosberg, fifth fastest. Alex Wurz was down in 14th after a late problem with his FW29 cut his running short.
Renault drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen were ninth and tenth quickest respectively, the Italian driver trying a new aero package used by his Finnish teammate yesterday. Kovalainen managed 56 laps and caused a red flag when he stopped on track in the morning.
Honda's Jenson Button was 12th quickest as he and teammate Rubens Barrichello carried out aero comparison work over long runs.
Barrichello's day, however, finished early when he came into the pits with apparent engine-related problems around lunchtime. He didn't return to the track after that.
The Toro Rosso team completed their first day of work with the new STR2 car unveiled yesterday, with Tonio Liuzzi at the wheel. The Italian completed only 30 laps and finished five seconds off the pace.
Today's times:
Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Coulthard Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:21.855 112
2. Heidfeld BMW-Sauber (B) 1:21.958 96
3. Massa Ferrari (B) 1:21.964 92
4. Alonso McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.103 114
5. Rosberg Williams-Toyota (B) 1:22.280 86
6. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes (B) 1:22.292 125
7. Raikkonen Ferrari (B) 1:22.369 45
8. Montagny Toyota (B) 1:22.446 107
9. Fisichella Renault (B) 1:22.758 90
10. Kovalainen Renault (B) 1:22.783 56
11. Webber Red Bull-Renault (B) 1:22.834 61
12. Button Honda (B) 1:23.061 91
13. Barrichello Honda (B) 1:23.257 39
14. Wurz Williams-Toyota (B) 1:23.275 39
15. Vettel BMW-Sauber (B) 1:23.569 56
16. R.Schumacher Toyota (B) 1:23.789 82
17. Albers Spyker-Ferrari (B) 1:23.947 87
18. Sato Super Aguri-Honda (B) 1:24.568 123
19. Liuzzi Toro Rosso-Ferrari (B) 1:26.822 30
| TimStevens | 02-14-2007 12:20 PM |
:banana:
| bitterWRX | 02-14-2007 12:25 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck;17048841]The rear wing is different...but thats about all I can tell from that picture.[/QUOTE]
The STR has a gold nose and a red intake duct. RBR has yellow for both. That's the only way I can tell the difference.
The STR has a gold nose and a red intake duct. RBR has yellow for both. That's the only way I can tell the difference.
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét