F1 News & Rumours [Archive] - Page 4?login=1 - Sports Car Forum

ae86_16v

03-09-2007, 05:11 PM

Due to safety concerns regarding a possible MotoGP race, Formula 1’s USGP at Indy could switch to a counter-clockwise orientation on the track, autosport.com reports.

With the Indianapolis Motor Speedway believed to be closer than ever to adding a fourth event to its annual calendar, the controversial Turn 13 on the road course (Turn 1 on the oval) would be ill-suited for the MotoGP bikes, as the riders would exit the bend at high speed towards the front straight’s outside wall.

Switching the F1 course to counter-clockwise would not only end the risk of a repeat of the 2005 tire fiasco – when Michelin-shod cars couldn’t stand the loads going through the bend – but also put all four IMS events running on the same orientation: the IndyCar Series’ Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard on the oval, and the USGP and MotoGP race on the road course.

The switch, however, isn’t expected to happen before 2008 at the earliest, when the rumored bike event at IMS is expected to take place.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/35793/

TopGearNL

03-09-2007, 05:44 PM

^^ The only thing I don't understand is that they say by driving the other way there can't be a repeat of the tire fiasco, why not? I mean same pressure right just on a different side.. :bah:

ae86_16v

03-13-2007, 08:06 AM

^ Not a bad idea at all. . . :)

RAMMIUS

03-30-2007, 10:50 AM

This is gonna be fun

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/03/30/traction_control_banned_in_2008/

gucom

03-30-2007, 11:06 AM

now that's some good news 8) bring on the talent :D

5vz-fe

03-30-2007, 11:43 AM

Thank God this finally happens. :P

saadie

03-30-2007, 01:33 PM

brilliant!!! 8) ... bring back villeneuve and schumacher 8) 8)

ae86_16v

03-30-2007, 01:43 PM

This is gonna be fun

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/03/30/traction_control_banned_in_2008/

Good shit. . . lock to lock countersteer :D .

Svensson

03-30-2007, 05:04 PM

Excellent news! This is just what F1 needed, more emphasis on driver skills! Looking forward to powersliding corner exits again! :D

TopGearNL

03-30-2007, 06:24 PM

This is gonna be fun

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/03/30/traction_control_banned_in_2008/

This means alot of fun! :D

nthfinity

03-30-2007, 06:50 PM

BULLSHIT

this is F1, not Champ car, not Nascar, not any other formula series out there.

Epitome of technology... yeah right. There is still the difference between the Fernando alonso, and Fisichella even with the hyper exotic traction control systems

kksh

04-26-2007, 06:25 AM

but even when they banned TC there weren't much oversteering guys out there. I personally don't think the spectacle will change much. Unless they have to change thier own gears with an H gate.

kksh

04-30-2007, 06:14 PM

I was wondering when McLaren might put that on. Renault started it and most of the teams are using it already.

And Ferrari's got a new rear wing.

Have anyone noted any other aero changes that McLaren has tested at the airfield?

TopGearNL

04-30-2007, 06:19 PM

McLaren debut radical front wing

30 April 2007

http://www.formula1.com/news/6016.html

Interesting, wondering how they will perform now 8)

Max Power

05-01-2007, 06:26 PM

Paris could be a Monaco pit slut
http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2007/04/27/paris_hilton_to_join_spyker_f1_/

TopGearNL

05-01-2007, 06:34 PM

^^ Just had to be Spyker, only team mad enough to do such a thing :lol:

blue8

05-11-2007, 05:27 AM

From espnstar:
Breaking news: Singapore to host F1 race in 2008

Singapore will host a F1 street race from 2008 for the next 5 years. In a press conference held moments ago, a night race is possible if all safety concerns are cleared.

The race will cover some of Singapore's most distinguished skyline across the Marina Bay and CBD (commercial business district) area.

More than 100,000 spectators are expected at the Formula 1 race in Singapore.

-More to follow

stmoritzer

05-14-2007, 06:01 AM

^read about it on the sunday newspaper, will have to look again
they wrote about which new tracks are comming and which are the candidates to be skipped

stmoritzer

05-14-2007, 06:12 AM

the Valencia GR will be called "Europe GR" or "Mediteranean GP"

blue8

05-14-2007, 09:53 AM

European GP is used for the Nurburgring race right? Two GPs in Spain would be good financially since it would draw quite a crowd of Al0nso-supporters. Instead of taking out 2 tracks, they should just increase the number of races. That would be more fun :D

blue8

05-18-2007, 10:38 AM

Max wants `green` V6 engines
It's not too late, point scoring starts at the Bahrain GP. Click here.

Max Mosley is once again talking about a "green revolution" for F1 and has targeted 2011 as the date by which he wants his changes implemented.

The FIA President has often spoken over the past few years about making F1 more environmentally friendly, however, his comments have met by jeers as people question how it could ever happen.

Mosley, though, now has a plan.

Under his proposal F1 teams will switch to eco-friendly 2.2-litre turbocharged V6 engines that would run on biofuel. However, the engines would develop roughly 770 horsepower, around 100 less than the present 2.4-litre V8 engines.

Maximum revs would also be cut by approximately 9,000rpm, which would mean the cars would also create less noise polution.

Mosley also proposes that the engines be made to last for five grand prix weekends and that the cars would be fitted with traction control, four-wheel drive and have a power-boost facility.

The latter, which is used in the A1GP series, would be deployed by drivers in order to allow for easier overtaking.

"We are in active discussions with the major manufacturers to ensure that, in future, research and development relevant only to Formula One will be discouraged, whereas that which has relevance to road-car development will be encouraged," Mosley told F1-Racing magazine.

"We understand that such an approach has broad support from the competing manufacturers and we will work closely with them to ensure that, in particular, the new environmentally relevant technologies that many of them are developing are made our priority.

"Whilst aiming to achieve these goals we will ensure that the sporting spectacle of F1 remains the same or is even improved by the new developments."

According to the magazine, Mosley has already submitted his plans to F1's car manufacturers, although McLaren-Mercedes has yet to give it any thought.

"McLaren's view is not yet fully formed," said McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh. "I think you would have to say that, on the face of it, these are very laudable propositions.

"However, I think we have been going through a period of much change in Formula One, what with sealed engines in 2007, new electronic systems in 2008, energy recovery systems in 2009 and then more sweeping changes from 2011.

"Change is always very expensive in Formula One. We understand that the sport must evolve, but we are concerned about cost." - Planet F1

Svensson

05-18-2007, 05:07 PM

nthfinity

05-18-2007, 05:15 PM

I will create my own WSC series when that happens, screw F1 if it's true.

Svensson

05-18-2007, 05:22 PM

^ Most ridiculous idea I've heard so far :roll:

- max 9.000rpm for less noise: why the hell would anyone want that??
- traction control & 4wd: what's next... anti-lock braking & a massage seat-cushion?

I didnt come up with the idea's, you can thank fucking max that fucker!!

this is what I would do,

back to the V12 motors
fuel would have to last you the race
pit stops would be for tires only
no traction control
and back to a MANUAL GEAR BOX
would let them play with aerodynamics more

ah, only if I had a say!!

LoL I was replying to blue8's quote :wink:

And your idea's are EXACTLY the same as what I would do!

saadie

05-18-2007, 05:29 PM

^^ ditto ....

those fuckers reduced 2 cylinders and reduced the capacity from 3 to 2.4L ... all in the name of safety? ..the fuck .. the cars are still just as quick :lol: ....

blue8

05-31-2007, 05:01 AM

F1-Live:
Bernie Ecclestone has given a bleak assessment of the future of Formula One racing at Magny Cours, after organisers recently announced that the circuit is unlikely to host the French Grand Prix in 2008.

The race's promoter confirmed in March that a deal had not been reached with the F1 supremo to run the event beyond this year, but vowed to reconvene in July to 're-examine the situation'.

When he was asked if the unpopular destination would host F1 for the last time on July 1 this season, however, Ecclestone bluntly told the sports newspaper L'Equipe: "Yes.
"

The 76-year-old said he would prefer to host next year's French Grand Prix on the streets of Paris, with the famous Champs-Elysees as part of the route.

"Everyone has dreams, and I will try to carry out this one," Ecclestone explained, also not ruling out the venue Disneyland Park Paris as second-choice.

bultaco_metralla

06-01-2007, 10:37 AM

WTF Hamilton to Ferrari???? ive read it in a spanish media. www.thef1.com

Truth or BULLSHIT??

blue8

06-01-2007, 01:10 PM

Valencia street GP officially confirmed:

Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that Spain will host two grand prix next year - as he closed the deal on a race through the streets of Valencia.

The event was initially announced early in May and the F1 supremo confirmed on Friday that a contract had been signed

"The agreement was signed this morning along exactly the same lines as we announced last month," the 76-year-old told Reuters.

"The agreement is for seven years."

The race will be run around the city's harbourside streets on a track between 2.5 and 2.7 miles long and will go by the moniker of the European Grand Prix.

It will join Monaco and another new venue, Singapore, as the only dedicated street venues on the F1 calendar.

Reports claim that the city is paying around 26 million euros to host the event that seeks to cash in on F1's increasing popularity in the Iberian country.

Ecclestone signed the deal with the Valmor Sport group, an organisation set up by former motorcycle racer Jorge Martinez Aspar and businessman Fernando Roig, who is president of Villarreal football club.

The Valencia regional government also confirmed the deal, according to The Associated Press.

For more info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valencia_Street_Circuit

On the Singapore GP:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore_Grand_Prix

blue8

06-01-2007, 01:19 PM

I tried my best reading the article translated by Babelfish and there's no way it could be true. Hamilton has been with McLaren for so long I don't think the Monaco GP was enough to get him disappointed. This is the first time I've heard of this, but apparently the rumor is catching quite a lot of fire. I tried searching Google 'Hamilton to Ferrari' and tons of results came out...

Here's one article from F1-Live:

McLaren will have Hamilton under a water-tight contract
Just five races into his young career, British rookie Lewis Hamilton is already being linked with a shock switch to Ferrari.

The 22-year-old, after making the most successful start to a debut season in the history of Formula One, is now at the centre of the Monaco team order storm.

Hamilton has even been mentioned as the instigator of the pending FIA investigation, after suggesting to reporters last Sunday that he had been ordered to finish second to Fernando Alonso because he is 'the number two driver' at McLaren.

But even though team boss Ron Dennis groomed Hamilton through racing's junior classes at huge expense, not to mention the existence of a long term contract (to about 2011), British newspaper The Times said there is now 'a raft of speculation' hinting at a future link between Hamilton and F1's famous Italian team.

"Paddock wags (are) suggesting that his route to Ferrari is already being 'lawyered', on the assumption that Kimi Raikkonen is shown the door," motor racing correspondent Edward Gorman wrote.

Gorman added that Hamilton's annual salary could potentially rise from about $500,000 in 2007 to up to $40m 'or more' with Ferrari.

The rumour is backed by another British newspaper - the Daily Mail - and its claim that Hamilton was unashamedly 'angry' in Monaco when it became clear that he was being asked to sacrifice his lead of the drivers' championship and settle for second.

dutchmasterflex

06-01-2007, 01:31 PM

Geeze, these F1 rumors are just like girls in High School..

I'm sure you've seen all of the videos of young Hamilton aiming to become a driver for Ron Dennis. I don't blame Ferrari for waving 7 figure checks in his face though :lol: He is racing for McLaren at a bargain rate.

blue8

06-05-2007, 12:24 PM

From Motor Authority:
Formula One is set for a dramatic change with the announcement today that a deal has been struck between two British engineering firms for the development of an energy recovering gearbox slated for introduction into F1 by 2009. The goal is to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions by recovering energy wasted during braking, and is part of FIA president Max Moseley’s dream to make F1 more cost-efficient, road relevant and environmentally friendly.

The design work is being handled by transmission specialists Torotrak and Xtrac, who will be forming a partnership to develop the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) first proposed by Moseley last month. According to Reuters, the KERS is basically an efficient CVT gearbox joined to a flywheel that rotates when the cars undergo braking. The stored energy can then be used to boost acceleration for overtaking and cornering, and will work like the power-boost button seen in the A1GP.

This is just the first of a raft of new changes that are to be introduced into F1 by 2009. Some of the other proposed changes put forward by Moseley include downsizing the engines to 2.4L V8s or possibly 2.2L V6 powerplants, with rev limits set at just 10,000rpm. Sadly, it seems that the guys in charge of F1 are forgetting what it is that makes the races so interesting.

Svensson

06-05-2007, 04:42 PM

ROTFL It's getting funnier every day... CVT gearboxes?? :lol:

Mattk

06-06-2007, 06:52 AM

The goal is to reduce the level of greenhouse gas emissions by recovering energy wasted during braking...

Quaint, but these are vehicles designed for the purposes of competitive racing, not everyday usage.

RAMMIUS

06-06-2007, 08:38 AM

... they're burning petrol without reason

Wrong !
They are burning petrol to make money :mrgreen:

Mattk

06-06-2007, 10:04 AM

No, they are burning petrol to research engineering methods and thus, on a collateral level, benefiting us, the consumers. What car manufacturer had that ad slogan "We race, you win"?

Mattk

06-06-2007, 10:47 AM

You're right, but engine design and refinement can still flow over into the creation of better, more efficient engines in road cars. However, if Moseley has his way, this will go backwards. F1 must remain at the forefront of motor vehicular development.

saadie

06-06-2007, 02:40 PM

F1 cars .. let alone the normal road cars can go just as fast as todays fuel burning cars ......

blue8

06-14-2007, 12:26 PM

India confirmed for the 2009 F1:
Planet F1:

India will host its first Formula One grand prix in two years' time, it has been announced.

The announcement, which was made by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi, came on Thursday morning after months of negotiations with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

"We have received a letter in this regard from Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of Formula One. The IOA will be the promoter and the first event will be held in 2009," he told a news conference.

Kalmadi added that financing for the event would be raised through either government or private funding.

"Once we move ahead (put all aspects in place), a regular contract would be signed," Kalmadi added.

"We are planning to hold the race around New Delhi and we are looking to identify suitable land for a track."

DeMoN

06-14-2007, 12:40 PM

Lets hope that F1 cars wont be electric powered by then.

blue8

06-28-2007, 12:08 PM

The FIA have released proposals for changes to technical regulations that could herald a revolution in Formula 1 racing.

Following a meeting in Paris on Wednesday, the World Motorsport council released a statement regarding their plans to change technical specifications from the 2011 racing season.

Some of the key changes proposed are a potential 50% reduction in downforce and the legalisation of movable aerodynamic devices, something that is prohibited under current regulations.

It is hoped that these measures will encourage overtaking, as the leading car will exert far less physical influence on the car wishing to overtake.

The reason behind the proposals are myriad, with cost-cutting, the possibilty of closer racing and improved environmental friendliness amongst the key considerations behind the FIA's thinking.

There is also a perceived wish to make F1 technology more relevant to road car development.

Significantly advanced aerodynamic devices such as plasma generation, MEMS turbulators and shape-morphing are all mooted in the document which, should the proposals be accepted, is set to signal a revolution in F1 technology.

Here are some of the main proposals as outlined by the FIA:

Engine efficiency

To limit engine power by imposing a maximum energy flow rate. However, there will be few restrictions on the engine cycle, which can include turbo-charging and energy recovery. It is believed that this will lead to a gain of at least 20% in thermal efficiency.

Drag

To allow moving aerodynamic devices, which will reduce drag by over 50% and allow a 40% reduction in the power required to maintain current speeds.

Energy recovery

Energy will be recovered during braking and returned to both front and rear axles when accelerating. The amount of energy returned on each straight will be limited in order to prevent top speeds exceeding the safety criteria for the circuits.

Fuel

The total amount of fuel energy to be consumed during a race will be regulated, encouraging further overall efficiency. The CO2 emitted will be further reduced by the introduction of gasoline which is partly derived from sustainable, non-food bio sources but complies fully with pump fuel legislation.

Overtaking

Formula One cars currently find it very difficult to overtake because of the influence of the car in front. New aerodynamic rules will halve the downforce, and de-sensitise the car to the influence of the wake of the car ahead. It is also proposed to eliminate automatically the downforce deficit of the following car.

Regulations

The best estimates of what these measures will mean in terms of regulations are currently as follows:

# 1.3-1.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine;

# no RPM or boost limit;

# energy flow rate to generate 300kW, including energy recovery from the exhaust;

# 200kW brake energy recovery, front and rear axle;

# 400-600kJ energy return per straight;

# pump-legal bio-fuel;

# FIA specified and supplied undertray and possibly other aerodynamic components;

# 50% 2007 downforce;

# adjustable, regulated wings and cooling;

# automatic downforce adjustment when following another car;

# lap times and top speeds maintained at 2009 levels;

# over 50% reduction in fuel consumed.

Costs

A number of measures to constrain costs are proposed, including:

# standardisation of components;

# homologation of components and assemblies;

# material restrictions;

# extended life of assemblies;

# restrictions on personnel and work at races;

# restrictions on the use of certain facilities (eg wind tunnels).

All these measures will be developed into detailed regulations in close collaboration with the teams and manufacturers.

F1's governing body could legalise moveable aerodynamic devices in 2011, it emerged after a meeting on Wednesday of the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris.

Despite recent controversies over currently banned designs like overly flexible wings and floors, the FIA revealed in a statement that freeing up these regulations could 'reduce drag by over 50% and allow a 40% reduction in the power required to maintain current speeds.
'

Overtaking, meanwhile, could be stimulated by introducing new rules and standardised bodywork to 'halve the downforce', making it easier for the next car to follow and pass its rival, while V8s may be scrapped and replaced by four-cylinder engines.

Also mooted at the meeting were 'restrictions on personnel' at races and restrictions 'on the use of (wind tunnels)'.

5vz-fe

06-28-2007, 02:29 PM

That is a lot of freaking rules :shock:

novass

06-28-2007, 03:09 PM

# 1.3-1.5 litre, 4-cylinder engine;
# pump-legal bio-fuel;

Oh thats just great :roll: they may as well just have open wheel Prius races.

nthfinity

06-28-2007, 03:22 PM

Another reason why I'm eventually going to stop watching F1 altogether

5vz-fe

06-28-2007, 03:30 PM

Well, 1.5 turbo might produce some healthy horses.

pagani

06-28-2007, 03:43 PM

nthfinity

06-28-2007, 07:06 PM

Well, 1.5 turbo might produce some healthy horses.
Since in missed the turbo era.
I love see some turbocharger f1 action myself.
And even if they run on bio fuel like bio etanol i think they will make more power on bio fuel than the normal fuel they use now,
:twisted: :twisted:

Too bad that bio fuel produces fewer BTU's of energy per mole, and therefore isn't more power then the fuel they use now.

ae86_16v

07-02-2007, 05:36 AM

This is cool:

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/01/retro-livery-for-renault-at-british-grand-prix/

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/7241/rs01andr26wn4.th.jpg (http://img175.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rs01andr26wn4.jpg)

saadie

07-02-2007, 06:04 AM

sure is ...

its not gonna make them any faster :lol: :mrgreen:

saadie

07-03-2007, 06:49 PM

^^ hehe :mrgreen: :twisted:

RAMMIUS

07-10-2007, 07:31 AM

Max has a different opinion than Bernie

http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/NewsPics/0,,1369-1375_2144004,00.html

acmarttin

07-10-2007, 10:24 AM

Asked about Bernie's view, the Briton said plainly, "That is wrong. It is incorrect."

"I don't want to speculate on what might happen, but it is only in the most absolute exceptional circumstances that a penalty for a team is different from a penalty for the driver," Mosley added.

Does somebody know why they can't be penalized constructor's points and not driver's points? Or is he just saying that "the drivers are part of the team so if the team gets penalized the drivers do too" in a cryptic way?

blue8

07-12-2007, 12:38 PM

No US GP in 2008 F1 Calendar (http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070712181714.shtml)

HeilSvenska

07-12-2007, 01:12 PM

Nope. They should move it to Long Beach in 2009. :mrgreen:

pagani

07-12-2007, 01:32 PM

nthfinity

07-12-2007, 01:46 PM

http://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news/story.php?story_id=9449

US GP not at Indy in 2008!!! :(

silentm

07-12-2007, 03:19 PM

linky no worky

Svensson

07-12-2007, 04:30 PM

Jos the boss will test for spyker.
He is much better than the fucker albers and the best thing he is from limburg where all the good stuf comes from.
http://www.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/070712163136.shtml
:D 8)

Where did you read that Jos will do a test for Spyker :?: They said he was contacted, but hasn't made an appearance. And although I would really love to see Verstappen back in F1, Spyker is definately not a good team for him.

A bit off-topic, but check this awesome footage of the Sepang GP in 2001 to see Verstappen at it's absolute best! Very very spectacular :D

:arrow: http://youtube.com/watch?v=dTTf5Icx7fo

pagani

07-12-2007, 04:43 PM

Svensson

07-12-2007, 05:00 PM

The fight between verstappen and schumacher is amazing.
:D 8) 8)

Yeah, they are good friends of eachother and it was nice to see Michael complimenting Jos in the press conference. Personally I preferred the battle between Verstappen and Hakkinen though. I remember watching this race 6 years ago and I was jumping up and down in my room from excitement, really awesome! :lol:

nthfinity

07-12-2007, 05:34 PM

linky no worky

works for me

Tony George Transcript

The United States Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will not be on the 2008 Formula One schedule after eight consecutive annual events since 2000.

After recent meetings, Indianapolis Motor Speedway CEO Tony George and Formula One Management Ltd. CEO Bernie Ecclestone mutually agreed to not schedule Formula One racing in 2008 at Indianapolis.

"After several discussions, Bernie Ecclestone and I were unable to agree how to keep Formula One in Indianapolis for the near term," George said. "However, we have agreed to leave the door open for a potential future date.

"It has been a pleasure having the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis, and I hope that as we approach our Centennial Era at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, an opportunity might present itself that would allow its return."

The 2007 event was June 17 and was won by British rookie Lewis Hamilton. At the time, George and Ecclestone agreed to a mid-July deadline for a decision about future events.

blue8

07-23-2007, 10:27 AM

Bahrain will host the opening round of the 2008 F1 Season (http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2609374,00.html)

Mattk

07-23-2007, 11:00 AM

Wow, that Verstappen race brings back memories. He was a great driver and it was a pity not to see him in better machines.

Interesting that Bahrain was chosen to host race one. I'm still interested in seeing what will become of the madcap idea of night races.

blue8

07-27-2007, 12:19 PM

Provisional 2008 Calendar (http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?p=845844#845844)

blue8

07-29-2007, 12:47 PM

Sakon Yamamoto to drive the rest of the season alongside Adrian Sutil for Spyker.
Mike Gascoyne has revealed that Sakon Yamamoto cracked the nod to drive for Spyker because of financial considerations and his experience.

The former Super Aguri driver was confirmed as Christijan Albers' replacement late last week and the team's technical director Mike Gascoyne explained the decision.

"Obviously Spyker is a team that was looking for a driver with experience of the circuits where we were going to race," he said.

"There's also financial considerations, so we wanted a driver both with experience and that could bring some finance to the team.

"Thankfully Sakon was able to do both of those."

"It's a permanent appointment for the rest of the season," he continued.

"We're only allowed to use four drivers in Formula 1, and he's the fourth one that we've had in the car this year.

"I think one of the key important factors in the decision was the fact that he's raced on all the circuits that we have left in the season, so that was absolutely essential to the decision.

"I think with Adrian and Sakon working together it will be absolutely no problem.

"Two young drivers, both with half a season of experience, I'm sure we won't have any problems.

"Obviously the ideal thing in Formula 1 is to have continuity all season.

"The switch has been forced upon us, but now I think we have a steady pairing for the second half of the season, so I don't think it will put us at a disadvantage."

saadie

07-29-2007, 04:47 PM

yamamoto never had a superlicense ... he was driving on int A .. as far as i know ..

aanyway .. .another clasical sato is in the making :D

bmagni

07-29-2007, 08:41 PM

yamamoto never had a superlicense ... he was driving on int A .. as far as i know ..

aanyway .. .another clasical sato is in the making :D

who overtook Alstornzo BTW

blue8

07-31-2007, 06:15 AM

Sebastian Vettel is released by BMW Sauber. The German driver has been officially confirmed to replace Scott Speed and continue the rest of the season alongside Vitantonio Liuzzi for Toro Rosso starting this weekend for the Hungarian GP.

BMW Sauber is allowing Sebastian Vettel to take the step into a Formula One cockpit. The 20-year-old from Heppenheim is being released to move to Scuderia Toro Rosso with immediate effect.

"As our test and reserve driver Sebastian has carried out sterling work for us," BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said. "When he stood in for Robert Kubica in the USA Grand Prix he made history by becoming the youngest debutant to earn a world championship point. However, the current testing rules mean that he barely gets a chance to drive for us. Now he has been offered the opportunity to get inside a Toro Rosso cockpit. We have sponsored and coached Sebastian over a number of years. To place obstacles in his career path now would go against our concept of talent promotion."

"BMW and Red Bull have a longstanding partnership in supporting Sebastian," Theissen continued.
"Toro Rosso is the sister team of Red Bull Racing, and in that context it makes sense for us to release him. In a sponsoring partnership the main thing is to use the best opportunities that present themselves to a young driver at any given time."

Taking over the role of reserve driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team will be Timo Glock, who is currently a test driver. The 25-year-old from Brensbach-Wersau is championship leader in the GP2 Series and would forgo a GP2 race should he have to step into the breach for the team.

^I think he has a lot of potential but sadly the car doesn't...

saadie

07-31-2007, 06:48 AM

holy shit .. lucky break for the kid ... . .. i feel sad .. i wish i was in his place :lol: .. :( ..

great news thou :)

blue8

08-03-2007, 07:44 AM

Michael Schumacher will not attend any more races as a Ferrari 'advisor' this year.

The retired seven time world champion admitted two weeks ago at the Nurburgring that, despite several visits to races in 2007, he still had not found a more specified trackside role to play for the Italian team.

He said: "Already I notice that I am a little bit out of date, and the only alternative is to always be around - and I absolutely do not want to do that."

It was also pointed out recently that, despite winning three times this year, Kimi Raikkonen only seems to climb to the top step of the podium when his predecessor Schumacher stays at home.

Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm confirmed that the 38-year-old is not and will not be in Hungary this weekend, adding that he "does not intend momentarily to attend any races" after that.

He is, however, scheduled to help launch a new Ferrari road car in Frankfurt next month, but "his priority is to spend time with his family," Kehm said.

Some people (including me) mentioned that Raikkonen never had a good race in Schumi's presence this season. It's obviously coincidence but let's see... I hope anyway that Kimi does well in the remaining races. One bad result and this season's over

blue8

08-07-2007, 11:38 AM

News exclusively for the 2008 season:

Provisional 2008 Calendar:
16 March Australia
23 March Malaysia
06 April Bahrain
27 April Spain
11 May Turkey
25 May Monaco
08 June Canada *
22 June France
06 July Great Britain
20 July Germany
03 August Hungary
24 August Europe **
07 September Italy
14 September Belgium
28 September Singapore **
12 October China
19 October Japan
02 November Brazil
* Provisional
** Subject to circuit approval

The FIA has revealed the provisional calendar for the 2008 season, which sees Australia kick off the Championship and France retain its place.

Reports earlier this month from the Australian GP organisers had claimed that the Melbourne race would be moved to the second slot on the calendar, while Bahrain would be promoted to first place.

However, according to the provisional calendar that is not the case and Australia will start the season.

Meanwhile France has retained its place on the calendar, despite Bernie Ecclestone earlier claiming that this year's event was the final French GP at Magny-Cours.

Other things to note are the inclusion of the Singapore Grand Prix as well as the European GP, which will be held at the new Valencia circuit. Both races there are on the calendar pending circuit approval by the FIA.

blue8

08-07-2007, 11:44 AM

2008 line-up for Scuderia Toro Rosso:
Sebastian Vettel has been confirmed before the Hungarian GP to continue the 2007 season for Toro Rosso and continue til next year. Sebastien Bourdais has just been confirmed to replace Vitantonio Liuzzi for the 2008 season.

Toro Rosso will officially complete its 2008 driver line-up on Wednesday, according to a specialist report on Tuesday.

Multiple Champ Car title winner Sebastien Bourdais has now reached a deal with the Faenza based team to replace Tonio Liuzzi from 2008, the Swiss publication Motorsport Aktuell claimed.

28-year-old Bourdais will join the already-confirmed German rookie Sebastian Vettel in the team, and plans to relocate from Florida to Europe with his wife Claire and their baby daughter Emma.

The publication reported that Bourdais was tying up loose ends with his American employer Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing so that an official announcement could theoretically be made on Wednesday.

blue8

08-13-2007, 11:37 AM

Teams take steps to improve overtaking

The F1 teams are currently taking steps to improve overtaking by meeting to discuss new designs of the cars.

According to Autosport, the Overtaking Working Group (OWG) met during the Hungarian GP weekend where they agreed on a new diffuser designer aimed at helping cars overtake.

The design, which has already been extensive wind tunnel testing, could be implemented as early as the 2009 F1 season.

Following this the teams are set to discuss a new rear wing design, which will hopefully put an end to cars being affected when following close behind a lead car.

Another change the OWG is looking at is the banning of winglets and bargeboards. However, should they agree to outlaw these, the ban will only be introduced in 2010.

McLaren engineering director Paddy Lowe, Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds and Ferrari consultant Rory Byrne are all chair the OWG.

This is great news for F1 if those plans push through! Lack of overtaking makes F1 boring :?

blue8

08-14-2007, 01:27 PM

Teams unhappy about McLaren supplying ECUs starting 2008:
More than a year after the granting of the FIA tender, serious opposition within the Formula One pitlane has emerged against McLaren supplying standard ECUs to all teams starting in 2008.

It is reported in the specialist technical publication Auto Motor und Sport that at least Renault, Ferrari, Honda and BMW - after trying the jointly Microsoft-McLaren electronics system recently in testing - are not happy with the idea of using the unit for the next three years.

McLaren Electronic Systems, although separate to Ron Dennis' F1 team, is based at the Woking factory and part of the McLaren Group.

The German magazine said that the aforementioned teams experienced problems with engine and throttle control when they fitted the McLaren ECU at a recent test session.

It is suggested that some teams may also now be uncomfortable with the idea of forcibly working closely - including exchanging data - with a team that is accused of industrial espionage.

Renault boss Flavio Briatore is openly unhappy about working with McLaren in 2008-2010 and is believed to be exploring legal options.

"How am I to trust a company that is at the centre of a spying scandal?" he is quoted as saying.

BMW's Mario Theissen added: "I have to say that (when we tested the ECU) some serious situations arose."

McLaren and the FIA, however, dismiss the concerns. A spokesman for McLaren said: "MES acts independently of the (F1) team," while the FIA source insisted that the awarding of the tender will be followed through with.

"The teams always oppose anything that is new," he added.

jenkF1

08-15-2007, 06:09 PM

I doubt Flavio is talking any sense. I doubt the spy scandal means anything hes just being crazy like every media comment.

I found it hard to comprehend when I heard this rule that one ECU can work fine with every pre-designed engine. Also I thought this was just Microsoft involved.

McLaren using the settings to both the Mercedes advantage and for its chassis. I am sure McLaren have a very different approach to the cars (break balance aero etc, nippy little machine)

Mattk

08-16-2007, 12:11 AM

I'm surprised Bourdais has made the move from a top Champ Car team to a middling F1 team. Surely a step down, but his participation will be promising.

I see no problem with McLaren supplying the ECUs, in the sense that I don't think they are hatching some conspiracy. However, it deprives other manufacturers from developing their own systems, which is ultimately detrimental to the development of motoring in general.

blue8

08-16-2007, 07:19 AM

Prodrive in the 2008 season?
Formula One's 12th team, Prodrive, is on course for next year's Championship, according to a source close to the team.

While an announcement was expected from the team at last month's British GP regarding their plans for their first season in F1, none was forthcoming, leaving some to speculate that team's plans had stalled.

However, according to a source, Prodrive's future is taking shape with the team finalise car, engine, driver and sponsorship deals.

"Plans for our F1 programme are still progressing well," a source told Autosport.

"We have never set ourselves a deadline, July or otherwise, and we will make an announcement when we are ready to do so."

Meanwhile other reports claim that a deal with McLaren to use their chassis as well as Mercedes engine is as good as done.

The team is also expected to use McLaren test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett as their race drivers in the 2008 Championship.

Mattk

08-16-2007, 10:15 AM

So this Prodrive is essentially a McLaren seconds team, with McLaren employees driving a slightly inferior McLaren?

blue8

08-21-2007, 05:01 AM

BMW Sauber retain Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica
The BMW Sauber squad to day announced, as expected, that Nick Heidfeld has agreed terms to remain with the team alongside Robert Kubica for the 2008 season.

Timo Glock is currently the test and reserve driver for the team, but he has yet to be confirmed in the role for next year with team stating that 'an announcement will be made at a later stage'.

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director
"Both Nick and Robert have delivered very strong performances in the course of this season. They have played a decisive role in enabling the BMW Sauber F1 Team to firmly establish itself as the third best team in Formula One. Forty two world championship points plus two podium places says everything about Nick’s achievements. Thanks to his extensive experience he is making a substantial contribution to the progress of the team."

"For Robert, 2007 is his first full season in the top echelon of motor sport. In his brief Formula One career so far he has established himself as equal to Nick. He is extremely fast and, for somebody so young, already has a very sound understanding of technical matters. Robert is a rough diamond we want to polish up into a winning driver. With this strong driver team we are in an excellent position.
"

Nick Heidfeld
"For me it was always clear that I wanted to continue driving for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, and I never doubted that would be the case. It is tremendous being able to help build up a new team and doing my bit for it. When I look at the progress we have made over the last two years, it’s an incredible incentive for me. Personally I have high sporting ambitions and I am certain I can achieve them with the BMW Sauber F1 Team."

Robert Kubica
"I have now been in Formula One for just over one year and have gathered a great deal of experience. Even so, I am learning new things every day and making steady progress. We now have to concentrate on achieving our ambitious common goals, and I’m confident that the team will be able to give me all the necessary tools that I need to reward them for their renewed trust."

E.A.
Source BMW Sauber

This should end rumors of Al0nso transferring to BMW. Good decision on keeping the current line-up! I think BMW would become an even stronger team for 2008.

DeMoN

08-21-2007, 11:40 AM

Now we just need Renault's lineup to dismiss Al0nsos' speculation.

DeMoN

08-23-2007, 08:42 AM

Al0nso still to be McLaren driver in 2008 (in theory)
http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2678203,00.html

Nico staying in same team (not for sale)
http://www.planet-f1.com/story/0,18954,3213_2678398,00.html

Mattk

08-23-2007, 09:43 AM

I know I've said this many times before, but BMW are a really strong team, and could definitely challenge for race wins and podium positions in the coming year and the next. Good decision to retain the same drivers. They are just consistently in the points, and quick during qualifying. Promising signs.

blue8

09-03-2007, 01:54 PM

Spyker purchased - Team India / Orange India for 2008?
The sale of the Dutch-owned F1 team Spyker has been agreed and will be officially confirmed shortly.

The buyer is Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, who in recent days joined with the Michiel and Jan Mol consortium in a jointly (US) $110m bid, the local CNBC-TV18 reported on Saturday.

Mallya's involvement is reportedly in his 'personal capacity', meaning that his airline Kingfisher will continue to sponsor Toyota.

It is not known what the new name for the Silverstone based team, also called Jordan and Midland in recent years, will be, but the joint consortium is called 'Orange India'.

It is understood that press and stock market statements are currently being drafted.

Mallya, a key supporter of a Grand Prix in India and also with alcoholic brands, said: "Part and parcel of bringing Formula One to India is to also have an Indian company involved.

"We have drivers, we have Narain Karthikeyan, we have Karun Chandok and I hope there will be more as we go along."

The financially embattled exclusive Dutch sports car maker Spyker bought the team from Midland last September.

Mallya and Mol said in a statement: "(The) offer has been accepted by the Board of Spyker Cars N.V. and exclusivity has been granted to the consortium Orange India Holdings Sarl to proceed with due diligence ... to achieve completion within 30 days."

F1's newest team owner has refused to reveal the new name for his team.

But Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, to be the 50 per cent owner of formula one's Silverstone based team that is currently called Spyker, admitted that he would like the word 'India' to feature in the new identity for 2008.

"I'll try my best," he told Indian reporters in a news conference.

'Team India' and 'Orange India', in deference to the team's other half-owner, Dutch businessmen Jan and Michiel Mol, are front runners.

Mallya also could not confirm speculation that Indian countryman Narain Karthikeyan, currently Williams' occasional test driver, would occupy a race seat.

"We would love to have an Indian driver," he said, "but (the team owners) would have to arrive at a consensus."

All-new car for Williams
Sam Michael has revealed that Williams' 2008 challenger will be an all-new car and not an evolution of this year's FW29.

As with the other F1 teams, work on Williams' car for next season is well underway. However, unlike what some of the other teams may be opting to do, the FW30 is not a successor to this year's car, rather it's a totally new model.

"It's not an evolution of the FW29; it's a new car. A car that's a revolution is fast and wins races. It's not the same car as this year's. We've started from scratch. It's not the direct successor," Michael told Autosport.

The team's technical director is confident that the FW30 will be a big step forward on this year's car as it sees the team continue with concepts already introduced this year.

"What next year brings us is continuity. And it's not just about the engine bolting onto the back of the chassis. It's all the airbox, exhaust, gearbox, hydraulics and electronics that are integrated. And the cooling system," he said.

"So we already know what all the heat rejection figures are and we can optimise that and make big changes to it. Going into a second year means that helps a lot.

"It also helps reliability a lot because this year we haven't had to focus on keeping the car alive, which is what we had to do last year while at the same time trying to design a new installation. So there's no doubt that we're in a much better position to plan properly and go forward.

"As with everything in F1, it's all relative. So what improvements we find in FW30 will depend on everybody else. But also having the design office and aero dept structure solid and in place for the last 12 months has been a big part of next year's car as well."

saadie

09-03-2007, 03:05 PM

here comes karthikeyan again :lol:

blue8

09-08-2007, 02:29 PM

Fuji and Suzuka for the Japanese GP starting 2009

Fuji and Suzuka have agreed to alternate hosting the Japanese GP from 2009 onwards.

This season the race will take place at the Fuji Speedway, which will also retain the grand prix for next year before Suzuka takes over in 2009.

"We have concluded an agreement on the alternation of the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix between Fuji Speedway and Suzuka circuit, to ensure the progress and success of keeping Formula One in Japan over the long term," F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone announced.

"I appreciate that Fuji Speedway accepted this and am very happy that Fuji Speedway and Suzuka circuit made this possible.

"It also makes me very pleased that we will retain Suzuka as it has supported Formula One for 20 years."

Fuji makes its return to the F1 calendar this season. The circuit first hosted the Japanese GP in 1976 when James Hunt beat Niki Lauda to the world championship, however, it then fell off the calendar after the 1977 race.

blue8

09-10-2007, 10:44 AM

Shorter final session for qualifying?
The so-called ‘fuel-burning’ phase of qualifying could become a thing of the past next season if plans to shorten Q3 - the 15-minute shootout for pole position - get the go ahead.

“The Sporting Working Group met here in Monza on Wednesday and among the items on the agenda was a proposal that just slightly modified the qualifying procedure, but in so doing got rid of the fuel-burning laps,” said Renault’s Executive Director of Engineering, Pat Symonds.

Currently, the ten drivers competing in Q3 must begin the session with the fuel load they plan to carry at the start of race. This means they spend a large part of the 15 minutes reducing that fuel load to lighten their cars and hence maximise their qualifying speed. The fuel used in the session is then credited back ahead of the race.

Explaining how this would change under the new proposals, Symonds said: “The way it did it was to have a more limited time in Q3 in the final part of qualifying and to still re-fuel before that so you still had to put in the fuel that would do your qualifying and your race, but because the qualifying was shorter and because you got no credit back on Sunday morning, you simply put in what you needed for qualifying and the race.”

The proposals will now go to the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council for approval ahead of their expected application in 2008.

blue8

09-18-2007, 11:34 AM

Updated race calendar:
Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has released a revised calendar for the 2008 world championship. The amended schedule sees the Italian and Belgian Grands Prix, and the Japanese and Chinese events, swapping positions on the calendar.

The Belgian race will now take place on September 7, a week before the Italian Grand Prix on September 14. The Japanese event, meanwhile, will take place a week earlier than previously announced on October 12, with the Chinese Grand Prix switching to October 19.

The 2008 calendar in full:

16 Mar Australia
23 Mar Malaysia
6 Apr Bahrain
27 Apr Spain
11 May Turkey
25 May Monaco
8 Jun Canada*
22 Jun France
6 Jul Great Britain
20 Jul Germany
3 Aug Hungary
24 Aug Europe**
7 Sep Belgium
14 Sep Italy
28 Sep Singapore**
12 Oct Japan
19 Oct China
2 Nov Brazil

*Provisional
**Subject to circuit approval

blue8

09-24-2007, 01:05 PM

Al0nso to Ferrari, Massa to Toyota
Fernando Alonso is reportedly off to Ferrari next season in a £20m per year deal, while Felipe Massa is moving to Toyota.

Alonso's position at McLaren has become more untenable with the FIA's confirmation that it was the Spaniard's emails that resulted in the team being stripped of their 2007 Constructors' Championship points and handed a £50m fine.

And with Ron Dennis admitting that his relationship with his driver is "extremely cold" and that Alonso's unhappy with the team's equality policy, the double World Champion's time at McLaren appears to be running out - and fast.

In fact, according to the News of the World, Alonso has just three more races as a McLaren driver having already agreed to join Ferrari.

According to the tabloid, the Spaniard has agreed a £20 million a year deal to join Ferrari for 2008, leaving Felipe Massa out in the cold.

Massa, though, is already making plans for the future with the Daily Mail claiming that he 'opened preliminary negotiations with Toyota last weekend.'

The newspaper went on to say that Massa's decision to leave Ferrari could be based on team boss Jean Todt's pending (and unwanted) retirement in order to make way for Ross Brawn's return.

The Ferrari tech director, who is nearing the end of his year-long sabbatical, is expected to return to the Scuderia next season as team boss. And should this happen it could place Todt's son, who is also Massa's manager, in an uncomfortable position.

'Massa is acutely aware that if Jean Todt, as expected, loses an impending internal power struggle within Ferrari, he will be instantly vulnerable as he is managed by the Frenchman's son, Nicholas,' the Mail surmised.

On a personal note, P-F1 believes Alonso would do well at Ferrari... after all he already knows all about the car and how to set it up.

:lol:
Hope this remains as it is, a rumor! I would never be comfortable supporting Ferrari with Al0nso as one of their drivers. It would be interesting though to see him alongside Kimi... Massa to Toyota would be the ultimate downgrade. I heard elsewhere that if Al0nso decides to leave McLaren, Button(?!?!) or Rosberg would be the replacement.

saadie

09-24-2007, 02:18 PM

buttron is better off where he is :lol: ...

interesting news though ....

Mattk

09-25-2007, 02:04 AM

I don't think Ferrari will ditch Massa. He has been right up there with Raikonnen. They'd be foolish to get rid of a reliable performer, even if he might not be as naturally talented as other drivers. Massa has a long career ahead of him. As for Fernando Alonso, his arrogance and bad attitude, not to mention a bit of dodgy emailing, is probably going to be his downfall.

ae86_16v

09-25-2007, 06:45 AM

Dude, seriously if Alonso joins Ferrari, I might have to reconsider my allegiance with Scuderia. :(

blue8

10-01-2007, 12:16 PM

Ralf Schumacher out of Toyota
Schumacher to say farewell to Toyota
Ralf Schumacher is to leave Toyota at the end of the season, he confirmed on Monday. Speaking in Shanghai, where he is preparing for his penultimate race with the Japanese team, Schumacher said he has decided to look for a new challenge.

Schumacher joined Toyota from Williams for the 2005 season, but has since enjoyed limited success, with three podiums his best results for the team. In a statement on his official website, the German admitted it had been an interesting, if somewhat frustrating three years.

"I joined Toyota with high expectations,” he said. “On the one hand, I regarded it as a major and exciting challenge to be involved in the development of a new racing car. On the other hand, I also learned to like the Japanese style of living, during my long stay in Japan before entering Formula One. And I still get on well with the Japanese mentality. But I am waiting for years for a competitive car."

He added: "Toyota also was a nice and interesting experience - particularly the cooperation with the team, engineers and mechanics. Still, it’s time now to look for a new challenge."

Concerning his future plans, Schumacher commented: “I'm going to have several conversations in the coming weeks. I will announce my decision when the season is over. For me, the financial aspect is far less important than the chance of being involved in the development of a car and being successful afterwards."

Schumacher, a six-time Grand Prix winner with Williams, has scored five points this season, his best result a sixth place in Hungary.

^Making room for Al0nso?

"I'd be delighted if I didn't carry on with Hamilton"

Other news:
*Singapore GP officially gets the green light. The decision to host a night race is still pending.

*BMW Sauber to launch 2008 car by January

saadie

10-01-2007, 01:15 PM

alonso will most probably replace fisichella imo ..... fisi will move to toyota ...
thats how it seems to me anyway ..

i dont like these new street circuits :\ ...

the new BMW-sauber will be great! .. hope its a contender for constructers champioship next year

5vz-fe

10-02-2007, 12:07 AM

I think Schumacher only knows how to drive a fast car. When he was with Williams BMW, he seems to show more speed. He make ALOT of mistakes when things don't go his way. I really don't see any top team would want him.

saadie

10-02-2007, 04:49 PM

^^ yep yep ...

just look at kubica .. rosberg vettel ... great drivers 8)

blue8

10-03-2007, 03:22 PM

'Super teams' next year?
According to intensifying speculation and reports, moves that could have a major impact on the makeup of formula one in the future are currently taking place behind the scenes. Spanish media sources, including the news agency EFE, claim that McLaren-Mercedes could effectively ’split’ its operation next year to create - in conjunction with Prodrive - effectively a ’super team’.

The newspaper Marca speculates that the split would solve McLaren’s driver dilemma, with Lewis Hamilton going to one team, and Fernando Alonso to the other. But paddock rumblings about Ron Dennis and David Richards’ plans - to run four identical MP4-23 cars next year - have reportedly attracted the ire of rival teams including BMW and Williams.

Ferrari may also be opposed, but as a back-up plan may be considering bolstering its alliance with Toro Rosso by also supplying an identical chassis to a ’satellite’ outfit, the Brazilian newspaper O Globo reported.

At the centre of the issue is the uncertainty about regulations that would allow so called ‘customer cars’ to be sold from 2008, and the delay of a new Concorde Agreement to sanction them.

So belated is the 2008 Concorde by the customer car issue, in fact, that it is now being rumoured that the document will simply be deferred for a whole year.

This would, however, have serious implications for Prodrive, which has always planned to enter F1 next year with a fully legal customer McLaren.

Also affected would be Super Aguri, whose chief Aguri Suzuki is nervously awaiting the outcome of the Concorde negotiations before going ahead with his plans to use an identical chassis to Honda’s works team in 2008.

“I hope he can continue to do his racing team,” Honda’s Yasuhiro Wada said in Japan last week. “It depends on what is decided.”

acmarttin

10-03-2007, 06:09 PM

I'd like to see them all run the same car ala GP2 but of course that won't happen. The way things are going I think it'd be best to put more people on an even playing field. The racing will be much more interesting.

saadie

10-08-2007, 08:25 AM

^^ yep ..

i like how they put it .. Ecclestone's illegitimate child :lol:

gangajas

10-08-2007, 09:10 AM

According to Spanish www.as.com FIA will investigate Dancing Queen's tire pressure during qualification. F1's Lance Bass lost 0,6 seconds to FIA's and Bernie Ecclestone's illegitimate son in Chinese GP qualifications and accused McLaren for sabotaging his car.
Interesting theory, I guess we'll see about this later
http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/gran-premio-formula-formula-automovilismo/dasmot/20071008dasdaimot_6/Tes

Well - what was he expecting then? he has been fucking around McLaren since the hungarian GP... so it's quite logical they want Hamilton to win now :roll:

They have always wanted Hamilton to win and have been fucking Alonso all the season, only those who hate Alonso haven't realised about that yet.

blue8

10-08-2007, 11:57 AM

Alex Wurz announces retirement from active racing in F1:
Williams driver Alex Wurz today confirmed his retirement from active racing in Formula One.

Alex made his Formula One debut in 1997 with Benetton in Canada, since which time he has driven for McLaren and most recently for the Williams team as test driver in 2006 before taking on a race seat for the 2007 season.

In ten seasons, Alex has made 69 Grand Prix starts, with his most recent visit to the podium coming on the track where his Formula One career began in Montréal.

Making his announcement, the 33-year-old Austrian, who has recently become a father for the third time, said, "I would today like to announce my retirement from active racing in Formula One. I would like to thank my family and fans, everyone at Williams and my previous teams, as well as the media, for all of their support during my Formula One racing career."

"In such a hard-fought environment as Formula One, I have always maintained that if you have a moment's doubt about what you are doing, then it is time to stop. Privately I began to have these thoughts earlier this year and so have decided that now is the time to make my announcement."

"Racing this season has been a real pleasure, especially securing the podium in Canada which was pretty sweet along with a number of other strong races, but now it is time to call it a day. I'd like to thank the team for accepting my decision and I wish them all the best for the last race of the year.

He concluded: "I look forward to my future and perhaps the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and skills in Formula One and I have some discussions underway. I may also race again, perhaps in Le Mans or other categories and certainly some of my time will now be committed to the very important subject of road safety."

In response to Alex's announcement, Williams' Team Principal Frank Williams said: "Alex has made an invaluable contribution to the team for the past two years, first as one of the best test and development drivers the team has ever worked with, and more recently as a race driver."

"This season Alex has had some very strong drives in difficult circumstances and we would like to thank him for all he has contributed. Alex is well-known, immensely popular and widely regarded as one of Formula One's gentlemen. I am sure I speak for everyone in the paddock when I wish Alex and his family the very best for the future."

The Williams team will confirm its replacement race nomination for the Brazilian Grand Prix in a written statement tomorrow, Tuesday October 9, 2007.

gucom

10-08-2007, 06:55 PM

too bad, i always really liked this guy... but the reason he gives is an excellent one...
Hope i'll see him back at Le Mans some day 8)

5vz-fe

10-09-2007, 01:44 AM

Wow, interesting. I would love to see how this turns out. Mclaren's name was dragged thru the mud over and over again this season.

blue8

10-09-2007, 01:15 PM

No deal between McLaren and Prodrive
Prodrive's negotiations with McLaren-Mercedes for a partnership in next year's Formula One World Championship appear to have collapsed, autosport.com has learned.

Prodrive have been pursuing a deal with the Woking-based outfit for a supply of customer cars, and just a few weeks ago Prodrive boss David Richards said the only hurdle left to overcome in the negotiations is the new Concorde Agreement.

However, sources have told autosport.com that McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh notified his staff yesterday that the team are no longer pressing ahead with their plans for a partnership with Prodrive.

Neither McLaren nor Prodrive would comment on the matter.

It is not clear yet why the negotiations fell through or whether the situation could still be salvaged. Nevertheless, it comes just days after the FIA announced Prodrive will face a Court of Appeal hearing later this month over their entry, following legal questions from rivals Williams.

McLaren boss Ron Dennis said at last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix that the team had not signed a deal with Prodrive, and could not do so without complete clarity over their entry.

"We have not entered into any contract with any team at this moment of time," he said. "If a team wishes to enter the 2008 World Championship and that team does not have complete clarity as to whether it is or is not permitted to enter then it is a matter for that team and certainly not for McLaren."

As recently as the Belgian Grand Prix, Richards revealed that a deal for car and engines had been agreed - although he never named McLaren specifically.

"We are there, but there are lots of issues surrounding the validity of the Concorde Agreement," Richards told autosport.com about the progress with his team.

"It is those sorts of things that leave question marks at the moment, and they need to be resolved. Every other aspect of it is cleared up."

Despite Whitmarsh's statement, Prodrive sources insist that they have not yet completely given up on reviving the McLaren deal.

Should that not be possible, however, then Prodrive may still have opportunities elsewhere - with Renault having been favourites for a supply deal at one point.

In an interview with the Times newspaper in August, Richards said that McLaren were one of three teams that Prodrive were speaking to at the time.

Kazuki Nakajima could possibly replace Alex Wurz for Williams next year following the decision to have the Japanese race in the upcoming Brazilian GP.

Team boss Frank Williams added: "You cannot assess a driver's capability on the basis of one race but this is an ideal opportunity to develop Kazuki's experience. I am confident he will approach the race in a very workmanlike and focused way."

However, in their statement the team stressed that Nakajima's Brazilian drive is not 'an evaluation exercise for a race seat in 2008.'

saadie

10-09-2007, 03:06 PM

good news for me atleast ... im not in favor of customer cars ....
a team that can not develope its own car dosnt deserve a place imo ..

sad news about wursz thou .... he can do alot better imo with a faster car ...

saadie

10-09-2007, 03:34 PM

yeahh ... but F1 is about technology just as much as the champioship ....

its incredibly ineresting to see 11 different companies spending millions to achieve the best chassis .... look at it from this point of you too :P ... its like the millitary developing the a new fighter jet!

anyway ... next year the races are gonna be more competitive ... without the traction control and a few other fancy electronics ... im sure there will be more contenders for the championship ..

a few teams have already started testing without TC .. brundle was tewlling during the last race 8)

blue8

10-11-2007, 05:16 AM

Al0nso for Renault
Fernando Alonso has signed a letter of intent to rejoin Renault starting next January (2008), according to emerging reports.

Germany's Bild newspaper said the document is the precursor to a definitive three-year contract (2008-2010), but only if the reigning world champion can successfully negotiate an end to his current McLaren deal.

Alonso is currently under contract to McLaren also for 2008, with an option to continue in 2009.

The news of Alonso's likely return to Renault follows reports that Toyota was offering the Spaniard a record retainer to switch to the Japanese car giant for 2008.

The German magazine Sport Bild said the Cologne based team was prepared to fork out (US) $150 million for a three year deal; a comparable amount of money to that earned by Michael Schumacher at Ferrari towards the end of his illustrious career.

Timo Glock for Toyota
Timo Glock will shortly sign a contract to become Jarno Trulli's Toyota team-mate for 2008, according to reports.

The newly crowned GP2 champion has been holding off from penning a new deal to stay as BMW Sauber's primary test driver while he negotiated with up to three teams for a race seat.

With Toyota's apparently $150m three-year bid to secure Fernando Alonso now almost certainly failed, the Japanese-owned team has instead settled on signing the promising 25-year-old German rookie.

The German newspaper Bild claims that Glock will actually put pen to paper on the deal after the Brazilian Grand Prix.

"Right now we are still looking at the driver market situation," Toyota President John Howett said in China last week.

It is rumoured that Glock's contract will be worth $2m a year; a massive saving in comparison to the estimated $19m spent annually on Ralf Schumacher since 2005.

Glock made his Formula One debut in Montreal 2004 scoring two championship points for Jordan.

He would compete in another three events for the team before heading to Champ Car - taking rookie honours with Rocketsports - and then returning to Europe and the GP2 series.

Nothing seems official though as of the moment

dali

10-11-2007, 05:33 AM

but only if the reigning world champion can successfully negotiate an end to his current McLaren deal.
- that's the big question. Will Ron Dennis allow Alonso to race against him next year? Not so sure about that :?

Mattk

10-11-2007, 06:18 AM

IMO the ideal F1 would be the one will ALL the cars having a very similar level of performance... basically what we can find in GP2 or the World Series by Renault. The races are great, and you can easily find 6-8 different drivers winning a race in a single season.

I disagree. I find the development side of motorsports quite fascinating, and I think it's great to see F1 teams spend lots of money developing cutting edge technology which a few years down the track is applied to regular road cars. It's not just about the racing. Motorsports is such a mutli-faceted environment, especially F1, and I'd hate to see that lost just for better TV ratings.

blue8

10-11-2007, 01:07 PM

In relation to the 'sabotaging'
Formula One's governing body has stepped in to ensure McLaren give equal treatment to Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The FIA is appointing a special scrutineer for the race at Interlagos to ensure there is no favouritism.

That is despite McLaren's assurance the drivers would be treated the same.

Heading into the deciding race on 21 October Hamilton has a four-point lead over Alonso, who has become increasingly isolated within the team.

Alonso and McLaren boss Ron Dennis have had a very cool relationship following a series of rows.

The FIA's move comes after Spanish Motorsport Federation chief Carlos Gracia said he had spoken to FIA President Max Mosley about the issue.

"I showed my concern over the situation that Fernando is going through, which is no secret, and he [Mosley] reassured me," said Gracia.

"The FIA are going to have an official who is going to watch very closely that nothing bad happens to Fernando, above all in qualifying, which is where there have been most complaints or strange situations in recent races."

McLaren had already given an assurance that Alonso and Hamilton would be treated equally in Brazil.

"The team wants to make it clear its policy of treating both with complete equality and fairness will continue," a McLaren statement said.

"McLaren and Mercedes-Benz will continue to take every step that is within their control to ensure that both Fernando and Lewis will enjoy the same opportunity to win in terms of equality of car, engine, tactics and use of resources."

Alonso, who moved to McLaren at the end of last season after twice winning the drivers' title with Renault, has already said he believes the team have a preference for Hamilton.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen is also in with a shout of the drivers' title.

The Finn is seven points behind Hamilton in the first three-way tussle for the championship since 1986.

saadie

10-11-2007, 05:49 PM

:lol: ... get over it :lol: :mrgreen:

blue8

10-16-2007, 10:36 AM

New Ferrari deal for Massa:
Felipe Massa is set to remain at Ferrari until the end of 2010 after signing a new deal with the Scuderia.

Massa's future has been the topic of some debate with reports suggesting that he's heading to Toyota next season to make way for Fernando Alonso.

Ferrari, though, have put an end to those rumours by announcing a contract extension for the Brazilian. The new deal sees him remain at Ferrari until the end of the 2010 Formula One season.

To date the Brazilian has raced in 34 grands prix for Ferrari, claiming five victories, six podiums and eight pole positions. He has also amassed 166 points during his time with Ferrari.

Massa's team-mate Kimi Raikkonen is already under contract through to the end of the 2009 F1 season.

Pokiou

10-22-2007, 01:27 AM

What about the guy that got hit in PIT lane.. that was shocking :S :(

blue8

10-22-2007, 09:06 AM

Interlagos deal extended to 2014
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has agreed a new deal with Brazilian officials for their Grand Prix to remain at Interlagos until 2014.

With the promise of improved paddock facilities, and a new 10,000-seat grandstand, Sao Paulo mayor Gilberto Kassab, Brazilian sports minister Orlando Silva and Ecclestone agreed that the race would continue for the next seven years shortly before Sunday's 2007 season finale.

Ecclestone said: "We have always had an excellent relationship with Brazil and we have had two great Brazilian drivers - Jose Carlos Pace and Nelson Piquet. I am happy to have reached this agreement with the city hall."

The new contract for the deal is expected to be officially signed within the next few weeks.

saadie

10-22-2007, 10:24 AM

Good news .. i like this circuit :)

blue8

10-24-2007, 11:35 AM

Engine development freeze for 10 years:
The FIA has announced that there will be a total freeze on engine development for a period of 10 years from 2008. The decision was taken at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris on Wednesday.

“There will be a total freeze on engine development for a period of 10 years, starting from 2008,” said the statement released by the FIA. “A change can be made after five years but only with the unanimous agreement of all stakeholders and following a further two-year notice period. Total freeze means that there will be no exceptions for development of certain parts of the engine, as is the case under the current regulations.”

Rules restricting engine development work was introduced for the 2007 season.

Spyker -- Force India
Spyker will be renamed Force India, after the World Motor Sport Council accepted the name change at a meeting in Paris on Wednesday. Indian businessman Vijay Mallya and Dutch entrepreneur Michiel Mol bought out the Silverstone-based team earlier this month.

The new title is the first step taken by the squad to reflect Mallya’s previously stated aim of bringing an Indian flavour to the team. It is also understood that the new logo for Force India will include the Indian national flag in its design.

Mallya and Mol are the third owners in two years for the former Jordan team. The Midland group took over in 2005, before selling the squad on to Spyker late in 2006.

blue8

10-24-2007, 11:54 AM

Race Calendar and First Night Race Confirmed:
The FIA has confirmed the 2008 Formula One calendar, including the world championship's first night race at the new Singapore track.

The schedule issued following today's World Motor Sport Council matched the provisional calendar released earlier this year, but with Canada, Singapore and Valencia all confirmed, and Singapore specified as the first floodlit evening Grand Prix.

The Montreal race had remained provisional on the previous schedule, while the new tracks in Singapore and Valencia (which will hold the European Grand Prix) were both subject to circuit approval.

Although it had always been anticipated that the Singapore GP would be run at night, the FIA wanted to be certain that it could be achieved safely before providing official confirmation.

2008 FIA Formula One World Championship

16/3 AUS Australia
23/3 MAL Malaysia
6/4 BRN Bahrain
27/4 E Spain
11/5 TR Turkey
25/5 MC Monaco
8/6 CDN Canada
22/6 F France
6/7 GB Great Britain
20/7 D Germany
3/8 H Hungary
24/8 E Europe
7/9 B Belgium
14/9 I Italy
28/9 SGP Singapore*
12/10 J Japan
19/10 CN China
02/11 BR Brazil

* Night race

dannyroz

10-24-2007, 01:33 PM

They are trying to keep costs down so they get more teams into F1. It is pretty stupid and IDK if the teams agreed...but Im sure Ferrari already did. Bernie usually takes it in the ass, no lube, by Ferrari.

The whole point of F1 is technological advancement of materials, WHICH INCLUDES ENGINES! I hope Mosley burns in hell with Bernie and Jackie Stewart takes over.

pagani

10-24-2007, 02:24 PM

The need to ban all the electrics and give the cars decent downforce and get back to the real slick tires and bring back the turbocharger engines of the v12's and give ban the flappy pedal toy gearbox give them a proper gearbox whit a gear lever.
:D 8)

Svensson

10-24-2007, 02:38 PM

^ LoL ban all electrics? And then have slaves strapped to the back of each car igniting the fuel in the engine with matches?

yg60m

10-24-2007, 03:53 PM

That's going too far :| Why do they freeze engine dev ? It's stupid when all the rest is evolving so fast !! They should maybe impose them to be proper or developp a new type of engine. If it goes like F1 gearbox, the roadcars engines will be more sophisticated than F1's in 5 years ... :roll:

-Akshay-

10-24-2007, 05:59 PM

Spyker -- Force India
Spyker will be renamed Force India, after the World Motor Sport Council accepted the name change at a meeting in Paris on Wednesday. Indian businessman Vijay Mallya and Dutch entrepreneur Michiel Mol bought out the Silverstone-based team earlier this month.

The new title is the first step taken by the squad to reflect Mallya’s previously stated aim of bringing an Indian flavour to the team. It is also understood that the new logo for Force India will include the Indian national flag in its design.

Mallya and Mol are the third owners in two years for the former Jordan team. The Midland group took over in 2005, before selling the squad on to Spyker late in 2006.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7060350.stm

Spyker change name to Force India

Spyker have been granted permission to change their name to Force India Formula One by motorsport's governing body, the FIA.

The team, bought by Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya for £61m, will race under the new name with a logo in the colours of the India flag from next season.

Spyker made little impact in this season's championships, winning just one constructors' point.

But Mallya is determined to keep German rookie driver Adrian Sutil.

"I am very happy with Adrian Sutil and I've told team boss Colin Kolles that we need to keep him," he said. The team have undergone their third name change since 2005, when Silverstone-based Jordan was sold to Midland F1, which then became Spyker Cars when the Dutch sports car manufacturer paid £51m a season later.

Mallya is chairman and controlling shareholder of the UB Group, which has beer, spirits and airline operations in India.

And the ambitious businessman claims to have plenty of interest from potential Indian sponsors, although he said an Indian driver for the team was not an immediate priority.

India is set to host its first ever Grand Prix in New Delhi in 2010.

RAMMIUS

10-25-2007, 03:53 AM

Luca is awesome

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24102007/3/ferrari-boss-praises-kimi-felipe-attacks-bernie.html

"I've already thought about competing in the next championship with a 8000cm3 engine - the team would be disqualified, but the driver would still win." :lol:

saadie

10-25-2007, 06:50 AM

^^ lmfao .... exactly how i thought of maFIA's dicission :roll:

blue8

10-29-2007, 01:46 PM

Off-track news:
Hamilton leaves Britain for Switzerland:
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071029175826.shtml

Massa to tie the knot with fiancé:
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071029093515.shtml

Raikkonen is the fourth highest paid athlete:
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/071029101714.shtml

bmagni

10-29-2007, 02:05 PM

blue8

11-02-2007, 08:25 AM

McLaren have just confirmed the departure of Fernando Alonso in a press release. Here's their statement in full:

'Following a meeting between Fernando Alonso and McLaren, it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end.

'The mutual parting of ways has not been discussed until now, since it was felt that any such discussion could have seriously disrupted the team's and Fernando's 2007 Formula 1 World Championship challenge. Both parties believe that this was the right decision.

FERNANDO ALONSO:

"Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out. I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home. I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win. Today's decision allows all of us to focus on 2008, and I wish the team, Vodafone, Banco Santander, Mutua Madrileña and all the other team Partners who I have worked closely with during the year, the best for the future."

RON DENNIS:

"Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, especially McLaren's Spanish Partners Banco Santander and Mutua Madrileña and the team's title partner Vodafone, want to wish Fernando all the best for the future. He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward. We all believe that our joint decision to part company is for the best, and we will now continue to focus on our 2008 World Championship challenge."

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will announce any additions to its existing driver line-up in due course.'

I'm actually glad he left. This should make for some exciting movements in the drivers' seat for next season!

Fleischmann

11-02-2007, 08:36 AM

Question is where will he go now ? I mean, Ferrari seems to be satisifed with their line up of drivers and the next closest team to McLaren, BMW, has already signed contracts with their drivers for next season.

saadie

11-02-2007, 08:53 AM

^^ Renault :P

blue8

11-02-2007, 08:54 AM

sameerrao

11-02-2007, 10:15 AM

Good riddance.

dannyroz

11-02-2007, 12:31 PM

I hope he cant find a job OR

He goes to Toyota and fills in for Ralf as a joke :twisted:

bmagni

11-02-2007, 01:24 PM

this just further proves what a joke ASSlonso is!! is he had any self respect, any respect for F1, he would of stayed and fought it out with Hammy next season. But he was, is and always will be a bitch and will have this tainted season as his defining moment!!

it also proves what a joke McCheaters is, how they want Hamilton to win, how they have used all the Ferrari info and feedback Alstronzo gave them in pro of Lewis. Alstronzo's bad performance at the end of the season also showed this. Lets see who's Lewis' next year temmate and if they're equally treated and lets see if Alstronzo can give his new team another 6 tenths :lol:

Speculation is, he wants a 1-year contract so he can be available for Ferrari in 2009. I'm not sure that is possible given Raikkonen and Massa's contract won't end til the end of 2009 and 2010 season respectively. :?:

After the spy scandal Todt already said that Alstronzo will never be in Ferrari so I doubt he'll end there. Raikkonen has adapted very good to the team and they're working great together, I don't see why they need another top driver.

gangajas

11-02-2007, 04:45 PM

I'm guessing he'd end up either in Toyota, Red Bull, Williams and Renault, the latter two teams being the most likely. McLaren wants another competitive driver like Rosberg or Kovalainen.

Could this be a hint from the Finn?
"There are different options and possibilities - very interesting ones - and I just need to take a bit of time and see what is the best option."

Kovalainen may even be reluctant to stay at Renault next year, given team chiefs' recent suggestions that employing total driver equality is now an outdated philosophy, and their desire to reunite F1's Lance Bass with the French squad.

"Equal status with my team-mate is important," Kovalainen insisted.
The very ethos of McLaren!!!

Speculation is, he wants a 1-year contract so he can be available for Ferrari in 2009. I'm not sure that is possible given Raikkonen and Massa's contract won't end til the end of 2009 and 2010 season respectively. :?:

Yes, equality has always been very important for R. Dennis. :lol: :lol:

One example:

'The door opened and Ron [Dennis] walked in. I stood up to shake his hand and Ron ignored me. Instead he strode over to sit next to Mika and said, "What's the plan, guys?" We all listened to Mika's plans [for the race] and then Ron said, "OK, what are they doing?" Here was my team principal talking about me as if I was a rival team. "They" is not a word you use in a team situation, surely? At that exact moment, I think the naivety, the innocence of my youth, shattered around me.'

Coulthard went on to explain that, despite continual assurances to the contrary, it took Dennis a few years to admit that he did favour Hakkinen.

bmagni

11-02-2007, 05:06 PM

this just further proves what a joke ASSlonso is!! is he had any self respect, any respect for F1, he would of stayed and fought it out with Hammy next season. But he was, is and always will be a bitch and will have this tainted season as his defining moment!!

it also proves what a joke McCheaters is, how they want Hamilton to win, how they have used all the Ferrari info and feedback Alstronzo gave them in pro of Lewis. Alstronzo's bad performance at the end of the season also showed this. Lets see who's Lewis' next year temmate and if they're equally treated and lets see if Alstronzo can give his new team another 6 tenths :lol:

hey hey, no one should bring up favortism here. Renault favored ASSlonso when he was there. it was obvious as heck and no one ever seemed to bitch at all about it when Renault favored ASSlonso. And to this day I still think that if Fisi had been given a equal car to ASSlonso's he would of given a run for his money if not won out right. ASSlonso was spoiled and Fisi was treated like shit right from the get go.

I agree with you, but that doesn't change the fact that McCheaters took advantage of Alstronzo in order to give it all to Lewis...

CMonakar

11-02-2007, 07:02 PM

bmagni

11-03-2007, 11:16 PM

Renault offered a multi-year contract to Alstronzo (what a surprise :shock: ). FV confirmed it today saying that they're not interested in a one year contract and that if their prospectives and Alstronzo's are the same the deal can be done.

Fleischmann

11-04-2007, 04:29 AM

There is also the rare chance that BMW would also part with one of it's drivers as an exchange with McLaren for Alonso. Or McLaren could just buy out Heidfeld's or Kubica's contract, then there would be a free spot in BMW anyway.

blue8

11-04-2007, 08:11 AM

Rumor is Toyota already offered a contract worth millions which Al0nso turned down. What about him and Ross Brawn in Red Bull?
Red Bull are being tipped to pull off a dramatic double coup by securing the services of both Fernando Alonso and Ross Brawn.

According to The Observer, 'informed sources' claim the team are ready to complete the signings of both men in a coup that would propel them into the mainstream of F1.

The double World Champion has been linked with Renault, Williams and Toyota and now the Anglo-Austrian team have joined the race for his signature.

And Brawn, who is widely regarded as the best tactician in the business, could be willing to return from his self-imposed sabbatical.

The axis of Brawn and Michael Schumacher proved almost unstoppable in the early part of the century as they won five successive World Championships together at Ferrari.

Red Bull's ultimate goal will be to re-create such a dream team, with Alonso working closely with Brawn.

The Englishman has previously claimed that should he return to the sport, it will be with the Scuderia. But since this pronouncement, the situation has evolved at Maranello with the new generation of staff coming to the fore. Furthermore, Brawn and team principal Jean Todt no longer see eye to eye. Reports suggest that their relationship soured over the spygate saga, as the infamous Nigel Stepney was one of Brawn's favoured employees.

As such Red Bull could intervene and recruit Brawn to work alongside chief designer Adrian Newey. Such an appointment would free the burden of responsibility off Newey's shoulders and allow him to focus on the technical development of the RB4.

And Dietrich Mateschitz, Red Bull owner, could jump at the opportunity to sign personnel of Brawn's caliber. The tycoon has not yet ruled out a deal with Alonso either. He told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Let's see how things go.

"[David] Coulthard and [Mark] Webber are 100% our drivers for 2008. But there's nothing certain in F1, only things that are very probable."

blue8

11-07-2007, 04:01 AM

Official: Rosberg and Nakajima confirmed for Williams
"I am delighted to confirm that Nico will be racing for the team for his third consecutive year after demonstrating impressive and widely applauded form in 2007," team owner Frank Williams commented.

"Nico will be ably partnered by Kazuki, who has impressed the team over the past year. He has pace and the right aptitude to develop into a competitive Formula One racer and over the course of the next season, we will provide him with all the necessary support and assistance to hone his talents."

Teams so far:
Ferrari: Raikkonen and Massa
BMW Sauber: Heidfeld and Kubica
Williams: Rosberg and Nakajima
Red Bull: Coulthard and Webber
Honda: Button and Barrichello
Toro Rosso: Vettel and Bourdais
Super Aguri: Sato and Davidson
McLaren: Hamilton
Renault:
Force India: Sutil
Toyota: Trulli

dali

11-07-2007, 06:33 AM

I wonder if William's confirmation of Nico is serious or if he is just gambling with McLaren?!

J.K.

11-07-2007, 07:54 AM

Formula 1: Renault, 62 milioni di euro dagli sponsor per riavere Al0nso
Indice Ultim'ora

PARIS - Fernando Al0nso and the Renault are always more' neighbors. Of it and' convinced the Spanish printing than does not exclude that the Agreement can arrive in day, even if the daily one "As", talks about a negotiation than durera' still some day but that could conclude itself in week. According to "As" the Renault and' in search of backers for take again Alonso and yesterday to Madrid there a meeting between three large businesses would have been, that would have found an Agreement to fund the operation and have been ready to put available 62 millions of euro to season. (Agr)

62 millions :shock:

5vz-fe

11-12-2007, 11:25 AM

That decision should make Button happy. However, I beleive they need more that Brawn to get back on their feet.

blue8

11-12-2007, 12:12 PM

Ferrari's new management structure:
The Ferrari team have announced Stefano Domenicali will take on the role of Director of the Gestione Sportiva, a position held by Jean Todt.

Domenicali was the team's sporting director.

Ferrari also said technical director Mario Almondo will now be the team's operations director, while Aldo Costa will take on the role of technical director.

Gilles Simon will be Ferrari's engine director.

The announcement comes after Honda confirmed Ferrari's former technical director Ross Brawn will join the Japanese squad as their team principal.

sameerrao

11-12-2007, 12:47 PM

I must admit the last two changes were pretty shocking. I would have expected Todt to quit the racing team and give team principal status to R Brawn.

Yes, Ferrari won the two championships this year but they did it by the narrowest of margins. There were examples of poor strategy calls, poor reliability, etc over the season.

I'm sure Ross would have managed the situation better. If Renault can improve next year and McLaren stays where it is, the Scuderia will have a tough battle on its hands and needs to really put out its A game.

saadie

11-12-2007, 01:02 PM

^^ and exactly that will make the next season a whole lot better to watch ;)

4 teams batteling it out ..
Ferrari
Renault
McLaren
BMW
:D

blue8

11-12-2007, 01:09 PM

Ross Brawn said he decided to join Honda as team boss rather than return to Ferrari because he wanted more of a challenge than the Formula One champions could offer.

"The fact that Ferrari wasn't in crisis made it less attractive to me," the Briton said in a conference call on Monday after the Japanese team announced that he would be joining them at the end of the month.

"They've done well and will do well and have got a good structure there to go forward with. My job now is to beat them."

More: http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/63908

Hmmm... what do you think of Alonso to Honda? I've heard that Honda is very disappointed with Rubens and I'm sure they're willing to drop him for the Spaniard.

ae86_16v

11-13-2007, 04:57 AM

ae86_16v

11-13-2007, 06:43 AM

I don't think Ross Brawn is that important personally. Just remember Adrian Newey when he was in McLaren when Mika Hakkinen won everything in '98 and '99. Now he's working for Red Bull and what? nothing :wink: Ross Brawn was good because there was also Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher at the Scuderia, and the success came more thanks to the combination of all those talents working together rather that Brawn's own capacity :bah:

Definitely it is a team sport. No doubt about that and it takes hundreds if not thousands of right combination of people, skill, timing, etc, etc without mentioning the obvious drivers, engineers, etc.

But I think like any sport, you need a good head coach, manager, team principle is just as important as having a good driver or player. Again it must be a good combo if not it is all for waste, e.g. Alonso and Ron Dennis.

But overall, I think Brawn is definitely a HUGE step in the right direction for Honda. :)

Bizi Jones

11-13-2007, 01:29 PM

I don't think Ross Brawn is that important personally. Just remember Adrian Newey when he was in McLaren when Mika Hakkinen won everything in '98 and '99. Now he's working for Red Bull and what? nothing :wink: Ross Brawn was good because there was also Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher at the Scuderia, and the success came more thanks to the combination of all those talents working together rather that Brawn's own capacity :bah:

heh, if u think its so easy to design a car from the ground up with a new team, tires, engine, tech staff, factory etc etc...lets c u do it :spaz:...at least wait till the RB4 comes to rag on the guy...

as for Brawn, I am sure he won't do any worse than what the current Honda team has done...so already he's improved the team ;)

McLaren4eVa

11-15-2007, 01:20 PM

I'm over the moon that allonso is out of my team, it seems as though he conspired against McLaren and brought about this whole debacle. Well that's exxagerating but he is a twat and good riddence for all I care.

blue8

11-19-2007, 12:39 PM

Timo Glock to race for Toyota
Reigning GP2 champion Timo Glock will race for Toyota in 2008, it was announced on Monday. Glock, who competed in four Grands Prix for Jordan back in 2004, is understood to have signed a multi-year contract with the Japanese squad.

The move marks the end of the 25 year-old’s role as BMW Sauber's reserve driver. Toyota hope that they will be able to reach an agreement with the German-Swiss squad, which will allow Glock to drive the TF107 at the next multi-team test in December.

“I am convinced Timo has the potential to help this team move forward and achieve its aims,” said Toyota team principal Tadashi Yamashina. “Timo has great experience of motorsport in several different categories and he reinforced his reputation by winning the highly competitive GP2 Series, which we have already seen is fantastic preparation for Formula One. He has demonstrated a fighting spirit and good race craft in GP2 so we believe he is the right man for the job.”

Glock scored two points at his Grand Prix debut for Jordan back in 2004 after finishing the Canadian race in seventh. He moved to the Champ Car World Series in 2005 before switching to GP2 a year later. He won this year’s title after enjoying five wins.

“It’s a great feeling to be a Formula One race driver again and I am really looking forward to this new challenge,” explained the German. “I have worked hard over the past few years to get this opportunity and I must say I am grateful to Panasonic Toyota Racing for having faith in me. From what I have seen of the team at the track I am confident we will be able to work well together to move forward. Even though I have not raced in Formula One since 2004, I have tested quite regularly so I expect it will take very little time for me to get back in the groove.”

“I have been lucky enough to race and succeed in several different championships in my career but my goal has always been to become a full-time Formula One race driver. I believe this experience has made me stronger as a driver and as a person. Of course, to return to Formula One racing as GP2 Series champion is a real honour and we’ve all seen how well Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton have performed as champions so that is very encouraging. I hope I can also make a strong impression next season.”

Regarding Alonso, he is highly speculated to drive for Renault or Red Bull.

sameerrao

11-19-2007, 02:10 PM

Flavio has been quoted as saying that Renault will have two new drivers next season - i.e. Piquet Jr and most probably Alonso. There will be an announcement in 2 days time.

sameerrao

11-19-2007, 06:12 PM

That means Heikki Kovalainen with move to McLaren... there's no other option ;-)

I hope this happens. Heikki deserves a shot at a good car. Besides he looks to be a peaceful, apolitical kind of guy - just what RD needs this year after Alonsogate.

Briatore says 60% chance of signing Alonso. If this falls through, I think Mark Webber may switch over to Renault.

acmarttin

11-21-2007, 02:39 AM

I take that as a good news then from you. Heikki might still have the change to drive a competitive car next year.

In here the yellow press write pretty much the same news than our official F1 source when it comes to matters that have some meaning. In addition they then write what Kimi has done lately, how drunk he was and who was the girl with him. It seems that according to the yellow press, Kimi has been banging some Italian girl for a year:laugh:

That's funny. Is Kimi still technically married? I heard about him and some Brazilian actress as well.

The sad thing is I don't really hear about it around here, just online. The F1 News in the US press is like...On ESPN they mentioned Kimi Raikkonen had won the world championship on Monday evening.

It sucks. I wish I lived in a country where people cared about the sports I like :-(

blue8

11-22-2007, 12:36 PM

Only 11 teams on the grid as Prodrive officially confirms it won't debut next year:
David Richards has confirmed for the first time that Prodrive will definitely not debut in Formula One as planned in 2008.

"There was a dispute about our eligibility," the Briton said in an interview with the German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport.

"In addition, the new Concorde agreement has been repeatedly delayed. We asked the FIA to be able to start mid-way through the season: our request was rejected.

"So for 2008 there is not a realistic chance of there being a Prodrive Formula One team," Richards stated.

In April of last year, F1's governing body announced that Banbury-based Prodrive, an outfit famous for its involvement in the World Rally Championship with Subaru, had been selected to become the twelfth and final team in 2008.

But the touted 'customer car' rules have since been the subject of intense controversy in the paddock, moving Richards last month to reveal that a planned link-up with McLaren-Mercedes had been called off.

Richards explained that Prodrive's target now is to debut in 2009, pending the consent of the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

"Secondly, we must wait for the new Concorde. Only then can we fully assess our options," he added.

Richards, former Benetton and BAR boss, said: "Our ambition is still to be in Formula One.

"But there was the risk of legal procedures because we wanted to use a customer car. As a result, our entire business plan was put into doubt.

"So we have chosen to re-group instead of simply race ahead blindly," he explained.

Car Debuts:
Ferrari (F2008): Jerez, January 14; "evolution of the F2007"

BMW Sauber (F1.08): Valencia, January 14; "It's really a matter of fine-tuning - evolution rather than revolution,"

Toyota (TF108): Toyota HQ, Cologne, January 10; "Our 2008 car will be very different" but "not revolutionary"

Raikkonen won't get #1 status:
He also said Kimi Raikkonen, the newly crowned world champion, will not enjoy number one status next year over team-mate Felipe Massa.

"The track will determine the hierarchy," he claimed. "The same as in the days of Schumacher. Barrichello for example ended 2003 very strongly and began 2004 full of chances, but Michael won the first five races."

HeilSvenska

11-26-2007, 04:16 PM

While there's speculations of Toyota wanting Alfonso, Ralf wants the empty seat at McLaren.

Ralf issues McLaren declaration
Ralf Schumacher has thrown his hat into the ring to fill the McLaren Formula One drive vacated by Fernando Alonso.

"It's no secret that the seat at McLaren-Mercedes is by far the most coveted there is," the 32-year-old German told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.
"Every driver out there in the market would love to sit in their super car."
The younger brother of F1 great Michael Schumacher won six grands prix at Williams before moving to Toyota in 2005 where he failed to shine.
He has been replaced for next season by compatriot Timo Glock.
McLaren have yet to decide who will partner Britian's Lewis Hamilton in 2008, but are thought to favour a younger driver.
Nico Rosberg (Williams), Heikki Kovaleinen (Renault) and Adrian Sutil (Spyker) have all been linked with the seat. But Williams have told McLaren that Rosberg is going nowhere, Kovaleinen could be retained by Renault, and Sutil is admired by Spkyer's new owner, the Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya.

mary

12-04-2007, 09:29 AM

I don't think Ross Brawn is that important personally. Just remember Adrian Newey when he was in McLaren when Mika Hakkinen won everything in '98 and '99. Now he's working for Red Bull and what? nothing :wink: Ross Brawn was good because there was also Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher at the Scuderia, and the success came more thanks to the combination of all those talents working together rather that Brawn's own capacity :bah:

I think that we must wait some time to see what the newey's red bull is capable to do, i mean he arrived at Red Bull last summer, when the car is supossed to be began to desing the car months ago.

And I think that Ross Brown is even better than newey, is true that Michael, Todt and Brown were the F1 dream team, but he have a lot of talent and experience and maybe not this year but in one or two years, the Honda results are going to change drastically, im almost sure of that.

saadie

12-04-2007, 09:53 AM

just a popular name cant bring much to a team ;) ...

nthfinity

12-04-2007, 01:57 PM

just a popular name cant bring much to a team ;) ...

I think its silly to think that there is going to be major shake up of the staff at Honda. I wouldn't be surprised if RB is taking responsibility of basically building a "new" team over the next 12 months.

blue8

12-05-2007, 09:54 AM

Here's a funny rumor:
Brace yourself for the most ludicrous piece of transfer gossip you've read this winter...Spanish newspaper AS claims that Fernando Alonso could join, wait for it, McLaren.

Yes, McLaren.

According to the newspaper, McLaren have re-opened 'lines of communication' with Alonso's management less than two months after terminating his contract.

The team is said to have had second thoughts after their Spanish sponsors reacted badly to Alonso's departure and, with the driver market short of desirable goods, McLaren are willing to consider the Spaniard's demand for a one-year deal.

Planet-F1 will believe it when it sees it.:laugh:

If Renault loses the court case for the spying scandal during Thursday's trial and suffer a massive financial penalty, I won't be surprised if this actually happens. I doubt Alonso would opt for Renault considering their serious lack of pace in 2007 and a lack of proper funding for development... :?:

saadie

12-05-2007, 10:05 AM

the guys at mclaren are cheap bastards in its true definition ...
i dont want to see alonso back in Mclaren .... alonso should never have left renault ...
hmm i guess .. driving for your dream team dosnt always work out

blue8

12-07-2007, 03:49 PM

Clearance for the McLaren MP4-23 PENDING:
McLaren will have to wait until four weeks before the start of next season to find out whether or not their car has been approved for use by the FIA.

A meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in Monaco today was due to discuss whether or not any Ferrari intellectual property had been used on McLaren's 2008 challenger.

This came after a detailed examination recently of the designs for the MP4-23 at McLaren's Woking headquarters by FIA-appointed officials.

However, the WMSC felt that it would be better if both McLaren and Ferrari had some input into the findings of the report, so a new meeting has been pencilled in for February 14, 2008.

A statement issued by the FIA said: "In its decision of 13 September 2007, the WMSC instructed the FIA Technical Department to conduct an investigation of the preparatory work by McLaren on its 2008 car to determine whether that car incorporates any confidential Ferrari information.

"This investigation has been concluded and a detailed report submitted to the WMSC. The WMSC considers that McLaren, Ferrari and the other competitors in the FIA Formula One World Championship should be afforded the opportunity to make considered representations on the report at an extraordinary general meeting of the WMSC to be held on Thursday 14 February 2008 in Paris."

The delay in reaching a verdict comes after McLaren F1 Martin Whitmarsh CEO told Autosport that he hoped the matter could be dealt with swiftly so the team could focus on their 2008 campaign.

I'm not a McLaren fan, but this is very disappointing on their part. If the FIA decides that their car is illegal, they won't have a car for the season...

sameerrao

12-10-2007, 11:11 AM

Alonso makes Renault return
Monday, 10, December, 2007, 13:07

Fernando Alonso has rejoined Renault and will partner Nelson Piquet Jr at the team in 2008.
The 26-year-old double world champion returns to the team he raced for in 2003-2006, winning 15 races and back-to-back world titles.
Renault was thought to be the most likely destination for Alonso to resurface after he ended his McLaren contract two years early last month after a turbulent single season at Woking.
Alonso himself confirmed his return to Enstone on his personal website before Renault issued an official statement on Monday afternoon announcing its new pairing.
"Fernando and Nelsinho will form one of the most exciting driver line-ups of 2008," said team boss Flavio Briatore.
"We are delighted to be welcoming Fernando back home to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success.
"His abilities as a driver and a team leader are well known, and we look forward to forging another strong partnership.
"What's more, he knows the team well and how we operate; he will feel comfortable straight away in this environment."
Piquet Jr's promotion from test driver to a race seat means he will be following in his three-time world champion father Nelson Sr's footsteps.
Briatore says the 22-year-old, runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the GP2 Series in 2006, is now ready to make the step up to a race role after a year of testing duties.
"Nelsinho is one of the most promising young talents in motorsport," he said.
"After his success in GP2, he has spent a year learning the ropes as our test driver and getting to know the team ; he is now ready to step up to the next level."
After successive double title triumphs, Renault scored just a single podium finish in 2007 and ended the year a distant third in the constructors' championship.
But its president Bernard Rey is confident the team, aided by its new line-up, can bounce back to the front in 2008.

"The entire team has been working flat out over the past months to return to the front of the field, and a top-line driver line-up is essential to achieving our targets.," he said.
"Our recent technology investments, the return of Fernando Alonso to the team, and the promotion of Nelsinho Piquet, all signal our intent to return to winning ways next year."
Renault has also announced that 2007 F3 Euroseries champion Romain Grosjean will be take over from Piquet as chief test driver.
The announcement ends both Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen's relationship with the team, with both now on the lookout for a seat for 2008.
Fisichella is in contention for a spot at Force India, while Kovalainen is believed to be one of the favourites to replace Alonso at McLaren.

.....

HeilSvenska

12-10-2007, 12:56 PM

Poor Fisichella and Kovalainen. They can possibly look for spots at... Force India... since Ralf doesn't want to go there.

blue8

12-10-2007, 01:08 PM

A couple of days ago, word is that Dela Rosa is atop the shortlist of 3 to drive alongside Hamilton. With Kovalainen out of Renault, he is certainly a better option for McLaren.

sameerrao

12-10-2007, 01:28 PM

A couple of days ago, word is that Dela Rosa is atop the shortlist of 3 to drive alongside Hamilton. With Kovalainen out of Renault, he is certainly a better option for McLaren.

100X better option IMO

fabro_s

12-10-2007, 01:42 PM

Well, things will look better for renault, but the big question here is, what is going to happen to McLaren, lets wait and see which driver ends up in Alonsos place...

SafirXP

12-10-2007, 01:45 PM

as much as i hate alonso but this truly good news. everybody will be happy in all teams, best for really good competitive racing! if this year was a taste of what the post schumi era is gonna bring then i think F1 popularity is gonna rise even higher! & cant wait to see the starts and corners without traction control either!

HeilSvenska

12-10-2007, 05:28 PM

Martin Brundle is being sued by FIA

F1 Soap Opera Gets Even Uglier: FIA Worked Into Lather Over Criticism, McLaren in Limbo

LONDON — Formula 1's governing body has stirred up a hornet's nest with its handling of two incidents of corporate technical espionage. Now the FIA has pledged to press libel charges against a prominent motorsports journalist who alluded to the group's actions as a "witch hunt."

Martin Brundle, a former Grand Prix driver, wrote in September in the Sunday Times of London that the treatment of British team McLaren "has all the feel of a witch hunt, driven by the very people who have a primary responsibility to the sport."

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) on Saturday asserted that it will sue Brundle for defamation.

That word came in the aftermath of a hectic week in which McLaren and Renault came under scrutiny. Renault, facing its first action before the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) on charges that it had stolen technical data from McLaren, was found to be guilty of violating the FIA sporting code, but no punishment was meted out.

McLaren received similar treatment when it first appeared before the WMSC on charges of being in possession of technical data from Ferrari, but later, the FIA determined that McLaren had benefited from the information. For punishment, the body levied a $100 million fine and excluded McLaren from the 2007 constructor's championship.

Further, on Friday, the FIA announced that the 2008 McLaren racing car had not been approved for competition because of suspicion that its design incorporated elements of the Ferrari data. Officials postponed validation of the car until February 14, only a month before the season is scheduled to begin in Australia, leaving McLaren in limbo.

What it means to you: This past season's compelling battle for the F1 championship was tainted by on- and off-track controversies; now the 2008 campaign has been spoiled before it could get started. — David Green, Correspondent
-edmonds

On a side note, this Renault Salt/Pepper shaker set costs $2250
http://www.renaultf1teamcollection.com/images/products/13saltpepperpots_a.jpg

acmarttin

12-10-2007, 05:35 PM

What'll they think of next?

HeilSvenska

12-10-2007, 05:36 PM

What'll they think of next?

The salt shaker or the Martin Brundle case? :mrgreen:

acmarttin

12-10-2007, 05:39 PM

LOL, I suppose my comment was applicable to both cases :)

bmagni

12-10-2007, 11:27 PM

Poor Fisichella and Kovalainen. They can possibly look for spots at... Force India... since Ralf doesn't want to go there.

yeah, both are great drivers, heikki might need some more experience... i think that the renault deal is pretty much f'ing em up... but what else can you expect from Flavio?

Pokiou

12-11-2007, 07:06 AM

Im just curious... cant they use last years car ??

blue8

12-14-2007, 11:31 AM

Heikki Kovalainen has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's new teammate at McLaren for next year.

The Finn joins the Woking-based outfit on a long-term deal after an impressive debut season with Renault, and McLaren management are convinced that he and Hamilton will make a 'formidable' combination for 2008.

The team have also confirmed that Pedro de la Rosa will remain as third driver, with Gary Paffett staying on board as tester.

McLaren F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh said: "We had a number of options open to us and as always we want to make sure that we have the most competitive driver line-up and I think that Lewis and Heikki will be a formidable combination.

"Both enjoyed great rookie seasons in 2007 and share a genuine passion for winning and being the best. Heikki made a strong impression and Lewis' performance so far has been outstanding and speaks for itself.

"I am confident that they will push each other on track and work well together off track. In addition with Pedro remaining our primary test driver alongside Gary, we really have a strong package and look forward to 2008."

Kovalainen found himself out of a job at Renault after the team opted for Nelson Piquet Jr. to be Fernando Alonso's new teammate. But he is delighted at his new opportunity, especially as it means he will follow in the footsteps of compatriots Mike Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen.

"I am so excited to join a team like Vodafone McLaren Mercedes," said Heikki. "So far I have been blown away by the dedication and commitment to winning which is clear through the entire organisation and I am really excited about our joint future.

"As a Finn it's an honour for me to follow in Mika and Kimi's footsteps. I haven't really spent a lot of time with Lewis so far but from what I know I think we will work well together and do our best for the team."

Kovalainen's new teammate Hamilton is equally looking forward to the arrival of the Finn, having endured a few tough moments with Alonso last year.

"As soon as the chequered flag went in Brazil I began to count down the days until Australia," said Hamilton. "I am really looking forward to 2008 and working with Heikki as my teammate.

"Together with the team we will do everything we can to ensure that our Championship challenge is as strong and focused as possible. My first year in Formula One was incredible and I was so fortunate to spend it with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and I hope that Heikki will enjoy his first year with the team as much as I did mine."

I'm quite excited about next year's line-up. I think Force India is the only team that have yet to confirm their drivers.

HeilSvenska

12-14-2007, 11:47 AM

Excellent! Another Finn for McLaren.

sameerrao

12-14-2007, 12:31 PM

Excellent news!

novass

12-14-2007, 09:25 PM

Very cool! I like Heikki so hopefully he will have a chance to shine.

5vz-fe

12-14-2007, 10:54 PM

Good choice for Mclaren. Heikki has been very consistent in 2007 with a slow Renault

acmarttin

12-15-2007, 07:33 AM

Kimi vs. Heikki ?

ae86_16v

12-26-2007, 03:21 AM

Ferrari launching the F2008 on Jan 6th.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/25/ferrari-f2008-to-kick-off-f1-launches/

And to follow:

Toyota will be unveiling its car on January 10, BMW Sauber on January 14, Honda on January 29 and Renault on January 31.

Mattk

12-28-2007, 03:50 AM

Kovalainen is one of the better prospects out there. Should fit right into McLaren.

blue8

01-04-2008, 12:29 PM

Official 2008 Entry List (only Force India has yet to confirm their other driver):

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
1. Kimi Raikkonen
2. Felipe Massa

BMW Sauber F1 Team
3. Nick Heidfeld
4. Robert Kubica

ING Renault F1 Team
5. Fernando Alonso
6. Nelson Piquet

AT&T Williams
7. Nico Rosberg
8. Kazuki Nakajima

Red Bull Racing
9. David Coulthard
10. Mark Webber

Panasonic Toyota Racing
11. Jarno Trulli
12. Timo Glock

Scuderia Toro Rosso
14. Sebastien Bourdais
15. Sebastian Vettel

Honda Racing F1 Team
16. Jenson Button
17. Rubens Barrichello

Super Aguri F1 Team
18. Takuma Sato
19. Anthony Davidson

Force India Formula One Team
20. Adrian Sutil
21. TBA

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
22. Lewis Hamilton
23. Heikki Kovalainen

Other news:
Ferrari CEO Jean Todt says that seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher turned down an offer to replace him as boss of the Formula One team.

Todt moved on from his role as sporting director at the Maranello team at the end of last season to make way for Stefano Domenicali - with the team having held lengthy talks with former technical director Ross Brawn throughout last season.

Speaking in an interview with German publication Auto Motor Und Sport, Todt claims that his ideal replacement was the team's most successful driver.

"He would have been the best candidate for this job, but he did not want it," said Todt about Schumacher.

Speaking about why in the end the team did not reach agreement with Brawn, Todt said: "Ross is a very good man. His successes with Ferrari speak for themselves.

"We spoke with each other for a long time - about what was best for Ferrari and what was best for him. But it was better for both parties, on a long-term basis, that he went to Honda and we occupied the team boss position internally.

"Ross is now a competitor, but he will remain a friend of Ferrari and myself."

Todt has said he intends to visit a few races next year, although he has not yet finalised exactly how much involvement he will have.

"In the last 15 years I dreamed of being able to watch a grand prix on television in peace," he explained. "But no matter whether I am at the track or not, for me a grand prix will always be stressful. That will only change if I do not work no more for Ferrari."

blue8

01-06-2008, 09:30 AM

Long-term McLaren deal for Hamilton:
McLaren has moved to bind Lewis Hamilton to the team until at least 2012 by inking a (US) $138 million deal with the British youngster, according to reports.

The British tabloid News of the World claims that Hamilton will make an average of more than $27 million per season for the next five years, despite making just $700,000 plus points bonuses while he raced to second place in the drivers' championship in 2007.

The newspaper says the McLaren driver's basic 2008 salary will be $17m, plus another $6m if he spearheads the Mercedes-powered squad's first title since Mika Hakkinen in 1999.

"I've always said I'm happy to stay at McLaren for the rest of my career if they want me to," Hamilton, who recently moved to Switzerland for personal and tax purposes, is quoted as saying.
Cliquez ici...

"I have a great relationship with the team having been with them for so long, right from my days in karting, and I'm ready to lead them on the track this year.

"My relationship with the team only grew stronger last year with all that happened off the track and the way they supported me in the final races," he added.

blue8

01-06-2008, 09:41 AM

Ferrari F2008 launched!
The F2008 is the fifty fourth single-seater built by Ferrari specifically to take part in the Formula 1 World Championship.

The design, codenamed internally as the 659, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the regulations in force in 2008. A major new element of these is the introduction of a new electronic system to be used by all teams, known as SECU (Standard Electronic Control Unit) and produced by MES (McLaren Electronic Systems.) It consists of a single control unit and a software system, the development of which ends as the season begins.

Other areas affected by rule changes are: gearbox, which must be used for four consecutive events; safety, with the introduction of higher side protection around the driver's helmet; materials, with a limit to the type of composites that can be used.

As a result of these rules, there has been an increase in the weight of the car. All aerodynamic surfaces have been completely revised; however the current version will be replaced by a completely different configuration in time for the first race. In fact, an intensive and all encompassing development programme is planned to run throughout the season. The monocoque has been further cut away under the driver's legs and the side pods and engine cover are more tapered. The suspension system has been reworked and developed around the new aerodynamics.

The wheelbase and weight distribution have been adapted to meet the challenge of the new regulations and on the basis of lessons learned last year in terms of the performance of the Bridgestone tyres. Changes to the technical and sporting regulations in terms of electronics, alongside the introduction of the SECU, have led to the removal of a host of a driver aids, such as traction control and engine breaking and the electronically assisted starting system, and also mean that management of the differential, engine and gearchange are much simpler.

The gearbox casing is produced in carbon, while the transmission continues to be mounted longitudinally. For the second consecutive year the gearchange is fitted with a quick shift system, adapted to the SECU software and further speeded up. In dealing with the reliability aspect of the new regulations, Shell has played a key role in defining the lubricants for the gearbox. The braking system has been updated with new callipers and innovative concepts regarding cooling.

The 056 engine is mounted longitudinally and continues as a load bearing element. Its basic structure remains unchanged compared to the unit homologated at the start of last season, while its auxiliary systems, air and fuel intakes have been further developed. The technical regulations also call for the use of fuel corresponding to European Union norms, with a content of components derived from biological sources equal to 5.75%.

As usual, during the design and development stages of the entire car, our technical partners played an important role. Apart from previously mentioned significant input from Shell, also worthy of note is the contribution of the Fiat Research Centre, especially in providing simulation systems and Brembo for its work in developing the braking system.

As is now traditional, a great deal of attention was paid to the performance and optimising of the materials used at the design stage and through quality control, striving to maximise performance levels while attaining the highest possible safety standards.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure

Ferrari longitudinal gearbox Limited-slip differential

Semiautomatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox quick-shift

Number of gears: 7 + Reverse

Ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes

Independent suspension, push-rod activated torsion springs front and rear

Weight (with water, lubricant and driver): 605 kg

BBS Wheels (front and rear): 13''

Engine

Type: 056

Number of cylinders: 8

Cylinder block in cast aluminium: V 90°

Number of valves: 32

Pneumatic distribution

Total displacement: 2398 cm3

Piston bore: 98 mm

Weight: <95 kg

Magneti Marelli digital electronic injection

Magneti Marelli static electronic ignition

Fuel: Shell V-Power ULG 64

Lubricant: Shell SL-1098

rkplover

01-06-2008, 10:00 AM

McLaren has had long term drivers in history and they have proven to be good. Not surprise.

blue8

01-06-2008, 01:08 PM

F2008:
http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/9728/f20083ak3.jpg
http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6135/f20081jd3.jpg
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1412/f2008previewaz5.jpg

5vz-fe

01-06-2008, 06:23 PM

Is it me or the car still looks pretty long?

Bizi Jones

01-07-2008, 01:28 AM

http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64315_080008pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64315_080008pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64316_080009pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64316_080009pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64317_0800010pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64317_0800010pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64318_0800011pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64318_0800011pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64319_0800012pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64319_0800012pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64321_0800013pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64321_0800013pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64322_0800014pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64322_0800014pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64323_0800015pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64323_0800015pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/64324_0800016pre.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=64324_0800016pre.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_102.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_102.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_103.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_103.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_104.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_104.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_105.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_105.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_106.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_106.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_107.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_107.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_108.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_108.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_109.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_109.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_110.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_110.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_111.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_111.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_112.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_112.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_113.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_113.jpg) http://img0801.paintedover.com/uploads/thumbs/0801/diapo_114.jpg (http://paintedover.com/uploads/show.php?loc=0801&f=diapo_114.jpg)

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RC45

01-07-2008, 01:59 AM

These modern era open wheel cars continue to be the ugliest ever conceived.

On a seperate note, have you guys seen the new NASCAR rulebook car? It now has a proper ricer wing outback ;)

So with F1 getting nigth racing, and NASCAR getting F&F bodykits - why not just bring the 2 series together?

They are both a just a parade of the highest dollar teams on the track at the same time - no real racing as every race is won or lost uner yellow flags or with pitstop strategy.

The actual driving is not even that important anymore ;)

blue8

01-07-2008, 09:49 AM

McLaren MP4-23 launched!
McLaren Mercedes today presented the MP4-23, the team’s 2008 Formula One car, at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Daimler Board, and Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group, welcomed all the guests to the official presentation, with Lewis Hamilton, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, and Heikki Kovalainen joined on stage by Pedro de la Rosa and fellow test driver Gary Paffett to unveil the MP4-23.

The car was completed yesterday and left the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK at around 18:00 GMT on Sunday and was driven in a Mercedes-Benz Actros to the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, having covered approximately 1000kms, arriving around 10:00 this morning.

Upon arrival in Stuttgart, the car was transported to the 53,000 sqm Mercedes-Benz Museum, one of the world’s largest and most renowned car museums. About 700 Mercedes-Benz employees from the nearby manufacturing plant Stuttgart-Untertürkheim had the opportunity to attend today’s event at the end of their early shift alongside the more than 400 media and other guests. The Mercedes-Benz employees had the opportunity to enter a draw of which the lucky winners were able to meet and spend some time with Hamilton and Kovalainen.

Following today’s event the car will be transported to the Circuito de Jerez in Southern Spain, where on Wednesday Kovalainen and de la Rosa will start the test programme with two MP4-23 chassis at a private test. The team will remain at the circuit for five track days, excluding the weekend. Hamilton will drive the 2008 car for the first time on Thursday alongside Kovalainen.

More: http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/080107143827.shtml

Bizi Jones

01-07-2008, 02:24 PM

fiorano from today

http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=a84kyLLSDd8

Bizi Jones

01-07-2008, 03:48 PM

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blue8

01-08-2008, 12:26 PM

Thanks for all the pics Bizi Jones!
MP4-23
http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o312/ozzykel/89876.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1149/21443mclarenmercedeshr4.jpg
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/9499/214577879709310resizeid7.jpg
Heikki Kovalainen: "'I couldn't live without my Vodafone mobile phone" :laugh:
Hi-res: http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o312/ozzykel/21443McLaren-Mercedes.jpg

saadie

01-09-2008, 07:52 PM

Bizi Jones

01-09-2008, 08:18 PM

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blue8

01-10-2008, 11:53 AM

^^ no no you got it all wrong :lol: ..

hamilton to hekki : dude we love eachother right ..
hekki: yeash
hamilton: give me your phone and i'll give you mine .. lets take pictures of each other :laugh:

:\ ..

thanks frot he pics blue bizi jones :)

Lol!
Actually that was an actual quote of Kovalainen from an 'interview'. He's quickly learning the corporate ways of McLaren...

Toyota TF108 launched:
After the disappointment of the 2007 season, Toyota this morning unveiled its 2008 challenger, the TF108, in Germany.

Running the traditional red and white livery, the new design features large sidepod scoops a distinctive front wing and the now standard wheel inserts.

"The concept of this car has changed," Pascal Vasselon explained. "The aero package is aimed at better balance and the wheel base is now longer."

The Chassis General Manager went on to explain that there is still plenty of work to do ahead of the new season and that setting targets for the new package was the easy part, achieving those targets was the real challenge.

Toyota Motorsport President John Howett acknowledged that the team needs to make a big step with the new car. "The biggest single change we have tried to make this year is what influences the performance elements," he said. "We feel in good shape but we have to be paranoid and that hard work has to continue."

Howett was also asked about the recruitment of Timo Glock for the forthcoming season and he explained that Glock caught his eye in the second half of the 2006 GP2 championship after switching teams. "Last year he was dominant showing great race skill beyond raw speed," Howett continued. "He has great technical confidence which will add value to our performance this year."

"We need to do better. We only exist to win and we have similar resource to the other teams and we are sure we have a strong and competent team. We have to work harder and smarter than our competitors."Other news:
Giancarlo Fisichella is confirmed to drive for Force India. This is his nth team change! Vitantonio Liuzzi has been signed as the teams reserve and test driver. Ralf Schumacher won't be racing in the upcoming season. This is the first time the Schumacher name won't be in the F1 line-up since 1991.

Alex Wurz is signed as Honda's test driver.

Bizi Jones

01-10-2008, 12:28 PM

u mean fist time since 1991 ;)

blue8

01-10-2008, 12:39 PM

Haha... yeah didn't see that
Edited

Bizi Jones

01-11-2008, 01:19 AM

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5vz-fe

01-11-2008, 01:38 AM

^Ahh, another year from Toyota going no where.

Bizi Jones

01-11-2008, 02:36 AM

pffff....what makes you say that...THAT actually looks like a modern f1 car...or a trace of the mp4-22

not saying they'll be competitive...but its by far the most radical change from Toyota

styla21

01-11-2008, 04:40 AM

That Toyta is aesthetically boring! :bored:
*Yawn.

(Now there is a good looking car (see below) ;-) )

saadie

01-11-2008, 12:26 PM

yeah i agree .. the paint scheme of toyota is utterly boring :\

blue8

01-14-2008, 10:34 AM

BMW Sauber F1.08 launched!
The BMW Sauber team on Monday became the fourth Formula One squad to unveil their 2008 challenger in an event held in Munich, Germany.

The new F1.08, with which the German outfit hope to take a step forward from last season, is BMW's third Formula One car since the manufacturer took over the Sauber squad in 2005.

The car, which will do a few laps at 2pm on a special track at the BMW Welt, incorporates a low triple-plane front wing, X-wings behind the cockpit and wheel covers in the front and rear.

BMW were one of the surprises of the 2007 season, when they established themselves as the third strongest team behind Ferrari and McLaren.

The team finished in second place in the constructors' championship following McLaren's disqualification from the standings.

"We have come quite a long way in two and a half years since the new team was created," said BMW motorsport chief Mario Theissen during the launch.

"We had two strong seasons and we spent a lot of effort on the new car. The F1.08 includes everything we learned, everything we experienced in the past two years. It will be a big step forward again.

"We are very confident to turn the battle with the cars in front of us into a battle with more than two years."

Theissen believes it will be hard to score their first race win with McLaren and Ferrari proving such strong competitors.

"It will certainly be difficult because the two teams in front of us are the strongest and most experienced," he added. "They will do a big leap so we have to improve more than they will. We made good progress in the past two years I am confident we can do it again and close the gap."

The car will be raced by Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica, who remain at the team for the third consecutive year.

"We think they are the best drivers," Theissen said. "I am pretty sure that they both can still improve, even this year because the car is supposed to be superior to what we had last year. We had a good relationship between the drivers and engineers.

"I see the drivers as key people of the technical team and with Nick and Robert we can be sure to make progress."

blue8

01-14-2008, 11:01 AM

Engine development freeze shortened to five years:
F1's freeze on engine development is set to be reduced to just five years after the teams agreed to the change.

According to Autosport, the teams met in Paris on Friday to discuss various proposals, which included reducing the length of the engine development freeze as well as a possible budget cap.

All 11 teams agreed to shorten the current 10-year freeze to just five years while the possibility of a new engine concept was also discussed.

The engine, which could be introduced in 2013, would be more cost-efficient than the current 2.4-litre V8 unit as well being environmentally friendly.

Budget caps were also looked at with one suggestion being that the cap is set around the £80 million mark.

However, while Ferrari agreed that the costs of competing in F1 need to be reduced, the Scuderia were reportedly against the idea of a budget cap.

But despite the apparent lack of consensus, one F1 insider told Autosport: "It was a very positive and productive meeting."

blue8

01-16-2008, 09:21 AM

Red Bull RB4 launched!
Red Bull Racing unveiled their new Renault-powered RB4 car at Jerez in Spain this morning, as they bid to build on team stability to deliver their most competitive season in Formula One.

The new car, which is the second to have been designed by technical chief Adrian Newey, was rolled out into the Jerez pitlane early this morning. It features the bridge wing that the team used at the end of last season.

Webber said last weekend that he hoped the continuity of driver, engine and technical staff would help the team deliver improved results in 2008.

"The biggest thing for us this year is the continuity," he said. "We have the same engine, we have the same drivers, and we have the same technical staff.

"All the engineers that [teammate] David [Coulthard] and I worked with are the same, so that's going to help us come Sunday afternoon."

Mattk

01-19-2008, 04:04 AM

5 years is still too long. F1 is all about spearheading automotive engineering.

5vz-fe

01-28-2008, 01:20 AM

Gigawave, makers of on-board motor racecar cameras, have hired the main character of F1’s most scandalous story ever. Race and Technical engineer Nigel Stepney, who was fired by the Scuderia Ferrari team for suspicion of sabotage and subsequent uncovering of his involvement in transferring Ferrari secrets to rival McLaren, is the new Director of Race Technologies at Gigawave.

"Gigawave Ltd feels that an engineer of Nigel's calibre and experience can only benefit the business's future technological development," read a statement from the company.

The Tifosi however, have very little to fear from the return of Stepney to motorsport as he will not be in F1 at all. He may though, still be indirectly involved in the success or failure of the team as his new job description suggests.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080126.001/f1-spy-gate-man-joins-gigawave-for-motorsport-cameras

I wonder how much he got paid.

styla21

01-28-2008, 04:55 AM

I wonder how much he got paid.

You would think a LOT less than he was receiving at Ferrari :-)

HeilSvenska

01-30-2008, 04:19 PM

Briatore may retire when Fernando leaves Renault. (Fernando may move to Ferrari in 2009.)

Renault F1 boss suggests he may not be a fixture of the Formula 1 paddock for all that much longer...

Flavio Briatore has hinted that when Fernando Alonso leaves Renault again, he may take a back step from Formula 1.

The flamboyant Italian - who has managed Alonso since 1999 - nurtured the Spaniard through the junior formulae before the pair went on to achieve their greatest triumph together with two world drivers' and constructors' championship crowns in 2005 and 2006. Now the 26-year-old has returned to the French outfit once more, both are clearly keen to resume that success.

Paddock rumours, however, continue to suggest that Alonso has all-but agreed terms to join Ferrari in 2009, and though he has a two-year deal with the Régie, there is believed to be a get-out clause that would allow him to escape the team at the end of the forthcoming season should the performance of the car not live up to expectations.
Briatore's contract with Renault also expires at the end of 2008, and after almost two decades spent in grand prix circles, he has recently been making noises about moving away from the top flight - for a while, at least.

"I've brought a lot to F1 and received a lot in return," the 58-year-old is quoted as having told Spanish daily sports newspaper Marca during the Valencia test. "I think when I end this adventure with Renault, with Fernando Alonso, I'll take a rest."
-Eurosport

Kimi Raikkonen will stay with Ferrari until he retires.

Loyalty is not one of the qualities generally displayed in the Formula One circus. The market for grand prix drivers is as fluid as the Mediterranean, but Kimi Raikkonen says he's at home. The returning champion has two years left on his contract with Ferrari, and though he doesn't know what he'll decide to do when his contract runs out, he's declared that he sees no reason to move to another F1 team.

Speaking with the Spanish newspaper Marca while leading the time boards at the official testing sessions at the Valencia circuit, Raikkonen says that at the end of next year, he'll either stay with Ferrari, retire from motorsports or possibly contest a few rallies. One way or another, it's got to be a relief for Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo. CEO Jean Todt and team principal Stefano Domenicali says that, assuming Kimi keeps his word, they'll never have to worry about chasing the Ice Man around the track again.
-F1-Live

An Indian group shows interest in Super Aguri Team. (And Honda's eager to ditch them.)

The Indian telco Spice Group has confirmed that it is interested in buying into the struggling Super Aguri Formula One team.

The Mohali-based company is reportedly leading a consortium of fellow Indian corporates, possibly including the business group Tata as a potential sponsor, who are keen to join the Grand Prix circus and bring former Jordan racer and Williams test driver Narain Karthikeyan back to the grid.

Spice Group is already involved in single seater motor racing, and with Karthikeyan, through promotion of the Indian A1 GP team.

The Indian publication Daily News and Analysis (DNA) reports that the Spice consortium proposes a buyout price of just $1, including underwriting the small Japanese team's $47m in debt. Aguri Suzuki will reportedly be left in charge.

Spice CEO Andaleeb Sehgal on Wednesday would not confirm that the Super Aguri takeover is complete.

"There has been no acquisition yet," he said. "We are talking to two teams at the moment. One of them is Super Aguri."

"Now we are waiting to come up with a realistic valuation of the team. Should we find a number within our reach we will then proceed to buy," Sehgal added.
-F1-Live

And finally, Honda says its cars suck like their new hippy livery and racing overalls.

blue8

02-05-2008, 07:27 AM

Launched cars:
Honda RA108
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64807

Renault R28
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64931

Testing:
BARCELONA
Day 1: Hamilton
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64954

Day 2: Vettel
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64961

Day 3: Webber
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64968

Spanish fans throw racist comments at Hamilton:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64959

BAHRAIN (Ferrari and Toyota are the only participants for this test)
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/64980

blue8

02-09-2008, 12:58 PM

Russian GP in the future; Australian GP out
Bernie Ecclestone is determined to scratch Australia from the F1 calendar to make room for a Russian Grand Prix in the near future, according to reports.

After Melbourne GP chiefs ruled out bowing to the F1 chief executive's demands for a night race beyond 2010, the British tabloid Daily Mirror claims that Ecclestone will now travel to Saint Petersburg to discuss holding a race in the Russian city by 2010.

The newspaper said the British billionaire will meet with Saint Petersburg's governor next weekend, and possibly also president Vladimir Putin, for talks about the building of a bespoke circuit.

Adding Russia to the Formula One calendar has been in the air for many years now but nothing conclusive has ever been presented, which seems to be the case once again.

"Nothing is done yet," Ecclestone said, "but this could be an interesting development for the sport. We'd like to get it in the calendar as soon as we can but that depends on them. It's down to how long it takes them to get the circuit ready."

Ecclestone's comments coincide with new reports in Australia that say Ecclestone has made it clear that there is "no chance" that Melbourne will feature on the calendar beyond the expiry of its contract in 2010.

Sensing that the tough stance against a night event could cost Melbourne its race might have compelled Dato Mokhzani Mahathir to declare that Malaysia is open about the prospects of erecting floodlights at the Sepang circuit.

To the Bangkok Post, he denied that Ecclestone threatened to exclude Malaysia from F1 if the promoters did not agree to staging a night race.

"No, it was never an ultimatum from Bernie where either we do a night race or get the contract cancelled," Dato Mokhzani Mahathir said. "Our current contract is up to 2010 and then last year when we were negotiating for an extension a clause was put in to the contract (to 2015) saying that we need to be ready to host the race at night."

He added that all the details have not yet been decided, but "definitely we hope to have a night race by next year."

styla21

02-09-2008, 06:39 PM

NO!!
Australia can't lose the GP... :crying: Max mosley is contesting the idea.. So I am crossing my fingers.

HeilSvenska

02-10-2008, 01:55 AM

What?! That's stupid! Bernie can't force Australia to hold a night race! (I guess he can) What makes him think that a Russian one would be better? If anything, they should come down to Long Beach! :-P

Mattk

02-20-2008, 09:31 PM

Yeah, I'm really pissed that Ecclestone is even considering dropping Melbourne from the calendar. Australia has a long-standing motorsports culture. Russia does not. Logical choice - Australia.

styla21

02-21-2008, 03:03 AM

Yeah, I'm really pissed that Ecclestone is even considering dropping Melbourne from the calendar. Australia has a long-standing motorsports culture. Russia does not. Logical choice - Australia.

Agreed!
141 Million people with a rapidly growing middle class who love luxury and flamboyancy, might be a reason though ;-)

Sadly, the 20m Aussie slide down the worlds food chain of importance. I wouldn't bet against seeing a greater India / Chinese presence over the next few years too...

Mattk

02-24-2008, 08:32 PM

Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if India picks up a race. At least in China they actually care about motorsports, a little.

blue8

02-27-2008, 01:15 PM

Ron Dennis has forcibly relinquished his role as Team Principal of McLaren, and will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Martin Whitmarsh, a Spanish newspaper claims.

The national sports daily Marca says the decision, compelled by the British team's engine and equity partner Mercedes-Benz, will shortly be confirmed by means of a press release.

Marca said Mercedes was angered by Dennis' handling of the espionage scandal last year that cost the outfit $100m and arguably both titles.

Dennis, who has overseen McLaren's ultra-successful reign since the early 1980s, could be given a new position but will not be in a crucial decision-making role, the publication claimed.

Dennis owns 15 per cent of McLaren, with the rest of the equity divided between Mercedes, a Bahraini company, and Mansour Ojjeh.

McLaren has yet to comment on the matter.

Considering this came from Marca, this rumor is unlikely to be true. But then again who knows?

HeilSvenska

02-27-2008, 01:17 PM

^Gah. You just beat me to that! It's plausible, but I wouldn't fire someone with so much experience in the field. Then again, a person with that much experience should know better.

nthfinity

02-27-2008, 01:21 PM

wow, talk about potentially the biggest shakeup in F1 history....

sti4_ver

02-28-2008, 01:55 AM

If the rumour is true, it will not do good for Lewis and Heikki.

blue8

03-03-2008, 09:53 AM

Rumors that he was fired are untrue. But news are saying that he's stepping down... still a rumor until it's officially confirmed
Dennis ready to step aside

Ron Dennis is likely to hand over the role of McLaren team principal to F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh before the end of this month, autosport.com has learned, but has not yet decided exactly when he will do so.

There has been mounting speculation about Dennis' future in recent weeks, with the 60-year-old believed to be increasingly keen to focus more on family matters and other aspects of the McLaren Group business than just the F1 team.

Dennis is also understood to believe that his departure as team principal will help relieve tension remaining at the team in the wake of last year's spy scandal, which left the team stripped of their constructors' championship points and fined $100 million (USD).

Sources have made it clear, however, that although Dennis is planning to change his role within McLaren, he has not yet settled on exactly when that will be.

It could be within a matter of days, or may not happen until after the season, which kicks off in Melbourne on March 16, has begun. However, a decision on the exact handover is expected to take place later this month.

Last week, Whitmarsh made it clear that Dennis still had the full support of McLaren's shareholders - and that any decision about his future was for him to take alone.

"Ron is fully supported by all our shareholders, all our management, and all who work for our team and our company," Whitmarsh told autosport.com.

"He currently has three roles: Chairman, McLaren Group; Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Group; Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

"It therefore follows that it is for Ron to decide when and if he should step down, step away, step back, or whatever."

Mattk

03-11-2008, 10:42 PM

http://www.smh.com.au/news/motorsport/bernies-night-vision-for-melbourne-grand-prix/2008/03/11/1205125911230.html

The Melbourne GP organisers have agreed to start the race at 5pm. That's the time when most races in Australia, and in the world, end. That's the time when most people want to make dinner, go out etc. TV schedules will be shaken up because the news is on at 6pm. But no, Bernie Ecclestone wants a night race because it's better for the European market. He accuses the organisers of being uncooperative. What a douchebag. They have been more than cooperative. If Ecclestone is really interested in racing and race development, he'd accept 5pm. If he was really interested in the sport he is in charge of, he would let the organisers stick to the old start time. But he is interested only in money.

HeilSvenska

03-11-2008, 10:55 PM

^That's frustrating. The only non-endurance race that happens at night is usually NASCAR when they have red flag conditions that impede the race for a while. It's fine for me, who's on the West Coast of the US, but when the races end at like 9:00pm here, that means that people have been watching till 12:00am in the East Coast. But Ecclestone doesn't care about fans like that. I mean, the man threatened to put Silverstone out of business, and Spa's.

Mattk

03-11-2008, 10:59 PM

What Ecclestone doesn't seem to understand is that the Melbourne GP weekend also involves myriad other races/competitions, including the V8 Supercars, an Australia/New Zealand NASCAR with lots of sharp corners which is rated one of the best touring car tournaments in the world by racing professionals.

HeilSvenska

03-11-2008, 11:24 PM

HeilSvenska

03-17-2008, 12:01 PM

oops wrong thread.

HeilSvenska

03-17-2008, 12:02 PM

Australia F1 night race ruled out

State officials have ruled out staging a night Grand Prix in Australia, despite Bernie Ecclestone saying the future of the race may depend on it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7286957.stm

What will Bernie do now that he can't have his way?

blue8

03-17-2008, 12:20 PM

^ He'll come up with retarded regulations such as this one:
F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is keen to see the Drivers' Championship decided on race wins rather than points.

According to Ecclestone, F1 needs more overtaking and more excitement and that both objects would be achieved if drivers took more risks to pass each other.

And one reason to take risks would be if it were wins, not points, that won a driver the title.

"I got a bit waylaid last season, what with all the business with McLaren and Ferrari, but it is my intention to push this idea through in the coming weeks," Ecclestone told the Mail on Sunday.

"The key word in motor racing is 'racing.' And right now there are not enough overtaking manoeuvres in the sport because drivers are happy not to take risks and claim second place because it is only two points less than winning the race.

"What I want to see is the winner of the most number of races as World Champion, and second places only to be used if the top two finish the season with the same number of wins.

"The constructors would keep the existing system."

Hopefully, this won't push through.

Regarding Australia, I heard from somewhere that Sydney is willing to host a night race...

RC45

03-17-2008, 12:49 PM

What a whining retard Egostone is - if the audiecne wants to watch, they will wake up early/stay up late and watch it.

The idea of holding an event at night in one region just so a another region can watch it on daytime telly is absurd and stupid.

i have not followed F1 for almost a decade now, and don't miss it one bit.

F1 of the mid 90's was the last time it was a real series, with real racing and real drivers ;)

LEXION

03-17-2008, 04:36 PM

Formula 1 is highest earning sport per event

The Sports Business Group at Deloitte has piublished details of a survey into profits in sports and has concluded that Formula 1 is the highest revenue generator, with the 18 Grands Prix in 2007 having an average revenue of $217m. This compares to NFL, which generates just $24m per game and the Premier League, which can claim only $8m per event. Based on overall income, however, F1 ranks third behind NFL and Major League Baseball, but remains ahead of the Premier League. The revenues comprise the central revenues (from broadcasting, race sponsorship and corporate hospitality), team revenues (including sponsorship and contributions from their commercial partners and owners) plus circuit revenues (from ticketing and certain sponsorships).

"Global revenues of more than $3.9 billion and total viewing figures in excess of 350m for the 2007 season make impressive reading," says Alan Switzer, Director in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte. "With measures such as the future Asian expansion, development of more ‘local heroes’ (potentially in India and China) and the introduction of night racing we would expect these figures to continue to rise."

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns20131.html

http://www.worldcarfans.com/9080317.012/f1-earns-217m-per-event

Ohh yeah its all about the competition and driving and strategy and fans and .....

blue8

03-25-2008, 12:32 PM

Sepang to host night race as early as next year
Malaysian Grand Prix chiefs are poised to give the green light to turning next year's event into a night race, following talks with teams and drivers at Sepang last weekend.

The circuit has expressed an interest in following Singapore's lead and run at night, but wanted to hold back on making a firm decision until after discussions with Formula One's competitors.

However, with a successful event at Sepang last weekend that attracted 179,000 people over three days, circuit chiefs have now confirmed that they do want to a night race - and possibly as early as next year.

The track's general manager Datuk Azmi Murad told the New Strait Times newspaper: "After 10 successful years, we need a new challenge and this is the challenge we are looking for. Efforts will now be focused towards that."

Azmi said, however, that there was no firm date pencilled in for the first night race, although he hoped it would be 2009.

"We will start working on the night race and if all goes to plan, it will be next year," he explained.

Alonso fuels Ferrari switch rumors
Rather than downplay rumours that he could be off to Ferrari to replace Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso has instead stoked the fires.

Following two retirements - and two mistakes - in the opening two races of the season, reports have emerged suggesting that the Ferrari could replace Massa at the end of the season with Alonso and Toro Rosso's Sebastian Vettel being the most likely candidates.

But while Toro Rosso have denied Vettel could be moving, Alonso has revealed he has an escape clause in his contract that he may just use if Ferrari continue to impress as they did in Malaysia.

"It's early to talk about moves and rumours, but Massa has had two bad races with mistakes and that has kicked off speculation," the double World Champion said. "It's logical, but as I said, it's too early.

"I always try to be in the best car. I'm at Renault now because I wanted to go back to winning, like in 2005 and 2006. If not this year, then next year.

"But I have an option to leave so I can still be in the best possible car, and it is clear that Ferrari's is one of the best."

However, in a separate article, Ferrari gave their vote of confidence to Massa