F1 News & Rumours

[mindgam3]

This sticky (soon hopefully to become a sub forum) will contain ONLY officially released F1 news. I emphasise, OFFICIAL news, i.e direct from the teams or related body/company. Rumours will go in the rumour sticky.

Thanks

[mindgam3]

Please feel free to post any rumours you hear about anything to do with F1. If these rumours have been officially confirmed by the company/person please post in the F1 NEWS sticky.

Thanks

[sameerrao]

What are you going to do about the old news and rumours sticky - there could be posts in both sections by mistake???

[mindgam3]

ok, lets start the ball rolling ;)

Gehard Berger Coming Back to F1.... for the FIA

"Ex-F1 star and BMW motorsport boss Gerhard Berger is poised for a sensational return to Formula 1 in a senior FIA role.

F1 Racing magazine, on sale today, reveals that Berger, who quit BMW at the 2003 Italian GP, has been earmarked by FIA president Max Mosley as one of his key future aides.

Mosley is widely tipped to stand for re-election in October and should his bid succeed, he wants to delegate many of the president's responsibilities to two hand-picked individuals.

Berger would be Mosley's chosen representative to take on the bulk of the FIA president's motorsport duties.

Speaking exclusively to F1 Racing Mosley says: "It wasn't my intention to stand for re-election, but now there's significant pressure from all sides of the FIA saying I should.

“But if I do it will be as part of a team of three people - one doing the sport, one doing the touring side and one doing not nearly so much."

Berger, who has had no F1 involvement since leaving last year, has in the past said he has no ambition ever to be FIA president. But he has also told friends he misses the sport and would relish an opportunity to become involved once again at a senior level.

Were Berger to be appointed, he would be likely to adopt the title of FIA deputy president (motorsport). "

At last maybe we'll get some decent input from them ;)

[Toronto]

What are you going to do about the old news and rumours sticky - there could be posts in both sections by mistake???

mayb it should be locked

[stracing]

im confused already :roll:

[mindgam3]

it has been locked

[sameerrao]

Source: http://f1.racing-live.com

Williams to race one car with normal nose.

Williams promised a noticeable change to the front part of their FW26 in Hungary. The car is fitted with a more traditional nose section and the first pictures of the new design are now available.

Does it mean that the 'walrus nose' solution is a thing of the past? Not entirely since only Antonio Pizzonia's car was equipped with the new design while Montoya's FW26 was still showing up with the original nose style.

It seems highly probable that Williams will test the two nose configurations on Friday and then decide which design shows the best performance. It is not clear at the moment if both drivers will run with an identical front section after the first day or if only one driver will benefit from the most suitable choice.

We should know more about that very soon...

http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/imgactu/04/williams-hungaroring_120804_220x159.jpg

[mindgam3]

hmmm, think i've got an article somewhere about the differences and advantages between the "walrus" and regular nose, i'll try find out.

I think the main disadvantage with the walrus nose is that theres too much flex (lateral i presume) whilst williams thought they had overcome this and it was equally rigid as a regual nose, many doubt if they had.... guess thats why they reverted to the old style

[5vz-fe]

Coulthard targets Button's BAR drive
His best option for 2005

"You target all the seats that are available and I think BAR's performance this year quite clearly has been fantastic and there is no reason to expect that they are going to be any further away next season," said Coulthard. "I can understand on the face of it Jenson's desire to go to Williams but at the moment BAR are doing a better job. There are only so many seats available and in time we'll find out whether there's one available for me."

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/040812200528.shtml

[Toronto]

Source: http://f1.racing-live.com

Williams to race one car with normal nose.

Williams promised a noticeable change to the front part of their FW26 in Hungary. The car is fitted with a more traditional nose section and the first pictures of the new design are now available.

Does it mean that the 'walrus nose' solution is a thing of the past? Not entirely since only Antonio Pizzonia's car was equipped with the new design while Montoya's FW26 was still showing up with the original nose style.

It seems highly probable that Williams will test the two nose configurations on Friday and then decide which design shows the best performance. It is not clear at the moment if both drivers will run with an identical front section after the first day or if only one driver will benefit from the most suitable choice.

We should know more about that very soon...

http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/imgactu/04/williams-hungaroring_120804_220x159.jpg

i also heard that next year they are going back to the old style nose

[sameerrao]

Perhaps the twin tusks puts too much weight on the front wheels?? No idea

[Toronto]

Perhaps the twin tusks puts too much weight on the front wheels?? No idea

or the single keel, and tight nosed ferrari is faster :wink:

[possessed_beaver]

i recall at the begining of the season when evreyone was ripping shit into them they just replied "when we are lapping tracks a few tenths faster then who is looking stupid"

but unfortunatley this season has been very disapointing for williams, i wouldent think the drivers where giving 100% seeing as they are both leaving at the end of the year, and one of them was badley injured and they have been cycling through replacment drivers.

[Toronto]

Williams wants Newey for next year

Frank Williams has admitted he would be interested in trying to lure McLaren's designer Adrian Newey back to his team.

Williams denied speculation in Formula One that he had already had a meeting with Newey, whose contract as McLaren technical director ends in July 2005.

But asked by BBC Sport if he would be interested in rehiring Newey, Williams said: "We'd certainly have a look."

McLaren F1 chief executive Martin Whitmarsh said he did not think Newey would move to another team.

Whitmarsh said Newey was contractually obliged to let McLaren know by a specific date if he intended to leave.

He would not reveal the length of that notice period, but did say that Newey had not given any indications that he might quit McLaren.

"Adrian has certainly given me and Ron (Dennis, McLaren's team principal) the impression that he's happy within the team," Whitmarsh said.

"Do I believe he is going to go to another Formula One team? No, I don't believe he would. I don't believe there's any will, motivation or justification for him to do that.

"But will he reach the point in his career where he wants to take some time out, either take a break or step back a little bit? He may do.

"Adrian is a very focused individual and at the moment he is totally focused and working hard on next year's car.

"And I think that's what's important to him - making sure we are out there to win a championship next year.

"The relationship between Adrian and the team is probably stronger and better than it's ever been."

Newey, regarded as the best aerodynamic designer in F1, worked for Williams for more than six years before moving to McLaren in 1997.

Newey, who did not attend the Hungarian Grand Prix and was not available for comment, told BBC Sport last month he did not know what his next career move would be.

It had been thought he would take a break from the sport, perhaps to pursue opportunities in his other interest, yachting - he has spoken in the past about wanting to design a boat for the America's Cup.

Williams would be expected to benefit if Newey returned.

The team dominated F1 while Newey was their chief designer, but have won only nine races since his departure.

Williams are perceived to have struggled most with the aerodynamics of their cars in recent years and luring Newey back would be a massive boost for them, and a correspondingly large blow to McLaren.

Newey left Williams because he wanted more say in the running of the team.

Team owners Frank Williams and Patrick Head refused to loosen their control or offer him equity in the outfit.

But Head stepped aside from his role as technical director earlier this year to take on a position focusing on long-term strategy.

[sameerrao]

^^^ I think Newey left originally because he felt that Patrick Head was cramping his style and not allowing him too much independence. So he could be back only if he is guaranteed full control. But why? He seems to have gone off the boil over the last past few years - his cars ahven't really shook the earth have they?

[mindgam3]

^^^ I think Newey left originally because he felt that Patrick Head was cramping his style and not allowing him too much independence. So he could be back only if he is guaranteed full control. But why? He seems to have gone off the boil over the last past few years - his cars ahven't really shook the earth have they?

i think a lot of teams top engineers etc are getting too old and will soon be retiring, I think we will see a lot of fresh faces in teams in a few years. As for neway, they said williams have been struggling with their aero stuff, but he's hardly made a big impact recently at mclaren as you said, their cars have been way off the pace for the majority of this year

[possessed_beaver]

^^^ I think Newey left originally because he felt that Patrick Head was cramping his style and not allowing him too much independence. So he could be back only if he is guaranteed full control. But why? He seems to have gone off the boil over the last past few years - his cars ahven't really shook the earth have they?

i think a lot of teams top engineers etc are getting too old and will soon be retiring, I think we will see a lot of fresh faces in teams in a few years. As for neway, they said williams have been struggling with their aero stuff, but he's hardly made a big impact recently at mclaren as you said, their cars have been way off the pace for the majority of this year

do you think it is more problems with reliablity and fixing rear wings to there cars, and tyre choices, then things that can be pinned on an "indervidual effort"
i think it was a team.. evreyone of them working together to stuff this season up.

[sameerrao]

^^^ I think Newey left originally because he felt that Patrick Head was cramping his style and not allowing him too much independence. So he could be back only if he is guaranteed full control. But why? He seems to have gone off the boil over the last past few years - his cars ahven't really shook the earth have they?

i think a lot of teams top engineers etc are getting too old and will soon be retiring, I think we will see a lot of fresh faces in teams in a few years. As for neway, they said williams have been struggling with their aero stuff, but he's hardly made a big impact recently at mclaren as you said, their cars have been way off the pace for the majority of this year

do you think it is more problems with reliablity and fixing rear wings to there cars, and tyre choices, then things that can be pinned on an "indervidual effort"
i think it was a team.. evreyone of them working together to stuff this season up.

Well a man in Adrian Newey's position as the Technical Director is responsible for coordinating all elements of the car design and provide the roadmap to future technical enhancement.

But he hasn't come up with anything special since 1998/1999. All his attempts for revolutionary change has come to nought. Sure the Mclaren has improved say a second and a half per lap per year but when Ferrari improves by 3 secs it is not good enough.

Sure a lot of the blame for this season can be blamed on a lack of power from the Mercedes engine and attrocious reliability. But some of the poor reliability is due to very tight rear cowl design which is causing the engines to overheat. Mercedes have gone off the boil after the death of the key Ilmor technical partner.

But engine apart, the Mclaren drivers were complaints of the MP4-19 were that the cars very difficult on the entry to corners and mid-corner. David mentioned understeer with oversteer midway through the corner. These can be attributed to weight balance front and rear, suspension settings, aero grip. All these are under the control of Mclaren.

Mclarens also use up their rear tyres more than the Renaults - again suspension issues.

Also in a race without technical issues (not many come to mind :P ), Mclaren has not really shown any special speed.

As the technical director, Newey needs to channel Mercedes, Mclaren and Michelin to get the most out of the car.

I hope the luck of Mclaren, Williams and Renault will change .. I want Ferrari to win but with a fight like last year :D

[Toronto]

In other news,
There is another.... Ayrton's nephew begins a racing career
http://www.f1central.net/news/1092848060.html - full story, it would be great to see how he does i hope he has some skill, not just all hype :P

[possessed_beaver]

In other news,
There is another.... Ayrton's nephew begins a racing career
http://www.f1central.net/news/1092848060.html - full story, it would be great to see how he does i hope he has some skill, not just all hype :P

im guessing it will all be hype, and living in the shadow of what was a great racer!

[dulja]

i believe that jaques villen is returning to bar!!!!!!!

[possessed_beaver]

i believe that jaques villen is returning to bar!!!!!!!

well nothing is set yet - he is begging them to join by the sounds of it.

and the whole jenson button thing has to get settled yet.
i rely hope that williams can pull of some wins next year!

[chipanggo]

according to F1Racing.net, Ferrari's Jean Todt and "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" star, Michelle Yeoh are an "item". :D

[sameerrao]

according to F1Racing.net, Ferrari's Jean Todt and "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" star, Michelle Yeoh are an "item". :D

I saw it somewhere else - isnt he married - I know he has a kid ...

[chipanggo]

according to F1Racing.net, Ferrari's Jean Todt and "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" star, Michelle Yeoh are an "item". :D

I saw it somewhere else - isnt he married - I know he has a kid ...


from what i recall, he does have a son. maybe he's separated from his wife.

[5vz-fe]

Damn, I wonder how they meet......film festival? F1 Race Weekend?

[chipanggo]

Damn, I wonder how they meet......film festival? F1 Race Weekend?

they met in shanghai when ferrari went there to run their F1 cars.

[Toronto]

i heard JV is going to NASCAR next year, that is sad :oops:

[sameerrao]

i heard JV is going to NASCAR next year, that is sad :oops:

Source?

[possessed_beaver]

i heard JV is going to NASCAR next year, that is sad :oops:

HAHAHAHHAHA

he has now lost all my respect.

[5vz-fe]

Here comes bad mouth Dennis again......
http://www.planet-f1.com/news/story_17114.shtml

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has once again slammed the FIA for what he deems to be displaying favouritism towards Ferrari.
According to Dennis the new rules, especially those relating to long-life engines as well as tyres, which are expected to be implemented next season clearly favour Ferrari.

"The regulations proposed favour one team over another because of the circumstances they are in," Dennis told the BBC.

"If one team (Ferrari) has an engine that currently does 1,500km and another (McLaren) has one that does 500km and suddenly you've got a rule that the engine has to do two races, then you have a situation where those who are already close to that level have got a clear advantage."

"Similarly, if you've got a tyre that is very durable and has less degradation over the distance of a Grand Prix and then suddenly you've got a regulation that says we are only going to use one set of tyres for a Grand Prix, then that team is immediately at an advantage.

"Putting aside who gets what, that's deliberate and the key ingredient is how to destabilise the teams and take their focus aware from trying to create commercial stability."

However, an FIA spokesman says Dennis' accusations are "ridiculous". "Of all the ridiculous accusations that could be made against the FIA perhaps the most ridiculous is that we would want Ferrari to be more dominant," he said. "Did any of the people making these accusations actually watch the race in Hungary?"

"In reality the FIA's consultation with the teams on the new regulations has been very constructive. We understand that general agreement on the new regulations has already been reached. In that sense we feel that the consultation process has been very successful."

"It's to everyone's advantage to finalise the regulations sooner rather than later and we understand that most teams have already started working on designs for 2005 which meet the proposed regulations."


----------------------------------------------------------------------
RULES CHANGES BECOZ YOU GUYS SUCKED!!! and that FIA want to slow down the Ferrari....wake up Dennis...

[possessed_beaver]

but when you think about it, it will cost alot of money to develop a more reliable engine, the current engines last a race weekend, and then blow themselfs to pieces,

i dont thinkt hey are trying to favor ferrari, it will just work out that whoever has the most amount of money to spend of R&D will win out, and i guess it's going to be ferrari.

[hiroshima]

Ron Dennis is being ridiculous. After all, Formula1 is all about car development. If McLaren doesn't have at this moment a reliable motor, a motor that's able to resist two races, then Mercedes' engineers' job is to construct or improve the motor until it finally achieve its goal.

It has always been like this and it always will, no matter who have or haven't the the advantage!

[sameerrao]

Schumacher will offer a press conference tomorrow at Monza... may be he will announce his retirement... or may be not. We'll see...

---> http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=52&story_id=11271 <---

:shock:

EDIT ---> here is another link:

---> http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=22153 <---

Most probably to celebrate his championship. I doubt he is quitting as all potential replacements (Alonso, Raikonnen, Montoya, Webber) have been locked up. Unless Raikonnen is going to be snatched away at the 11th hour. :P

[Toronto]

if schumi leaves, barrichello will win, just look at him he is #2 right now, why do you think someone that is 3-9th would win next year?

[possessed_beaver]

ohhhh if he does retire, i can possibley see them scraping alot of the rule changes, because the racing could become more even.

all he has to do by the end of the year is get the record for the most pole positions.

i cannot think of another reason why he would call a press conferance.

*counting down to wensday*

[chipanggo]

well, schumi ain't retiring after all. :)

[possessed_beaver]

well, schumi ain't retiring after all. :)

yay a few more seasons of boaring racing!

[SPEEDCORE]

well, schumi ain't retiring after all. :)

yay a few more seasons of boaring racing!

Dont watch then :P

I will be happy the day Ron Dennis retires

[possessed_beaver]

well, schumi ain't retiring after all. :)

yay a few more seasons of boaring racing!

Dont watch then :P

I will be happy the day Ron Dennis retires

yeh i know.. but i love the crash's

and with the "don't watch it" attitude, dw i won't be alone - it's been uptaken by alot of F1 fans!

[racingfreak]

Hi my fellow F1 enthusiasts, I went to the Hungarian GP a few weeks ago and got some great pics of the boss, schumi himself! One question though, HOW DO I POST THEM? I've got some great pics of the rest of the pits aswell...

[X-ale]

Hi my fellow F1 enthusiasts, I went to the Hungarian GP a few weeks ago and got some great pics of the boss, schumi himself! One question though, HOW DO I POST THEM? I've got some great pics of the rest of the pits aswell...

For TT's sake, we got a car gallery section, in there there's a sticky... I leave you with only your brain and your eyes to sort it out from here on. Hope they make contact.

[5vz-fe]

McLaren boss guilty of sexual harassment

McLaren have had to pay £26,000 to a teenage girl, who worked for their fan club, after her boss sexually harassed her.
Hayley Swanson sued her boss, Neil Riddell, for sexual harassment after he spent months threatening to spank her, trying to touch her breasts and on one occasion even waving a rubber willy in front of her face. According to The Sun tabloid, the 50-year-old's behaviour left Swanson too sick to work and she pressed charges.

A Leeds tribunal found Riddell guilty of sexual harassment and awarded Swanson a £26,000 payout.

According to McLaren, Swanson's case was "an isolated incident."

The payout is kinda less than I expected......and geez...waving a dildo infront of an employee, what was he thinking? :?:

[HeilSvenska]

Well, another news. Sept. 1, 2004

It's official.
Schumi will NOT retire. At Autodromo Nazionale Monza , Schumacher announced that he will continue driving f1 cars next year. He says that he will "go on as long as he as the racing instinct." More on www.Ferrari.it and http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=31016

[mindgam3]

did anyone really think otherwise?

[dons5]

obviosuly not

[sameerrao]

Provisional 2005 Calendar - 19 races

6th March: Melbourne, Australia
20th March: Sepang, Malaysia
3rd April: Sakhir, Bahrain
17th April: Imola, San Marino
24th April: Nurburgring, Europe
8th May: Catalunya, Spain
22nd May: Monte Carlo, Monaco
5th June: Montreal, Canada
12th June: Indianapolis, America
26th June: Magny Cours, France
3rd July: Silverstone, Britain
17th July: Hockenheim, Germany
31st July: NEW ROUND: TURKISH GP
21st August: Hungaroring, Hungary
4th September: Spa Francorchamps, Belgium
11th September: Monza, Italy
25th September: Shanghai, China
9th October: Suzuka, Japan
23rd October: Interlagos, Brazil

[Toronto]

Provisional 2005 Calendar - 19 races

6th March: Melbourne, Australia
20th March: Sepang, Malaysia
3rd April: Sakhir, Bahrain
17th April: Imola, San Marino
24th April: Nurburgring, Europe
8th May: Catalunya, Spain
22nd May: Monte Carlo, Monaco
5th June: Montreal, Canada
12th June: Indianapolis, America
26th June: Magny Cours, France
3rd July: Silverstone, Britain
17th July: Hockenheim, Germany
31st July: NEW ROUND: TURKISH GP
21st August: Hungaroring, Hungary
4th September: Spa Francorchamps, Belgium
11th September: Monza, Italy
25th September: Shanghai, China
9th October: Suzuka, Japan
23rd October: Interlagos, Brazil

they are going to keep brazil around yes :D i thought this year might of been the last one

[racingfreak]

I can see why they would want to take silverstone out of the pic...cause its old and not up to modern standards, but imola is a classic and beautiful circuit. There is word of a race in central london...wonder if eckelstone will make it a reality?

[possessed_beaver]

it may be a awsome sight, with the london background.

but would the track allow for overtaking, and compedative racing?

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

the city has to fulfill some strict safety requirements, and to be honest its not easy to find out many urban circuits that fulfills the requirements...for instance the FIA formula 1 rules are even more strict than the Indycar championships...in fact Monaco doesnt fulfill the minimum safety requirements either, and its in the formula 1 because its the most prestigious grand prix simply....anyway....once im also a big fan of urban racetracks since their driving approach more to the rallying driving concept.....any urban circuit is welcome for me also......i think that mr Ecclestone wont be against the project as long as it fulfills some safety requirements....the opposition will come IMO from Martin Brundle...the person who defends a lot the Silverstone racetrack

[mindgam3]

it may be a awsome sight, with the london background.

but would the track allow for overtaking, and compedative racing?

monaco doesen't but thats always one of the best races to watch every year

[sameerrao]

Hakkinen would be needing a geriatric stroller ... he would be 39 by then ... He better do it now or just give up :D

[dons5]

brazils an awesome race man

[sameerrao]

Expected this really ...
Source: http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html

Panis announces F1 race retirement
And signs two-year Toyota test deal

After a long career stretching back to his Formula One debut with Ligier in 1994, Olivier Panis today announced that he is to retire as a Formula One race driver after the 2004 season finale in Brazil. Panis has however signed a new two-year deal with Toyota, which will see the 38-year-old Frenchman become the team's third driver next season.

In his role as third driver, Panis will substitute if either Toyota race driver is unable to take part in the Grand Prix weekend. However, the 11-year veteran of 155 F1 races is not eligible to run the third car during Friday practice sessions, according to current FIA regulations, which stipulate that the driver of the third car must not have participated in more than six Grand Prix in the last two years.

Panis' decision to retire from racing was made over the summer period the team state. However, Panis, a renowned test driver and Toyota have come to a mutual agreement, whereby Panis will conduct valuable testing duties in 2005 and 2006, as well as corporate promotional activities for the team. Additionally, Panis will adopt an advisory role for Toyota's young drivers programme, the Toyota Drivers' Academy.

"We are very pleased that Olivier has accepted our offer to stay with Panasonic Toyota Racing for an additional two years," stated Tsutomu Tomita, Team Principal of Panasonic Toyota Racing. "His input to our team has been invaluable and we see Olivier's future role with the team as crucial to our further development. His excellent technical feedback will be highly beneficial in a testing role. He will also take part in PR and marketing activities for the team. With over 150 GPs of experience as a race driver, he will also act as our reserve driver in case either of our race drivers cannot participate in a GP weekend. Together, I am sure that we can celebrate success in the coming years."

Olivier Panis, who scored his sole Grand Prix triumph in Monaco with Ligier in 1996 admits that his decision has taken a great deal of thought, but is delighted to continue with the team that he joined in 2003.

"My decision to retire as an F1 race driver has come after some months of deep thought, but I am proud that Panasonic Toyota Racing has decided to retain my services," Panis said. "I have a strong relationship with everyone at Toyota and I am pleased to be able to continue my work as a representative of the team both on and off the track. I am looking forward to helping the team move further up the grid and I am confident that together we will reap the rewards of our combined efforts over the last two years."

Jarno Trulli is expected to join the squad alongside Ralf Schumacher in 2005, but the team were keen to point out that the final decision has yet to be taken. "Contrary to reports, Panasonic Toyota Racing has not yet finalised its complete driver line-up for 2005, but the team will make an announcement once all details are concluded," a statement read.

Olivier Panis has notched up six points this year with the German- based team and heading to Monza as Formula One racer for the final time this weekend, will be keen to help Toyota move up in the Championship standings.

[dingo]

^ thats probably best for the team, he wasn't really achieving much anymore. I wonder who the new driver will be, maybe Sebastien Bourdais from Champ Cars, hes been great this season.

[5vz-fe]

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone doesn't want Michael Schumacher to wear his new seven-star cap in the Formula One paddock just yet.

According to Sport Bild, Ecclestone believes that it is premature to declare that Schumacher is the 2004 World Champion. "For me, Michael Schumacher is not World Champion yet," said Ecclestone. "He will be World Champion at the end of the season when the FIA will confirm it."

I guess Bernie really want to say is "Don't discourage ppl with your hat, I know even with the new point system you can still secure the title with races to spare but just give some hope to the others would ya?" :mrgreen:

[sameerrao]

^ thats probably best for the team, he wasn't really achieving much anymore. I wonder who the new driver will be, maybe Sebastien Bourdais from Champ Cars, hes been great this season.

I dont know ... after daMatta they may be worried they'll get more of the same. I thought Trulli was a hot prospect here.

Two reasons:
1. He is fast and experienced ... knows the circuits well. Will make a good non-controversial teammate to Ralf Schumacher. Trulli is a qualifying king and Ralf being good at set ups will make sure the car improves

2. Mike Gascoigne knows Trulli from his Renault days and may push the issue thru ... you know what they say about a known devil versus an unknown one ...

[ZfrkS62]

interlagos had been in financial trouble over the last few years, along with magny-cours. They managed to pull out a few million bucks from new sponsors and saved their asses.

[ZfrkS62]

According to the 2001-2002 F1 Record Book, Beruit is trying to host a race in it's streets. They were apparently bidding for the 2004 season but obviously that failed. Does anyone know if they are still vying for a race?

And what happened to the talks of a moscow or new york venue?

[mindgam3]

i was browsing autosport magazine in a shop today and its got a 4 page article on rumours that ford are jacking in WRC and the Jaguar F1 team and bringing back their own completely ford F1 team. Anyone heard this also? I cant find any news anywhere else on it

[Wutputt]

Yep, I heard it also a week ago or so. I will look it up to find more details about it.

edit: found it. It was a rumour during the GP of Belgium

Reasons given:

There is a strong body of opinion at Ford that the company should benefit from the F1 programme, not only Jaguar, if it is spending all the money. Using the Ford brand will open up many more possibilities for marketing but it's commonly know that Ford wants to reduce its costs a little more and is looking for a partner to take over 30% of the team and help with the funding. The management of the team should not be affected by any of the changes.

My opinion: besides those reasons, another reason could be Ford wants to have more control over their money spend in F1. Rebranding their F1 division is, in my opinion, just one step to get more control over their money flow going towards F1

But it's a shame they would give up their rally team, because they are getting good results in the WRC.

[ZfrkS62]

But it's a shame they would give up their rally team, because they are getting good results in the WRC.


ford already has a very strong customer base with the focus, i think they want to shift focus (no pun intended) to their high performance capabilities. Espicially since the Jordans have been so poorly. thats just a guess though

[hwe]

Villeneuve to join Renault tomorrow ??

http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns13492.html

[5vz-fe]

It has been denied .......

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=31093

[hwe]

haha, that didn't take long.

Thanks for the info.

[sameerrao]

Source: http://f1.racing-live.com/en/
Jacques Villeneuve to test for Renault!
Starting tomorrow at Silverstone

The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team this evening announced that French- Canadian Jacques Villeneuve will test for the team at Silverstone on Wednesday and Thursday.

Villeneuve conducted a seat-fitting at the team's Enstone base on Tuesday evening, and will begin acclimatising himself to the Renault R24 tomorrow at the Northamptonshire circuit.

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team Managing Director Flavio Briatore commented:

"We have reached an agreement for Jacques to test for the team at Silverstone on Wednesday and Thursday. This test might lead to Jacques joining the team for the final three races of the season beginning next week at the Chinese Grand Prix."

[SPEEDCORE]

Good news for JV fans bad news for Trulli fans

[dons5]

i have a feeling somehtin is up at renault and trulli, either there doin somethin to the car, or trulli is drivin bad on porpuse so that he can make renautl do bad, and pretending renault are messin him up but really trulli is the one whos laughin, but soemthin is up its just too much of a coincidence that all of a sudden this happens when its official that hes out

[ZfrkS62]

and Sauber will lose the Ferrari gearbox next year, sucks for them.


i think next year we will be seeing a few Saubers brought back to the pits on the flatbeds due to gearbox failure...Unless they have dismantled the Ferrari gearbox and studied evey molecule of each component and developed the exact same manufacturing process :lol:

But i think its a nice step for Sauber to be bringing in their own stuff. It really shows a strong desire for them to be in Ferrari's position at some point in time.
They have already shown they can move up the grid, now they just need to get the consistency.

[5vz-fe]

^Even if they did, it will be hard for them to get the materials just right for durability. What Sauber needs is a more aerodynamic efficient chassis. Given the fact that they used the same engine and gear box as Ferrari this year, they clearly lose out on chassis design. (I hope the influence of shell is not that much)

[sameerrao]

any news on Sir Jackie Stewart making a return to F1 with the purchase of jaguar?
oh man how sweet this would be, he would def help make something out of that team.

He was interviewed by Peter Windsor at the Chinese GP and asked the same question. His reply was " We have looked at this possibility but the economics do not work out for us" By us he meant he and his son who together managed Stewart Ford.

[mindgam3]

Well jaguar was basically Stewart Ford. I still find it amazing how such a big company like ford can not have a team in the ultimate of car championships. I suppose its not AS big in america where fords main market is, but still, they should be in there somewhere.

[sameerrao]

Well jaguar was basically Stewart Ford. I still find it amazing how such a big company like ford can not have a team in the ultimate of car championships. I suppose its not AS big in america where fords main market is, but still, they should be in there somewhere.

Jackie said that it was a shame that when Ford was dominant (as engine supplier) and had won championship after championship in the 60s and 70s, it was never used well for marketing purposes. Particularly in the States (which is pretty insular in its view of sports).

Now when F1 has become prohibitively expensive requiring a board level approval for granting funds ... Jaguar has performed pathetically and doesnt have the results to justify the marketing...

[ZfrkS62]

yeah, F1 is lost on the masses here. There really isn't much of a market for open wheel racing on technical tracks. everyone seems to be more into NASCAR and NHRA than they do CART/IRL and F1. I think that the less thinking and speculation you have to do to predict a season's outcome is what appeals to most people about the two sports. Or the unpredictability of the championships. I don't think any one team has dominated either NASCAR or NHRA the way Ferrari has dominated F1.

ALMS seems to be picking up a little speed too. Just depends on who is airing the races. SPEED gets the majority of them.

[sameerrao]

Source: www.itv-f1.com

OFFICIAL - BRITISH GP AXED FROM F1 CALENDAR

The British Grand Prix has not been included on the provisional calendar for the 2005 season.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone had set a deadline of today to find a promoter for the race but has failed to agree terms with Silverstone owners the British Racing Drivers' Club.


IMO Its a shame - one of the few circuits that offered overtaking, superb corners, amazing history .... F1 has been in UK from its inception. Its a crime to see it go away.

Hopefully this is a just some mechanism to force changes and we will see it back in the next season

[5vz-fe]

I don't know why Bernie hates Silverstone so much. I guess he only sees money. Most of the drivers in F1 likes Silverstone, it is like Monaco, a great tradition.

That aside, Michael just set a new track record today at Jerez: 1'15"650.

[Jabba]

Could that be just an excuse to bring it to London after the very successful demo show that was put on earlier in the year ??

[mindgam3]

thats a big shame, i dont know why Bernie has dropped silverstone from the country which is bascially the center of F1. Ticket sales went up this year and by the F1 parade shows, theres enough fans willing to turn up. Real shame:(

[sameerrao]

Jarno Trulli to drive for Toyota for the next two races ... Panis will join him in Suzuka and Zonta in Brazil.

[Toronto]

Flavio might by cothsworth with a french firm to keep them around for next year.

[yg60m]

I also read that, and maybe no french driver next year in F1 :?

For the Bristish GP, i think it's a shame, it is one of the most interesting GP of every season :(
Money is not everything ... except for Bernie.

[Toronto]

I also read that, and maybe no french driver next year in F1 :?

For the Bristish GP, i think it's a shame, it is one of the most interesting GP of every season :(
Money is not everything ... except for Bernie.

well i don't think the people running the GP really wanted to keep it around, it was only 5mill more, that is less then $35 increase in price for next season. that is 35 $ not pounds.

[ZfrkS62]

Bernie has said thta if they can figure it out and put a signed contract in his hands then Silverstone will be the 18th GP on the schedule. He says he doesn't care one way or the other, which to me is a pretty shitty stance to take on venues that your orginization goes to. Especially one that is liked by virtually 100% of the participants.

[Toronto]

BAR have been heard of trying to get into talking with Barrichello for next year.

[ZfrkS62]

BAR have been heard of trying to get into talking with Barrichello for next year.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Barrichello has already said he won't leave Ferrari. He loves the team and despite being the no.2 driver, he is more favored by everyone at the factory, since he has learned italian so quickly and speaks like what, 6 other languages?

and when Michael retires, guess where that propels Rubens...no. 1 driver for the no. 1 team, biaatch :D so why leave for BAR?

the other question is, can BAR afford Rubens?

[sameerrao]

There might be drastic changes if the Button transfer doesnt go thru - maybe Fisi moves to Williams then ...

Anyway I hope Anthony Davidson gets a seat in a decent ride - preferably BAR - the guy is a pint sized gem...

[ZfrkS62]

Fisi is going to do anything he can to get a Ferrari seat. The more able car he gets, the better it will allow him to prove to S/F that he can win for them.

But i think RB is staying put.

i'm curious to see what will happen to the back of the grid drivers that got better seats this year. hopefully there will be more overtaking :roll:

[mindgam3]

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=31363

Silverstone back on for next season.... provisionally ;)

[sameerrao]

If Button goes to Williams, Antony will be the second driver for BAR... hope this happens ...

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=31366

[Toronto]

well you might love Antony now, but wait till you see his first races, just like sato, to quick and the engine blows at BAR.

[sameerrao]

well you might love Antony now, but wait till you see his first races, just like sato, to quick and the engine blows at BAR.

I am not sure that will happen - Ant seems to be a pretty mature kind of guy...

[mindgam3]

Agreed, seems to be more of a button than a sato

[Toronto]

Button will drive for BAR
http://f1.racing-live.com/en/index.html?http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/041020200749.shtml

[Ill Dottore]

THe soap opera is finished

Button will drive with BAR in 2005

Who's gonna take the seat in Williams?

[5vz-fe]

Hmmm...where is the Brazil GP

Anyways,

Pratice 1 Result:

Times
01 JP. Montoya Williams 1:12.547 11 laps
02 R. Briscoe Toyota 1:12.614 25 laps
03 R. Schumacher Williams 1:12.873 12 laps
04 K. Räikkönen McLaren 1:13.150 4 laps
05 A. Davidson BAR 1:13.232 22 laps
06 D. Coulthard McLaren 1:13.277 6 laps
07 J. Trulli Toyota 1:13.512 15 laps
08 T. Sato BAR 1:13.839 10 laps
09 R. Barrichello Ferrari 1:13.855 13 laps
10 F. Alonso Renault 1:13.990 12 laps
11 M. Schumacher Ferrari 1:14.042 13 laps
12 G. Fisichella Sauber 1:14.118 14 laps
13 M. Webber Jaguar 1:14.147 9 laps
14 J. Button BAR 1:14.187 13 laps
15 R. Zonta Toyota 1:14.207 14 laps
16 F. Massa Sauber 1:14.479 13 laps
17 J. Villeneuve Renault 1:14.585 13 laps
18 R. Doornbos Jordan 1:14.966 27 laps
19 B. Wirdheim Jaguar 1:15.065 24 laps
20 N. Heidfeld Jordan 1:15.414 12 laps
21 C. Klien Jaguar 1:15.476 15 laps
22 Z. Baumgartner Minardi 1:15.490 12 laps
23 T. Glock Jordan 1:15.647 18 laps
24 G. Bruni Minardi 1:16.406 13 laps
25 B. Leinders Minardi no time


Pratice 2 Result

Times:
01 R. Barrichello Ferrari 1:11.166 25 laps
02 M. Schumacher Ferrari 1:11.334 28 laps
03 K. Räikkönen McLaren 1:11.526 20 laps
04 J. Button BAR 1:11.731 24 laps
05 A. Davidson BAR 1:11.920 31 laps
06 T. Sato BAR 1:11.988 23 laps
07 F. Alonso Renault 1:12.005 30 laps
08 F. Massa Sauber 1:12.183 24 laps
09 R. Briscoe Toyota 1:12.209 34 laps
10 R. Schumacher Williams 1:12.235 26 laps
11 JP. Montoya Williams 1:12.280 24 laps
12 J. Villeneuve Renault 1:12.316 31 laps
13 R. Doornbos Jordan 1:12.345 27 laps
14 R. Zonta Toyota 1:12.347 30 laps
15 D. Coulthard McLaren 1:12.430 24 laps
16 J. Trulli Toyota 1:12.545 36 laps
17 G. Fisichella Sauber 1:12.631 29 laps
18 M. Webber Jaguar 1:12.816 35 laps
19 N. Heidfeld Jordan 1:13.114 24 laps
20 G. Bruni Minardi 1:13.467 31 laps
21 C. Klien Jaguar 1:13.509 32 laps
22 T. Glock Jordan 1:13.979 25 laps
23 Z. Baumgartner Minardi 1:13.979 25 laps
24 B. Wirdheim Jaguar 1:14.303 28 laps
25 B. Leinders Minardi 1:14.754 10 laps


Rubens seems to be in pretty good shape...I hope he wins his home GP for once.

[aks]

aweome, Räikkönen is lookin good for this GP, i'll make sure i don't miss this one! c'mon Kimi, let's make it one more GP victory for the season!!

[sameerrao]

Hmmm...where is the Brazil GP.

5vz-fe .... I dont where Toronto is this week , could you do it if you have the time. I am sure Toronto will sticky your post. I am not home and am really busy .... working thru this weekend and will miss the race. Hopefully can see it on one Jabbas ITV highlights :(

[ZfrkS62]

hmm...2 practice sessions, michael behind rubens twice... this will be a great season finale :mrgreen:

[5vz-fe]

Hmmm...where is the Brazil GP.

5vz-fe .... I dont where Toronto is this week , could you do it if you have the time. I am sure Toronto will sticky your post. I am not home and am really busy .... working thru this weekend and will miss the race. Hopefully can see it on one Jabbas ITV highlights :(

No problem
http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?p=278663#278663

[5vz-fe]

Interestingly, Mexico seems to claim themself to be included in the 2006 F1 GP. According to BBC:


Mexican officials insist they have agreed a five-year deal to stage a Formula One race in Cancun from 2006.
A new 5km track, designed by veteran race course architect Hermann Tilke and costing £44m, will be built just south of Cancun's international airport.

"This track offers some very, very high speeds with sharp curves that make cars brake at speed," said Tilke's representative Dirk Schneider.
Mexico last hosted an F1 race at the Hermanos Rodriguez Autodrome in 1992.

The news that Mexico has been handed the chance to stage an F1 race will no doubt increase speculation about the future of the British Grand Prix. The race has been listed provisionally on the 2005 calendar, but F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone said it would be axed after a breakdown in negotiations with the circuit's owners.

Luis Silveira, whose company Grupo Promotor Inversiones Caribenos is involved in the Cancun deal, said the site was not being viewed as an alternative to the British GP.

"That is not the intention," he said. "The issue was not even raised of taking the place of existing dates.
"What was discussed and what came out was a new date, a new commitment, not a substitution."

[Toronto]

YES Mexico want a race in Cancun,
turkey wants a race
south africa wants a race
UAE wants a race
UK wants a race
Russia wants a race

More races less good drivers, worse cars = BAD f1 seasons coming up.

[HeilSvenska]

Coulthard to go to Williams? since Button's been held back?
So it would be JPM <-> DC swap?

[SPEEDCORE]

Coulthard is an outside chance, thou whoever gets the seat will need to look again in 2006 since Williams is keen in getting Button back.

[possessed_beaver]

Coulthard < Webber

i think williams should look for someone else.

[ZfrkS62]

If DC goes to Williams, he'll go as a test driver. I don't think they want someone as slow as him. BMW/Williams wants a consructors championship and they won't get it with Coulthard in the cockpit.

[nthfinity]

I just got a call a half hour ago telling the US GP is going to be @ Indianapolis once again... im unsure how long this contract is up for.

[sameerrao]

I just got a call a half hour ago telling the US GP is going to be @ Indianapolis once again... im unsure how long this contract is up for.

I think they have a 2 year contract for sure. The response at Indy has been good so far so it is likely to extend after that.

Tony George and Bernie have a good relationship...

[Toronto]

i think they are having to change the date of the US GP for some reason, so there will be no 3 week break in f1 next year, there might be a 4 week one :wink:

[nthfinity]

i was told its still on the weekend of June 19th, 2005... which makes it the same weekend as it was this year... i dont know if that would make it a 4 week break or not

[chipanggo]

i don't think they would have time for a break next year. in their latest meeting at heathrow, the f1 teams are willing to go for a 19 race season next year. that's a lot of f1.

[Anonymous]

Jaguar Bought by Red Bull http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4012381.stm

hope i haven't just embarassed myself by reposting... i did check quickly...... anyway off to my lecture :P

[aks]

Jaguar Bought by Red Bull http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4012381.stm

hope i haven't just embarassed myself by reposting... i did check quickly...... anyway off to my lecture :P

that's absolutely awesome news! hopefully red bull can inject some good money into the team and see some success!

[ZfrkS62]

i don't think they would have time for a break next year. in their latest meeting at heathrow, the f1 teams are willing to go for a 19 race season next year. that's a lot of f1.

yet still not enough :D :P :twisted:

[sameerrao]

Red Bull sign up Coulthard for 2005

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=31781

[Anonymous]

Professor Sid Watkins, Formula One's medical chief, is to retire from his post with immediate effect I really hope he's o.k..... strange he retired so suddenly. I have respect for him and what he's done for F1. All the drivers speak highly of him particularly after reading Perry McCarthy's (aka STIG) book. Everyone else as surpised as me??... though he is 76

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4191319.stm

[mike_sayer]

Found this on the BBC this evening...lots of rumours about what was in the minutes of the meeting between Max Mosley, Jean Todt and Ross Brawn last week.



Formula One could revert to a single tyre manufacturer as early as next year. Motorsport boss Max Mosley said he was "strongly in favour" of the move, according to the minutes of a high-level meeting seen by the BBC.

Mosley agreed with Ferrari, the only other team at the meeting, to discuss the idea with F1's tyre suppliers.

Ferrari also backed the idea of a significant reduction in testing as part of proposals to cut costs.

Mosley, the president of the sport's governing body the FIA, said he would discuss these proposals with the tyre manufacturers as well. An FIA spokesman said: "The FIA has initiated a consultation on cost-cutting measures with the F1 teams in order to establish a genuine consensus for regulatory change.

"Among other proposals, the FIA is strongly in favour of a single tyre supplier and an FIA-regulated restriction on testing."

Among other cost-cutting proposals agreed by Ferrari and the FIA were:

To commission a study into whether a dramatic reduction in aerodynamic downforce and a return to wide, tread-free "slick" tyres would improve the racing.

To set up a working group to look into the use of standard electronic control systems.

To reduce Grand Prix weekends from three days to two.

Radical proposals such as a salary cap on drivers and a maximum age for second drivers were rejected.

[|Nuno|]

End of tyre war?

Formula One could revert to a single tyre manufacturer as early as next year, BBC Sport has learned.

Motorsport boss Max Mosley said he was "strongly in favour" of the move, according to the minutes of a high-level meeting seen by the BBC.

Mosley agreed with Ferrari, the only other team at the meeting, to discuss the idea with F1's tyre suppliers.

Ferrari also backed the idea of a significant reduction in testing as part of proposals to cut costs.

The issue of rising costs and how to keep them under control has caused a split between Ferrari and the other nine teams, who refused to attend the meeting last week.

Ferrari have refused to go along with their rivals' proposals to limit testing to 30 days during the season in 2005.

F1 teams sign testing agreement
The issue was discussed at length at the meeting, where the world champions said that a limit based on mileage rather than days would be more effective.

Mosley, the president of the sport's governing body the FIA, said he would discuss these proposals with the tyre manufacturers as well.


Mosley has proposed a number of cost-cutting measures
An FIA spokesman said: "The FIA has initiated a consultation on cost-cutting measures with the F1 teams in order to establish a genuine consensus for regulatory change.

"Among other proposals, the FIA is strongly in favour of a single tyre supplier and an FIA-regulated restriction on testing."

Among other cost-cutting proposals agreed by Ferrari and the FIA were:


to commission a study into whether a dramatic reduction in aerodynamic downforce and a return to wide, tread-free "slick" tyres would improve the racing.

to set up a working group to look into the use of standard electronic control systems.

to reduce Grand Prix weekends from three days to two.

Radical proposals such as a salary cap on drivers and a maximum age for second drivers were rejected.

The other teams had asked for the meeting with Mosley to be postponed until after the Bahrain Grand Prix on 3 April.

They are unhappy at Ferrari's decision last month to conclude a private deal with Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 commercial rights holder, to ensure their continued participation in the FIA world championship from 2008 to 2012.

We can only agree on cost-saving measures if everyone participates in the discussion

Max Mosley
FIA president
They have agreed to act "en bloc" in discussions over the future of the sport and have been pushing for a single tyre manufacturer for several months, although the FIA says it proposed the idea at a meeting last May.

It would end the current "tyre war" between Michelin and Bridgestone, significantly cut costs and remove questions about whether Ferrari are winning because they have better tyres.

Having only one tyre manufacturer would also make it easier to keep cornering speeds under control, as the company could be asked to supply only harder, less grippy, tyres for all teams.

Mosley has called another meeting of all the teams for 15 April.

In a letter to the teams, he said: "It is only through discussion that progress can be made.

"Now is the time to start talking about 2008 because the sooner we start, the more likely we are to find consensus.

"At the same time it may still be possible to reach unanimous agreement for a limited number of cost-saving measures during the current Concorde Agreement, perhaps as early as 2006.

"But this can only happen if everyone participates in the discussion.

"Soon after the 15 April meeting, change for 2006 will become increasingly difficult and/or expensive and unanimity will no longer be achievable.

"I urge you to come to the 15 April meeting."

[mindgam3]

Cutting testing won't cut costs AT ALL.

If they cut out testing, the top teams will just spend more money on wind tunnel testing, aero simulations and other areas in the lab, it won't affect costs in the slightest

[SPEEDCORE]

For being someone that goes to GP weekends everyyear, im against the 2 day GP weekends, as I go for as a holiday. It would go against the city hosting the event and having one extra day isnt going to effect costs compared to other ways of cost cutting.

[|Nuno|]

All is not well, again, in the world of Spa-Francorchamps' Belgian grand prix. An argument about money, according to a whisper, threatens to disrupt running of September's race in the green Ardennes.

In 2003, Spa lost its spot on the F1 calendar following a dispute about local anti-tobacco advertising. This time, though, it's reportedly the circuit promoter and the surrounding regions at loggerheads.

The F1 track winds through the towns of Malmedy and Stavelot -- and, according to an unofficial report, the respective mayors are arguing about their share of the race's ticket admission sales.

The parties will meet on 23 February.

From F1Racing.net

[gucom]

OMFG those mayors should STFU and enjoy all the tourists that visit their towns thanks to the circuit...

[|Nuno|]

BAR gearbox gets FIA approval

The FIA has approved BAR's innovative new gearbox system for use in 2005. There had been some concerns over whether the FIA would try to ban the gearbox under legislation prohibiting Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). But BAR's solution does not constitute CVT.

Honda's engineering diretor Shuhei Nakatomo told Autosport, "We've been told by the FIA that everything is legal and there's nothing wrong with the gearbox."

The new gearbox minimises the loss of power the drivers endure as they change gear. The rules say there must be a break in power - which their is in the BAR gearbox.


From F1racing.net

[|Nuno|]

Ferrari, the FIA and the "rebels"

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_feature_item.php
-----
Haha, funny guy... "Ferrari plays in a different set of rules".

I tought the FIA made the rules, not Stoddart... :roll:

And now, he also wants to take Max's position. You can read it here:

http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?PO_ID=32048

Mind you, I don't like Max but Stoddart for President? HELL NO.
-----

And the answer:

Max Mosley has laughed off speculation that Paul Stoddart could replace him as FIA president.

It was reported last week that disgruntled team bosses were considering running a candidate against Mosley in the next FIA presidential election.

Minardi boss Stoddart admitted he would be interested – but only if the governing body was restructured to allow one man to concentrate on Formula 1.

Mosley claims that this speculation has only arisen because Stoddart misinterpreted a joke made by Bernie Ecclestone in a team bosses meeting.

He said: “Where my rival got his idea is that in the meeting they were all complaining about me and Bernie said: ‘What we need to do is that someone needs to go up against him and I think it should be Paul.

“'I will get some T-shirts printed for Melbourne and they are going to have ‘Paul for president’ on the front and on the back they will have 'I know more about slowing the cars down than anyone else in F1.'

“This was Bernie and apparently Paul and one or two others in the meeting took it seriously. They didn't know he was taking the mickey, and the idea has grown in Paul's mind.�

[alexgee]

“'I will get some T-shirts printed for Melbourne and they are going to have ‘Paul for president’ on the front and on the back they will have 'I know more about slowing the cars down than anyone else in F1.'



hehe that's hilarious :lol: :lol:

[|Nuno|]

No Minardis in action in Melbourne?

It is possible that we will not see a Minardi in action at Melbourne. The team wants to start the season with a 2004 contender that conforms to 2005 safety standards but not to 2005's technical regulations.

The Minardi team has spent all of its budget building the 2005 contender which will not be ready until the San Marino Grand Prix and, because of this, the team would have to race in the first three races of the season in the PS04B. To do so the other nine teams would have to agree that Minardi would race a car that doesn't comply to the 2005 technical regulations. Eight teams have already agreed. The only team that hasn't yet is Ferrari.

"All of the F1 teams (with the exception of Ferrari) have supported us. We believe the cars will be running to legal regulations. If Ferrari and the FIA wish to make an issue of this then it is up to them," Stoddart told to Autosport.

FIA-President Max Mosley was clear though: "If there was no prior agreement and Minardi presented to us the 2004 car, which would be illegal under the current regulations. So the scrutineers would not put a sticker on it and it would never go out of the pit lane in Australia."

Stoddart replied to that: "We say the cars do comply and if the scrutineers say no then we would protest, and I would be surprised if we were not allowed to race under protest."
------------------------
So, Ferrari is the one that plays in a different set of rules, huh?

Ah, sweet revenge...:mrgreen:

[SPEEDCORE]

Rules are Rules. :twisted:

[dons5]

I wonder why BAR say they think they got better upshifts then the Ferrari but not as good downshifts, i guess Ferraris gearbox has a very good downshift? how would the BAR guys know what Ferraris downshift is like, it baffles me how these guys no so many specific things based just probably on sounds.

[saadie]

^^ i guess the teams live togather .. in a way ......
e.g the concorde agreement .......

[dons5]

lol

[mindgam3]

I wonder why BAR say they think they got better upshifts then the Ferrari but not as good downshifts, i guess Ferraris gearbox has a very good downshift? how would the BAR guys know what Ferraris downshift is like, it baffles me how these guys no so many specific things based just probably on sounds.

because they analyse the engine sounds at the side of the track using sensitive mics and complicated software.

Sound waves are basically pressure waves. The varying pressure waves depend on various aspects of the engine and how the pressure waves flow through the inlet/outlet valves etc and hence F1 engineers can tell many thing just from analysing the engine sound such as V angle and power.....

[dons5]

i know that but it jus still amazes me, I wonder i what way are Ferrari's downshifts better. Faster? smoother therefore less disturbing the balance? its so cool all this technical stuff

[Toronto]

"Juan Pablo Montoya may miss this weekend’s Bahraini Grand Prix after sustaining a shoulder injury on Saturday"

http://www.f1central.net/news/article/1111969968/formula_one/F1headlines/Montoya-to-miss-Bahrain?/view.html

he must really suck at tennis, hey now that is two things :P

[Toronto]

^^^ sorry about that my internet fucked up, had to click back didn't know it posted it the first time, isn't that how it always happens :roll:

[jenkF1]

What a twat getting a fracture playing tennis. That fuking suks cus in the championship, although very very early and without the F2005 so far, hes only like 8 points behind Alonso.

[phantomfocus]

I'm dissapointed, I'd like to see JPM do well. Especially if that means a tighter title fight! Now it will be even easier on the the new F2005 ferrari's.

[|Nuno|]

V8 News


FERRARI:

Acording to Gazzeta, work on the V8 is progressing rapidly and could be on the track sooner rather than later (June or so).

Apparently the biggest feature of this engine at the design stage is reduced size. This has been achieved not only because of the 2 cylinders missing but because of a philosophy that forms the cornerstone of the project: -10%.

The team is trying to reduce the dimensions of most components by 10% compared to the 055. This also has obvious weight advantages. They go into some detail as to what's being done to achieve this with the rigity of the engine and transmission and getting as much energy out of the engine and through the chassis. A big focus of the project is trying to get the optimum and efficient transfer between heat energy and mechnical energy in combustion.

Finally they speculate that it is possible, given the lower consumption and bigger fuel tank possible of a no-stop race at certain tracks.
---------------


B.A.R. Honda:

BAR Tested Honda V8 Engine Last Week
Wednesday, 04 May 2005 08:49

BAR-Honda were the first Formula One team to test their V8 engine ahead of the 2006 season last week at the Mugello circuit, Autosport-Atlas has learned.

The engine rules are changing next year to a V8 2.4 litre format from the current V10s.

The smaller independent teams will be allowed to use V10s in 2006 and 2007, subject to a restriction on revs to be determined by the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA).

Minardi have already announced they will keep using their Cosworth v10s next year.

BAR's test drivers Anthony Davidson and Enrique Bernoldi tested the first prototype of Honda's V8 engine at the Mugello circuit last week, reportedly lapping around four seconds slower than with the current power unit.

"It wasn't at any time a question of catching quick laptimes," BAR's technical director Geoff Willis said after the test. "Davidson before, and Bernoldi later, just ran to help us learn how this engine works and to control several parameters and technical details, and collect a lot of data in view of future, more complete tests.

"It is a very strange engine. Really low. Really, really low and shorter than usual, with a lack of power and a lower stroke curve compared to the actual V10, as logical.

"But it will still be a very interesting engine, in some ways more similar to a MotoGP engine than an actual F1 V10."

[phantomfocus]

Very interesting, I am very anxious to hear the new V8's as well as some confirmed rpm figures. I have heard in the neighborhood of 22,000 revs!

[|Nuno|]

/\/\

The Ferrari bit, I got from another forum (from a guy that bought "La Gazzeta").

And the B.A.R. bit is from Atlas F1.

[Toronto]

For those who don't know what is going on,
"BAR team handed two-race ban"
http://www.formula1.com/race/news/2947/736.html

[ZfrkS62]

holy crap :shock: i'll bet button and sato are absolutely FUMING at this :shock:

[graywolf624]

Not really all that suprising. Should make the points race even more interesting then before though.

[ZfrkS62]

probably the impending train wreck of a 9 team grid

[graywolf624]

probably the impending train wreck of a 9 team grid
Perhaps:)

WTF graywolf in here?? i think this is the first time i have seen you in here. what brought you out here??
F1 has been rather disappointing for the last few years. You might see me in here a little more if it continues to pick up.

[|Nuno|]

Things aren't looking good for Williams:


"BMW has revealed a major problem for the Spanish Grand Prix and as a result the engines in both Nick Heidfeld's and Mark Webber's cars will need to have engine changes because of problems with a faulty exhaust valve. Two engines of a new specification are being assembled today in Munich and will be flown to Barcelona in time for practice tomorrow morning.

As a result of this Heidfeld will run on Friday and will get a drop of 10 places on the grid as a result. Mark Webber will not run on Friday and will only start work on Saturday morning., This will mena he avoids a drop of 10 places on the grid but may have a car that is not as well set-up as it could be.

Not a promising start to the weekend."


GrandPrix.com

[graywolf624]

but i have some NEWS, LMAO
And here comes the train wreck. Right on time.

[|Nuno|]

Bridgestone Unhappy with Lack of Testing

Monday, 09 May 2005 10:34


Bridgestone have stepped into the ongoing dispute between Ferrari and their rival teams over testing limitations by claiming that their current form is suffering because they cannot test enough.

Although Ferrari are the only team not limited to the current 30-day ceiling agreed between the nine other teams, the outfit's tyre supplier Bridgestone are adamant that they are still at a disadvantage compared to Michelin.

Bridgestone's head of motorsport tyre development Hirohide Hamashima claims that the number of teams that Michelin can call upon to test, even with each outfit limited to a 30-day limit, has handed the French tyre manufacturer a huge advantage in terms of data.

When asked why there appears to have been a dramatic turnaround in form between Michelin and Bridgestone this year compared to last season, Hamashima told Gazzetta dello Sport: "The explanation is simple: we don't test enough.

"They say Ferrari test more than anyone but last winter, when we had only one car at our disposal, there were teams lining up three of them. And besides, our rivals can count on several top teams, so they can improve much faster.

"This is particularly decisive this year, with these new regulations. This is why we pushed for an agreement which limited testing in terms of kilometres rather than days."

Ferrari did propose a testing limitation to the other teams that involved setting a maximum amount of kilometers that each tyre manufacturer could test for.

Rival teams rejected that because the distance would have had to be shared out by the Michelin teams, whereas Ferrari would have been able to conduct most of that work alone for Bridgestone.

Despite the problems that Ferrari are suffering, however, Hamashima believes that the only area where the team are weak is in their single lap pace _ which has hindered Schumacher's chances of decent grid positions.

"The only problem here was the lack of performance in qualifying," said Hamashima. "After that the pace was good for Michael until the retirement."

[mindgam3]

Despite the problems that Ferrari are suffering, however, Hamashima believes that the only area where the team are weak is in their single lap pace _ which has hindered Schumacher's chances of decent grid positions.

"The only problem here was the lack of performance in qualifying," said Hamashima. "After that the pace was good for Michael until the retirement."

So that means that Ferrari's actual car has a crap race pace, not just the tyres ;)

[SFDMALEX]

Despite the problems that Ferrari are suffering, however, Hamashima believes that the only area where the team are weak is in their single lap pace _ which has hindered Schumacher's chances of decent grid positions.

"The only problem here was the lack of performance in qualifying," said Hamashima. "After that the pace was good for Michael until the retirement."

So that means that Ferrari's actual car has a crap race pace, not just the tyres ;)

And were did you get that from? Crap race pace?

[|Nuno|]

Despite the problems that Ferrari are suffering, however, Hamashima believes that the only area where the team are weak is in their single lap pace _ which has hindered Schumacher's chances of decent grid positions.

"The only problem here was the lack of performance in qualifying," said Hamashima. "After that the pace was good for Michael until the retirement."

So that means that Ferrari's actual car has a crap race pace, not just the tyres ;)

And were did you get that from? Crap race pace?

That's what I'm wondering too... So far the problem is Qualifying and reliability, and not race pace (maybe a little in the first part, but that's because Ferrari runs heavier and the tyres work better on the later stages of the race).

[5vz-fe]

Here comes the usual Irvine talk again.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4530571.stm

Irvine believes Renault's Fernando Alonso is ready to take on the mantle.

"The guy's awesome. When the pressure's on, he doesn't seem to make mistakes like Michael does. He's the new king," Irvine told BBC Five Live.

"Kimi Raikkonen's up there as well. The guard is changing, and I think it's about time because Michael is the most boring world champion ever."

While Alonso has amassed an 18-point championship lead with three wins in five races, seven-time world champion Schumacher has struggled in the new Ferrari.


Ferrari blamed for tyre problems
The German has failed to finish three times to leave him on 10 points, 34 adrift of Alonso.

The only time Schumacher has seriously troubled Alonso was at the San Marino Grand Prix, when the Spaniard held him off to claim victory.

Irvine sees the 36-year-old's failure to attempt an aggressive overtaking move on Alonso in the closing stages at Imola as a sign of the times.

"All he had to do was put the car down the inside and say 'we either have an accident or you finish second'," said Irvine, who was Schumacher's Ferrari team-mate from 1996-99.

"There was no point in Michael finishing second to Alonso.

"He's done much more bad things than that. Maybe age is getting to him. Three years ago he would have done that."

[5vz-fe]

Well, it's is quite logical (and pathetic). You gotta comment on someone that's famous to get explosure. Try ask him to comment on the Minardi drivers or something, I bet the reporters just don't give a f**k.

IMO, if you are not better than the person you are bashing, STFU please.

[|Nuno|]

Bridgestone Conclude Tyre Investigation


Bridgestone believe that circumstances beyond their control were to blame for Michael Schumacher's double tyre failure at the Spanish Grand Prix after concluding their investigation into the blow-outs, Autosport-Atlas has learned.

The two left-hand side tyres on Schumacher's Ferrari that failed within three laps of each other at the Spanish Grand Prix were flown to Bridgestone's headquarters in Tokyo this week for a thorough examination to find the causes of the problem.

After looking at the tyres, and tyre pressure data produced by Ferrari, Bridgestone have discovered that the rear tyre failure was as a result of the tyre structure getting weakened during the early race Safety Car period, while the front tyre failed after being damaged by debris.

A Bridgestone spokesman told Autosport-Atlas: "The loss of air in the rear left tyre on lap 44 was likely to have been caused by the tyre pressure dropping during the Safety Car period at the start of the race.

"It is possible that as a result of the reduced pressure and the high forces placed on the left side tyres at the Barcelona circuit, the structure of the tyre was weakened. This resulted in the deflation.

"There are clear signs that the front left tyre, which deflated on lap 47, was damaged by an external object - most probably debris.

"It is unusual for this to have happened twice and on the same side but from the evidence the tyre deflations were caused by two very different reasons."

The conclusions from the Bridgestone investigation will provide some relief for Ferrari, because at least the failures were not the result of simple tyre wear - which would have been a cause for greater concern.

"The wear on the tyres was within acceptable levels with the grooves in place and although Rubens Barrichello, who was running the same specification of tyre as his teammate, experienced some blistering on his tyres, he did not report any similar issues," added the Bridgestone spokesman.

Bridgestone are now working on improvements to the tyres to ensure that future Safety Car periods do not lead to a repeat of the rear tyre failure.

[phantomfocus]

Just what F1 needs. If Toyota's points are taken away, the championship will be all screwed up. I vote to forget about it and get on with the racing!

[phantomfocus]

I think you could claim that there is some difference between not filling out some paperwork, and running an illegal fuel tank. One obviously has the possiblity of effecting your on track performance where the other does? I don't see the big deal with this TYPE of rule infraction.

[mindgam3]

Just what F1 needs. If Toyota's points are taken away, the championship will be all screwed up. I vote to forget about it and get on with the racing!

and let people get away with this crap. it will only lead to other teams trying to get away with other shit.

i dont want to get off topic, put people complain about BAR's punishment. now if FIA didnt do something like the 2 race ban and did something more of a slap on the wrist then it would only encourage other teams to go ahead and break more rules.

That depends if you view is that they broke any rules or not :roll:

I think you could claim that there is some difference between not filling out some paperwork, and running an illegal fuel tank. One obviously has the possiblity of effecting your on track performance where the other does? I don't see the big deal with this TYPE of rule infraction.

The fuel tank is 110% completely legal, even the FIA agrees with that. At least 6 other teams run the same type of fuel tank from the same company as BAR - ATL. Also, using the FIA's own fuel pump and car weighing data, it can be proven that BAR were not underweight throughout the entire race and qualifying and therefore gained no performance advantage what so ever. This is backed up by BAR's own fuel consumption data. Tests have also shown that it is impossible to keep the engine going (and hence the car) without the fuel on the collector.

In this case, Toyota clearly have broken a rule, no doubt about it. And as many of you have been saying rules are rules....


LICENCES
10) All drivers, competitors and officials participating in the Championship must hold a FIA Super Licence.
Applications for Super Licences must be made to the FIA through the applicant's ASN.
The driver's name will remain on the list for Super Licences for one year.



I don't think either team should be punished harsly at all but there you go....

[mindgam3]

LICENCES
10) All drivers, competitors and officials participating in the Championship must hold a FIA Super Licence.
Applications for Super Licences must be made to the FIA through the applicant's ASN.
The driver's name will remain on the list for Super Licences for one year.



I don't think either team should be punished harsly at all but there you go....


so you agree that Toyota broke the rules, but shouldnt be punished harshly. so what would you consider a suitable punishment, that would deter them??

Who knows, i just feel the FIA should be consistent.

In BAR's case, they gained no advantage over anyone else.

Niether have toyota.

BAR, at the most can be accused of bending the rules, but its highly debatable (from both sides of the arguement) whether any actual rules were fully broken.

In the Toyota case, its clear cut: they don't have a licence and so according to the rules shouldn't have been allowed to race.

In both cases, the FIA knew about both of these things at the beginning of the season, why wait til now? :?

I don't think BAR should have their points taken away, a fine at the most, althougha million seems a little steep, even considering their budget.

Toyota should be fined at least as much as BAR. If the FIA were to be consistent then they should take away their points and ban them from 2 races like BAR, at least.

[|Nuno|]

I really don't get the FIA... How come they let this happen?! This should have been caught from day one. For me, this is FIA's fault as well as Toyota's.

So I don't think they should be punished hardly; maybe just a fine or something. I mean, it's not like they had any advantage with this...


And come on... This isn't comparable with B.A.R.'s case...

[mindgam3]

I really don't get the FIA... How come they let this happen?! This should have been caught from day one. For me, this is FIA's fault as well as Toyota's.

So I don't think they should be punished hardly; maybe just a fine or something. I mean, it's not like they had any advantage with this...


And come on... This isn't comparable with B.A.R.'s case...

Of course it is!

How can you defend Toyota by saying its the FIA's fault when BAR had their tank and used it in the same manner as San Marion since december 2004 AND had it inspected and confirmed legal by FIA's own technical delegates and race director charlie whiting? Surely that shows you how mis-intepreted the rules are: If the FIA's own technical employees don't understand the rules, how can they acuse BAR of intepreting as the FIA didn't want them to??!?


As I said, the fact is, BAR gained no performance advantage and their tank was completely legal - this is what the FIA think as well. But questions on a few technicalities regarding the confusing and contradicting rules were raised. BAR didn't think what they were doing was illegal and niether did the stewards and race director.

Hence whether BAR broke the rules is hardly clear cut and could easily go one way or the other if, like myself you're none bias towards BAR.

Toyotas case is completely clear cut: they KNEW they were breaking one of the fundamental rules that is written in every motorsport championship regarding licences and there's no excuse.

Either way, my feeling is the FIA are going to be completely inconsistent with the Toyota ruling....

[|Nuno|]

I really don't get the FIA... How come they let this happen?! This should have been caught from day one. For me, this is FIA's fault as well as Toyota's.

So I don't think they should be punished hardly; maybe just a fine or something. I mean, it's not like they had any advantage with this...


And come on... This isn't comparable with B.A.R.'s case...

Of course it is!

How can you defend Toyota by saying its the FIA's fault when BAR had their tank and used it in the same manner as San Marion since december 2004 AND had it inspected and confirmed legal by FIA's own technical delegates and race director charlie whiting? Surely that shows you how mis-intepreted the rules are: If the FIA's own technical employees don't understand the rules, how can they acuse BAR of intepreting as the FIA didn't want them to??!?


As I said, the fact is, BAR gained no performance advantage and their tank was completely legal - this is what the FIA think as well. But questions on a few technicalities regarding the confusing and contradicting rules were raised. BAR didn't think what they were doing was illegal and niether did the stewards and race director.

Hence whether BAR broke the rules is hardly clear cut and could easily go one way or the other if, like myself you're none bias towards BAR.

Toyotas case is completely clear cut: they KNEW they were breaking one of the fundamental rules that is written in every motorsport championship regarding licences and there's no excuse.

Either way, my feeling is the FIA are going to be completely inconsistent with the Toyota ruling....

For fuck's sake dude, we're talking about damn paperwork here!! It's not like it made the Toyota's go faster... :roll:

If they knew, so did the FIA - after all this is happening 5(!) races after the start of the season. So I keep my position: yes, they should be punished, but not severely. But if they're severely punished, I couldn't care less; I don't even like Toyota that much for a start... To think of it, it would actually benefit Ferrari...


And bringing B.A.R. to every subject is getting a bit tiring...

[mindgam3]

For fuck's sake dude, we're talking about damn paperwork here!! It's not like it made the Toyota's go faster... :roll:

If they knew, so did the FIA - after all this is happening 5(!) races after the start of the season. So I keep my position: yes, they should be punished, but not severely. But if they're severely punished, I couldn't care less; I don't even like Toyota that much for a start... To think of it, it would actually benefit Ferrari...


And bringing B.A.R. to every subject is getting a bit tiring...

lol, i'm not bringing BAR in just for the sake of it. I'm bringing them up because they're relevant.

BAR didn't get ANY performance advantage from their fuel tank, thats is an underlying FACT.

What I'm getting at, is if you look at the wider picture, Toyota has commited a more offending offence than BAR, but I doubt Toyota will get the same punishment.

You made a big deal about the fact you were certain BAR were 100% cheating yet you're not so sure about Toyota?

BAR didn't gain any performance advanatage
Toyota didn't gain any performance adavantage

Whether BAR broke any rules is highly debatable.
Whether Toyota broke any rules is clear cut.

So why shouldn't Toyota get a bigger fine/ban than BAR?

Are you 100% sure Toyota cheated? Because that's what you said about BAR even though no performance advantage was gained and the offence came down to how you intepret the rules.... :roll:


To think of it, it would actually benefit Ferrari...


Well with what could be two teams, 4 drivers out of competition for the championship due to the FIA, no suprise there then ;)

[|Nuno|]

BAR didn't get ANY performance advantage from their fuel tank, thats is an underlying FACT.


I tought it already had been established that the fuel tank by itself wasn't the problem.

You made a big deal about the fact you were certain BAR were 100% cheating yet you're not so sure about Toyota?

Pardon me?! I made a big deal?! I merely agreed with the FIA's decision mate... And I'm not the one bringing the B.A.R. subject to every thread...

So why shouldn't Toyota get a bigger fine/ban than BAR?

For me, they shouldn't get a bigger punishment because this is paperwork business, and not on-track action business. Just that, I relly don't care too much about paperwork.

If the situation was the other way around (Toyota with the weight thingy and B.A.R. with this) my opinion would be the same, so please stop talking like if I was defending Toyota and atacking B.A.R. :wink:

As I said before, I actually like(d) B.A.R. more than Toyota.

Are you 100% sure Toyota cheated? Because that's what you said about BAR even though no performance advantage was gained and the offence came down to how you intepret the rules.... :roll:

For the last time: why would you interpret the rules on a different way, taking the risk of being punished, if not to gain any advantage?

This is F1, everyone wants to win...and nobody's a saint. :wink:

Well with what could be two teams, 4 drivers out of competition for the championship due to the FIA, no suprise there then :wink:

Haha, I was surprised you had not mentioned this before. Next thing, it was Ferrari who stole Toyota's paperwork. :wink:



And on a side note, why do you always have to pick on my posts? Because last time I checked, I had the right to have a different opinion than yours...

[SFDMALEX]

I smell fire :lol:

[|Nuno|]

I smell fire :lol:

Haha, no. It's just that I and mindgam3 don't seem to agree on certain things. Nothing major tough. 8)

[|Nuno|]

FIA to hear to F1 fans' voices


Formula One fans will this week get a unique chance to help change the sport for the better, as motor racing's governing body goes public with the biggest ever fans' survey on the state of Grand Prix racing.

With FIA president Max Mosley having long believed that team bosses were overlooking the interests and desires of spectators in their move to agree on a future direction for F1, the FIA has initiated the survey to make sure the supporters' voices are heard.

An FIA spokesman told Autosport-Atlas: "At the beginning of 2005 the FIA launched a consultation on the future of Formula One with all of the sport's stakeholders. We felt that including Formula One fans in this process was essential.

"To help shape the future of the sport we want as many fans as possible to visit our website and complete the online survey."

This survey, which can be accessed later this week on the FIA's own website, www.fia.com, aims to get feedback from fans on what their opinions are on the sport - and what differences they would like to see made.

Mosley is currently heading up plans to define a new set of Formula One regulations from the start of 2008 - although he has found several teams reluctant to join in those discussions until market research has been completed.

Key figures from F1 have long echoed Mosley's belief that the fans' opinions on the sport are too often ignored.

Renault director of engineering Pat Symonds is one man who has often said that more consultation should be made with the public - although not necessarily just with diehard F1 fans.

"I've always advocated that if we want to know what to do, we should be asking the public," he said last year when talking about the continued problems of finding an acceptable qualifying procedure.

"What we should do is go out on a Saturday afternoon while qualifying is on and ask the people in the street, in the shopping centres 'why aren't you watching qualifying, what is wrong with it? Why aren't you watching racing?'

"Those are the people whose opinion we need."

The results of the FIA survey are due to be published later this summer.


http://www.autosport-atlas.com/news.aspx?id=44256&s=5
---------------


Toyota escape heavy punishment


Toyota have narrowly escaped losing the points they scored in the first four races of 2005 after it was discovered that prior to Imola they'd raced without the correct paperwork.
All teams need a competition license which is issued by their national authority before they can be issued with a superlicense by the FIA. A superlicense is needed to race in Formula One.
However, while Toyota had a superlicense, it was found that they'd failed to renew their competition license since 2000. And that was only renewed prior to the San Marino GP.
The punishment for racing without the license could have cost Toyota all the points they'd scored in the initial four races.
"If they apply a sanction we have to accept it," Toyota Motorsport President John Howett told Reuters last week.
"The FIA has the right to apply sanctions but I hope it will be commensurate with the size of the error. We have tried to be completely transparent."

"This has been blown out of proportion to what we see as an unintentional and fairly minor error relating to the paperwork."
However, Howett needn't worry about being penalised as FIA President Max Mosley has cleared them of intentionally cheating.
"There won't be any penalties for Toyota, even though until the Spanish Grand Prix they raced without the licenses required by the FIA," Mosley told Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport.
"It was a mistake, with no real cheating involved."
Further explaining Mosley said: "It is an administrative matter, an error with no fraud."

http://www.planet-f1.com/news/story_19546.shtml
--------------

Me, they should have been fined at least...

[styla21]

-------FIA announces qualifying changes-------

Formula One racing’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed that Sunday morning qualifying is to be dropped as of this weekend’s European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring in Germany.

Grid positions will now be determined by the Saturday session alone, which will continue in the same single-lap format, but with cars required to qualify in race trim. They will then be kept under parc ferme conditions until the race.

The running order for the session will be reverse of the finishing order of the previous race. This means that at the Nurburgring, Takuma Sato is likely to be first man out for the returning BAR team, while Monaco winner Kimi Raikkonen will have the benefit of running last.

The change to the qualifying format was agreed by the ten Formula One teams over the Monte Carlo weekend and was confirmed after the proposal won the approval of the FIA’s World Motorsport Council on Monday.

- F1.com

[ae86_16v]

^ Yes!!!

So no more of this combining laps one and two thing?!?!

That's great!!! One hot lap and that's it.

[phantomfocus]

Excellent, just about anything is better than what we had. Not exactly what I had wanted, but definitly a step forward.

[|Nuno|]

Cool, now I can sleep properly again at Sundays. :D

I'm still not happy tough... This is still a boring format, and I don't like the fact that it's done in race trim.

[ae86_16v]

Cool, now I can sleep properly again at Sundays. :D

I'm still not happy tough... This is still a boring format, and I don't like the fact that it's done in race trim.

There could be excitement in One Hot Lap, but I agree, you should be able to tune your car during qualifying to get the best out of it.

[|Nuno|]

Montagny joins Jordan:


As reported this morning Franck Montagny will be driving for the Jordan F1 team on Friday in the free practice sessions starting at the European Grand Prix tomorrow. The reason behind the switch is because the team wanted a more experienced driver than Doornbos.

"We began the season with three rookie drivers, which was the right thing to do while we adjusted to the Formula 1 environment. But now, after 6 races into the season, we do understand that we need an experienced driver to join forces and simultaneously build up our three rookies," said Jordan's managing director Colin Kolles.

"As we are in a transition year, we are in the unique position to try different options to make sure that next year, when the team will race as Midland F1, we will be able to be competitive from the very beginning. We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to use Franck Montagny's considerable track experience - more than 13,000 km behind the wheel of an F1 car - to give our development a major push forward. In light of this, I am expecting improved performances from our team over the course of the next few races."

Montagny's F1 manager Flavio Briatore said about his deal with the Jordan team: "We have been working to give Franck the opportunity to demonstrate his undoubted capabilities at a race weekend and this is a good step for him, as at Friday practice he will have the chance to test the car in representative conditions. I am happy to be able to help Alex Shnaider and the Jordan team, who will be getting valuable feedback from a quick and proven F1 test driver who has experience with a top car and team. I believe this is a good opportunity for everyone concerned.

[SFDMALEX]

Still shit! I want the real qual back, none of this one lap race trim bullshit. What can I say, Im dissapointed, to me this is as bad as the previous qual.......

[Toronto]

^^^ ahh the times when senna would go out, and set a slow lap. wait ten min's or so then make some changes to the car, then wait a few sec. more, move his fingers (tell the boys in the crew he was leaving), and blows his old and everyones else time out of the water :D

[5vz-fe]

I guess if they change to a non-one lap qualifying, all teams will bark at FIA that they are Ferrari biased.

[zondaland]

What I would personally like to see is the old style hour long session followed by an each car on the track single flying lap session, on race fuel. That way the fans get the excitement of seeing who is truly fastest, but the grid can be slightly scrambled due to different strategies. Also the smaller teams get their guaranteed 1min 30 s of air time.

[5vz-fe]

More Trouble for BAR....

[27/05/05 - 08:18]

Honda’s engine concerns for Nurburgring
Racing Imola engines could pose a problem

When BAR Honda were stripped of their points paying positions at the San Marino Grand Prix and forced to miss the Spanish and Monaco Grand Prix, the team looked forward to Nurburgring and the latest engines from Honda to try and make a big impact on their return to the sport.

The team are however to use the same V10 Honda powerplants that were used at the San Marino Grand Prix as the rules state that engines must be used for two consecutive races. BAR Honda believe that they are entitled to fresh Honda engines as they did not race in either of the last two events, while the FIA take the stance that it is in fact two consecutive races for the team.

As it stands, BAR Honda will practice, qualify and race with the same engines that powered them to the points back at Imola. Honda has concerns that after five weeks sitting in storage, the engines will be compromised and perhaps not as reliable as an engine juts a week or two old.

http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/050527082107.shtml

[|Nuno|]

Barrichello: "Press Lies."


NUERBURGRING, Germany, May 27 (Reuters) - Ferrari's Michael Schumacher played down a rift with team mate Rubens Barrichello on Friday after the Brazilian said he would treat the seven-times champion like any other rival from now on.

"For me it's fine to see it like that for the race, as long as we can go on having parties after the race," Schumacher said at the European Grand Prix.

"I'm relaxed about the whole thing," added the German.

"We saw each other last night for dinner. He was calmed down. He's Brazilian after all and has temperament. There was no problem between us. It's all normal. It's time to sort this out and get back to work."

Schumacher has had to mend fences with both his brother and Barrichello after last week's Monaco Grand Prix, where he barged past his team mate on the final lap and then almost collided with Ralf's Toyota on the line.

"There's just too much commotion about this, just like with the thing with Ralf," said Schumacher.

Barrichello, who has played the role of loyal number two since he arrived at Ferrari in 2000, was quoted in Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport saying: "In future I will have to consider Michael not as a team mate but as a driver like any other."

The Brazilian, whose once-dominant Formula One team have been struggling without a win so far this season, did not want to make any further comment but dismissed a suggestion in the Gazzetta that his days at Ferrari were now numbered.

"It's bull****," Barrichello said. "That's the Italian press saying too many things. I have no problem with Ferrari just because I had one problem with Michael in one corner. So that's the deal."

Schumacher finished seventh in Monaco, with Barrichello eighth. Ralf withstood Schumacher's late attack to hold sixth. Although both brothers declared peace at the Nuerburgring, sixth-placed Ralf had said Michael could have killed him.

Ferrari boss Jean Todt said he understood both drivers and would not take sides in whether Schumacher made the right decision to pass Barrichello at Monaco.

"I don't say what one should have done or should not have done," he said. "It's part of racing. It's important that they didn't compromise the work of the entire company by hitting each other."

Todt said it was also vital that both drivers continue talking with each other and work together. He pointed out that Schumacher called Barrichello on his birthday early this week and they had dinner together on Thursday.

"There is no controversy," Todt said.

"They have the same car and the same support. We try to minimise as much as we can the opposition between them. But there is a limit. The drivers are happy to be together and they speak to each other."


Source:

http://tinyurl.com/9j7to

[Toronto]

please quote your sources :wink:

[|Nuno|]

please quote your sources :wink:

It's there:

NUERBURGRING, Germany, May 27 (Reuters)


Or do you mean a link or something?

[Toronto]

yes please :D

[|Nuno|]

yes please :D


Sure, already edited the original post. :)


================================================== =====

Jordan hit hard with third car ban

Six sets of tyres for Montagny in practice



The Jordan Grand Prix team will not be allowed to run a third car on Friday at the Canadian Grand Prix after using too many tyres in Friday practice at the Nurburgring, F1Racing.net has learned. Franck Montagny was at the wheel of Jordan's third car this afternoon and ran on six different sets of tyres during the two sessions while the rules say the third driver can use only four sets.

Montagny himself is not being punished for the infringement as he was not aware of what was going on but the Jordan team will not be able to use a third car in Canada after it was deemed they had gained an advantage at the Nurburgring.



http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=87653

[|Nuno|]

http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=24638


=============================================


Bridgestone: "We Think We Might Have Found Something"


As Michael Schumacher flew to North America on Monday evening, Bridgestone prepared to test a brand new tyre for him to race at Montreal next Sunday.

''We think we might have found something,'' a Bridgestone spokesman told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

It'll be put through its paces at Monza, while Ferrari also intend to test in England.

''We have a lot of bits to try,'' team principal Jean Todt admitted, ''a lot of tyre testing. Our tests are always big but the important thing is that the result is big.

''We are starting too low on the grid, but I am optimistic that things will soon change.''

The Frenchman even admitted that defending Ferrari's championships now appears difficult. ''We are clearly not favourites,'' said Jean Todt.

''But one needs to be careful of making final predictions.''



http://tinyurl.com/cu22a

[5vz-fe]

This week's testing should give us a pretty good picture on the newly found "something". I sure hope Ferrari start winning races tho. I am disappointed race after race (I guess this is what it feel like to be fans of other teams for the past 5 years)

[|Nuno|]

Speaking of testing, here are some pics from Silverstone and Monza:


Lets start with Ferrari:

http://img218.echo.cx/img218/7920/uuuuuuuu5dw.th.jpg (http://img218.echo.cx/my.php?image=uuuuuuuu5dw.jpg)http://img239.echo.cx/img239/5967/uuuuuuuuuuuuauauaau0bk.th.jpg (http://img239.echo.cx/my.php?image=uuuuuuuuuuuuauauaau0bk.jpg)http://img239.echo.cx/img239/2353/uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu7pp.th.jpg (http://img239.echo.cx/my.php?image=uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu7pp.jpg)http://img239.echo.cx/img239/8435/z001uuuuuuuuuuuuuu6dt.th.jpg (http://img239.echo.cx/my.php?image=z001uuuuuuuuuuuuuu6dt.jpg)


This is the new Aero package that will be used at Canada; the rear end is all new, as is the engine cover. Also, if you look carefully you'll see that the right mirror is way up high (odd, I know). There are some other less visible modifications too, like the slightly different sidepods and bargeboards. And then there's the new non tobacco livery, which is dreadful...

And for the U.S. GP, an evolution of the 055 engine will be used. Ah, and for Canada Brigdestone will bring a new tyre. :)



The new tyre warmer or oven, which was used at the 'Ring:

http://img239.echo.cx/img239/6954/uuuuuuuuuuu3mj.th.jpg (http://img239.echo.cx/my.php?image=uuuuuuuuuuu3mj.jpg)

Check the guy in the background. :lol:



And from Monza:

http://www.f1total.com/bilder/2005/gp/0507eur/so/z263.jpg

[5vz-fe]

There are so many wings :shock:

[Max Power]

does this mean I can expect a Shumi win?

[|Nuno|]

does this mean I can expect a Shumi win?

Hopefully. :D

[5vz-fe]

does this mean I can expect a Shumi win?

Hopefully. :D

But not likely

[|Nuno|]

does this mean I can expect a Shumi win?

Hopefully. :D

But not likely

We'll see. :D Ferrari has always been strong at Montreal, but this year things are a lot tougher.

[Toronto]

^^^
ralf as always been strong @ montreal, he just can't finish.
last year sato was super quick also,
can't wait to see what happens this year.

does this mean I can expect a Shumi win?
you going?

[Max Power]

maybe, u never know...are u making the trip

[5vz-fe]

The trip will be very worth going if Schumi wins ........ (still be worth going if not, but can't afford it <sigh>)

[Toronto]

I have been making the trip for like the last 8 years :D

[Max Power]

it seems that only grand stands 22 and 24 are available...but if I come in a wheelchair I can get tickets for 31a

[Toronto]

I get my tickets a year in advance, same spots, and you save money :D

[dannyroz]

i know im goin this year...SWEET. Right at the last chicane onto the main straight

[|Nuno|]

Sauber hopes to complete BMW deal soon


The Swiss Sauber Formula 1 team is hoping to race with BMW engines next season. Team boss Peter Sauber admitted he is close to signing a deal with the German engine manufacturer but a final contract has not been signed yet.


"We hope to close an agreement with BMW soon," admitted Peter Sauber in the Italian magazine Autosprint. "At this moment we have not signed an agreement yet unfortunately."

The Sauber team currently runs on Ferrari engines but their contract with the Italians won't be renewed at the end of the season. A deal with BMW is expected to be announced around the end of the month.



http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=88670

[5vz-fe]

Ferrari is finally paying the price for selling their engines at a high price to Sauber

[|Nuno|]

Williams hits out at BMW


Frank Williams has hit out at engine supplier BMW claiming the once rosey relationship he enjoyed with the German car manufacturer has turned into the most hostile he has experienced in 30 years of Formula One.

"Our partnerships in the past with Renault and Honda have been more successful and cooperative," Williams told this week's Autosport magazine. "You never had this constant finger-pointing."

"We don't constantly ask why BMW had some 150 engine failures in 2000 alone," he added.

BMW is all set to announce a deal with Sauber for 2006.

===============================================


Webber slams Safety Car


Mark Webber has issued an urgent 'hurry-up' to F1's Safety Car. Williams' Australian driver, a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, called the slow speed of the silver Mercedes 'massively concerning.'

"We lose so much tyre pressure in the tyres that it's dangerous," he told ITV.

A slow moving Safety Car was ultimately blamed for Ayrton Senna's fatal 1994 shunt into the flat out Tamburello barrier.

More than a decade on, Webber reckoned world champion Michael Schumacher's recent (Barcelona) tyre failures were caused by the same phenomenon.

[jenkF1]

Webbers got a point there.

People think that the safety car had a major impact in the Legend Ayrton Senna 's death cus of the low tyre pressure/low rideheight combo caused the car to bottom out.

But what else can you do? That Mercedes looks slow on TV but tis still going bloody fast innit?

[zondaland]

You could force them all to engage their speed limiters in the zone of a crash site, then let the leader set the pace around the rest of the track, obviously you would need some sort of radio signal to be sent from the cars to race control whenever the pit lane speed limiter was engaged, but I'm sure it wouldn't be all that difficult to arrange.

[gucom]

yes it's a fast driving car, but if they put in an SLR or something like that, with a racign driver behind the wheel, it could go alot faster, which would be good for the F1 drivers...but then again safety car is out there to prevent them from just racing on flat-out...

[|Nuno|]

Pedro seeks 2006 ride



Pedro de la Rosa would like to step back onto the F1 grid, permanently. But the Spaniard, who raced spectacularly in Juan Pablo Montoya's injured boots at Bahrain, admits that a full time seat is rather improbable.

"I'm pretty realistic," he told Spain's 'Marca' newspaper at the Montreal track, where he'll fulfil McLaren's 'Friday' and reserve post. "I know how difficult it will be to get a place in 2006. If it happens, I'll look back on Bahrain and remember that race as very helpful."

So what about Canada's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve? Pedro, who has driven for Arrows and Jaguar, reckons the best car in Montreal will be the one with the best traction. "So Renault will be strong," he told the daily.

[zondaland]

BMW - Sauber saga continues

F1 live reports the following

Reports, yet to be confirmed coming in from BBC Radio Five, suggest that BMW has now agreed terms to purchase the Swiss-based Sauber team for a rumoured $270m.

Neither BMW nor Sauber have yet to make any official announcement on any deal, stating that the two parties are in talks regarding a straight engine supply deal for 2006.

While details are sketchy until confirmation is made, the relationship between BMW and WilliamsF1 has been especially strained in recent months with Frank Williams going on record this week saying that he is unconcerned over engine supply as he has a deal with BMW for 2006 and even if that was to change for any reason, there are alternative options for the team.

Hopefully details of any such deal will be made public shortly.

[|Nuno|]

Wurz and Jordan


Alexander Wurz is set to race back onto the F1 grid next year. The McLaren tester, who drove 53 grands prix for Benetton until 2000, may be the showpiece of a $9m Mercedes Benz V8 engine deal for Jordan-Midland, a report revealed.

Currently Toyota powered Jordan remains, however, in negotiations with both Japanese and German carmakers.

31-year-old Wurz's latest three year contract at Mercedes' part owned team McLaren ends in November 2005. "I am not aware of any discussions," Alex told a Salzburg (Austria) newspaper, "or of the plans of McLaren."


http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=89418

[|Nuno|]

Rumours around Raikkonen and Ferrari


Rumour has it that Kimi Raikkonen's management sat down for a chat with Jean Todt in Montreal. McLaren's Finnish driver, winner of three grands prix so far this year, is high on the Maranello based team's wish list for 2007 and beyond.

"I'm not going to comment about that," Frenchman Todt, Ferrari team principal, insisted. Drivers are not the priority today, winning is. Saying that, I was happy for Kimi (in Canada), he's a good guy, although I'd prefer Michael to win."

Further probed about the inevitable post-Schumacher era, though, Todt said he 'wouldn't tell even if I had signed all the contracts.'

He also insisted that Raikkonen is not the only young star on the grand prix grid. "I see that (Felipe) Massa finished a brilliant fourth but nobody wants to write a word. People say my son runs his career and that's why he's here."
__________________________________________________ _____________


Ferrari may race new engine


Ferrari may unveil a new-specification V10 engine at Indy. Technical director Ross Brawn admitted that the Maranello based team is 'still to decide.'

If the innovation is deemed not ready for the second of the North American double header, it'll appear in Britain. Brawn told Autosport: "What we need is more performance."

[Max Power]

a little bit picky there? he's just saying its tough, and plus he's too full of himself to hint at losing the championship

[|Nuno|]

Jordan EJ15B


http://www.f1total.com/bilder/2005/tests/05testsil3/z010.jpg

http://www.f1total.com/bilder/2005/tests/05testsil3/z011.jpg

http://www.f1total.com/bilder/2005/tests/05testsil3/z008.jpg

[5vz-fe]

Alonso and his big words....I find that younger F1 drivers who have tasted sucess are often more cocky and overly confident (just like young schumi).

http://www.planet-f1.com/news/story_20066.shtml


Alonso: 'Schumi can't win this year's title'
Monday June 27 2005

Fernando Alonso has ruled out a Michael Schumacher victory in this year's Championship despite the German closing the gap in the standings at Indy.

Schumacher bagged the maximum ten points after winning the six-car race that none of the Michelin runners raced in. The Ferrari is now up to 34 points, 25 less than Alonso.

However, that doesn't mean Schumacher's in the running to retain the World title.

"He's back because he scored 10 points at Indianapolis and eight in Canada," Alonso told the BBC.

"But we know we were more competitive than Ferrari at Indy and in front of him in Canada when we retired."

"Fisi, Montoya and me all retired in Canada and we did a big favour to the others," he added.

The 23-year-old Spaniard is also confident that he can hold off any challenge second-placed Kimi Raikkonen poses although he does admit that "the McLarens are a bit quicker than us and we have to develop the car."

"We only did half of the season and the most important race is the final one, but the car is performing very well. We have the chance and we have a good gap.

[SFDMALEX]

Little cocky bastard. The funny thing is that Schumi probably will win again. There is half a season to go and only he's only two and a half victories away from him.

[antonioledesma]

[yoda]overconfident he is and loose will he. Now most common in young jedis problem[yoda] :mrgreen:

when young drivers start saying those things they would be better go back to their own roots, to cool down and save those stupid comments.
there's too much time left :roll:

[ZfrkS62]

"Fisi, Montoya and me all retired in Canada and we did a big favour to the others," he added.

Arrogant little prick. Let Alonso's tumble off the top begin :twisted:

He's good, but he has a thing or two to learn about Murphy's Law :twisted:

[5vz-fe]

To Quote Montoya on this "Faacking....Facking Idiot!!" I guess he is presuming that Ferrari will sit on their hands and don't give a fight back. The down on performance only pushes Ferrari to work harder in finding a solution.

[5vz-fe]

To Quote Montoya on this "Faacking....Facking Idiot!!" I guess he is presuming that Ferrari will sit on their hands and don't give a fight back. The down on performance only pushes Ferrari to work harder in finding a solution.

well lets hope so, cause not to long ago Ferrari did say that they might stop development on the 2005 and start on the 2006 car for next year. but since they are closer to both championships now, lets hope they push forth and give it thier all.

I just hope Bridgestone can provide better qualifying performance. And maybe more on-track overtaking on Schumi's part. Schumi can pull fast in and out laps, but he is lacking some overtaking these recent years. This I blame the change in point system (making crashing out a much bigger penalty)

[SFDMALEX]

/\/\/\LAckinig in grip because of shitty tires.

[mindgam3]

I highly doubt that ferrari's lack in performance is purely down to the tyres.

The F2005 was never finished properly as they had to bring it in early because of the lack of performance of the 2004. They were mainly waiting for the gearbox to be finished and as we've seen, this has been a pain in the arse for ferrari every race since they've introduced it for at least one of their cars

[5vz-fe]

Innovative casing features two layers. Inner one is titanium casting, thinner but less stiff than last year's. New, outer carbon fibre layer adds lost stiffness, but has led to overheating issues, as carbon fibre is poor heat conductor

http://www.formula1.com/insight/technical_analysis/team/2005/3/99.html

The gearbox is pain in the ass, but when it is performing, it is fast and light, so that has nothing to do with the F2005's performance, as for the engine, if u look at the trap speed in each race, they are amoung the top. So it couldn't be the engine. Handling u can't tell coz it is influence by tires.......

[5vz-fe]

I am glad that Michelin decided to do this. That's the kinda money u can't spare to make the fans feel that they did all they could and salvage their brand name. (especailly in a big market like the US)

[mindgam3]

The FIA's verdict for the michelin teams:


* guilty of failing to ensure that they were in possession of suitable tyres for the 2005 US Grand Prix; but with strong, mitigating circumstances;

* guilty of wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race, having regard to their right to use the pit lane on each lap;

* not guilty of refusing to race subject to a speed restriction, having regard to the absence of any detailed plan for this;

* not guilty of combining to make a demonstration for the reason that they had hoped to race until the last minute;

* not guilty of failing to inform the Stewards of their intention not to start (Article 131) for the same reason.


What utter complete bullshit.



Six of the seven Michelin teams found guilty of bringing Formula 1 into disrepute at Wednesday's FIA World Motor Sport Council hearing are to appeal against the verdict.

The manufacturer-backed teams McLaren, Williams, Renault, Toyota, Sauber and BAR all claim they were innocent parties in the US Grand Prix fiasco where they withdrew from the race instead of competing on tyres Michelin warned were unsafe to use.

According to a joint statement, the six teams, which does not include Red Bull, claimed they were "very disappointed" in the WMSC's decision after the hearing in Paris.

After today's hearing, the FIA announced that no punishment would be decided upon until a further meeting on September 14, but the teams feel there are no grounds for penalties.

"The teams explained to the World Motor Sport Council that, in the light of the clear and written advice from Michelin that it was unsafe to race at Indianapolis on the tyres supplied by that company, the teams had no choice but to decline to race," the statement read.

"Any other decision would have been irresponsible."

The teams were found guilty on two counts - failing to ensure they were in possession of suitable tyres and wrongfully refusing to allow their cars to start the race.

They argued that they had asked Michelin to provide the correct tyres and that the French company had made a mistake.

"The teams point out that they reasonably relied on Michelin, an approved FIA tyre supplier and a highly reputable manufacturer of tyres worldwide, to provide suitable tyres for that race," they said.

"As Michelin have already acknowledged, they were responsible for the supply of unsuitable tyres for the Indianapolis circuit.

"The FIA's decision accepts that there were "strong mitigating circumstances" for the teams.

"In truth, those circumstances provided a complete answer to the charge, given that the teams cannot be held responsible for what occurred."

The six teams also made the case that, given they did not have safe tyres to use, the only safe course of action was to elect not to take part in the US GP.

"The charges suggested only one means by which the teams could safely have raced (the use of a speed restriction)," explained the statement.

"On that charge, the teams were found not guilty.

"The teams cannot understand how they can be found guilty by reference to another proposed solution, which was not part of the charges brought against them, which was not suggested by the FIA at Indianapolis, which was considered unsafe and which, in any event, would not have achieved a satisfactory race for the fans."

[loliea]

The fact that the FIA wants to delay the verdict until September is a good sign that the Mosley and Co are afraid of the F1 teams that could boycott the European GPs of this summer...

Is there anything in the F1 regulation that would prevent the teams to do a demonstration on Sunday (something like having special stickers on the car to replace the tobacco that are illegal in France)?

[Max Power]

what do u mean?...'support Freedom Fries'?

[ZfrkS62]

The fact that the FIA wants to delay the verdict until September is a good sign that the Mosley and Co are afraid of the F1 teams that could boycott the European GPs of this summer...

Is there anything in the F1 regulation that would prevent the teams to do a demonstration on Sunday (something like having special stickers on the car to replace the tobacco that are illegal in France)?

Take a look at the cars for the Montreal race. None of them had their tobacco sponsors on them. McLaren had the names of their drivers on the side pods and wings in place of the West graphic.

BAR had a different symbol as well in place of the Lucky Strike bulls eye

Ferrari had the red barcodes in place of the Marlboro trangle

Not sure what Renault did with the Mild 7 logos.

Jordan blacked out the Benson-Hedges on the wings, and replaced it with something else.

[loliea]

Take a look at the cars for the Montreal race. None of them had their tobacco sponsors on them. McLaren had the names of their drivers on the side pods and wings in place of the West graphic.

BAR had a different symbol as well in place of the Lucky Strike bulls eye

Ferrari had the red barcodes in place of the Marlboro trangle

Not sure what Renault did with the Mild 7 logos.

Jordan blacked out the Benson-Hedges on the wings, and replaced it with something else.

That's what I am saying, that leave some space for a message...

[SFDMALEX]

/\/\/\What messege? "Michelin get your act together?" Why all this hate for FIA after the US GP? Before everything was good, now fuck the FIA.......

[loliea]

Yes something like that, but with more nuance... :wink:

[5vz-fe]

By Spa............it is possible, but very arrogant!!! :fist: That's almost like saying Mclaren and Ferrari is good for nothing the next 6 races. I think he need to book his plastic surgeon again to readjust his high sticking nose.

[SFDMALEX]

If Ferrari dont get their act together Ill be going for Kimi and I hope he makes Alonso look real bad, I never liked him to be honest. First he's a goody good boy and now he speaks like he's the next Schumi or some shit....

[5vz-fe]

I dont know if he can be the next schumi, but he's definitely the next Montoya.

[Toronto]

'Quit Max! Or I will sell Minardi'
http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=91702

sell the damn team, and get the fuck out of F1. we dont need little nit picking cock sucking bitch's in F1. let someone come into F1 that wont cry about every little damn thing.

LOL, go ahead sell it, lets see who cares, they minardi fan club of america has 40 fans :D, 40!!!!

[5vz-fe]

^^hahaha, I don't think anyone cares......that guy gotten stupid over the years.

[Toronto]

well they have 40-45, they said somthing about it @ indy, all of them came out. :D
and I think that as the club of the americas, so I don't know how many of then where from the USA

[5vz-fe]

^^hahaha, I don't think anyone cares......that guy gotten stupid over the years.

who, specifically??

Sorry Ronin, I don't mean you of course,....I mean Stoddart. It just that your msg suddenly jump in front of mine...so the ^^ seems to apply to you LOL!!

[5vz-fe]

BMW already start testing their V8 engine for 2006 Season

Williams started a three-day test at Jerez with Nico Rosberg and Antonio Pizzonia.

The Grove-based team tested the new BMW 2.4-litre engine in the FW27B chassis driven by Antonio Pizzonia. The Brazilian completed eight laps in the FW27B before switching over to a V10-equipped FW27 in the afternoon.

Nico Rosberg covered a total of 40 laps until a stomach problem forced him out of the test.

Tim Newton, Test Team Manager
"Nico spent the majority of today’s test investigating the issues we are trying to resolve on the current chassis. He also completed some systems checks and set-up development work. Antonio drove the FW27B this morning, in which we are running the new BMW V8 engine for the first time, but returned to the FW27A chassis in the afternoon when Rosberg was forced to withdraw from the test with stomach problems. Antonio Pizzonia will be joined by Nick Heidfeld for the second day of the test.”

Source: http://f1.racing-live.com/en/headlines/news/detail/050713194614.shtml

[|Nuno|]

Speaking of V8's:

- From today at Jerez:

1::Ralf Schumacher (Toyota) 1.17.633 (57laps)
2::Jenson Button (Bar) 1.17.733 (77l)
3::Franck Montagny 1.17.765 (69l)
4::Felipe Massa (Sauber) 1.18.000 (65l)
5::Giancarlo Fisichella (Renault) 1.18.069 (75l)
6::Anthony Davidson (Bar) 1.18.428 (63l)
7::Vitantonio Liuzzi (Red Bull Racing) 1.18.449 (82l)
8::Juan Pablo Montoya 1.18.584 (26l)
9::Alex Wurz (Mclaren) 1.18.712 (89l)
10::Ricardo Zonta (Toyota) 1.18.759 (42l)
11::Christian Klien (Red Bull Racing) 1.19.010 (81l)
12::Niko Rosberg (Williams) 1.19.510 (46l)
13::Olivier Panis (Toyota) 1.22.422 (22l)____________ V8
14::Antonio Pizzonia (Williams) 1.30.663 (8l)_________ V8


"Both Toyota and BMW endured a difficult first day of testing with their new V8 engines at the Jerez circuit in Spain.

It was the first time the new 2.4-litre units from the Japanese and German carmakers were tested on track, with Olivier Panis doing the driving for Toyota while Antonio Pizzonia drove the BMW-powered Williams car.

Both men, however, were hit by problems early on, with Panis managing just 22 laps before suffering a pressure loss. The Frenchman was forced to abandon work before the lunch break.

"It is just so different," Panis told Autosport-Atlas at the end of the day. "You just expect more power to come after a while. First and second [gears] it is okay but after that there is no more, it is so different."

Panis set a best time of 1:22.422 with the Toyota, nearly three seconds off the pace of the closest of the rivals running with the V10 engines.

The team, however, were pleased with their initial progress.

"This is first time we have run the car in a test," said Toyota technical director Mike Gascoyne. "We've not even shaken it down, and so far it is good.

"The vibration is a lot less than what we have expected. We had more vibration problems on the test bench than here and so far it is running without problem. We will have a V8 car in every test from now and we will have to see how the progress is.

"At the moment we installed the engine in this year's car with a spacer between the engine and gearbox, so once it is the new car the installation will be completely different. This is just to get a general idea of the problem."

The Williams team had a more frustrating day, however.

After having finished working at 2am on the previous night to fit the engine to the current car, the team saw Pizzonia cover just four laps before he succumbed to problems with the BMW unit.

Pizzonia then covered a few more laps at the wheel of the car fitted with the V10 engine, replacing teammate Nico Rosberg after the Finn felt unwell.

Pizzonia finished over eight seconds behind Panis."
__________________________



Ferrari already started to test the V8 in the bench too, and track tests with an hybrid car and the new V8 (which is entirely new, not just a V10 with less 2 cilinders) should start very soon.
__________________________


And regarding Renault, here's something interesting:

Since they run a 72 degrees V10 as oposed to all the other teams which use 90, they will will have problems to debut the V8 in a hybrid car.
So, they think to develop it on the test bench, then they will debut the engine in January in the car they will use in 2006. This means that they will have to simulate the effects the vibrations have on the chassis at the factory (in the case they decide not to build a hybrid) .

This may cost them valuable track data, since they'll be around 5 to 8 months behind in terms of track development. We'll see how much (or not) this will affect them.

[Mers]

I don't understand, all teams have to have V8's? Why? (sorry if i'm a little oblivious, but it's a curiosity...)

[ZfrkS62]

I don't understand, all teams have to have V8's? Why? (sorry if i'm a little oblivious, but it's a curiosity...)

because apparently the format is switching for next year or 07 i guess.

[|Nuno|]

^^

Next year the rules dictate that you must have either:

- A 2.4L V8;
- Or a V10 with limited revs, like Minardi will use.

[ZfrkS62]

oh great, so baisically it's going to be a cluster fuck of scattered engine parts on the track :?

[Toronto]

i don't mind the switch to v-8's they say they will run up to 22,000+ RPM :twisted: going to one hell of a sound :D

[5vz-fe]

How many weekends does it have to last again?

[ZfrkS62]

i say bring back the 1.5L turbos, man those were beasts.

but i cant wait to see the top v8 lap times compared to the v10 laptimes.

they bring back the 1,5L turbos and i promise you you can see the revival of BMW's M10 engine :wink: or at least the 21st century incarnation :twisted:

[Mers]

http://www.nutsaboutprice.co.uk/to_mc_ff1j.jpg

F1 2050....shumi's grandson posing in his Ferrari F-PDL

I don't like the sound of new rules, standardization is going a little too far...next thing u know, we'll be racing clone drivers

[5vz-fe]

i say bring back the 1.5L turbos, man those were beasts.

but i cant wait to see the top v8 lap times compared to the v10 laptimes.

they bring back the 1,5L turbos and i promise you you can see the revival of BMW's M10 engine :wink: or at least the 21st century incarnation :twisted:

Haha, I will always welcome a non-bango 2002 comeback

[ZfrkS62]

i say bring back the 1.5L turbos, man those were beasts.

but i cant wait to see the top v8 lap times compared to the v10 laptimes.

they bring back the 1,5L turbos and i promise you you can see the revival of BMW's M10 engine :wink: or at least the 21st century incarnation :twisted:

lets not forget Renault had one badass turbo engine. and it would be nice to see Ferrari work out a turbo'ed engine. its been a while.

when is the last time a renault has been seen in the states? :wink:

[Toronto]

^^^ that is their choice I bet you if they want to start selling them there/here peopel would buy them :P , they don't see it a worth while move for them (cause of there history here)...

[5vz-fe]

^u will definitely need a electric motor to convert the braking momentum into electric power (stored in a battery pack) as well as delivering the stored power.

It will be quite a challenge tho, coz F1 drivers modulate the brakes in a very delicated manner. So I would I assume a CVT kinda module attached to the electric motor to allow change in counterforce of the motor, giving the drivers some sort of linearity.

[kksh]

why don't theyjust fit an NOS bottle inside. See how well the drivers use it. How they conserve etc. Ok, it's not high tech but should work eh?

[SFDMALEX]

Fucking retarted...

I officialy stop watching F1 in 2008. Or whenever all this bullshits comes in effect.

[|Nuno|]

Here's the system:

http://imgfrm.index.hu/imgfrm/7/4/2/4/BIG_0000687424.gif


This is complete bullshit. Instead of solving the problem by making the aerodynamics more friendly and relly more on mechanical grip, this is just a (bad) way around the problem of lack of overtaking...

And who says this will actually work...? The driver in front can simply press the button before the guy who tries to overtake him...