2005/2006 F1 News and Testing.

[Flibster]

I am still surprised they do not use Methanol rather than petrol for fuel, as its safer for refuelings, how many times do you see a fire in the pits.. at least Methanol can be put out with water...


I like the idea of the split wings, but they need to put them back on slicks with one manufacturer,

get rid of ALL driver aids, no TCS, no ABS no power steering no auto flappable gearbox, use a sequential stick shift like Indy car and Cart.

limit the budget for each team to the same amount. this would keep all the teams in the same league.

get rid of the pompous white haired dwarf

Methanol? More dangerous...

Seen several methanol fires in indy cars - no visible flames in bright light, all you see is the heat haze. Also - water doesn't help - it just spreads the fire out. Foam is generally whats needed.

F1 doesn't allow ABS anyway at the moment.

The biggest problem is when they go to a single tyre manafacturer *which will be Bridgestone* they have said publically that they will support Ferrari first and all the other teams after that.

So Ferrari will get preferential treatment over all others - again.

They need to go to control tyres really - Get someone like Avon or Goodyear back.

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Baz]

I was going to suggest Goodyear, they do a good job in other series, most of the time...

I know methanol has its problems, like burning clear, but it smells better

but it will stay as petrol as its cheaper....

whatever they do will not make much difference, as the FIA (ferrari internal affairs!) will want ferrari to win, as they put the most money into the FIA & F1.......

be interesting, whatever happens

 

[cossey3]

Cut the wings down to single elements with fixed dimensions.

No winglet's, flipups, bargeboards etc...lets back to clean cars *A-la McLaren Mp4/4*

Allow any 3.0 engine you want *V6, V8, V10, V12, V16, H16* - but with valve springs rather than pneumatically activated - will cut the power and RPM down dramatically

Bring back ground effect - this is minamally affected by the wash created by following cars closely.

Slick tyres - but keep the same width - the grip will reman roughly the same

Driver aids - none. No power steering, no traction control, no full auto or semi auto gearboxes, no radio's

Allow the minimum weight of the cars to go down to 550kg.

Simon/~Flibster

the valve thing will only limit them for a year at most, if you just ban pneumatics then the teams will move over to solenoids, if you stipulate springs only then they will rev just as high with a little development. it is already possible to get the springs to last at 15k+rpm so i doubt it will take long for the revs and power to rise again.

 

[Byron5184]

If the FIA keep changing the system every single year then F1 will crash and burn. Simple.

Bring back the old qualy system (1-2 hours but unlimited laps). Limit aero to allow drivers to stick to each other without losing 90% of your grip but without getting rid of all aero. And most importantly STICK TO IT!!

If they change the rules or systems after these changes then ill just give up on F1 and start following A1GP, DTM, F3, moto GP etc...

 

[Arc]

I am still surprised they do not use Methanol rather than petrol for fuel

Unless you have an ir heat camera (think about police helicopter footage at night on those many police chase programs) you wont see a methanol fire, potenially very dangerous. At least with petrol you can see the flames.

What might be a better idea if for a redesign of the standard fuel rig, how many times over the past few seasons has it failed, both minor (where the car cant refuel) and catastrophic (think theres only been two big fires in the pit lane in recent years).

whatever they do will not make much difference, as the FIA (ferrari internal affairs!) will want ferrari to win, as they put the most money into the FIA & F1.......

Why have the FIA changed the rules over so many successive seasons, to stop MS and Ferrari wining all the time as its been declared boring. Its funny, but arguments like this never came up between 1983 and 1998 .

The only real advantage Ferrari get over the other manufactuers is a permanent seat on the top six manufacturers board (if they finish outside the top 6 they get an automatic place) and thats only due to their contribution to the sport, they are the last of the "original" F1 teams that still compete.

 

[Flibster]

No time was wasted when it was claimed that Lebanese A1 GP driver, Khalil Beschir, had signed to drive for the mystery 11th F1 team in 2006, referred to in the original press release as the Honda B Team.

Following a press release issued on Tuesday evening, in which it was claimed that Beschir would join the new team as test driver, a quick rebuttal was issued on Wednesday morning.

The original press release read: "Khalil Beschir, the 23 years old A1GP driver for Team Lebanon is on his way to sign a 3 years contract with the potential 11th Formula 1 team in 2006, Honda B-Team.

Beschir who made lot of impressions in the European F3000 championship this year and on the inaugural A1GP race in Brand Hatch last month after a spectacular rolling crash while he was running in a strong 7th position, will be one of the test drivers of the new Honda team to support Anthony Davidson and Takuma Sato who will be the official drivers said a dismayed (sic) Honda source.

Beschir's manager who has strong relationship with BAR and its team manager Del Ferran after managing him in his career, is trying to get a special testing program for his young driver alongside his two A1GP seasons to let him be ready to fight on the 2007 Formula 1 Grid, knowing that Beschir racing experience is only 11 races before his debut in the A1GP series this year.

So Khalil Beschir is now on his way to be the first ever Lebanese and Arabian driver in Formula 1."

The denial reads: "With regard to Khalil Beschir and Formula 1, please accept this memo as confirmation that there is absolutely no truth in this story whatsoever. Khalil Beschir has a multi-year contract to drive with the A1 Team Lebanon and this will be the future focus of his career.

Khalil Beschir does however aspire to be the first ever Lebanese and Arabian driver in Formula 1.

The management team of Team Lebanon have been informed of this email and wish it to be known that this reflects the true situation of driver Khalil Beschir."

Sato and Beschir in the same team... imagine it!

No car will be left intact...theirs or anyone elses..

 

[Flibster]

ARGENTINA SEEKING F1 RETURN

Argentina is seeking to regain its place on the Formula 1 calendar according to reports in the South American country's national press.

Government officials from San Luis have contacted F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone to inquire into the possibility of being on the 2007 calendar.

"The governor would like to have F1 in our province and he has asked for an audience with Mr Ecclestone," San Luis sport secretary Eduardo Arce told the Clarin newspaper.

"We haven't had any replies yet but we're optimistic."

The Autodromo Oscar Alfredo Galvez last hosted the Argentinian Grand Prix in 1998 which was won by Michael Schumacher.

But San Luis' proposal involves upgrading the 1.98-mile 'Rosendo Hernandez' circuit, which has been in use for local and domestic championships since 2003, to Formula 1 standard.

Mexico, Russia, India and South Africa have all been mooted as possible future grand prix destinations on an already crowded calendar – which could be extended to 20 races anyway with the addition of Toyota's Fuji circuit.

Always liked Argentina. No idea why - just liked the track.

 

[Flibster]

Bridgestone to "wait and see"

A Bridgestone spokeswoman said that the Japanese tyre company would wait and see before commenting on the proposals put forward by the Formula One Commission earlier this week.

Until the proposals have been fully ratified, there is no point in officially commenting on whet were essentially discussions behind closed doors," she said. However, she admitted that the re-introduction of tyre stops would reduce testing mileage and thereby reduce costs.

On the issue of control tyres, Bridgestone has made no secret of the fact that it would "prefer competition", however, having been the sole tyre supplier for two seasons (1999 and 2000) it is understood that the Japanese company would still consider remaining in F1. "We have made a lot of investment in Formula One," said the spokeswoman, "therefore we would need to evaluate."

As for the new qualifying format, the response was quite simple: "We are happy to work with whatever regulations are in place. If that's the format proposed, we will adapt to that format."

Although Ferrari is currently testing at Vallelunga, Bridgestone will not be carrying out any serious tyre testing until late November, when WilliamsF1 will have its first run on Japanese rubber since 2000. Toyota and Bridgestone have yet to officially agree a partnership for 2006.

 

[Flibster]

Bye Bye Paul Stoddart

Australia's Paul Stoddart will walk away from F1 next Monday.

The gritty entrepreneur has sold Minardi to Red Bull, and revealed that October 31 - the handover date - is his last in the sport after failing to get a single offer to take up a new job elsewhere.

"You can only do something if someone wants you to do it," Stoddart told Autosport.

In fact, Paul thinks his outspoken nature in F1 politics will rule him out of most jobs that might be on offer.

He vowed to focus on his new 'OzJet' airline, and travelled to Queensland (Australia) last weekend to oversee his new sponsor involvement in 'V8 Supercars'.

He said: "I'm going to miss it badly."

Stoddart also lamented to crash.net that, without Minardi, Jordan and Sauber on the grid, F1 might face a dearth of young rookies given a chance by a privateer squad.

"You do have to fear a little bit," he wondered, "where are these kids going to get their chance in the future?"

And he has a valid point there...who will take the risks now?

Even Red Bull have wound up their driver search program in America.

 

[Flibster]

Another Meeting Staged to Thwart F1 Split

Yet another meeting has been staged in a bid to stave-off the looming and increasing threat of 'breakaway' in 2008.

FIA president Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone, the F1 supremo, apparently met in Paris on Sunday, prior to Monday's F1 Commission in London.

Also present was Burkhard Goeschel, a BMW and 'GPMA' bigwig.

Then, on the morning of the F1 Commission in London, the trio met again, this time also joined by Renault F1 team principal Flavio Briatore.

"The meetings ... were ... useful steps towards a harmonious eventual conclusion," Sir Frank Williams, who describes the two-series split as potentially 'disastrous' for the sport, told the Autosport website.

Regulatory and commercial matters aside, the carmakers' 'GPMA' group is also concerned about the arguable independence of the FIA court.

 

[the_brainaic]

Kimi Raikonnens car (without engine) was at the Treasury yesterday if anyone went. I got shouted at for trying to sit in it

 

[Flibster]

F1 starts 2006 season in Bahrain

Bahrain has been chosen to host the opening Grand Prix of the 19-race 2006 season on 12 March.

The decision was made at a meeting of the International Automobile Federation World Motorsport Council, held in Rome.

The Malaysian Grand Prix follows a week later on 19 March with the Australian event on 2 April.

The Australian Grand Prix has been the season-opener since 1996 but has been pushed back to avoid a clash with the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

The organisers of the Bahrain event, which arrived on the calendar two years ago, are delighted to be hosting the opening race.

Bahrain general manager Martin Whitaker said: "The first race always attracts considerable attention with new teams, drivers, engines and regulations."

F1 2006 schedule:

Mar 12:	Bahrain Grand Prix (Bahrain)
Mar 19:	Malaysian Grand Prix (Sepang) 
Apr 2:	Australian Grand Prix (Melbourne)
Apr 23:	San Marino Grand Prix (Imola)
May 7:	European Grand Prix (Nurburgring, Germany)
May 14:	Spanish Grand Prix (Barcelona)
May 28:	Monaco Grand Prix (Monte Carlo)
Jun 11:	British Grand Prix (Silverstone)
Jun 25:	Canadian Grand Prix (Montreal)
Jul 2:	United States Grand Prix (Indianapolis)
Jul 16:	French Grand Prix (Mangy-Cours)
Jul 30:	German Grand Prix (Hockenheim)
Aug 6:	Hungarian Grand Prix (Hungaroring)
Aug 27:	Turkish Grand Prix (Istanbul)
Sep 10:	Italian Grand Prix (Monza)
Sep 17:	Belgian Grand Prix (Spa-Francorchamps)
Oct 1:	Japanese Grand Prix (Suzuka)
Oct 8:	Chinese Grand Prix (Shanghai)
Oct 22:	Brazilian Grand Prix (Interlagos)

 

[Flibster]

Button's sexism slammed

Jenson Button does not think women will ever trouble him in Spa's Eau Rouge or Suzuka's 130R. The 25-year-old (BAR-)Honda driver told a men's magazine - 'FHM' - that ladies' biology could make their success in grands prix impossible, even if girl-racers like Danica Patrick and Katherine Legge are proving pretty handy in lower formulae.


"But in F1 cars," JB explained, "I can't see it happening due to the g-force in fast corners. And one week of the month you wouldn't want to be on the circuit with them, would you? A girl with big boobs would never be comfortable in the car. And the mechanics wouldn't concentrate. Can you imagine strapping her in?"

Britain's 'Sun' newspaper, though, quoted its female 'motoring correspondent' as slamming the BAR driver's sexism.

"Oh grow up," said Emma Parker. "If he spent less time staring at grid girls' breasts he might win more races."

 

[Flibster]

WORLD MOTOR SPORT COUNCIL

The World Motor Sport Council met in Rome on October 26, 2005. The following decisions were taken:


FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Approved the following regulations for the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship.

Tyres

Each driver will be permitted to use seven sets of dry-weather tyres for each event. All tyres used for qualifying and race must be of the same specification. Tyre changes will be permitted at any time during the race.

Qualifying format

All cars are permitted on the track. At the end of the first 15-minute period the slowest five cars can take no further part in qualifying. These cars will make up the last five grid positions in the order of their times, the fastest occupying 16th position.

The times for the fifteen remaining cars are reset for the next session. At the end of the second 15-minute period the slowest five cars can take no further part in qualifying. These cars will make up the grid in positions eleven to fifteen in the order of their times, the fastest occupying 11th position.

The times for the ten remaining cars will be reset for the next session. For the final period, lasting 20 minutes, the cars will be arranged on the grid in positions one to ten in the order of their times, the fastest occupying pole position

Cars will be under parc ferme conditions from the time they enter the track for the first time during qualifying until the start of the race. Changing tyres and adding fuel will no longer be part of the parc ferme regulations

Fuel may be added to cars at any time during the first 40 minutes of qualifying and any car eliminated during the first two periods may then be refuelled at any time until the pit lane opens for the race. Teams will be required to fill cars taking part in the final 20-minute period with the amount of fuel with which they intend to start the race. Any fuel used during the 20-minute period may be replaced before the start of the race.

If 22 cars are eligible to take part in the Event, six cars will drop out after each of the fifteen minute periods leaving ten for the final 20 minutes. If twenty four cars are eligible to take part in the Event, six cars will drop out after each of the fifteen minute periods leaving twelve for the final 20 minutes.

A package of measures were approved for the 2008 Championship. These include the introduction of a Centreline Downwash Generating wing, larger wheels with slick tyres and a single tyre supplier. The package will be brought forward to 2007 if an 80% majority of the Formula One Technical Working Group agree to do so before the end of December 2005.

 

[Dutch Guy]

girl with big boobs would never be comfortable in the car.

While that might be true, it is bloody sexy though

 

[Vertigo]

Kimi Raikonnens car (without engine) was at the Treasury yesterday if anyone went. I got shouted at for trying to sit in it

Played

 

[leaskovski]

The fact is though that the women that have been in F1 so far have been rubbish! Yes the comments where stupid, but Button is a tard anyway so get over it. Giving him more publicity when he says things like that is just as bad. Deal with it you dumb broad!

Anyway, on with the split rear wing. What’s going to happen when a car is not directly behind another car? The offset disturbance is still going to screw the dynamics up.

The reason the FIA keep muddling with the rules is because they 'try' to make things safer. If they didn't introduce some of the measures to slow the cars down, then some of the accidents we have would result in more serious injuries. However, I have to admit that they do make some bad mistakes. They should run their ideas against the drivers and car designers first.

F1 vs A1!! Will people give this a break!!! please!!!!!

 

[Flibster]

No more pit wall celebrations

As part of its package for 2006, the World Motor Sport council has revealed that pit wall celebrations will effectively be banned next season.

In a footnote to today's statement the WMSC announced that as an additional safety measure for 2006, "team personnel and spectators will be banned from climbing on the pit wall fencing during or after races."

So - not allowing them to show any obvious celebration when their drivers cross the line.

I've got video's of Chapman halfway across the track throwing his cap up into the air...

This sucks...

 

[Flibster]

Massa started testing for Ferrari

Felipe Massa, Michael Schumacher's new team mate at Ferrari, started testing for the Scuderia at Vallelunga today. The Brazilian left the Sauber team and intends to build a future at the Italian team and to help the team to do better than last F1 season.

Massa will conduct 2 days of testing with Ferrari's development V8 engine in a Ferrari F2004 chassis and will continue with another 3 days next week.

Ferrari has decided to continue testing through the team's self-regulated winter test ban which ends at the beginning of December. They do so while new and fellow
Bridgestone runners Toyota and Williams obey to the self imposed agreement and will do only factory work for one more month before testing starts again for those 9 teams.

 

[Dutch Guy]

As part of its package for 2006, the World Motor Sport council has revealed that pit wall celebrations will effectively be banned next season.

OMG, another stupid rule, what next, no more display of emotion whatsoever