F1 2007/2008 Winter Testing and Rumours
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I think most people would have ditched the car on 3.5 wheels!
The above doesnt look too good for Mclaren! Self imposed freeze of development on some aspects :S
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What I said all along, the depth of the cheating within macca goes much much deeper than a couple of engineers and a test driver
What I said all along, the depth of the cheating within macca goes much much deeper than a couple of engineers and a test driver
For sure Ron Dennis knew what was going on. The key was that he never admitted it. Its a shame that those who lie get away with it, but in life, thats exactly how it works. Renault/Briatore will tell you that.
Unfortunately, we will never know, but my gut feeling is that if Alonso/Senna/MS had been in that position, he wouldve pitted earlier or driven a lot more gingerly in the pits, given the state of the tyres and weather. I cant even remember the last time I saw someone go off entering/exiting the pitlane.
How did you deduce this?
Unfortunately most of the really interesting stuff is not published as it is confidential, I had a read of the FIA report summary on Autosport, but that is also quite long winded.
Basically says that McLaren re investigated/developed/initiated these systems after receiving the Ferrari data. In one case mentioned they then stopped the re investigation while the spy case was on going. McLaren then intended to use the system(s?) on the 08 car.
The article also states: "Detailed examination of the report shows that one area where McLaren had appeared to utilise the Ferrari information was in the creation of a new brake balance system.". Not sure if that is speculation on the part of autosport as that wasn't mentioned in the McLaren press release.
It sounds like the FIA were ready to take action on the 08 car to me.
Hopefully this is the end of the spy-saga, with Mosley apparently happy with this apology and even Ferrari seem to be slightly appy (although they are to continue with the court cases).
Only one seat left now:
Kovalainen confirmed at McLaren
I'm certainly glad to see that Heikki hasn't been left out in the musical chairs, while he endured a torrid start to the season he recovered well and ended up being far more consistent than Fisi. Time, however, will tell how he fairs against Hamilton.
Kovalainen confirmed at McLaren
I'm certainly glad to see that Heikki hasn't been left out in the musical chairs, while he endured a torrid start to the season he recovered well and ended up being far more consistent than Fisi. Time, however, will tell how he fairs against Hamilton.
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I think he's got "Hamilton's rear gunner" stamped all over him.
This is a shame, but it is good that Heikki's got a race seat for 2008. I'm just not sure his Renault performances really warrant (presumably) driving a top 4 finisher for 2008. Still that's the way of F1 of late.
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towards the end of the season he was very promising something i hope he takes with him to mclaren, a very exciting line up and bold move by ron dennis 
Everyone has to learn... Senna and MS weren't driving gods straight away you know. Senna and MS both made silly mistakes as well in their early careers.
Yep I said on here an argued with loads that Mclaren cheated and were deep in the mire. Seems they now accept their ruling was fair. The only thing I dont agree with is that Dennis knew. I doubt he was that in touch anymore or that he would take those risks with his company and reputation after all these years.
Where have all the people gone who said none of that 700 odd page dossier made it onto the Mclaren
Mistakes, yes. We all make them. However, their speed was with them right from their first few races. In fact, MS caught the eye of Benetton after a only a few races at Jordan. MS's speed was evident, just as Hamilton's was in 2007. The difference was that Hamilton has started in what was the joint best car in in 2007, on top of which he had the full support of McLaren as well as set-up assistance from Alonso. MS and Senna didn't have this in their first few races.
I think he will most definitely be his rear gunner. Hamilton even chose the drivers who will be short-listed and announced this a month or so back to the media.
It is now totally clear that McLaren will be putting all their resources into Hamilton. In all honesty though, this is a strategy that they have been forced into as Renault and probably Ferrari will be doing the same in 2008/9.
This year wouldve seen McLaren win the WDC had they put their full committment behind a single driver. Their problem in 2007 was that Hamilton was a revelation and Alonso (after he was being mentally destroyed by the team) was not going down, but in fact was closing the gap on Hamilton. Had one of their drivers (like Massa, at Ferrari) essentially given up hope of winning the title at some stage, then it wouldve been much easier to simply put all their resources behind one driver.
Im really glad that Heikki moved over to McLaren. Its definatly a good move by McLaren. I think he would be suited better to work alongside Hamilton.
Regards if he will be Hamilton's rear gunner, I doubt it. Hes not that kind of driver. From what you could see from last season, he definatly wanted to do his own thing and win.
Again, for Hamilton's sake, I hope he pushes him and gets the best from him like what Alonso did last year.
Regards if he will be Hamilton's rear gunner, I doubt it. Hes not that kind of driver. From what you could see from last season, he definatly wanted to do his own thing and win.
Again, for Hamilton's sake, I hope he pushes him and gets the best from him like what Alonso did last year.