2005/2006 F1 News and Testing.

Flibster · 23 Dec 2005 at 16:25

Tribute to a Fallen Ferrari Hero

Today, former Ferrari F1 driver Michele Alboreto, of Italy, should have marked his forty ninth birthday.

The veteran of 194 grands prix, winner of five, died whilst testing a Le Mans sportscar in April 2001.

Alboreto also drove for teams including Tyrrell, Arrows, and Minardi in a F1 career from 1981 to 1994. Intriguingly, he started racing in 1976, in the Italian 'Formula Monza' category -- with a car he designed himself.

In a Tyrrell, he gave the famous 'DFV' its last of 155 grand prix wins.

Alboreto also won the 1997 Le Mans endurance race, but died at the wheel of an Audi R8, after a tyre failure in Germany.

"His death hit me very hard," said Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo. "Michele was still competing, moved by a great passion."

Quadruple champion Alain Prost added: "I knew maybe three, maybe four true gentlemen in my career.

"Michele was one of them."

Also celebrating a birthday on 23 December is Bertrand Gachot, 43, the former Belgian grand prix driver who raced 47 times in F1 and won Le Mans in 1991.

Flibster · 23 Dec 2005 at 17:03

F1 powered by Cows?
F1 fuel must contain nearly 6 per cent 'biological' material, according to a rule hidden away in the new 2008 technical regulations.

So-called 'biofuel' is made up of things like agricultural waste, fish and plant oils, alcohol -- even cow manure.

In the '08 regulations, the Max Mosley-led governing body explained that the rule would make the sport 'keep ahead of developments in fuel for road cars.'

"I think it's long overdue," said former German formula one driver Hans-Joachim Stuck in the 'Bild' 'paper.

The regulation should be ratified by the FIA's 'world motor sport council' on March 22.

So...

Permission to make the "F1 has always been powered by bull****" joke!

Flibster · 23 Dec 2005 at 17:03

Villeneuve not the 'favoured' driver

On the eve of Christmas, BMW Sauber has given Jacques Villeneuve a dubious vote of confidence by revealing that he is not the team's 'favoured driver' for 2006.

After looking in to scrapping the French Canadian's 2006 contract, and negotiating with potential replacements including Alex Wurz and Heikki Kovalainen, team boss Mario Theissen has said that Villeneuve's teammate Nick Heidfeld 'was our favoured driver.'

"When it came to Jacques," the German BMW motor sport director explained, "we took our time in making a careful assessment of his performance."

34-year-old JV, despite being a former world champion, endured a trying full-time return to F1 with Sauber in 2005.

Theissen insisted: "The start of this year was difficult for him for a number of reasons, but then as the year went on he made significant progress.

"We believe he's going to improve further."

Flibster · 23 Dec 2005 at 21:10

F1 2006 Silly Season to be Extremely Silly

The debate about Fernando Alonso's bombshell switch from Renault to McLaren goes on.

High profile paddock players have been divided over the wisdom, and even the morality, of the Spaniard's surprise split from a title winning team to Ron Dennis' arguably quicker camp.

Red Bull principal Christian Horner thinks the move has set in motion a 'fascinating' silly season next season.

He told England's The Guardian newspaper: "I think the driver market in 12 months' time will be more fluid than at any time over recent years."

One guy not blown off his chair by the McLaren press release, however, was Dennis' 1996-2004 driver, F1 veteran David Coulthard.

"This business is all about long-term planning and investment well down the line," said the Scot. "So, no, I'm not surprised."

Dennis' long time ally Sir Frank Williams, however, was just as surprised as the rest of the racing world. But the man who signed 20-year-old Nico Rosberg for 2006 did not seem disappointed that the new world champion is off the market.

Frank said: "Surprise won the day but there are plenty of new young drivers on the horizon."

[MontyPython]

Stop it! It's all got terribly silly!

[/MontyPython]

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:14

Two tracks to share the German GP?

Germany's formula one race could alternate between financially-embattled Hockenheim and the Nurburgring, currently the scene of the European grand prix.
The idea is the brainchild of Nurburgring boss Dr. Walter Kafitz, whose own annual F1 event in Germany is also enduring a spectator lull.
The 'SID' agency reports that F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has been receptive to the idea of limiting Germany's race count from two to one per year. As well as save money for the beleaguered German venues, it would free-up space on the crowded calendar for new destinations like Russia and Mexico.
''Ecclestone knows about it,'' Kafitz confirmed.
He added that many traditional F1 venues no longer make a lot of money from hosting a race.
Kafitz explained: ''In 2002 we had 350,000 people at the Nurburgring on the grand prix weekend. Those days are long gone.''

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:15

Max Mosley's father voted 'Worst Briton'

FIA president Max Mosley's notorious father has been named the worst British person of the 20th century.

Academics and historians put together a list of the 'worst of the worst' villains and evil-doers for the BBC History Magazine, according to the British 'Guardian' newspaper.

Sir Oswald Mosley, who died in 1980, founded the 'British Union of Fascists'. Mosley's movement was linked with several violent conflicts, often directed at Jewish groups in London. In 1936 he was married -- in Nazi chief Joseph Goebbels' house, with Adolf Hitler as a guest.

During World War II, he was imprisoned.

Oswald Mosley's dubious honour on the list put him alongside Jack the Ripper, the worst figure of the 19th century.

Think they got the wrong Mosley....

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:16

Puma to sponsor a Red Bull?

According to a whisper on the formula one grapevine, energy drink Red Bull is on the verge of signing up a sponsor.

Although whether 'Puma' is bound for the senior team or Scuderia Toro Rosso is unknown, speculation indicates that the deal will include on-car branding, rather than the clothing agreements with many existing teams.

German-based Puma's logo features a leaping cat, similar to the Jaguar insignia that featured on the green cars between 2000 and 2004.

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:16

Alonso move annoys Ferrari

Luca di Montezemolo has added his criticism to Fernando Alonso's recently announced switch for 2007 to McLaren.
Like F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, the Italian president of Ferrari does not agree with the tactic of announcing a deal to change teams more than a year before he'll even try the new cockpit.
Montezemolo might also be annoyed that the Alonso deal seems to indicate that Kimi Raikkonen is indeed bound for the red squad.
''It doesn't please me at all,'' Luca replied to a question about the move.
Perhaps referring specifically to Renault, he added: ''It can only harm the motivation and the work of the entire team. I think it is not morally right.
''Ferrari would never behave like that.''

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:17

Toyota wow Raikkonen with a $120 million offer.

According to media reports, Toyota is attempting to wow Kimi Raikkonen with an impressive (US)$24 million offer, to switch from McLaren in 2007.

The speculated five-year proposal - worth a total of $120m - is despite rumours that Kimi, the 26-year-old Finn, is definitely bound for Ferrari and may already have signed a preliminary agreement.

However, apparent offers from BMW and Renault are also on the sought after iceman's table.

The Toyota link was reported in Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:18

Kimi signs agreement with Ferrari?

While Kimi Raikkonen might have the offers of McLaren, Renault, BMW and now Toyota on his table, the signs are still pointing to a done Ferrari deal for 2007.

Significantly, the Maranello team's president did not deny that an agreement with the Finnish driver had been struck, when asked how Raikkonen's renowned off-track lifestyle would fit in Italy.

''There are no night clubs here in Maranello,'' Luca di Montezemolo said at the team Christmas Party, ''and (Jean) Todt would keep him in check about the drinking.
''There wouldn't be a problem.''

So why, if the Kimi-Ferrari deal is struck, hasn't the team - in Alonso-McLaren style - already let the world know?

Montezemolo insisted: ''Everything should come at the right time. To announce today he will race for us in 2007 would go against nature.''

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:20

Germany and Italy to lose a race each?

According to reports this week, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone keenly supports a novel idea to cut one of the two grands prix in Germany out of the calendar.

Nurburgring boss Dr. Walter Kafitz has floated the concept of annually switching between his track and financially embattled Hockenheim.
He told the German 'SID' sports news agency that the idea 'was welcomed' by the 75-year-old grand prix chief.
"It is well known that Bernie wants to organise new races in as many countries as possible," Kafitz explained.
Ecclestone, meanwhile, has told the 'Autocourse Annual' that he would indeed like to scrap a race in Germany and Italy -- both the scene of two grands prix every season.

"We ought to lose one Italian and one German," the Briton said, "but realistically that would be difficult at the moment and I don't have the balls to put any more (races) in there until that happens."

Bernie argues that despite Italy and Germany being two big markets for the sport, no-one really benefits from their double F1-dose.
He explained: "If I say to the teams, 'Would you get another sponsor because we have two races in Italy and Germany?', the answer is probably 'No, one's enough."

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:20

Rossi clears path for F1 switch?

Valentino Rossi's Yamaha team in MotoGP has split with long time cigarette sponsor Gauloises.

Some observers think the Italian rider just doesn't want to power tobacco logos around the motorcycle tracks of the world. But he has proved happy to test the heavily Marlboro-sponsored Ferrari formula one car.

So, other observers are making the link between Altadis' blue-clad cigarette brand and that of rival Altria's Marlboro.

It is likely that 26-year-old Rossi will spearhead his Yamaha duties next year with a comprehensive Ferrari test programme -- and therein, perhaps, laid the troublesome tobacco clash.

It was even reported in August this year that Altria had asked Rossi to sever his ties with Altadis-owned Gauloises.

Flibster · 29 Dec 2005 at 18:22

Japanese tracks to merge

At a time when Spa Francorchamps and Hockenheim are experiencing serious financial difficulties, at has been revealed that Suzuka Circuitland and Twin Ring Motegi - both owned by Honda - are to merge, later this year, forming a new company, Mobilityland Co. Ltd.

This will benefit both tracks as the two circuits will now be run by the same management team, which will reduce costs

Following approval at a recent stockholders meeting, Mobilityland Co. Ltd will become a whole subsidiary of the Honda Motor Co.

Flibster · 31 Dec 2005 at 11:03

Already got the HTPC set to record.

2 dvd's per race + extra couple for interesting stuff that I've caught throughout the year...

Eeeep...

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 31 Dec 2005 at 11:44

Ooooh...

DC that was a bit below the belt..

"At least when I sign for a team you know I'll drive for them"

Bit of a forced smile from Button there.

Flibster · 3 Jan 2006 at 12:15

WilliamsF1 signs Wurz

WilliamsF1 today confirmed the appointment of Alex Wurz as the team's official test and reserve driver for the forthcoming Formula One season.

Alex will support Mark Webber & Nico Rosberg in their testing duties and, as official reserve driver, will deputise should either race driver not be able to fulfil racing duties for any reason.

However, Wurz's most significant contribution will be as the team's Friday driver, assisting with the vital preparation and set-up of the FW28 prior to each Grand Prix.

Alex brings three full seasons of racing experience with Benetton and five years of senior testing credentials with McLaren to the team, significantly augmenting the depth and breadth of talent and skill in Williams' 2006 driver line-up.

At the conclusion of contractual negotiations today, Frank Williams said,"I am delighted with the agreement we have reached with Alex. Everyone at Williams believes he will bring significant improvements to the team's performance, on Grand Prix Fridays in particular, and to our testing programme in general."

For his part, Wurz commented, "Ever since I met Frank Williams during an International Touring Car meeting in 1996, I have wanted to drive for his team and I am delighted that the opportunity has now arisen. I feel full of energy to be part of Williams' 2006 season attack and look forward to working closely with Mark and Nico, they are quick drivers and I believe that together we will achieve great results. The testing and Friday driver role is a responsibility I am familiar with and I will throw all my experience into it. I cannot wait to start."

Flibster · 3 Jan 2006 at 12:16

Wheldon Astonished with F1 Pay

You would be forgiven for thinking that England's Dan Wheldon felt a little forlorn over his Christmas turkey.

The 27-year-old - who in 2005 triumphed at the Indy 500, conquered America's premier open wheel series and earned nearly $4 million - negotiated with Honda, Williams and BMW-Sauber ahead of the new F1 season.

The closest he came to a deal was with the latter team, but they ultimately refused to guarantee him a race drive -- even if he agreed to spend the whole of 2006 as test driver.

In F1, Wheldon has found a sport that he says defies logic in signing drivers based on how much money they can bring to a team, rather than how much talent runs through their genes.

But he told UK's The Times daily newspaper that he enjoys a very happy and successful career across the Atlantic.

He said: "It astonishes me that people pay up to $5 million for a (F1) test drive.

"It makes no sense to me."

"Of course, I want to try formula one but I have learnt from being in America that it is not the end of my career."

Flibster · 3 Jan 2006 at 12:20

Contractual Chains Come Off Barrichello

Rubens Barrichello is preparing to kick off his new Honda powered career.

On Sunday (1 January), the Brazilian's 2006 contract moved into first gear, after Ferrari refused to release him for the November-December tests.

"Ideally we would have liked him to have started before Christmas," Honda boss Nick Fry admits, "but sadly that hasn't been possible."

33-year-old Barrichello, following a six-season stint as Michael Schumacher's number two, will make his Honda test debut at the Jerez circuit next week, at the wheel of a V10-powered BAR-Honda car.

His new contract gives him equal number one status with Brackley incumbent Jenson Button.

Fry said: "Rubens brings with him the experience of not only being a nine time race winner but also of six years with a championship winning team."

Flibster · 3 Jan 2006 at 12:34

Code:
TEAM LAUNCH DATES

You may still be recovering from your New Year blues, but the Formula 1 teams face a breakneck schedule to get their cars ready in time for the new season – or rather, for the testing treadmill that precedes it.

We've compiled a list of launch dates when the teams will officially unveil their new cars.

Code:

January 14 Toyota January 16 BMW Late January Ferrari (date TBC) January 25 Honda January 27 Williams January 31 Renault February 3 Midland March 9 Red Bull March 9 Toro Rosso TBC McLaren TBC Super Aguri

Flibster · 3 Jan 2006 at 17:06

Belgians close to agreeing Spa deal?

According to reports, the future of the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa Francorchamps is "within days" of being secured.

The future of the race was put in doubt after race organizers filed for bankruptcy, as a consequence of poor ticket sales over the last two years, and the ever increasing financial demands of Formula One Management.

After baling out the race in 2005, the Wallonian regional government refused to invest any further funding. Meanwhile, Bernie Ecclestone, Formula One's commercial rights holder, merely said that a contract is a contract and that the deal with Spa is binding.

In today's edition of La Libre, a source claimed that the issue is close to being settled, following a climb down by the Wallonian regional government, and the intervention of Ecclestone, who has seemingly shortened the current contract from fifteen to three years.

The paper also claims that Wallonia will provide the necessary funding to upgrade the track, and assist in the underwriting of the event.