2005/2006 F1 News and Testing.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 12:53

Sauber wins 'lifetime' award

A tearful Peter Sauber has accepted a 'lifetime achievement' recognition at the Swiss sports awards in Berne. The former team owner, who ran the Sauber team in formula one between 1993 and this year, was honoured at Saturday's 'Credit Suisse Sports Awards'.

Originally an electrician, Sauber honed his appetite for motor sport by racing a VW Beetle before overseeing the first Sauber car - the C1 - for the 1970 'Swiss hill-climb championship'.

He progressed to sports cars and ultimately to F1, but has sold the Hinwil based outfit to BMW, and will remain only as an advisor for sponsors.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 12:54

Coulthard said no to Ferrari offer

F1 veteran David Coulthard says he does not regret passing up a works drive for Ferrari. Red Bull's Scottish ace, who drove for McLaren between 1996 and last year, revealed to F1 Racing magazine that he was on the Maranello team's shopping list when Eddie Irvine signed for Ferrari at the end of 1995. "There was a real chance of going to Ferrari," he admitted, "but considering the contract that was on offer, it would have been the wrong thing to do."

DC, 34, also rejected the thesis that he stayed under Ron Dennis' silver-clad wing - opposite mighty Finnish drivers - too long. Coulthard added: "I always made my choice based on what I thought was the best opportunity for performance the following year."

With every offer that came up, including to be Michael Schumacher's number two, he reckons the Woking based grand prix team was 'always preferable'.
David Coulthard will spend a second season at Red Bull Racing in 2006.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 12:55

Alonso deal worth $96m

World champion Fernando Alonso's newly unveiled McLaren deal is for three years, not counting an optional fourth formula one season, to include 2010. The F1 grapevine is also whispering that the 24-year-old's switch from Renault next year will almost certainly double his annual retainer, bringing his haul from $12m (US) to about $24m.

But some estimates, for example of London's authoritative 'Times' newspaper, put Alonso's yearly bill at up to $37m. But as well as indicate that Kimi Raikkonen might vacate his silver seat, Monday's bombshell ends speculation that Michael Schumacher counted McLaren as an option for beyond next year.

Former German grand prix driver Hans-Joachim Stuck told Bild: "If Schumacher has another flop year with Ferrari, he will retire."

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 12:56

Aguri gets green light for 2006?

Although the team's late entry faced obvious opposition as recently as last Friday, a deal has apparently been struck to allow 'Super Aguri' to race on the 2006 grid. Even Midland's MF1 team, according to speculation, has fallen in line to clear the path for the Japanese outfit - run by Aguri Suzuki with significant Honda backing - to lodge the late $48m bond and take a spot in pitlane.

The news, yet to be confirmed or verified, means that an eleventh team - propping up a 22-car grid - will be seen for the first time since 2001.

Super Aguri, based at Arrows' old Leafield HQ in south central England, will almost certainly start the year with four year old Arrows 'A23' chassis, powered by a Honda V8 engine, before a new car is debuted around May.

Moreover, a significant number of the current 50 or 60 staff are former Arrows employees. The detail of the ten existing teams' unanimity is not clear, but F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is thought to have got involved, particularly as 'Aguri' has indicated that it will sign his new Concorde.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 12:58

'Kimi can sign 2007 deal' - Haug

Mercedes' Norbert Haug has admitted that Kimi Raikkonen would be the preferred teammate for Fernando Alonso in 2007. Adding to Ron Dennis' claim on Monday that the Woking team is 'in discussions' with both the Finn and current teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, Haug revealed that if Kimi, 26, wants to sign a 2007 contract, 'he can do that'.

McLaren's Alonso coup has reinvigorated speculation that Finn Raikkonen has already committed to the Ferrari team for the period beyond next year. But Haug, sporting director for McLaren's works engine partner, said the battle for the second seat between Kimi and Montoya is still 'completely open'.

Raikkonen, meanwhile, has kept fairly quiet since his F1 employer unveiled the Monday shocker, but he did say that he was 'informed' about the signing.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 14:13

Alonso: Briatore issues personal statement

Speculation following yesterday's announcement of Fernando Alonso's signature with McLaren from the beginning of the 2007 season, has suggested that Flavio Briatore, Managing Director of the Renault F1 Team, was involved in these negotiations.

Refuting this speculation, Mr Briatore has said: "I was at no time directly or indirectly involved in the conduct of these negotiations. Fernando made a personal decision that his future lies outside the Renault team when his current contract expires at the end of 2006. He contacted, and negotiated with McLaren at his own instigation."

Interesting - so Alonso did his own negotiation. :eek:

Good for him.

rpstewart · 20 Dec 2005 at 16:58

Sensible statement on Flav's part - I could see there being some frank and open discussions between Renault top brass and Flav if there was any suggestion that their team principal was negotiating for their top driver to leave.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 17:12

F1 ramps up V8 revs

Geoff Willis has calmed fears that the noise produced by V8 engines is too tame for grands prix. Without doubt, the exhaust note of the 2.4 litre units being used in winter testing - compared to even the rev-limited 3.0 litre V10s - is less spectacular.

But after the most recent test session at Jerez, Honda technical director Geoff Willis reckons the V8 'doesn't sound that different' to the familiar V10 howl, because teams are now ramping up the revs.

And he also told the team's website: "They sound quite different in the pitlane -- if anything the V8s are even noisier. They are uncomfortably loud now!"

Still want to hear the V12 howl back again.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 17:14

Scuderia Toro Rosso to stay in Italy

Scuderia Toro Rosso's 2006 car will be called the 'STR 01', according to new team boss Franz Tost.

The Austrian, formerly a BMW employee, gave an interview to f1.com in which he also denied rumours that Red Bull would close the long time Faenza factory and set up shop at the old 'A1 Ring' circuit in Austria.

'You can't find this kind of specialised people in the short term in Austria,' Tost said.

'Toro Rosso will improve the (Faenza) facilities, because we are committed to having a long term future in Italy.'

Tost also said that, unlike the Gian Carlo Minardi or Paul Stoddart ownership, STR would embark on an 'extensive test programme' from now on, and then benefit from the 'advice' of Red Bull Racing's new acquisition, Adrian Newey.

Franz Tost added: 'Needless to say the long term objective is to become a front runner team.'

Looks like Newey could be a shared resource then. Obviously spending more time with RBR than STR, but that could be an interesting move.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 17:16

McLaren Move Bound to Destabilise Renault

Norbert Haug has defended McLaren-Mercedes' decision on Monday to reveal the signing of Fernando Alonso for 2007 a few days before Christmas '05.

The German, competition director for the engine supplier and team co-owner, said keeping the news secret would not be the 'right thing to do'.

Haug reckons 24-year-old Alonso's cunning triumph over McLaren this year, with an inferior Renault car, convinced the Woking team that he should be hunted.

''He used our errors to his best advantage,'' Norbert explained, ''and at the end of the season showed his true speed.''

Former McLaren driver Martin Brundle says his former team has pulled off a 'massive coup' not only in landing a world champion, but in upsetting their arch rival.

Just as the French carmaker was exploiting the double title triumph, 'suddenly (Alonso) goes off and joins the enemy,' Brundle told ITV's website.

''It's bound to destabilise (Renault).''

The early announcement, however, must be a touch awkward for 24-year-old Alonso, as well.

Just when he should be flavour of the month at Enstone, he might well be viewed as a team traitor.

As Brundle says: ''Can you imagine being in Alonso's shoes as he cruises into the pits at the next test, or during the next factory visit?''

Precisely why it's been announced now. With JPM it's 'cos he wanted out asap and to get rid of the rumours of his future - with Alonso they wanted to get an edge.

They have have one now.

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 17:19

McLaren's Tombazis back to Ferrari?

McLaren defector Nicholas Tombazis looks set to return to Ferrari.

The aerodynamics chief, who also studied an offer to switch to BMW Sauber since rumours of his McLaren exit broke, may - reportedly - assume Ross Brawn's coveted 'technical director' post at Maranello based Ferrari in '07.

According to information of the German 'Auto Motor und Sport' publication, Greece-born Tombazis' re-arrival at Ferrari could ultimately follow the retirement of Jean Todt, and Brawn's assumption of the top job.

Although McLaren won't confirm it, allegedly Tombazis decided to leave Woking when Ron Dennis told him that Adrian Newey's vacant technical directorship office was not up for grabs.

Previously, he was chief aerodynamicist at Ferrari between 1998 and 2003.

I've heard exactly the opposite as well - that he's happy where he is and will stay there and has no intentions of returnign to Ferrari *as he's not popular there anymore*

Simon/~Flibscrooge

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 17:23

rpstewart said:
Sensible statement on Flav's part - I could see there being some frank and open discussions between Renault top brass and Flav if there was any suggestion that their team principal was negotiating for their top driver to leave.

Agree *again.

*

I can Renault not being happy with him anyway with allowing Alonso to leave without him getting involved.

Question is - will he still get his 10% of the deal?

Although it seems that Renault are looking at winning the championship in 2006 and then leaving the sport in 2007.

Simon/~Flibscrooge

rpstewart · 20 Dec 2005 at 17:53

Flibster said:
Still want to hear the V12 howl back again.

Too right! I can remember being at the end of the Hangar Straight in 1995 listening to the last of the Ferrari V12s - that was superb.

It's also part of the joy of the Festival of Speed every year to go misty eyed when someone cracks off a DFV or some of the 1.5l V12s

Flibster · 20 Dec 2005 at 18:27

Or the BRM V16/H16 - one of the most superb noises ever...

Really should get to the FoS again one year soon. Loved it last time.
Wonder if I can wangle myself in with my old company.

Would be great for access.

Simon/~Flibscrooge

Flibster · 21 Dec 2005 at 10:08

Paffett joins McLaren as test driver

Team McLaren Mercedes has confirmed that 2005 DTM Champion Gary Paffett has become a McLaren test driver.

Gary will form an integral part of the development of the team's 2006 World Championship challenger the MP4-21 in the months to come together with Kimi Raikkonen, Juan Pablo Montoya and Pedro de la Rosa.

Gary's relationship with the team began in December 1999 when he was awarded the prestigious 'McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award'. As a result of winning the Award, Gary conducted his first Formula One test with Team McLaren Mercedes in 2000 and since then he has helped the team with both its testing and simulation work on a regular basis. In 2003 Gary joined Mercedes-Benz in the DTM Championship and went on to claim the title in 2005.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity and the challenges ahead," said Gary. "This is the culmination of my continuous relationship with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz. For my efforts to be officially recognised by one of the most successful Formula One teams and reaching my goal of getting a regular Formula One seat is a fantastic feeling. I have really enjoyed my time in the DTM Championship and being able to also continue my relationship with Mercedes-Benz in this manner is the icing on the cake. I'm 100 per cent committed to my role as a Team McLaren Mercedes test driver and can't wait to start the 2006 testing programme. I want to thank everybody who has helped me achieve this goal - it wouldn't have been possible without their support."

"We are certain that Gary is the right choice as Team McLaren Mercedes test driver and are pleased to welcome him to the team," said Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula One, Team McLaren Mercedes. "In order to achieve our objective of winning races and World Championship we have to employ the best drivers available and Gary definitely fits into this category. He has been involved with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz since winning the 'McLaren Autosport Young Driver Award' and we are pleased that the right opportunity came along at the right time. Gary is committed to the work laying ahead of him and everybody at McLaren look forward to his contribution."

"Whilst we are pleased to welcome Gary to the team, we are still in discussion with Alex Wurz regarding his future and will announce our plans in due course," continues Martin Whitmarsh.

Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport said: "Gary deserved his chance and he has seized it. In the last two years in the DTM Championship he proved his talent against tough competition. Since he started taking part in the team's Formula One tests on the 28th November, Gary has completed a total of more than 1,100 kilometres and convinced the team of his capabilities. His promotion to the Formula One team demonstrates that DTM is also a springboard for young talents who can make their way through touring cars to the top category of motor sport."

J1nxy · 21 Dec 2005 at 11:03

rpstewart said:
Too right! I can remember being at the end of the Hangar Straight in 1995 listening to the last of the Ferrari V12s - that was superb.

It's also part of the joy of the Festival of Speed every year to go misty eyed when someone cracks off a DFV or some of the 1.5l V12s

I remember sitting on the pit wall at Silverstone during a closed test session and hearing the V12 Ferrari fire up at the end of the pit and trundle down the pit lane. Amazing noise, the semi-auto boxes which stalled the engine to shift made an incredible sound as well.

Steve

rpstewart · 21 Dec 2005 at 11:13

Ecclestone criticises Dennis on Alonso deal
Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has hit out at McLaren's handling of the Fernando Alonso affair.

The sport's commercial rights boss believes that the Woking team went out of their way to embarrass Renault boss Flavio Briatore by unilaterally announcing they had captured the world champion for 2007. And he thinks it would have been better for the sport if the teams had acted together in announcing the deal.

"I'm reminded of when I was the owner of Brabham and, in the summer of 1977, I contacted Lauda at the Italian Grand Prix and offered him a drive for the following season," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He accepted immediately, but I told him: 'Look Niki, I don't want to have any issues with Enzo Ferrari. You explain to him how things have gone, and then we'll announce it.' He did that.

"In this case it was Alonso dealing with Dennis, bypassing Briatore. I know how things have gone, but I can't reveal the details. Flavio has been left, how can you say it, deceived. On top of that, with Dennis being Briatore's worst enemy, he spited him by exposing things publicly in order to make it difficult for him.

"It wasn't nice, even though stealing drivers among teams is normal. Dennis and Briatore could have written a joint press release and they would have both looked much better. Dennis's move hasn't been intelligent."

Ecclestone has said, however, that he is not surprised that Alonso has decided to switch from Renault to McLaren.

"I suppose his name was on the list of all the top teams," he added. "Besides McLaren, knowing that Raikkonen will go to Ferrari, did the right thing in hiring the best there was on the market - which is Alonso.

"Yes, I think Raikkonen will go to Ferrari. It's in the interests of both parties. But it's not certain it'll end up this way, because if Schumacher will carry on beyond 2006, always with Ferrari, Raikkonen will have to find another place. At that point he might end up at Renault!

"[Schumacher] is always a winner and he will be the favourite in the next championship. I don't see him tired enough to think about retiring. He races because he enjoys it and has gone beyond the money barrier. With Ferrari and their men he's built a strong, loving relationship. He will never race with another team."

OK, what is the wee dwarf on now. He's complaining that someone arranged a business deal without his manager's involvement despite the fact that a) the deal is for a period outside his contract with Flav and b) it would put Flav in a difficult position. Then he goes on to half announce a Kimi to Ferrari deal, I assume without the approval of the parties involved. Talk about double standards!

Flibster · 21 Dec 2005 at 11:38

The sooner he's out of F1 the bloody better.

Lets hope CVC *when they eventually take over F1* put someone who cares about the sport and is competent in charge.

Simon/~Flibscrooge

Flibster · 21 Dec 2005 at 12:41

Wurz out at McLaren?

Long-time McLaren test driver Alex Wurz appears to be running out of options in the 2006 driver market.

McLaren’s announcement that it has signed Gary Paffett as an official test driver alongside Pedro de la Rosa has left question marks over Wurz’s position in the squad.

McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh said the team still hasn’t decided whether it will keep Wurz in the fold.

“Whilst we are pleased to welcome Gary to he team, we are still in discussion with Alex Wurz regarding his future and will announce our plans in due course,” said Whitmarsh.

Wurz has been a McLaren test driver since October 2000 and has often matched the pace of the team’s race drivers.

He had been hoping to land a race at BMW before the team decided to stick with Jacques Villeneuve.

Subsequently the testing role at BMW has been filled by World Series by Renault champion Robert Kubica.

Williams still has a testing vacancy but is thought likely to plump for Indian Narain Karthikeyan, who would bring financial backing and has also impressed the Grove-based team on recent test outings.

Flibster · 21 Dec 2005 at 12:42

Honda to sponsor Aguri Suzuki's team

Honda Motor Co. will act as sponsor of Aguri Suzuki's Formula One team, and it will not be only with the works V8 engines but with money as well.

"The company will sponsor the Aguri team," Takeo Fukui, Honda president, told GP2005.com

Super Aguri has yet to be confirmed as the eleventh team in 2006.