2005/2006 F1 News and Testing.

Flibster · 22 Feb 2006 at 18:29

rpstewart said:
I would be surprised if there aren't some teething problems. Unless it's one of the incumbent ECU suppliers (TAG, Magnetti Marelli etc) then I could see issues with heat, vibration etc.

However I would suggest that the FIA's response would be exactly the same as it is with Intertechnique and the fuel rigs - head in the sand denial of any problem.

It's got huge problems..

Are the teams going to have them before the season's engine development begins? ie - 18 months in advance? I think not...

Plus - how is this going to restrict the money spent? They'll just funnel it into more engine devlopment using this ECU rather than in conjunction with their own ECU...

Add to that high failure rates... and you have vast problems.

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 22 Feb 2006 at 18:30

AcidHell2 said:
whens the first race? we must be getting nearish now?

Starts on Friday 10th of March in Bahrain.

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 22 Feb 2006 at 20:00

sunky said:
i dont belive that

Anything in particular or just everything?

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 11:49

What price a Direxiv McLaren B-team?

A press release issued by GP2 team, David Price Racing (DPR) has once again stirred up talk of a possible McLaren B-team.

In the release, issued on Wednesday evening, DPR announced a partnership between the British-based team and the Japanese Direxiv company, this announcement coming only days after separate statements revealing that McLaren Mercedes and Direxiv are establishing the 'Direxiv Dynamic Wellbeing Programme', and that former F1 driver, Jean Alesi has joined Direxiv as the company's Senior Executive Director.

For the last two years, McLaren has been linked with a possible B-team, with Alesi's name figuring strongly as potential team manager.

Price has strong connections with both McLaren and Mercedes, having been involved in the McLaren F1 GT racing programme and also having served as team manager with the Mercedes-Benz Sports Car team.

According to the release: "Direxiv's motorsport involvement will be substantially increased this year to include commitments in a number of international racing series from Formula 1 through to Formula Nippon. The first step of this partnership is the re-naming of the DPR team as DPR Direxiv for the GP2 series.

"We are a relatively young company, but with big ambitions in motorsport," said Direxiv's President and CEO, Misato Haga. "We recognised that DPR is not only mutually ambitious, but also has a depth of experience that will be very beneficial to us all."

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 11:50

BRDC vote delayed

Following an extraordinary meeting of the British Racing Drivers' club, it has been decided to delay a vote on the redevelopment of the Northamptonshire track.

In a statement released following today's meeting, BRDC Chairman, Sir Jackie Stewart, said: "Members need more information and a longer period of consultation before we put the two resolutions to a vote."

Ordinary Resolution 1 (Authority to Board to conclude negotiations with St Modwen Properties PLC relating to the development of the Silverstone Estate)

Ordinary Resolution 2 (conditional on passing of Ordinary Resolution 1) (Authority to Board to conclude negotiations with Northern Racing PLC relating to the operation of the Silverstone Racing Circuits.)

"We are confident that taking on board all the opinions and strongly held views at today's EGM we can proceed with our strategic plans for the development of Silverstone.

"However, the board accepts and supports that members need an additional period for briefing and consultation and we were happy to accept the strong view of the meeting. St Modwen and Northern Racing are fully in support of today’s decision"

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 11:50

Gearbox woes for Rosberg

WilliamsF1 had a very successful opening day of testing here at the Circuit de Catalunya on Tuesday with Mark Webber topping the timesheets. However, day two of their Spanish test wasn’t as productive with Webber’s teammate, Nico Rosberg suffering gearbox problems early in his session and therefore failing to set a timed lap.

Webber meanwhile managed 88 laps overall as he completed several long runs for Bridgestone. The Australian racer recorded the eleventh best time for the day, three seconds off the pace set by McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen.

“It was a slow start for all the teams this morning due to a cold and green track surface after yesterday's rain,” said Sam Michael, Technical Director. “Mark spent the whole day doing long runs on different tyre casings to look at improving degradation. We made good progress and will continue with this in the short term. Unfortunately, Nico didn't manage to record any timed laps today due to gearbox problems. Both Mark and Nico will be driving again tomorrow.”

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 11:51

Frank, Mark, upbeat about '06

Sir Frank Williams has delivered an upbeat message about his team's prospects for 2006.

The 63-year-old's new blue and white car, no longer powered by a works engine or backed by a title sponsor, has shown up well on the winter tracks, after the '05 'FW27' slumped to fifth in the team tally.

Some analysts say the new Cosworth V8, although without the financial muscle of the other engine makers, is at least a match for Honda, Ferrari and Renault - if not superior.

'This year's car,' Williams said, referring to the FW28, 'is a big step forward compared to last year's (car).

'However, it's too early to comment as there are many unknown factors.'

A weakness last year was aerodynamics, but lead driver Mark Webber revealed that FW28 - with an unique barb on the rear of the engine cover - is 'very aggressive in terms of its aerodynamic design.'

The Australian told 'The Age': '(The FW28) car has been in the wind tunnel a long time and a lot of effort went into it. I hope that will translate to pace.

'Cosworth made a superb engine for us,' Webber continued, 'but being an independent operation, I hope we are in for a solid year.'

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 11:51

Yuji Ide makes F1 test debut

Japanese race rookie Yuji Ide made his Formula One test debut at Barcelona on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old, to drive in grands prix alongside countryman Takuma Sato for new Japanese team 'Super Aguri' next month, lapped more than 9 seconds off the pace over 44 laps in warm Spain, until the reworked 2002 Arrows broke down.

At the front of the field was Kimi Räikkönen, whose 2006 McLaren car is finally showing some pace at tests.

The Finn led the field of fifteen, including both Renault racers who endured a difficult start to the day with identical problems on their first out-laps. The team said it was 'small software problems'.

'But it wasn't as bad as it seemed,' said chief engineer Christian Silk, even though neither blue and yellow car re-emerged until after the lunch break.

Honda and MF1 were also in action, while Williams' Nico Rosberg and Red Bull veteran David Coulthard had a little biff on the way out of pitlane.

Later, DC's Ferrari engine failed.

Toyota turned up to compare its newly-uncovered Bahrain spec bodywork package with other runners, and wound up about a full second off the top pace.

But Ralf Schumacher said: 'It is still early to say where we stand.'

In rainy Italy, BMW Sauber joined Toro Rosso on the Imola track. An STR statement said testing 'was pretty much wiped out' at the sodden venue.

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 11:52

F1 circus gould go to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan could be eyeing a future on the formula one grid, with news that a race track is to be built in the republic south of Russia.

Malaysia's National News Agency is reporting that Kazakhstan government minister Askar Mamin is in Kuala Lumpur to stage talks about the running of Astana airport.

In a statement, Mamin confirmed that he also hoped to engage the help of Malaysia Airports to establish 'a racing circuit' near the airport in Kazakhstan.

Astana is in the central north of the country.

The news agency said the Kazakhstan delegation was briefed by Malaysian officials 'on the returns of investment from the organisation ... of formula one races', its 'benefits to the nation as a whole', as well as 'its international impact'.

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 11:59

The Story From Formula One's Wednesday Testing - Reliability

Japanese race rookie Yuji Ide made his formula one test debut at Barcelona on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old, to drive in grands prix alongside countryman Takuma Sato for new Japanese team 'Super Aguri' next month, lapped more than 9 seconds off the pace over 44 laps in warm Spain, until the reworked 2002 Arrows broke down.

At the front of the field was Kimi Raikkonen, whose 2006 McLaren car is finally showing some pace at tests.

The Finn led the field of fifteen, including both Renault racers who endured a difficult start to the day with identical problems on their first out-laps. The team said it was 'small software problems'.

''But it wasn't as bad as it seemed,'' said chief engineer Christian Silk, even though neither blue and yellow car re-emerged until after the lunch break.

Honda and MF1 were also in action, while Williams' Nico Rosberg and Red Bull veteran David Coulthard had a little biff on the way out of pitlane.

Later, DC's Ferrari engine failed.

Toyota turned up to compare its newly-uncovered Bahrain spec bodywork package with other runners, and wound up about a full second off the top pace.

But Ralf Schumacher said: ''It is still early to say where we stand.''

In rainy Italy, BMW Sauber joined Toro Rosso on the Imola track. An STR statement said testing 'was pretty much wiped out' at the sodden venue.

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 12:48

More than likely.

They're working hard on that box to get it reliable enough to race with.

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 13:43

Raikkonen upbeat about McLaren form

Kimi Raikkonen was upbeat about the performance of his McLaren team after topping the times in testing at the Barcelona circuit.

The Finn driver posted the fastest time of the year so far in a V8 engine at the Spanish track as his team continued making progress following the engine problems which hindered them early on.

Today's test was the first time Raikkonen managed to complete more than a race distance without any problems. He completed 96 laps.

The McLaren driver was very happy with his day and admitted he feels confident the team are going in the right direction.

"It is definitely looking better than a few weeks ago," Raikkonen told autosport.com at the end of the day. "It is hard to say exactly where we are, but for once I did two race distances and the engine was still going.

"I think it's a good car. It's better than last year. It's difficult to compare because of the different engine and aero level but is quicker. We have to see where we car in Bahrain.

"We still have a lot of work to do, but I'm happier now we have done race distances and it's nice to see myself being quick in the short and long runs.

"We are definitely going in the right way."

I love this line..

"but for once I did two race distances and the engine was still going."

Shows the feelings towards Mercedes pretty well tbh.

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 13:46

Barrichello: Honda and Renault on par

Rubens Barrichello believes McLaren have made a big step forward in recent weeks, but the Brazilian reckons his Honda team and rivals Renault are on top at the moment.

"Definitely McLaren made a jump and at the moment I think we are on a par with Renault," Barrichello told autosport.com during testing at Barcelona. "Some circuits they are better and some we are better, it depends on the track.

"The balance of the car is good, we are still trying out aero. It's almost final but I think I have a wing to try out. This car is very easy to drive and it is very quick, it is a good car.

"We made a big jump in the Bahrain test, it was one of the best things we have done," added Barrichello, refering to last week's test at Sakhir, home of the first race of the season in over two weeks time.

Honda and Renault have been the pace-setters during most of winter testing, with McLaren now looking very fast after having worked on solving their engine problems.

Kimi Raikkonen set the fastest time of the year in testing at Barcelona yesterday, although Renault's Fernando Alonso went even faster this morning and even beat last year's pole position time in his V8-engined R26.

Barrichello's Honda team have also been close to the top of the times.

"We are very well prepared for this coming season, and Jenson [Button] was quite happy too. On the same tyres we were doing the same time, we are pretty well matched so it will be fun.

"We will be on top of the game," said the Brazilian. "Okay, sometimes we have bad days but then good days too."

Barrichello, who joined Honda after six seasons with the Ferrari team, believes he has made the right move.

"I think I have made the right change," he said. "We are going forward together and I am quite pleased about that. I have given them (the team) as much as they have given me.

"The team has definitely made an effort: who can have two cars ready at the launch? It is incredible.

"If there was one car there would have be been a delay until I get in the car, so the team has done very very well, so for the season we are prepared but the competition is definitely hotting up."

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 16:30

Well....they're getting better....

Today's Times from Barcelona - All Times Unofficial

Code:

[b]
Name		Team		Tyres	Laps	Time		Gap[/b]
Button		Honda		M	116	1:13.935	139.992 mph 	
Fisichella	Renault		M	125	1:13.971	0.036 	
Alonso		Renault		M	113	1:13.977	0.042 	
Barrichello	Honda		M	119	1:14.266	0.331 	
Montoya		McLaren		M	131	1:14.588	0.653 	
Raikkonen	McLaren		M	79	1:15.475	1.540 	
Rosberg		WilliamsF1	B	83	1:15.774	1.839 	
R Schumacher	Toyota		B	97	1:15.973	2.038 	
Coulthard	Red Bull	M	54	1:16.034	2.099 	
Trulli		Toyota		B	103	1:16.057	2.122 	
Webber		WilliamsF1	B	97	1:16.128	2.193 	
Klien		Red Bull	M	55	1:16.923	2.988 	
Albers		Midland		B	79	1:17.142	3.207 	
Sato		Super Aguri	B	58	1:19.787	5.852

Only 6 seconds behind...

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 19:39

Zip said:
Is 1min 30s a good lap time at imola?
I dont have a cap

In the rain...who knows?

They're testing away from most of the other teams, it's still technically the Sauber car as no way did they have enough time to dictate the design and they're just not doing anything remarkable...

There's nothing out about them....

And I had actually forgotten they'd existed tbh....Started on the stuff for the 1st GP and was missing a team and was boogered if I could spot which...and it was them...

But I was like that with Sauber as well - always there...never special...

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 19:40

rpstewart said:
Possibly the most exciting thing coming out of Hinwill is the "Update your cap" programme - if you have a Williams BMW or Suaber Petronas cap you can register and they'll send you a voucher to allow you to trade in your old hat for a brand spanking new BWM Sauber one at your local BMW dealer.

Wonder if this includes Sauber pit crew helmets as well....

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 20:19

MF1 has 'no passion'

MF1 Racing is a soulless team which does not deserve support just because it is a small independent outfit, according to Renault’s engineering director Pat Symonds.

Previewing the 2006 season in F1 Racing magazine, Symonds said: “Are Midland still around? I haven’t looked recently.

“I see nothing in them that has any passion…so I see no reason to say, ‘Good luck to the little guys’.

“They had a damn good [Toyota] engine last year, but did nothing with it.

“As a team, they do nothing to enhance Formula 1.”

Midland boss Alex Shnaider was criticised by many F1 insiders last season for failing to commit sufficiently whole-heartedly to the sport.

F1 impresario Bernie Ecclestone recently said he felt “a bit guilty” for advising Shnaider to buy Jordan since the business tycoon “probably underestimated the work that comes with a successful F1 team”.

However, Tiago Monteiro’s revelation at the recent team launch that MF1 has almost doubled its budget for 2006 suggests that Shnaider now understands the scale of the challenge required to be competitive.

The Portuguese driver has also been impressed by the performance of the new M16 chassis in testing so far.

“The car’s reliability is excellent and our pace is improving,” he said in Barcelona on Tuesday.

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 20:20

Just for you Zip.....Dug these up - they're not that recent..Monday I think...

Theissen: "We will be on the spot."

In 2006, the BMW Sauber F1 Team will contest its maiden Formula One season. Hence, it's the major goal to gain experience and to merge its two sites, located in Munich and Hinwil. The team is determined to use every possible chance of securing good results.

In a show of cautious optimism the german director of BmwSauberF1 reacted to some comments made by Lauda and other F1 insiders.

"Should we be offered an opportunity we will be on the spot," says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. "Winning can't be scheduled. But you can plan the improvement of your car. Afterwards, you just have to wait and see how your competitors deliver."

"I'd love to be able to answer the question as to when we’ll be able to battle for victories," adds Theissen. "From my point of view, it would be unrealistic to claim that we are going to win a race in 2006. But obviously, we hope to get as close to winning as possible."

In its comeback season, back in 2000, BMW proved that you can start into a debut season in fine style. In the season opener held in Melbourne, the BMW V10 engine accelerated Ralf Schumacher to third place.

Didn't BMW also have 150 engine failures that season and 90 odd in the second season?

Even Mercedes last year didn't hit that total.

Flibster · 23 Feb 2006 at 20:21

BMW 'quicker than expected' - Zanardi

Former formula one driver Alex Zanardi is surprised at the pace of BMW Sauber in winter tests. The Italian, who drove 44 grands prix in the 90s but lost his legs in an horror Champ Car crash in 2001, said the new Hinwil collaboration has 'got the potential' to succeed in the F1 category.

''Taking a look at the times set in the tests,'' 39-year-old Zanardi said, ''I'd say that the team is quicker than I expected it to be.'' Bologna born Zanardi's last F1 stint was in 1999, at Williams, but he also drove races for Lotus, Minardi and Jordan.

Today, he steers a hand-controlled BMW in the world touring car series, and recalled how 'extremely difficult' it is 'to just be a part' of the F1 world. Zanardi continued: ''But it's far more demanding if you want to battle at the front end of the grid and win races.''

Flibster · 24 Feb 2006 at 09:39

Valencia layout set for major revamp

Valencia promoters have announced plans to modify the Spanish track ahead of the possible inclusion of the circuit on the Formula One calendar.

Just one day after representatives of the Valencian government met with Formula One commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone in London to talk about the possibility of hosting a race in the future, the circuit has announced a project to improve the facilities.

The plan is to make the layout faster and more spectacular, but organisers said they intend to keep the track's main characteristic unchanged: the whole circuit will be visible from every grandstand.

With the new layout, the length of the track will grow from four to 4.4km. The project will include the addition of a new straight, wider turns and two hairpins to improve overtaking, replacing a twisty and slow part of the circuit.

"We have decided to work ahead of a possible decision to include the circuit on the Formula One calendar," said the track's general manager Eduardo Nogues.

"Formula One is the benchmark for every racing facility and a dream for all the Valencian racing fans, so now it's the time to show to Ecclestone and everyone involved in F1 that Valencia wants to host a race and that's why the stands will be filled on April (for the GP2 race)."

Valencia will host the first round of the GP2 championship this year.