2005/2006 F1 News and Testing.

Flibster · 1 Mar 2006 at 21:36

Using race cars as safety cars wouldn't work - they have the same problems as the F1 cars.

Most of them require more than 5 people just to fire the thing up - not really that usefull.

Fast road cars are generally the best option.

Flibster · 1 Mar 2006 at 21:37

Imola debut unlikely for new Super Aguri

Super Aguri have admitted that there is a chance their definitive 2006 car may not be ready for the San Marino Grand Prix in April, as the team had originally planned.

With an intensive programme needed to get the modified 2002 Arrows A23 cars that they will start the season with ready to comply with 2006 regulations, the team have had to divert resources away from preparing their new SA06 car.

And that means it is now touch and go whether the car will make its debut at Imola or will have to wait until the next race, the European Grand Prix, on May 7.

Aguri's managing director Daniel Audetto told autosport.com: "There is a strong possibility of that (not making Imola), because we have had to dedicate more time to the SA05 (the modified Arrows car).

"We had to go through a lot of modifications to pass the crash tests, and comply with new safety and aero rules. It has been a lot of work and meant only a few people have been able to work on the 2006 car.

"But I don't want to say that the car will definitely not be in Imola, so let's see. We are still pushing for that."

Aguri are also likely to only have one of their new cars ready when it does make it debut - which means that Yuji Ide may have to continue with the SA05 for several more races.

"We would like to give both drivers the same possibility if we can," added Audetto. "But if we can at least have one for Takuma Sato then that is what we will do."

Once the SA05 cars are shipped off to Bahrain, then Aguri will start putting all their efforts into getting their 2006 cars ready.

That focus will also likely mean that the team will not waste resources trying to get a third 2005-chassis ready to take part in Friday practice. The team will probably only run a third driver once the new car is ready.

"We prefer to concentrate on the 2006 car, without any pressure and without any stress," explained Audetto. "There is not much we can learn from the SA05, and to be last by six seconds or last by five seconds does not make much difference.

"We want to use the beginning of the season to learn; make good pitstops, learn some good strategy and give everyone in the team some confidence. It will be like a training session.

"But we are not losers. We are very professional and will take all the positives we can from this learning period."

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 10:01

Testing blow for British-based F1 teams

An airfield used by British-based F1 teams for straight-line testing, has agreed to cease all F1 activity until a court trial in May, following complaints about excessive noise.

Elvington Airfield in Yorkshire is regularly used by British-based F1 teams including McLaren.

However, as the F1 teams increased their use of the track - particularly during 2005 when the 30-day test limit was in force - local residents decided that they'd had enough.

The case had been due to be heard Pickering Magistrates Court next week, with local residents and noise experts giving evidence. However, at an interim hearing at York Magistrates Court on Tuesday (27), it was decided to adjourn the trial until May, which will allow City of York Council to carry out further noise assessments. In the meantime another interim hearing will be held in April.

The airfield was served with a noise abatement notice last year, when local residents declared that enough was enough, the owner of the airfield have now had to halt all testing until the court has made its decision, or unless the council and Elvington Park Ltd, owners of the airfield, can reach an agreement.

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 12:01

Just read through all that myself...

It's explained it well - it's still not crystal though...

Would also like to apologise for any spelling cockups today - Have just got a new keyboard and am getting used to it before the F1 season kicks off.

The one from last year was truly knackered.

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 13:03

J1nxy said:
I think we need to change the regulations to make sure your keyboard has to last at least 2 seasons with out change to reduce costs

Sorry for the miss understanding re the DTM more smiles duely noted

It did - thats the bloody scary thing - although towards the end it was kind of like a Mercedes engine - occasionally stopped working for no known reason.

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 13:13

Possibly - although I'm hoping my new keyboard will last a while - Microsoft Natural 4000 - stunningly lovely to use. Bargain at £32 including next day delivery too. :S

Oh - hopefully this weekend will have the 2006 Bahrain Grand Prix thread go up.

Start as I mean to go on - unprepared and unprofessional.

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 13:48

J1nxy said:
Should have gone for the Saitek ones They are brillaint...mind you probabaly a little high tech as they are made of exotic materials like aluminium and plastic so should be banned...

They may be good - but not ergonomic - which is what I need.

I really want one of those OLED keyboard in ergonomic form - they look fantastic.

Right - serious question...

How do you want the data for this season?

Was thinking...

1st post - map, flag, track info
2nd post - last years results and final championship standings
3rd-13th post - 2006 team and drivers info
14th - ??? post - New rules
??? -??? post - techie stuff about the cars.

Or something else?

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 13:51

Davidson breaks Valencia track record

Honda Racing test driver Anthony Davidson has delivered another indication of his team's stunning pace after breaking the unofficial lap record at Valencia in Spain on Thursday.

The Briton, who will be conducting Friday testing duties for Honda at race weekends again this year, set a best lap of 1:08.53 seconds early in the afternoon.

Davidson's impressive performance comes just a week after Jenson Button set the best lap overall during a major test at Barcelona in Spain.

So...broken lap record in a V8...

Could be entertaining then - still expecting the laptimes to be ~2 seconds off in full race trim though.

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 13:54

Williams optimistic of fighting at the top

Williams are confident that they can target a return to the front of the field after finishing their pre-season preparations at Valencia in Spain this week.

Race drivers Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg have helped the team complete more than 17,000 kilometres of testing since the end of last year, and the promising form of Cosworth's new V8 engine has left the team upbeat about their chances.

Technical director Sam Michael said: "The big question that everyone is asking is - who is quick? Pace is notoriously difficult to judge during winter testing due to cars being at different stages of development and variable track temperatures having a big influence on performance.

"In addition this year, we have another variable in the V8 engines, and all the engine manufacturers are at different stages of development. For the start of this season, however, our target is to put Williams back at the sharp end of the grid."

Williams have also released mileage figures for winter testing, which indicate that despite a change of engine and tyre supplier they have enjoyed pretty good reliability.

Teams Testing Kms (since Nov 28, 2005)

Code:

[b]Pos.	Team		Cumulative Kms[/b]
1.	Honda		26,000.79
2.	McLaren		22,683.1
3.	Renault		20,731.82
4.	Toyota		17,757.95
5.	WilliamsF1	16,732
6.	BMW Sauber	12,900.82
7.	Red Bull	8,606.339
8.	MF1		7,569.898
9.	Toro Rosso	5,873.2
10.	Super Aguri	508.97

Top 5 Drivers - Testing Kms (since Nov 28, 2005)

Code:

[b]Pos.	Driver		Cumulative Kms[/b]
1.	Button		9,664.335
2.	de la Rosa	9,006.288
3.	Davidson	7,341.708
4.	Trulli		7,188.068
5.	Rosberg		6,975.919

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 13:55

Richards: factory first step towards F1

Former BAR boss David Richards has admitted that his Prodrive company's plan for a new state of the art factory in Warwickshire is the first 'piece of the jigsaw' for a future assault on Formula One.

Although Richards has drawn short of confirming that Prodrive will definitely make the move to Formula One, he has told this week's Autosport that the go-ahead for the factory is necessary if they are eventually going to do it.

"I'm not going to make any rash promises or statements that we categorically will be there, but establishing proper facilities is one of the things with the longest lead times," he said.

"I'm not saying that we couldn't rework things around our existing premises at Banbury, but the new facility is the first piece of the jigsaw to be put in place."

Prodrive have submitted a planning application for the facilities at the former Honiley Airfield, which the company have owned since 1999.

Speculation about Richards' plans for his team have been growing after autosport.com revealed on Monday that Richards recently held meetings with FIA president Max Mosley and F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone to discuss his ambitions.

Richards' move to F1 has previously been linked with Korean car manufacturer Hyundai, but he has said this week that it is possible he could actually go it alone.

"Clearly it is desirable to have a manufacturer partner, but if it can be done more modestly and you can be competitive then it opens up more options," explained Richards.

"My view is that in future F1 programmes will be a lot more manageable. If they aren't, then it is simply not worth getting involved because it's not sustainable. The BAR [Honda] staffing levels are now up to 560, for example, whereas they were at 360 during my tenure and hardly moved."

Flibster · 2 Mar 2006 at 13:58

rpstewart said:
Sounds good, I've got Google Earth links for all the tracks I think if you want them but some are a bit pointless - Bahrain points to a nice empty space in the desert.

Could be usefull - especially if they update them sometime soon.

Have you seen the ones with the track info overlayed? They were great. Wish I could find them again.

Stuck at work all day today so can get me on MSN if necessary.

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:16

Raikkonen and Ferrari

There are reports across Europe that Kimi Raikkonen has now inked a deal to join Ferrari in 2007, whether Michael Schumacher is there or not. Stories have been published in various Finnish newspapers, in Germany where the magazine Express has quoted a Ferrari sources saying that the deal is done and in Spain where Fernando Alonso's confidant Adrian Campos has been quoted as saying that Raikkonen will not be Alonso's team mate next year.

The speculation should not , in theory, have any effect on the performance of Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa as Schumacher will not want to show any signs of weakness if he is going to go up against Raikkonen next year and may not much care if he is planning to retire, while Massa will need good performances if he is going to be out looking for a job again in 2007.

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:17

Raikkonen counters Ferrari gossip

Kimi Raikkonen has countered near-overwhelming speculation that his pen has now sealed his switch to Ferrari in 2007.

After Finnish, Spanish and German sources concurred this week that the McLaren Mercedes driver is sure to leave Woking based squad at the end of the year after signing a contract, a sound-bite reportedly attributed to the taciturn Finn has now cropped up in the Ilta-Sanomat newspaper.

"I'm not a Ferrari driver - not yet," Raikkonen said.

More vehemently, however, he also denied gossip that where he ends up will depend on Michael Schumacher's mid-year decision about his own career at Ferrari.

"What Schumacher does has no influence on my future," Raikkonen added.

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:18

Teams close to testing agreement

Formula One team’s are close to signing a unanimous agreement to voluntarily limit in-season track testing.

According to a report in Germany's specialist Auto Motor Und Sport magazine, five teams' principals have already faxed their signatures, while the other six are likely to soon follow suit.

The publication claims that Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, Williams and Honda have already signed on the dotted line, and that the remaining six will do so.

However, the accord - which did not include Ferrari in 2005 - has apparently been extended from a test limit of 30 days per team to 36. It was earlier reported that, in the absence of every team's signature, no limit would apply at all.

As usual, the 2006 agreement will also feature a total August ban.

Ferrari have signed something that will restrict them????!!?! :eek:

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:19

Coulthard refusing to be downbeat

David Coulthard is refusing to get disheartened by Red Bull Racing's pre-season reliability problems - even though the team have failed to complete a race distance in testing.

The Scotsman was drafted in for an extra test at Valencia in Spain this week in a bid to help the team iron out continued mechanical problems – but he once again failed to complete a race distance run.

Speaking to autosport.com after the test, Coulthard admitted that he was not happy about the reliability issues but claimed that he suffered a similar situation before McLaren's title-winning campaign in 1998.

"Obviously I am disappointed that we had a failure on the engine as we could not do the mileage," said Coulthard. "That means if I finish the race in Bahrain that will be the first race distance we have completed.

"However in 1998 we (McLaren) had not completed a single race distance yet we lapped the field in Melbourne...."

Coulthard, who is under no illusions of being able to repeat that feat this time out, claims the team are currently paying the price for the cooling issues that they suffered from during the early running of the RB2.

"We are on top of the cooling issues now, but we are paying the penalty for not having been able to run in the earlier part of winter testing," he explained. "I think we were second to Toyota in bringing out the new car in December but we lost valuable time.

"Also we had a delay in production which meant we were a bit in short supply of parts, so we were nearly last to bring out the second chassis."

The reliability issues have at least served to give Red Bull Racing something to focus on in the early part of the season.

"We know where we need to go and concentrate," added Coulthard. "We need mileage really. If you see Honda, they have done 25,000km in testing whereas we have done just over 7,000km. It is just incredible.

"At the end of the day you get what you develop by improving performance on the track."

Not having done a race distance could be a problem...

Especially as the Red Bull bit of the car seems good - it's the smoking Ferrari bit at the back that doesn't seem anywhere near as good as it should be.

Still surprised that Ferrari have had more engine failures than Mercedes...

Simon/~Flibster

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:21

It's a small world... allegedly

In Britain, the Labour party has been involved in more than its fair share of scandals since it came to power.

Just weeks after winning the 1997 election, the party was embroiled in a scandal involving F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who donated £1m to the political party's campaign fund.

It was claimed that the money, given by Ecclestone before the election, was in fact a bribe in an attempt to have Formula One exempted from the (then) forthcoming advertising ban.

Despite denials by Ecclestone, Tony Blair, Max Mosley and (Chancellor) Gordon Brown, the ensuing furore resulted in the political party returning the money to the F1 supremo. Though it took its time in handing it back.

It was an affair that badly damage the new inhabitant at 10 Downing Street, and a 'scandal' that has never been forgotten.

In recent days, another 'scandal' has hogged the headlines.

David Mills, husband of Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, is alleged to have received a payment of around £350,000 from a mystery Italian - possibly Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, possibly not - and then moved the money around - as one does - eventually using it to pay off a mortgage, which had only been taken out a month earlier.

Because Ms Jowell co-signed the mortgage, it was alleged that she therefore knew of the payment, and its origins, and therefore, having failed to declare the payment, had broken the ministerial code.

The possible ramifications could have been very damaging for everyone concerned, for in addition to being a leading light in Blair's cabinet, Ms Jowell is a close personal friend of the Prime Minister and his wife.

Then again, it wasn't that long ago (2004) that we witnessed the Blairs enjoying 5-star hospitality, courtesy of Sr Berlusconi, at his 27-bedroom Sardinian villa. Who will ever forget the site of Tony and Cherie walking hand-in-hand with the bandana wearing Italian, proudly sporting his new face-lift?

It's worth noting that Mr David Mills is a tax lawyer, indeed in 1997 he was tax consultant to a certain Bernard Charles Ecclestone...

It's a small world... allegedly.

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:22

Briatore linked with bribe probe

A link has been made between Renault chief Flavio Briatore and an investigation into an allegedly corrupt tax lawyer.

David Mills, who is married to British cabinet minister Tessa Jowell, is being investigated by prosecutors who say he accepted a bribe from Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi.

The link with Briatore, 55, is that some of the funds channelled to Mills were sent through a company set up by the lawyer, but owned by him.

''I was obviously a bit annoyed at this,'' Briatore - a client of David Mills - is quoted as saying in the British 'Guardian' newspaper.

But Mills told the 'paper that the company's directors - including Flavio - 'knew precisely' about the workings of the company.

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:34

Toro Rosso Livery 'Looks Real Sensational'

Toro Rosso's top-secret 2006 race livery will blow the F1 world's socks off, rookie driver Scott Speed says.

The former Minardi team, taken over for 2006 by energy drink Red Bull, ran the undisclosed paint-job behind closed doors at Paul Ricard (France) this week, but is not set to show it to the world until the official launch next week.

In a teleconference, 23-year-old Speed - the junior team's American rookie - gave a sneak preview of the radical livery.

''It looks really sensational,'' he enthused.

''(It) will give everyone an enormous surprise, I promise you!''

Until now, the Toro Rosso car has tested in a Red Bull Racing-style livery, with a gold nose.

Painted up like a huuuge phallic symbol? Just to suit the American inside?

Burberry?
Invisible ink?

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 10:37

Fisichella: Alonso exit no problem

Giancarlo Fisichella says Fernando Alonso's decision to leave Renault has not affected the atmosphere within the team.

World Champion Alonso announced at the end of last year his plans to drive for McLaren in 2007, when his current contract with Renault expires.

While some of Renault's rivals have voiced their belief that Alonso's decision will hurt the French squad in 2006, Fisichella claims there are no problems at all.

"Everyone must make their own choices and Alonso felt this was the best one," Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Fisichella as saying. "But there are no problems, and there's still a great atmosphere inside the team.

"We'll both be able to benefit from this, and that will pay off for the team."

Fisichella also talked up his own chances in this year's championship, saying the new R26 will suit his driving style better than last year's car.

"I'm satisfied with the car and I'm optimistic for the upcoming season," he said. "I'd like to fight for the top positions in the championship.

"Last year [the car] was probably closer to the style of Alonso, who is an aggressive driver at turn entry, while I've always been very tidy.

"Together with the designers we managed to improve the car, and on 12 March in Bahrain we can already do well since we've worked hard during the winter. On my part, I'll try to be more determined and tough."

The Italian driver, however, believes the battle for the title will be hard, with several teams racing at the top, including Ferrari, who Fisichella reckons will bounce back this year.

"[Ferrari] will certainly be among the favourites, as they are every year after all, even though the championship is becoming harder and harder due to the improvements of certain teams who are able to fight at the top," he added.

Flibster · 3 Mar 2006 at 11:43

BRDC board facing vote of no confidence

The battle over the redevelopment of Silverstone took a fresh twist on Friday when moves were announced to try and oust the BRDC board over their plans for the circuit's future.

A vote on whether the BRDC should appoint St Modwen and Northern Racing to revamp the circuit was delayed last month following dissent from club members and to allow them more time to get information about the intentions for Silverstone.

However, amid the backdrop of a growing number of members who are unhappy with the BRDC board's plans for Silverstone, there is now a push to call for an Emergency General Meeting to obtain a vote of no confidence in them.

In a statement issued by BRDC member Harry Stiller, who has made no secret of the fact that he is representing a large number of individuals who do not want the lease of Silverstone to be offered to St. Modwen for up to 150 years, solicitors have now been instructed to call for the EGM.

The statement said: "In light of press and media reports emanating from the President and Board of the BRDC based at Silverstone, a group of Life and Full members have today given instructions to the solicitors representing them, to call for an immediate Emergency General meeting with the primary objective of obtaining a vote of no confidence in the entire Board of the BRDC.

"Their raison d'etre is the clear indication by the Board to further pursue the Joint Venture with St Modwen and Northern Racing against the wishes of the membership which was made clear to them at the EGM held at Silverstone on Wed. 22 nd Feb. 2006.

"The membership has been given insufficient information and details of the proposed transaction as well as having given the President and Board an emphatic show of unity that they do not want any deal that means granting a 100 years plus lease to any individual or organization.

"It is the intention of the members, at all costs, to preserve Silverstone as the UK's home of British motor-sport, to uphold the aims and objectives of the Club's forefathers in maintaining the circuit as the only home of the British Grand Prix and... aiding and assisting young drivers. There are many other avenues to achieve this aim safely."

It is understood that the members proposing the vote of no confidence in the board do have an alternative solution for the track that would not involve the ownership of the track being given to another company or the loss of some of the track's famous corners to make way for housing.

The statement added: "The members are confident that they have a better alternative which will keep the circuit intact without housing estates being built or other major non-conducive development of the estate property.

"The Board has not listened to the members and seems to continue ignoring the prime objectives upon which the Club was founded. It is therefore time for radical change in the administration and policies of the BRDC."

BRDC president Jackie Stewart has warned that the circuit could lose the British Grand Prix if the redevelopment plans are not agreed, although there are suggestions that some board members are not too worried if the race is lost - because of the high fees that need to be paid to Bernie Ecclestone for the event.

Stewart told this week's Autosport: "We believe the British Grand Prix has to be retained in this country for the British motorsport industry... and for the development of young drivers and engineers.

"So this deal has the universal approval of the BRDC board. There are some people who say they do not care about the British Grand Prix. However, we do not think that is reflected in the majority of our membership."

This could get very serious...