2005/2006 F1 News and Testing.

[Flibster]

Rossi in secret Maserati test

MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi has continued racking up as many miles as possible on four wheels after testing a Maserati MC12 sportscar in secret last week.

Fresh from his recent impressive form in a Ferrari F2004 at Valencia in Spain and a MotoGP test in Qatar, Rossi took part in a secret run out for the Racing Box Team at Misano in Italy.

The test was arranged by the team's former driver, Gabriele Matteuzzi, who is also the father of Rossi's girlfriend.

According to reports in Italy, Rossi managed to set a best time of one minute 27 seconds during his 15-lap run - which was on a par with the best lap of official Maserati driver Fabrizio de Simone.

Rossi also completed five laps aboard a 10-cylinder, 510hp Dodge Viper before driving the MC12.

Rossi will be returning to two-wheel action this week when he joins an official MotoGP test in Malaysia.

 

[Flibster]

Johnny Walker keeps walking with McLaren

Johnnie Walker – the world’s number one Scotch whisky and the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula One team friday announced an up-weight to their existing partnering agreement for the 2006 Formula One Season.

This agreement will enable Johnnie Walker to intensify its brand building programmes and to further demonstrate its ongoing commitment to using the Team McLaren Mercedes sponsorship as a platform to promote a shared understanding of what responsible drinking means. The increased investment provides a number of additional benefits for the Johnnie Walker brand during the 2006 season; additional branding on the car and significant marketing activation opportunities including hospitality and promotional rights, access to drivers and track days which can be utilised in markets to engage consumers.

Ben Anderson, Global Brand Director, Johnnie Walker explains, “We joined Team McLaren Mercedes last July in order to use our association with this professional, precision and technology driven team to build the brand and communicate responsible drinking while simultaneously building the Johnnie Walker brand. For example in Brazil we promoted the ‘designated driver’ concept through a fully integrated programme – ‘Piloto da Vez’ which achieved over 122 million Brazilian ‘consumer impacts’ through advertising, promotion and PR activity and a dedicated website which received 170,000 hits. The three-month programme culminated in Juan Pablo Montoya becoming the ‘designated driver’ for one lucky competition winner. In China we implemented a major ‘responsible drinking’ initiative which included in-bar activities in key cities, the message ‘Take the lead, drink responsibly’ was delivered through media interviews and personal appearances. In just half a season we are already seeing the impact of this sponsorship and its associated consumer programmes and advertising.“

“Using our extensive consumer research we have strong insights into consumer attitudes towards responsible drinking and we know that linking a responsibility message to something that interests core Johnnie Walker consumers (25 – 35 years) is more likely to have a positive impact. The new agreement with Team McLaren Mercedes combined with our investment at a market level takes our global investment in this programme to more than £20 million and will enable us to deliver these messages to consumers in an even more relevant and compelling way. ”

Ron Dennis, Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group and Team McLaren Mercedes Team Principal says, “From the outset, it has been clear that Team McLaren Mercedes and Johnnie Walker shared the same view as to how this partnership could be used for powerful effect. Johnnie Walker has proven that the relationship with Team McLaren Mercedes and the Formula One environment, and its association with control and precision, is a great asset in its responsible drinking programme. The success of the last season provided a compelling reason to further strengthen our partnership.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport says: “Johnnie Walker’s extended commitment to the team following our partnership which started mid-season last year shows how successful this collaboration has been. We have strongly supported Johnnie Walker’s plan to use their involvement in the Formula One programme as a platform for responsible drinking messages as we consider this to be an important aspect of our partnership.”

And the evil person in me thinks that they'll regret having "Keep On Walking" on the cars.

Especially is the Mercedes reliability is down to it's usual standard...

 

[Flibster]

An important legal question

Lawyers in motor racing are watching with interest to see the outcome of a lawsuit in the United States were the widow of a track marshal is suing the International Speedway Corporation, claiming that the Daytona International Speedway (which is owned by ISC) did not take "reasonable safeguards" in an ultrahazardous activity. The ISC is arguing that the case should be dismissed because racing is not legally defined as being ultrahazardous and if the case is won by the Weaver Family, it will alter the legal status of racing in the United States and perhaps further afield. The ISC says that the question is not whether the activity was ultrahazardous but whether the speedway took reasonable precautions to avoid the accident that killed Mr Weaver.

The legal definition of ultrahazardous is an action or process which is so inherently dangerous that the person or entity conducting the activity is strictly liable for any injury caused by the activity. The ISC is arguing that stock car racing is dangerous but it is not ultrahazardous because the dangers can be largely eliminated with the use of proper procedures. Declaring the sport to be ultrahazardous would mean that the ISC would be liable for any and all injuries at its speedways, no matter what measures it takes to protect those taking part.

Roy Weaver (44) was killed while clearing wreckage at Daytona during an IPOWER race in February 2004. Weaver was working on the opposite side of the circuit from the scene of an accident and was hit by a driver who was driving quickly to catch up with the field, which was assembled behind a pace car.

The case has received a great deal of publicity in the United States as Weaver's widow and children took the decision to take part in the CBS reality TV hit show "The Amazing Race", competing for a prize of $1m in the course of 2005.

 

[Richard T]

And the evil person in me thinks that they'll regret having "Keep On Walking" on the cars.

Especially is the Mercedes reliability is down to it's usual standard...

lol

 

[Flibster]

Mosley sets deadline for manufacturers

FIA president Max Mosley has thrown down the gauntlet to the manufacturers planning a breakaway championship - warning them they must commit to Formula One by next April or risk losing their place in the sport for 2008.

Although BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Renault and Toyota have signed a document binding the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association (GPMA) together in not leaving the rebel plans until next September, Mosley seized the initiative on Monday and told them they will instead have to decide their future plans in the next few months.

That is because he intends for the entries to the 2008 World Championship to close sometime in April, effectively meaning that those who do not commit then could lose out to new teams planning to make the jump to F1.

Mosley said that he hoped the next meeting of the FIA World Council on March 22 would agree to open entries to the 2008 championship on March 23 and then close them just 'a few weeks later'.

With a maximum limit of 12 entries for the 2008 championship, and a high likelihood of an over-subscription because the hurdle of the $48 million deposit will be dropped, any manufacturer stalling will risk getting overlooked if they do not sign-up.

Although there will be provisions for teams to enter after the April deadline, Mosley made it clear that that would only be possible if there was a vacancy.

"I would hope that everyone would enter, but there is no guarantee that they will," he said.

Mosley has also further increased the pressure on the manufacturers by revealing controversial plans to reduce costs by introducing same-spec engines from 2008 to 2010.

Under the scheme, manufacturers would have to lodge their engine design with the FIA by next June and then that specification of power-unit would be frozen for 2008, 2009 and 2010 - meaning no development at all for three years.

Reliability problems, however, could be addressed as long as the work did not result in a performance advantage.

"It would save up to one billion Euros per year on engine development," explained Mosley.

"I have a real determination to see this through. If F1 is to prosper we have got to get the costs down in order to help the independents survive.

"The GPMA and the manufacturers have been complaining about not getting enough money back from the sport, but they are spending between them one billion Euros per year. It would be better to cut that than try and get more back from Bernie Ecclestone."

No engine changes? Bad...bad bad bad idea...

 

[J1nxy]

What planet is the bloke on???? Isn't formula 1 meant to be the pinacle of motorsport?? Soon we'll have 500cc 1000rpm limited go karts with solid tyres 1cm wide. For god sake man leave the engineers to innovate and just give them some loose guide lines to work within.

Steve

 

[Simon]

Its all well and good letting them have billions to spend on engines, but there will always be only one winner.

It makes sense to reduce costs and make things more equal

 

[Arc]

ITV - split screen advertising?

Hot on the heels of the news that British Broadcaster ITV are reshuffling their presentation team for F1 comes a strong rumour that from this season onwards they will no longer break for adverstisemenets in the conventional manner.

Instead they will continue to show the race in a 'split screen' while the ads roll. It remains to be seen how much truth there is in this rumour and whether or not this is a direct result of the much criticised adverstisement break taken a handful of laps from the end of last year's San Marino GP when Michael Schumacher and Alonso were locked in a titanic battle for the lead.

Maybe its about time they considered a switch to 16:9 format. A1 GP looks good in it as do other motorsport events. Would enable them to have two reasonably sized 4:3 screens next to each other for the adverts.

Tony Jardine getting punted just isnt right. At least he knows something about the sport and made sense. You think ITV would keep the good members of its team instead of trying to get rid of them. Plus "walkabout" is just code for not having a studio and the related costs .

 

[Duke]

I can't understand why they booted him either.. he was one of the better ones! :\

 

[Flibster]

Gascoyne explains the logic behind Bahrain absence

Toyota’s Mike Gascoyne has replied to Honda’s Jenson Button on the subject of this weeks Bahrain test. Jenson’s question, why aren’t more teams testing out in the Gulf region this week? Mike’s answer, because of financial and logistical reasons.

Toyota are known for their huge budget and their desire to win, but even a team steeped in cash and full of passion has failed to turn up in Bahrain for this weeks test. The reason? Basically Toyota sees it as a waste of time, effort and money.

"Naturally those teams will get some useful information by testing there," Mike Gascoyne said. "But the reality is that it is still just one test, and logistically it means compromising your tests before and after."

Honda, Ferrari and Toro Rosso are the only teams present for the Bahrain test.

 

[Flibster]

Toyota looking for an ‘A’ in their Pit Stop Homework

Toyota are looking for full marks in their pit stop homework. Even though tyre changing wasn’t apart of the package in 2005, the team continued to test their pit crews throughout the year. One year on, tyre changing is back, thus meaning the teams hard efforts during should rub off in the pit lane.

Even though the team wasn’t allowed to change tyres during the 2005 season, their pit crews had to be ready in case of a puncture or a change of conditions. This meant that a job as a tyre mechanic wasn’t as simple as staying in bed and changing a tyre every couple of months.

"With this year's reintroduction of tyre changes during the race, we find ourselves in a strong position because our in-house processes have never stopped." Explained Mike Gascoyne. "Tyre changes will add to the spectacle of F1 races once again and it will also make race strategy preparation and execution more interesting," he added. "We will certainly see who has done their homework - I know we have done ours to the best of our ability and I am sure we are capable of getting top marks."

 

[Richard T]

What planet is the bloke on???? Isn't formula 1 meant to be the pinacle of motorsport?? Soon we'll have 500cc 1000rpm limited go karts with solid tyres 1cm wide. For god sake man leave the engineers to innovate and just give them some loose guide lines to work within.

Steve

I agree what a plank... talk about balls up a sport good and proper


I thought the FIA was not involved in the politics???? Sounds a though it is to me!
changing dates and forcing manufacturers to commit early is way too involved for a paper shuffler plonker like max


You know what????????????????????????????????????































I THINK I HATE MAD RAVING LOONEY MAX MORE THAN THAT ALLEN MONKEY!!!!

Deep breaths .... deep breaths

And that is saying something

 

[Flibster]

*runs around trying to find ashtray_head's brain medicine...*

My hatred is in this order...

James *Male chicken* Allen
Max *Retard* Mosley
Bernie *Stumpy* Ecclestone
The Toad...

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Zip]

3 seasons with almost the same engines, they might aswell turn all 3 years onto one masive season. Its going to be the same every year

Bring on the brake away teams of F1 (incert real name here)

 

[Richard T]

*runs around trying to find ashtray_head's brain medicine...*

My hatred is in this order...

James *Male chicken* Allen
Max *Retard* Mosley
Bernie *Stumpy* Ecclestone
The Toad...

Simon/~Flibster

the Toad?............. Is he french?

 

[Flibster]

the Toad?............. Is he french?

Possibly..

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Richard T]

Possibly..

Simon/~Flibster

Is he short and a git too??

If the answers yes then Its gotta be Todd

 

[Sone]

wouldent a 3 year engine put more money into engine dev.

A manufatoror builds a poor engine this season they could get it fixed pretty quick, but if they risked having a bad engine for 3 years surley they would have to pump money in to make sure that didn't happen.

Edit, alos wouldent years have to be syncronisded. If Ferrari had new engine in 2008 but mercedes had one in 2009, wouldent that give Mclaren an advantage for 2 years?

 

[Richard T]

Edit, alos wouldent years have to be syncronisded. If Ferrari had new engine in 2008 but mercedes had one in 2009, wouldent that give Mclaren an advantage for 2 years?

Yeah I think they'd have to be new at the same time

 

[leaskovski]

Damn it that man is evil looking! Mwahahahaha