2005/2006 F1 News and Testing.

Flibster · 14 Nov 2005 at 09:26

Formula One motor teams 'courting' Intel cash

Formula One racing teams McLaren Mercedes and BAR Honda are both attempting to persuade Intel to become a regular team sponsor, it has been claimed.

According to an EETimes report, both have separately made approaches to the chip giant in a bid to win a portion of its marketing budget.

Intel already has a connection with Formula One: its logo appears on Toyota's racing cars thanks to the team's decision to run its big-league number-crunching applications on a bank of Itanium-based machines. Last season, you'd have seen the Intel name on the nose of car.

HP sponsors Williams BMW, while Intel arch-rival AMD has its marque on the Ferrari car and gets its moniker on Sauber Petronas' cars thanks to that team's preference for Opteron-based modelling and simulation systems.

McLaren Mercedes' already enjoys the sponsorship of Sun, which also favours Opteron over Intel chippery, which might make for friction should the team indeed persuade Intel to come on board, though they're not direct competitors.

Ironically, Toyota's Formula One team website sits on top of Solaris, if the Sun logo appearing as each page's icon is anything to go by.

BAR Honda's partner line-up for the recent season was without a big-name computer hardware sponsor, so may have a more successful time courting Intel than McLaren Mercedes for that reason alone.

Meanwhile, Intel had a couple of cars running in the Lexmark Indy 300 at Surfers Paradise, Queensland last month. Its cars came in second place and seventh. It was also one of the race's major backers, and even sponsored one of the turns on the track.

JRS · 14 Nov 2005 at 09:34

Right, plan for improving the show in F1: replace it with GP Masters. Solves all the problems in 5 seconds flat.

In all seriousness, they could take a leaf out of the GPM car design when looking at making F1 cars easier to overtake with. Steel brakes, slick tyres, no TC...lets get some drifting back rather than point-and-squirt.

Flibster · 14 Nov 2005 at 09:59

'BMW Sauber F1 Team' registered with the FIA

Born in June, christened in November: the newly formed BMW Sauber F1 Team has been registered under that name with the FIA ahead of the 15th November deadline for entries for the 2006 season.

As BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen explains: "The new team name more or less chose itself. It reflects the makeup of the team – run by BMW but with a core of almost 300 Sauber employees. Plus, the 2006 car was developed by Sauber's proven engineers."

Sauber's Technical Director, the German Willy Rampf, will continue in his post at the Hinwil location. Heinz Paschen, meanwhile, remains Technical Director in Munich, where not just the engine but now the entire powertrain will be built. Walter Riedl will be responsible for coordination between the two locations in his capacity as Project Manager.

Peter Sauber is looking forward to his advisory role and welcomes the latest decisions: "It's nice to see that the Sauber name will continue in Formula One. I'm particularly pleased for Sauber's many loyal fans, who I'm sure will support the team with unbowed enthusiasm in the future. The new team's name is also an expression of the huge respect which BMW has for the employees in Hinwil."

Following the christening, it won't be long before the team takes its first steps. The BMW Sauber F1 Team will be officially presented on 16th and 17th January 2006 in Valencia, Spain, where the new car will embark on its first round of testing without further ado.

First, though, the team will start winter testing with an interim car and the new BMW P86 V8 engine. The testing programme begins on 28th November in Barcelona, Spain.

leaskovski · 14 Nov 2005 at 10:02

Shoei said:
From Crash.net

Guess Michellin are being good sports in allowing Rossi to use Bridgestone tyres, the first test Rossi did with Ferrari, they spat there dummy slightly due to the tyre issue.

Dont know i'd like Rossi to go F1, he's too much of a showman for the F1 paddock.

Robb

Some how i don't think he will be that brilliant in F1 like most people seem to think he will. Loads of hype and turn out to be rather average my guess is.

Flibster · 15 Nov 2005 at 09:19

Ferrari to develop theme park in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari and ALDAR Properties have today announced an exclusive agreement to develop an innovative and exciting Ferrari Concept in Abu Dhabi themed around the prestigious and renowned Ferrari brand.

The development will provide entertainment for the whole family and the initial concept envisages a race track, numerous rides and attractions, an opportunity to allow visitors to learn the story and history of Ferrari, to participate in Ferrari motoring activities, and to experience the Ferrari brand also through virtual simulations. Another important feature of the facility will be an advanced and sophisticated circuit where tests and driving courses will be organised, as well as races.

The concept will also include hotels, retail, residential and hospitality elements embracing the design ethics of the Ferrari brand.

Making the announcement, ALDAR's Chairman Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh said: "Mubadala's purchase of Ferrari shares earlier this year allowed ALDAR an opportunity to forge a relationship with one of the world's leading brands. We are delighted that this opportunity has swiftly progressed into an exclusive agreement, which has arisen from the natural synergy of ideologies and objectives between Ferrari and ALDAR. This relationship will allow ALDAR to create an exciting destination within Abu Dhabi which offers something for the entire family and underlines the already strong relationship between the Ferrari Brand and the UAE."

Mr Al Sayegh concluded: "To this end, we have immediately commenced our design programme, so that we can launch the development to the world very early next year. The development will be then be constructed on a fast track, targeting a public opening in 2008."Commenting on the announcement, Jean Todt Ferrari's Director General said "The agreement with Abu Dhabi offers Ferrari many opportunities: the site will be an important attraction for fans and car lovers worldwide, whilst the structures for sportive and driving activities will have a special appeal for all Ferrari enthusiasts and pilots".

Giulio Zambeletti, Brand Development and Partners Director of Ferrari added: "Ferrari products and stores are having a great success worldwide; hence the confirmation of the enormous potential that our brand can inspire. Ferrari and ALDAR are working together with a team of professionals from all over the world, on a project that will be a dream come true."

"We are extremely excited and honoured to be working with Ferrari on what will be a world class development," added Christopher Sims, ALDAR's CEO.

"We have engaged the world's leading designers and creative talents to ensure that this great project will be worthy of the Ferrari and ALDAR brands. When completed it will significantly add to Abu Dhabi's tourism offering - without doubt it will make the Emirate a destination of choice within the region, as well as providing a strong and profitable income base for ALDAR's balanced and diversified real estate portfolio."

Flibster · 15 Nov 2005 at 13:29

The instructions were there...in German! As were 2 legs from a chair I hadn't bought...

The newly launched Midland F1 website, is sure to leave British F1 races, not to mention home-makers, more than a little confused.

The team refers to itself as MF1, which seems remarkably close to the British company, MFI, which specializes in self-assembly flat-pack furniture.

The team unveiled its basic livery and new branding in The Netherlands on Monday evening, to the consortium of sponsors behind Christijan Albers.

It's understood that as from today - November 15 - Jordan no longer (officially) exists.

MF1 will take to the track at Jerez on December 7 - let's hope that there are no screws or other important bits missing.

So much for 'off the shelf' chassis.

6thElement · 15 Nov 2005 at 13:42

lol@Ferrari World™

Joe T · 15 Nov 2005 at 17:48

lol@MF1

Flibster · 16 Nov 2005 at 11:28

Midland officially registers with FIA

The Midland Group announced today the official registration of its Formula One Team - MF1 Racing into the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship and reveals its new livery.

This livery, a combination of white, silver grey and red, has been designed to create a unique identity for the team. This classy, dynamic livery will adorn the MF1-Toyota M16 for the 2006 season and will also be used during the pre-season test programme, beginning in Jerez, Spain, in early December. The flowing new logo, a stylised "M", has been designed by the Istituto Europeo de Design (IED) in Milan, one of the most renowned European design academies.

Colin Kolles, Managing Director of MF1 Racing, stated: "November 15th, 2005, is a very important day for Midland, as it marks our official entrance into the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship. As a new team, the challenge was to find the best way to graphically define our identity in the public's perception. It was a difficult exercise, but fascinating and rewarding at the same time. I think Rob Taylor, our in house Product Designer, has done an excellent job with the livery, which is powerful and distinct from any other on the grid. The logo is a striking concept created by two young Italian design students from the Istituto Europeo de Design and it was great to have been able to give them this opportunity to express themselves."

Flibster · 16 Nov 2005 at 11:29

Super Aguri waiting for FIA go-ahead

The deadline for entries in the 2006 Formula 1 world championship passed on Tuesday amid uncertainty over the status of the mooted 11th team.

Honda intends to field a second-string squad run by Japanese former F1 driver Aguri Suzuki, but it is not clear whether plans are sufficiently advanced to enable it to compete next season.

F1’s governing body the FIA confirmed that it has received an application from Super Aguri Racing, but will not publish the final list of entries until early December.

Four teams on the current grid – BAR, Sauber, Jordan and Minardi – have applied for name changes.

Sauber will be rechristened BMW Sauber F1, Jordan will become Midland F1 and Minardi will morph into Squadra Toro Rosso.

BAR has yet to reveal what it will be known as now that it is wholly owned by Honda, but the new title is bound to have a closer association with the Japanese car giant.

Honda has committed to supplying engines and technical support to the proposed new outfit, but under the current rules teams must manufacture their own chassis – a serious stumbling block given the tight timescale before next season gets underway.

The new squad may be able to circumvent this rule if it can secure the agreement of the teams and the FIA.

Flibster · 16 Nov 2005 at 14:44

New sponsor for Midland F1

MF1 Racing, the Formula One team owned and operated by The Midland Group, is pleased to welcome Metris as official industrial supplier to the team for the 2006 season. Colin Kolles, Managing Director of MF1 Racing, and Bart Van Coppenolle, CEO of Metris, finalised the deal today.

Metris will supply MF1 Racing with high technology optical measurement systems for dimensional quality control, testing and reverse engineering. These systems will enable the team to speed up the R&D processes it uses to fine-tune their F1 car for optimal car geometry for aerodynamics and torsional analysis for improved driving stability, as well as ensure compliance with the regulations set out by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile). The dimensions of an F1 car's bodywork are subject to strict regulations with respect to height, distance, shape etc., and the Metris systems will expedite race preparation and assist the team in optimising their cars' specifications.

"Metris is very proud to be an official industrial supplier to the Midland team," commented Bart Van Coppenolle, CEO of Metris. "It is both a great honour and a major responsibility for us to work together with MF1 Racing and to accompany its high-profile entry into the highest level of motorsports. Formula One activities are an excellent platform on which to showcase breakthroughs for emerging technologies such as the Metris' optical metrology solutions to commercial automotive manufacturers."

Colin Kolles, Managing Director of MF1 Racing, says: "The co-operation between Metris and MF1 Racing is progressing very well and we are pleased to confirm this partnership for the 2006 F1 season. Having a team partner like Metris matches perfectly with our goal of continuous improvement and we look forward to advancing up the grid with their assistance."

Metris has a long history of Formula One partnerships, supplying systems to major F1 teams which have utilised Metris solutions during R&D, testing and production. The FIA has also installed a Metris system to perform legality checks on the dimensions of F1 cars during every Grand Prix race.

Metris is also supporting Jeffrey van Hooydonk, an ambitious Belgian race driver who will test for MF1 Racing on the Spanish racetrack of Jerez in the second week of December.

Flibster · 16 Nov 2005 at 14:47

Official China and Japan swap dates in 2006

The FIA made the following announcement on Wednesday morning

Following the agreement of the two national sporting authorities, the FASC (Federation of Automobile Sports of the People’s Republic of China) and JAF (Japanese Automobile Federation), and with the approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council, the dates of the Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix have been swapped.

The new dates for the events will be as follows:

1 October, 2006 Grand Prix of China

8 October, 2006 Grand Prix of Japan

Flibster · 16 Nov 2005 at 14:51

Revised 2006 F1 calendar

Code:

[b]Date	Race		Circuit 	[/b]
12-Mar	Bahrain		Bahrain International Circuit 	
19-Mar	Malaysia	Sepang 	
02-Apr	Australia	Melbourne 	
23-Apr	San Marino	Imola 	
07-May	Europe		Nurburgring 	
14-May	Spain		Barcelona 	
28-May	Monaco		Monaco 	
11-Jun	Britain		Silverstone 	
25-Jun	Canada		Montreal 	
02-Jul	United States	Indianapolis 	
16-Jul	France		Magny-Cours 	
30-Jul	Germany		Hockenheim 	
06-Aug	Hungary		Hungaroring 	
27-Aug	Turkey		Istanbul 	
10-Sep	Italy		Monza 	
17-Sep	Belgium		Spa Francorchamps 	
01-Oct	China		Shanghai 	
08-Oct	Japan		Suzuka 	
22-Oct	Brazil		Interlagos

rpstewart · 16 Nov 2005 at 15:02

They can do what they like with the calendar as long as the US & French GPs stay where they are. That means Goodwood will stay on 9 July and I can do that and the International Air Tattoo on the following weekend in one trip

rpstewart · 17 Nov 2005 at 08:31

All I have to say is NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Racing at Monza under threat
Racing at the Monza circuit has been put under threat after a civil court in Milan ruled that all competitions will be forced to keep the noise level down.

The decision comes after a group of Monza residents filed a formal complaint in 2001 about the noises coming from the historic circuit, which hosts the Italian Grand Prix.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that, following the ruling, testing and racing without a suitable system to reduce the noise levels will be temporarily banned.

"We've learned of the verdict through the papers. As soon as we know the details we'll decide what to do," Giorgio Beghella Bartoli, director of the Monza autodrome, told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"We've always respected the limits set by the law and we'll do so this time too. We'll decide with our lawyers based on what the law indicates," he added in reference to the Italian Grand Prix being under threat.

The Italian circuit is hosting the Monza Rally this weekend, but Beghella Bartoli sounded confident the event will go ahead as planned.

"At the moment I don't think we risk cancelation," he said. "If such a possibility should be about to occur, then we'll see with our lawyers whether we can appeal it or ask for a suspension."

Emlyn_Dewar · 18 Nov 2005 at 12:17

Yeah, this is properly disgusting, noise pollution... Sigh, why has it only become a problem now? What about ALL the other years? :rolleyes:

ITV says at the moment the race would be unable to go ahead under the new rules, sigh!

SoliD · 18 Nov 2005 at 12:37

rpstewart said:
All I have to say is NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

this is absolutely ridiculous, people are so stupid, how much money would this town lose if f1 and all the other races were lost, just for the sake of a couple of weeks of noise, not like it is at unsociable times (mostly) yet even though the circuit was there before all these people they still think they have the right to try to make this happen, surely they knew about the noise before they moved there.

leaskovski · 18 Nov 2005 at 13:01

This why you will never see an f1 race at brandshatch. Not just because its facilities are just as bad a silverstone but because the local council wont allow it because of the noise. This is becoming a problem for many of the tacks now. I blame it on Tony Blair and the EU

Memphis · 18 Nov 2005 at 13:08

Absolutely sickening. They can go against the same wall as the people who managed to get Castle Combe served.

:grr: :arg:

Flibster · 19 Nov 2005 at 21:21

Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association goes on-line

The Grand Prix Manufacturers Association (GPMA), the group of manufacturers behind a possible breakaway series, goes on-line today.

The website sets out to outline the aims of the Association, and also to answer various questions that race fans might have. Indeed, fans are encouraged to give their feedback.

http://www.gpma-online.com