2005 Japanese Grand Prix

[Flibster]

'Alonso worth $66m'

If you believe the boasts of Flavio Briatore, new world champion Fernando Alonso could be about to overtake Michael Schumacher in another F1 department.

Briatore, Renault's 'Playboy' F1 boss, reckons the little Spaniard should become the highest paid driver in pitlane.

He told the 'Welt am Sonntag' newspaper that 24-year-old Alonso - who 'Flav' also manages - pumped up his market value by a staggering '1000 per cent' when he recently wrapped up the title.

Alonso, who is under contract to Renault for another year, earns about $6.6 million per season at the moment - the same as teammate Giancarlo Fisichella.

When the newspaper interviewer recoiled in disbelief at the '1000 per cent' claim, Briatore added: 'Maybe even more.' A 1000 per cent pay increase would see Alonso earn a cool $66 million in 2007, and 'Flav' would collect $6.6m through his ten per cent managerial deal.

The Schumacher brothers' infamous manager, however, cast doubt on his fellow manager's calculations. 'I think he is having trouble with his zeros,' Willi Weber said.

'Perhaps Alonso could ask for a 100 per cent increase, but the rest is fantasy,' he smiled.

Weber does, though, admit that just about every motor home's door will have now opened for F1's youngest champ. 'He can basically just choose where he wants to drive now,' the German conceded.

 

[Flibster]

'Ferrari monopoly to blame'

Ferrari's monopoly on Bridgestone tyre development is to blame for the scarlet collaboration's fall from grace this season, the Japanese tyre supplier has admitted.

The tyre marque's director of development, Hirohide Hamashima, explained that Bridgestone could not keep up with Michelin - with many top teams on the books - in the race to adapt to brand new rules.

Hamashima said evaluating a single tyre obviously takes longer because it must now be tested over a full race distance.

'That is why it has taken us a long time to develop a new specification and that has delayed our progress,' he added.

For 2005, the FIA decreed that - unlike in the past - cars must complete qualifying and the grand prix with a single set of Formula One rubber.

'Last year,' Japan's Hamashima continued, 'over 350km we could have tested three types of compound or specification.'

Bridgestone (and Ferrari), therefore, are breathing sighs of relief that Toyota and Williams will join the Japanese fold next year. Hamashima revealed that the pair 'want to cooperate' with Ferrari.

'So their technical directors will be involved in discussions and I would like to see a sharing of data from testing going on in our trucks,' he continued. 'I believe our development speed will get much quicker because of this.'

Hamashima did, though, warn Williams and Toyota not to necessarily expect equal treatment in 2006. He insisted: 'We will not reduce the resources we put into Ferrari.'

WHich tbh is what I was expecting - Ferrari are their top team..Everyone else is scum...

 

[Flibster]

Minardi can stay

F1 founder Gian Carlo Minardi could be retained by Red Bull after the drinks company takes over the team from Paul Stoddart on the first of November.

Austrian billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz said the Italian would 'always be welcome' at Faenza, according to the Italian Autosprint publication.

'I don't know (him),' Mateschitz said, 'but he was the founder, the big father.

'We'll talk to him, we'll discuss it, but the doors for him are always open.'

 

[Flibster]

Renault 'cancel their partnership' with Franck

Renault and Franck Montagny have parted ways after the team "cancelled their partnership" with the French test driver.

Montagny, who joined Renault in 2003, revealed on Wednesday that, with immediate effect, he would no longer be the 2005 World Championship-winning team's development and reserve driver.

The 27-year-old, though, is hoping to remain in Formula One next season and has set his sights on a full-time drive with Jordan, who'll be re-launched as Midland in 2006.

"Negotiations are already well advanced in this matter with the Jordan F1 team, (Midland in 2006) where Franck has already performed a test, which was said to be an excellent job by team manager Mr. Colin Kolles during the European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring," said a statement on Montagny's website.

However, it continued saying that the Frenchman's Formula One "future will also need the financial support of one or more partners."

 

[Flibster]

Kimi lets Ferrari rumours continue

Kimi Raikkonen has stopped short of denying claims he is on his way to Ferrari for 2007.

The McLaren driver has been strongly linked with a big-money move to Ferrari at the end of next season, with some claiming a contract has already been signed.

Raikkonen has been disappointed by two World Championship near misses in three seasons, with poor reliability a factor in each.

He is reported to have already agreed a pre-contract with Ferrari, who are on the look out for a top driver to replace Michael Schumacher.

The seven-time World Champion's Ferrari contract expires at the end of next season and he is expected to retire then, rather than race beyond his 38th birthday.

Raikkonen, 25, did little to silence talk of an impending Ferrari switch when given the opportunity on Thursday, only confirming he will stay at McLaren for 2006.

"They're not new rumours, they are already three years old," he said at Suzuka in the build up to the Japanese Grand Prix.

"But of course, now, everyone knows that my contract is only to next year with McLaren, so maybe it becomes more exciting to write about those rumours but the fact is that I have a contract next year."

"I'm happy with the team and for sure the car will also be good next year and I don't see any reason to go anywhere else."

"OK, after next year, we will see again, but I'm happy to stay."

Raikkonen is confident he will have a car capable of fighting for the title next season, when he hopes to make it third time lucky having missed out by whisker in 2003 and again this year despite having a faster car.

"We will try to fight for the Championship and try to win it but with all the new rules we don't know what is going to happen next year."

"But I think we will have a good package anyhow and hopefully it will be good enough for winning races and fighting for the Championship."

 

[Flibster]

DC warns Kimi against joining Ferrari

David Coulthard has warned Kimi Raikkonen not to join Ferrari, claiming such a move would be more lucrative to his pocket than to his trophy cabinet.

Acccording to on-going rumours, Raikkonen has already penned a deal to swap to Ferrari at the end of 2006 when he'll replace Michael Schumacher.

However, Coulthard has warned his former McLaren team-mate to think long and hard before leaving McLaren.

"Much of the paddock talk has been about Ferrari apparently talking to Kimi about a possible move in the near future. The figure someone mentioned was £35million," Coulthard told the Daily Record.

"That's fine but making the wrong move could cost him a lot more."

"With McLaren being the team of the moment and Ferrari in the relative doldrums and with no clear sign that things will improve, you've got to wonder if it is the right move for Kimi."

Coulthard also spoke about BAR driver and friend Jenson Button, who he believes will one day live up to his billing of 'future World Champion.'

"ITV talked about Jenson Button, the way he passed a few drivers at Spa, being a potential World Champion," the Scot said.

"One or two awesome passes does not make a World Champion but I agree he could be a Champion."

"He is smooth and efficient and has the basic natural speed so in one of the best cars and with the ability to beat his team-mate the title would be a formality."

 

[Flibster]

Fry: 'F1 will have new team within weeks'

Formula One will have an 11th team within "a few weeks" if Honda's discussions with a mystery outfit go as planned, handing Anthony Davidson a racing lifeline.

The Japanese giant are in talks with an unnamed independent team to enter F1 next season with a supply of brand-new Honda engines.

Former Jordan Sporting Director Trevor Carlin, with strong Honda connections, has been linked as have Japanese team Dome, but neither BAR boss Nick Fry nor Honda Racing president Yasuhiro Wada would discuss the identity of the new entrant.

"We would be willing to supply a second team with an engine and technical support," Fry said.

"Discussions have now moved to a point with an independent team where we felt it was appropriate to say something about those discussions."

"Discussions have progressed reasonably well but they are far from complete. That's a few weeks away."

"The intention is for (the new team to enter in) 2006, obviously it's a tall order between now and then but that is the objective. There's a lot to be done."

If the new team does take to the grid in 2006, Takuma Sato is certain to be behind the wheel and Fry revealed Davidson is his likely team-mate.

BAR tester Davidson is still hoping for a race seat at Williams, BMW or Jordan, with the latter representing his most realistic chance.

However, even when Jordan are renamed Midland, Davidson still needs to finance his move and that is proving to be a major headache, with the Englishman bringing no personal sponsors.

Fry hinted Davidson, who was title winner Sato's team-mate at Carlin's British Formula Three team in 2001, is in prime position to again partner the Japanese driver, revealing he will wait to name BAR's third driver until discussions with the new team are concluded.

"Takuma indicated at the press conference in Tokyo that he has an offer, that depends on the progression of the team but they have obviously spoken to Takuma," said Fry, who is likely to retain Davidson as third driver if he cannot find a race seat.

"Our third driver next year is related to what happens with the other team. Both Takuma and Anthony would like to drive in races and we wouldn't stand in their way."

"Anthony has got a good chance. He has proven himself and he keeps proving himself."

"I am sure he would have both our and Honda's backing and we would applaud someone who wanted to take him up."

Fry is convinced the new team, which will be the first start-up new entry since Toyota in 2002, will be a serious contender.

Toyota spent at least £600million getting their team on to the Formula One grid but took over three seasons to claim their first podium.

Any new team would have considerably less resources but Fry is convinced by the prospects for a Honda junior outfit.

"These are credible people with motor racing experience and the financial backing to do the job," he said.

"We are not talking about an under-funded team here, and clearly they have convinced Honda, Bernie Ecclestone and us that this has got potential."

"They have a high degree of capability, proven capability to put together a team."

 

[Flibster]

Wet Asian opener likely

According to meteorologists, the Formula One teams may have to expect difficult weather conditions at the 'Suzuka International Racing Course' this weekend. Rain showers will influence theirs work during all three days of action starting at the Japanese track in just over 24 hours time.

For the first free practice sessions on Friday morning (starting at 03:00hrs and 06:00hrs BST), fierce thunderstorms are expected. The likelihood of rain is at 90 percent, with a predicted temperature of 26°C.

On Saturday, thunderstorms shouldn't be an issue, but the rain will continue. The Saturday free practice sessions and the qualifying (starting at 05:00hrs BST) will take place on a wet track. Meanwhile, the temperature will slightly decrease to 25°C.

However, there's a small chance for improved conditions on race day. The likelihood of rain is at 60 percent, but there might only be occasional showers during the afternoon. The start of the Japanese Grand Prix is scheduled for 06:00hrs BST.

And there's nothing quite like a warm and wet Asian opening..

 

[Flibster]

Successful Two-day Grand Prix Masters Shakedown, Onto Serious Mileage

Q&A with Simon Dowson, Operations Director, Delta Motorsport (Silverstone, UK)

Q: You are currently putting the finishing touches to the very powerful new Grand Prix Masters race car which has undergone a successful two-day shakedown last week, in preparation for the inaugural event – the Altech SA Grand Prix Masters event at Kyalami on 13 November. Can you please provide a technical overview?

A: It’s a state-of-the-art single-seater racing car powered by a 3.4-litre V8 engine that has been built by the renowned engine suppliers Nicholson-McLaren. It is based on the superb Cosworth XB engine that won many races in North America and we have developed it so that it can now produce well in excess of 600 horsepower without the use of a turbocharger (which the XB originally ran with). The engine is controlled by an electronic management system and can rev to over 10,000rpm – although the engine will not have an automatic limiter on it, so drivers will have to ensure they don’t over-rev when changing gear.

The transmission has been designed and built by Ricardo and is a six-speed sequential unit that uses an Equipmake paddle-shift system, with the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, just like a Formula One car. The drivers will use a conventional foot clutch to pull away from a standstill but after that all gear changes will be clutchless and will come at the flick of the paddle.

To allow the gears to engage smoothly, the system automatically blips the throttle during downshifts to prevent the rear wheels locking. The chassis is made from an incredibly strong mix of carbon-fibre and aluminium honeycomb. We are using the very latest construction techniques to apply high-density foam to large parts of the driver’s ‘tub’. This ensures an excellent level of energy absorption in the event of an accident and means we will comply with the most stringent standards in terms of side intrusion, side impact, front impact and rear crashbox testing.

South Africa’s foremost motor racing circuit – the Kyalami Grand Prix circuit in Gauteng - is gearing itself up for the Altech SA Grand Prix Masters - the inaugural race in the international Grand Prix Masters Series, which takes place at this world famous circuit over the weekend of 11 to 13 November.

 

[Flibster]

It's ridiculous - they need a 1-2 to essentially secure the constructors championship - and he has another engine blowup!

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Flibster]

Friday Free Practice 1.

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Team			Time[/b]
1	35	Pedro de la Rosa	McLaren-Mercedes	1:30.532	
2	38	Ricardo Zonta		Toyota			1:31.075		
3	3	Jenson Button		BAR-Honda		1:32.043		
4	14	David Coulthard		Red Bull Racing		1:32.229		
5	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren-Mercedes	1:32.321		
6	5	Fernando Alonso		Renault			1:32.370		
7	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault			1:32.470		
8	4	Takuma Sato		BAR-Honda		1:32.791		
9	7	Mark Webber		Williams-BMW		1:33.098		
10	15	Christian Klien		Red Bull Racing		1:33.139		
11	12	Felipe Massa		Sauber-Petronas		1:33.257		
12	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	Red Bull Racing		1:33.441		
13	9	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes	1:33.486		
14	8	Antonio Pizzonia	Williams-BMW		1:33.528		
15	11	Jacques Villeneuve	Sauber-Petronas		1:33.645		
16	2	Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari			1:33.700		
17	17	Ralf Schumacher		Toyota			1:33.735		
18	1	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari			1:33.886		
19	16	Jarno Trulli		Toyota			1:34.535		
20	39	Sakon Yamamoto		Jordan-Toyota		1:36.295		
21	21	Christijan Albers	Minardi-Cosworth	1:37.153		
22	19	Narain Karthikeyan	Jordan-Toyota		1:37.154		
23	20	Robert Doornbos		Minardi-Cosworth	1:37.816		
24	18	Tiago Monteiro		Jordan-Toyota		1:38.250

Sector Times - Free Practice 1

[b]Sector 1[/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	35	Pedro de la Rosa	31.369 
2	38	Ricardo Zonta		31.624 
3	5	Fernando Alonso		31.803 
4	3	Jenson Button		31.879 
5	12	Felipe Massa		32.035 
6	1	Michael Schumacher	32.040 
7	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	32.057 
8	14	David Coulthard		32.065 
9	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	32.077 
10	7	Mark Webber		32.180 
11	17	Ralf Schumacher		32.190 
12	4	Takuma Sato		32.207 
13	11	Jacques Villeneuve	32.333 
14	2	Rubens Barrichello	32.402 
15	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	32.464 
16	15	Christian Klien		32.466 
17	8	Antonio Pizzonia	32.618 
18	9	Kimi Räikkönen		32.638 
19	16	Jarno Trulli		32.721 
20	39	Sakon Yamamoto		33.713 
21	19	Narain Karthikeyan	34.076 
22	21	Christijan Albers	34.205 
23	20	Robert Doornbos		34.267 
24	18	Tiago Monteiro		34.614

[b]Sector 2 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	35	Pedro de la Rosa	40.460 
2	38	Ricardo Zonta		40.546 
3	3	Jenson Button		40.985 
4	5	Fernando Alonso		41.139 
5	14	David Coulthard		41.195 
6	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	41.201 
7	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	41.295 
8	4	Takuma Sato		41.455 
9	15	Christian Klien		41.504 
10	8	Antonio Pizzonia	41.577 
11	7	Mark Webber		41.594 
12	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	41.624 
13	9	Kimi Räikkönen		41.679 
14	17	Ralf Schumacher		41.887 
15	2	Rubens Barrichello	42.031 
16	1	Michael Schumacher	42.061 
17	16	Jarno Trulli		42.105 
18	11	Jacques Villeneuve	42.105 
19	12	Felipe Massa		42.141 
20	39	Sakon Yamamoto		42.699 
21	21	Christijan Albers	42.863 
22	19	Narain Karthikeyan	42.959 
23	20	Robert Doornbos		43.544 
24	18	Tiago Monteiro		43.620

[b]Sector 3 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	35	Pedro de la Rosa	18.703 
2	5	Fernando Alonso		18.874 
3	38	Ricardo Zonta		18.905 
4	14	David Coulthard		18.969 
5	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	19.030 
6	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	19.063 
7	12	Felipe Massa		19.081 
8	4	Takuma Sato		19.129 
9	9	Kimi Räikkönen		19.150 
10	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	19.157 
11	15	Christian Klien		19.169 
12	3	Jenson Button		19.179 
13	11	Jacques Villeneuve	19.207 
14	2	Rubens Barrichello	19.267 
15	7	Mark Webber		19.324 
16	8	Antonio Pizzonia	19.333 
17	1	Michael Schumacher	19.454 
18	17	Ralf Schumacher		19.568 
19	16	Jarno Trulli		19.612 
20	39	Sakon Yamamoto		19.667 
21	18	Tiago Monteiro		19.802 
22	19	Narain Karthikeyan	19.878 
23	20	Robert Doornbos		19.922 
24	21	Christijan Albers	19.938

Speed Trap

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time		Speed[/b]
1	5	Fernando Alonso		11:54:34	312.7 
2	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	11:51:49	312.1 
3	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	11:59:55	311.5 
4	38	Ricardo Zonta		11:47:49	310.7 
5	35	Pedro de la Rosa	11:48:10	309.9 
6	12	Felipe Massa		11:53:50	309.3 
7	14	David Coulthard		12:01:03	309.3 
8	2	Rubens Barrichello	11:59:24	307.8 
9	11	Jacques Villeneuve	11:58:15	307.4 
10	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	11:56:27	306.3 
11	9	Kimi Räikkönen		11:14:54	306.2 
12	1	Michael Schumacher	11:58:44	304.0 
13	3	Jenson Button		11:43:31	303.1 
14	15	Christian Klien		11:49:48	302.3 
15	4	Takuma Sato		11:34:10	302.1 
16	17	Ralf Schumacher		11:40:53	301.3 
17	8	Antonio Pizzonia	11:43:37	300.2 
18	7	Mark Webber		11:35:18	297.6 
19	16	Jarno Trulli		11:56:53	297.1 
20	19	Narain Karthikeyan	11:55:45	294.6 
21	18	Tiago Monteiro		11:43:02	291.3 
22	39	Sakon Yamamoto		11:58:14	291.1 
23	20	Robert Doornbos		12:00:00	289.0 
24	21	Christijan Albers	11:55:53	281.8

 

[Flibster]

Friday Free Practice 2.

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Team			Time[/b]
1	38	Ricardo Zonta		Toyota			1:30.682		
2	1	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari			1:31.716		
3	35	Pedro de la Rosa	McLaren-Mercedes	1:31.821		
4	2	Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari			1:32.267		
5	9	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes	1:32.849		
6	17	Ralf Schumacher		Toyota			1:32.917		
7	16	Jarno Trulli		Toyota			1:33.122		
8	5	Fernando Alonso		Renault			1:33.259		
9	3	Jenson Button		BAR-Honda		1:33.453		
10	7	Mark Webber		Williams-BMW		1:33.520		
11	14	David Coulthard		Red Bull Racing		1:33.563		
12	8	Antonio Pizzonia	Williams-BMW		1:33.679		
13	4	Takuma Sato		BAR-Honda		1:34.330		
14	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault			1:34.400		
15	12	Felipe Massa		Sauber-Petronas		1:34.421		
16	15	Christian Klien		Red Bull Racing		1:34.707		
17	39	Sakon Yamamoto		Jordan-Toyota		1:34.829		
18	11	Jacques Villeneuve	Sauber-Petronas		1:34.874		
19	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	Red Bull Racing		1:34.977		
20	20	Robert Doornbos		Minardi-Cosworth	1:35.150		
21	18	Tiago Monteiro		Jordan-Toyota		1:35.388		
22	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren-Mercedes	1:37.371		
23	21	Christijan Albers	Minardi-Cosworth	1:37.626		
24	19	Narain Karthikeyan	Jordan-Toyota		1:38.034

Sector Times - Free Practice 2

[b]Sector 1[/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	38	Ricardo Zonta		30.894 
2	1	Michael Schumacher	31.365 
3	2	Rubens Barrichello	31.719 
4	35	Pedro de la Rosa	31.938 
5	17	Ralf Schumacher		32.054 
6	7	Mark Webber		32.148 
7	9	Kimi Räikkönen		32.188 
8	16	Jarno Trulli		32.194 
9	8	Antonio Pizzonia	32.250 
10	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	32.343 
11	14	David Coulthard		32.410 
12	3	Jenson Button		32.478 
13	12	Felipe Massa		32.629 
14	5	Fernando Alonso		32.693 
15	15	Christian Klien		32.718 
16	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	32.798 
17	11	Jacques Villeneuve	32.817 
18	4	Takuma Sato		32.829 
19	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	32.959 
20	39	Sakon Yamamoto		33.251 
21	20	Robert Doornbos		33.293 
22	18	Tiago Monteiro		33.381 
23	19	Narain Karthikeyan	34.249 
24	21	Christijan Albers	34.259

[b]Sector 2 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	38	Ricardo Zonta		40.367 
2	35	Pedro de la Rosa	40.950 
3	1	Michael Schumacher	41.214 
4	9	Kimi Räikkönen		41.279 
5	5	Fernando Alonso		41.417 
6	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	41.427 
7	17	Ralf Schumacher		41.450 
8	2	Rubens Barrichello	41.468 
9	7	Mark Webber		41.587 
10	3	Jenson Button		41.622 
11	16	Jarno Trulli		41.662 
12	14	David Coulthard		41.672 
13	8	Antonio Pizzonia	41.853 
14	39	Sakon Yamamoto		41.951 
15	4	Takuma Sato		42.097 
16	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	42.116 
17	15	Christian Klien		42.133 
18	12	Felipe Massa		42.213 
19	20	Robert Doornbos		42.250 
20	18	Tiago Monteiro		42.283 
21	11	Jacques Villeneuve	42.316 
22	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	42.484 
23	21	Christijan Albers	43.274 
24	19	Narain Karthikeyan	43.457

[b]Sector 3 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	35	Pedro de la Rosa	18.905 
2	38	Ricardo Zonta		18.919 
3	2	Rubens Barrichello	19.080 
4	9	Kimi Räikkönen		19.128 
5	1	Michael Schumacher	19.137 
6	5	Fernando Alonso		19.149 
7	14	David Coulthard		19.181 
8	3	Jenson Button		19.247 
9	16	Jarno Trulli		19.266 
10	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	19.295 
11	7	Mark Webber		19.309 
12	8	Antonio Pizzonia	19.332 
13	4	Takuma Sato		19.392 
14	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	19.413 
15	17	Ralf Schumacher		19.413 
16	15	Christian Klien		19.417 
17	12	Felipe Massa		19.422 
18	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	19.432 
19	11	Jacques Villeneuve	19.473 
20	20	Robert Doornbos		19.496 
21	39	Sakon Yamamoto		19.534 
22	18	Tiago Monteiro		19.724 
23	19	Narain Karthikeyan	19.953 
24	21	Christijan Albers	20.070

Speed Trap

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time		Speed[/b]
1	38	Ricardo Zonta		14:13:28	315.1 
2	9	Kimi Räikkönen		14:34:36	313.1 
3	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	14:30:55	312.9 
4	5	Fernando Alonso		14:25:41	311.6 
5	35	Pedro de la Rosa	14:23:36	311.2 
6	1	Michael Schumacher	14:27:18	310.6 
7	4	Takuma Sato		14:32:00	309.2 
8	2	Rubens Barrichello	14:21:16	307.0 
9	14	David Coulthard		14:30:22	306.2 
10	12	Felipe Massa		14:18:52	305.9 
11	11	Jacques Villeneuve	14:29:29	305.6 
12	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	14:28:41	304.9 
13	37	Vitantonio Liuzzi	14:08:35	304.5 
14	7	Mark Webber		14:35:27	304.1 
15	3	Jenson Button		14:24:56	303.7 
16	8	Antonio Pizzonia	14:34:44	303.7 
17	17	Ralf Schumacher		14:17:22	303.2 
18	15	Christian Klien		14:33:33	302.6 
19	39	Sakon Yamamoto		14:34:30	300.8 
20	16	Jarno Trulli		14:20:22	300.0 
21	20	Robert Doornbos		14:23:05	296.1 
22	19	Narain Karthikeyan	14:06:54	288.5 
23	18	Tiago Monteiro		14:08:54	287.5 
24	21	Christijan Albers	14:03:43	283.1

 

[Flibster]

The third drivers aren't subject to the same restrictions as the race drivers in a lot of areas, the main one being engine life. Toyota can quite happily turn the wick up on Zonta's car for PR purposes.

The cars also have to comply to the safety regulations - but not comply with many of the aerodynamic regs - or tyre regs.

It's not really that representative of the cars outright performance tbh.

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Flibster]

Sorry guys - am feeling very, very crap at the moment.

Did watch the live timing but didn't have the energy to do anything else.

Will get all the times up and hidden in a mo and will do my report on the qualifying when it's actually shown live.

Now...where's I put those asprin and lemsip and stuff...

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Flibster]

Now doing the times - then have to start the A1GP thread *oops - forgot about that one...*

Simon/~Flibster

 

[Flibster]

Saturday Free Practice 1.

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Team			Time[/b]
1	1	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari			1:46.543		
2	9	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes	1:48.729		
3	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren-Mercedes	1:49.097		
4	7	Mark Webber		Williams-BMW		1:49.484		
5	8	Antonio Pizzonia	Williams-BMW		1:50.537		
6	19	Narain Karthikeyan	Jordan-Toyota		1:50.811		
7	2	Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari			1:50.846		
8	3	Jenson Button		BAR-Honda		1:51.884		
9	18	Tiago Monteiro		Jordan-Toyota		1:52.023		
10	21	Christijan Albers	Minardi-Cosworth	1:52.700		
11	14	David Coulthard		Red Bull Racing		1:53.346		
12	4	Takuma Sato		BAR-Honda		1:53.454		
13	15	Christian Klien		Red Bull Racing		1:54.348		
14	16	Jarno Trulli		Toyota				
15	20	Robert Doornbos		Minardi-Cosworth				
16	17	Ralf Schumacher		Toyota				
17	12	Felipe Massa		Sauber-Petronas				
18	11	Jacques Villeneuve	Sauber-Petronas				
19	5	Fernando Alonso		Renault				
20	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault

Sector Times - Free Practice 3

[b]Sector 1[/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	1	Michael Schumacher	37.455 
2	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	38.361 
3	9	Kimi Räikkönen		38.545 
4	7	Mark Webber		38.721 
5	2	Rubens Barrichello	39.309 
6	18	Tiago Monteiro		39.534 
7	8	Antonio Pizzonia	39.561 
8	19	Narain Karthikeyan	39.631 
9	14	David Coulthard		39.908 
10	3	Jenson Button		39.967 
11	21	Christijan Albers	40.183 
12	20	Robert Doornbos		40.392 
13	15	Christian Klien		40.463 
14	4	Takuma Sato		40.726 
15	16	Jarno Trulli		42.141

[b]Sector 2 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	1	Michael Schumacher	47.406 
2	9	Kimi Räikkönen		47.775 
3	8	Antonio Pizzonia	48.004 
4	7	Mark Webber		48.137 
5	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	48.351 
6	19	Narain Karthikeyan	48.508 
7	2	Rubens Barrichello	48.786 
8	3	Jenson Button		49.142 
9	21	Christijan Albers	49.205 
10	18	Tiago Monteiro		49.574 
11	4	Takuma Sato		49.798 
12	16	Jarno Trulli		50.040 
13	14	David Coulthard		50.068 
14	15	Christian Klien		50.243 
15	20	Robert Doornbos		50.599 
16	12	Felipe Massa		53.846 
17	11	Jacques Villeneuve	59.025 
18	17	Ralf Schumacher		61.167

[b]Sector 3 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	1	Michael Schumacher	21.682 
2	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	22.385 
3	9	Kimi Räikkönen		22.409 
4	19	Narain Karthikeyan	22.603 
5	8	Antonio Pizzonia	22.619 
6	7	Mark Webber		22.626 
7	2	Rubens Barrichello	22.751 
8	3	Jenson Button		22.775 
9	18	Tiago Monteiro		22.849 
10	4	Takuma Sato		22.930 
11	14	David Coulthard		23.245 
12	15	Christian Klien		23.274 
13	21	Christijan Albers	23.312 
14	20	Robert Doornbos		23.663 
15	16	Jarno Trulli		26.910 
16	12	Felipe Massa		33.510 
17	17	Ralf Schumacher		35.574 
18	11	Jacques Villeneuve	36.321

Speed Trap

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time		Speed[/b]
1	1	Michael Schumacher	9:12:27		264.4 
2	19	Narain Karthikeyan	9:44:44		255.2 
3	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	9:41:24		251.6 
4	9	Kimi Räikkönen		9:42:21		251.3 
5	3	Jenson Button		9:45:48		250.1 
6	4	Takuma Sato		9:45:43		248.9 
7	7	Mark Webber		9:43:30		245.1 
8	18	Tiago Monteiro		9:45:33		244.8 
9	14	David Coulthard		9:44:35		244.3 
10	8	Antonio Pizzonia	9:43:24		242.9 
11	15	Christian Klien		9:41:18		242.2 
12	2	Rubens Barrichello	9:44:50		237.6 
13	21	Christijan Albers	9:36:11		233.7 
14	20	Robert Doornbos		9:43:06		225.0 
15	12	Felipe Massa		9:28:06		203.7 
16	16	Jarno Trulli		9:09:37		201.3 
17	11	Jacques Villeneuve	9:34:06		188.4 
18	17	Ralf Schumacher		9:03:56		179.9

 

[Flibster]

Saturday Free Practice 2.

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Team			Time[/b]
1	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault			1:50.136		
2	19	Narain Karthikeyan	Jordan-Toyota		1:50.150		
3	17	Ralf Schumacher		Toyota			1:50.369		
4	3	Jenson Button		BAR-Honda		1:50.920		
5	21	Christijan Albers	Minardi-Cosworth	1:50.994		
6	18	Tiago Monteiro		Jordan-Toyota		1:51.223		
7	7	Mark Webber		Williams-BMW		1:51.274		
8	16	Jarno Trulli		Toyota			1:51.503		
9	14	David Coulthard		Red Bull Racing		1:51.710		
10	20	Robert Doornbos		Minardi-Cosworth	1:51.971		
11	5	Fernando Alonso		Renault			1:52.667		
12	15	Christian Klien		Red Bull Racing		1:52.897		
13	11	Jacques Villeneuve	Sauber-Petronas		1:53.460		
14	2	Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari			1:53.739		
15	12	Felipe Massa		Sauber-Petronas		1:53.842		
16	4	Takuma Sato		BAR-Honda		1:54.307		
17	8	Antonio Pizzonia	Williams-BMW		2:01.075		
18	1	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari				
19	9	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes				
20	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren-Mercedes

Sector Times - Free Practice 4

[b]Sector 1[/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	17	Ralf Schumacher		38.836 
2	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	39.052 
3	18	Tiago Monteiro		39.059 
4	19	Narain Karthikeyan	39.344 
5	8	Antonio Pizzonia	39.480 
6	2	Rubens Barrichello	39.494 
7	3	Jenson Button		39.635 
8	21	Christijan Albers	39.647 
9	16	Jarno Trulli		39.766 
10	14	David Coulthard		39.829 
11	20	Robert Doornbos		39.918 
12	7	Mark Webber		39.927 
13	11	Jacques Villeneuve	40.139 
14	5	Fernando Alonso		40.198 
15	15	Christian Klien		40.348 
16	4	Takuma Sato		40.767 
17	12	Felipe Massa		40.783

[b]Sector 2 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	19	Narain Karthikeyan	48.352 
2	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	48.545 
3	7	Mark Webber		48.578 
4	21	Christijan Albers	48.674 
5	2	Rubens Barrichello	48.888 
6	3	Jenson Button		48.888 
7	17	Ralf Schumacher		48.978 
8	8	Antonio Pizzonia	49.053 
9	16	Jarno Trulli		49.056 
10	18	Tiago Monteiro		49.276 
11	5	Fernando Alonso		49.371 
12	14	David Coulthard		49.391 
13	20	Robert Doornbos		49.520 
14	15	Christian Klien		49.619 
15	12	Felipe Massa		49.799 
16	4	Takuma Sato		50.079 
17	11	Jacques Villeneuve	50.258

[b]Sector 3 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	3	Jenson Button		22.397 
2	19	Narain Karthikeyan	22.439 
3	14	David Coulthard		22.449 
4	20	Robert Doornbos		22.503 
5	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	22.539 
6	7	Mark Webber		22.541 
7	16	Jarno Trulli		22.544 
8	17	Ralf Schumacher		22.555 
9	21	Christijan Albers	22.673 
10	4	Takuma Sato		22.775 
11	18	Tiago Monteiro		22.888 
12	15	Christian Klien		22.930 
13	5	Fernando Alonso		22.943 
14	11	Jacques Villeneuve	23.063 
15	12	Felipe Massa		23.135 
16	8	Antonio Pizzonia	23.356 
17	2	Rubens Barrichello	23.958

Speed Trap

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time		Speed[/b]
1	17	Ralf Schumacher		10:58:19	258.9 
2	19	Narain Karthikeyan	10:58:22	258.3 
3	3	Jenson Button		11:00:49	258.2 
4	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	11:00:58	257.7 
5	14	David Coulthard		10:51:19	254.8 
6	20	Robert Doornbos		10:59:33	252.1 
7	7	Mark Webber		10:56:57	251.7 
8	4	Takuma Sato		11:00:41	250.9 
9	12	Felipe Massa		10:56:37	248.1 
10	18	Tiago Monteiro		11:00:51	246.5 
11	16	Jarno Trulli		10:58:41	244.8 
12	21	Christijan Albers	10:57:46	244.7 
13	5	Fernando Alonso		10:57:04	244.1 
14	15	Christian Klien		10:46:06	242.9 
15	11	Jacques Villeneuve	11:00:21	239.5 
16	2	Rubens Barrichello	10:49:46	237.2 
17	8	Antonio Pizzonia	10:47:43	234.2

 

[Flibster]

Please note - the times below are hidden...

[edit] Not any more [/edit]

Qualifying

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Team			Time[/b]
1	17	Ralf Schumacher		Toyota			1:46.106		
2	3	Jenson Button 		BAR-Honda		1:46.141		
3	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	Renault			1:46.276		
4	15	Christian Klien		Red Bull Racing		1:46.464		
5	4	Takuma Sato		BAR-Honda		1:46.841		
6	14	David Coulthard		Red Bull Racing		1:46.892		
7	7	Mark Webber		Williams-BMW		1:47.233		
8	11	Jacques Villeneuve	Sauber-Petronas		1:47.440		
9	2	Rubens Barrichello	Ferrari			1:48.248		
10	12	Felipe Massa		Sauber-Petronas		1:48.278		
11	19	Narain Karthikeyan	Jordan-Toyota		1:48.718		
12	8	Antonio Pizzonia	Williams-BMW		1:48.898		
13	21	Christijan Albers	Minardi-Cosworth	1:50.843		
14	1	Michael Schumacher	Ferrari			1:52.676		
15	20	Robert Doornbos		Minardi-Cosworth	1:52.894		
16	5	Fernando Alonso		Renault			1:54.667		
17	9	Kimi Räikkönen		McLaren-Mercedes	2:02.309		
18	18	Tiago Monteiro		Jordan-Toyota				
19	16	Jarno Trulli		Toyota				
20	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	McLaren-Mercedes

Sector Times

[b]Sector 1[/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	37.327 
2	17	Ralf Schumacher		37.396 
3	7	Mark Webber		37.558 
4	11	Jacques Villeneuve	37.578 
5	16	Jarno Trulli		37.631 
6	3	Jenson Button		37.680 
7	1	Michael Schumacher	37.897 
8	15	Christian Klien		37.908 
9	4	Takuma Sato		38.042 
10	14	David Coulthard		38.207 
11	12	Felipe Massa		38.336 
12	2	Rubens Barrichello	38.383 
13	8	Antonio Pizzonia	38.449 
14	19	Narain Karthikeyan	38.688 
15	21	Christijan Albers	39.222 
16	20	Robert Doornbos		39.566 
17	5	Fernando Alonso		39.719 
18	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	41.290 
19	9	Kimi Räikkönen		41.420

[b]Sector 2 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	3	Jenson Button		47.441 
2	15	Christian Klien		47.485 
3	17	Ralf Schumacher		47.501 
4	14	David Coulthard		47.506 
5	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	47.610 
6	4	Takuma Sato		47.728 
7	7	Mark Webber		48.002 
8	2	Rubens Barrichello	48.146 
9	11	Jacques Villeneuve	48.250 
10	19	Narain Karthikeyan	48.256 
11	8	Antonio Pizzonia	48.298 
12	12	Felipe Massa		48.461 
13	16	Jarno Trulli		49.085 
14	21	Christijan Albers	49.143 
15	1	Michael Schumacher	49.898 
16	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	50.263 
17	20	Robert Doornbos		50.646 
18	5	Fernando Alonso		50.666 
19	9	Kimi Räikkönen		53.157

[b]Sector 3 [/b]
[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time[/b]
1	3	Jenson Button		21.020 
2	4	Takuma Sato		21.071 
3	15	Christian Klien		21.071 
4	14	David Coulthard		21.179 
5	17	Ralf Schumacher		21.209 
6	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	21.339 
7	12	Felipe Massa		21.481 
8	11	Jacques Villeneuve	21.612 
9	7	Mark Webber		21.673 
10	2	Rubens Barrichello	21.719 
11	19	Narain Karthikeyan	21.774 
12	16	Jarno Trulli		21.992 
13	8	Antonio Pizzonia	22.151 
14	21	Christijan Albers	22.478 
15	20	Robert Doornbos		22.650 
16	1	Michael Schumacher	22.660 
17	5	Fernando Alonso		23.496 
18	9	Kimi Räikkönen		24.655 
19	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	25.320

Speed Trap

[b]Pos	No	Driver			Time		Speed[/b]
1	17	Ralf Schumacher		13:38:27	279.0 
2	4	Takuma Sato		13:34:18	276.9 
3	3	Jenson Button		13:40:35	275.9 
4	6	Giancarlo Fisichella	13:48:29	273.9 
5	14	David Coulthard		13:03:35	268.7 
6	12	Felipe Massa		13:28:23	264.1 
7	19	Narain Karthikeyan	13:19:19	262.0 
8	15	Christian Klien		13:36:22	260.1 
9	7	Mark Webber		13:10:43	259.8 
10	20	Robert Doornbos		13:08:31	254.4 
11	16	Jarno Trulli		13:21:53	253.8 
12	11	Jacques Villeneuve	13:26:03	252.9 
13	2	Rubens Barrichello	13:42:54	251.9 
14	21	Christijan Albers	13:21:31	249.3 
15	8	Antonio Pizzonia	13:06:09	245.7 
16	1	Michael Schumacher	13:48:46	236.5 
17	5	Fernando Alonso		13:53:02	232.0 
18	10	Juan Pablo Montoya	13:57:47	229.4 
19	9	Kimi Räikkönen		13:55:25	212.5

 

[Flibster]

Teams discuss new proposals

Team bosses and drivers held a meeting on Saturday afternoon to discuss a number of issues relating to new proposals being put forward by the FIA for 2006.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Minardi boss, Paul Stoddart, described the meeting as "positive".

"The drivers had a very valuable input," the Australian revealed, "they took the trouble to prepare an agenda and I enlightened them on what the actual proposals are. Issues discussed included qualifying, driver safety and we also briefly discussed testing.

"I thought it was an incredibly positive meeting," he added.

An FIA spokesman confirmed to Pitpass on Saturday that Max Mosley has issued a number of new proposals to the teams this weekend ahead of a meeting of the Formula One Commission later this month.

Following the debacle that was Sunday qualifying, Formula One is still trying to come up with a format that will please the teams, drivers, race fans, TV broadcasters and sponsors.

Bernie Ecclestone is pushing hard for a knock-out format. However, it remains to be seen if he can sell the idea, especially when he was the driving force behind the unloved Sunday format.

It's understood that other proposals put forward by Mosley include the phasing out of third cars in Friday practice, and also spare cars during GP weekends. It's believed that tyre changes could also be re-introduced, in what will be seen by many as a U-turn by the FIA.

Ahead of the meeting, Frank Williams told reporters: "We are in the entertainment business and most teams enjoy doing that. But Max's problem is that it will make the cars faster.

"That said, next year we'll have a lot less horsepower so maybe it's not such an issue," added the Englishman.

 

[Flibster]

New Ferrari will debut in January

Ferrari technical director Ross Brawn has revealed that the 2006 Ferrari, which will feature an all-new 2.4 litre V8 engine, in line with the new regulations, will probably make its track debut in mid-January.

Speaking to reporters at Suzuka, the Englishman revealed: "The engine has been running in a hybrid car and will continue to run for the next four or five months.

"We plan to bring the new car out during January, so it will be earlier than previous cars," he continued. "The engine probably has the longest lead time of all the parts we need for next year and that's getting updates and revisions as we go along."

Traditionally, Michael Schumacher has enjoyed a long winter break, not usually joining the team's test programme until mid-January, despite the new formula, Ross Brawn doesn't expect things to be any different this year.

"It's possible but it is not necessary to use Michael for reliability running," he said. "I think the engine is still at a fairly early stage where mapping and fine tuning is not a priority and Michael needs some time away from the car like everyone.

"Traditionally Michael's had a month or six weeks away from Formula One to recharge his batteries and we won't use him unless it is absolutely essential."