[F1] Silly Season Thread.

[LUD02C]

Anything that happens in the "silly season" and rumors etc post in this thread.
It should be at least 20 pages long by December lol
I got one to start everyone off.


Formula One set for Mexican return
In 2006... or 2007?





Ecclestone to add another GP?

Mexico has been awarded a Formula One Grand Prix after a 12 year hiatus, it was announced by Mexican authorities on Monday. The inaugural Grand Prix will be held in 2006 in the eastern resort of Cancun with the contract running till 2010 according to the investors.

"We concluded our negotiations to organise a Grand prix in Cancun from 2006-2010 with the Formula One authorities on October 7," revealed Luis Silveira, a representative of the group who are willing to invest in the race which is likely to cost 70-80 million dollars. "The likely date for the race will be in October," he added.

However Pasquale Lattuanedu, assistant to Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, told AFP on Friday that he believed the Grand Prix would be in 2007 at the earliest.

"The Mexican Grand Prix will return to our country after a 12 year absence," beamed Artemio Santos, minister of tourism for Quintana Roo, the state where Cancun lies. The last Mexican Grand Prix was won by British driver Nigel Mansell on the Rodriguez brothers circuit at 2,600 metres altitude.

The new circuit, which will be designed by German Hermann Tilke, who was the mastermind behind the Shanghai and Bahrain courses, will be five kilometres long in the shape of an 'M'.

The costs will be met by private companies while the 380 hectares of land for the circuit has been donated by the local council.

Source AFP


Only thing i don't like about this is who is designing the track.

[7th Gen]

yep turkey next yr, mexico and maybe sth korea?!??!?!?!

hyundai in F1, how crazy would that be? they can't even run a whole WRC season.........

[LUD02C]

BMW and Ferrari in talks as we speak in making a seperate motorsport.
Bernie has made a few too many mistakes!

[McChook]

BMW and Ferrari in talks as we speak in making a seperate motorsport.
Bernie has made a few too many mistakes!
Like Superleague, it has tohappen

[pornstar]

what mistakes?

[McChook]

what mistakes?
For one - taking too much of the profits

[LUD02C]

what mistakes?

Charging way too much to host a GP
Letting the money factor get way out of control
The qualifying sessions. (even the new ones are a joke)
Overall his greed is killing the sport.

[[ slayer ]]

yeh, not keen on who is designing the mexican track... didnt do such a good job in china IMO

[jackosimm]

had the thing about Ferrari, Williams, merc-mclaren and Renault considering starting their own league of open wheel motorsport by 2008. Was on sports tonight. Might catch it again in the late news.

[pornstar]

can anyone tape it and rip it for me to watch?

[LUD02C]

McLaren aren't interested in it from what i read.
A1 starts next year to, with the JUD (sp) engines.
If that goes well and Bernie keeps being a Dick i think it might go into 2 sports!

[McChook]

The world driver's championship, including the world manufacturers championship, must be the pinacle of all motorsport. At the same time as being above and beyond all other motor racing, it has to be acessable and relatively competitive

I think "F1" or its predesessor needs to "start again". F1 has been developed and re-developed way too much - it all needs to be much simplier and more driver dependant - technology grew way out of hand in the 90s, and F1 became over technological, and emphasis was brought to money and business, more than it was to driver's and their talents.

I think one thing that that "F1" should consider is banning back-to-base telemetry. Also, ditch front and rear wings, go back to slicks, but a control tyre (no one team special tyres for the team with the most money), manual sequential gears minimum, steering wheel with nothing but a shift light (and gear slectors if required), 5 speed only gear boxes, locked diffs and control brakes....

To be the best driver, you should have to set up your car the best with as much skill and knowledge as possible, not money.... same goes for the best team - be a team of knowledgable individuals who further the team whilst they are not on the track, and build a good car.

The key should be to bring everyone closer together by making it simplier, cheaper and more competitive - it will then reduce the bearing money has - The team with the most money will always spend more and use it to further themself, but if the right measures are in place, it should have just as much bearing on the driver as it does the team and their financial backers....

[Javed]

its easy. Just get rid of traction control. Viola! lol

[LUD02C]

[27/10/04 - 10:52]

Away from the circuit in Brazil
News and rumour in brief





The final race for Jaguar and Donkey

Brazil was the last race for the Jaguar team and, as Christian Klien left the pit lane after his final pit-stop on Sunday afternoon, the entire team stood outside the garage and waved him goodbye!

The FIA issued a press statement in Interlagos, outlining proposed rule changes for the 2005 and 2006 Formula 1 World Championships, after the World Motor Sport Council imposed a package of changes aimed at reducing speeds and cutting costs in the sport. As from next season, on the aerodynamic front, the front wing will be raised, the rear wing moved forward, the diffuser height reduced as will bodywork in front of the rear wheels. One of the biggest changes concerns tyres, generally regarded as an easy way to control cornering speeds. The new rules therefore propose that a driver can only use one set of tyres to get through qualifying and the race. Currently, engines have to last a complete Grand Prix weekend, but mileages will now be stretched even further, with engines having to last for two entire race weekends, or around 1400 kilometres.

The FIA had a busy weekend and on Saturday, it put out another release, this time relating to a new qualifying format to come into effect as from the start of next season. There will still be two sessions, one on Saturday afternoon and another on race morning. The running order for the first session will be the reverse of the current situation, with the winner of the previous race going out last. After this session, the cars will go into Parc Ferme as usual and then, for the second session, cars must carry the fuel load with which they will start the race. The major difference is that grid positions will be decided by aggregating a driver’s times from both sessions.



Team owners and Bernie Ecclestone had several meetings in Brazil, with cost cutting measures the main item on the agenda. On Saturday evening, all the teams with the exception of Ferrari, signed a document that included a variety of proposals, including reducing testing to ten days only during the season, a two day Grand Prix weekend, with four hours of testing allowed at the Grand Prix venue on the Friday prior to the race. The cost cutting measures would be balanced against an agreement to run more races, thus safeguarding the French and British events that are currently under threat for 2005.

On the subject of new Grand Prix venues, Bernie Ecclestone recently visited Mexico, which last hosted an F1 race back in 1992 in Mexico City. Apparently, there are now plans to build a new circuit and stage a Grand Prix in the holiday resort of Cancun.

With the announcement that the Contracts Recognition Board has ruled in favour of the BAR team, meaning that Jenson Button stays at his present team for 2005, a drive with Williams alongside Mark Webber is now up for grabs again. The names of Antonio Pizzonia, Anthony Davidson and David Coulthard are all in the frame.

With F1 engines now having to last for two Grand Prix weekends, Toyota has said it will consider supplying an additional team with its engines for 2005. The Jordan team is thought to be the most likely recipient of the Japanese power plants. As part of the deal, Jordan would run Toyota’s test driver Ryan Briscoe as part of its driver line-up.

Press Release
West
http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/imgactu/04/jaguar-interlagos-wri_231004_157x220.jpg



Hakkinen linked to vacant Williams seat
Four drivers now in the running...





The Hakkinen to return rumours keep coming

Mika Hakkinen is believed to be one of four drivers vying for the second BMW Williams race seat alongside Mark Webber next season. The former McLaren champion, who recently tested a Mercedes DTM touring car (pictured), has been out of Formula One since retiring at the end of the 2001 season.

According to Patrick Head, it would be a risk to sign Hakkinen, but he also pointed out that Hakkinen has twice beaten Michael Schumacher. Speaking to Magazine last month, Hakkinen stated that he was no longer after a drive in Formula One after coming close to a deal with BAR Honda. However, that was before the BMW Williams seat became available, officially.

Current BMW Williams test driver Antonio Pizzonia is favourite to race for the team next year, but BMW are said to be keen on the services of driver Nick Heidfeld who as a German, would be an important marketing tool on home soil.

David Coulthard has also been linked to the team, but to hire the man McLaren dropped after poaching their driver (Montoya) would be an odd move. Coulthard however believes he has the experience to lead a team like Williams.

The team will test Mark Webber next month and following the test; will decide which drivers they expect to test prior to the Christmas break. The team are in no hurry to make an announcement and it could be that the four hopefuls have to wait until the next year to find out who will drive for the team next season.

E.A.
Source J-P.K / Autosport
http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/imgactu/04/hakkinen-dtm_141004_220x156.jpg

[jackosimm]

I'd much rather Pizzonia than Mika

[LUD02C]

I'd much rather Pizzonia than Mika

Your kidding aren't you?
Why would you want that?
Mika Vs Michael again would be great!

[Javed]

Yeh! Bring back Mika!

[LUD02C]

The British and French Grand Prix look to have been saved after every Formula One team apart from Ferrari agreed on Tuesday to cut testing by 50 percent according to Autosport magazine's website.

The teams agreed to bear the cost of two extra races in a collective agreement while Ferrari, who oppose a cut in testing, were absent from the meeting.

"We've not got a contract with Silverstone yet, but I would be shattered and disappointed if we didn't get a deal," said Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who met with the teams to hammer out the details.

McLaren chief Ron Dennis certainly thought that the deal meant both the races could go ahead. "We believe an agreement was reached that removes any obvious obstacle for the British and French GPs to take place," he said.

The teams shell out three million pounds for each race but decided they could put up with 19 races next season and felt it was better to cut expenses by reducing testing.

Ecclestone was more upbeat about Ferrari joining the rest of their rivals in agreeing to the compromise. "It's wrong to say that Ferrari have been excluded," said Ecclestone. "I think they will come along. It's positive news for a change."

The British Grand Prix had been in danger because of a financial dispute between Silverstone's owners, the British Racing Drivers' Club, and Ecclestone, who has had his run-ins with them in the past. The two parties would still have to agree a deal for the race to regain its place on the calendar for 2005.

"The BRDC has not yet been officially informed of any proposal by FOM [Formula One Management]," the BRDC said in a statement. "But if there is a new proposal to safeguard the British Grand Prix in 2005 which makes financial sense for the sport, the industry, the club and especially the local economy, it will be seriously considered by the board."

Source AFP

[LUD02C]

Juan Pablo Montoya is heading for a new challenge at McLaren Mercedes in 2005 but before turning the page, the popular Colombian driver talks about the four years he spent at Williams.

Juan Pablo, you’ve not only finished the 2004 season but also your time with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team in style. What was running through your head when you crossed the finish line at Sao Paulo?
Aaagh, my neck hurts! Actually I was so pleased I was punching the air.

Had you expected to be that competitive before the season finale?
We knew we could be competitive in Brazil as the set up is so important, and we really wanted to finish on a high.

What does this victory - especially in front of your South American fans - mean to you?
I wanted to win so badly in Brazil, to sign off in style at my 'home' Grand Prix and to give the team a win.

The 2004 season didn't bring the desired results. Does this win compensate for the disappointments in other races?
I am glad we were able to win in Brazil, it is just a shame we did not have more to cheer about during the season.

Critics claimed that you were not motivated in the final stages of the season. Is it a nice feeling to have been able to prove them wrong with the race win in Brazil?
I have been pleased with my driving this season. There have been some good races but they have been in the mid-field and therefore did not get much exposure on TV.



As you look back, what have the past four years been like?
There have been ups and downs, as you would expect. I still enjoy the company of the guys working on my car and back at the factory.

What have been the highlights of your career with the team?
All of my wins and fastest laps! Working well as a team and getting into a position to challenge for the Championship last season was special.

You entered F1 as a CART champion and Indy 500 winner. In what way did the team help you to make the change to Formula One?
They are a very experienced, professional team and have a strong structure, which helped in the early days.

What impressed you most when you entered Formula One?
The braking and speed into corners.

There are millions of BMW WilliamsF1 Team fans all over the world. Would you like to thank them for their support over the past years?
I will take away a lot of good memories from being part of the BMW WilliamsF1 Team family, I hope they have enjoyed it as much as I have and wish them all the best for the future.

Source BMW WilliamsF1 Team

[LUD02C]

A1 Grand Prix series founder, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, met with the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, during last week’s launch and first track test of South Africa’s entry into the A1 Grand Prix Championship.

He was joined by fellow A1 Grand Prix Board Members Brian Menell, Tony Teixera and Richard Dorfman. Nelson Mandela spoke about his 'joy' of seeing a South African entry into the World Cup of Motorsport and fully endorsed and supported the concept of a South African driver and team being able to compete on a level playing field against other nations.

“It was a real honour to meet with one of the world’s true iconic and historic figureheads," Sheikh Maktoum said. "His support for our championship and acceptance of our level playing field ideals is an endearing stamp of approval from such a symbolic person, which I humbly acknowledge.”

“The support of the A1 Grand Prix Championship shown to us this week by prominent dignitaries such as Nelson Mandela, President Thabo Mbeki and South Africa’s seat holder, Tokyo Sexwale, shows the levels of interest and backing our Championship now has, and I hope to receive similar support from other nations when their teams are launched in the months ahead.”



Nelson Mandela’s enthusiasm was shared by over 25,000 South African motorsport fans, who were able to see the car in action at the Kyalami race track near Johannesburg driven by South African, Alan van der Merwe.

After completing the demonstration laps round the 4.2 kilometre circuit. “It was incredible to drive this car in my own country and see the support from the fans," said Alan van der Merwe. "I am very impressed with what the car is capable of, especially in terms of power and downforce, and this is despite not being set up specifically for Kyalami. For me the chance to drive the car in the series would be amazing.”


A1 Grand Prix webpage

[LUD02C]

Also Mika has signed to drive in the DTM series next year!
For Mercedes of course!!!

[jackosimm]

love all these updates! thanks for the info jason! :thumbsup: keep it up

[7th Gen]

sauber switch from bridgestone to michelins, claiming that B/S do all the development for ferrari at the expense of other teams

[jackosimm]

sauber switch from bridgestone to michelins, claiming that B/S do all the development for ferrari at the expense of other teams

lol could see this coming...

[LUD02C]

Honda buy 45% of BAR

Honda has agreed to buy a 45 percent holding in the BAR Formula One team, the revelations of the 2004 season. Honda, the team's engine maker, agreed to buy the majority of the stake from British American Tobacco, the team's founders said on Friday. No financial details were available.

BAT, which will be left with 55 percent, and Honda have made an offer to buy three small shareholders' 10 percent stake and are waiting for their response.

Sources said that if the shareholders refused to sell, an application will be sought to put the team into financial administration - a form of creditor protection - as a mechanism to clear up the acquisition.

The sources said team boss David Richards will leave BAR one year before the end of his contract and will be replaced by managing director Nick Fry, who becomes chief executive.

BAR was formed in 1997 by Craig Pollock, Reynard Racing Cars and majority shareholders British American Tobacco, making their Formula One debut in 1999.

Pollock is one of the three minority shareholders targeted by BAT and Honda. The others are Reynard and Rick Gorne.

Honda came on board in 2000, the Japanese carmaker stepping up its involvement in the team two years later with a new agreement that included chassis development. In 2003, Honda became an official sponsor of the team as well and this year when their partnership with BAR was extended until at least the end of 2007.

[LatinoHatchCrap]

seems like one day BAR will be simply known as team HONDA :)

[LUD02C]

seems like one day BAR will be simply known as team HONDA :)
If that happens Minardi will finally beat someone! :p

[jackosimm]

dont no if this has been posted already, Motor magazine reported that Lamborghini could be joining Formula 1, as there own team or just supply engines, anyone with the mag its on the side of the report on the Murceleigo GT thing, looks nice BTW!, would be nice havin them into the sport!

[kenshin]

should give ferrari a run for their money if lambo signs up :D

[VTEC16]

Toyota Vice President Akihiko Saito, who is responsible for the company's motorsport activities, admitted to Daily Yomiuri on- line during a promotional event at Suzuka: "F1 has been harder than we expected. But that just means that it's a challenge worthy of our attention. However, we can't afford to keep going without getting better results. We have simply invested too much money in the project."

"Next year I demand a podium finish," added a determined Saito.I smell a toyota pull-out in 2006 :)

...thanks to www.f1live.com (http://www.f1live.com/) for the article...


Toyota want a podium finish in '05
An ambitious target for the Japanese team
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/l3.gif
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/vide.gif






It is no secret that Toyota didn't perform to expectations in 2004. The Japanese team - despite having one of the most impressive budget in F1 - scored only nine points in eighteen races.

The TF104 (replaced by the TF104B later in the season) lacked overall pace, leaving Olivier Panis and Cristiano da Matta to struggle for positive results.

The team desperately wanted to improve the situation after scoring only a handful of points; Panis and Da Matta were replaced before the end of the season and Jarno Trulli joined the team for the final two Grands Prix of the year. The former Renault driver showed promising pace in qualifying but didn't score any point at Suzuka and Interlagos.

The Italian will return to Toyota in 2005 and will have Ralf Schumacher as a team-mate next season. Toyota are also counting on Mike Gascoyne to improve the performance level of the car. The Technical Director Chassis is supervising the development of the upcoming TF105, his first all-new project at Toyota since joining the team in December 2003.

Toyota Vice President Akihiko Saito, who is responsible for the company's motorsport activities, admitted to Daily Yomiuri on- line during a promotional event at Suzuka: "F1 has been harder than we expected. But that just means that it's a challenge worthy of our attention. However, we can't afford to keep going without getting better results. We have simply invested too much money in the project."

"Next year I demand a podium finish," added a determined Saito.
Edit:Article added for lazy people - LUD02C

[Dylan]

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher has donated 10 million dollars to the victims of last week's Asian tsunamis, his manager Willi Weber said during a German telethon on Tuesday.

"The dawning of the New Year has not been as joyful for us this year because of the catastrophe in Asia. We sympathise with the victims in their grief," Schumacher said.

The death toll from the massive December 26 earthquake and resulting tidal waves around the Indian Ocean neared 146,000 Tuesday.


wow thats like 1/3 of what our government donated :| go schumi

[LUD02C]

This is why Schumacher is a GOD!
This just proves that there are still good people making lots of money!
Unlike most idiots (rappers and basketballers etc)

[kenshin]

good to see schumacher doing what he can in such tragic circumstances...

george w. bush still hasnt donated a CENT from his own fortunes...

[LUD02C]

I don't wanna get to off topic but if Bush has sent 4 Oil Companies bankrupt and a major league baseball team i think he should keep all the money he can :p

[LUD02C]

Williams still haven't made a decision?

Pizzonia was in - Then Heidfeld tested...
Williams no closer to driver decision
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/l3.gif
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/vide.gif




There is still no decision at BMW Williams as to who will partner Mark Webber in the race team this year. Speaking yesterday as part of the RBS sponsorship announcement, Frank Williams admitted that Antonio Pizzonia essentially had the job until they tested Nick Heidfeld. The German driver proved rapid from the outset and no the team will wait until the end of the month before making a decision.

"We were very comfortable with having Antonio for 2005 but we felt it would be sensible to look at a rival in case there was someone better out there," Reuters report Williams as saying. "If Nick had not been so obvious to us then Antonio would have been confirmed already, we think he's that good."

"We've decided that to be fair to the team and also to the two drivers to give them more time to demonstrate their abilities," said Williams. "We'd like to have a decision certainly at the latest by the launch of the new car at the end of this month in Valencia."

Williams has also admitted that Mark Webber's dislike of former Jaguar team-mate Pizzonia will play a small part in the decision making process while BMW are firmly in the Nick Heidfeld camp. Both Pizzonia and Heidfeld will remain with the team regardless of the final decision with one or the other taking the race seat and the other the test seat.

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International




Major new sponsor for Williams
RBS joins the Grove-based team
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/l3.gif
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/vide.gif



The BMW WilliamsF1 Team today confirmed that the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS), currently the world’s 6th largest bank, will join the team as a major sponsor in a multi-year deal.

Commenting on the new investment, Howard Moody, Group Director of Communications for RBS, said, “This represents an important next stage in our advertising and sponsorship program which is designed to grow the Group’s brand presence internationally. The RBS Group has now reached a scale in both size and international reach where a step change in our profile was required to ensure that our brand recognition keeps pace with the reality of where our business is.

“There is no silver bullet to deliver such recognition, we already invest in TV and print advertising in the US, airport branding and a variety of prestige sport sponsorships. The logical next step was to find a property that gave us a truly global reach in a quality format. Formula One was assessed against a number of other international brand-building options. Its reach through TV audiences presented the best investment for building the RBS brand in terms of round the year TV airtime value, offering approximately three times the size of the Superbowl TV audience - every fortnight. In the BMW WilliamsF1 Team we have outstanding partners. The BMW WilliamsF1 Team have a great track record of innovation and performance, and we look forward to working with them during the 2005 season.”

The BMW WilliamsF1 Team Principal, Frank Williams said, “We are delighted to have attracted an organisation of the calibre of RBS to join us as major sponsor for the 2005 season and beyond. They join an impressive list of leading global brands who have also recognised the commercial value of investing in Formula One to build awareness. We are very much looking forward to working with them in the years ahead.”

Press release
BMW WilliamsF1 Team
Also, Red Bull have signed both Klein and Vituzzi (sp) as drivers/test drivers next year with David.

[jackosimm]

dont mean to go off topic again lol, but schumacher donated the $10million one of his body guards and the body guards two sons died in it

[zigengt]

Anyone here taking bets against Schumi winning another title?

[jackosimm]

i reckon theres a good chance, there confident with the F2004 cause there running it until Spain? i think? Jason wanna confirm that? and then releasing him with a new one, be interesting to see how the first few races for for mclaren and williams this year cause last year was dismal

[Hondavirgin]

Definately hard to say, i mean, last year all the others teams appeared to be posting good times as well in testing and Ferrari still blitzed them!

[jackosimm]

yeh exactly, just posted this up before in a thread, the testing times made claims come out such as Ferrari's reign at the top is over lol, look what happened

[zigengt]

I think when it comes to a full race, somehow Ferrari has the knowledge & expertise to destroy all their opponents

[LUD02C]

Jackosimm is right, there running the F2004 until the 5th round of the championship which is Spain.

Which is scaring if you think about it, mainly because if the new cars of other teams loose and the F2005 is quicker, what hope will there be?

[zigengt]

Then maybe the only hope is to try & win as many races as possible before the F2005 appears!

[jackosimm]

Jackosimm is right, there running the F2004 until the 5th round of the championship which is Spain.

Which is scaring if you think about it, mainly because if the new cars of other teams loose and the F2005 is quicker, what hope will there be?

lol frightning....ah well, should be an interesting start anyway

[jackosimm]

Didn't no where to post this, thought heres the safest option lol, the question that made Montoya storm out of the press conference in Melbourne 2004:
"I have Juan or Juan. This is a hypothetical Juan, Juan. As Juan the Juan-Derkid, Juan Juan-ders, should Juan win only Juan Formula Juan a year, would Juan hope to have Juan that Juan in round Juan"

few of you probably heard it already, but it gave me a good laugh lol:D

[zigengt]

He's just a brat! :D

[zigengt]

damn... the new season is starting really soon.... time for some excitement

[zigengt]

Anyone here has already bought the tickets for the Aus GP?

[LUD02C]

Anyone here has already bought the tickets for the Aus GP?

I had everything ready to go, but can't make it now due to business :(

[jackosimm]

yes only 24 days away!!!

[jackosimm]

23 days, 21 hours, 52 minutes, 15 seconds at this post lol:D

[zigengt]

Some of the teams have not even unveiled their cars yet... & it's only 23 days away!