F1 Discussion Thread

[LUD02C]

Start off with "discussing" Honda buying BAR out.
I wonder if Button knew anything about this? lol

[^^v]

been waiting for this announcement for a while lolz...
good news.... n i bet Jenson knew about for some time... why else would he sign a 5 year contract with the team...
oh well it can only mean good things... it means Hondas committed to f1..
n they're even offering engines to a 'new' team that might join the f1 paddock...

[typsy]

Honda F1, sounds much better than Luckystrike BAR. lol
This could only be good news, can't wait for next year.

[jackosimm]

you think it has to do with all the ciggy advertising bans across the F1 calander these days?

[strider]

they should ban smoking advertising.
nothing good comes out of those death sticks.

[pornstar]

jense did the right thing, williams wont be able to match the performance of the honda team, well maybe in the first year, but with the immense resources of Honda, it will only go upwards from there.

Sato certainly means alot to Honda and definately to a proud nation. Honda wants to keep those loyal Jap fans behind them (especially with the bid from toyota, in fact midland toyota). So Honda supplies the new team with engines, probably at a discounted cost if they give one of the drives to Sato.

:thumbsup: for Honda thinking.

[^^v]

they should ban smoking advertising.
nothing good comes out of those death sticks.

i think theres a full tobacco sponsorship ban from '07 onwards... (either that or '08 i think?)

[jackosimm]

i think theres a full tobacco sponsorship ban from '07 onwards... (either that or '08 i think?)

never really bothered me too much, I always thought they'd simply pull out cause every second country banned it anyway.

[Petronas]

Edit: Double Post

[Petronas]

News Coca-Cola interested in Formula One F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone 'confirmed' that Coca-Cola had shown some interest in the sport, the newspaper wrote. "F1 has become an exceptional shop window for everybody," the 74-year-old said.

The report doubted that Coca-Cola had yet held talks with any team, but an executive 'with links' to the company revealed: "The growing popularity of F1 in several key Asian markets is something that is of interest."

Probably at the front of the queue for Coca-Cola's business is Williams, the front line Grove based team that is determined to recover from the recent loss of works BMW power and title sponsor HP
OMG CocaCola wants to sponsor a team (most likely Williams) no more beautiful Blue and White livery It might be omg... Red with CocaCola written all over it.... How ugly will that be, even Pepsi would of been more nice

[jackosimm]

I reckon they could pull together one kick ass design myself

[^^v]

[05/10/05 - 11:38]
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Button happy with Honda purchase
‘It's the final piece of the jigsaw for me’
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Button has a long-term future with Honda
Undoubtedly it came as little surprise to Jenson Button, but following yesterday's announcement that Honda had in fact completed the purchase of the BAR Honda team, Button professed himself happy with the manufacturer take-over.

"It's the final piece of the jigsaw for me," the Mirror newspaper report Button as saying. "I really believe we're going to be a big force next season. It's fantastic news. I can't wait for next season."

With Honda completing the purchase of the Brackley-based team and following the announcements from BMW and Red Bull in the summer, WilliamsF1 are now the only real non-manufacturer / multinational-conglomerate team in Formula One.

Button will be aiming for his ninth straight points finish on Sunday at Suzuka.

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International

[Petronas]

Don't think Williams will become another Jordan in a hurry.... While Jordan went head 1st into a hole they couldn't dig themselves out of, Williams have had over 30years of experience... Jordan on the other hand only had 3 years of top level performance...

Williams will bounce back and in the distant future I see them bringing Hyundai to F1

[j3z3z]

williams+hyundai+bounceback=LMFAO

[jackosimm]

I dont quiet think Hyundai need an F1 team, there car's dont appeal to that style of consumer at all, they could possibly look into it.

[Petronas]

I dont quiet think Hyundai need an F1 team, there car's dont appeal to that style of consumer at all, they could possibly look into it.
They were 'looking into it' in 2003 and 2004 with a possible buyout of jordan or even a brand new team..... Ohh well their WRC project went nowhere but who knows Hyundai have $$$$ and F1 is a good marketing source, Who knows F1 may lead to Hyundai making their first 'Supercar' dubbed the Hyundai F1 lol

[Vivski]

Hyundai have been on the verge of getting back into WRC for 3 years now. Might see them in 2007.

Hyundai F1?! Yeah, maybe. It could happen but there wouldn't be much Hyundai in it appart from money and maybe the RAM and monitors for the team computers. Hyundai are a freakin' huge company and would stand to gain from F1 involvement. I'd probably prefer Hyundai to be throwing money at Williams than Coca-Cola... would be much better colours. :p

[Vivski]

Heikki Kovalainen is going to replace Montagny at Renault as test driver. It's a bit disappointing that there's no real seat for him, 'cos he is an excellent driver. I'd like to see him in the battle for the championship as he's far more talented than some of the drivers in the F1 paddock.

If you're interested, Kovalainen won the Race of Champions last year and is going to be back to defend his title this year. http://www.raceofchampions.com/

[jackosimm]

spose its always a chance they could begin a team, like said, their a giant corporation

[^^v]

thought this was an interesting article..
lookz lik Ferarri n Philip Morris have found a way around the bans..
subliminal advertising 0_o

EDIT: n also on a side note Vodafones tipped to replace Lucky Strike (BAT) as bar's (soon to be renamed Honda f1?) main sponsor



http://formula-1.updatesport.com/news/content/gfxHeadline.php?text=Don%27t+dodge+ban%2C+warns+BA T
Tobacco company warns Ferrari
http://formula-1.updatesport.com/newsphotos/september/a/rbar230901.jpg
(GMM) Departing F1 team owner and sponsor British American Tobacco has warned Ferrari (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/team/2/Ferrari/view.html) against trying to dodge the European tobacco-ad ban by running a blank 'subliminal' paintjob.

While BAR-Honda's 'Lucky Strike' will drive off the F1 grid at the end of 2006, rival brand Marlboro - owned by Philip Morris - have signed a new Ferrari (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/team/2/Ferrari/view.html) deal to 2011.

To dodge the ban, speculation suggests, Ferrari (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/team/2/Ferrari/view.html) and Marlboro are planning to unveil a plain red and white livery -- with no sponsor names visible. Subliminally, goes the idea, track and TV spectators will make the connection with the tobacco brand.

''We're not into that,'' BAT's head of sponsorship, Gary Carey, told the Autosport website.

He continued: ''You can't have nothing on the car. As far as we're concerned, you're either branded or unbranded (and) anyone who tries to do anything different will be caught up with eventually.''


Written: Thu, 06 Oct 2005 11:42:53

f1 central

[jackosimm]

lol I reckon all the tobacco boys are a bunch of crooks. "We're not into that"....BS

[Vivski]

That's just code for "shit, why didn't I think of that?!"

[nEUROtic]

Yeah its a one billion dollar deal, that is rumoured to be funding ferrari's 5 year offer to Raikkonen for 190 million dollars.

[Hondavirgin]

That's just code for "shit, why didn't I think of that?!"


hahaha, exactly, closely followed by:

"Well, now i can't do it, i'm buggered if i'm going to let anyone else do it!"

[LUD02C]

I don't smoke, I don't like smokers.
But them killing themselves so my team can get lots of money off them is fine with me!

[jackosimm]

Ill second that one Jase:D

[LUD02C]

Alonso shows his true colours a WANKER!


Fernando: 'Kimi has been lucky'
Friday October 07 2005
Fernando Alonso has insisted that Kimi Raikkonen has been lucky this season – despite the McLaren driver suffering four engine failures and a series of technical gremlins.

Speaking after Kimi's engine blew – yet again – in Friday practice for the Japanese GP, the Spaniard dismissed claims that he had been lucky to win this year due to his closest rival's repeated mishaps. Instead, Fernando reckons that it’s the Finn who has enjoyed good fortune.

Asked about Kimi's latest engine failure, Fernando replied: "McLaren have been very lucky again.

"A few laps more in Brazil and they break the engine there and we have more points. But they can change now and it will be difficult for us to beat them in the race even if they start 11th.

"I have been saying this all year, but nobody believed me when I said that Kimi has been lucky. I know that it sounds strange but, of the four or five engine problems he has had, they have always been very close to the race.

"It's always been last lap on Saturday morning or first laps on Friday. If they had happened during the race before or on the Sunday then he would have had 30 or 40 points less and this would have been a big help for me for the drivers' title and for sure for Renault in the constructors'."

Kimi has typically delivered a storming drive through the field whenever he has endured a ten-grid slot penalty for an engine failure this season, and Fernando is predicting a repeat this Sunday.

"He can easily finish on the podium so this will not help us too much. Maybe on Sunday they will have more problems."

[jackosimm]

lol alonso, first time ive heard anyone call him fernando

[nEUROtic]

LOL what a deluded idiot. Even kimi's biggest enemies can admit he has been unlucky this year. TOSSER!!

I cant wait to see the f1 racing man of the year awards. It will be so shattering when kimi wins

"Drive of the year"
"Man of the year"

and he isn't even the champion lol

(BTW micheal got it last year, with good reason he was the real champion)

[^^v]

[12/10/05 - 12:57]
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Anthony Davidson on standby?
Speculation rife over Takuma Sato
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Davidson hoping for a chance to shine
BAR Honda could be on the verge of placing Anthony Davidson in Takuma Sato’s 007 for the final race of the year at Shanghai according to the Times newspaper.

Sato, who is leaving the BAR Honda squad following the season finale anyway to make way for Rubens Barrichello in the team, made a mess of his home Grand Prix last Sunday and found himself disqualified from the results following his attempted overtaking manoeuvre on Jarno Trulli.

It is not the first time this year that Sato has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. At Spa Francorchamps he earned himself a ten position penalty for the following Brazilian Grand Prix for his part in the accident that eliminated Michael Schumacher and himself from the race.

Now the Times is reporting that BAR Honda third driver Anthony Davidson could get the nod for the Chinese Grand Prix.

Davidson told the publication that he is ready to race in the finale with BAR if called upon to do so and that after a recent test at Jerez where he racked up the miles, is keen to show his race-craft before the end of the season.

Davidson has been linked to the Jordan/Midland team for next year as well as the mysterious 11th team that could enter the Championship next year with Honda power.

The British driver did take part in the Malaysian Grand Prix for the team standing in for the then unwell Sato, but it was not an impressive performance as he qualified back in 15th position and in the race itself, the engine failed on the opening lap of the race.

BAR Honda have made no comment on the speculation.

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International

[TwEigh]

what can I say...
I also want to see how davidson performs..

[Vivski]

Is it just me who thinks F1 is full of dead wood now? You can instantly see who the title contenders are for next year... Schumacher, Alonso, Raikonen. Montoya has shown he can win in the right situation. Fisi has shown us that he cant match Kimi and Alonso. I can't see Massa beating Schumi at Ferrari.
Is there really no-one out there who's got raw speed? There are various open-wheel classes with some great drivers. So much of it is about contracts and sponsorship and money instead of finding the best drivers. It seems short-sighted.

Maybe I've got it wrong. Maybe they are the best drivers just in crap cars. But it seems to me that they're the best of the drivers with money. Not the best of all drivers.

[LUD02C]

I think Button and Ralf will be up there next year, Williams will be the big suprise.

But Kimi, Michael, Alonso and Juan I think next years WDC.
Anyone see the rumors about Michaael going to McLaren?

[^^v]

Anyone see the rumors about Michaael going to McLaren?
yep...
and they've been firmly denied by his agent... he said something lik ....Michaels image doesnt suite Mercs 'luxary' image.. 0_o

apprently Schumis looking to retire in '08

[jackosimm]

lol schumacher in mclaren hehehe interesting....:D

[jeimuzu]

... alonso is to cocky now ...

[LUD02C]

I personally think Renault deserve the Constructures title, they had a fast, reliable and well balanced car all year.

But what gets me is Kimi won 7 and so did Alonso, to me Kimi was a better racer as in always had to come from say 10th or worse to 1st, better overtaking moves and set the fastests laps and also qualified on pole but due to engine had to go to 10th or something (on a heavier fuel load)

[jeimuzu]

... mclaren have the fastest cars on trackm just not reliable :( ...

[Hondavirgin]

I personally think Renault deserve the Constructures title, they had a fast, reliable and well balanced car all year.

But what gets me is Kimi won 7 and so did Alonso, to me Kimi was a better racer as in always had to come from say 10th or worse to 1st, better overtaking moves and set the fastests laps and also qualified on pole but due to engine had to go to 10th or something (on a heavier fuel load)

I don't think he is a better overtaker...i know in the japan he passed a ton of cars, but there's been too many other times this season when he he's clearly settled to follow people round until pit stops rather than at least trying to get past them.

[^^v]

Rubens > Jenson ?



http://formula-1.updatesport.com/newsphotos/october/a/rbar161006.jpg
(GMM) Rubens Barrichello (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/driver/3/Rubens-Barrichello/view.html) will probably have the edge on 'Honda' teammate Jenson Button (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/driver/15/Jenson-Button/view.html) in 2006.

That's the belief of triple world champion Sir Jackie Stewart, who ran Barrichello - the 33-year-old Brazilian who switches from Ferrari (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/team/2/Ferrari/view.html) - at his own team in the nineties.

The Scot told the Mail on Sunday: ''I think Rubens is much more together right now.''

''Rubens has got the peripheral lifestyle right ... and he has won races, so he has broken that barrier. Rubens knows how to be world champion.''

In a sign of his commitment to both Honda and formula one, however, Button says he will not be following the examples of Kimi Raikkonen (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/driver/5/Kimi-Raikkonen/view.html) and Fernando Alonso (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/driver/32/Fernando-Alonso/view.html) by immediately starting a long holiday.

''On Tuesday I start work again,'' said the 25-year-old, who is off to Brackley HQ to check out progress for next year.

''The championship has got to be our aim.''


Written: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 06:47:56



f1 central

[nEUROtic]

I don't think he is a better overtaker...i know in the japan he passed a ton of cars, but there's been too many other times this season when he he's clearly settled to follow people round until pit stops rather than at least trying to get past them.

Usually he saved fuel and then went nuts in the last part. With the amount of retirements he had he really wasn't in the position to be taking risks I dont reckon

[Vivski]

From Pitpass...

Indy type track surface causes chaos in NASCAR race

17/10/2005

Months after the Indianapolis debacle at Indianapolis, when seven teams withdrew from the United States Grand Prix, on the advice of tyre supplier Michelin, on safety grounds, NASCAR racers at Lowe's Motor Speedway at the weekend suffered an unbelievable number of failures, causing a number of yellow-flag periods, which, in turn, caused the event to over run.

"This is the biggest joke in racing I've ever seen,'' Kevin Harvick told reporters, after crashing out of the event. "It's terrible. Everybody is out there, knowing that at any moment their tyres are going to pop. It's pretty disgusting and pretty embarrassing for our sport.''

Things were so bad that at one stage, Tony Stewart radioed his pit crew and asked for a renewal of his life insurance policy.

It's now understood that the problem that caused the Goodyear tyres to suffer an inordinate number of failures is down to the track surface, which had recently been smoothed, using the same process used at Indianapolis.

[Vivski]

An interesting article/interview with Jean Todt about the season and Rubens.
http://www.pitpass.com/fes_php/pitpass_news_item.php?fes_art_id=26319

[^^v]

http://formula-1.updatesport.com/news/content/gfxHeadline.php?text=First+Honda+to+debut+next+yea r
Car to get track time in January
http://formula-1.updatesport.com/newsphotos/april/a/jbut030402.jpg
(GMM) The 2006 works Honda car will make its track debut 'sometime' in January.

That's the revelation of 'BAR' chief designer Kevin Taylor, who reckons the team's new 100 per cent owner - Japanese carmaker Honda - has been 'instrumental' in much of the new racer's design.

''And I'm sure this process will keep expanding,'' said Kevin, who was promoted in June.

Excitingly for the Brackley based team, nine time race winner Rubens Barrichello (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/driver/3/Rubens-Barrichello/view.html) will pilot one of the '008' machines in 2006. Taylor admitted that BAR would squeeze as much information as possible out of the Brazilian.

''We'd be fools not to quiz him on what's made Ferrari (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/team/2/Ferrari/view.html) so successful,'' the designer confessed.

'''We'll listen to him ... to see if there are things we don't do that we should be doing.''

Taylor also said Rubens' proven ability to win grands prix gives BAR a 'baseline', even if he thinks Jenson Button (http://formula-1.updatesport.com/profiles/item/formula_one/driver/15/Jenson-Button/view.html) could, too, be a winner.

He continued: ''But that question hasn't been answered yet.''

So does Taylor think team principal Nick Fry's target of 'plural' race wins next year is reasonable? ''I'd say we're pretty confident,'' he said.

''If we hit our targets, I'm sure we'll be right on the button.''


Written: Sat, 12 Nov 2005 00:33:06



http://formula-1.updatesport.com/news/content/gfxHeadline.php?text=Honda+bemoan+FIA+%27curve+bal l%27
Governing body in late rules switch
http://formula-1.updatesport.com/newsphotos/april/a/tsat020401.jpg
(GMM) BAR-Honda has bemoaned the governing body's 'late' call on new regulations for next year.

The Honda owned team's chief designer Kevin Taylor admitted that the design of the 2006 car 'hasn't been helped' by the belated overhaul of qualifying, and the resurrection of tyre changing.

He called the rules 'some late curve balls'.

BAR, concerned about tyre wear with the current '007' car, worked particularly to make the 2006 contender more suited to the 'one tyre' rule.

''And then the rules change,'' Taylor griped, ''and now ... (the rules are) back closer to where we were in 2004 when we were very competitive.''

He hinted that the 2006 car design might, therefore, be subject to some late revisions.


Written: Tue, 08 Nov 2005 13:02:28



f1 central

[^^v]

[13/11/05 - 10:03]
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Webber tells his fans to be patient
‘I am a competitor, an absolute fighter and I hate losing’
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Webber was tenth in the standings in 2005
Mark Webber’s first season with Williams did not yield the results that he had hoped for as he was seen off by his more consistent team-mate Nick Heidfeld. Next year the Australian driver remains with the team which switches to Bridgestone tyres and Cosworth power.

"I know people in Australia get frustrated with my results but there is no other choice," The Sydney Morning Herald reports Webber as saying. “Obviously there is more doubters in Australia than there is in Europe. People in Europe understand it a bit more and it is hard to educate people here in Australia what we are doing but that is fine.”

As for the future, Webber is looking forward to teaming up with 2005 GP2 Champion Nico Rosberg and expects his team to have ironed out its weaknesses ahead of the new season. Webber also fully expects Ferrari to join McLaren Mercedes and Renault at the sharp end of the field.

"I have done a lot of learning this year,” Webber said. “I am a competitor, an absolute fighter and I hate losing…."

Earl ALEXANDER
© CAPSIS International

[nEUROtic]

“Obviously there is more doubters in Australia than there is in Europe. People in Europe understand it a bit more and it is hard to educate people here in Australia what we are doing but that is fine.”

I understand it perfectly well. Your're $hit. Nico is gonna have your ass for a hat.

[^^v]

[15/11/05 - 19:12]
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Midland shows its new colours
MF1 Racing set for the 2006 season
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http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/imgactu/zoom05/midland-launch-z-01_151105.jpg


An all new look in 2006 for MF1 Racing
Midland Group announces 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.

"November 15th, 2005, is a very important day for Midland, as it marks our official entrance into the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship," stated Colin Kolles, Managing Director of MF1 Racing. "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."

Press Release
MF1 Racing


it took two ppl to design that logo? -_-"... lookz lik a 10 min PS job...
wonder if they got paid for it...

[^^v]

[01/01/06 - 17:09]
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Alonso not favourite to retain title
The bookmakers favour Raikkonen
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http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/photos/imgactu/05/raikkonen-test-dr_240105_155x220.jpg
The next World Champion?

Fernando Alonso is only third favourite to win the 2006 World Championship.

That is the declaration of sports bookmaker betandwin, which is listing both '05 title runner-up Kimi Raikkonen, and third-placed Michael Schumacher, ahead of the sport's Spanish idol.

McLaren's 26-year-old Raikkonen is fetching 2.6 to 1 to dethrone Alonso, with Schumacher at 3/1 to win back the trophy in his red Ferrari.

Next up, the youngest ever F1 title winner - Alonso - at 5/1 to defend his drivers' crown. Kimi's teammate, Juan Pablo Montoya, is listed at 5.5/1, followed by Jenson Button (20/1), Felipe Massa, Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli (all 25/1).

A tasty outsider bet might be Williams rookie Nico Rosberg, 100/1.

Source GMM
CAPSIS International

[EfiOz]

Don't think Williams will become another Jordan in a hurry.... While Jordan went head 1st into a hole they couldn't dig themselves out of, Williams have had over 30years of experience... Jordan on the other hand only had 3 years of top level performance...

Ummm, try about 15 years plus F3000 and F3 before that.

[Petronas]

Ummm, try about 15 years plus F3000 and F3 before that.
Ahh how about no?
3 years of top level performance in Formula One... 1997, 1999 and 2000

Williams will come back with either Cosworth, Lexus or another mainstream manufacturer.

I really hope its with VW or Hyundai though...

[LUD02C]

Ever wondered just how long it takes to design and construct a brand-new F1 car? Well, McLaren have helpfully published a 'design timeline' of their new MP4-21 charger as it evolved from a mere concept to a state-of-the-art motor car ready for the 2006 season.

First engine design meeting: August 2004

Engine specification first issue: October 2004

Layout work started on MP4-21: April 2005

First design meeting: April 2005

Gearbox simulation: Mid April 2005

Car specification first issue: May 2005

First scheming of gearbox: May 2005

First dyno test for V8 engine: June 2005

Windtunnel work commences: Early July 2005

First drawing for gearbox: July 2005

Datum sheet Issue, final dimensions: August 2005

First track test for V8 engine: September 2005

Gearbox production begun: September 2005

Chassis manufacturing begun: October 2005

Car mock-up ready: Chassis – November 2005; Initial engine – November 2005; Final engine – December 2005

First chassis ready for bonding: December 2005
FIA test on first chassis: December 2005

First car build started: December 2005

First car build finished: January 2006

First track test of MP4-21: 23rd January 2006

Cars depart McLaren Technology Centre for first race: Friday 3rd March 2006[/quote]



Belgian Grand Prix organisers have agreed a deal with Bernie Ecclestone to bring Formula One back to Spa-Francorchamps in 2007, just days after this year's race was cancelled.

This season race was scrapped earlier this week when race organisers conceded defeat in their bid to renovate the track in time for the September 17 grand prix.

But, according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF, Spa has renegotiated their deal with Formula One commercial rights holder Ecclestone, securing a new deal to run from 2007 to 2011.

The new arrangement has yet to be set in stone though, as it must yet be ratified by the regional Wallonian government.



Max Biaggi looks set to get more time behind the wheel of an F1 car with Midland seemingly very keen to see how the Italian runs.

Biaggi, better known for racing on two wheels and not four, was in action for the MF1 team in Silverstone recently where he was watched by team boss Colin Kolles.

"Maybe he will have another try in Spain," Kolles told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Kolles, a Romanian national, would not confirm or deny any possible test role for Biaggi but did say they were still working on the idea.

”I hope this situation will become clearer in the following days."



Fernando Alonso says he doesn’t believe Valentino Rossi will be able to make a successful switch from MotoGP to Formula One should the motoracing Champion decide to move.

Valentino Rossi has been linked with a move to Formula One for a while now but has not publically agreed to join any team yet. Alonso believes Rossi has about the same chance at achieving success in F1 as he would have if he attempted to enter MotoGP.

"No, I don't think so." Alonso told the Cadena SER radio station when asked if he though Rossi would win races in Formula One.

"It's like if I would try racing motorbikes,"

“I could participate, have fun but I could never beat the likes of Pedrosa. I couldn't beat people that started racing mini-bikes when they were only a few years old."

Alonso has also said he would love to leave Renault, and join McLaren, as the 2006 World Champion, and therefore will be doing his utmost for his French based team this season.

"The motivation is high again this year. And the perfect leaving present would be to win the Championship again," he told The Sunday People.

"Renault have been like my family from the moment I started F1.

"This respect we have for each other is fantastic and we need to the maximum again this year."

Alonso and his Renault team have been in blistering pre-season form lately, showing everyone that they are the team to beat this year and determined to defend their Championship title.

[LUD02C]

http://chris.forthewin.co.uk/wing_slow.jpg

http://chris.forthewin.co.uk/wing_fast.jpg

The Letter of protest.

http://img79.imageshack.us/img79/852/2006malletter2iv.jpg

[Hondavirgin]

why only against schumey's car, wouldn't Massa's be the same? What a surprise Red Bull didn't sign haha.

[LUD02C]

F1 to Continue, No breakaway series.


The threat of a Formula One breakaway has receded after five rebel teams submitted their entries for the 2008 season.

The sport's governing body, the FIA, had set a deadline of March 31 for teams to confirm for 2008.

Four of the five teams threatening a split - who together form the Grand Prix Manufacturers' Association - signed up last night with the fifth confirming this morning.

The GPMA - Renault, BMW, Mercedes, Honda and Toyota - have called for a greater say in the running of the sport and a bigger share of its revenues.

A statement from the association said "significant progress" and been made in discussions with F1 rights holder Bernie Ecclestone.

It added: "The teams look forward to beginning discussions with the FIA in order to finalise the regulations for 2008.

"The GPMA members are united and remain committed to improve the sport for the benefit of all stakeholders."

[LUD02C]

This was an interesting read.


Ron Dennis has finally revealed the details behind McLaren's shock capture of Fernando Alonso.

According to Dennis, despite frantic efforts to contact Flavio Briatore, it took six weeks before Alonso was able to inform the Renault boss that he had signed a deal with McLaren. With a face-to-face meeting "impossible" to arrange, contact was eventually only made via the telephone.

The apparent breakdown in communications between the pair, formerly depicted as having enjoyed a 'father and son relationship', hints at one crucial factor in Alonso's shock defection.

Speaking to F1-Racing magazine, Dennis remained coy on the events leading up to Alonso putting pen to paper on a long-term deal with his team. He refused to say who instigated the talks between the two parties, or when first contact took place.

However, from Dennis' admission that the triumphant press release of 19 December which announced Alonso's capture was issued - against Briatore's wishes - immediately after the Spaniard had spoken to the Renault boss it can be assumed that negotiations were completed in the first week of November.

Briatore has strenuously denied having any role in Alonso's transfer and according to Dennis the driver was represented by "his manager Luis Garcia Abad, his lawyers and family. On our side it involved one key director, which was Martin [Whitmarsh], plus Nobert [Haug] and some other Mercedes-Benz board members. And, after Fernando had signed, but still prior to any public announcement, it also involved a few of our sponsors' senior board members. So, within 24 hours of him having inked his signature, I'd say roughly 25 people knew."

Remarkably, despite the obvious dangers of a leak, the story was kept quiet for the six weeks in which Fernando then failed to make contact with Briatore.

"They all understood the commitment I'd made to Fernando that his signing would have to remain confidential until he'd had the opportunity to inform Flavio," Dennis told the magazine. "Equally, it was understood that, as soon as he'd informed Flavio, I'd inform our drivers - because, obviously, I wanted them to hear it from me, and, equally obviously, one way or another, it would leak. And then, after I'd told our drivers, there would be a press release.

"But four weeks went by, and, owing to factors outside Fernando's control, he couldn't manage to meet Flavio to tell him the news. He tried quite a few times, but a meeting proved impossible to arrange. In the end, after six weeks of trying, and being very keen to inform Flavio before the news was leaked, Fernando had to inform him by telephone."

There's no explanation for why Fernando and Flavio were unable to meet, although the apparent breakdown in their relationship will be inevitably regarded as a partial explanation for Fernando's shock decision to leave Renault.

Once Briatore had been informed, Dennis moved into news-management mode. First to be told of the news were his drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Juan-Pablo Montoya.

"It was late in the evening when Fernando advised me that'd he broken the news to Flavio. Despite the late hour, I decided that I should telephone our drivers immediately. That was particularly hard on Kimi, because he was in Finland and therefore three hours ahead of UK time. But he took it fine, as it happens."

Kimi's sanguine reaction will no doubt be seized upon by those in the paddock who are already convinced that the Finn has opted to leave McLaren at the end of the season for Ferrari.

The Colombian, on the other hand, appears to have responded with a fiery burst of that famed Latin temper.

"His reaction was, well, predictable. His initial reaction was curt - maybe he thought his 2007 seat had just disappeared. But that isn't necessarily the case, of course."

Yet Montoya's disappointment must have paled alongside that of Briatore's.

"Flavio telephoned me and asked me to delay the press release by a week, but I was in an impossible position," says Dennis. "By that time, a large number of people knew. Keeping it secret was no longer realistic. I didn't want the news to go public via a leak. So the next day we sent out a press release."

[LUD02C]

Go Paul, The paddock isn't the same without you!


Paul Stoddart and the Minardi name are set to return to Formula One in 2008 as the former F1 team boss has already lodged an entry with the FIA.

Last week the FIA stipulated that any teams wanting to race in 2008 had to submit an entry by March 31 2006, which Stoddart has now done.

"I've lodged myself an entry as European Minardi F1 team Limited," the Australian told Reuters on Tuesday.

The Australian is also confident that he will be ready to compete in 2008 as not only did he retain the Minardi name when he sold to Red Bull but he also retained his 2004-specification PS04B cars.

"We've got the cars we ran in Melbourne last year, we've got the team and we've got the facility," said Stoddart, whose team would be based at Ledbury, England.

"We'll see what happens...it might not happen but I miss F1 too badly at the moment.

"I might not get a slot but it will be interesting to see who does.

"We are in a better position than anyone, other than a current F1 team, to compete."


Private equity firm CVC Capital Partners has completed its acquisition of the Formula One Group.

The news comes just days after the European Commission gave the go-ahead to the deal, subject to CVC selling its Spanish subsidiary Dorna, which promotes the MotoGP championship.

The EU's stipulation came because of concerns that having one parent company in control of both Formula One and MotoGP rights might reduce competition in the sale of television rights in Spain and Italy, where both championships attract big audiences.

Alpha Prema, a newly-formed company and subsidiary of CVC, will now control Formula One's commercial rights after completing a buy-out of the SLEC holding company, which was previously owned by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone and Bavarian bank BayernLB.

Ecclestone is expected to remain at the helm of the business as chief executive, while his family trust, Bambino Holdings, will retain an unspecified stake.

"We are pleased that we have now completed our investment in Formula One, and look forward to working with Bernie Ecclestone and his team to further develop and grow the business," said CVC's Donald Mackenzie.

Alpha Prema's first task as F1's commercial rights holder will be to finalise a deal with the sport's manufacturers to lay to rest the threat of a breakaway championship.

However, with the five dissenting manufacturers - BMW, Toyota, Honda, Mercedes and Renault - officially confirming their entry for the the 2008 world championship on Monday, those talks would now appear to be a mere formality.

[daniel b16a]

great news jason.....whr did u get all this info anyways?.....neways sepang is a great circuit...drove on it a few times already on track days......goodluck schumiiiii

[chicken8]

is some1 gunna update the F1 tipping ladder?

[LUD02C]

is some1 gunna update the F1 tipping ladder?

Yeah, I'll be doing it tomorrow afternoon (friday), real busy catching up on stuff this week.

[chicken8]

ok cool.

love you loooong time!

[^^v]

well its official... Gascoynes gone...
wonder who his replacement is...



http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/img/lettres/let_actu_t.gifoyota make it official
Gascoyne gone but remains under contract
06/04/06 14:13http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/img/vide.gif

http://f1.racing-live.com/f1/photos/imgactu/06/gascoyne-test-z-01_050306.jpg (http://javascript<b></b>:openphoto()
Toyota Motorsport and its Technical Director Chassis, Mike Gascoyne, have reached a mutual agreement which will see both parties terminate their working relationship with immediate effect.

Gascoyne will remain a fully contracted employee of Toyota Motorsport until the end of October 2006.

Toyota Motorsport and Mike Gascoyne have developed different opinions about the future direction of the technical operations in the team's chassis and engineering areas, which have resulted in the need for a change on both sides. Toyota Motorsport and Mike Gascoyne have both agreed that a separation has become necessary.

Gascoyne has been based primarily in Germany since he joined Toyota's Cologne-based Formula 1 team in December 2003. After such a long period of time based away from home, this decision will enable him to spend more time with his family.

"Obviously, it is the end of an era but nobody can dispute that Toyota has made a big step forward over the last two seasons," said Gascoyne. "We have now reached a crossroads in our working relationship and I believe that it is the right time for us to part ways amicably and for me to move back to the UK where I can also enjoy spending more time with my family. I extend my thanks to all members of the team and wish them a successful future in Formula 1."

Tsutomu Tomita, Chairman of Toyota Motorsport said: "Although we have reached a joint decision to go our separate ways, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mike for the indisputable contribution he has made to our team over the last few years. This separation should in no way undermine the work he has done, nor reflect his technical expertise. We all wish him well for the future."

Press Release
Toyota

[LUD02C]

Tipping thread has been updated, good to see 3 people using there double round.

As for Mike Gascoyne, I think it was coming.
Imagine being Toyota and seeing Honda, Williams and BMW infront of you all the time. Knowing that you (Toyota) have the 2nd highest budget in F1

[LUD02C]

This is a good read.


Schumi's Secret Diary: Melbourne
Friday April 07 2006
Hello tifosis. It doesn't seem so long ago that I was talking to you before the grand prix at Monza. Some of you may be remembering that my manager Willi Weber announced I would be telling everyone what I was doing with my career by March 2006 and now we are in April and I am not telling anyone yet.

There is a good answer to this. Ask Sabine.

Last time I gave you my insight we did not have such a problem with our piston rings. And this is piston us off, believe me. What with our only-a-little-bit flexible wings and the engine vibration, the Ferrari 248F1 is not quite the kind of car Rory Byrne would have produced for us, though I am very careful not to mention this loudly except in the ear shots of Ross and Jean.

They are working all they can to cure the mechanical problems, and the other driver problem also. Felipe Massa is young and unused to Ferrari speak. When Jean came on the radio in Malaysia to tell him that he was very marginal on fuel - code for slow down and let The Schum come past - he kept on going faster and faster.

Now after Australia he will have to pay more attention as he has caused many repair problems crashing the car twice. I know I also had a small impact with the barrier, but my accident was caused by a well-known track bump (unlike Christian Klien who is a well-known movable bump).

The Australian officials were not appreciative of my suggestion to remove it from the track afterwards; one of them said to me: "So |Schumi, you mean Sato and Ide can steer round it and you can't."
I said, "Yes, but they have half an hour to see it coming."
It was part of my quest to become 50% funnier in 2006, but I am not so sure they appreciated my humour.

It was very funny to read that Max Mosley thinks Flavio Briatore is the best example of an F1 boss. Quite honestly and obviously Jean Todt is the best example of a team boss because he does not lose his temper like a drunken woman on a Saturday night. Flavio likes making the deals yes and he is very funny when you can understand what he is saying, but he is not good at keeping his temper.

Only last weekend he was telling Fisico unspeakable things on the radio in Italian (so Pat told me afterwards at Melbourne Airport) this is not good for motivation. And of course he is remote controlled by Bernie Ecclestone. Now that Eddie Jordan has retired, Bernie has only one glove puppet to play with. Perhaps that is why Max thinks he is such a good boss. That and the fact he is not called Paul Stoddart.

It was a big surprise to me that Mike - The Doberman - Gascoyne has been sacked by Toyota. The last time I heard he was travelling to Germany every day by plane, which is never the best way to commute to work, both for the environment and also for his family. Though I imagine his Frequent Flyer points must have been very good indeed.

From conversations with Ralf I think he wanted to take some of the factory and put it in England, but Toyota wanted to keep it in Cologne. It is not good for their future because there are only a limited number of great technical directors. I can easily see him moving to McLaren - though he would have to become more like Mike - the lovable Colly dog - Gascoyne working for Ron - the Shitzu - Dennis.

As for my future, I am looking forward to a storm-back at Imola. It will be fitting and touching if I can pay tribute to Ayrton by beating his pole record at the track he is most remembered at. It will also stop people asking me THAT question I hate the most, along with: "What do you think of Valentino Rossi?"

Anyway, back to my quest at being 50% funnier

Here's a good one: Why do Elephants have big ears?
Shall I tell you why?
Because noddy wouldn't pay the ransom money.

Yes, I didn't understand it either, but Ross laughed.
The Schum

[^^v]

ahahah good read indeed :thumbsup:

[angelblue]

Tipping thread has been updated, good to see 3 people using there double round.



Yet I still got no points! :(

[LUD02C]

Spanish Race wasn't that exciting, never is. Can't have a good race with high speed corners. All I can say is that Renault was like a Bullet train. Fast and on rails. Fisichella, what is the go? You should be just as quick as your team mate. Button again proved he is rubbish, and again I leave you this thought: "What the hell is Alonso thinking moving to McLaren?"

[TwEigh]

Well he wants to prove that he can win in any car.

damn I forgot about the double round for the tipping.. should've used it :(
When is it going to be updated? :)

[LUD02C]

I'll update the tipping comp 2mora afternoon (thurs) Off to a BBQ now to watch Mundine get KO Go GREEN!

[jazzshl]

go williams a webber!!!!!!!!!!!

[chicken8]

still waiting for tipping comp to be updated and the next race tips thread to be put up

[Omotesando]

Yeah comp ladder hasn't been updated for SPANISH GP.

And already Monaco is coming up this week!

[LUD02C]

Yeah, I've been working, playing Soccer and fixing car and installing a stereo.
Been real busy, thursday afternoon both threads will be done 100%

If not I'll say Sato is a good driver!

[hihidamon]

Hi everyone!
oh yes, Ch7 just won a 6yr deal to broadcast v8supercars from next year! Not that I am switching channels to watch the V8s but yeah, that means ch10 can concentrate on f1 and no more time clashes. No more excuses from next year onwards, Mr Network 10 Producer! Better coverage, more live races please ... woohooo. fingersXED

[LUD02C]

I to hope for better F1 coverage, but seeing that Ten still have Big Brother and NCIS (both high rating shows) I can't see it happening.

I'm thinking about getting ITV installed in my house, no idea on cost but should be worth it with Soccer and Motorsport.

Channel 7 payed $75 million for it, good on them.
Its good that Ten doesn't have the dominating motorsport and can show whatever they liike without any competition.

PLus we don't have to see those stupid channel ten race uniforms anymore.

[Petronas]

I'm thinking about getting ITV installed in my house, no idea on cost but should be worth it with Soccer and Motorsport.

Wouldn't "Speed Channel" be a better option?

[LUD02C]

I'm updating the Competiton now.
I had to format my computer and put everything back together and only now up to updating the competition.

[Omotesando]

thanks LUD02C... you're doing a great job!

[LUD02C]

thanks LUD02C... you're doing a great job!

Not this season I'm not :o
Damm World Cup distracted me!