be good to see if he can produce the goods this season...
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be good to see if he can produce the goods this season...
And what F1 team do u drive for???Quote:
Originally Posted by Sprung Munkey
The main thing i find funny is when people say, Geez Klien is a shit driver, or why doesn't Kimi catch up to Michael and overtake him?
Usually, the idiots that say this don't realise how hard it is to get into a F1 team and have no racing experience except racing a BA falcon on the Great Western.
If you have been to Europe, you'll find that its not like Australia parking wise.
You might have to do AT LEAST a 8 point turn to get out in some cases more!
and what does parking have to do with F1 racing anyways?! (although i did see Petter Solberg do a nice sideways flick into his teams garage on the weekend in Sweden haha).
yeh, and also the strain it puts on there body's, reading Murray Walker's book, he tells of his experience in the two seater mclaren and after 4 laps he could not go anymore...tough work out there
lol i saw that too, nice bit of handbrake-ageQuote:
Originally Posted by Hondavirgin
mind you, Murray Walker is over 70 years old.....but i agree, pi$$es me off when you hear people saying you don't have to be fit or strong to drive an F1 car, when they're some of the fittest sportsmen ever, definately not easy things to drive.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackosimm
This is from a european website about F1
Webber fears BMW too slow
February 22, 2005
MARK Webber is worried his new BMW will lack the speed to keep up with the pacesetters at next month's Australian Formula One grand prix.
With local expectations raised even higher for Webber as he makes his Williams debut in Melbourne on March 6, the Australian driver played down his early season hopes.
"We need to have more pace in the car. It hasn't come out as well as we would have hoped for so far," he said.
"But it's a long season, it's a marathon, not a sprint.
"We're hoping to win in Melbourne but we're not sure if that's realistic. The other teams are better prepared.
"We've aimed aggressively but we thought the new car would be faster."
Webber's move from Jaguar to Williams last year was seen as the next step toward, fulfilling his early billing as a potential grand prix winner.
Despite his concerns over the speed of the BMW FW27, he is expecting a lot more from himself this year after finishing 16th, 10th and 13th in the drivers' championship in his first three seasons in Formula One.
"Absolutely. Williams is a team clearly at the top of the game, they have a huge history in the sport and set very aggressive goals," he said.
"There's no point saying we'd be happy with fifth or sixth, because we won't be.
"I was aiming to get in the top eight last year, it's not good enough. I'm aiming for podiums now.
"I drove the Williams a few times last year and it was absolutely miles faster than the Jaguar.
"I was doing lap times I could only dream of in the Jaguar."
Webber, 28, is testing the FW27 in Valencia in Spain before flying out to Australia later this week for the opening race of the year.
He drove 81 laps yesterday, setting a personal best lap time of 1min 11.672sec, but his fears about the car's pace were confirmed when McLaren Mercedes driver Pedro de la Rosa flew around in 1:09.023.
Originally from the ACT, Webber revels in racing in Melbourne, where he finished fifth on his F1 debut in 2002 in a Minardi, but is mindful of keeping a lid on the hype.
"Each year I get there later and later. It's important to focus on the simple things and do the job and not let the occasion get out of control," he said.
"But I'm very lucky to have a home race, some guys don't.
"Rubens (Barrichelo) I know loves racing in Brazil but is sometimes a little embarrassed by the facilities. But I can only be very proud of the event in Melbourne.
"It's a great way to start the year.
"Once the helmet is on, I could be anywhere. But when it's off, I really know I'm at home and really enjoy it.
"The parade lap, when you wave to the crowd and they wave the Australian flags and shout your name, that's very special for me." Webber announces his arrival in Australia in spectacular fashion when he drives his BMW FW27 across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday.
AAP
Sauber sides with F1 rebels
From correspondents in London
February 22, 2005
SWISS-based Sauber has sided with major Formula One car manufacturers in the battle for the sport's future.
A team spokesman said this morning (AEDT) that at the end of last week Peter Sauber signed a memorandum of understanding presented by the carmakers, who are planning their own series after the current commercial agreement expires in 2007.
Sauber's decision leaves only privately-owned Jordan and Red Bull, who had also reserved judgment after a meeting near London last week, still uncommitted.
Williams' partners BMW, Renault, McLaren's part-owners Mercedes, Toyota, Honda and Minardi have all signed up to the rival manufacturers' memorandum.
Champion Ferrari stands alone in agreeing a unilateral deal with Formula One's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone and the governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) to extend the existing agreement to 2012.
Sauber has used Ferrari engines since 1997 and its decision is likely to signal a break with the FIAT-owned company.
But the manufacturers have offered affordable engines from 2006 for the independent teams that sign up to their vision of the future. BMW has already said it has been in talks with Sauber.
Agence France-Presse
My fellow Australians, boo Ralf Schumacher!
Webber can't win title: Ralf
February 20, 2005
MARK WEBBER has no chance of becoming the Formula One world champion this year or next, according to Ralf Schumacher.
The younger brother of Germany's seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher claims that the Williams team for which he drove the past six years is no longer a top contender.
Schumacher, who has joined Toyota for the season starting at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in two weeks, said Williams was not capable of building a car to win the world championship this year or in 2006.
Speaking to the Kilner Stadt Anzeiger publication, he ridiculed any suggestion that Webber or his new team-mate, German Nick Heidfeld, would be in the hunt for the title in the next two years.
"I do not think BMW Williams have a championship-winning car this season," said Schumacher, who won six GPs in his time with the British-based team.
The relationship between Schumacher and the team deteriorated after some early success and Williams was pleased to see him join Toyota, feeling that he had not been worth his pay packet reputed to be about $15 million a year.
Williams had already known for a year that Schumacher's team-mate, Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya, was moving to British rival McLaren this year, and was equally happy to see him go.
Webber has joined Williams for his fourth season in F1, having made his debut with Minardi in 2002 and the past two years raced with Jaguar, which will reappear in Melbourne in 10 days as Red Bull Racing.
Webber's fifth place in his first race remains his best finish from 50 GP starts and he has pinned his faith on Williams to provide him with a car in which he can achieve his first podium and possibly a victory early this season.
Fellow Australian Alan Jones was the Williams team's first world champion in 1980 and Webber is keen to emulate his feat.
Williams team principal Sir Frank Williams has already lavished praise on Webber for his total commitment to success, something he privately felt Schumacher and Montoya lacked.
The design and construction of the team's new FW27 model car has been overseen by an Australian engineer, Sam Michael, who was educated in Canberra a short distance from where Webber grew up at Queanbeyan.
Michael is also supervising pre-season testing of the $A50 million car in Spain and will call the tactical shots throughout the 19 GPs during the year.
Despite Montoya winning the Brazilian GP at the end of last season, Williams finished the constructors' world championship fourth.
Schumacher claimed Williams was now a long way from being a serious rival to the all-conquering Ferrari team which has seen his older brother win the past five drivers titles.
"I did not know I was driving for a top team (at Williams)," Ralf Schumacher said.
"It did not seem that way in the six years I was there.
"The high expectation levels at BMW Williams were totally unrealistic.
"Apart from the engine there was not much quality there and the optimism could not be justified." The Toyota team he has joined is entering its fourth year in F1 and is yet to achieve a podium finish.
AAP
lol ralfs sounding a little upset somebody took his seat....
he's just a sore loser. So unlike his Brother
Could you imagine being in the same business as your brother and your brother was Michael Schumacher?Quote:
Originally Posted by zigengt
THe amount of pressure and the question, So why aren't you like your brother?
Just seems perfect for one of those crazy things to happen, like Ralf snaps and destroys Michaels chance of winning another title or something.
I read that articel on Ralf yeah, as has been said, sounds like someone's a bit annoyed he's not driving for a top line team anymore. Well, second line team, obviously no-ones on the same level as Ferrari!
lol yeah, lot of pressure being the brother of the best and being so far away from him
Webber not up to speed
By Trevor Grant
March 2, 2005
BRITISH driving ace Jenson Button has thrown a wet blanket on Mark Webber fever in Melbourne, querying whether the Australian has the goods to make it to the top in Formula One racing.
Button, a teammate of Webber, damned him with faint praise, describing him as a hard worker whose talent was inferior to the likes of Renault driver Fernando Alonso.
Asked whether he saw Webber as a championship contender, Button, No.1 driver for BAR-Honda, said: "He was a test driver at Bennetton when I was there. I think he works very hard but it's difficult to know how quick he is.
"People ask, 'Is Mark going to challenge for the championship?' His best finish is in a Minardi three years ago which was fifth. It's difficult to know what to think.
"He's a very different driver to Alonso. For me, Alonso is more naturally talented. But I don't think he works hard enough at it.
"That's just from the outside. I don't really know what he gets up to but that's what people say."
Webber, jumping straight in the hot seat at Williams after serving time at back-of-the-grid outfits Minardi and Jaguar, finds himself under huge pressure to perform this week.
Already the Williams' team bosses have signalled the car, which has struck aerodynamic problems, is not ready to win this week.
Ironically, it would have been Button in that seat if his off-season bid to cross to Williams had not been barred by authorities.
As with Webber, he is still to register his first Formula One race victory but the confident 25-year-old Briton, who finished third in the drivers' championship last year with 10 podium finishes, believes he has a great chance of ousting Ferrari's Michael Schumacher as world champion in 2005.
Speaking when BAR-Honda recently launched its 007 car for the 2005 season, Button said if the car proved as fast as expected he could topple Schumacher, hinting the seven-time world champion was now more vulnerable to challengers.
"I saw him make a few mistakes towards the end of (last) season. And when he made one mistake there seemed to be a second one. It's going to help everyone if Michael is making mistakes," Button said.
"He's won more than anyone in the world, but he makes mistakes. Nobody's perfect. We need to capitalise on it."
Although he has concerns about the changes in regulations this year, Button said the new rules – making engines and tyres run for longer and reducing downforce by 25 per cent – would also help narrow the gap between Ferrari and the rest.
"I think the new regulations have really opened the door for teams like McLaren, Williams and ourselves," he said.
"When you are set in your ways as Ferrari has been over the last few years it's always easier to progress. But when you've got to change so dramatically it changes things.
"So that can help us. Plus we've really moved forward with the car."
At the same time, Button said he was concerned about having to run on one set of tyres for the entire race (exceptions will apply for punctures or tyres that have run over debris on the track).
"I'm not happy about it. I think pitstops and tyre changes are part of the excitement of Formula One. Now the car is more difficult to drive," he said.
"People go 'Wow, that's good, it will make it more exciting'. But it doesn't.
"On the last 15 laps of the race, the car is pretty undriveable. It's a really difficult situation to run one set of tyres throughout the race.
"But not just that. We've got less downforce on the car so it is more prone to sliding at the rear.
"So it is going to over-heat the tyres earlier." Asked whether the fans will enjoy a better spectacle as a result, he said: "Yeah, as long as it doesn't get to the point where it's dangerous."
Herald Sun
Melbourne GP 'safe' to 2010
March 2, 2005
MELBOURNE will lose its prestigious slot as the opening event of the Formula One season next year.
But Australian Grand Prix supremo Ron Walker insists the race is secure until 2010.
Amid rumours that Adelaide could be preparing to poach back the event, Walker said Melbourne's contract to host the race is cast in stone until the end of the decade.
But he conceded a clash with the Commonwealth Games means the Melbourne race will be pushed back to the third event of the 2006 season to accommodate the Games at venues near the Albert Park circuit.
Walker is chairman of both the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and the Melbourne 2006 Games organising committee.
But the future of the Melbourne event could be out of his hands if reports of a crisis in the $2.5 billion Formula One industry are true.
Team bosses have warned they will quit the sport and set up a rival series unless they get a bigger slice of the revenue pie from Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.
Speculation is mounting that Adelaide will capitalise on the turmoil and make a rival bid to win back the event it lost to Melbourne in 1993.
Melbourne is this week celebrating its 10th anniversary of hosting the race.
Walker today expressed confidence the event will be held in Melbourne until at least 2010.
But he said the clash with the Commonwealth Games means it is not feasible to hold the Grand Prix in March, as usual.
The final date for next year's race has not been settled, but is likely to be the last weekend in April.
It means Kuala Lumpur will host the first race of the season.
Walker described the shift as a "small diversion".
"I can categorically tell you, without any hesitation, that the Grand Prix will not be in March," he said.
"We're only going to lose it for a moment in time.
"I can't rely on builders to clean up Albert Park in time and I'm not confident there's enough disposable money in the marketplace for two events at one time."
Walker said he does not believe the event in Melbourne will lose prestige by giving up the opening slot, and there is no chance Melbourne will permanently be relegated from the first race.
"I have a contract, a long-term contract for the first race," he said.
"We go to 2010 and there's a five-year option and the government will make a decision if they want to continue the race for another five years, and Mr Ecclestone has the right to say: 'Well-done chaps, goodbye'."
Walker said next year's Grand Prix budget has been downgraded to take account of lower revenue expectations because of the clash with the Commonwealth Games.
Melbourne has been the opening race of the Grand Prix season for the last decade – a highly valued slot that has made the Australian event among the most high-profile on the calendar. Formula One Grand Prix sponsors have used the Melbourne event to launch new campaigns, and the timing of the race ensures it attracts its quota of big name celebrities. The March date also has slotted well into Melbourne's sporting calendar, coming between the cricket and football seasons, and avoiding clashes with the Australian Open tennis and the Melbourne Cup.
AAP
bugger....
lol adel...
Adelaide had a great track.
Sydney should have it at homebush, just like Monaco street race.
Nice smooth roads and Le Mans was going to be there, but the tree frogs could get hurt.
What a joke!
Bring it back to Adelaide, after it was STOLEN originally!!!!! hahaha (yeah, i'm originally from adelaide :D )
Juan last word of advice
By Peter Krupka
March 3, 2005
McLAREN recruit Juan Pablo Montoya has a simple message for Mark Webber on the eve of his new career with Williams - don't expect any help from the team boss.
The Colombian opened fire on his former employer Frank Williams, saying constant jibes by the team chief about his weight and work ethic made him a jaded driver by the time he left at the end of last year to join McLaren.
"The biggest difference is they (McLaren) gave me a lot more scope to work with," Montoya said. "At BMW (Williams) they expected you to get the things done whereas at McLaren they give you the tools to do the things and that makes a difference to the driver.
"Here the driver is appreciated and it's great."
One of McLaren's first moves was to enlist a personal trainer for Montoya, who has arrived in Melbourne for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix in much slimmer condition.
"Frank always complained since I came into Formula One that I was overweight," said Montoya, the 1999 US-based CART series champion and winner of the Indianapolis 500 in 2000.
"He complained that I was overweight, unfit and just whinged about it but he never said 'I'm going to give you this guy (fitness trainer) and this guy will go to your house every day and get your arse out of bed and train with you'.
"I don't know what they wanted. I was winning races for them ... driving the wheels out of the car and it's really de-motivating when you work pretty hard and someone goes and says that.
"At Mercedes (McLaren) they ... try and give you the best tools to win. They want you to be at 100 per cent to help you win.
"I went on holidays in Miami and the guy (fitness trainer) went with me. He was great."
Montoya said he also grew tired of either starting with a slow Williams car and waiting until mid-season for it to find the pace, or starting with a fast car, like he did last year, and then not having enough development through the year for it to keep pace.
Given pre-season testing indicates the Williams FW27 is sluggish coming to Melbourne, Montoya predicted trouble for the local hero this weekend.
"Mark Webber is going to have a hard time for the first few races," Montoya said.
"More new things are going to come in to the car but from my experience by race 12 it's going to be competitive and there's a chance it will win a race by the end of the year."
Montoya also warned Webber may not get everything his way at his new team, saying the Australian's team-mate Nick Heidfeld deserved respect.
"I think he's going to have a hard time with Nick," Montoya said.
"A lot of people underestimate Nick and I think he will surprise a lot of people."
Montoya and team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, alongside Renault duo Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella, are rated as the likely threats to Ferrari this season.
Winter testing has demonstrated those two teams have coped best with the chassis design changes forced on the teams this year.
Montoya said he struggled at first to get used to the McLaren after 68 races, with four wins, in the Williams.
"It's amazing how two cars can be so different," he said.
"When I got to my first test I was shocked. It did not feel right. I had to do a lot of work over winter to really change the car to the way I like doing things and I think we have done a pretty good job."
In Montoya's opinion the finished McLaren MP4-20 is a much better car than he expected when he announced he would be switching from Williams before the start of the 2004 season.
But he is reluctant to say it has the ability to win at Melbourne, a feat a McLaren car has managed three times - the most recent in 2003.
"In testing, it looks really good and everyone is saying Renault and the McLaren are the best cars but in the past few years Ferrari and (tyre supplier) Bridgestone have been really strong," he said.
"I don't want to say we are going to win the race and then finish fifth. I would rather say we are going to be fifth and then win the race. "This car is a big improvement from the previous McLaren. I was expecting a nice car but that good? No."
The Australian
http://foxsports.news.com.au/common/...,422804,00.jpg
poor webber... ppl r expecting waaay to much from him...
GOD Webber is cool.
Webber revs up young wannabes
By Guy Hand
March 7, 2005
MARK Webber has urged young Australian racers to test themselves overseas and take heart from the example of the their compatriots breaking through in numbers in world motorsports.
The latest is V8 Supercar champion Marcos Ambrose, who will attempt to break into NASCAR racing in the US next year.
Webber remains the highest-profile Australian race driver abroad, finishing a creditable fifth in the season opening Australian Formula One Grand Prix yesterday.
But Australia also has Queenslander Chris Atkinson in the World Rally Championship, Sydneysider Ryan Briscoe driving in North America's premier open-wheel category, and several motorcycle riders in Moto GP and world superbikes.
Would-be top-line race drivers should test themselves on the world stage instead of immediately going into V8 Supercars, as some younger drivers have done in recent years, Webber said.
Most of V8 racing's premier drivers cut their teeth in Europe before returning to touring car racing, including Ambrose, Steven Richards and Russell Ingall.
"Sometimes I get a bit frustrated that the guys have the carrot of the V8s in front of them very early and they don't want to go to Europe," Webber said.
"They just see the comfort zone of racing touring cars here and they don't go any further.
"They should ignore the touring cars for longer and go to Europe."
Webber said he was proud to see other Australians perform well in overseas motor sports categories.
"No question about it we've got the talent down here – we've got the people to do the job," Webber said.
"You've got to earn your respect in Europe.
"Will Power's doing that (driving open-wheelers in Europe).
"He's trying over there and he's working hard.
"We've got Chris Atkinson doing well in the rally cars, Mick Doohan killed them on the bikes, we've got sprint car drivers doing well, Jason Crump on dirt bikes.
"Of course we can do it. Motor racing in Australia is a passion of ours and I love watching Australians doing well in other motor sport categories. "If we've got people in those categories, it's only going to help youngsters to have a dream and have the passion to come through."
AAP
F1 rule change imminent
March 9, 2005
CONTROVERSIAL Formula One qualifying rules used for the first time at last weekend's Australian Grand Prix could already be in line for changes.
The rules, involving grid positions based on the aggregate of two separate sessions, have drawn a barrage of criticim from teams and drivers.
Ferrari says the sport seems to be stumbling from "poor solution to poor solution" while Red Bull racer David Coulthard called them "farcical".
And McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya has complained that Formula One fans are being short-changed.
Ferrari qualified poorly because of a downpour shortly before the cars ran but technical director Ross Brawn says the rules will need modifying if they continue to prove dull.
Brawn said another two races should be enough to decide whether the regulations needed to be tweaked.
"Clearly Australia wasn't a good example," Brawn told F1Racing .net.
"But I'd say that Malaysia, or maybe Bahrain, when we can see it running normally, if we don't see a reasonable spectacle, then things might be considered again.
"We seem to be going from poor solution to poor solution."
Montoya said now that tyres needed to last through qualifying as well as the race, drivers were loath to press too hard for fear of damaging them.
"Yeah, well, you're trying to save the tyre, so it's not the most exciting thing," he said.
"You're just keeping it on the track.
"I think it's disappointing for the fans who pay their money. I think the big problems is that people don't understand what's going on."
Fourth-placed Coulthard, a winner from the qualifying format, was nevertheless scathing about the new system.
"It totally benefited us, but it's not really what we're here to see. It was kind of farcical," Coulthard said.
"There's no point watching the first (Saturday) qualifying hour anymore, as it's all decided in the pre-race qualifying session.
"It should be one hour, four laps and you've got to do a lap in every 15 minutes with all the cars out there."
Meanwhile, Coulthard emphasised that the Red Bull team's effort in Melbourne – which belied its origins in the dismal Jaguar outfit last year – was not a one-off.
"I knew the car felt an improvement on Jaguar. I think (engine supplier) Cosworth have done a good job," Coulthard said. "We just have to come up with ideas to make it go quicker."
AAP
I liked the qualifying format, only reason it messed up was the weather, what they should have done was cancelled the session and ignore the times from it if the conditions aren't similar for all cars....give them a level playing field....
Coulthard's always been whinging about the qualifying formats ever since they took away the 12 lap format....
yeh just 1 single hot lap works for me, this new one can make or break it for anyone:thumbdwn:
Bring back 1 hour, and 12 laps.
Fastest car has pole!
nah, i liked the one lap format, makes it more exciting, and the good drivers still do the fastest times.
Don't sweat the qualifying. What's the deal with the Honda BAR cars? They need to lift their game. It's embarrasing as a Honda owner to watch engine failure after engine failure.
why is it that the other teams can complete 2 races on 1 engine while the Honda can't complete 2 laps??
There, I said it..
mate, I can't answer that lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Vtec4Life
I think Honda has let themselves down, they went good last year in my opinion because everyone else was going so bad.
Dave Richards leaving was a big blow, but I can't see them beating Toyota this year.
I think with Michelin getting all the testing and Ferrari only getting 1/5 (i think it is) of the testing the Michelin do its going to be interesting.
Renault have a good package this year, should be good to see them battle it out.
LUDO2C, have you updated the F1 tipping comp results from last week?
interesting to see how everyone went
Yeh dude, just check first page.Quote:
Originally Posted by 7th Gen
yeah i cant see BAR contesting for too much this season, although its only the begining...
Big Big chance that Montoya will not race this weekend in Bahrain.
According to eurosportnews.com he substained an injury during a game of tennis.
Also, did anyone watch RPM on sunday 27th March?
See Mark Webber interview?
He broke a rib just driving the BMW in testing at Bacelona and then still raced in Australia :confused:
That is amazing! Just proves us aussies aren't pussies!
yeah, don't write them off yet, first two races, and the hottest race of the season. You can't really pick a lot of the season form i think until they get back to europe.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackosimm
I'll be happy to write them off. lolQuote:
Originally Posted by Hondavirgin
They had a reliable car last year which did have some minor problems towards the end of the season.
To me, they put too much effort into keeping Button and getting rid of Dave Richards and not enough time into this overheating problem they have.
Just read/listen to Jenson comments from Malaysia.
Juan Pablo Montoya will miss Bahrain
McLaren confirm Pedro de la Rosa over Wurz
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/l3.gif
http://f1.racing-live.com/img/vide.gif
http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/img...05_220x152.jpg
With over 2000KM in the MP4-20, de la Rosa
gets the nod to replace injured Montoya
McLaren Mercedes has confirmed this morning that Juan Pablo Montoya is unable to take part in the Bahrain Grand Prix this coming weekend, as a result of an injury he sustained whilst playing tennis during the Easter weekend.
Montoya was playing tennis with his personal trainer in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday morning when he slipped and fell, sustaining a minor hairline fracture to his left scapula. Following a number of tests, scans and an examination by one of McLaren’s medical consultants, the team has been advised that Montoya should rest to allow for the injury to heal.
Further scans will take place in two weeks time to verify the healing process, but at this stage the team fully expects Montoya to be able to compete in the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on 24th April 2005.
The team's nominated test driver for the Bahrain Grand Prix, Pedro de la Rosa will race the MP4-20 in Juan Pablo’s place. The team’s other test driver Alexander Wurz will pilot the third car during Friday’s two practice sessions.
Pedro de la Rosa has undertaken 2168 kilometres of testing with the MP4-20 since late January whilst Alex has been focusing on Michelin tyre development with the MP4-19B.
Subsequently after a discussion between the team and Wurz, it was decided that on this particular occasion de la Rosa was better equipped to race at the Bahrain Grand Prix. However following the Bahrain Grand Prix, Wurz will commence his testing programme with the MP4-20, and will be able to share the test driver duties with de la Rosa at future races.
Juan Pablo Montoya
“I’m obviously disappointed not to be able to race this coming weekend. However driving a Formula One car is hard work and it would be impossible to do with my injury and whilst it’s difficult, we have to follow the advice from the medical experts. I’m going to take it easy for a few weeks and cheer for the team in front of the TV. I’m already looking forward to getting back into action as soon as possible. At least it’s early in the season and a lot can happen, so I don’t think my championship challenge is over.”
Pedro de la Rosa
“First of all I would like to wish Juan Pablo a speedy recovery. As one of the test drivers for Team McLaren Mercedes this is really an extension of my existing track side responsibilities. I’m looking forward to the challenge of racing in Bahrain and will do my best. It will be a new experience as I have not competed in Bahrain before. I know the team and the car very well from our comprehensive testing programme and hopefully we will be able to put in a strong performance. I’m definitely going to enjoy this opportunity as much as I can.”
http://f1.racing-live.com/photos/img...04_220x159.jpg
Wurz gets to run the MP4-20 for the first time
in practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix
Alex Wurz
“It goes without saying that I would have preferred to be the one racing the MP4-20 at the Bahrain Grand Prix. However the team and I agreed this was the best solution for this race and I am excited that I will be able to drive the MP4-20 for the first time on Friday in Bahrain. Like the rest of the team I also want to wish Juan Pablo all the best.”
Ron Dennis
“It’s in situations like these that Pedro and Alex roles become even more crucial within the team and I’m confident that both drivers will put in strong performances during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. We will continue to monitor Juan Pablo’s progress over the coming weeks and are aiming to get him back in the car as soon as possible.”
SOFT! webber races with a broken rib! :D
and as for button's post race comments, heat of the moment, engine's just let go on him, been off the pace, bad weekend, he's gonna lash out. I think BAR will still be in there fighting for third, just its only Renault that have made the big step up to Ferrari's level.
Anyone confirmed if Ferrari are using the F2005 next race yet?
Ferrari will race the F2005 this weekend, its confirmed.
yep yep :) i think schuey might get on podium with ruben thise weekend..! gonna be a good race since ferrari has the car nows
I think I might put Michael as winning it.Quote:
Originally Posted by JDM.Power
Ferrari need to put the fear back into the other teams, and Bahrain SHOULD suit them.
same here! but just have 2 wait for the qualifying times ..but i got a feeling both ferrari will be on the top list
yeah, i agree, with the amount of testing Ferrari does, its not like their going to have any teething problems with it, its practically done a season of racing already!
hmm the Bahrain gp will be an interesting one i think. No one really knows how the new ferarri will perform. I think they will do alright in bahrain but don't think they will get the win. At Imola i think is when they will really start to perform.
f1live.comQuote:
Jenson Button insisted here Thursday that his season will finally get going in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix after a stalled start in the first two races.
Button retired from the first race in Australia and he was forced out of the Malaysian race two weeks ago after just two full laps when his engine blew. The Briton, who finished third in the championship last year, heavily criticised the team after his most recent retirement and while he still stands by his response he insisted the team is ready to fight back.
"Our season starts here," said Button. "I think when the adrenaline is pumping you say what you think and I don't think I was wrong to (criticise the team). I think I did the right thing."
"There's no good saying everything's fine after the last race, you've got to show your emotions - not that I was thinking of that at the time. We had a tough weekend because we were very quick. I think I reacted in the right way. I think it shows how much I care about the performance of the team. Our performance in the race and the testing leading up to the meeting was good so it was disappointing that such a small part had gone wrong."
A small, cheap seal was blamed for the engine failure that Button believes cost him a potential podium finish at the Malaysian race and he knows his new 007 car is fast enough to challenge for a top three finish.
The disappointment was even tougher to take because after being prevented from moving to Williams by BAR he was forced to watch German Nick Heidfeld finish on the podium in the car that could have been his this year. But Button believes his post-race reaction in Malaysia has done him more good than harm and said: "It has probably helped because it has shown that I do care and I'm not here for the ride."
The failure in Malaysia will mean Button has a fresh engine to cope with the high temperatures at the Bahrain circuit this weekend with air temperatures rising to 36 degrees Celsius on Thursday afternoon. And although he is concerned about the season-starting failures he admitted: "Coming here the car looks reliable which is positive and the thing we need most is reliability."
"As soon as I got back (from Malaysia) I had a meeting with Honda and we sat down and discussed it, I put forward my points and they said we'll solve these problems immediately. They got back to me straight away."
Source AFP
lets hope hes right!
Let's hope Channel 10 improves their game throughout the year too...
Delayed telecast on Sunday night once again! THEY SUCK!
Maybe we should petition them or something? I love the races that start at a reasonable hour because it means I don't have to try and wake up at some obscure hour. After Bahrain it's of to Italy and the beginning of the Euro leg when the races have early morning starts (our time of course)
I hate Channel 10.....they aren't taking the privilege to host the F1 serious IMO
I miss the days of AJ, Brundle and Murray Walker on Channel 9....
I am soooo hoping for foxtel to finally get the rights to it.
Given that Bahrain is south of europe i imagine this one is late night as well.... and Brundle and the other guy are great anyways i think.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jus-10
yeh it is on late at 10:30 at night so we get it like 30 mins late not too bad i suppose.
I asked Schumacher if he was going to win tonight in Bahrain and he sent me this:
http://imgs.idnes.cz/formule/A040826_RAV_SCHUMIV_V.JPG
Must mean YES!
hell yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thats what im talkin about lolQuote:
Originally Posted by LUD02C
lucky with those tips! almost missed it:thumbsup:
heheh funny pic guys
live timing feed from F1.com on NOW!
General F1 Update.... Hot of the press....
BAR Honda F1 suck balls big time! couldnt even get 1 car across the line in Bahrain!
at least it wasn't the engines this time! (Sato with his brakes failing and Button with transmission/clutch ?).
not too bad considering it was 42 degrees air temp!
Damn BAR. Went to Melbourne to watch them go shit, and now after round 3 they still have no points to them. Seriously, what did they do over the winter break?! Farks sake!
Tell me about, I even invested nearly 500 bux in team apperal which i feel to be a waste atm...
Jensen seems to be half assed about it, sato looks like he's trying his best but the car keeps exploding on him:(
I reckon you could probably write their season off now...:(
these new F1 rules are boring... there are less cars in the race and less effort being put in at practise as they have to save their engines.
So boring
*disappointment*
man what a let down...
both cars were in points scoring positions -_-"
oh well .. its not over yet.. still 16 rounds to go.. they still got a chance to achieve their objective of winning a round this season 0_o
lets hope the new aero parts getting tested will get the team results for Imola
seriously, there's still a maximum of 256 points that could be won by a team (16 1 2 finishes haha, unrealistic i know, unless it was Ferrari a couple of years back!). at least it wasn't the engine this time, and they had the speed to score points.Quote:
Originally Posted by IRI
Sato's retirement was a result of the extreme temps, only the left front brake was overheated and destroying itself.
as for it being boring, how could you call it boring with the Sato/Hedifeld/Button/Raikonnen battle in the midfield (? could have got a couple names wrong there, but it was late at night), and De La Rosa ripping through the field, there was a good 4 or 5 battles going on for most of the races, heaps of passing, F1's great this season i reckon! :D
ahahaha when de la rosa went off one time .. one of the commentator dudes wuz lik "hes heading towards saudi arabia"
ahahahahaaaaa found that quite amusing...
That was hilarious....de la rosa was pretty funny to watch actually. You see him flying up behind someone and at every corner I was just sitting waiting to see which direction he would end up going. I rekon he got past most people because they freaked out and thought it was safer to let him through than get taken out from behind
That McLaren was hauling arse though...
Good to see the fez back on it...shame about the reliability, but the speed was definately there (and they were on the same pit stop starategy as the rest even though the commentators didn't want to believe it at first). San Marino/Imola will see Schumey's first win if the car holds up - that's my prediction.
lol yeh dela rosa was a strange one with the overtaking, all those half assed attempts but he finally got it right:thumbsup:
how long did it last? 12 laps? :pQuote:
Originally Posted by Hondavirgin
they're almost as bad as BAR this year
lol but atleast with the ferrari it wasnt an engine, but you could see the car was fast, whereas bar not so fast... yeh i recon ferrari will win the next couple of races.
i always go for the underdog... :)
go BAR
First off, WELL DONE PEDRO DE LA ROSA.
He hasn't had a F1 race since 2002 and he came in and done a fantastic job.
Yes he did do some stupid mistakes but, with no race experience in that amount of time you can't blame him.
Imagine if Montoya was in that car?
I reckon he would of hit Webber off lol
Ralf, hats off to you to, great job for Toyota and himself.
Alonso and Trulli are on fire!
2 great drivers, a lot of years left in Alonso.
Not happy with Webber, he seems to keep making HUGE mistakes!
But Mark I forgive you lol
Ferrari, Ferrari oh Ferrari.
Will Imola be the start of something beautiful again?
But at least I was correct about those stupid white cars :p
Both didn't finish HA HA HA HA
Jenson just doesn't want to be there, I wasn't happy when he was getting fustrated with his pit crew, If a driver did that to me or I did it to him (in the karting world) you'd be hatted for life.
Overall, great grand prix but I have to say this.
PLEASE CHANGE THE TYRE & ENGINE RULE
Seeing worn tyres and old engines going around is not F1.
ahh not surprising to see webber go off at all. typical webber boy all ways making mistakes.But he did have a good drive just too bad he could stick to the road
Put Will Power another Australian smashing the world in Formula 3 British series.
My cousin who lives in Germany reckons BMW "might" want to keep Heinfeld over Button for next year, depending on if he can keep up his great driving!
yep i can see that happening. well i hope so seen i'm a heidfeld fan. so far with 3 races gone it might look like it will be webber and heidfeld for next year. Button can only drive for williams if he gets a certain amount of points. and so far that honda aint looking too good. LUD02C where in germany is he from. i was born there.
yeah de la rosa definetly did well for the shoes he was in, and lol quiet funny at the amount of attempts, wasnt baggin him at all just found it amusing lol! Hopefully ferrari get some more testing in and pick up a little, fast tracking the F2005 might not have been such a good idea...
BOYZ!
Just was watching Top Gear on Foxtel had Jenson Button in his 03 model BAR vs a Moto GP bike (i think) and a speed power boat racing for the 1/4
Button had some problems and ran a 11sec 1/4 mile but then hit a 8sec 1/4 and 3rd time was quicker (didn't give a time)
Can someone find it?
I'd love to download it.
Mr VTI - He lives in Dusseldorf (spelling)
http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9254
think thats it:thumbsup:
That was it dude.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackosimm
Now the SLR McLaren is on *drool*
no problem:thumbsup:
yea so i recon michael and ferrari should bounce back provided they have some sort of reliability... is it 3 weeks untill the next round too?
Yeah, 3 week break now abit of testing get back to Europe and get there act on. I hope Ferrari can, otherwise Renault will runaway with it this year and it will become boring.
I honestly reckon that Ferrari would be going good if others (1-2 middle/top teams) used Bridgestone as well.
Get abit more testing and that etc.
So, all you BAR fans, whats going on?
Maybe a B16a should be put in, abit more reliable lol
BAR will bounce back... motivation = toyota finishing in the podiums 2 rounds in a row...
but yeah this season doesnt seem all that interesting... havent seen much in the way of overtaking (on the track... pit action is pretty much zero, without tyre changes)
new rules may have cut $$$ in running a team but at what costs to the entertainment factor
Im still down with BAR, the brake problems not cos of the heat but cos of the componenets. the old cars form last year sued ap brakes, this year used alcon, and they failed on both. Well jenson had to nurse it, which lead to the pit crew taking off his left front tyre to check.
Alll in all agreat race i reckon with so many passing moves and nice to see evnts like engine failures, tyre failures etc..
Yeah it's always good to see a few tyre and engine failures, but it seems to me as though that is what F1 has turned in to...You are forever sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see whose engine will blow, whose tyres will fail, etc.....
It's pretty disappointing actually. They changed the rules to reduce costs...I'm sorry, but the only cost saving is the reduction in tyre use and thats about it. And lets face it, the cost of tyres is pretty insignificant when you look at the overall budget of your typical team. Funding has probably just been re-apportioned. Toyota is a perfect example - they have made a 100% commitment to the sport and threw an absolute bucketload of money in to the development of the 2005 car. That massive amount of money has paid off (or is starting to) and proves that with substantial amounts of money you can do well in F1.
Money is and always will be the key in F1 - this is the ultimate motor sport.
When are the boneheads of the sport going to realise they can not slow the cars down - the big teams will always have the money and the commitment to improve the cars as has been proved over and over again over recent years.
Rant over
:)