Posted February 6, 2009 Surprised they didn't take Button.. So looks like Jenson is out of a drive UNLESS honda find a buyer, and given it will take them 6 weeks atleast to sort the car out with a new engine..well it's not looking good at all. Yeah didn't they say if they were going to get a buy out it would be by the end of Jan? They'll miss out on all the on-track '09 bodywork and KERS reliability [though they may have already done some KERS] testing if they don't get something sorted soonish! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 6, 2009 Surprised they didn't take Button.. Can't say it surprises me at all. He's an average driver at best. I do hope Honda find a buyer but Jenson Button will hardly be a great loss to Formula 1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 6, 2009 Anyway, I need to find a new Driver to support since I doubt Rubeans will be driving and seems to be forced into retirement, I'm partial to Kubica. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 6, 2009 Can't say it surprises me at all. He's an average driver at best. I do hope Honda find a buyer but Jenson Button will hardly be a great loss to Formula 1. Average at best? Well that is a bit of an OTT statement, considering he came 3rd in the 2004 championship standings in a BAR, and considering the Ferrari's were obviously going to come 1st and 2nd he did a mighty good job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 8, 2009 Nooooooooo! http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73176 Turkish GP's long-term future in doubt Turkish Grand Prix organisers fear they could lose their Formula One race after 2011, amid reports that Bernie Ecclestone does not plan to renew his current deal with the Istanbul Park circuit. The Today's Zaman newspaper reports that Ecclestone, who took charge of the track several years ago, has given the circuit's original builder and financier the Istabul Chamber of Commerce notice that he plans to take the race off the F1 calendar after three more years. Istanbul Park's general director Can Guclu confirmed that the race's long-term future was in doubt as other countries clamoured for dates on the F1 schedule. "We are afraid that 2011 may be the last year of the staging of F1 in Istanbul," Guclu told Zaman. "There is serious competition from such countries as South Africa, Russia, Bulgaria and South Korea. South Korea has a highly developed economy and they place importance on sporting events. The [football] world cup was held in there in 2002. And Russia has already started constructing a race course." Guclu said he was concerned that negotiations had not yet begun to extend Istanbul Park's F1 deal, especially as it had originally taken four years from securing agreement with Ecclestone in 2001 to hosting the inaugural Turkish GP in 2005. "If we want the Turkish Grand Prix to stay on the calendar, we need to start working immediately," he said. "Or else, we cannot just begin negotiating for the race in the last year of the contract. "We made a deal with Ecclestone in 2003 and the first race was organised in 2005. As you see, there is a four-year process in order to be included in the calendar. "There is still nothing about extending the deal and no demand from either side." I LOVE Turkey!! I think it's been a GREAT adition and I'd REALLY miss it! Turn 7-8-9-10 is EPIC! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 9, 2009 Yeah tell me about it! And I can perhaps see the point of GP's in South Africa and Russia [india aswell], but seriously who on EARTH would ever want a GP in Bulgaria or South Korea! I mean who cares!! With the odd exception, such as India who actually have potential F1 drivers... The thing I hate about all these possible new venues, is you know Bernie and that country are just doing it solely for the money. The country has no real interest in the sport, thus we'll get a crappy new Tilke circuit with little chance for overtaking, built on some area of wasteland [with no attractive scenery] the country has no clue what to do with. Attendance will probably fall after the first year and we'll move away from that venue once its contract runs out! Either that or a bollocks new street circuit just for the heck of it! The sooner they kick Bernie out, give FOTA more say, who listen to the fans and have a real interest in preserving the classic tracks, the better! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Red Bull RB5 http://www.itv-f1.com/news_article.aspx?id=45069 Red Bull Racing has unveiled its new RB5 design at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain. The latest RBR machine was one of the most eagerly-anticipated of the 2009 cars, as the team's design ace Adrian Newey has often stolen a march on his rivals at times of major regulation change – such as when his McLarens dominated the 1998 season in the first year of narrow chassis and grooved tyres. Newey said the new rules meant this year's Red Bull had almost nothing in common with its predecessor. “2009 arguably sees the biggest rule change since flat bottoms were introduced in 1983, a very major change," he said. "We have taken a clean sheet, blue-sky approach, looking at the implications of these rules and how to interpret them, while not changing things simply for the sake of it. "Apart from the gearbox internals, there is hardly any carry-over from RB4.” The RB5 features a Renault/Magneti-Marelli Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which has been installed at the bottom of the fuel tank, and an improved engine from the French manufacturer thanks to the FIA giving dispensation for upgrades during the winter. Newey highlighted the compromises KERS necessitates on other aspects of car performance. “We use a battery storage [KERS] system, which is heavy and therefore affects weight distribution on the car," he said. "After everything is packaged in the usual manner, driver, fuel cell, engine, gearbox, you then have to find somewhere for KERS, while maintaining fuel tank capacity and achieving the weight distribution target. "RB5 carries its KERS in the base of the fuel tank.” The car was hailed in advance by Mark Webber as one of the best-looking cars of the new small-winged generation and has a notably slimmer nose section than many of its rivals, a more intricate front wing, and sculpted rear bodywork. It also has a unique pullrod (rather than pushrod) rear suspension design, lowering the car's centre of gravity, and appears to be lower-line than all its rivals launched so far. Red Bull took a deliberate decision to delay the car's unveiling because it reckoned having extra time to perfect the design was more important than early test mileage. Webber will make his comeback after breaking a leg in a winter cycling accident on Wednesday, with his new team-mate Sebastian Vettel handling the first two days of testing in the new car. A modified version of the RB5 fitted with a Ferrari engine will be supplied to sister team Toro Rosso. Recently re-signed STR driver Sebastien Bourdais said last week that his team does not expect to receive the new car until early March, so will continue testing with a hybrid 2008 chassis. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73200 Gearbox problem stops RB5's first test Red Bull Racing were forced to end the first test of their new RB5 at Jerez today early after being hit by a gearbox problem. Sebastian Vettel was able to complete only 14 laps before the team opted to stop their test and investigate high gearbox oil temperatures before returning to action tomorrow morning. "Unfortunately we haven't achieved what was on the schedule," said Vettel. "We were hoping for more mileage but for precautionary reasons, to save the parts and the car, we decided to stop. "The gearbox oil temperature went high and we did not know why, so we decided to stop. It takes quite some time to take the gearbox off, especially when the car is new and the mechanics are not yet in the rhythm. During the season we will be much quicker, but now everything is new." With so little running, Vettel was unwilling to draw any conclusions about the performance of the new car. "We did 14 laps, so it's very difficult to say," he said. "We haven't yet done any real running because we were on the circuit, but not at full speed. Then early in the day we faced the problem with the gearbox - that's why it's too early to say." Vettel will return to the track tomorrow morning for the first day of a full four-day test, during which he will run on alternate days with teammate Mark Webber. How thin is that nose!!!! Like the look of the car though and would like to see it quite competitive; not beating Ferrari obviously, but quite competitive nonetheless! '09 comparison: EXCITED!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 9, 2009 A nice variety of cars there, only a matter of time till we see if Honda will make it now under whatever new name it might get. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 9, 2009 The Red Bull looks great, i cannot wait until the new season Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 10, 2009 OK next round of testing is underway... @ Barhain: Ferrari, BMW, Toyota @ Jerez [spain]: McLaren, Renault, Red Bull, Williams, STR @ Bahrain: Final Times: 1. Glock Toyota 1:33.501 [82] 2. Massa Ferrari 1:33.615 [98] 3. Kubica BMW 1:33.702 [95] - At Sakhir in the morning there was a lot of fog, it was so bad the helicopter couldn't even take off in case of an accident. Therefore testing could only start at little before 10:00. Massa's work in the morning centered on finding a basic set up for the F60 at the Bahrain circuit (as undoubtedly was Kubica's and Glock's job as well for their cars). @ Jerez: Final Times: 1. Buemi STR 1:19.660 [104] 2. Vettel Red Bull 1:22.177 [61] 3. Hulkenberg Williams 1:22.443 [82] 4. Kovalainen McLaren 1:22.643 [58] 5. Piquet Renault 1:23.313 [35] - Only McLaren testing KERS. - Has been some rain. Go to 3:20 on video... ... good old Piquet! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 12, 2009 Barhain Wednesday: Testing was officially closed after only 2hrs running due to a sand storm. It was too danderous for the safety helicopter to fly in so testing had to be stopped. Thursday: The sandstorm is worse today. Raikkonen, Kubica and Trulli were only allowed to run 1 installation lap before testing was closed for the day. As 2 days of testing have been lost, I think the teams are in talks with the circuit organisers to see if they can run on Saturday and Sunday. Fingers crossed!! Photo's from yesterday: Today: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 13, 2009 Donington 2010 F1 Lap Simulation: They could have done something to show that overtaking will be possible in that video! Hope it is! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 13, 2009 I can see overtaking being possible. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 13, 2009 I Agree, not looking too shabby. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 14, 2009 Donnington looks to be shaping up pretty well, the sharp turns and undulating hills look like they could catch a lot of unwary drivers out. Should provide at least decent racing. Also, USF1 are going to make it official on the 24th. Will be interesting to see what their plans are. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73282 Plus, Honda are apparently feeling confident enough to give the green light for preparations for 09 any day now. Still far from certain, but I certainly hope so. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73281 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 14, 2009 Donnington looks to be shaping up pretty well, the sharp turns and undulating hills look like they could catch a lot of unwary drivers out. Should provide at least decent racing. Also, USF1 are going to make it official on the 24th. Will be interesting to see what their plans are. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73282 Plus, Honda are apparently feeling confident enough to give the green light for preparations for 09 any day now. Still far from certain, but I certainly hope so. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73281 Yeah the hills and level changes of Donnington should be great! Was surprised to here it will be the steepest hill in F1, as Brazils is pretty epic! haha, Scott Speed to return? Yeah it would good to have a full grid. The extra US team in 2010 will be good too! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 14, 2009 is there any word on if jenson has a ride next season yet? or if honda are still gunna be there Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 15, 2009 First Female Driver?... http://tsn.ca/auto_racing/story/?id=267274&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_auto_racing-formula_one AMERICAN F1 TEAM TO CONSIDER PATRICK FOR 2010 SPOT An American team will be racing in Formula One from 2010, and IndyCar driver Danica Patrick is a candidate to fill one of its seats. USF1, which will be officially unveiled Feb. 24, will have a staff of at least 100, a working budget of 50 million euros (C$79.6 million) and an aim to put two American drivers on the starting grid. The team is looking at testing out a number of candidates, especially the 26-year-old Patrick. "She's great. She gets a lot of press," USF1 technical director Ken Anderson said. "(Indianapolis Motor Speedway president) Tony George would probably be pretty mad with me if I took her out of the IRL but we'll see. "I don't know if it's something she wants to do. We'd certainly love to test her and go from there." NASCAR driver Scott Speed, who raced 28 times for F1 team Toro Rosso from 2006-'07, is also a candidate. Conor Daly - son of former F1 driver Derek Daly - and Josef Newgarden are also being mentioned, with both drivers presently competing in European junior categories. The team will be based out of Charlotte, N.C., and with much of the technology coming from the United States means that "being the only game in town in the U.S. means there're a lot of companies we can lean on to outsource," according to Anderson. Officials with motor racing's governing body did not immediately return messages looking for confirmation that USF1's entry had been accepted. The team is currently looking for a secondary base in Europe, most likely sharing with Epsilon Euskadi's team headquarters in northern Spain. It would certainly be a money maker! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 15, 2009 It would probably be more for publicity and marketing than anything else but it would be interesting to see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 16, 2009 First Female Driver?... No. Possibly the 6th though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 16, 2009 No. Possibly the 6th though.Actually the majority of female drivers to try F1 have never even started a race!Obviously there have been some try the cars. I'm not aware of any female drivers competing in a full championship, in which case she would be the first. But if there has been then... First Female Driver of the modern era! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 16, 2009 Lord knows a competitive female driver (or three) would be a great boost for the sport. I tend to imagine Patrick will be too happy in Indy to be tempted away by a starter outfit though. Hopefully that Swiss lass Gachnang coming up in F2 can get somewhere. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 16, 2009 We could yet See button This year, former Honda team receiving support from Bernie and Mercedes: http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=45118 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 16, 2009 Been looking over Danika's race history, and seriously the ONLY reason to choose her would be for the money/publicity. It's honestly a joke to even consider her and would actually reflect kinda badly on the sport as it's essentially meant to be the best drivers in the world... Some stats: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danica_Patrick - She moved to England at the age of 16 in order to advance her racing career. Patrick raced in Formula Ford and Formula Vauxhall, earning a second-place finish in Britain's Formula Ford Festival, the highest finish by a woman in the event. - In 2002, Patrick started driving for Bobby Rahal in the United States. After making several starts in the Barber Dodge Pro Series, she moved to the Toyota Atlantic Championship for 2003. Driving for Rahal Letterman Racing, Patrick won one pole and was a consistent podium finisher (top three); however, she never won a race. In 2004, Patrick finished third in the Championship. She's been driving in IndyCar since 2005 and finished the season... 2005 - 12th 2006 - 9th 2007 - 7th 2006 - 6th If they are going for an all american team there are endless better candidates! Someone who's won something for a start! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Posted February 16, 2009 Been looking over Danika's race history, and seriously the ONLY reason to choose her would be for the money/publicity.It's honestly a joke to even consider her and would actually reflect kinda badly on the sport as it's essentially meant to be the best drivers in the world... Some stats: If they are going for an all american team there are endless better candidates! Someone who's won something for a start! With that record she'd probably struggle to get a super-license needed for F1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
