After a disastrous Monaco Grand Prix McLaren are not expecting things to get much better in Istanbul, but several minor upgrades to their car should keep them the mix for points.
McLaren will be looking to put the Monaco Grand Prix behind them going into next week’s Turkish Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton epitomised the team’s torrid start to the season by crashing out in qualifying, effectively writing off his race - and with it his hopes of defending his title - while Heikki Kovalainen consolidated the nightmare by dropping his car into the barriers in the race after running as high as seventh.
It was something of an opportunity missed too. The Hamilton-McLaren package was widely tipped to shine in Monte Carlo with the twisty street circuit masking the aerodynamic flaws of the MP4-24.
The Istabul Speed Circuit with its flowing high speed corners couldn’t be further apart from the streets of Monaco and that is why McLaren are bracing themselves for another difficult weekend.
“We go to Turkey in the knowledge that the track characteristics are a bit less likely to suit our package than Monaco,” conceded McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh.
Mercedes Benz boss Norbert Haug added: “KERS should again be a good support to improve our lap times, but nevertheless the Turkish Grand Prix will be a demanding challenge for us.”
However, McLaren, continuing their highly effective piecemeal approach to development this season - compare BMW Sauber who have been forced to make radical changes to an under performing car - will bring several minor upgrades to their car for Istanbul which they hope will keep them in contention for points.
“We are improving all the time, confirmed Whitmarsh. “We have several minor upgrades for MP4-24 and look forward to assessing our competitiveness against our rivals.”
Lewis Hamilton meanwhile, who put in a sensational charge to second place in Istanbul last year despite being forced to make an extra pit stop for tyres, is relishing the prospect of throwing his car around the undulating circuit.
“I love racing in Turkey,” he said. “It’s a real challenge because you need to attack the lap to get a good time, but you also need to be careful with your tyres - if you push too much, particularly through Turn Eight, then your tyres are going to suffer. It’s all about finding the perfect balance in practice and being disciplined in the race so you don’t overdo it.”
“I also love the fact that it’s a new circuit that has really captured the flavour of some of the older, classic tracks – it’s got a bit of everything and is fantastic to drive. Also, as it’s anti-clockwise, it gives your neck a bit of a workout – but you just need to make sure you’ve exercised the left side of your neck a little more than usual before getting in the car.”
Heikki Kovalainen concurred: “Turkey is all about Turn Eight – the high-speed, four-apex left-hander. On a good day in qualifying, it’s flat-out – and that’s a pretty good feeling when you get it right.”
“It’s also very important to look after your tyres through Turn Eight – you put a lot of load through the tyres, particularly the fronts, so it’s a good idea to look after them during the race. The best place to overtake here is into Turn 12, the corner at the end of the back straight. You can get a good tow and slipstream past – with KERS we should hopefully see some exciting racing.”
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Toyota’s Monaco debacle will not be repeated.
Timo Glock has said he feels positive that Toyota’s Monaco debacle will not be repeated.
The German qualified at the back of the grid and finished 10th, with a car that was far off the pace for the front runners. But Glock feels this was an anomaly in a season where Toyota have generally been running closer to the front than ever before.
“I am confident Monaco was a one-off because we had been really competitive in the previous races, so we know the car is pretty good,” said Glock. “Monaco is a unique track so I think we won’t have the same issues in Turkey.
“Nevertheless, we have to push really hard to understand what happened and to improve the car for the next races. We are third in the Constructors’ Championship and everyone back in Cologne is working hard to get more and more performance from the car so even though Monaco was disappointing we are staying positive. This is important.”
The faster Istanbul and Silverstone circuits upcoming are thought to favour cars similar in build to the Toyota, with a long wheelbase. Red Bull are expecting a more competitive weekend in Turkey as well, and hope to compete with Ferrari. Meanwhile, Brawn’s advantage has traditionally been negated on lower-downforce circuits.
The German qualified at the back of the grid and finished 10th, with a car that was far off the pace for the front runners. But Glock feels this was an anomaly in a season where Toyota have generally been running closer to the front than ever before.
“I am confident Monaco was a one-off because we had been really competitive in the previous races, so we know the car is pretty good,” said Glock. “Monaco is a unique track so I think we won’t have the same issues in Turkey.
“Nevertheless, we have to push really hard to understand what happened and to improve the car for the next races. We are third in the Constructors’ Championship and everyone back in Cologne is working hard to get more and more performance from the car so even though Monaco was disappointing we are staying positive. This is important.”
The faster Istanbul and Silverstone circuits upcoming are thought to favour cars similar in build to the Toyota, with a long wheelbase. Red Bull are expecting a more competitive weekend in Turkey as well, and hope to compete with Ferrari. Meanwhile, Brawn’s advantage has traditionally been negated on lower-downforce circuits.
'Ferrari to sign up, Toyota to quit'
Ferrari and the other FOTA members, barring Toyota, are all expected to sign up for next year's Championship by the close of play today.
The teams have until today, Friday 29th May, to sign up for the 2010 Formula One season after Max Mosley pushed forward the deadline.
However, in the build-up to D-Day there has been a great deal of political tension between the teams and Mosley as the FIA President put into place plans to introduce a budget cap and two-tier regulations that would favour those agreeing to the cap.
This resulted in some of the teams; Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Toyota; threatening to quit the sport.
But after weeks of wrangling, the two parties have reportedly agreed to a £85m restriction in 2010 with the cap dropping to £40m the following season. There will also be one set of regulations for all teams while the existing teams have undertaken to help out any new entrants by supplying cheap parts and technical expertise.
"We are not meant to say anything, but you can expect Ferrari and the others to sign up," an insider told the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, the Telegraph is reporting that Ferrari's 'entry will be conditional on the response of the FIA, the sport's governing body, to a proposal submitted this morning by the Formula One Teams Association. The proposal will demand assurances regarding the stability, governance and rule-making within the sport.'
But while Ferrari are expected to sign up, one team that reportedly won't is Toyota as the Japanese manufacturer is believed to be pulling out of Formula One at the end of the season.
'As for Toyota, they are looking for an elegant exit. Their Formula One project has failed to deliver fruit, despite annual expenditure of around £300m,' claimed the Daily Mail.
'With their fellow Japanese manufacturers Honda having withdrawn last December, they can depart without too much embarrassment at home. Grand prix racing can live without them, if not Ferrari.'
The FIA will announce the names of next season's participants on June 12.
The teams have until today, Friday 29th May, to sign up for the 2010 Formula One season after Max Mosley pushed forward the deadline.
However, in the build-up to D-Day there has been a great deal of political tension between the teams and Mosley as the FIA President put into place plans to introduce a budget cap and two-tier regulations that would favour those agreeing to the cap.
This resulted in some of the teams; Ferrari, Renault, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Toyota; threatening to quit the sport.
But after weeks of wrangling, the two parties have reportedly agreed to a £85m restriction in 2010 with the cap dropping to £40m the following season. There will also be one set of regulations for all teams while the existing teams have undertaken to help out any new entrants by supplying cheap parts and technical expertise.
"We are not meant to say anything, but you can expect Ferrari and the others to sign up," an insider told the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, the Telegraph is reporting that Ferrari's 'entry will be conditional on the response of the FIA, the sport's governing body, to a proposal submitted this morning by the Formula One Teams Association. The proposal will demand assurances regarding the stability, governance and rule-making within the sport.'
But while Ferrari are expected to sign up, one team that reportedly won't is Toyota as the Japanese manufacturer is believed to be pulling out of Formula One at the end of the season.
'As for Toyota, they are looking for an elegant exit. Their Formula One project has failed to deliver fruit, despite annual expenditure of around £300m,' claimed the Daily Mail.
'With their fellow Japanese manufacturers Honda having withdrawn last December, they can depart without too much embarrassment at home. Grand prix racing can live without them, if not Ferrari.'
The FIA will announce the names of next season's participants on June 12.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
BMW set to debut 'multi-level' diffuser
BMW-Sauber boss Mario Theissen on Tuesday confirmed that the Swiss based team will use a "multi-level diffuser" for the first time in Turkey in two weeks.
After the German squad's disastrous outing at Monaco, he said: "We are convinced that this will be a step in the right direction."It is believed that a decision about whether or not to reinstall the KERS system to the F1.09 in Istanbul has not yet been taken.
After the German squad's disastrous outing at Monaco, he said: "We are convinced that this will be a step in the right direction."It is believed that a decision about whether or not to reinstall the KERS system to the F1.09 in Istanbul has not yet been taken.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
BMW deny Heidfeld is on his way out
BMW team boss Mario Theissen has denied reports that this year's Championship will be Nick Heidfeld's last as a BMW driver.
Heidfeld joined BMW at the beginning of the 2006 season and has enjoyed mixed success with the German manufacturer. This year, though, there has been little to smile at BMW as the team's form has taken a sharp dip.
And as a result there have been rumours in the German that Heidfeld could be dropped at the end of the season even though he's the only BMW man to have scored any points so far this year.
Theissen, however, has denied these claims.
"First of all, I haven't read it," he told Autosport. "And even if I had read it I wouldn't make any comment and wouldn't react to it. As far as our present driver line-up is concerned I am not prepared to say anything negative.
"At the end of the day we can only talk about that when we are fast again and our driver line-up for the next year is traditionally decided in September."
Heidfeld joined BMW at the beginning of the 2006 season and has enjoyed mixed success with the German manufacturer. This year, though, there has been little to smile at BMW as the team's form has taken a sharp dip.
And as a result there have been rumours in the German that Heidfeld could be dropped at the end of the season even though he's the only BMW man to have scored any points so far this year.
Theissen, however, has denied these claims.
"First of all, I haven't read it," he told Autosport. "And even if I had read it I wouldn't make any comment and wouldn't react to it. As far as our present driver line-up is concerned I am not prepared to say anything negative.
"At the end of the day we can only talk about that when we are fast again and our driver line-up for the next year is traditionally decided in September."
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Button jogs straight after winning Monaco
Jenson Button had so much energy after winning the Monaco grand prix that he managed to run the entire distance of the pit straight to get to the podium ceremony in time.
After winning the prestigious race, his fifth from six starts so far in 2009, the Brawn driver mistakenly parked into the pits, not further down the road on the straight where the top three runners assemble for the festivities."I'm lost for words with him really," Ross Brawn, having earlier on Sunday compared Button with Michael Schumacher, told the BBC.
"He's exceeding everything I thought possible."Button wasn't lost for words on the radio after crossing the chequered flag: "Monaco baby, yeah!" the resident of the Principality screamed.His lead over teammate Rubens Barrichello, squarely beaten and second on Sunday, is now 16 points, while the closest non-Brawn challenger Sebastian Vettel crashed into the barriers at Ste Devote after burning up his soft tyres.The German is now an increasingly distant 28 points behind Button with 11 races to go, meaning Button can now afford to lose a couple of points to the Red Bull at every remaining grand prix on the calendar and still win the title.Kimi Raikkonen ended Ferrari's podium drought with third place, followed closely by teammate Felipe Massa.Force India, with Giancarlo Fisichella in ninth, missed scoring a point by less than two seconds, amid a spate of retirements and crashes and the awful form this weekend of the BMWs and Toyotas.
Sebastian Buemi punted Nelson Piquet off, while Heikki Kovalainen and Kazuki Nakajima shunted alone, the latter Williams while negotiating the last lap.Piquet, just a season ahead of rookie Swiss Buemi, was scathing: "These young drivers need to calm down."Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton finished twelfth and a lap down.
After winning the prestigious race, his fifth from six starts so far in 2009, the Brawn driver mistakenly parked into the pits, not further down the road on the straight where the top three runners assemble for the festivities."I'm lost for words with him really," Ross Brawn, having earlier on Sunday compared Button with Michael Schumacher, told the BBC.
"He's exceeding everything I thought possible."Button wasn't lost for words on the radio after crossing the chequered flag: "Monaco baby, yeah!" the resident of the Principality screamed.His lead over teammate Rubens Barrichello, squarely beaten and second on Sunday, is now 16 points, while the closest non-Brawn challenger Sebastian Vettel crashed into the barriers at Ste Devote after burning up his soft tyres.The German is now an increasingly distant 28 points behind Button with 11 races to go, meaning Button can now afford to lose a couple of points to the Red Bull at every remaining grand prix on the calendar and still win the title.Kimi Raikkonen ended Ferrari's podium drought with third place, followed closely by teammate Felipe Massa.Force India, with Giancarlo Fisichella in ninth, missed scoring a point by less than two seconds, amid a spate of retirements and crashes and the awful form this weekend of the BMWs and Toyotas.
Sebastian Buemi punted Nelson Piquet off, while Heikki Kovalainen and Kazuki Nakajima shunted alone, the latter Williams while negotiating the last lap.Piquet, just a season ahead of rookie Swiss Buemi, was scathing: "These young drivers need to calm down."Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton finished twelfth and a lap down.
Teams tell Mosley to tear up 2010 rules
As night fell in Monaco and teams packed up after Sunday's grand prix, the politics kept racing ahead.FIA president Max Mosley had been highly visible in the paddock, telling reporters that a compromise was near.But at the same time, a letter signed by every team principal was making its way to the 69-year-old Briton, and its command was clear: tear up the proposed 2010 rules or no FOTA member will meet Friday's deadline for team entries.
Earlier, it was suggested that independent teams including McLaren, Williams, Brawn and Force India had informed their colleagues in the Renault motor home meeting that they would indeed be lodging paperwork on time for next year's world championship.FOTA's position, according to speculation, is complicated: off the agenda is an official budget cap, due mainly to many teams' objections to being audited on a regular and intrusive basis by the FIA.Instead, it is believed they are promising substantial cost limitations beginning next year, to be self-policed.Small and new teams, meanwhile, will be offered low-cost engines and drivetrains, and the carmakers may also be willing to assist them in other ways, such as the sharing of technical information.It is also suggested that, as part of the satisfactory resolution of the dispute, the existing teams are willing to contractually commit to F1 until the end of 2012.
To reporters after Monaco's 78-lap race, Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed the existence of the letter to Mosley."What we have asked is to go back to the rules of this year and then see together what we can do in order to make changes for next year," said the Italian.In FOTA's view, the immediate revocation of the 2010 rules is necessary, because signing up by Friday's deadline means accepting the published rules, including the 'two-tier' element and voluntary 40m pounds sterling cap.
Earlier, it was suggested that independent teams including McLaren, Williams, Brawn and Force India had informed their colleagues in the Renault motor home meeting that they would indeed be lodging paperwork on time for next year's world championship.FOTA's position, according to speculation, is complicated: off the agenda is an official budget cap, due mainly to many teams' objections to being audited on a regular and intrusive basis by the FIA.Instead, it is believed they are promising substantial cost limitations beginning next year, to be self-policed.Small and new teams, meanwhile, will be offered low-cost engines and drivetrains, and the carmakers may also be willing to assist them in other ways, such as the sharing of technical information.It is also suggested that, as part of the satisfactory resolution of the dispute, the existing teams are willing to contractually commit to F1 until the end of 2012.
To reporters after Monaco's 78-lap race, Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali confirmed the existence of the letter to Mosley."What we have asked is to go back to the rules of this year and then see together what we can do in order to make changes for next year," said the Italian.In FOTA's view, the immediate revocation of the 2010 rules is necessary, because signing up by Friday's deadline means accepting the published rules, including the 'two-tier' element and voluntary 40m pounds sterling cap.
Friday, May 22, 2009
No diffuser for Toro Rosso in Monaco, Turkey
It will be two more races until Toro Rosso's drivers can look forward to enjoying the competitive fruits of a 'double diffuser'.
In Monaco this weekend, parent team Red Bull have rolled out the controversial rear aerodynamic concept for its RB5, which apart from a different engine is nearly identical to the Toro Rosso chassis.But Swiss 20-year-old Sebastien Buemi, the only rookie in the Monaco field this year, said Faenza based Toro Rosso cannot expect to receive the diffuser until after the Turkish grand prix early next month.
"We're not going to have it in Istanbul," he is quoted as confirming to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.Buemi explained that the car modifications to accommodate the diffuser are "quite massive".
In Monaco this weekend, parent team Red Bull have rolled out the controversial rear aerodynamic concept for its RB5, which apart from a different engine is nearly identical to the Toro Rosso chassis.But Swiss 20-year-old Sebastien Buemi, the only rookie in the Monaco field this year, said Faenza based Toro Rosso cannot expect to receive the diffuser until after the Turkish grand prix early next month.
"We're not going to have it in Istanbul," he is quoted as confirming to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.Buemi explained that the car modifications to accommodate the diffuser are "quite massive".
Thursday, May 21, 2009
teams quiet over 2010 entry deadline
Of the current formula one grid, only two or three existing teams may sign up to contest the 2010 world championship by the FIA's May 29 deadline.
Official entry forms can begin to be submitted on Friday, but outfits including Ferrari, Renault, Toyota and the Red Bull teams have indicated they will miss the deadline due to the controversy about budget caps.Of the remaining five outfits, McLaren-Mercedes - having only recently escaped the FIA's wrath over 'lie-gate' - are holding out for a solution, while BMW-Sauber has said the imposition of cut-price budget caps may turn off BMW's executive board.BMW motor sport director Mario Theissen in Monaco said more discussions with the FOTA team alliance will take place on Friday.
"We will discuss it then and not make any statements beforehand," the German said in the Principality."I would say we need to be positive and we need to be confident and we need to push to get an agreement because it doesn't make sense for any of the stakeholders to damage the platform we have," added Theissen.Ferrari on Wednesday insultingly mocked a leaked entry list of new private teams that are seemingly willing to fill the gaps left by departed works teams next year.But Theissen said: "Formula one should be a mixture of manufacturer and independent teams. We can do without neither one nor the other.
"It has been suggested that the independent teams Williams, Force India and Brawn may actually make the May 29 deadline because they fully back the budget cap concept.Brawn chief Ross Brawn, while admitting his team personally supports budget capping, would not confirm the speculation in Monaco.
"I don't want to comment on that particular point yet, because of the discussions going on," he told F1's official website."We as a team always supported the idea of the budget cap, but what we don't want is a budget cap that forces other teams to leave formula one," the Briton added.
Official entry forms can begin to be submitted on Friday, but outfits including Ferrari, Renault, Toyota and the Red Bull teams have indicated they will miss the deadline due to the controversy about budget caps.Of the remaining five outfits, McLaren-Mercedes - having only recently escaped the FIA's wrath over 'lie-gate' - are holding out for a solution, while BMW-Sauber has said the imposition of cut-price budget caps may turn off BMW's executive board.BMW motor sport director Mario Theissen in Monaco said more discussions with the FOTA team alliance will take place on Friday.
"We will discuss it then and not make any statements beforehand," the German said in the Principality."I would say we need to be positive and we need to be confident and we need to push to get an agreement because it doesn't make sense for any of the stakeholders to damage the platform we have," added Theissen.Ferrari on Wednesday insultingly mocked a leaked entry list of new private teams that are seemingly willing to fill the gaps left by departed works teams next year.But Theissen said: "Formula one should be a mixture of manufacturer and independent teams. We can do without neither one nor the other.
"It has been suggested that the independent teams Williams, Force India and Brawn may actually make the May 29 deadline because they fully back the budget cap concept.Brawn chief Ross Brawn, while admitting his team personally supports budget capping, would not confirm the speculation in Monaco.
"I don't want to comment on that particular point yet, because of the discussions going on," he told F1's official website."We as a team always supported the idea of the budget cap, but what we don't want is a budget cap that forces other teams to leave formula one," the Briton added.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Red Bull up for the battle with Brawn
Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner is anticipating more bruises from Brawn this weekend, but is adamant his team's time will come in the fight for the Formula One World Championship.
Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello staved off the anticipated challenge of their rivals in Spain 10 days ago to clinch a one-two and open up a significant gap in both Championships.
After winning four of the first five races, Button has a 14-point cushion over Barrichello, with Red Bull duo Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber a further four and 11.5 points adrift respectively.
As for the Constructors' Championship, the dominant Brawns are 29.5 points clear of Red Bull, with McLaren and Ferrari an astonishing 55 and 62 points behind ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.
While no-one can discount the sport's two giants, at this stage it would appear the battle is between Brawn and Red Bull, and the latter is playing catch-up.
Yet a defiant Horner said: "We still absolutely feel we're in this Championship.
"The performance of the car in Spain was again positive, and both drivers have demonstrated the potential of it.
"We've not had the rub of the green in the last couple of races, and Brawn have taken advantage of that.
"But it's a long season, and we've some tracks coming up that will really suit the characteristics of our car.
"Anything with a high-speed corner will be good for us, so Monaco is more Brawn territory.
"But there's no reason why we shouldn't be in good shape at all tracks, in particular at Turkey and Silverstone as they will suit the characteristics of our car."
There is the prospect the Red Bulls will have on board around Monte Carlo a new rear diffuser which was the cause of so much political upheaval at the start of the season.
If so, there is every chance Horner's cars will be closer to the Brawns than he is anticipating.
"The guys in Milton Keynes have been working very hard on it," added Horner.
"As we've seen, every team that has so far put one far has found some performance."
Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello staved off the anticipated challenge of their rivals in Spain 10 days ago to clinch a one-two and open up a significant gap in both Championships.
After winning four of the first five races, Button has a 14-point cushion over Barrichello, with Red Bull duo Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber a further four and 11.5 points adrift respectively.
As for the Constructors' Championship, the dominant Brawns are 29.5 points clear of Red Bull, with McLaren and Ferrari an astonishing 55 and 62 points behind ahead of Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix.
While no-one can discount the sport's two giants, at this stage it would appear the battle is between Brawn and Red Bull, and the latter is playing catch-up.
Yet a defiant Horner said: "We still absolutely feel we're in this Championship.
"The performance of the car in Spain was again positive, and both drivers have demonstrated the potential of it.
"We've not had the rub of the green in the last couple of races, and Brawn have taken advantage of that.
"But it's a long season, and we've some tracks coming up that will really suit the characteristics of our car.
"Anything with a high-speed corner will be good for us, so Monaco is more Brawn territory.
"But there's no reason why we shouldn't be in good shape at all tracks, in particular at Turkey and Silverstone as they will suit the characteristics of our car."
There is the prospect the Red Bulls will have on board around Monte Carlo a new rear diffuser which was the cause of so much political upheaval at the start of the season.
If so, there is every chance Horner's cars will be closer to the Brawns than he is anticipating.
"The guys in Milton Keynes have been working very hard on it," added Horner.
"As we've seen, every team that has so far put one far has found some performance."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Brawn eye pole position in Monaco
With overtaking on the streets of Monte Carlo almost impossible, starting in pole position will be vital to Brawn GP's hopes of maintaining their dominance over the rest of the field this weekend.
Brawn GP head into the Monaco Grand Prix, a race notorious for limited overtaking opportunities, with a 29.5-point lead over second-placed Red Bull in the Constructors' Championship while Jenson Button is 14 points clear of team-mate Rubens Barrichello in the Drivers' Standings.
But that doesn't mean they are resting on their laurels. Team principal Ross Brawn says their main aim will be to start on the front row.
"Our car works very well with low-speed corners and we have a fantastic engine from Mercedes-Benz which has a lot of power and excellent drivability which is important around the twisty street circuit," Brawn said.
"The BGP 001 car is very good mechanically which you need to take advantage of the slow speed nature of the track. Monaco is a real drivers' circuit where their performance can make all the difference.
"Jenson and Rubens are both precise and consistent drivers and we will give them as much practice time out on track as possible to get into the rhythm of the lap.
"Your aim in Monaco is always to secure pole or as close to the front row as possible in qualifying and take it from there."
Championship leader Button, who has won four out of five races this year, echoed his team boss's comments.
"My usual driving style is very smooth but I will have to change that a little bit to get the best out of the car here," the Briton said. "You have to be aggressive around Monaco and not let the barriers intimidate you whilst obviously paying them due respect.
"I think we will see a very exciting qualifying session on Saturday as grid position is so significant in Monaco. It's almost impossible to overtake once the race is underway so being at the front and getting a good start will be important for a successful weekend."
Brawn GP head into the Monaco Grand Prix, a race notorious for limited overtaking opportunities, with a 29.5-point lead over second-placed Red Bull in the Constructors' Championship while Jenson Button is 14 points clear of team-mate Rubens Barrichello in the Drivers' Standings.
But that doesn't mean they are resting on their laurels. Team principal Ross Brawn says their main aim will be to start on the front row.
"Our car works very well with low-speed corners and we have a fantastic engine from Mercedes-Benz which has a lot of power and excellent drivability which is important around the twisty street circuit," Brawn said.
"The BGP 001 car is very good mechanically which you need to take advantage of the slow speed nature of the track. Monaco is a real drivers' circuit where their performance can make all the difference.
"Jenson and Rubens are both precise and consistent drivers and we will give them as much practice time out on track as possible to get into the rhythm of the lap.
"Your aim in Monaco is always to secure pole or as close to the front row as possible in qualifying and take it from there."
Championship leader Button, who has won four out of five races this year, echoed his team boss's comments.
"My usual driving style is very smooth but I will have to change that a little bit to get the best out of the car here," the Briton said. "You have to be aggressive around Monaco and not let the barriers intimidate you whilst obviously paying them due respect.
"I think we will see a very exciting qualifying session on Saturday as grid position is so significant in Monaco. It's almost impossible to overtake once the race is underway so being at the front and getting a good start will be important for a successful weekend."
Monday, May 18, 2009
Red Bull ready to race double diffuser
Red Bull has succeeded in readying a 'double diffuser' solution in time for this weekend's Monaco grand prix.
Until mere days ago, designer Adrian Newey admitted it was "touch and go" whether the RB5, featuring unique pullrod rear suspension, could be modified in time to accommodate the controversial concept.
But team driver Sebastian Vettel has now been quoted by an Austrian television broadcast as confirming that his car will indeed have a double diffuser in the Principality.
The German, however, expects the true effect of the development to only become clear once the calendar moves on to the more conventional circuit in Turkey two weeks later.
Vettel told the ORF programme Sport am Sonntag: "But if the diffuser helps us, then it will also help in Monaco."
Until mere days ago, designer Adrian Newey admitted it was "touch and go" whether the RB5, featuring unique pullrod rear suspension, could be modified in time to accommodate the controversial concept.
But team driver Sebastian Vettel has now been quoted by an Austrian television broadcast as confirming that his car will indeed have a double diffuser in the Principality.
The German, however, expects the true effect of the development to only become clear once the calendar moves on to the more conventional circuit in Turkey two weeks later.
Vettel told the ORF programme Sport am Sonntag: "But if the diffuser helps us, then it will also help in Monaco."
Brawn: Adopting KERS could cause problems
While KERS may be available for Brawn GP to use, team boss Ross Brawn admits installing it is proving to be a difficult task.
Brawn GP could have an additional power boost within the next few races as their engine supplier Mercedes have made KERS available to the Championship leaders.
However, team boss Brawn fears using the device could cause problems that far outweigh the advantages of the power boost.
"Mercedes have made it available to us. We've just got to find a way of fitting it to the car and not compromising the handling, because the car wasn't designed for their system," he recently said.
"The biggest issue that we have is overall weight, because in fitting the Mercedes engine we added a reasonable amount of weight to the car with all the modifications we had to make.
"Although theirs is a very light system, we've lost the capacity that we need to install their system and add the ballast that we need to get the right weight distribution."
Brawn GP could have an additional power boost within the next few races as their engine supplier Mercedes have made KERS available to the Championship leaders.
However, team boss Brawn fears using the device could cause problems that far outweigh the advantages of the power boost.
"Mercedes have made it available to us. We've just got to find a way of fitting it to the car and not compromising the handling, because the car wasn't designed for their system," he recently said.
"The biggest issue that we have is overall weight, because in fitting the Mercedes engine we added a reasonable amount of weight to the car with all the modifications we had to make.
"Although theirs is a very light system, we've lost the capacity that we need to install their system and add the ballast that we need to get the right weight distribution."
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Ferrari begin legal action against FIA
Ferrari have started legal action against the FIA to block plans for a budget cap in 2010 after the sport’s governing body refused to back down to the teams yesterday.
The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) met with the FIA at Heathrow in London on Friday to debate the governing body’s controversial proposal for a voluntary £40 million budget cap in 2010.
The cap would effectively create a two-tier system in Formula One with those teams agreeing to restrict their spending enjoying greater technical freedom. This is something Ferrari are veheminantly opposed to.
In a bid to block the rules being introduced Ferrari have lodged an injunction against the FIA on the grounds that it is denying the team a veto it has on future technical regulations.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali refused to comment on the details of the legal action but said that he is working hard to ensure Ferrari remain on the grid in 2010
The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) met with the FIA at Heathrow in London on Friday to debate the governing body’s controversial proposal for a voluntary £40 million budget cap in 2010.
The cap would effectively create a two-tier system in Formula One with those teams agreeing to restrict their spending enjoying greater technical freedom. This is something Ferrari are veheminantly opposed to.
In a bid to block the rules being introduced Ferrari have lodged an injunction against the FIA on the grounds that it is denying the team a veto it has on future technical regulations.
Team principal Stefano Domenicali refused to comment on the details of the legal action but said that he is working hard to ensure Ferrari remain on the grid in 2010
Williams may swap one Nico for another
Frank Williams admits that Nico Hülkenberg could turn out for his team next year, but that the move is dependent on the plans of Nico Rosberg.
The 21-year-old Hülkenberg is currently the Grove-based team's test driver and the young German has openly expressed his desire to step-up to the Formula One grid in 2010.
In a recent interview with Autosport Nico Rosberg - whose contract expires at the end of the year - indicated that whilst he was happy at Williams he would be considering his future with the team.
"I'm looking at it now. I'm trying to build an image in my head about what possibilities are for next year," said Rosberg.
"It would be great to have one (race-winning car) now, but in F1 there's only two teams that have race-winning machines if anything.
"So you just need to be patient. If you deserve it sooner or later it will come and next year is going to be an important stop for my career," he added.
In the wake of Rosberg's comments, Williams boss Frank Williams has admitted that Hülkenberg may get a race-seat next year.
"Obviously I can't directly answer that question," Williams told Auto Bild.
"A lot depends on what happens with our other Nico. But Nico Hülkenberg is on our list, absolutely," he added.
The 21-year-old Hülkenberg is currently the Grove-based team's test driver and the young German has openly expressed his desire to step-up to the Formula One grid in 2010.
In a recent interview with Autosport Nico Rosberg - whose contract expires at the end of the year - indicated that whilst he was happy at Williams he would be considering his future with the team.
"I'm looking at it now. I'm trying to build an image in my head about what possibilities are for next year," said Rosberg.
"It would be great to have one (race-winning car) now, but in F1 there's only two teams that have race-winning machines if anything.
"So you just need to be patient. If you deserve it sooner or later it will come and next year is going to be an important stop for my career," he added.
In the wake of Rosberg's comments, Williams boss Frank Williams has admitted that Hülkenberg may get a race-seat next year.
"Obviously I can't directly answer that question," Williams told Auto Bild.
"A lot depends on what happens with our other Nico. But Nico Hülkenberg is on our list, absolutely," he added.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Would Ferrari leave??
This week the F1 world was stunned by Ferrari’s threat to withdraw from the sport in 2010 if the budget cap of €44m, with its concomitant ‘two-tier’ technical rules, is brought in. Formula1 blogspot owner looks at whether this is likely to happen or not.
There have been many allegations directed in Ferrari’s direction in recent days that this is all posturing – political manoeuvring designed to earn them more bargaining power in the negotiations over the future of the sport. But there are many reasons why Ferrari may actually make good on their threat.
There is a sentiment within Ferrari, notably in its executive board, that it has been unfairly targeted by the sport’s governing body, the FIA. Ferrari have an agreement with the FIA that, because of their status in the sport as the oldest participant and weight with fans the world over, they are not treated like other teams. It is a tacit agreement, for the most part, and conspiracy theorists often suspect it of being worth more than it is. Nevertheless, it exists, and recognises that the DNA of F1 and Ferrari are intertwined.
In this latest case, Ferrari feel that they are being treated like any other manufacturer. In fact, they would have cause even to feel as though they had been singled out for penalty over budgets, as Maranello’s spending is comfortably the highest in the game. And why should they cap their budget? If they have the money and want to spend it racing, they should be allowed to, shouldn’t they? Many would say the FIA is overstepping its brief in telling people what to spend and where to spend it.
There have been many allegations directed in Ferrari’s direction in recent days that this is all posturing – political manoeuvring designed to earn them more bargaining power in the negotiations over the future of the sport. But there are many reasons why Ferrari may actually make good on their threat.
There is a sentiment within Ferrari, notably in its executive board, that it has been unfairly targeted by the sport’s governing body, the FIA. Ferrari have an agreement with the FIA that, because of their status in the sport as the oldest participant and weight with fans the world over, they are not treated like other teams. It is a tacit agreement, for the most part, and conspiracy theorists often suspect it of being worth more than it is. Nevertheless, it exists, and recognises that the DNA of F1 and Ferrari are intertwined.
In this latest case, Ferrari feel that they are being treated like any other manufacturer. In fact, they would have cause even to feel as though they had been singled out for penalty over budgets, as Maranello’s spending is comfortably the highest in the game. And why should they cap their budget? If they have the money and want to spend it racing, they should be allowed to, shouldn’t they? Many would say the FIA is overstepping its brief in telling people what to spend and where to spend it.
Renault to reassess KERS ahead of Turkey
Renault will reassess in the next fortnight whether KERS will be returning to the R29 in time for the Turkish GP.
Renault dropped their Kinetic Energy Recovery System ahead of last weekend's Spanish GP after deciding that its disadvantages where outweighing the positives. Although the device does give an extra power boost, its weighs roughly 30kgs and can upset the balance of the car.
The Anglo/French squad, though, aren't ready to pack up KERS altogether with director of engineering Pat Symonds confirming that it could return in time for the Turkish GP.
"We obviously made a fundamental decision not to attempt to run it in Spain, and a decision not to run it in Monaco," Symonds told Autosport.
"I think we will reassess Turkey, because what we have been doing in the last few weeks is getting all the data together and just trying to see where our simulations need improving. So we need to make a decision on Turkey in the next two weeks - not before that."
Between Spain and Turkey, though, lies the Monaco, which takes place around the streets of Monte Carlo. But despite the tight, windy and slow track, some teams are opting to keep their KERS, a decision that has baffled Symonds.
"To me it is just no way for Monaco," he explained. "I could be quite rude, but I can't think who would think it is good.
"If you think about it in simple terms, Monaco is not a power circuit so you will not get the advantage anyway. You cannot get the power down there, and you can only use KERS when you are not traction limited, and you are traction limited for a very long time at Monaco. It is definitely not on our radar."
Renault dropped their Kinetic Energy Recovery System ahead of last weekend's Spanish GP after deciding that its disadvantages where outweighing the positives. Although the device does give an extra power boost, its weighs roughly 30kgs and can upset the balance of the car.
The Anglo/French squad, though, aren't ready to pack up KERS altogether with director of engineering Pat Symonds confirming that it could return in time for the Turkish GP.
"We obviously made a fundamental decision not to attempt to run it in Spain, and a decision not to run it in Monaco," Symonds told Autosport.
"I think we will reassess Turkey, because what we have been doing in the last few weeks is getting all the data together and just trying to see where our simulations need improving. So we need to make a decision on Turkey in the next two weeks - not before that."
Between Spain and Turkey, though, lies the Monaco, which takes place around the streets of Monte Carlo. But despite the tight, windy and slow track, some teams are opting to keep their KERS, a decision that has baffled Symonds.
"To me it is just no way for Monaco," he explained. "I could be quite rude, but I can't think who would think it is good.
"If you think about it in simple terms, Monaco is not a power circuit so you will not get the advantage anyway. You cannot get the power down there, and you can only use KERS when you are not traction limited, and you are traction limited for a very long time at Monaco. It is definitely not on our radar."
'Teams intend to cut costs their own way'
Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali says the F1 teams are intent on cutting cost despite opposing Max Mosley's planned budget cap.
Mosley recently passed a £40 million budget cap that he intends implementing in F1 next season, however, did so without the consent of the existing F1 teams.
This has caused much strife in the sport prompting Mosley to meet with the teams on Friday in London. The two parties, though, failed to come to a compromise with the FIA President insisting that he will not back down on the cap.
Following the meeting, the teams themselves met in the hope of finding a solution that they were comfortable with. But after hours of talking the bosses refused to publicly comment on what had been said.
"I think that the meeting shows that on one side there is a very united group of teams that were discussing with the president of the FIA about the future, and above all this regulation. That is what I can say," Domenicali said.
Asked by Autosport about the possibility of compromising with Mosley, the Ferrari team boss said: "I think that, as we said, it is a work in progress.
"We are working hard to find a solution and I think today with the teams we showed our unity, with a different perspective but it was important to reiterate our concept."
Domenicali also insisted that the issue with Mosley and his budget cap is not simply just about cutting costs: "I think that is not only the case.
"We need to discuss about other things regarding the governance and the way the rule is done. It's not only this point on the table of the discussion."
Mosley recently passed a £40 million budget cap that he intends implementing in F1 next season, however, did so without the consent of the existing F1 teams.
This has caused much strife in the sport prompting Mosley to meet with the teams on Friday in London. The two parties, though, failed to come to a compromise with the FIA President insisting that he will not back down on the cap.
Following the meeting, the teams themselves met in the hope of finding a solution that they were comfortable with. But after hours of talking the bosses refused to publicly comment on what had been said.
"I think that the meeting shows that on one side there is a very united group of teams that were discussing with the president of the FIA about the future, and above all this regulation. That is what I can say," Domenicali said.
Asked by Autosport about the possibility of compromising with Mosley, the Ferrari team boss said: "I think that, as we said, it is a work in progress.
"We are working hard to find a solution and I think today with the teams we showed our unity, with a different perspective but it was important to reiterate our concept."
Domenicali also insisted that the issue with Mosley and his budget cap is not simply just about cutting costs: "I think that is not only the case.
"We need to discuss about other things regarding the governance and the way the rule is done. It's not only this point on the table of the discussion."
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ferrari want to stay - but on own terms
Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicali insists the Scuderia do want to remain in Formula One - but not under Max Mosley's terms.
Speaking in the wake of Friday's failed attempt to reach a compromise with the FIA President over his planned £40 million budget cap, Domenicali confirmed that the Scuderia have lodged an injuction against the FIA's 2010 regulations.
Ferrari feel that Mosley is weilded too much power in his attempt to force new regulations on the teams without consulting them, especially given that the Scuderia have a veto power regarding technical rules that was granted to them back in 1998.
"For us it's very important, it's our life," said Domenicali. "We want to fight in order to make sure that we will be in the Championship in the right way."
The Italian also revealed that Ferrari's board of directors, who met early in the week, had given team president Luca di Montezemolo the go-ahead to seek legal action in a French court.
"What I can say is that there is nothing new in that. If you look at what was the outcome of our board, the Ferrari board, it was clearly indicated that the president has the mandate from the board to protect the rights of Ferrari," he said.
As for Ferrari's option to veto regulations, Domenicali added: "I think I cannot go into these details. There are certain things that are in these rights and no more than that."
Ferrari, though, are not alone in their stance against the FIA with Toyota team boss John Howett telling Autosport: "I understand Ferrari has taken some sort of action, and from Toyota's perspective we understand their position and we support them."
Speaking in the wake of Friday's failed attempt to reach a compromise with the FIA President over his planned £40 million budget cap, Domenicali confirmed that the Scuderia have lodged an injuction against the FIA's 2010 regulations.
Ferrari feel that Mosley is weilded too much power in his attempt to force new regulations on the teams without consulting them, especially given that the Scuderia have a veto power regarding technical rules that was granted to them back in 1998.
"For us it's very important, it's our life," said Domenicali. "We want to fight in order to make sure that we will be in the Championship in the right way."
The Italian also revealed that Ferrari's board of directors, who met early in the week, had given team president Luca di Montezemolo the go-ahead to seek legal action in a French court.
"What I can say is that there is nothing new in that. If you look at what was the outcome of our board, the Ferrari board, it was clearly indicated that the president has the mandate from the board to protect the rights of Ferrari," he said.
As for Ferrari's option to veto regulations, Domenicali added: "I think I cannot go into these details. There are certain things that are in these rights and no more than that."
Ferrari, though, are not alone in their stance against the FIA with Toyota team boss John Howett telling Autosport: "I understand Ferrari has taken some sort of action, and from Toyota's perspective we understand their position and we support them."
BMW to be next to issue F1 quit threat
The latest strong rumour in the budget cap row is that BMW is set to become the next car manufacturer to threaten to quit formula one.The German squad's F1 chief Mario Theissen hinted at the move in Barcelona last weekend, but subsequently Ferrari, Toyota, Renault and Red Bull made clear declarations of their intentions to miss the May 29 deadline for 2010 team entries.Giving weight to the BMW speculation on Thursday was Jean-Francois Gaubet, who as a Renault spokesman was quoted as commenting to Europe 1 radio that all the carmakers involved in formula one are united."All of us - Mercedes, Toyota, BMW, Renault and Ferrari - are on the same page," he said.
"We have until May 29 to register ourselves for the championship of 2010, and as long as the regulations are as they stand, we will not be registering," Gaubet insisted.Taking the threat seriously is F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, who arguably has the most to lose from a decimated world championship.
Referring to his meeting on Friday with FIA president Max Mosley and the teams, he told the French newspaper Le Figaro: "We are all going to sit around the same table and find a reasonable solution for everybody."It is not going to be easy, but no one wants to destroy formula one," the Briton added.However, the late Enzo Ferrari's son and board member Piero Ferrari on Thursday insisted that "there will be no compromise"."We want no budget cap, (the) same rules for everyone, clear rules," he told the Telegraph. "We want to invest in cars, in engines, in aerodynamics, in the technology of the cars."By the same token, FIA advisor Tony Purnell - who devised the details of the budget cap - said the cost-limiting mechanism will not be dropped.
It is rumoured that the FIA may be willing to drop the 'two-tier' element and allow the big teams a 'glide-path' from 80m pounds sterling to 40m over the next three years.But to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Purnell said the 40m sum is set. "If it rises significantly, it will no longer be attractive from the viewpoint of prospective new entrants."
"We have until May 29 to register ourselves for the championship of 2010, and as long as the regulations are as they stand, we will not be registering," Gaubet insisted.Taking the threat seriously is F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, who arguably has the most to lose from a decimated world championship.
Referring to his meeting on Friday with FIA president Max Mosley and the teams, he told the French newspaper Le Figaro: "We are all going to sit around the same table and find a reasonable solution for everybody."It is not going to be easy, but no one wants to destroy formula one," the Briton added.However, the late Enzo Ferrari's son and board member Piero Ferrari on Thursday insisted that "there will be no compromise"."We want no budget cap, (the) same rules for everyone, clear rules," he told the Telegraph. "We want to invest in cars, in engines, in aerodynamics, in the technology of the cars."By the same token, FIA advisor Tony Purnell - who devised the details of the budget cap - said the cost-limiting mechanism will not be dropped.
It is rumoured that the FIA may be willing to drop the 'two-tier' element and allow the big teams a 'glide-path' from 80m pounds sterling to 40m over the next three years.But to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Purnell said the 40m sum is set. "If it rises significantly, it will no longer be attractive from the viewpoint of prospective new entrants."
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Brawn in no hurry to sign a title sponsor
Brawn GP are in no hurry to sign a title sponsor, according to the team's CEO Nick Fry.
Brawn GP have become a hot marketing tool this season after Jenson Button claimed four victories in the opening five races, giving Brawn the lead in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship.
As such the team has "a lot of offers on the table" from companies wanting to become their title sponsor, including the Virgin Group, the first sponsor to sign up with Brawn this season.
"The situation will change when we make the decision to change it," Fry told Autosport.
"We have a lot of offers on the table and we are not badly off for this year. We can do the job with the money and resources that we have got at the moment.
"What Ross (Brawn) and I are looking for is the best solution for the next five years, and we don't need to hurry. We have obviously had a kind offer from Virgin but there are other offers on the table from big companies who perhaps can't move as quickly as a company as entrepreneurial as Virgin.
"We are biding our time, not panicking, I am sure you will see more sponsors on the car but it will be done in a considered way."
Brawn GP have become a hot marketing tool this season after Jenson Button claimed four victories in the opening five races, giving Brawn the lead in both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championship.
As such the team has "a lot of offers on the table" from companies wanting to become their title sponsor, including the Virgin Group, the first sponsor to sign up with Brawn this season.
"The situation will change when we make the decision to change it," Fry told Autosport.
"We have a lot of offers on the table and we are not badly off for this year. We can do the job with the money and resources that we have got at the moment.
"What Ross (Brawn) and I are looking for is the best solution for the next five years, and we don't need to hurry. We have obviously had a kind offer from Virgin but there are other offers on the table from big companies who perhaps can't move as quickly as a company as entrepreneurial as Virgin.
"We are biding our time, not panicking, I am sure you will see more sponsors on the car but it will be done in a considered way."
'Red Bull Racing are Brawn's biggest threat'
Ross Brawn believes Red Bull are his team's biggest threat in this year's title race.
Sunday's Spanish GP once again saw Brawn GP claim the victory with Jenson Button leading home Rubens Barrichello in the team's second 1-2 finish of the season. Red Bull Racing, though, weren't far behind with Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel claiming third and fourth places.
The Barcelona result sees Brawn continue to lead both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships while Red Bull and its two drivers are the nearest threat.
"They've a very strong team, a good group of people, good drivers so it looks to me at the moment they're the main challenge to us," said Brawn.
"Other teams will come and go during the season, but in terms of a long-term challenge then Red Bull look very strong."
The Englishman, however, is confident that if his team keeps up the pace and continues to fight for race wins no matter what, the title could yet be theirs.
"We are fighting tooth and nail to win every race and do as good a job as we can," he added.
"The team is performing well, the drivers are performing well, the factory is working well, the engineers in the briefings are solid, people are working diligently at making the car better and the pit stops are perfect.
"So it's a team that has really come together. The adversity of the winter seems to have gelled everything even more. Everything is running like clockwork at the moment.
"We all know destiny is just around the corner, so we are being cautious."
Sunday's Spanish GP once again saw Brawn GP claim the victory with Jenson Button leading home Rubens Barrichello in the team's second 1-2 finish of the season. Red Bull Racing, though, weren't far behind with Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel claiming third and fourth places.
The Barcelona result sees Brawn continue to lead both the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships while Red Bull and its two drivers are the nearest threat.
"They've a very strong team, a good group of people, good drivers so it looks to me at the moment they're the main challenge to us," said Brawn.
"Other teams will come and go during the season, but in terms of a long-term challenge then Red Bull look very strong."
The Englishman, however, is confident that if his team keeps up the pace and continues to fight for race wins no matter what, the title could yet be theirs.
"We are fighting tooth and nail to win every race and do as good a job as we can," he added.
"The team is performing well, the drivers are performing well, the factory is working well, the engineers in the briefings are solid, people are working diligently at making the car better and the pit stops are perfect.
"So it's a team that has really come together. The adversity of the winter seems to have gelled everything even more. Everything is running like clockwork at the moment.
"We all know destiny is just around the corner, so we are being cautious."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Toyota: We have to hold our nerve
After a disappointing Spanish GP weekend, Toyota president John Howett admits his team needs to stay the course if they want to return to the sharp end of the grid.
After the highs of Bahrain, which saw Toyota lock-out the front row of the grid and claim a podium finish, the team suffered a minor slump in Spain where neither driver manage to score a single World Championship point.
While Jarno Trulli was knocked out of the grand prix in an opening lap collision that saw three other drivers forced to retire, his team-mate Timo Glock just didn't have the pace to challenge for a top eight position.
This prompted some concerns from Glock that Toyota had fallen behind as their rivals debuted upgraded cars, a suggestion that has been rubbished by Howett.
"There is nothing to say. It is clearly just aero and we had two bad starts, one car was bogged down so we didn't make the predictions correctly and the other looked like it had oil spillage," Howett told Autosport.
"Jarno had held his position very well through the corners and he was still in sixth or seventh position when Nico came back on the track and he had nowhere to go. Nico was then in front of Timo and with a relatively short fuel load we just sat there behind a slow car.
"Overall car performance was not strong enough with the car updates we brought. You have always a movement, that's why our car was quicker at the beginning of the season than others.
"When you have big regulations change you see swings and roundabouts and we have just to hold our nerve."
After the highs of Bahrain, which saw Toyota lock-out the front row of the grid and claim a podium finish, the team suffered a minor slump in Spain where neither driver manage to score a single World Championship point.
While Jarno Trulli was knocked out of the grand prix in an opening lap collision that saw three other drivers forced to retire, his team-mate Timo Glock just didn't have the pace to challenge for a top eight position.
This prompted some concerns from Glock that Toyota had fallen behind as their rivals debuted upgraded cars, a suggestion that has been rubbished by Howett.
"There is nothing to say. It is clearly just aero and we had two bad starts, one car was bogged down so we didn't make the predictions correctly and the other looked like it had oil spillage," Howett told Autosport.
"Jarno had held his position very well through the corners and he was still in sixth or seventh position when Nico came back on the track and he had nowhere to go. Nico was then in front of Timo and with a relatively short fuel load we just sat there behind a slow car.
"Overall car performance was not strong enough with the car updates we brought. You have always a movement, that's why our car was quicker at the beginning of the season than others.
"When you have big regulations change you see swings and roundabouts and we have just to hold our nerve."
Williams happy with Barcelona progress
Starting ninth, Nico Rosberg was able to finish Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix one position higher and claim one championship points for the Williams Toyota team, taking their tally to 4.5 from the first five races.The FW31 proved especially rapid in the opening rounds of the championship, but a few small errors combined with some bad luck went against the Grove-based team who- by their own admission - has been unable to capitalise on their early pace."Nico secured a point for the team but we really need to be getting both cars in the points more regularly than we are if we’re going to improve upon our position in the constructors’ standings," stated Technical Director Sam Michael with reference to their eighth position in the constructors'
championship."There were some positives from this weekend in that it was encouraging to be only 0.3 seconds off the quickest time during Q2, particularly on a track where aerodynamics are the key, and the upgrade package which we brought to the race worked as expected."While Rosberg was able to finish in the points, team-mate Kazuki Nakajima has yet to qualify in the top ten or score a championship point this year. The Japanese racer started Sunday's race an encouraging 11th however but was forced to pit for a front wing following the inevitable first lap skirmishes."That incident caused damage to Kazuki’s front wing end plate so we had to pit him for a new front wing assembly," Michael explained.
"Because the safety car was deployed, it fortunately didn’t cost him as much time as it could have done."However, stuck behind the Force India Mercedes of Giancarlo Fisichella at the back of the field when the race restarted, Nakajima was unable to make the pass until late in the 66-lap event and this ruined any hopes of his first championship points.
He finished a distant 13th.While the team are disappointed with the results to date, the development race continues and the FW31 will feature further updates for the high-downforce challenge in Monte Carlo is just over a week’s time."We will be bringing more upgrades to the car for Monaco, as will all of the other teams," Michael continued. "Our target is obviously to score more points as we haven’t had the conversion rates we would have liked in recent races. We are typically fast on street circuits, so we are looking forward to getting the best out of the FW31 at Monte Carlo."
championship."There were some positives from this weekend in that it was encouraging to be only 0.3 seconds off the quickest time during Q2, particularly on a track where aerodynamics are the key, and the upgrade package which we brought to the race worked as expected."While Rosberg was able to finish in the points, team-mate Kazuki Nakajima has yet to qualify in the top ten or score a championship point this year. The Japanese racer started Sunday's race an encouraging 11th however but was forced to pit for a front wing following the inevitable first lap skirmishes."That incident caused damage to Kazuki’s front wing end plate so we had to pit him for a new front wing assembly," Michael explained.
"Because the safety car was deployed, it fortunately didn’t cost him as much time as it could have done."However, stuck behind the Force India Mercedes of Giancarlo Fisichella at the back of the field when the race restarted, Nakajima was unable to make the pass until late in the 66-lap event and this ruined any hopes of his first championship points.
He finished a distant 13th.While the team are disappointed with the results to date, the development race continues and the FW31 will feature further updates for the high-downforce challenge in Monte Carlo is just over a week’s time."We will be bringing more upgrades to the car for Monaco, as will all of the other teams," Michael continued. "Our target is obviously to score more points as we haven’t had the conversion rates we would have liked in recent races. We are typically fast on street circuits, so we are looking forward to getting the best out of the FW31 at Monte Carlo."
Monday, May 11, 2009
Red Bull wants long-term deal with Vettel
Red Bull is keen to secure the services of Sebastian Vettel for a long time, team boss Christian Horner has admitted.The Austrian squad's contract with the 21-year-old German, the only driver apart from Jenson Button to have won a race this year, runs out at the end of 2010.
But Horner told Germany's Sport Bild: "We see our future with Sebastian. We want to strengthen and expand our team around him."Openly interested in Vettel beyond 2010 is BMW and McLaren-Mercedes, but Bernie Ecclestone has made clear he would like to see his driver favourite at the wheel of a Ferrari.
However, Horner said: "Sebastian feels comfortable with us. If we give him cars with which he can drive at the front, there will be no reason for him to move."
But Horner told Germany's Sport Bild: "We see our future with Sebastian. We want to strengthen and expand our team around him."Openly interested in Vettel beyond 2010 is BMW and McLaren-Mercedes, but Bernie Ecclestone has made clear he would like to see his driver favourite at the wheel of a Ferrari.
However, Horner said: "Sebastian feels comfortable with us. If we give him cars with which he can drive at the front, there will be no reason for him to move."
KERS may be compulsory in 2010
KERS may be compulsory for all teams and drivers in formula one next year.It was already known that, following the voluntary deployment of the energy re-use technology in 2009, the teams' alliance FOTA was considering shortly putting out a tender for a universal KERS supplier next season.But according to broadcaster Peter Windsor, involved with the prospective American entry USF1, it may actually be compulsory to fit active KERS systems to cars in 2010.
"If it's a choice we probably would not go with KERS, but it's potentially going to be mandatory for every team and we have to presume that's going to be the case," he is quoted as saying by the online magazine GP Week.However, Windsor admitted that the situation could change "in a few months' time".
Meanwhile, Renault team boss Flavio Briatore said he objects to the current 'two-tier' situation, where some cars have the KERS power boost, while others do not.The Italian told Spain's Sport newspaper: "KERS should be for everybody, or for nobody."
"If it's a choice we probably would not go with KERS, but it's potentially going to be mandatory for every team and we have to presume that's going to be the case," he is quoted as saying by the online magazine GP Week.However, Windsor admitted that the situation could change "in a few months' time".
Meanwhile, Renault team boss Flavio Briatore said he objects to the current 'two-tier' situation, where some cars have the KERS power boost, while others do not.The Italian told Spain's Sport newspaper: "KERS should be for everybody, or for nobody."
Brawn delighted with Spanish Victory
Jenson Button makes it four wins out of five as Brawn GP dominate the Spanish Grand Prix and claim their second 1-2 finish of the season.
The Briton, who started the race from pole, lost the lead to his teammate Rubens Barrichello at the start, but a switch to a two-stop strategy and a long second stint on soft tyres enabled him to leapfrog the Brazilian and dominate the race.
The victory sees Button extend his lead in the world championship to 14 points over Barrichello, while Brawn GP demonstrated that they are still the team to beat as the European season begins.
“It is a dream come true so far this season, even when times are tough we seem to be able to get the wins,” said Button. “When it goes well it goes well, last year when it went bad it went bad.
“I feel on top of the world at the moment. The team have done a great job and with this package you could see we have got our advantage back again, and thanks to Mercedes as we couldn’t do it without them.”
Red Bull Racing, who will benefit from a double-diffuser at the Monaco Grand Prix in a fortnight, confirmed themselves as Brawn’s closest rivals with Mark Webber clinching his second podium of the season ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel.
Felipe Massa looked set to claim Ferrari’s first podium of the season but a fuel problem in the closing stages of the race forced him to yield to both Vettel and local favourite Fernando Alonso.
Lewis Hamilton was forced to settle for ninth place while McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen retired with a gearbox problem.
“Today was a difficult race for me because we lack the downforce of the top cars,” said Hamilton. “I was a bit worried about my tyres after driving over so much debris at the first corner but I came out of it okay. It was a tough, long race and it was incredibly hard to keep the car on the road – it felt like driving on ice at times, especially at the end of the second stint, when the tyres were finished, and in the final stint, when there was very little grip on the prime.
“I gave it 100 per cent for the entire race so ninth place doesn’t feel like the proper reward for the team, who worked hard all weekend. Still, we’re all hopeful that Monaco will be a better race for us because the absence of fast corners shouldn’t hurt us as much as it did here. In fact, I’m already looking forward to it.”
Ferrari also suffered reliability problems with Kimi Raikkonen’s race ending prematurely on Lap 16 due to a mechanical problem.
At the start though, all eyes were on Felipe Massa in the sister Ferrari, his KERS-fitted F60 posing a major threat to the Brawn drivers, not to mention Jenson Button’s hopes of leading in clean air on his light fuel load.
But it was Rubens Barrichello in the sister Brawn car who got the jump off the start line. The Brazilian, the heavier of the two Brawn cars, passed Button into the first corner scuppering the Briton’s race strategy.
There was carnage behind the leaders as Jarno Trulli triggered a multi-car collision which resulted in the safety car being deployed. The Toyota driver ran wide at Turn 2, and, on rejoining the circuit, collected Force India’s Adrian Sutil. Sebastian Bourdais then ploughed into the back of his Toro Rosso teammate Sebastian Buemi who had backed off to avoid Trulli and Sutil. All four drivers retired.
“I became aware everything was slowing down in front and I didn’t even have the time to brake before I was flying over the back of my team mate’s car and I thought I was going to roll over,” exclaimed Bourdais afterwards. “I’m not sure how it happened although I saw that Trulli had spun and came back on the track. It’s very frustrating.”
The safety car came in Lap 6 allowing Button to lead from Barrichello, Massa, Vettel and Webber.
Button was the first of the frontrunners to pit for fuel on Lap 17. With his three-stop strategy ruined by a poor start, the Briton switched to a two-stop strategy in a bid to outfox his teammate. Brawn fuelled their man for a long second stint.
The Brackley-based outfit went the other way with Barrichello and short-filled him for a short middle stint when he stopped one lap later. It gave him track position and a sizeable cushion when he rejoined, but he was unable to produce the laps he needed to stay ahead at his second pit stop.
Felipe Massa meanwhile continued to keep Sebastian Vettel at bay, the Brazilian confirming a significant step forward in performance for Ferrari. For a brief moment it looked as though the pair would be able to challenge for the win. Button’s advantage over the chasing Ferrari driver was just four seconds on Lap 43.But it was game over the moment they made their final pit stops and switched to the undesirable, but mandatory, hard tyres.
That played into the hands of the Brawn drivers, as well as Mark Webber who all stayed out longer on the soft tyres.
Rubens Barrichello was given one last shot at the race win when Button made his final pit stop and switched to the hard tyres. But the Brazilian did not have enough laps in hand and was forced to settle for second place after his final stop.
Webber lost out at the first round of stops due to a poor in-lap, but as he was the last of the front-runners to stop, he was able to vault ahead of both Massa and Vettel courtesy of a searing few laps behind the wheel of his Red Bull.
The Aussie would not have been in contention at all had it not been for an audacious passing manoeuvre on Fernando Alonso when the race restarted on Lap 6. Alonso passed the Red Bull driver down the start/finish straight using his KERS device, not to mention the run-off alongside the pit wall. But Webber quickly dived back
It was not the only drama fans were treated to at an event which is traditionally processional. It was a nail-biting conclusion to the race as it became clear that Felipe Massa had not been given sufficient fuel at his final pit stop. The Brazilian was forced to turn the wick down on his Ferrari and that let both Vettel and local favourite Fernando Alonso past.
Nick Heidfeld was seventh for BMW Sauber ahead of Williams’ Nico Rosberg. Lewis Hamilton was unable to make use of a long first stint and was forced to settle for ninth place.
The Briton, who started the race from pole, lost the lead to his teammate Rubens Barrichello at the start, but a switch to a two-stop strategy and a long second stint on soft tyres enabled him to leapfrog the Brazilian and dominate the race.
The victory sees Button extend his lead in the world championship to 14 points over Barrichello, while Brawn GP demonstrated that they are still the team to beat as the European season begins.
“It is a dream come true so far this season, even when times are tough we seem to be able to get the wins,” said Button. “When it goes well it goes well, last year when it went bad it went bad.
“I feel on top of the world at the moment. The team have done a great job and with this package you could see we have got our advantage back again, and thanks to Mercedes as we couldn’t do it without them.”
Red Bull Racing, who will benefit from a double-diffuser at the Monaco Grand Prix in a fortnight, confirmed themselves as Brawn’s closest rivals with Mark Webber clinching his second podium of the season ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel.
Felipe Massa looked set to claim Ferrari’s first podium of the season but a fuel problem in the closing stages of the race forced him to yield to both Vettel and local favourite Fernando Alonso.
Lewis Hamilton was forced to settle for ninth place while McLaren teammate Heikki Kovalainen retired with a gearbox problem.
“Today was a difficult race for me because we lack the downforce of the top cars,” said Hamilton. “I was a bit worried about my tyres after driving over so much debris at the first corner but I came out of it okay. It was a tough, long race and it was incredibly hard to keep the car on the road – it felt like driving on ice at times, especially at the end of the second stint, when the tyres were finished, and in the final stint, when there was very little grip on the prime.
“I gave it 100 per cent for the entire race so ninth place doesn’t feel like the proper reward for the team, who worked hard all weekend. Still, we’re all hopeful that Monaco will be a better race for us because the absence of fast corners shouldn’t hurt us as much as it did here. In fact, I’m already looking forward to it.”
Ferrari also suffered reliability problems with Kimi Raikkonen’s race ending prematurely on Lap 16 due to a mechanical problem.
At the start though, all eyes were on Felipe Massa in the sister Ferrari, his KERS-fitted F60 posing a major threat to the Brawn drivers, not to mention Jenson Button’s hopes of leading in clean air on his light fuel load.
But it was Rubens Barrichello in the sister Brawn car who got the jump off the start line. The Brazilian, the heavier of the two Brawn cars, passed Button into the first corner scuppering the Briton’s race strategy.
There was carnage behind the leaders as Jarno Trulli triggered a multi-car collision which resulted in the safety car being deployed. The Toyota driver ran wide at Turn 2, and, on rejoining the circuit, collected Force India’s Adrian Sutil. Sebastian Bourdais then ploughed into the back of his Toro Rosso teammate Sebastian Buemi who had backed off to avoid Trulli and Sutil. All four drivers retired.
“I became aware everything was slowing down in front and I didn’t even have the time to brake before I was flying over the back of my team mate’s car and I thought I was going to roll over,” exclaimed Bourdais afterwards. “I’m not sure how it happened although I saw that Trulli had spun and came back on the track. It’s very frustrating.”
The safety car came in Lap 6 allowing Button to lead from Barrichello, Massa, Vettel and Webber.
Button was the first of the frontrunners to pit for fuel on Lap 17. With his three-stop strategy ruined by a poor start, the Briton switched to a two-stop strategy in a bid to outfox his teammate. Brawn fuelled their man for a long second stint.
The Brackley-based outfit went the other way with Barrichello and short-filled him for a short middle stint when he stopped one lap later. It gave him track position and a sizeable cushion when he rejoined, but he was unable to produce the laps he needed to stay ahead at his second pit stop.
Felipe Massa meanwhile continued to keep Sebastian Vettel at bay, the Brazilian confirming a significant step forward in performance for Ferrari. For a brief moment it looked as though the pair would be able to challenge for the win. Button’s advantage over the chasing Ferrari driver was just four seconds on Lap 43.But it was game over the moment they made their final pit stops and switched to the undesirable, but mandatory, hard tyres.
That played into the hands of the Brawn drivers, as well as Mark Webber who all stayed out longer on the soft tyres.
Rubens Barrichello was given one last shot at the race win when Button made his final pit stop and switched to the hard tyres. But the Brazilian did not have enough laps in hand and was forced to settle for second place after his final stop.
Webber lost out at the first round of stops due to a poor in-lap, but as he was the last of the front-runners to stop, he was able to vault ahead of both Massa and Vettel courtesy of a searing few laps behind the wheel of his Red Bull.
The Aussie would not have been in contention at all had it not been for an audacious passing manoeuvre on Fernando Alonso when the race restarted on Lap 6. Alonso passed the Red Bull driver down the start/finish straight using his KERS device, not to mention the run-off alongside the pit wall. But Webber quickly dived back
It was not the only drama fans were treated to at an event which is traditionally processional. It was a nail-biting conclusion to the race as it became clear that Felipe Massa had not been given sufficient fuel at his final pit stop. The Brazilian was forced to turn the wick down on his Ferrari and that let both Vettel and local favourite Fernando Alonso past.
Nick Heidfeld was seventh for BMW Sauber ahead of Williams’ Nico Rosberg. Lewis Hamilton was unable to make use of a long first stint and was forced to settle for ninth place.
Red Bull join the list of teams threatening to quit
Red Bull Racing have become the first non-manufacturer team threatening to quit Formula One if the FIA push ahead with their proposed budget cap.
Motosport's governing body recently announced that next year's Championship will see the introduction of a £40million budget cap with the stipulation that those teams signing up will be given various technical freedom.
This includes unlimited out-of-season testing, double the KERS power boost, unlimited gearboxes and a flexible front and rear wing.
The FIA's decision, though, hasn't gone down well with many of the sport's manufacturers. While both BMW and Toyota have threatened to quit, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo warned that F1 is "not a never-ending story" for the Italian marque.
And now it appears that some of the privateer teams aren't impressed either with Red Bull adding their voice to the growing discontent.
"If the proposed rules for 2010 stay unchanged, we will not take part in the 2010 Championship," Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz told the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper.
"Teams of manufacturers will no longer take part. Of the teams now, only two or three will remain."
Motosport's governing body recently announced that next year's Championship will see the introduction of a £40million budget cap with the stipulation that those teams signing up will be given various technical freedom.
This includes unlimited out-of-season testing, double the KERS power boost, unlimited gearboxes and a flexible front and rear wing.
The FIA's decision, though, hasn't gone down well with many of the sport's manufacturers. While both BMW and Toyota have threatened to quit, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo warned that F1 is "not a never-ending story" for the Italian marque.
And now it appears that some of the privateer teams aren't impressed either with Red Bull adding their voice to the growing discontent.
"If the proposed rules for 2010 stay unchanged, we will not take part in the 2010 Championship," Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz told the Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper.
"Teams of manufacturers will no longer take part. Of the teams now, only two or three will remain."
Brawn taking it 'one race at a time'
Run-away Championship leaders Brawn GP have downplayed their advantage in the standings saying it's still "very early in the year" to be talking of the title.
It's been an extremely impressive start from the team, given that just three weeks before the opening race they had yet to complete a single lap of testing and weren't even sure if they would be competing in the Championship.
But five races into the season, Brawn have already claimed four race wins, courtesy of Jenson Button, who leads the Drivers' Championship by 41 points to team-mate Rubens Barrichello's 27. In the Constructors' Championship, Brawn boast a 29.5-point advantage over nearest challengers Red Bull Racing.
Nonetheless, CEO Nick Fry is refusing to get carried away, insisting that for now Brawn GP are taking each race as it comes and trying not to get over-awed by the bigger picture.
"I think that our view is that it is still one race at a time. It is still very early in the year and it is great where we are, but I don't think anyone inside is thinking too much about that," Fry told Autosport.
"It is do the best possible job - and that is what we are doing all along. Through the survival of the team we have learned to take one step at a time, and we really just continue with the same philosophy.
"Every day is a new day and we try and do our best. The guys are just doing a great job and there is a huge enthusiasm and they are getting into the swing of things now."
The team, though, has already its fair share of controversy, first relating to the legality of their double-decker diffuser and now with suggestions of team orders being used in Spain to hand Button the victory. Fry, however, insists at no stage has the team favoured its British driver.
"Both sides of the garage were racing, and listening to what was going on there was huge determination - firstly for Jenson to make the gap, and then on Rubens' side of the garage with a bit of frustration at the end that they didn't make it happen," he said.
Asked to explain why Button was swapped to what turned out to be a race-winning two-stop strategy, Fry said: "Obviously he was shorter on fuel than Rubens, and we assumed he would pull away at the front and build a bit of a gap. When that didn't happen, it was necessary to split them.
"It was something that we had talked about a lot before the race anyway. It was something we had planned for, and it turned out to be the best. We were a little bit worried about [Felipe] Massa and [Sebastian] Vettel, for Rubens that is, and that faded when they both came into the pits together. That was a bit of a surprise as we thought Vettel was going to go a bit longer than that. I don't know if they did that deliberately or that was the plan."
It's been an extremely impressive start from the team, given that just three weeks before the opening race they had yet to complete a single lap of testing and weren't even sure if they would be competing in the Championship.
But five races into the season, Brawn have already claimed four race wins, courtesy of Jenson Button, who leads the Drivers' Championship by 41 points to team-mate Rubens Barrichello's 27. In the Constructors' Championship, Brawn boast a 29.5-point advantage over nearest challengers Red Bull Racing.
Nonetheless, CEO Nick Fry is refusing to get carried away, insisting that for now Brawn GP are taking each race as it comes and trying not to get over-awed by the bigger picture.
"I think that our view is that it is still one race at a time. It is still very early in the year and it is great where we are, but I don't think anyone inside is thinking too much about that," Fry told Autosport.
"It is do the best possible job - and that is what we are doing all along. Through the survival of the team we have learned to take one step at a time, and we really just continue with the same philosophy.
"Every day is a new day and we try and do our best. The guys are just doing a great job and there is a huge enthusiasm and they are getting into the swing of things now."
The team, though, has already its fair share of controversy, first relating to the legality of their double-decker diffuser and now with suggestions of team orders being used in Spain to hand Button the victory. Fry, however, insists at no stage has the team favoured its British driver.
"Both sides of the garage were racing, and listening to what was going on there was huge determination - firstly for Jenson to make the gap, and then on Rubens' side of the garage with a bit of frustration at the end that they didn't make it happen," he said.
Asked to explain why Button was swapped to what turned out to be a race-winning two-stop strategy, Fry said: "Obviously he was shorter on fuel than Rubens, and we assumed he would pull away at the front and build a bit of a gap. When that didn't happen, it was necessary to split them.
"It was something that we had talked about a lot before the race anyway. It was something we had planned for, and it turned out to be the best. We were a little bit worried about [Felipe] Massa and [Sebastian] Vettel, for Rubens that is, and that faded when they both came into the pits together. That was a bit of a surprise as we thought Vettel was going to go a bit longer than that. I don't know if they did that deliberately or that was the plan."
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Renault abandon KERS for next seven races
Renault has abandoned KERS at least for the next seven races, the Spanish sports newspaper Diario AS claims. It was already known that the Anglo-French squad will not be fitting KERS to its R29 at the forthcoming Spanish and Monaco Grand Prix. But AS claims that, after investigations about the effect on performance of the increase in centre of gravity by four centimetres, Renault has for now put KERS aside.
The newspaper said Fernando Alonso wants to reconsider KERS only for the high speed circuits at Spa and Monza, to take place consecutively in late August and early September.
The newspaper said Fernando Alonso wants to reconsider KERS only for the high speed circuits at Spa and Monza, to take place consecutively in late August and early September.
Ferrari lighten Raikkonen's load
Kimi Raikkonen is set to kick his title campaign into high gear this weekend in Spain armed with a lighter - and hopefully quicker - Ferrari F60.
The 2007 World Champion helped Ferrari avoid their worst-ever start to a Formula One season when he netted the team's first Championship points in Bahrain two weeks ago.
But, 28 points behind Championship leader Jenson Button and 47 adrift of Brawn GP in the Constructors' battle, the Finn concedes this year's titles are quickly slipping away from Ferrari.
"We have to be realistic because, as far as the Championships are concerned, the situation is difficult," said Raikkonen.
"We'll give it everything to catch up, to improve the car race after race, but we have to start winning and then we'll see what happens."
One of the steps Ferrari have taken to give their Finnish driver the best chance of glory is to give him a lighter chassis than what his team-mate Felipe Massa uses.
"The reason only Raikkonen will use it is that... his natural physique and height means he weighs more than Felipe Massa and therefore it is more of a challenge to accommodate the additional weight of the KERS system on his car," the team told their website.
Added to that the Scuderia will also be debuting a new aerodynamic package, which includes the controversial rear diffuser, at this weekend's Spanish GP.
"It is only a first attempt at designing a part that was not part of the initial design, but is now a required element following the new clarification of the rules," said the team.
"The engineers have had to redesign much of the electronics and hydraulics systems at the rear end of the car, in order to relocate components to make way for the new diffuser," the team said.
"This redesign has been a more complicated procedure than designing, producing and fitting the diffuser itself."
The 2007 World Champion helped Ferrari avoid their worst-ever start to a Formula One season when he netted the team's first Championship points in Bahrain two weeks ago.
But, 28 points behind Championship leader Jenson Button and 47 adrift of Brawn GP in the Constructors' battle, the Finn concedes this year's titles are quickly slipping away from Ferrari.
"We have to be realistic because, as far as the Championships are concerned, the situation is difficult," said Raikkonen.
"We'll give it everything to catch up, to improve the car race after race, but we have to start winning and then we'll see what happens."
One of the steps Ferrari have taken to give their Finnish driver the best chance of glory is to give him a lighter chassis than what his team-mate Felipe Massa uses.
"The reason only Raikkonen will use it is that... his natural physique and height means he weighs more than Felipe Massa and therefore it is more of a challenge to accommodate the additional weight of the KERS system on his car," the team told their website.
Added to that the Scuderia will also be debuting a new aerodynamic package, which includes the controversial rear diffuser, at this weekend's Spanish GP.
"It is only a first attempt at designing a part that was not part of the initial design, but is now a required element following the new clarification of the rules," said the team.
"The engineers have had to redesign much of the electronics and hydraulics systems at the rear end of the car, in order to relocate components to make way for the new diffuser," the team said.
"This redesign has been a more complicated procedure than designing, producing and fitting the diffuser itself."
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
McLaren KERS in demand
While every other team muse the KERS dilemma, it is clear that McLaren Mercedes is the 2009 champion in the new energy recovery technology. Toyota, the Red Bull teams, Williams, Force India and Brawn have not fitted KERS to their cars at all this season, while Ferrari, BMW and Renault's experimentations have shown an unclear benefit from their respective systems.
The works cars of Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen, however, have consistently used Mercedes-developed KERS at all four Grand Prix so far. Norbert Haug revealed to the German press on Tuesday that the marque's success with KERS in F1 has made its system popular.
"We have had several inquiries," said the Mercedes competition boss, "both from teams that want to enter in 2010 and teams that are already established." Mercedes has also expressed interest in being the sole KERS supplier, should the Formula One Teams' Association agree to adopt a standard unit solution for 2010 and beyond.
The works cars of Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen, however, have consistently used Mercedes-developed KERS at all four Grand Prix so far. Norbert Haug revealed to the German press on Tuesday that the marque's success with KERS in F1 has made its system popular.
"We have had several inquiries," said the Mercedes competition boss, "both from teams that want to enter in 2010 and teams that are already established." Mercedes has also expressed interest in being the sole KERS supplier, should the Formula One Teams' Association agree to adopt a standard unit solution for 2010 and beyond.
Super Aguri eye F1 return
The FIA's proposed budget cap looks like it is having the desired effect as several teams are considering a return to Formula One.
Super Aguri have become the latest team to hint that they might give F1 another go next season.
The Honda-powered team withdrew from last year's Championship after running into financial difficulties. However, former team owner Aguri Suzuki has told Japanese media that a return to F1 could be on the cards.
"If it's physically possible I would certainly like to (return to Formula One)," Suzuki told the Sankei Sports.
Prodrive and Lola have already indicated that they are tempted to return after the FIA decided to implement a £40million budget cap.
The FIA also announced there would be space for three new teams on the 2010 grid, potentially increasing the number of cars to 26.
Super Aguri have become the latest team to hint that they might give F1 another go next season.
The Honda-powered team withdrew from last year's Championship after running into financial difficulties. However, former team owner Aguri Suzuki has told Japanese media that a return to F1 could be on the cards.
"If it's physically possible I would certainly like to (return to Formula One)," Suzuki told the Sankei Sports.
Prodrive and Lola have already indicated that they are tempted to return after the FIA decided to implement a £40million budget cap.
The FIA also announced there would be space for three new teams on the 2010 grid, potentially increasing the number of cars to 26.
Ferrari sticks with KERS for 'B' car
While BMW drops KERS for Spain, Ferrari has confirmed that the controversial energy re-use technology will still feature on the F60 package this weekend in Barcelona.Like BMW-Sauber, the famous Italian team is unveiling a major aerodynamic upgrade for the Circuit de Catalunya race.It is believed that, because BMW's upgraded F1.09 features notably smaller sidepods, there was no longer room for the existing KERS battery packs.
"We're working on a new solution," team boss Mario Theissen confirmed to the German press. "Anyway, for Monaco KERS is not really compatible, and afterwards in Istanbul we will come with a new package."We are putting the whole KERS concept under the magnifying glass again.
"He said it is unlikely that teams will abandon KERS altogether. "I am convinced that in the second half of the season the fastest car will have KERS," said Theissen.It is believed that Renault has also abandoned KERS at least for the next two races, but the same is not true of Ferrari, despite its major car upgrade."For us KERS is a clear advantage. We saw that with the comparison test in Friday practice in Bahrain," said Felipe Massa, to be one of just four drivers in Spain this weekend with an active boost button.
Test driver Marc Gene, who shook down the 'B' Ferrari package at Vairano late last week, confirmed that KERS is still on board."We cannot just take it off the car," the Spaniard remarked to the sports daily Marca.To offset his KERS weight disadvantage, Kimi Raikkonen's F60 this weekend will be six kilograms lighter than his teammate Massa's. From Monaco, Massa will also have a version of the lighter chassis.
"We're working on a new solution," team boss Mario Theissen confirmed to the German press. "Anyway, for Monaco KERS is not really compatible, and afterwards in Istanbul we will come with a new package."We are putting the whole KERS concept under the magnifying glass again.
"He said it is unlikely that teams will abandon KERS altogether. "I am convinced that in the second half of the season the fastest car will have KERS," said Theissen.It is believed that Renault has also abandoned KERS at least for the next two races, but the same is not true of Ferrari, despite its major car upgrade."For us KERS is a clear advantage. We saw that with the comparison test in Friday practice in Bahrain," said Felipe Massa, to be one of just four drivers in Spain this weekend with an active boost button.
Test driver Marc Gene, who shook down the 'B' Ferrari package at Vairano late last week, confirmed that KERS is still on board."We cannot just take it off the car," the Spaniard remarked to the sports daily Marca.To offset his KERS weight disadvantage, Kimi Raikkonen's F60 this weekend will be six kilograms lighter than his teammate Massa's. From Monaco, Massa will also have a version of the lighter chassis.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
BMW could exit F1
BMW has joined Ferrari in hinting that it is willing to quit Formula One if a 'two-tier' series is introduced next season via the optional budget cap The newly-published regulations for next year offer teams the option to be limited to a £40m affording them more technical freedoms than their big unlimited-spending rivals. Max Mosley's cost-cutting revolution has enraged Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, and BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen revealed on Tuesday that the board of the Munich manufacturer is similarly unimpressed.
"A two-class Formula One is not attractive to BMW," the German said at a media event in Munich. The BMW board re-approved the BMW Sauber project in February, but Theissen warned that if the landscape in F1 dramatically changes, it would have ‘the same impact on the project’.
The heated situation makes the meeting of the Formula One Teams' Association in London on Wednesday crucial.
Theissen expects the gathering to be a long one, but as Bernie Ecclestone suggested this week, the chasm between the big teams' position and that of the FIA President may not be unbridgeable. But to the German press, he said of Mosley's £40m cap: "In one go you cannot just evaporate by a factor of three. A moving path, for example over two or three years, would be possible." Ecclestone of course is keen to see the costs reduced – as is the FIA and most of the teams – but in his case, the F1 CEO would be able to legitimately turn around to the teams and reduce the payments they receive from Formula One Management and therefore increase the profits made for CVC Capital who own the commercial rights to the series.
"A two-class Formula One is not attractive to BMW," the German said at a media event in Munich. The BMW board re-approved the BMW Sauber project in February, but Theissen warned that if the landscape in F1 dramatically changes, it would have ‘the same impact on the project’.
The heated situation makes the meeting of the Formula One Teams' Association in London on Wednesday crucial.
Theissen expects the gathering to be a long one, but as Bernie Ecclestone suggested this week, the chasm between the big teams' position and that of the FIA President may not be unbridgeable. But to the German press, he said of Mosley's £40m cap: "In one go you cannot just evaporate by a factor of three. A moving path, for example over two or three years, would be possible." Ecclestone of course is keen to see the costs reduced – as is the FIA and most of the teams – but in his case, the F1 CEO would be able to legitimately turn around to the teams and reduce the payments they receive from Formula One Management and therefore increase the profits made for CVC Capital who own the commercial rights to the series.
more upgrades but no KERS yet for Force India
Force India will add more modifications to their car for this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, but have put off introducing KERS until later in the season, choosing instead to focus on the VJM02’s aerodynamics.The team were pleasantly surprised by the performance gains obtained from a new diffuser and aero upgrades at the last round in Bahrain and further revisions for Barcelona could boost their competitiveness still further.
“We'll have yet more upgrades coming through based on the information we gained in Bahrain,” confirmed team principal Vijay Mallya. “We'll be running a driver-adjustable front wing flap and a further modification for the front wing. This is just part of our ongoing development cycle and there will be further upgrades at most of the forthcoming races.”The Spanish Grand Prix had also been pencilled in as the race where Force India would add KERS to their armoury.
However, after witnessing the mixed fortunes experienced by those teams running the system, Mallya says Force India will concentrate their efforts elsewhere for now.“We have decided to put the emphasis on aero development where we feel the greater gains can be found,” he said. “As we've seen many other teams are not running KERS so we do not feel we are at a disadvantage. We still plan to use it later in the season, but this will be reviewed after each race in line with the other work we have going on in the background.”Though world championship points have still eluded them, Force India have clinched a top-ten finish in 2009 - Adrian Sutil took ninth in Australia - and Mallya admitted their pace has exceeded his expectations.
“We always said that the first four flyaway races would be extended test sessions and we have indeed used them wisely,” he said. “We've accustomed ourselves to the new systems, new personnel and new ways of working and introduced some very worthwhile upgrades.“We are already racing but we can always improve. We've achieved more than I thought so in this respect I can't stand by the earlier comments - I want more now!”
“We'll have yet more upgrades coming through based on the information we gained in Bahrain,” confirmed team principal Vijay Mallya. “We'll be running a driver-adjustable front wing flap and a further modification for the front wing. This is just part of our ongoing development cycle and there will be further upgrades at most of the forthcoming races.”The Spanish Grand Prix had also been pencilled in as the race where Force India would add KERS to their armoury.
However, after witnessing the mixed fortunes experienced by those teams running the system, Mallya says Force India will concentrate their efforts elsewhere for now.“We have decided to put the emphasis on aero development where we feel the greater gains can be found,” he said. “As we've seen many other teams are not running KERS so we do not feel we are at a disadvantage. We still plan to use it later in the season, but this will be reviewed after each race in line with the other work we have going on in the background.”Though world championship points have still eluded them, Force India have clinched a top-ten finish in 2009 - Adrian Sutil took ninth in Australia - and Mallya admitted their pace has exceeded his expectations.
“We always said that the first four flyaway races would be extended test sessions and we have indeed used them wisely,” he said. “We've accustomed ourselves to the new systems, new personnel and new ways of working and introduced some very worthwhile upgrades.“We are already racing but we can always improve. We've achieved more than I thought so in this respect I can't stand by the earlier comments - I want more now!”
BMW abandon KERS for Barcelona and beyond
BMW Sauber have abandoned their KERS system for the immediate future, and will not run it in Barcelona at this weekend´s Spanish Grand Prix.
The Swiss-German outfit have endured a difficult time with their system, which has yielded no obvious benefits for their F1.09 car. At the last grand prix in Bahrain, the first time both drivers ran the system, both Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld struggled with the balance of the car.
New aero upgrades are planned for the Circuit de Catalunya, and team principal Mario Theissen explained that it was for this reason that the KERS was put on hold.
“We will not have KERS in our two cars in Barcelona, because bringing in an aero update and running KERS does not work,” said Theissen.
He also announced that the system would not be used at Monaco either, although many teams are expected to do the same considering the nature of the Monte Carlo circuit.
“We will have KERS on our cars probably in Turkey again,” he stated.
Theissen went on to defend the principle of using KERS, and promised that BMW were not abandoning it for good.
“As a technology our summary is very positive,” said Theissen. “It worked without failures. The positive result of KERS so far was that it worked even in the monsoon of Malaysia,” (where Heidfeld finished second).
“We did not use it constantly because of our car configuration. Given slick tyres and the weight distribution, you need a good weight on the front axle, whereas KERS is placed in the middle of the car and cause more weight there, or even in the back.”
KERS will be mandatory from next season onwards, although many teams are fighting that decree on the grounds of cost.
The Swiss-German outfit have endured a difficult time with their system, which has yielded no obvious benefits for their F1.09 car. At the last grand prix in Bahrain, the first time both drivers ran the system, both Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld struggled with the balance of the car.
New aero upgrades are planned for the Circuit de Catalunya, and team principal Mario Theissen explained that it was for this reason that the KERS was put on hold.
“We will not have KERS in our two cars in Barcelona, because bringing in an aero update and running KERS does not work,” said Theissen.
He also announced that the system would not be used at Monaco either, although many teams are expected to do the same considering the nature of the Monte Carlo circuit.
“We will have KERS on our cars probably in Turkey again,” he stated.
Theissen went on to defend the principle of using KERS, and promised that BMW were not abandoning it for good.
“As a technology our summary is very positive,” said Theissen. “It worked without failures. The positive result of KERS so far was that it worked even in the monsoon of Malaysia,” (where Heidfeld finished second).
“We did not use it constantly because of our car configuration. Given slick tyres and the weight distribution, you need a good weight on the front axle, whereas KERS is placed in the middle of the car and cause more weight there, or even in the back.”
KERS will be mandatory from next season onwards, although many teams are fighting that decree on the grounds of cost.
BMW ditch KERS for Spanish GP
Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld's F1.09s won't be equipped with KERS during this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.
Heidfeld used KERS during the first four races of the season while Kubica's car was equipped with the system during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
However, BMW's decision to introduce an "extensive aerodynamics-focused development package" in Barcelona has had a knock-on effect on their usage of KERS.
"We will not have KERS in our two cars in Barcelona, because bringing in an aero update and running KERS does not work," team principal Mario Theissen is quoted by Autosport.
"We will have KERS on our cars probably in Turkey again."
Theissen admits they are satisfied with the way KERS worked during the opening four races of the season.
"As a technology our summary is very positive," he said. "It worked without failures. The positive result of KERS so far was that it worked even in the monsoon of Malaysia.
"We did not use it constantly because of our car configuration. Given slick tyres and the weight distribution, you need a good weight on the front axle, whereas KERS is placed in the middle of the car and cause more weight there, or even in the back."
Heidfeld used KERS during the first four races of the season while Kubica's car was equipped with the system during the Malaysian Grand Prix.
However, BMW's decision to introduce an "extensive aerodynamics-focused development package" in Barcelona has had a knock-on effect on their usage of KERS.
"We will not have KERS in our two cars in Barcelona, because bringing in an aero update and running KERS does not work," team principal Mario Theissen is quoted by Autosport.
"We will have KERS on our cars probably in Turkey again."
Theissen admits they are satisfied with the way KERS worked during the opening four races of the season.
"As a technology our summary is very positive," he said. "It worked without failures. The positive result of KERS so far was that it worked even in the monsoon of Malaysia.
"We did not use it constantly because of our car configuration. Given slick tyres and the weight distribution, you need a good weight on the front axle, whereas KERS is placed in the middle of the car and cause more weight there, or even in the back."
Toyota want more
Toyota heads to the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona this weekend for the start of the European season. Following the flyaway races which started the season, Toyota is third in the Constructors' Championship having claimed an impressive three podium finishes in four Grand Prix. Jarno Trulli recorded pole position, fastest lap and third place in the Bahrain Grand Prix while Timo Glock maintained his 100 percent points-scoring record in 2009 with seventh place. That put both Toyota drivers into the top five of the Drivers' Championship.
Toyota has 26.5 points to its credit so far and trail Red Bull Renault by just one point heading to Spain. While the team are satisfied with its progress this year, Team President John Howett is not resting on his laurels. "We have made a successful start to our season but there is no doubt we want more; we feel we are close to our first victory and this is our clear target for the remainder of the year,” Howett stated. “We narrowly missed out on winning in Bahrain but by starting from pole position and setting the fastest lap, we showed we are right on the pace and we are working hard to bring it about soon.
“Thanks to the fantastic job done by the team over the winter, our car has been one of the very fastest so far this season and we have some aerodynamic upgrades in Spain which will bring more performance,” he continued. “We have an aggressive development programme for the whole season so I'm confident we will be in good shape." Trulli is fourth in the championship with 14.5 points and is looking forward to the start of the ‘European season’. "The opening races of the season have shown the potential we have in our new car; to get pole position and the fastest race lap in Bahrain was a good achievement which gives us great encouragement,” Trulli said.
The team has enjoyed podium success in Spain before, with Trulli finishing third in 2005. However, this year’s race at the Spanish event will be a little less predictable than in the past thanks to the test restrictions. "We'll see how it works out in Barcelona but we have to be optimistic after our strong performances so far," the Italian veteran continued. "We tested in Barcelona before the season but I have to admit it's unusual to be preparing for the race having not driven at the track for a couple of months. "In the past we have generally tested there just before the race so everything was quite predictable, but it could be different this time. I am enjoying this season because we are consistently fighting at the front so I am really looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix." Timo Glock, fifth in the championship with 12 points, led early on in Bahrain before slipping down the order to finish seventh.
"It was disappointing only to finish seventh after starting from the front row however the potential of the car is clear for everyone to see," Glock explained. "That motivates everyone to keep pushing hard because we can see there is the possibility for some great results. “We have an upgrade to the car this weekend so hopefully that can bring something extra but we will have to wait and see how the other teams develop as well,” he added.
Toyota has 26.5 points to its credit so far and trail Red Bull Renault by just one point heading to Spain. While the team are satisfied with its progress this year, Team President John Howett is not resting on his laurels. "We have made a successful start to our season but there is no doubt we want more; we feel we are close to our first victory and this is our clear target for the remainder of the year,” Howett stated. “We narrowly missed out on winning in Bahrain but by starting from pole position and setting the fastest lap, we showed we are right on the pace and we are working hard to bring it about soon.
“Thanks to the fantastic job done by the team over the winter, our car has been one of the very fastest so far this season and we have some aerodynamic upgrades in Spain which will bring more performance,” he continued. “We have an aggressive development programme for the whole season so I'm confident we will be in good shape." Trulli is fourth in the championship with 14.5 points and is looking forward to the start of the ‘European season’. "The opening races of the season have shown the potential we have in our new car; to get pole position and the fastest race lap in Bahrain was a good achievement which gives us great encouragement,” Trulli said.
The team has enjoyed podium success in Spain before, with Trulli finishing third in 2005. However, this year’s race at the Spanish event will be a little less predictable than in the past thanks to the test restrictions. "We'll see how it works out in Barcelona but we have to be optimistic after our strong performances so far," the Italian veteran continued. "We tested in Barcelona before the season but I have to admit it's unusual to be preparing for the race having not driven at the track for a couple of months. "In the past we have generally tested there just before the race so everything was quite predictable, but it could be different this time. I am enjoying this season because we are consistently fighting at the front so I am really looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix." Timo Glock, fifth in the championship with 12 points, led early on in Bahrain before slipping down the order to finish seventh.
"It was disappointing only to finish seventh after starting from the front row however the potential of the car is clear for everyone to see," Glock explained. "That motivates everyone to keep pushing hard because we can see there is the possibility for some great results. “We have an upgrade to the car this weekend so hopefully that can bring something extra but we will have to wait and see how the other teams develop as well,” he added.
BMW may not have double diffuser in Spain
It is not certain that a 'double diffuser' solution will be ready to be added to the 2009 BMW-Sauber package for this weekend's Spanish grand prix."Whether it will be there or not is not yet definite," team boss Mario Theissen is quoted as saying by Germany's Sport Bild.
The Hinwil based team has had a difficult start to the 2009 season, with hopes now pinned on a major upgrade for the struggling F1.09 car in Barcelona.Sport Bild claims that designers did devise a double diffuser for the single seater, but that computer simulations raised doubts about its effectiveness.The drivers, including Robert Kubica who is yet to score a single point, are not optimistic.
The Pole told Sport Bild: "We will make a step forward in Barcelona, but whether it will be big enough is improbable."Teammate Nick Heidfeld added: "We did the first four races without big changes on the car, while the other teams constantly had new parts and went further ahead than us."
The Hinwil based team has had a difficult start to the 2009 season, with hopes now pinned on a major upgrade for the struggling F1.09 car in Barcelona.Sport Bild claims that designers did devise a double diffuser for the single seater, but that computer simulations raised doubts about its effectiveness.The drivers, including Robert Kubica who is yet to score a single point, are not optimistic.
The Pole told Sport Bild: "We will make a step forward in Barcelona, but whether it will be big enough is improbable."Teammate Nick Heidfeld added: "We did the first four races without big changes on the car, while the other teams constantly had new parts and went further ahead than us."
Monday, May 4, 2009
Force India to race Mercedes KERS in July
Force India will begin using a KERS system at grands prix as of mid July, team owner and boss Vijay Mallya has announced.The Indian billionaire told the online magazine GPWeek that the Mercedes-Benz system currently used by McLaren will be fitted to the VJM002 for the ninth
round of the 2009 championship at the Nurburgring.
"In Germany we will introduce KERS, because the car is KERS enabled and we have a contract with Mercedes for the KERS," Mallya said.In Bahrain nearly two weeks ago, eight drivers - for the McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and BMW teams - were equipped with active KERS systems.But Mallya thinks post mid-season is the best time for Force India to begin using the controversial energy re-use technology.
"By that time the KERS will have been sorted out, McLaren will use their experience and the KERS system will have been debugged if there were any bugs," he explained.
round of the 2009 championship at the Nurburgring.
"In Germany we will introduce KERS, because the car is KERS enabled and we have a contract with Mercedes for the KERS," Mallya said.In Bahrain nearly two weeks ago, eight drivers - for the McLaren, Ferrari, Renault and BMW teams - were equipped with active KERS systems.But Mallya thinks post mid-season is the best time for Force India to begin using the controversial energy re-use technology.
"By that time the KERS will have been sorted out, McLaren will use their experience and the KERS system will have been debugged if there were any bugs," he explained.
Toyota: First win is imminent
Toyota boss John Howett is adamant that the team’s first win is just around the corner after they threatened to upset the formbook in last week’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The Japanese outfit locked out the front row of the grid for the first time in Sakhir, but pole sitter Jarno Trulli was fuelled much lighter than Brawn GP’s Jenson Button and was unable to stop the Briton winning the race.
Howett is nevertheless confident that Toyota now have the pace to challenge for race wins on a regular basis.
“We feel we are close to our first victory and this is our clear target for the remainder of the year,” he said. “We narrowly missed out on winning in Bahrain but by starting from pole position and setting the fastest lap, we showed we are right on the pace and we are working hard to bring it about soon.”
Like all the teams Toyota will bring upgrades to their car for next week’s Spanish Grand Prix. Jarno Trulli is confident he can challenge at the front again.
“The opening races of the season have shown the potential we have in our new car,” he said. “To get pole position and the fastest race lap in Bahrain was a good achievement which gives us great encouragement.”
“We’ll see how it works out in Barcelona but we have to be optimistic after our strong performances so far. We tested in Barcelona before the season but I have to admit it’s unusual to be preparing for the race having not driven at the track for a couple of months.”
“In the past we have generally tested there just before the race so everything was quite predictable, but it could be different this time. I am enjoying this season because we are consistently fighting at the front so I am really looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix.”
The Japanese outfit locked out the front row of the grid for the first time in Sakhir, but pole sitter Jarno Trulli was fuelled much lighter than Brawn GP’s Jenson Button and was unable to stop the Briton winning the race.
Howett is nevertheless confident that Toyota now have the pace to challenge for race wins on a regular basis.
“We feel we are close to our first victory and this is our clear target for the remainder of the year,” he said. “We narrowly missed out on winning in Bahrain but by starting from pole position and setting the fastest lap, we showed we are right on the pace and we are working hard to bring it about soon.”
Like all the teams Toyota will bring upgrades to their car for next week’s Spanish Grand Prix. Jarno Trulli is confident he can challenge at the front again.
“The opening races of the season have shown the potential we have in our new car,” he said. “To get pole position and the fastest race lap in Bahrain was a good achievement which gives us great encouragement.”
“We’ll see how it works out in Barcelona but we have to be optimistic after our strong performances so far. We tested in Barcelona before the season but I have to admit it’s unusual to be preparing for the race having not driven at the track for a couple of months.”
“In the past we have generally tested there just before the race so everything was quite predictable, but it could be different this time. I am enjoying this season because we are consistently fighting at the front so I am really looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix.”
Brawn GP to upgrade for Spain
In a move that's sure to send worried looks around the F1 paddock, Brawn GP have announced that they will be adding upgrades to their already impressive 2009 model in time for this weekend's race in Spain.
The Brackley-based outfit head both the Constructors' and Drivers' titles heading to the Circuit de Catalunya, and the team are determined to maintain their advantage.
"The short break which we have enjoyed since returning from Bahrain has enabled the whole team to regroup at our factory in Brackley and spend a little time reflecting upon our first four races," said team principal Ross Brawn.
"Jenson, Rubens [Barrichello] and the team delivered a first-class job to win the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is the level of performance that we must sustain if we are to seriously challenge for the Championships this year.
"The field has compressed considerably since the season-opening race in Australia and the performance margins at the front are now very tight indeed," Brawn added.
"Whilst we have been away racing over the past few weeks, the factory has been working extremely hard on our upgrade package for the BGP 001 and we look forward to seeing the results of our development work on track in Barcelona this weekend."
Three-time race winner Jenson Button is confident that the BGP 001 will have what it takes to compete on a testing Barcelona track.
"You need to have a car with good downforce for a really quick lap there and we are fortunate that our car behaves so predictably which enables you to feel completely confident when committing to high-speed corners," said Button.
The Brackley-based outfit head both the Constructors' and Drivers' titles heading to the Circuit de Catalunya, and the team are determined to maintain their advantage.
"The short break which we have enjoyed since returning from Bahrain has enabled the whole team to regroup at our factory in Brackley and spend a little time reflecting upon our first four races," said team principal Ross Brawn.
"Jenson, Rubens [Barrichello] and the team delivered a first-class job to win the Bahrain Grand Prix, which is the level of performance that we must sustain if we are to seriously challenge for the Championships this year.
"The field has compressed considerably since the season-opening race in Australia and the performance margins at the front are now very tight indeed," Brawn added.
"Whilst we have been away racing over the past few weeks, the factory has been working extremely hard on our upgrade package for the BGP 001 and we look forward to seeing the results of our development work on track in Barcelona this weekend."
Three-time race winner Jenson Button is confident that the BGP 001 will have what it takes to compete on a testing Barcelona track.
"You need to have a car with good downforce for a really quick lap there and we are fortunate that our car behaves so predictably which enables you to feel completely confident when committing to high-speed corners," said Button.
BMW may not have double diffuser in Spain
It is not certain that a 'double diffuser' solution will be ready to be added to the BMW Sauber package for this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. "Whether it will be there or not is not yet definite," team boss Mario Theissen is quoted as saying by Germany's Sport Bild. The Hinwil-based team has had a difficult start to the 2009 season, with hopes now pinned on a major upgrade for the struggling F1.09 in Barcelona. The publication claims that designers did devise a double diffuser for the single seater, but that computer simulations raised doubts about its effectiveness. The drivers, including Robert Kubica who is yet to score a single point, are not optimistic.
"We will make a step forward in Barcelona, but whether it will be big enough is improbable,” he said. Team-mate Nick Heidfeld added: "We did the first four races without big changes on the car, while the other teams constantly had new parts and went further ahead than us."
"We will make a step forward in Barcelona, but whether it will be big enough is improbable,” he said. Team-mate Nick Heidfeld added: "We did the first four races without big changes on the car, while the other teams constantly had new parts and went further ahead than us."
Brawn to lose out on Honda Cash
Brawn GP look set to miss out on as much as £20m in prize money that was owed to the Honda team for their ninth-place finish last season.
It initially seemed that the Brawn team - who maintained most of its Honda characteristics - would be entitled to the winnings, but F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has indicated this is not the case.
Speaking to The Independent, Ecclestone is reported to have said that the Honda winnings "will not be paid to Brawn" and might not "be paid out at all".
The FIA have classed Brawn GP as a new team, and thus they are not necessarily entitled to the winnings. Under the Concorde Agreement, which binds all teams to racing in Formula One, the money should be split between the teams that remain in the sport.
But Ecclestone admits that in the case that the teams cannot come to an agreement on weather the money should be given to Brawn or split between the teams, then "we can keep it".
The 68-year-old also admitted that he was particularly enamoured by Brawn GP's change of name.
"I opposed the name Brawn," he said.
"[It's] not a good name, doesn't mean anything to the public, better being Honda than Brawn," he added.
It initially seemed that the Brawn team - who maintained most of its Honda characteristics - would be entitled to the winnings, but F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has indicated this is not the case.
Speaking to The Independent, Ecclestone is reported to have said that the Honda winnings "will not be paid to Brawn" and might not "be paid out at all".
The FIA have classed Brawn GP as a new team, and thus they are not necessarily entitled to the winnings. Under the Concorde Agreement, which binds all teams to racing in Formula One, the money should be split between the teams that remain in the sport.
But Ecclestone admits that in the case that the teams cannot come to an agreement on weather the money should be given to Brawn or split between the teams, then "we can keep it".
The 68-year-old also admitted that he was particularly enamoured by Brawn GP's change of name.
"I opposed the name Brawn," he said.
"[It's] not a good name, doesn't mean anything to the public, better being Honda than Brawn," he added.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
BMW pin hopes on 'extensive' upgrades
Despite being billed as possible title contenders after a stellar 2008 campaign, the team's form has faltered this season with neither driver even making it into the final qualifying segment in China and Bahrain. Added to that the team has bagged points on just one occasion, leaving them down in sixth place in the Constructors' standings.
BMW's drop in form, though, can be attributed to their lack of upgrades in the opening fly-away races as the team failed to introduce any new parts while their rivals continued to improve their cars. However, next weekend in Spain, that will change as BMW are set to unveil major aerodynamic upgrades for the F1.09.
"Traditionally this represents something of a second start to the season," said team boss Mario Theissen. "For the BMW this applies more so than usual this year, as we cannot be satisfied at all with the first four races of the season.
"After our positive winter testing, all of us at BMW envisaged a rather different start to the season. The car is not fast enough and we have recorded only one podium finish - Nick Heidfeld's second place in Malaysia.
"We are approaching this challenge in a positive way and are working intensively in Munich and Hinwil to get back to our old form. We will be lining up in Barcelona with an extensive aerodynamics-focused development package, and are already working on further upgrades to be introduced later on in the season."
One man who is looking forward to an improved car is Robert Kubica, who has yet to get off the mark this season. "We will bring a new aero package and we hope to improve significantly compared to our recent performance, as it is our goal to close the gap to the top teams," he said.
BMW's drop in form, though, can be attributed to their lack of upgrades in the opening fly-away races as the team failed to introduce any new parts while their rivals continued to improve their cars. However, next weekend in Spain, that will change as BMW are set to unveil major aerodynamic upgrades for the F1.09.
"Traditionally this represents something of a second start to the season," said team boss Mario Theissen. "For the BMW this applies more so than usual this year, as we cannot be satisfied at all with the first four races of the season.
"After our positive winter testing, all of us at BMW envisaged a rather different start to the season. The car is not fast enough and we have recorded only one podium finish - Nick Heidfeld's second place in Malaysia.
"We are approaching this challenge in a positive way and are working intensively in Munich and Hinwil to get back to our old form. We will be lining up in Barcelona with an extensive aerodynamics-focused development package, and are already working on further upgrades to be introduced later on in the season."
One man who is looking forward to an improved car is Robert Kubica, who has yet to get off the mark this season. "We will bring a new aero package and we hope to improve significantly compared to our recent performance, as it is our goal to close the gap to the top teams," he said.
FIA confident McLaren have changed
The FIA have published the full details of McLaren’s World Motorsport Council hearing which resulted in a slapped wrist and a suspended race ban for the Woking team.
The FIA have pointed to the organisational and cultural changes that team principal Martin Whitmarsh pushed through in the wake of the lying scandal, which included sacking sporting director Dave Ryan, as being key to their decision to suspend the ban.
The penalty will only be enforced if “facts emerge regarding the case or there is a further breach by the team of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”
The FIA had a range of tougher sanctions available to them, including disqualifying the team from the world championship.
Crucially, as part of their considerations, the FIA viewed McLaren’s involvement in the spygate scandal in 2007 as a reason to enforce a tougher penalty.
“Recidivism is a strong indicator that the sanction previously imposed was not sufficiently deterrent and recidivism is thus a circumstance which may justify an increase in the severity of the penalty which might otherwise be imposed,” the FIA explained in the document.
“The purpose of taking recidivism into account in setting a penalty is to induce teams which have demonstrated a tendency towards infringing the rules in the past to change their conduct in the future. The WMSC therefore also takes into account, as an aggravating factor, McLaren’s 2007 breach of Article 151(c) ISC.”
However, in what the FIA described as an “exceptional” decision to suspend the ban, this ‘aggravating factor’ was offset by the changes Martin Whitmarsh made to the team.
“Exceptionally, and in light in part of the Mitigating Factors (including the open and honest way in which the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear had taken place), the penalty shall be suspended for twelve months from the date of this Decision.
“In the event that, during the period of suspension of penalty (b), either: (i) further facts emerge that are relevant to the WMSC’s assessment of the gravity of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ breach; or (ii) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes commits a further breach of Article 151(c), the WMSC may implement penalty (b) in relation to the breach set out in this Decision.
This raises the question of whether McLaren would have escaped with what is effectively a slapped wrist had former boss Ron Dennis elected not to quit grand prix racing.
The FIA have pointed to the organisational and cultural changes that team principal Martin Whitmarsh pushed through in the wake of the lying scandal, which included sacking sporting director Dave Ryan, as being key to their decision to suspend the ban.
The penalty will only be enforced if “facts emerge regarding the case or there is a further breach by the team of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”
The FIA had a range of tougher sanctions available to them, including disqualifying the team from the world championship.
Crucially, as part of their considerations, the FIA viewed McLaren’s involvement in the spygate scandal in 2007 as a reason to enforce a tougher penalty.
“Recidivism is a strong indicator that the sanction previously imposed was not sufficiently deterrent and recidivism is thus a circumstance which may justify an increase in the severity of the penalty which might otherwise be imposed,” the FIA explained in the document.
“The purpose of taking recidivism into account in setting a penalty is to induce teams which have demonstrated a tendency towards infringing the rules in the past to change their conduct in the future. The WMSC therefore also takes into account, as an aggravating factor, McLaren’s 2007 breach of Article 151(c) ISC.”
However, in what the FIA described as an “exceptional” decision to suspend the ban, this ‘aggravating factor’ was offset by the changes Martin Whitmarsh made to the team.
“Exceptionally, and in light in part of the Mitigating Factors (including the open and honest way in which the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal addressed the WMSC and the change in culture which he made clear had taken place), the penalty shall be suspended for twelve months from the date of this Decision.
“In the event that, during the period of suspension of penalty (b), either: (i) further facts emerge that are relevant to the WMSC’s assessment of the gravity of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes’ breach; or (ii) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes commits a further breach of Article 151(c), the WMSC may implement penalty (b) in relation to the breach set out in this Decision.
This raises the question of whether McLaren would have escaped with what is effectively a slapped wrist had former boss Ron Dennis elected not to quit grand prix racing.
Friday, May 1, 2009
No KERS for Renault at next two races
Renault, whose boss Flavio Briatore is a staunch critic of the controversial technology, has reportedly decided not to use KERS at the next two grands prix.
The information was reported by the German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
The next two grands prix take place in Europe: first at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, and subsequently in late May on the famous streets of the Principality Monaco.
The information was reported by the German specialist magazine Auto Motor und Sport.
The next two grands prix take place in Europe: first at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, and subsequently in late May on the famous streets of the Principality Monaco.
Another diffuser step in works for Force India
Although at the back of the field at present, Force India has indicated it can keep up with the pace of formula one development.
While bigger and more competitive teams like Ferrari, BMW and Red Bull worked on the concept at their factories, Silverstone based Force India rolled out an interim 'double decker' diffuser prototype last weekend in Bahrain.
In qualifying, Adrian Sutil outqualified both Toro Rossos, and his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella also escaped the last row of the grid.
Moreover, in South Africa to watch over his team in the Indian cricket league, team owner Vijay Mallya this week said a further step in the diffuser concept will be introduced next weekend at Barcelona.
"We have another update coming in Barcelona, more particularly an improved version of this interim diffuser, and some further aero upgrades," the Indian billionaire is quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.
In Bahrain, the pace of the entire field was covered by a margin of less than two seconds.
"In the midfield everything is separated by hundredths now, and to be in the hunt is quite an impressive achievement," Mallya added.
While bigger and more competitive teams like Ferrari, BMW and Red Bull worked on the concept at their factories, Silverstone based Force India rolled out an interim 'double decker' diffuser prototype last weekend in Bahrain.
In qualifying, Adrian Sutil outqualified both Toro Rossos, and his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella also escaped the last row of the grid.
Moreover, in South Africa to watch over his team in the Indian cricket league, team owner Vijay Mallya this week said a further step in the diffuser concept will be introduced next weekend at Barcelona.
"We have another update coming in Barcelona, more particularly an improved version of this interim diffuser, and some further aero upgrades," the Indian billionaire is quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.
In Bahrain, the pace of the entire field was covered by a margin of less than two seconds.
"In the midfield everything is separated by hundredths now, and to be in the hunt is quite an impressive achievement," Mallya added.
Button and Brawn proof the car’s the star?
Jenson Button last weekend took his third win of the season, and only his fourth ever. His success has come at a time when the traditional order of the sport has been upended, and teams that last year would have frankly been thankful for points are now challenging for the world championship. The rule changes have ushered in a new era. But does this mean unequivocally that the car is the star now? Is the level of driver talent relevant? Or is F1 just a competition of machinery, like Robot Wars, these days?
Many would argue that for some years now, the driver’s contribution to the speed of the package has been considerably reduced. Such was the state of play by 1993, when Adrian Newey’s Williams FW15’s technological gizmos essentially ran the car for the driver. The FIA has been fighting a constant battle since, for example taking away active ride suspension, removing and then reinstating traction control (then removing it again), in order to retain some pretence of driver influence.
The rise of drivers such as Jacques Villeneuve confirm the sceptics’ view. Villeneuve won the world championship in 1997, in a vastly superior car to his rival Schumacher, yet had to take it down to the wire to do so. Villeneuve is invariably considered lower on Greatest Driver Ever lists than his achievement might warrant, however, perhaps because he is the driver who best symbolises the triumph of the machinery over the man.
Today many casual fans are heard asking why Button is at the top this season. To them the answer is clear; he now has a winning car, which was not at his disposal last season. The rule changes have permitted clever engineers to shine at the expense of their more illustrious rivals - a wonderful story, for engineers. But the driver today is irrelevant, goes the argument - we might as well have remote control F1 races.
There are several reasons why this analysis is flawed. The first is the oft-heard refrain about how great drivers always look good, even in terrible cars. The examples through recent F1 history are numerous; Ayrton Senna in his Toleman and Lotus days, Nigel Mansell, Michael Schumacher. Today the best examples are Fernando Alonso and to a lesser extent Lewis Hamilton. Alonso has been fighting with one hand behind his back for some years now, and still lands heavy punches. Hamilton is just lately finding out what it is like not to have a winning car and is acquitting himself superbly.
Perhaps this is because of the sheer breadth of talent the driver has to bring to the table. The driver is not only the one who has to drive the car faster than everyone else could, especially his team-mate. He has to set the thing up, with his experience, know-how and feedback the most important aspects of a car’s eventual race pace. He is also de facto team leader, representing all the garage and the factory in front of the world’s cameras and microphones. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, he has to be a politician, carefully manipulating the team, the suppliers and the sponsors into working for him. Senna, Schumacher and Prost were masters of all these aspects of a driver’s portfolio; Alonso is today.
The final word on the debate goes to Ross Brawn, subtly acknowledging the nuances of the driver vs car debate this week when talking about Jenson Button. “Even with the car we had last year I saw little flashes of something exceptional from him,” said the Brawn team principal. His intention was to reassure the world that Button was as much a key part of this year’s success as any diffuser.
Button may not be the greatest driver ever. But in showing up Rubens Barrichello, he is good enough to show that the average F1 driver is responsible for about 40% of the car’s performance. The other 60%, in normal cases, is down to the car. But where truly great drivers are concerned, that 40% can creep up, and up, until someone like Michael Schumacher in his Ferrari heyday might be said to be responsible for 60% of the package by himself. Incredible? Not really; as the old adage goes, the best drivers always seem to find themselves in the best cars.
In sum, in modern F1 it’s not really good enough for drivers to complain about the machinery and use it as an excuse why they are not impressing. They simply have to get more out of the car - because that’s part of their job description too. The best example today is Sebastian Vettel - a win for Toro Rosso last year, and quite possibly the difference between a winless Red Bull team and a winning one.
Many would argue that for some years now, the driver’s contribution to the speed of the package has been considerably reduced. Such was the state of play by 1993, when Adrian Newey’s Williams FW15’s technological gizmos essentially ran the car for the driver. The FIA has been fighting a constant battle since, for example taking away active ride suspension, removing and then reinstating traction control (then removing it again), in order to retain some pretence of driver influence.
The rise of drivers such as Jacques Villeneuve confirm the sceptics’ view. Villeneuve won the world championship in 1997, in a vastly superior car to his rival Schumacher, yet had to take it down to the wire to do so. Villeneuve is invariably considered lower on Greatest Driver Ever lists than his achievement might warrant, however, perhaps because he is the driver who best symbolises the triumph of the machinery over the man.
Today many casual fans are heard asking why Button is at the top this season. To them the answer is clear; he now has a winning car, which was not at his disposal last season. The rule changes have permitted clever engineers to shine at the expense of their more illustrious rivals - a wonderful story, for engineers. But the driver today is irrelevant, goes the argument - we might as well have remote control F1 races.
There are several reasons why this analysis is flawed. The first is the oft-heard refrain about how great drivers always look good, even in terrible cars. The examples through recent F1 history are numerous; Ayrton Senna in his Toleman and Lotus days, Nigel Mansell, Michael Schumacher. Today the best examples are Fernando Alonso and to a lesser extent Lewis Hamilton. Alonso has been fighting with one hand behind his back for some years now, and still lands heavy punches. Hamilton is just lately finding out what it is like not to have a winning car and is acquitting himself superbly.
Perhaps this is because of the sheer breadth of talent the driver has to bring to the table. The driver is not only the one who has to drive the car faster than everyone else could, especially his team-mate. He has to set the thing up, with his experience, know-how and feedback the most important aspects of a car’s eventual race pace. He is also de facto team leader, representing all the garage and the factory in front of the world’s cameras and microphones. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, he has to be a politician, carefully manipulating the team, the suppliers and the sponsors into working for him. Senna, Schumacher and Prost were masters of all these aspects of a driver’s portfolio; Alonso is today.
The final word on the debate goes to Ross Brawn, subtly acknowledging the nuances of the driver vs car debate this week when talking about Jenson Button. “Even with the car we had last year I saw little flashes of something exceptional from him,” said the Brawn team principal. His intention was to reassure the world that Button was as much a key part of this year’s success as any diffuser.
Button may not be the greatest driver ever. But in showing up Rubens Barrichello, he is good enough to show that the average F1 driver is responsible for about 40% of the car’s performance. The other 60%, in normal cases, is down to the car. But where truly great drivers are concerned, that 40% can creep up, and up, until someone like Michael Schumacher in his Ferrari heyday might be said to be responsible for 60% of the package by himself. Incredible? Not really; as the old adage goes, the best drivers always seem to find themselves in the best cars.
In sum, in modern F1 it’s not really good enough for drivers to complain about the machinery and use it as an excuse why they are not impressing. They simply have to get more out of the car - because that’s part of their job description too. The best example today is Sebastian Vettel - a win for Toro Rosso last year, and quite possibly the difference between a winless Red Bull team and a winning one.
McLaren dealt suspended race ban
McLaren have been given a suspended three-race ban for misleading stewards after the Australian Grand Prix.
The team faced the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris today and accepted five charges of bringing the sport into disrepute.
The FIA were satisfied with the organisational changes McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh made to the team in the wake of the incident - which included sacking sporting director Dave Ryan - and dealt the team a suspended race ban.
The penalty will only be enforced if “facts emerge regarding the case or there is a further breach by the team of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”
The FIA had a range of tougher sanctions available to them, including disqualifying the team from the world championship.
The sports governing body said in a statement: “Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC, and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate.”
“The penalty is a suspension of the team from three races of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This will only be applied if further facts emerge regarding the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a further breach by the team of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”
McLaren accepted the decision and described it as a “very fair hearing.” Team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “I would like to thank the FIA World Motor Sport Council members for affording me the opportunity to answer their questions this morning.”
“We are aware that we made serious mistakes in Australia and Malaysia, and I was therefore very glad to be able to apologise for those mistakes once again.
“I was also pleased to be able to assure the FIA World Motor Sport Council members that we had taken appropriate action with a view to ensuring that such mistakes do not occur again.”
After a difficult star to the season the team are now turning their attention to closing the gap to the current championship leaders.
“We now look forward with enthusiasm to continuing our efforts to develop a closer and more co-operative relationship between ourselves and the FIA,” the team said in a statement.
“We will also continue to focus our efforts on closing the performance gap that exists between our car and the fastest cars.
“Following Lewis Hamilton’s encouraging fourth place in Bahrain last Sunday, we are now optimistic that we will be able to play an increasingly competitive part in what is fast developing into a very exciting season of Formula 1 motor racing.”
The team faced the FIA World Motor Sport Council in Paris today and accepted five charges of bringing the sport into disrepute.
The FIA were satisfied with the organisational changes McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh made to the team in the wake of the incident - which included sacking sporting director Dave Ryan - and dealt the team a suspended race ban.
The penalty will only be enforced if “facts emerge regarding the case or there is a further breach by the team of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”
The FIA had a range of tougher sanctions available to them, including disqualifying the team from the world championship.
The sports governing body said in a statement: “Having regard to the open and honest way in which McLaren Team Principal, Mr Martin Whitmarsh, addressed the WMSC, and the change in culture which he made clear has taken place in his organisation, the WMSC decided to suspend the application of the penalty it deems appropriate.”
“The penalty is a suspension of the team from three races of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This will only be applied if further facts emerge regarding the case or if, in the next 12 months, there is a further breach by the team of Article 151c of the International Sporting Code.”
McLaren accepted the decision and described it as a “very fair hearing.” Team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: “I would like to thank the FIA World Motor Sport Council members for affording me the opportunity to answer their questions this morning.”
“We are aware that we made serious mistakes in Australia and Malaysia, and I was therefore very glad to be able to apologise for those mistakes once again.
“I was also pleased to be able to assure the FIA World Motor Sport Council members that we had taken appropriate action with a view to ensuring that such mistakes do not occur again.”
After a difficult star to the season the team are now turning their attention to closing the gap to the current championship leaders.
“We now look forward with enthusiasm to continuing our efforts to develop a closer and more co-operative relationship between ourselves and the FIA,” the team said in a statement.
“We will also continue to focus our efforts on closing the performance gap that exists between our car and the fastest cars.
“Following Lewis Hamilton’s encouraging fourth place in Bahrain last Sunday, we are now optimistic that we will be able to play an increasingly competitive part in what is fast developing into a very exciting season of Formula 1 motor racing.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
