Crown

Virgin Racing was 9 seconds off the pace set by Buemi (Toro Rosso) today at Jerez:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8510697.stm

Glock could only do 5 laps before Virgin ran out of spare parts - how embarrassing

Frankly, what's the point of Virgin Racing, US F1 and Campos Meta being in Formula 1? In a race, their cars will be like near-stationary obstacles for the established teams to get past and lap again and again.  Surely they should compete in a lower formula - and proving themselves - before being admitted to the highest formula in motorsport?

Manufacturer teams leave F1 only to be replaced by these unknown and untested teams. IMHO the wheels will come off this particular experiment all too soon...

--
 

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

BTW Kamui Kobayashi's time at the end of testing today has been disallowed since he crossed the line just after the session had ended.

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

There's a funny tweet I am reading:

"The field completed 920 laps in total, and was separated by 10.014 seconds - or 2.093 seconds excluding Virgin Racing's Timo Glock. "

LOL 

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

A picture is worth a thousand words:

http://twitpic.com/12lz0c

No doubting who is boss here  

--
 

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

Well I have hopes for USF1, as Americans are underrepresented in F1. If they are successful, that could mean a lot more attention overseas.

easy_rider911:

A picture is worth a thousand words:

http://twitpic.com/12lz0c

No doubting who is boss here  

That is a huge benefit Schumi will have over the others AGAIN... They all battle with each other, while Nico will be Schumis aid, kinda like tour de france and their drafting buddies

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 
_____________________________________________________________________
1984 BMW 323i 5spd 2.3L 141 hp (105 kW) More door. Black on black (parting out) 
1986 BMW 325e 5spd 2.7L 121 hp (172 lb·ft) Le Mans Blau on Tan leather.
1986 BMW 325is 5spd 2.5L 168 hp (164 lb-ft) White on Tan leather (parted out) 
2005 Ford Focus S, 5spd 2.0L 136 hp (120lb-ft) CD silver on grey (sold)
1986 Porsche 944, 5spd 2.5L 150 hp (168lb-ft) champagne gold on grown leather. (sold)

Ferdie:

Great analysis of the current cars at Jerez with Christian Danner (TV commentator & former F1 drriver) and Sebastian Vettel in the AMS, unfortunately only in German: [link]

very cool read. Getting really exited already!! 

indeed shifting is ancient technology - so is a fuel burning engine..  I happen to like both :) 
_____________________________________________________________________
1984 BMW 323i 5spd 2.3L 141 hp (105 kW) More door. Black on black (parting out) 
1986 BMW 325e 5spd 2.7L 121 hp (172 lb·ft) Le Mans Blau on Tan leather.
1986 BMW 325is 5spd 2.5L 168 hp (164 lb-ft) White on Tan leather (parted out) 
2005 Ford Focus S, 5spd 2.0L 136 hp (120lb-ft) CD silver on grey (sold)
1986 Porsche 944, 5spd 2.5L 150 hp (168lb-ft) champagne gold on grown leather. (sold)

Sadly, it seems pre-race weights will not be published in 2010.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81432

Live commentary from Day 3 of testing in Jerez:

http://live.autosport.com/commentary.php/id/176

Live tweets from James Allen's blogging website:

http://twitter.jamesallenonf1.com./live
 

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

This should be interesting, and will make Silverstone an extremely fast and long circuit. Much better than Donington IMO.

NEW SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT GETS GREEN LIGHT FOR 2010 BRITISH GRAND PRIX
 

Silverstone Circuits Limited is pleased to confirm that, following approval from Formula One Management (FOM), the 2010 FORMULA 1 SANTANDER BRITISH GRAND PRIX (9-11 July) will be staged on Silverstone‟s new Arena Grand Prix Circuit*.

Computer generated image of how Silverstone’s new Arena Grand Prix circuit will look for the 2010 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix (image also features the new Pit and Paddock Complex, planned for 2011)

 

The new track design retains the essence of Silverstone - a fast and flowing, yet technically challenging circuit that the drivers love. Scientific data, based on mathematical simulations and interpolations provided by Populous, the world‟s leading sports architecture firm who have consulted with drivers and riders to design the new circuit, has calculated that Silverstone will continue to be one of the quickest circuits on the F1 calendar. Despite the circuit length being increased by 760m, lap times for an F1 car will only be increased by four seconds.
 

 

Key circuit facts:
Additional track length - 760m
Arena Grand Prix Circuit length - 5,900km/3.666 miles (from 5,140km / 3.194 miles)
Projected F1 Lap Time - 1:23.13
Projected F1 Average Speed - 252kph/157mph
Projected F1 Maximum Speed - 302kph / 188mph
Turns - 18 (R10/L8)
 

www.silverstone.co.uk/news/latest-news/New-Silverstone-circuit-gets-green-light-for-2010-British-Grand-Prix/

--
 

10 PRINT "997.2 Carrera S rules"

20 GOTO 10

30 RUN

Atzporsche:

easy_rider911:

No doubting who is boss here  

That is a huge benefit Schumi will have over the others AGAIN... They all battle with each other, while Nico will be Schumis aid, kinda like tour de france and their drafting buddies

This is Nick Heidfeld, not Nico Rosberg. I honestly doubt that Rosberg will take 2nd position in the team that easily, even if Brawn´d suggest this he might leave a few comments to the press once in a while. Rosberg is highly competitive and certainly a promising driver, if Brawn/MercedesGP will be successful it will be the first time in his F1 carreer to sit in a competitive car.

I actually don´t share the resentment against the new teams (USGP1, Virgin etc.) since at least a few of them make a professional appearance. Most of them were launched from scratch resulting in obvious problems and organisational flaws that the major team have ironed out long ago. I have high hopes for Nick Wirth´s attempt and am very curious how they will perform on the track. Let´s give them a couple of races and we will see how many of them will remain on the grid until the end of the season.

Live commentary of today's testing in Jerez

live.autosport.com/commentary.php/id/177

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

Hamilton also did 46 laps long stint (which was splitted on two parts because of red flag caused by Schumacher) and his lap times was very good and constant:

1.25.7, 1.26.2, 1.24.7, 1.24.4, 1.24.0, 1.24.3, 1.24.4, 1.24.3, 1.24.3, 1.24.3, 1.24.6, 1.24.1, 1.24.2, 1.24.0, 1.24.4, 1.24.4, 1.24.6, 1.24.5, 1.24.4, 1.24.6, 1.24.8, 1.24.8, 1.25.0, 1.25.0, 1.25.1, red flag, 1.25.139, 1.24.474, 1.24.644, 1.24.227, 1.24.200, 1.23.393, 1.24.234, 1.23.734, 1.23.428, 1.23.365, 1.23.377, 1.29.318, 1.23.965, 1.23.772, 1.23.863, 1.24.215, 1.24.424, 1.24.445, 1.27.173, 1.25.100

Schumi thinks Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes and Red Bull appear to be quickest:

www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81492

Combined laptimes from 4 days of testing at Jerez:

www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81491

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

Geoff Willis:  “Of the new cars the one that has impressed me the most is the McLaren. It will be the front runner for the title battle along with the Red Bull. Just behind are the Ferrari and the Mercedes."

Whole article: http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/2010/02/jerez-day-4-hamilton-on-a-high-while-virgin-get-up-to-speed/

Schumi optimistic of being able to challenge for the title in 2010:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81530

Driver line ups for 3rd test in Jerez:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81531

Rain expected at Jerez again:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81523

Schumi keen to protect his privacy:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5952263,00.html

Webber's view on how he thinks the season may develop:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5950690,00.html

Alonso's views after the 2nd test at Jerez:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5950779,00.html

Views on the current F1 pecking order:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3261_5948775,00.html

IMHO testing should move to Abu Dhabi or Bahrain to lessen the risk of rain affecting the test

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

easy_rider911:

IMHO testing should move to Abu Dhabi or Bahrain to lessen the risk of rain affecting the test

I second that!!!  And I also agree that they should show the testing on TV, especially since this year is so interesting, and testing has become an event ever since it got restricted.

Thanks easy for all these infos ! Looking forward for the start of the season

 997.2 C2S, PDK, -20mm

Arshad:

easy_rider911:

IMHO testing should move to Abu Dhabi or Bahrain to lessen the risk of rain affecting the test

I second that!!!  And I also agree that they should show the testing on TV, especially since this year is so interesting, and testing has become an event ever since it got restricted.

Yeah  The whole point is that this is Winter testing - so they should go somewhere where there is almost guaranteed sunshine and little chance of rain. Also, I am sure that the drivers would be very happy spending some days in those places - they have great 5 star hotels and also it's an ideal place to do some fitness training i.e. good hotel gyms and good sunny weather for jogging/cycling during the winter. I wouldn't want to do any training there in the Summer when it can be well over 40C but, in Winter, it's usually a very pleasant 18-24C

Having said that, my family members who live in Dubai were telling me just how much rain they had experienced this Winter

The other complication with winter testing in Abu Dhabi or Bahrain would be sand - not just the fact that the sand gets into air intakes etc (giving rise to new complications) but also the occasional desert sandstorms that can arise without warning at any time.

But these are still far preferable problems to deal with than heavy rain

--
 

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

easy_rider911:

Arshad:

easy_rider911:

IMHO testing should move to Abu Dhabi or Bahrain to lessen the risk of rain affecting the test

I second that!!!  And I also agree that they should show the testing on TV, especially since this year is so interesting, and testing has become an event ever since it got restricted.

Yeah  The whole point is that this is Winter testing - so they should go somewhere where there is almost guaranteed sunshine and little chance of rain. Also, I am sure that the drivers would be very happy spending some days in those places - they have great 5 star hotels and also it's an ideal place to do some fitness training i.e. good hotel gyms and good sunny weather for jogging/cycling during the winter. I wouldn't want to do any training there in the Summer when it can be well over 40C but, in Winter, it's usually a very pleasant 18-24C

Having said that, my family members who live in Dubai were telling me just how much rain they had experienced this Winter

The other complication with winter testing in Abu Dhabi or Bahrain would be sand - not just the fact that the sand gets into air intakes etc (giving rise to new complications) but also the occasional desert sandstorms that can arise without warning at any time.

But these are still far preferable problems to deal with than heavy rain

 

Remember last year, Ferrari, BMW and Toyota have lost three days of testing because of sandstorm in Bahrain.

http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/formula-1-news/206800/sandstorm-hinders-f1-test-in-bahrain/

Live commentary on Day 1 of the third Winter test at Jerez:

http://live.autosport.com/commentary.php/id/178

Schumi doing well in 3rd test at Jerez:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5954969,00.html

Brief interview with Robert Kubica:

http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2010/2/10440.html

More on Stefan GP's attempt to enter F1 as a 14th team:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8518652.stm

James Allen blog - v interesting analysis on tactics and tyre usage:

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

Sadly the rain has been disrupting testing so far. Plus there have also been several red flags ... a frustrating day so far.

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

I can't wait to see the first race

There is no try. Just do.

Pentium:

I can't wait to see the first race

Same here. For a couple of years the first F1-season I really want to watch.

The secret of life is to admire without desiring.

Live commentary of Day 2 on the 3rd Winter Test at Jerez:

http://live.autosport.com/commentary.php/id/179

US F1 might be quitting F1:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5956816,00.html

Stefan GP might then replace US F1. Jcques Villeneuve might make a comeback:

http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/81566

Q&A with Pedro de la Rosa:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81563

Q&A with Mike Gascoyne:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81560

Q&A with Fairuz Fauzy:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81559

Q&A with Paul di Resta:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81558

More problems for Virgin Racing:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5956904,00.html

Campos Meta claims to have found financial backing:

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5955410,00.html

More on Lotus's test debut from James Allen's blog:

http://www.jamesallenonf1.com/

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

The way the 2010 pre-season has been unfolding so far has made me wonder about a few questions:

1) Will Campos Meta and US F1 actually make it to the grid in Bahrain?  AFAIK Campos Meta is about to announce within the next 24 hours that its future has been secured. However, the rumour is that US F1 won't make it. Funding appears to have been withdrawn

2) If Campos Meta and/or US F1 actually reach the grid in Bahrain, how safe is it for these new teams to be running their cars in a race scenario when they haven't been tested yet on track for safety, reliability etc  This isn't a Hollywood movie where the underdogs get their act together at the very last minute and still compete/win etc  This is the real world where IMHO they will probably not only embarrass themselves but, more importantly, they might also compromise the safety of others

3) If either of those 2 teams fails to make the grid (and US F1 is more likely not to) then Stefan GP will be trying to take that place on the grid. Again, how safe is it to let Stefan GP run their cars on the grid with no (or almost no) prior testing?  

It looks like, of the new teams, Lotus is running pretty much fine - although Heikki Kovaleinen has today wasted the rest of today's testing in Jerez due to damaging the front wing of the Lotus  Glock also has had a tough time testing in the Virgin Racing car  But, despite disruption caused by rain etc, at least those two teams are functioning normally as one would expect  Full credit to Lotus and Virgin Racing for what they have achieved so far   

We have the prospect of one of the best F1 seasons in years ahead of us   As a passionate F1 fan, I would hate to see one of the 2 chaotic new teams (US F1, Campos Meta and possibly Stefan GP) ruining it for everyone else  

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

You make a lot of very good points Easy.

I still can't quite wrap my head around why Prodrive isn't on the grid. It totally contradicts what F1 is trying to achieve.

Instead of having a team that has proven that not only can they compete, but they can actually bring something to the sport we have at least two teams whom are floundering.

In a brief moment of clarity I realized that one rule will aid us in our frustration. Whenever in doubt... just do the opposite. When something happens in the F1 world just choose the most irrational idea that comes to mind and you will be spot on.

917962:

In a brief moment of clarity I realized that one rule will aid us in our frustration. Whenever in doubt... just do the opposite. When something happens in the F1 world just choose the most irrational idea that comes to mind and you will be spot on.

 

  funny but so true. 

@easy_rider: thanks so much for posting all the links to the live coverage. Cable over here only covers the actual races and I'm in the process of getting a new satellite dish at home. So keep posting the links please so i can keep up with how things are going 

Thanks 917962  Yes, Prodrive would be a good solution - but it is a sensible, well managed team that will not risk bankrupting itself - I think that is the real reason why it has not entered F1.

@Enmanuel: no problem - you're welcome  Actually, you can follow all the action live on the various websites I and others have listed on this thread

Do you remember the days when we used to follow F1 without the internet?  All we had was the TV coverage, (printed) newspaper articles and monthly magazines. I thank my lucky stars that I am alive today in this age of modern communications technology

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection

I'm very much looking forward to this years F1 season 

here's a link to an article about Kovalainen's crash

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/kovalainen-crashes-t127-at-jerez-17046.html

--

Live commentary from Day 3 of the 3rd test at Jerez

http://live.autosport.com/commentary.php/id/180

Virgin Racing's reliability problems solved

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81586

Q&A with Heikki Kovaleinen

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81582

Jose Ramon Carabante may buy out Campos Meta

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81569

Massa frustrated by rain

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81580

Virgin Racing crashes out 5 minutes into testing on Friday

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5959120,00.html

Webber might have quit F1 if Red Bull's car last year was bad

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5958760,00.html

Red flags and rain frustrate Rosberg

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5958021,00.html

Summary of day 2 of the 3rd test at Jerez

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5957824,00.html

Summary of the opening part of day 3 of the 3rd test at Jerez

http://www.planetf1.com/story/0,18954,3213_5958953,00.html

 

 
RT Moderator - 997.1 Carrera S GT Silver/Cocoa, -20mm/LSD, PSE, short shifter, SportDesign rims, Zuffenhausen collection