BlueElephant From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 1765 posts, RR: 8 Posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 3308 times:
I could have sworm that there was a Part 1 thread, but I cannot seem to find it.
The new season is just a month and a half away!
This year we should have a new race in the U.S. (I want to go but don't know yet if i'll make it!)
Both Caterham (Lotus) and McLaren have released images of their 2012 challengers so far, All other teams aside from Mercedes, Marussia and HRT should be unveiled before the first test on Tuesday.
Commenting on the McLaren - I'm thinking here that we're not seeing the complete story here. It looks rather ordinary. I assume there will be another couple noses, and some hidden engineering marvels that increase its speed.
zckls04 From United States of America, joined Dec 2011, 245 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 11 hours ago) and read 3286 times:
Quoting BlueElephant (Thread starter): Commenting on the McLaren - I'm thinking here that we're not seeing the complete story here. It looks rather ordinary. I assume there will be another couple noses, and some hidden engineering marvels that increase its speed.
According to McLaren themselves they are expecting questions to be asked by the other teams over the cars legality. They claim they have been too conservative in the past and are pushing the boundaries a lot more this time.
Seems an odd thing to say though- they'd have to be pretty sure it was legit to be inviting scrutiny from other teams. Maybe trying to avoid the problem that most of the teams seem to have from time to time where Charlie OK's something after a casual enquiry, and then changes his mind mid-season after presumably being overruled by the Feds.
In any case, they need a fast start for once. If they get one it could be pretty interesting seeing if we get some intra-team fireworks.
Bill142 From Australia, joined Aug 2004, 8143 posts, RR: 11 Reply 2, posted (3 months 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 3254 times:
Quoting zckls04 (Reply 1): Seems an odd thing to say though- they'd have to be pretty sure it was legit to be inviting scrutiny from other teams. Maybe trying to avoid the problem that most of the teams seem to have from time to time where Charlie OK's something after a casual enquiry, and then changes his mind mid-season after presumably being overruled by the Feds.
That's probably what they're expecting to happen.
Quoting BlueElephant (Thread starter): Commenting on the McLaren - I'm thinking here that we're not seeing the complete story here. It looks rather ordinary. I assume there will be another couple noses, and some hidden engineering marvels that increase its speed.
What's been launched is probably different to whats going to be in testing next week.
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 3, posted (3 months 3 weeks 1 day ago) and read 3187 times:
McLaren was the first team to present their new car for the 2012 season - the MP4-27.
The launch of the new McLaren is the official start of the F1 2012 season.
Monocoque: McLaren-moulded carbonfibre composite incorporating front and side impact structures
Front suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pushrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Rear suspension: Inboard torsion bar/damper system operated by pullrod and bell crank with a double wishbone arrangement
Electronics: McLaren Electronic Systems. Including chassis control, engine control, data acquisition, dashboard, alternator, sensors, data analysis and telemetry.
Bodywork: Carbon-fibre composite. Separate engine cover, sidepods and floor. Structural nose with integral front wing.
Driver-operated drag reduction system
Tyres: Pirelli P Zero
Radio: Kenwood
Race wheels: Enkei
Brake callipers: Akebono
Master cylinders: Akebono
Batteries: GS Yuasa Corporation
Steering: McLaren power-assisted
Instruments: McLaren Electronic Systems
Paint solutions: AkzoNobel Car Refinishes using Sikkens products
Engine
Type: Mercedes-Benz FO 108Z
Capacity: 2.4 litres
Cylinders: 8
Maximum rpm: 18,000
Bank angle: 90°
Piston bore maximum: 98mm
Number of valves: 32
Fuel: ExxonMobil High Performance Unleaded (5.75% bio fuel)
Spark plugs: NGK racing spark plugs specially designed for Formula 1
Lubricants: Mobil 1 - combining greater performance, protection and cooling with increased economy and lower emissions
Weight: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)
KERS Hybrid
Type: Mercedes-Benz
e-Motor: Engine-mounted electrical motor/generator
ESS: Integrated energy storage cells and power electronics
Power: 60 kW
Transmission
Gearbox: McLaren-moulded carbon-fibre composite.
Integral rear impact structure
Gears: Seven forward and one reverse
Gear selection: McLaren seamless shift, hand-operated
Clutch: Carbon/carbon, hand-operated
Lubricants: Mobil
See the pictures of the new MP4-27 at the launch ceremony
I hope Lewis will give up his showbiz aspirations and friends and he will fully concentrate on his future in Formula 1. This year could be his last chance as there are many talented young drivers waiting for his seat.
As for Jenson, I am sure he will do very well again in 2012 up to his best as usual. He has got the right environment and talent to succeed.
Good luck McLaren Mercedes. Give us a great 2012 season!
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
There is a really nice article about the new F-2012 launch in today's La Gazzetta dello Sport with the two Ferrari drivers comments and impressions, also Stefano Domenicali and the big boss, Luca di Montezemolo.
GrahamHill From France, joined Mar 2007, 2235 posts, RR: 2 Reply 9, posted (3 months 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 3133 times:
When they wrote the new rules, I hope the FIA did not have that kind of design in mind. Those noses are ugly. The look like a boxer's nose, completely bended because of punches...
[Edited 2012-02-03 07:40:17]
"A learned fool is more foolish than an ignorant one" - Moliere
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 11, posted (3 months 3 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 3103 times:
I just saw this on BBC News
Sauber's technical director James Key has left the Swiss team to take up a new role in the UK.
Key, who has been with Sauber for two years, did not reveal what the new role was or whether it was in Formula 1.
...
Sauber said that Key's responsibilities would be shared by the heads of the four engineering departments.
The team's new car will be launched on Monday 6 February, ahead of the start of pre-season testing on 7 February in Jerez, Spain.
sudden From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 3955 posts, RR: 7 Reply 14, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2996 times:
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 6): Looking at the new F-2012 seems that the new McLaren's nose may not be legit?
It's very legit as stated already by Bill142. There will more designs that differs from Ferrari and Force India, but this does not mean that they are not legit. Just different approaches by the teams.
Quoting Bill142 (Reply 12): Looks like they'll be off to a slow start since they've lost their Key.
Maybe they can get a spare Key that actually works now.
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 16, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 2964 times:
Quoting sudden (Reply 15): The new Sauber has been launched......
Thank you for the link. I had the launch date wrong as I thought it was tomorrow!
I am not really enthused by the way they mixed the colours on the car but this has no real importance.
Sergio is no longer a F1 newbie this year. We will see how well him and Kamui will do this season.
I hope the tech team can manage well without the Key.
There will be Schumi, Kamui, Kimi, but still no Kubi.
The 2012 season will be highly competitive with 6 World Champions on the grid.
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
DiamondFlyer From United States of America, joined Oct 2008, 1107 posts, RR: 3 Reply 23, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 15 hours ago) and read 2883 times:
Any idea on why Caterham and Lotus went with the different style nose bump than the rest of the cars released so far (sans the McLaren)?
Dano1977 From British Indian Ocean Territory, joined Jun 2008, 283 posts, RR: 0 Reply 25, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 2879 times:
I wondering what those airducts on the nose hump are for on the Red Bull?
Some kind of device that sends air flow to the bottom of the car to add down force?
Children should only be allowed on aircraft if 1. Muzzled and heavily sedated 2. Go as freight
CXB77L From Australia, joined Feb 2009, 1533 posts, RR: 3 Reply 27, posted (3 months 2 weeks 4 days ago) and read 2892 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW CUSTOMER SERVICE & SUPPORT
Here's the new Williams Renault FW34:
Unfortunately, it has that ugly stepped noes like all other cars released so far, bar the McLaren. I wonder if McLaren are onto something here that every other team missed ....
"I think he got the point." - James Bond (Sean Connery) in 'Thunderball'
sudden From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 3955 posts, RR: 7 Reply 36, posted (3 months 2 weeks 13 hours ago) and read 2571 times:
I think it's cool that Gary Anderson joins as he will be able to feed us with valuable info from the technical point of view.
A strong trio they have now BBC.
Acheron From Spain, joined Sep 2005, 1233 posts, RR: 2 Reply 38, posted (3 months 1 week 18 hours ago) and read 2338 times:
Quoting sudden (Reply 37): If there is one driver I wont miss in F1, it's Trulli. His contribution to his team has been slim to none since....I don't know when.
BlueElephant From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 1765 posts, RR: 8 Reply 39, posted (3 months 1 week 18 hours ago) and read 2334 times:
Quoting Acheron (Reply 38): I'm sure I'll miss the Trulli Train, though :-P
Me too,
but for what it's worth i think we have a very interesting line up this year. The likes of Hulkenburg being back and Ricciardo and Vergne who are supposed to be magical. Kimi is back ni the car and I feel Lotus will surprise.
If and Hamilton is back on his A game and McLaren deliver, I think we could be in for a really interesting season.
I thought Sauber had the deal to make the Ferrari look good.. seems I was wrong, Mercedes have been severely slapped with the ugly stick!!
I wonder if all these step nosed teams have been suckered by Red Bull, McLaren never had a high chassis and were pretty competitive so didn't need the "step".
Red Bull had a high chassis and because they were so fast everyone (except 1) followed them.. now they all have this ridiculous duck-bill ... but Newey might be one step ahead again with his mysterious "driver cooling" vent.
Time will tell,
If your camera sends text messages, that could explain why your photos are rubbish!
zak From Greenland, joined Sep 2003, 1992 posts, RR: 11 Reply 42, posted (3 months 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 2226 times:
Quoting stealthz (Reply 41): Red Bull had a high chassis and because they were so fast everyone (except 1) followed them.. now they all have this ridiculous duck-bill ... but Newey might be one step ahead again with his mysterious "driver cooling" vent.
The logic behind the high nose is this:
The higher the nose the more mass-flow of air can be under the Nose. That air is the air that can be used to work the downforce. Increasing this workable mass-flow of air was also the reason for the whole exhaust in the diffusor scheme of last year that is now banned by regulations. In that aspect, it appears that this years Merc has by far the most extreme Nose, after all it has the highest and slimmest nose at the same time, it should be interesting to see if they get this potential mass flow advantage into downforce.
The interesting part on the whole new noses is that it appears that only RB and Merc have developed a "blown" front wing, as evident by the RB "cooling vents" in the "step" and the big oval opening in the Merc "nose".
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 43, posted (3 months 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 2093 times:
As a former Bahrain race regular I received the email with the discounted tickets offer. For as much as I would like to go back to the Kingdom it seems highly likely that the race will be scrubbed, maybe for good.
Not sure how many will want to go due to political events. Maybe most living away from the Gulf regioon will be in no rush to rush buying tickets for the race.
What will Bernie do this year? Bahrain F1 Yes or No?
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
sudden From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 3955 posts, RR: 7 Reply 46, posted (3 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 1989 times:
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 45): This is Kamui's new bilingual Japanese/English web site with some really nice graphics.
Well, If you are a midfield driver I guess you need to have a site that shines the more.
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 44): Which is good because the event was crap, held on a horrible boring circuit in a country which really couldn't give a crap about F1.
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 47, posted (3 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 1986 times:
Quoting sudden (Reply 37): If there is one driver I wont miss in F1, it's Trulli.
Sadly there are no more Italian drivers in Formula 1.
Drivers coming from countries with such great automobile history and great constructors like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati are being replaced with drivers from countries with no automobile history such as Russia.... and others.
Not sure which historical Russian car factory could compete with brands such as Bugatti, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, not talking about great names like Ferrari and genius designer Pininfarina.
We had...
Patrese
Capelli
Martini
Morbidelli
Larini
Alboreto
Zanardi
Fisichella
Trulli
Liuzzi
We now have an uncertain paid driver named Vitaly Petrov.
Maybe it won't be long until we see a Tata on the grid.
New money wins.
[Edited 2012-02-22 04:26:21]
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 3628 posts, RR: 2 Reply 48, posted (3 months 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 1975 times:
When was the last time we actually had an Italian behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car that was any good, could win races and challenge for the F1 Drivers Championship? The answer is a very long time ago, 1953 to be exact, Alberto Ascari in a Ferrari. I'm purposely not including Mario Andretti in 1978, as he raced under an American racing license and was only born in Italy, which is now part of Croatia, so he's Croatian American rather than Italian American.
To sum it up not having an Italian driver isn't a big deal, if you said there were no longer any British drivers in the Championship then I'd be concerned, after all Britain is the home of Formula 1!
sudden From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 3955 posts, RR: 7 Reply 49, posted (3 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 1971 times:
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 47): Drivers coming from countries with such great automobile history and great constructors like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani and Maserati are being replaced with drivers from countries with no automobile history such as Russia.... and others.
Just because Italy has a great history in car manufacturing, doesn't automatically mean that they have good race drivers.
Look how good Badoer nursed his chance when he was able to race, or Fisi.
And you seem to also forget that Ferrari only takes on drivers that are able to drive and push development. Not midfield drivers like Kamui, to name one.
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 3628 posts, RR: 2 Reply 50, posted (3 months 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 1965 times:
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 47): Maybe it won't be long until we see a Tata on the grid.
It wouldn't surprise me if one of the Tata group companies had a crack at LeMan's, after all Jaguar is owned by Tata, they have a fine history in sportscar racing, more to the point Tata is a far larger company than many of the companies who own F1 teams.
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 51, posted (3 months 2 days 16 hours ago) and read 1940 times:
Quoting sudden (Reply 49): Ferrari only takes on drivers that are able to drive and push development. Not midfield drivers like Kamui, to name one.
It is quite clear that you have a grudge against the humble sushi boy driving talent and his capability to make it to the F1 circuit.
You would be overjoyed if Peter Sauber had fired him and replaced him but it did not happen - He is still the team's leading driver like it or not.
There was no question of Ferrari getting rid of Felipe Massa anyway.
Circuit de Catalunya: Testing Day One
Driver Car Time Laps
1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull RB8 1:23.265 79
2. Nico Hulkenberg Force India VJM05 1:23.440 97
3. Lewis Hamilton McLaren MP4-27 1:23.590 114
4. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso STR07 1:23.618 76
5. Fernando Alonso Ferrari F2012 1:24.100 75
6. Michael Schumacher Mercedes W03 1:24.150 51
7. Sergio Perez Sauber C31 1:24.219 66
8. Bruno Senna Williams FW34 1:25.711 97
9. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham CT01 1:26.035 31
10. Romain Grosjean Lotus E20 1:26.809 7
11. Charles Pic Marussia MVR02 1:28.026 121
Testing Day Two
Driver Car Time Laps
1. Nico Hulkenberg Force India VJM05 1:22.608 112
2. Sergio Perez Sauber C31 1:22.648 85
3. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull RB8 1:22.891 104
5. Fernando Alonso Ferrari F2012 1:23.180 87
5. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso STR07 1:23.639 50
6. Lewis Hamilton McLaren MP4-27 1:23.806 120
7. Nico Rosberg Mercedes W03 1:24.555 82
8. Valtteri Bottas Williams FW34 1:25.738 117
9. Vitaly Petrov Caterham CT01 1:26.605 69
10. Charles Pic Marussia MVR02 1:27.343 108
[Edited 2012-02-22 10:13:51]
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 3628 posts, RR: 2 Reply 52, posted (3 months 2 days 15 hours ago) and read 1951 times:
Quoting sudden (Reply 49): And you seem to also forget that Ferrari only takes on drivers that are able to drive and push development. Not midfield drivers like Kamui, to name one.
I don't think Ferrari have had a lightweight like Kamui in one of their cars for decades.
GrahamHill From France, joined Mar 2007, 2235 posts, RR: 2 Reply 53, posted (3 months 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 1939 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 48): To sum it up not having an Italian driver isn't a big deal
Quoting sudden (Reply 49): Just because Italy has a great history in car manufacturing, doesn't automatically mean that they have good race drivers.
I agree with that. Though I am sad to see that no Italian driver will take part of the next championship, it's not going to prevent me from slepping either. I agree that Italian F1 drivers never left an impressive memory of their talent over the past few decades. The last driver who comes to mind is Riccardo Patrese, who finished vice-champion in 1992.
"A learned fool is more foolish than an ignorant one" - Moliere
zckls04 From United States of America, joined Dec 2011, 245 posts, RR: 0 Reply 55, posted (3 months 2 days 12 hours ago) and read 1919 times:
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 47): We now have an uncertain paid driver named Vitaly Petrov.
Maybe it won't be long until we see a Tata on the grid.
New money wins.
Pay drivers are, and always have been, an integral part of Formula One at the back of the field. It always amazes me how many people forget the bad old days of 1985-1995. Remember Jean Denis-Deletraz? Probably not. Taki Inoue? Olivier Berette? Every single Larrousse driver? They were all way, way worse (and more numerous).
The fact is that Petrov had a chance at a midfield team run (you can argue whether or not that was smart, but who would you have taken instead? Renault were not a very attractive prospect after their race-fixing antics, and they already thought they had Kubica as their lead; why not take a chance on Petrov?), and he is now at the back of the field in a Caterham. I'd put him up against any of the 80s and 90s pay drivers though.
sudden From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 3955 posts, RR: 7 Reply 56, posted (3 months 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 1858 times:
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 51): It is quite clear that you have a grudge against the humble sushi boy driving talent and his capability to make it to the F1 circuit.
He's simply overrated. He made it to the track, but he will never make it to any of the top teams. I use him a reference cause that might make you understand.
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 51): You would be overjoyed if Peter Sauber had fired him and replaced him but it did not happen - He is still the team's leading driver like it or not.
Since when did he become the lead driver? Please show me the article stating this.
Quoting MadameConcorde (Reply 51): There was no question of Ferrari getting rid of Felipe Massa anyway.
Massa and Kamui has nothing in common. Let alone, if Massa would be fired Ferrari would for sure not be looking for a replacement in Kamui's pit garage.
That said, I feel that Massa's glory days are gone and that Ferrari should replace him.
Dano1977 From British Indian Ocean Territory, joined Jun 2008, 283 posts, RR: 0 Reply 59, posted (3 months 2 days ago) and read 1830 times:
Quoting zckls04 (Reply 55): Pay drivers are, and always have been, an integral part of Formula One at the back of the field. It always amazes me how many people forget the bad old days of 1985-1995. Remember Jean Denis-Deletraz? Probably not. Taki Inoue? Olivier Berette? Every single Larrousse driver? They were all way, way worse (and more numerous).
Probably the worst pay driver of all was Pedro Diniz
He had mummy and daddies millions to shoe horn him into an F1 car (Forti, Ligier,Arrows and Sauber)
99 races 0 wins 0 podiums and 10 championship points.
Children should only be allowed on aircraft if 1. Muzzled and heavily sedated 2. Go as freight
Looking at the 2011 WDC standings, he is not in the tops, but he is not in the bottom either. He is a good middle, taking into account that he was driving a more than average car, and he finished 5th here in Monaco.
12th out of 28 is not bad, really, for a driver who got in without any sponsor, only chosen by team owner Peter Sauber. In case you don't know, Sergio Perez (as good and nice as he is) is a paid driver, sponsored by TELMEX, paid by Mexican Carlos Slim Helu, the world's top richest man in Forbes 500.
FIA Formula 1 drivers' world championship
Last updated: Thursday, 12 January 2012 11:39 UK
Position Driver Country Team Points
1 Sebastian Vettel Ger Red Bull-Renault 392
2 Jenson Button GB McLaren-Mercedes 270
3 Mark Webber Aus Red Bull-Renault 258
4 Fernando Alonso Spa Ferrari 257
5 Lewis Hamilton GB McLaren-Mercedes 227
6 Felipe Massa Brz Ferrari 118
7 Nico Rosberg Ger Mercedes GP 89
8 Michael Schumacher Ger Mercedes GP 76
9 Adrian Sutil Ger Force India-Mercedes 42
10 Vitaly Petrov Rus Renault 37
11 Nick Heidfeld Ger Renault 34
12 Kamui Kobayashi Jpn Sauber 30
13 Paul Di Resta GB Force India-Mercedes 27
14 Jaime Alguersuari Spa Toro Rosso-Ferrari 26
15 Sebastien Buemi Swi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 15
16 Sergio Perez Mex Sauber 14
17 Rubens Barrichello Brz Williams-Cosworth 4
18 Bruno Senna Brz Renault 2
19 Pastor Maldonado Ven Williams-Cosworth 1
20 Pedro de la Rosa Spa Sauber 0
21 Jarno Trulli Ita Lotus-Renault 0
22 Heikki Kovalainen Fin Lotus-Renault 0
23 Vitantonio Liuzzi Ita HRT-Cosworth 0
24 Jerome d'Ambrosio Bel Virgin-Cosworth 0
25 Timo Glock Ger Virgin-Cosworth 0
26 Daniel Ricciardo Aus HRT-Cosworth 0
27 Narain Karthikeyan Ind HRT-Cosworth 0
28 Karun Chandhok Ind Lotus-Renault 0
About Bahrain...
Ecclestone backs Bahrain GP to go ahead despite violent clashes
F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes the Bahrain Grand Prix should go ahead on 22 April as planned despite a return to violence in the Gulf state.
Bill142 From Australia, joined Aug 2004, 8143 posts, RR: 11 Reply 62, posted (3 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 1821 times:
Quoting Dano1977 (Reply 59): Probably the worst pay driver of all was Pedro Diniz
There were worse. Pedro Diniz at least had super licence. There was a stage where you could plonk down your cash and get a gig. Particularly during the 70's when teams went through drivers who brought in enough funds for a few races. But the FIA tightened things up, including the introduction of the super licence and limits on the number of driver changes during a season to ensure that pay drivers weren't going to cause harm to others and to stop teams running a new driver every weekend.
BlueElephant From United Kingdom, joined Dec 2006, 1765 posts, RR: 8 Reply 64, posted (3 months 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1763 times:
The Tabloids are reporting Lewis Hamilton is back in a relationship with his squeeze Nicole. Which could be both positive and negative.
He also mentioned yesterday he felt very positive about the new McLaren. Sebastian Vettel has also noted the McLaren looks quick.
As a McLaren fan, I'm really nervous as their car still doesn't look at all like the others and Richard Anderson commented it's likely to be slow. Melbourne Qualifying can't come soon enough.
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 65, posted (3 months 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 1744 times:
Quoting BlueElephant (Reply 64): The Tabloids are reporting Lewis Hamilton is back in a relationship with his squeeze Nicole. Which could be both positive and negative.
The two are inseparable. They are really the other one's best match.
Let's hope it will be for the better.
Sweet: F1 Fan makes Red Bull RB8 out of cardboard
Red Bull Racing fan ‘Chibi’ has created his own cute little Red Bull RB8 out of cardboard, big enough for him to sit in.
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 66, posted (3 months 22 hours ago) and read 1661 times:
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Circuit de Catalunya: Testing Day Three
Times
Driver Car Time Laps
1. Pastor Maldonado Williams FW34 1:22.391 106
2. Michael Schumacher Mercedes W03 1:23.384 127
3. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber C31 1:23.582 99
4. Jenson Button McLaren MP4-27 1:23.918 114
5. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso STR07 1:24.433 78
6. Mark Webber Red Bull RB8 1:24.771 97
7. Felipe Massa Ferrari F2012 1:24.771 84
8. Paul di Resta Force India VJM05 1:25.646 83
9. Timo Glock Marussia MVR02 1:26.173 108
10. Vitaly Petrov Caterham CT01 1:26.448 70
Jenson Button quickest on final day of Barcelona test
After two hours' running at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya, the 2009 world champion was 0.721 seconds quicker than Kamui Kobayashi's Sauber.
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 67, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 1578 times:
Friday, February 24, 2012
Circuit de Catalunya: Testing Day Four
Times
Driver Car Time Laps
1. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber C31 1:22.312 145
2. Pastor Maldonado Williams FW34 1:22.561 134
3. Paul di Resta Force India VJM05 1:23.119 101
4. Jenson Button McLaren MP4-27 1:23.200 115
5. Felipe Massa Ferrari F2012 1:23.563 103
6. Mark Webber Red Bull RB8 1:23.774 85
7. Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso STR07 1:23.792 92
8. Nico Rosberg Mercedes W03 1:23.843 139
9. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham CT01 1:26.968 70
Kamui Kobayashi sets pace on final day of Barcelona test
Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi set the pace on the final day of the second pre-season test in Spain.
Kobayashi was 0.249 seconds ahead of Williams's Pastor Maldonado with the best time of the week, beating Maldonado's Thursday lap by 0.079secs.
Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi set the pace on the final day of the second pre-season test in Spain.
Kobayashi was 0.249 seconds ahead of Williams's Pastor Maldonado with the best time of the week, beating Maldonado's Thursday lap by 0.079secs.
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
stealthz From Australia, joined Feb 2005, 5073 posts, RR: 51 Reply 68, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 1574 times:
I know the first real indication of a teams speed will be approx 18:00 March 17th or even more meanigful, a bit before 19:00 Sun 18/03.
But .9 sec to Button and nearly 1.5sec to Webber.. were McLaren & Red Bull, fearful of an unexpected mini Ice Age in Melbourne and the possibillity of unprecedented blizzards at Sepang, testing the new Pirelli Winter tyres or evaluating cornering grip with snow chains fitted??
If your camera sends text messages, that could explain why your photos are rubbish!
na From Germany, joined Dec 1999, 8626 posts, RR: 11 Reply 69, posted (2 months 4 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 1575 times:
The bent noses are a joke. I cant remember uglier F1-car fronts since the times of the hideous Tyrrells or Ligiers back in the 70s.
I wonder why rules dont limit those ridiculous hyper-complicated front wings instead of making cars ugly with no need.
So far the 2012 tests let me fear for another Red Bull season. That would be utterly boring. Which means, I can forget this year and spend my sundays otherwise. I had hoped red Bull for once would build a flop to bring in some pepper this year. Instead its going to be the same old soup, err... lemonade.
The team did a great job building the replicas. I really like the Red Bull. Although the engine sounds more like a lawnmower. Though if you see it on the street people will easily believe it's the real thing!
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
rfields5421 From United States of America, joined Jul 2007, 4871 posts, RR: 21 Reply 71, posted (2 months 3 weeks 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 1422 times:
Well, kind of. He's stepping down from his position on the board. He'll still be Team Principal and majority stakeholder in the Williams team.
But it's great to see his daughter Claire take up a position on the Williams board. At least the Williams family will still be involved in the team even after Sir Frank steps aside altogether.
"I think he got the point." - James Bond (Sean Connery) in 'Thunderball'
MadameConcorde From San Marino, joined Feb 2007, 9224 posts, RR: 50 Reply 77, posted (2 months 3 weeks 1 day 1 hour ago) and read 1159 times:
Bernie Ecclestone, big money, Italian castles and la dolce vita
...
Bernie Ecclestone has somehow squeezed a lifetime of extraordinary success from meagre opportunities. He was blessed neither with particularly good looks nor a commanding stature.
The son of a Lowestoft trawlerman, his origins were humble: he had started his working life selling secondhand cars.
Yet by 2011, at the age of 81, he had effectively controlled Formula 1 for more than 40 years, amassing vast personal wealth in the process. Few could forget it, thanks to the lavish expenditure of Tamara and Petra, his exotically named daughters.
stealthz From Australia, joined Feb 2005, 5073 posts, RR: 51 Reply 80, posted (2 months 2 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 932 times:
Quoting sudden (Reply 79): I guess we are just as surprised as Salo himself.
We would be if there was anything at all to indicate he had been hired as their F1 Test driver.
Although looking at their pre-season form there maybe something to be gained by thinking "Outside the square".. but hiring a 45 y/o one time talented but not overly successful driver may be a step too far!
If your camera sends text messages, that could explain why your photos are rubbish!
B747forever From Sweden, joined May 2007, 16091 posts, RR: 12 Reply 82, posted (2 months 2 weeks 2 days 19 hours ago) and read 804 times:
I cannot believe that there is less than a week until the first race weekend of 2012. I am sure that this year will be fantastic. Unfortunately I will miss the first two races as I will be in Italy next weekend (school trip), and the weekend after that I am in the US.
Kimi is back albeit with a lesser car.
Me thinks the battle this year will be between Seb and Jenson. I don't expect any miracles coming from Hammy but you never know. Let's hope he will wake up. This season might be his last chance. Alonso is a fab' driver but not sure if the Ferrari will follow.
I will be happy to see my favourite boyz on the F1 racing tracks. Schumi, Kamui and Pedro
and all the others too.
Go F1 2012!
Bring in the Melbourne Grand Prix!
There was a better way to fly it was called Concorde
sudden From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 3955 posts, RR: 7 Reply 85, posted (2 months 2 weeks 19 hours ago) and read 681 times:
Can't wait for this season to get under way. One reason being Raikkonens return. I think he will be able to spice things up in the midfield. To be seen if the car is as good as Lotus indicates and that they will even be able challenge the frontrunners.
Kimi seem to be as prepared as he can get. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97921
Also keen to see if Ferrari is horsing around with their lack of speed, or if it's serious business.
One week to go!
B747forever From Sweden, joined May 2007, 16091 posts, RR: 12 Reply 87, posted (2 months 2 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 666 times:
Quoting sudden (Reply 85): One reason being Raikkonens return
Though I would much rather see him in a Ferrari. But hopefully he will manage to be competitive even though he is not driving for one of the top teams.
AF1624 From France, joined Jul 2006, 352 posts, RR: 0 Reply 90, posted (2 months 1 week 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 468 times:
So sad to see this disappointing performance by Kimi on Top Gear. Granted the track was wet, but still... I was expecting a lot more than that. The interview was boring as well. I was hoping he'd show motivation and a fun personality, but Clarkson was struggling with that interview. It was painful.
sudden From Sweden, joined Jul 2001, 3955 posts, RR: 7 Reply 91, posted (2 months 1 week 4 days 17 hours ago) and read 466 times:
Quoting AF1624 (Reply 90): The interview was boring as well. I was hoping he'd show motivation and a fun personality, but Clarkson was struggling with that interview. It was painful.
Painful? Raikkonen is simply short on words and I think Clarkson knows that by now.
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