I have tried to refrain from discussing the proposed plan by FOM leader Bernie Ecclestone that instead of a points system, the world championship will be decided by awarding medals (gold, silver, bronze). However, today Eccelstone has declared that this system will be introduced in 2009.
Basically the system would award the driver's title to the driver with the most gold medals. So in 2008, Massa would have won the title because he had 6 wins to Lewis Hamilton's 5 (6 golds to 5). The premise of implementing such as system in Ecclestone's rationale is that this would help increase overtaking because there would be more incentive for a driver to go for the win.
There are multiple criticisms and problems of such a scheme. In addition there are far less radical solutions that would keep the sport's historical context relevant.
We must consider race stewards in this equation. We have had plenty of drivers in 2008 go for overtaking opportunities and be aggressive in these opportunities in addition to race starts. Their reward has been getting penalized by race stewards. If Formula One is looking to get even more politicized instituting this system would be confirmation of the sports demise. I guarantee there will be a avalanche of protests of questionable driving else the penalty system is significantly overhauled.
Moreover, what about a driver that gets a lucky win due to rain conditions and never gets near what would have been the traditional points positions? Is that win more valuble then a driver that consistently finishes 6th or 7th in inferior equipment? I don't think so.
Why does not Ecclestone propose awarding the driver that wins the race with more points or increasing the gap between 1st and 2nd place (as was the case in Formula One's past). This was the case for many years until the points system was changed to award 2nd place driver with more points and to extend points allocations to 8th instead of 6th. In my opinion the current system is fine, as it rewards consistent drivers and teams. I am much more impressed with a driver and team that can consistently do well as opposed to drivers and teams that are sporadic in the sense that they are race winners one day and finish 6th or 7th the next. Nevertheless, if the system is to change, increasing the gap is very sensible.
Former Formula One team principal Eddie Jordan believes Bernie Ecclestone's plan to replace the Formula One points system is nonsense. Moreover, Jordan railed against the system saying to BBC Radio Five Live, " The points are necessary. I was one of the team principals in the team principals' meetings who advocated that the points should go down to eighth place because one point to a team down there is as important as a win is to the likes of McLaren and Ferrari and we must never forget that. I can promise you, having been in that position, two points against no points is a huge difference. Drivers like Massa, who started at the very bottom and worked his way up, know how important those points are at the back of the field. Everybody that's involved in the financial side knows how important it is and the extraordinary excitement there is for getting a point at the back. McLaren and Ferrari are working on a budget of perhaps 250 million, and then you have other teams like Force India and Toro Rosso, who to everyone's surprise won a race this year, who would have maybe ten or eight times less budget to play with, and inferior drivers because they're learning their trade and they will come and be world champions in years to come. But they have to find their feet somewhere, and that place has to be in the smaller teams because they're the people who take the risks. He's tinkering with something that in my opinion he has lost the understanding of. He thinks people are only interested in winning the races. I'm sorry, but there's just not enough thought put into this. It should be put to one side and discussed by him and Max Mosley, and for Bernie Ecclestone to say it's coming with the full approval of all the teams, I simply don't believe it."
I am with Jordan, I simply do not believe Ecclestone's statements that teams and the FIA are backing it. If they truly want F1 to be about 2, maybe 3 teams and destroy interest in the other teams and consign F1 to a spec series with no purpose other than for the sake of its own existence (as was having 2 open wheel series in the USA) they truly are mad. Moreover, I would be curious to how the Concorde Agreement relates to such a radical change.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
2009 aerodynamic package: is it that bad?
At the recently concluded pre-season/post-season test (depending on how you looked at it) in Barcelona, BMW-Sauber brought aerodynamic pieces that would be used in the 2009 season; most prominently a front and rear wing. The consensus so far in regards to this aero package is that it is hideous and beneath Formula One. At this point, all I will say it is certainly a look to get used to.
However, in our world of instant gratification we must remember a couple of things:
1. This is still the initial on track test of such aerodynamic components. Only Williams and Honda have specifically brought 2009 spec wings to the Barcelona test.
2. In regards to teams that brought 2009 spec aerodynamic parts, the parts have essentially been graphed to 2008 spec chassis.
However, in our world of instant gratification we must remember a couple of things:
1. This is still the initial on track test of such aerodynamic components. Only Williams and Honda have specifically brought 2009 spec wings to the Barcelona test.
2. In regards to teams that brought 2009 spec aerodynamic parts, the parts have essentially been graphed to 2008 spec chassis.
This is important to remember as at this point forms follows function especially as teams come to grips with the new regulations. Let us go back in time a little bit; when V8's were re-introduced several years ago the first dyno test I heard of a Cosworth engine I thought, "this engine sounds like a hoover vacuum on steroids;" that is not a pleasant sound. Although I still believe nothing replaces the wailing sound of a unrestricted V10 engine, the V8 engine in its current formula and as currently installed is not the end of the world when it comes to acoustic appreciation. So, what is gleaned from this line of reasoning is that some of the first on-track tests of these parts does not mean that the aesthetics will not be improved as pre-season testing continues. It most certainly will as teams begin to optimize the designs in preparation for 2009, instead of modifying 2008 car packages. The most visible example of the 2009 aero package is from BMW-Sauber. At first glance it is a disturbing site. However again, let us realize that these bits have been graphed on to a F1.08B and not the definitive model to be raced at the first GP.
With that said, here are some images of the 2009 aero package on the BMW-Sauber provided by F1 Technical. Let me know how you feel.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Raikkonen's "confession" not so obvious
Over the years I have been very appreciative of Kimi Raikkonen's skill and talent. However, I have also been rather critical. The most recent criticism I had of Raikkonen was in regards to comments that were reported last week that in an interview with MTV3 he stated, "When there are no opportunities to overtake or to improve your position it is definitely not very interesting. But that is the way it is. When you know you're fighting for just P3 you simply don't always have the same speed for the whole race as you would normally have."
However, it has been brought to my attention that these comments are not in context. Thanks to a well respected individual that goes by the name 'Chilli', I got a full translation of the article and comments made to MTV3:
Räikkönen admits: I didn't do my best
Kimi Räikkönen's F1 season ended in disappointment when the 2007 champion was only third in the final standings. McLaren's Lewis Hamilton took the championship before Kimi's teammate Felipe Massa. Räikkönen admits that it was difficult to motivate himself for the final races when he couldn't drive at his fullest any more. His teammate Massa was fighting for the title until the last race. "You know it yourself, when you are driving third and can't really do anything, you are not driving the whole race at your fullest," Räikkönen admits to MTV3. "Of course, if you're fighting for position, you'll try as long as you can, as I did in last race (Brazil). Of course, if you are not really allowed to overtake or anything, that's a bit like that."
Räikkönen wants to forget this season. He is confident about the future and believes that the Italian team can make the car better next year. "Of course it's a different thing when you're in good position and driving for the championship." I think we should have a strong next season. "We'll try to improve," says Räikkönen.
Although I am a firm believer that Raikkonen was sorely lacking something that was not connected with his integration with the car and tires, it is difficult to condemn his motivation armed with this version of the article. There are other factors you can look at to make judgements about Raikkonen's motivation but these recent comments probably will not support such a thesis. These sorts of comments could be made by any driver that was playing a secondary role when they are used to being the one supported and not the supporter.
In any case, we will see how Raikkonen bounces back. It is reported he will be doing a lot of the testing in preparations for 2009. For your reference:
http://www.f1technical.net/news/11079
http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2008/11/raikkonen-finally-admits-obvious.html
However, it has been brought to my attention that these comments are not in context. Thanks to a well respected individual that goes by the name 'Chilli', I got a full translation of the article and comments made to MTV3:
Räikkönen admits: I didn't do my best
Kimi Räikkönen's F1 season ended in disappointment when the 2007 champion was only third in the final standings. McLaren's Lewis Hamilton took the championship before Kimi's teammate Felipe Massa. Räikkönen admits that it was difficult to motivate himself for the final races when he couldn't drive at his fullest any more. His teammate Massa was fighting for the title until the last race. "You know it yourself, when you are driving third and can't really do anything, you are not driving the whole race at your fullest," Räikkönen admits to MTV3. "Of course, if you're fighting for position, you'll try as long as you can, as I did in last race (Brazil). Of course, if you are not really allowed to overtake or anything, that's a bit like that."
Räikkönen wants to forget this season. He is confident about the future and believes that the Italian team can make the car better next year. "Of course it's a different thing when you're in good position and driving for the championship." I think we should have a strong next season. "We'll try to improve," says Räikkönen.
Although I am a firm believer that Raikkonen was sorely lacking something that was not connected with his integration with the car and tires, it is difficult to condemn his motivation armed with this version of the article. There are other factors you can look at to make judgements about Raikkonen's motivation but these recent comments probably will not support such a thesis. These sorts of comments could be made by any driver that was playing a secondary role when they are used to being the one supported and not the supporter.
In any case, we will see how Raikkonen bounces back. It is reported he will be doing a lot of the testing in preparations for 2009. For your reference:
http://www.f1technical.net/news/11079
http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2008/11/raikkonen-finally-admits-obvious.html
Rossi ends guest tests and proves fast once again
Today 8 time motorcycle champion Valentino Rossi concluded two tests he had with Ferrari. On Thursday Rossi had a lot to say about his testing. "I can't wait to try the F2008 to see how much F1 cars have changed compared to my previous tests," Rossi was quoted as saying by Autosprint. "In 2005 I went quick: compared with equal conditions, I ran within 1.2 seconds of Michael Schumacher's lap times. Let's say that I'll be very happy if this time I can limit the gap down to one second."
In testing at Mugello, Rossi covered a total about 200 miles during the first day of the test, setting a fastest time of 1:22.550. 2007 F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen's best time was a 1:21.070 set in September of this year. One can just to do the math and see that he was only about 1.5 seconds off the pace. However Rossi let the world know "I have nothing to prove, neither to myself nor to others. I only had a big curiosity to know. Well, I'm more and more convinced that with a bit of time I could have become a good F1 driver. It only remains to be seen how good, whether good enough to win or not. So I have no regrets, never had them: I did the right thing with staying in MotoGP, where I win and I hope to carry on winning for a long time."
Day 2 of his testing was struck by rain. Rossi completed just a handful of dry laps today before the rain arrived which hampered his efforts to compete with Raikkonen's fast time. When he tried to run in wet conditions with wet weather tires, he spun. Nevertheless, Rossi completed 56 laps with a best time of 1:24.04 in the dry and 1:33.56 in the wet. Still, not bad for the master on 2 wheels.
In testing at Mugello, Rossi covered a total about 200 miles during the first day of the test, setting a fastest time of 1:22.550. 2007 F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen's best time was a 1:21.070 set in September of this year. One can just to do the math and see that he was only about 1.5 seconds off the pace. However Rossi let the world know "I have nothing to prove, neither to myself nor to others. I only had a big curiosity to know. Well, I'm more and more convinced that with a bit of time I could have become a good F1 driver. It only remains to be seen how good, whether good enough to win or not. So I have no regrets, never had them: I did the right thing with staying in MotoGP, where I win and I hope to carry on winning for a long time."
Day 2 of his testing was struck by rain. Rossi completed just a handful of dry laps today before the rain arrived which hampered his efforts to compete with Raikkonen's fast time. When he tried to run in wet conditions with wet weather tires, he spun. Nevertheless, Rossi completed 56 laps with a best time of 1:24.04 in the dry and 1:33.56 in the wet. Still, not bad for the master on 2 wheels.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
2009 Pre-Season Testing: Barcelona Summary
Teams were at the Circuit de Cataluyna this week in prepartion for the 2009 season. Today was the last day of the 3 day test where Sebastian Vettel was on top of the timesheets once again. Also, we did see some interesting car developments even as this is the first test such as the new aero package and some team running with their KERS system. Below is a team by team summary of the 3 days of testing and quickest times set from the test where a total of 23 drivers took part. Absent from this round of testing was Toyota.
Ferrari- Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were on hand using two F2008: a standard version and a version with modified aerodynamics to simulate the downforce that cars will use in 2009. Badoer started reliability testing for the engine and gearbox in the modified car and added weights to simulate a KERS install, which was only partially on the car on Day 1. Gene used an unmodified F2008 and worked on car set ups. Both drivers used slick tires. On Day 2, both drivers continued the reliability and set up work they started on Day 1. Day 3 saw Badoer go solo and continue long reliability runs on the engine. Badoer also got to sample the power adjustable front wing.
McLaren- McLaren's testers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett were on track on Day 1 and De la Rosa began testing with the KERS system onboard; this car was designated MP4-23K. Both cars were equipped with slick tires and an aero package that simulated 2009 downforce levels. On Day 2, De la Rosa was drafted to drive the Force India VJM01 while Paffett went solo and continued work in the MP4-23K. However, he suffered an oil leak and McLaren switched him over to the other McLaren to do aerodynamic and tire evaluations. On Day 3, Pafett was again the lone driver on duty as he continued development work on the KERS as well as aerodynamics and tires.
BMW- BMW Sauber carried out testing with two F1.08B interim cars with Robert Kubica and Christian Klien. The cars were fitted with some bodywork complying to the 2009 regulations. Also, Klien’s car was fitted with a KERS system. Both drivers tried different mechanical and aerodynamic solutions as well as sampling the 2009 slick tires. Nick Heidfeld took over testing duties from Klien on Day 2 and along with Kubica, they focused on reliability and tires. On Day 3, Klien was back in action in place of Kubica and worked alongside Heidfeld. Klien worked on the set up for the KERS system while Heidfeld worked on mechanical and aerodynamic set up and got to try out the power adjustable front wing. His car was not equipped with KERS.
Renault- Nelson Piquet and Giedo van der Garde were on hand for testing duties. The team were focused on '2009 type' car set ups and evaluated the new slick tires. van der Garde managed to crash out but was able to return after some repairs. On Day 2, van der Garde completed his work and they team was pleased with his performance and feedback. They continued to focus of tire evaluations, set-up and R&D work. On Day 3, Nelson Piquet continued the solo theme as he finished slick tire evaluation and R&D work with a R28 with simulated 2009 settings.
Red Bull- 5 times WRC champion Sebastien Loeb was the lone Red Bull Racing driver on hand on Day 1. He was getting his first test with other F1 drivers in the RB4 and did well finishing less than 1.5 seconds off the pace. This test was a thank you for winning another WRC title. However, he did do some actual work evaluating the 2009 slick tires. On Day 2, new Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel took over testing duties and wasted no time in setting the top time. The team's focus again was collecting tire data. On Day 3, Vettel continued his work and quick pace as he continued to do tire work with simulated 2009 downforce levels.
Toro Rosso- The team's focus on Day 1 was to assess the new slick tires and various mechanical set ups. It also was an opportunity to evaluate potential drivers. Prospective driver, Takuma Sato accounted well for himself by setting the quickest time overall on Day 1 but not far behind was Sebastien Buemi who set the 2nd fastest time. On Day 2, Sato turned the reigns over to Sebastien Bourdais after again setting a strong time (2nd overall). Bourdais continued work on collecting data on the tires. On Day 3, both Sebastien's were on track and as yesterday were among the leaders on the timesheets. The duo continued to focus on tires trying various car set-ups.
Honda- The Japanese squad was very busy. Test driver Alex Wurz kicked off the main test program evaluating various aerodynamic components and 2009 downforce levels and running the slick tires. Honda evaluated two young Brazilian drivers, Bruno Senna and Lucas Di Grassi. On Day 2, Jenson Button took over for Wurz while Di Grassi completed his full day test program. Button focused on tire evaluations via set-up and car balance changes. Di Grassi worked on car balance and car set-up finishing .5 seconds off Button's pace. On Day 3, Button continued his work while Bruno Senna was back to complete his full day test program. He managed to finish only .3 seconds off of Button time and was .6 quicker than Di Grassi.
Williams- Williams came with one car and driver, Nico Hulkenberg, who ran the interim FW30. He concentrated on slick tires work and the 2009 rear wing. On Day 2, Nico Rosberg took over testing duties and focused on set-up and tire development work setting the 7th fastest time of the day. The team continued with some 2009 aero components. On Day 3, Hulkenberg was back behind the wheel continuing to work on development. He set the 10th fastest time out of 13 drivers on track today.
Force India- Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi were present on Day 1 of testing simulating 2009 downforce levels. The team worked on car set up and weight distribution. On Day 2, as mentioned above, McLaren tester Pedro De la Rosa was at the wheel taking advantage of the new McLaren/Force India technical partnership along side Sutil. They set the 16th and 9th fastest times respectively. On Day 3, De la Rosa continued his work, while Giancarlo Fisichella took over duties from Sutil. The pair of veteran drivers were at the bottom of the timesheets.
Fastest test times (3 day totals):
1. Vettel- 1:19.295
2. Bourdais- 1:19.839
3. Sato- 1:20.017
4. Buemi- 1:20.154
5. Paffett- 1:21.140
6. Wurz- 1:21.198
7. Button- 1:21.387
8. De la Rosa- 1:21.417
9. Kubica- 1:21.521
10. Rosberg- 1:21.525
11. Klien- 1:21.534
12. Heidfeld- 1:21.592
13. Senna- 1:21.676
14. Badoer- 1:22.038
15. Sutil- 1:22.073
16. Piquet Jr.- 1:22.148
17. Di Grassi- 1:22.283
18. Hulkenberg- 1:22.410
19. Loeb- 1:22.503
20. Gene- 1:22.772
21. Fisichella- 1:23.068
22. van der Garde- 1:23.250
23. Luizzi- 1:23.794
Ferrari- Luca Badoer and Marc Gene were on hand using two F2008: a standard version and a version with modified aerodynamics to simulate the downforce that cars will use in 2009. Badoer started reliability testing for the engine and gearbox in the modified car and added weights to simulate a KERS install, which was only partially on the car on Day 1. Gene used an unmodified F2008 and worked on car set ups. Both drivers used slick tires. On Day 2, both drivers continued the reliability and set up work they started on Day 1. Day 3 saw Badoer go solo and continue long reliability runs on the engine. Badoer also got to sample the power adjustable front wing.
McLaren- McLaren's testers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett were on track on Day 1 and De la Rosa began testing with the KERS system onboard; this car was designated MP4-23K. Both cars were equipped with slick tires and an aero package that simulated 2009 downforce levels. On Day 2, De la Rosa was drafted to drive the Force India VJM01 while Paffett went solo and continued work in the MP4-23K. However, he suffered an oil leak and McLaren switched him over to the other McLaren to do aerodynamic and tire evaluations. On Day 3, Pafett was again the lone driver on duty as he continued development work on the KERS as well as aerodynamics and tires.
BMW- BMW Sauber carried out testing with two F1.08B interim cars with Robert Kubica and Christian Klien. The cars were fitted with some bodywork complying to the 2009 regulations. Also, Klien’s car was fitted with a KERS system. Both drivers tried different mechanical and aerodynamic solutions as well as sampling the 2009 slick tires. Nick Heidfeld took over testing duties from Klien on Day 2 and along with Kubica, they focused on reliability and tires. On Day 3, Klien was back in action in place of Kubica and worked alongside Heidfeld. Klien worked on the set up for the KERS system while Heidfeld worked on mechanical and aerodynamic set up and got to try out the power adjustable front wing. His car was not equipped with KERS.
Renault- Nelson Piquet and Giedo van der Garde were on hand for testing duties. The team were focused on '2009 type' car set ups and evaluated the new slick tires. van der Garde managed to crash out but was able to return after some repairs. On Day 2, van der Garde completed his work and they team was pleased with his performance and feedback. They continued to focus of tire evaluations, set-up and R&D work. On Day 3, Nelson Piquet continued the solo theme as he finished slick tire evaluation and R&D work with a R28 with simulated 2009 settings.
Red Bull- 5 times WRC champion Sebastien Loeb was the lone Red Bull Racing driver on hand on Day 1. He was getting his first test with other F1 drivers in the RB4 and did well finishing less than 1.5 seconds off the pace. This test was a thank you for winning another WRC title. However, he did do some actual work evaluating the 2009 slick tires. On Day 2, new Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel took over testing duties and wasted no time in setting the top time. The team's focus again was collecting tire data. On Day 3, Vettel continued his work and quick pace as he continued to do tire work with simulated 2009 downforce levels.
Toro Rosso- The team's focus on Day 1 was to assess the new slick tires and various mechanical set ups. It also was an opportunity to evaluate potential drivers. Prospective driver, Takuma Sato accounted well for himself by setting the quickest time overall on Day 1 but not far behind was Sebastien Buemi who set the 2nd fastest time. On Day 2, Sato turned the reigns over to Sebastien Bourdais after again setting a strong time (2nd overall). Bourdais continued work on collecting data on the tires. On Day 3, both Sebastien's were on track and as yesterday were among the leaders on the timesheets. The duo continued to focus on tires trying various car set-ups.
Honda- The Japanese squad was very busy. Test driver Alex Wurz kicked off the main test program evaluating various aerodynamic components and 2009 downforce levels and running the slick tires. Honda evaluated two young Brazilian drivers, Bruno Senna and Lucas Di Grassi. On Day 2, Jenson Button took over for Wurz while Di Grassi completed his full day test program. Button focused on tire evaluations via set-up and car balance changes. Di Grassi worked on car balance and car set-up finishing .5 seconds off Button's pace. On Day 3, Button continued his work while Bruno Senna was back to complete his full day test program. He managed to finish only .3 seconds off of Button time and was .6 quicker than Di Grassi.
Williams- Williams came with one car and driver, Nico Hulkenberg, who ran the interim FW30. He concentrated on slick tires work and the 2009 rear wing. On Day 2, Nico Rosberg took over testing duties and focused on set-up and tire development work setting the 7th fastest time of the day. The team continued with some 2009 aero components. On Day 3, Hulkenberg was back behind the wheel continuing to work on development. He set the 10th fastest time out of 13 drivers on track today.
Force India- Adrian Sutil and Vitantonio Liuzzi were present on Day 1 of testing simulating 2009 downforce levels. The team worked on car set up and weight distribution. On Day 2, as mentioned above, McLaren tester Pedro De la Rosa was at the wheel taking advantage of the new McLaren/Force India technical partnership along side Sutil. They set the 16th and 9th fastest times respectively. On Day 3, De la Rosa continued his work, while Giancarlo Fisichella took over duties from Sutil. The pair of veteran drivers were at the bottom of the timesheets.
Fastest test times (3 day totals):
1. Vettel- 1:19.295
2. Bourdais- 1:19.839
3. Sato- 1:20.017
4. Buemi- 1:20.154
5. Paffett- 1:21.140
6. Wurz- 1:21.198
7. Button- 1:21.387
8. De la Rosa- 1:21.417
9. Kubica- 1:21.521
10. Rosberg- 1:21.525
11. Klien- 1:21.534
12. Heidfeld- 1:21.592
13. Senna- 1:21.676
14. Badoer- 1:22.038
15. Sutil- 1:22.073
16. Piquet Jr.- 1:22.148
17. Di Grassi- 1:22.283
18. Hulkenberg- 1:22.410
19. Loeb- 1:22.503
20. Gene- 1:22.772
21. Fisichella- 1:23.068
22. van der Garde- 1:23.250
23. Luizzi- 1:23.794
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
2009 Pre-Season Testing: Vettel tops Day 2
Sebastian Vettel topped the times on the second day of testing at Barcelona. At the wheel of the Red Bull RB4, he was 0.266s faster than yesterday's fastest driver Takuma Sato. Sato is in the timesheet followed by the other two Toro Rosso drivers. Pedro De La Rosa who debuted at Force India was slowest, despite completing 81 laps.
1. S. Vettel- 1:19.751
2. T. Sato- 1:20.017
3. S. Bourdais- 1:20.034
4. S. Buemi- 1:20.223
5. G. Paffett- 1:21.340
6. R. Kubica- 1:21.521
7. N. Rosberg- 1:21.525
8. J. Button- 1:21.770
9. A. Sutil- 1:22.073
10. L. Di Grassi- 1:22.283
11. N. Piquet Jr.- 1:22.348
12. L. Badoer- 1:22.425
13. M. Gene- 1:22.772
14. N. Heidfeld- 1:23.080
15. van der Garde- 1:23.250
16. P. de la Rosa- 1:23.499
F1 Technical
Full test summary to follow after final day of testing.
1. S. Vettel- 1:19.751
2. T. Sato- 1:20.017
3. S. Bourdais- 1:20.034
4. S. Buemi- 1:20.223
5. G. Paffett- 1:21.340
6. R. Kubica- 1:21.521
7. N. Rosberg- 1:21.525
8. J. Button- 1:21.770
9. A. Sutil- 1:22.073
10. L. Di Grassi- 1:22.283
11. N. Piquet Jr.- 1:22.348
12. L. Badoer- 1:22.425
13. M. Gene- 1:22.772
14. N. Heidfeld- 1:23.080
15. van der Garde- 1:23.250
16. P. de la Rosa- 1:23.499
F1 Technical
Full test summary to follow after final day of testing.
Monday, November 17, 2008
2009 Pre-Season Testing: Sato, Loeb & BMW headline
Today Formula One kicked off its pre-season testing for 2009. All teams were present except for Toyota. On this first day of testing there were 3 items that caught the eye of many. After very limited running in 2008, former Super Aguri driver Takuma Sato topped the timesheets in his 2nd test for Toro Rosso in a bid to secure a race drive. He set a time of 1:20.763 seconds. Sebastien Loeb demonstrated the speed and skill that we all knew existed as he finished only 1.2 seconds slower that Sato's top time in his first F1 test with other drivers. Loeb's time was 1:22.003; good enough for 8th. Also, BMW came to this test with a full 2009 spec aero package on a modified F1.08 as well as having the car fitted with 2009 spec slick tires and BMW's KERS system. Fastest BMW time was set by Robert Kubica (1:22.341). There will be a full test summary after the Barcelona 3 day test is complete. photo by LAT via Autosport.com
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Honda will go young
This week the Formula One world will begin their assault on the 2009 season at Barcelona. Honda will obviously be there but they will be bringing some young blood to the party.
Last month I discussed that Honda must choose wisely in terms of drivers and it is shaping up that they will go young. The question is which young driver will partner Jenson Button in 2009? http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2008/10/honda-need-to-choose-wisely.html
Honda will test a pair of young Brazilians; GP2 and Renault test driver Lucas Di Grassi and GP2 driver Bruno Senna, nephew of 3 times F1 champion, the late Ayrton Senna. I had previously discussed Renault race driver Nelson Piquet (another Brazilian) but thanks to a solid finish to the season, Nelson Piquet will again be paired with Fernando Alonso in 2009. However, it does not change Honda's premise....go young.
The fact that Honda's Nick Fry is quoted in saying "I think it is important that we bring some fresh blood into F1" and has told Barrichello he is free to seek opportunities elsewhere is a great sign that Honda is shifting focus. Another but more subtle sign is Jenson Button's posturing that Honda keep Barrichello. It is clear that Button needs an external motivator; a young driver to potentially build around that will threaten Button's job security is exactly that. I am not sure Button likes it but it is what he needs in that let us remember that Button was beaten by Barrichello in 2008, 11 points to 3 points.
Also in terms of speed, in the 3 years they have been teammates Button and Barrichello are only separated by .011 seconds. Moreover, Button only holds a 27 to 26 advantage in start position. Either Barrichello was that quick or Button suffered from "Kimi-itis" and lacked the necessary interest the last couple of seasons. Honda team boss Ross Brawn thinks they are indeed closely matched. However, I think it is the latter.
In any event, another interesting and clear aspect about the drivers Honda are bringing is that these young drivers are Brazilian and in my opinion it is not coincidence (Barrichello is also Brazilian). Let us not forget there is a marketing component to racing and Honda seem keen to keep the South American connection with a choice of Di Grassi or Senna. All one needed to do is watch the Brazilian Grand Prix to see the support that the Brazilian fans will give their countrymen, i.e. Ferrari's Felipe Massa. A choice of a qualified, young Brazilian driver will keep or raise Honda's profile in the region.
Nevertheless, we must see how Di Grassi and Senna perform in the car; how they interact with the engineers, how their speed develops and to see if they are requested to come to another test. I will be watching the times that these drivers set, but it will be through the lens of what is the test program and what is the feedback from the team. Still, at this point I would be shocked if the choice is not one of these drivers.
Honda must go young while Button is still a viable barometer and develop new talent that can just focus on being fast and not minimize mistakes. If for some reason they keep Barrichello or go with another veteran driver, it will be a mistake that Honda will regret for the foreseeable future.
Last month I discussed that Honda must choose wisely in terms of drivers and it is shaping up that they will go young. The question is which young driver will partner Jenson Button in 2009? http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2008/10/honda-need-to-choose-wisely.html
Honda will test a pair of young Brazilians; GP2 and Renault test driver Lucas Di Grassi and GP2 driver Bruno Senna, nephew of 3 times F1 champion, the late Ayrton Senna. I had previously discussed Renault race driver Nelson Piquet (another Brazilian) but thanks to a solid finish to the season, Nelson Piquet will again be paired with Fernando Alonso in 2009. However, it does not change Honda's premise....go young.
The fact that Honda's Nick Fry is quoted in saying "I think it is important that we bring some fresh blood into F1" and has told Barrichello he is free to seek opportunities elsewhere is a great sign that Honda is shifting focus. Another but more subtle sign is Jenson Button's posturing that Honda keep Barrichello. It is clear that Button needs an external motivator; a young driver to potentially build around that will threaten Button's job security is exactly that. I am not sure Button likes it but it is what he needs in that let us remember that Button was beaten by Barrichello in 2008, 11 points to 3 points.
Also in terms of speed, in the 3 years they have been teammates Button and Barrichello are only separated by .011 seconds. Moreover, Button only holds a 27 to 26 advantage in start position. Either Barrichello was that quick or Button suffered from "Kimi-itis" and lacked the necessary interest the last couple of seasons. Honda team boss Ross Brawn thinks they are indeed closely matched. However, I think it is the latter.
In any event, another interesting and clear aspect about the drivers Honda are bringing is that these young drivers are Brazilian and in my opinion it is not coincidence (Barrichello is also Brazilian). Let us not forget there is a marketing component to racing and Honda seem keen to keep the South American connection with a choice of Di Grassi or Senna. All one needed to do is watch the Brazilian Grand Prix to see the support that the Brazilian fans will give their countrymen, i.e. Ferrari's Felipe Massa. A choice of a qualified, young Brazilian driver will keep or raise Honda's profile in the region.
Nevertheless, we must see how Di Grassi and Senna perform in the car; how they interact with the engineers, how their speed develops and to see if they are requested to come to another test. I will be watching the times that these drivers set, but it will be through the lens of what is the test program and what is the feedback from the team. Still, at this point I would be shocked if the choice is not one of these drivers.
Honda must go young while Button is still a viable barometer and develop new talent that can just focus on being fast and not minimize mistakes. If for some reason they keep Barrichello or go with another veteran driver, it will be a mistake that Honda will regret for the foreseeable future.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Raikkonen finally admits the obvious
It appears that Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen finally admitted to what seemed very obvious to anyone that watched the 2008 F1 season....he simply was not interested.
Reported on F1 Technical, Raikkonen declared to Finnish TV channel 'MTV3'; "When there are no opportunities to overtake or to improve your position it is definitely not very interesting. But that is the way it is. When you know you're fighting for just P3 you simply don't always have the same speed for the whole race as you would normally have."
This coming from a man that was sitting in a car that won the Constructor's title in 2008! I wonder how much of his "lack of interest" was due to the emergence of Felipe Massa who is clearly the strongest teammate Raikkonen has ever had.
It is worthwhile to revisit a Raikkonen post at the beginning of October:
http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2008/10/has-kimi-raikkonen-quit-already.html
Reported on F1 Technical, Raikkonen declared to Finnish TV channel 'MTV3'; "When there are no opportunities to overtake or to improve your position it is definitely not very interesting. But that is the way it is. When you know you're fighting for just P3 you simply don't always have the same speed for the whole race as you would normally have."
This coming from a man that was sitting in a car that won the Constructor's title in 2008! I wonder how much of his "lack of interest" was due to the emergence of Felipe Massa who is clearly the strongest teammate Raikkonen has ever had.
It is worthwhile to revisit a Raikkonen post at the beginning of October:
http://formulaoneamerica.blogspot.com/2008/10/has-kimi-raikkonen-quit-already.html
Friday, November 14, 2008
F1 tests for racing legends
5-times World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb and 6-times MotoGP Valentino Rossi will get tests in Formula One equipment this month. It was confirmed earlier in November that Loeb will test for Red Bull Racing at Barecelona while Rossi will test with Ferrari at Mugello.
Both Loeb and Rossi have tested F1 machinery before, Loeb with Renault and Rossi with Ferrari. However for Loeb it will be the first time he will test a F1 car with other F1 caliber drivers while Rossi has experience with that. Nevertheless, it is not Loeb's first experience outside of the WRC. The Frenchman has experience in sportscars and has driven at the 24 Hours of LeMans several times with a best finish of 2nd overall in 2006.
For the uninitiated, Loeb and Rossi are legends and arguably the best drivers/riders in the history in their respective racing disciplines. Each man has rewritten the record books. Loeb has won 5 consecutive World Rally Championships (WRC) and is career leader in WRC wins with 46. Once only considered a tarmac (or asphalt) specialist, he quickly proved he was versatile and can succeed on different road surfaces.
Rossi, nicknamed "The Doctor", holds 8 Motorcycle World Championships in total most recently in 2008. He is closing in on the record for race wins before he is even 30 years old. He is a racing natural and has proved quick in anything he has ever driven or ridden...including some "one-off" drives in the WRC. Rossi has had several tests with Ferrari from 2004 through 2006 in preparation for a potential switch to Formula One from the world of motorcycles which gave many people chills (including myself) at the prospects of seeing the Italian add his professional yet unique flare and showmanship to the F1 grid. In his last test in 2006, he was only 1.8 seconds slower than Fernando Alonso which continued to add fuel to the fire that was a potential Rossi switch to F1.
It is always a pleasure to see these tests and watch drivers from different series and disciplines test their worth in F1 equipment. This latest go-around will be no different.
Loeb in a Renault
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7ER2Ipq67Q
Rossi in a Ferrari
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xm5sGVL9DI
Both Loeb and Rossi have tested F1 machinery before, Loeb with Renault and Rossi with Ferrari. However for Loeb it will be the first time he will test a F1 car with other F1 caliber drivers while Rossi has experience with that. Nevertheless, it is not Loeb's first experience outside of the WRC. The Frenchman has experience in sportscars and has driven at the 24 Hours of LeMans several times with a best finish of 2nd overall in 2006.
For the uninitiated, Loeb and Rossi are legends and arguably the best drivers/riders in the history in their respective racing disciplines. Each man has rewritten the record books. Loeb has won 5 consecutive World Rally Championships (WRC) and is career leader in WRC wins with 46. Once only considered a tarmac (or asphalt) specialist, he quickly proved he was versatile and can succeed on different road surfaces.
Rossi, nicknamed "The Doctor", holds 8 Motorcycle World Championships in total most recently in 2008. He is closing in on the record for race wins before he is even 30 years old. He is a racing natural and has proved quick in anything he has ever driven or ridden...including some "one-off" drives in the WRC. Rossi has had several tests with Ferrari from 2004 through 2006 in preparation for a potential switch to Formula One from the world of motorcycles which gave many people chills (including myself) at the prospects of seeing the Italian add his professional yet unique flare and showmanship to the F1 grid. In his last test in 2006, he was only 1.8 seconds slower than Fernando Alonso which continued to add fuel to the fire that was a potential Rossi switch to F1.
It is always a pleasure to see these tests and watch drivers from different series and disciplines test their worth in F1 equipment. This latest go-around will be no different.
Loeb in a Renault
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7ER2Ipq67Q
Rossi in a Ferrari
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Xm5sGVL9DI
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Ferrari KERS complaints ominous
Today Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo hit out at the introduction of Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) in Formula One in 2009 claiming they are too expensive and questioning the relevance and importance to road car technology.
In Autosprint, di Montezemolo said, "the future looks very complicated with these new regulations. We feel introducing KERS already this year was a mistake, even though we're in favour of F1 being a technological springboard. But the energy recovery system in the races will in any case be very different from the road system. It's true, however, that the costs are prohibitive, and with FOTA we've studied important proposals in order to meet Max Mosley's fair requests regarding spending cuts."
Although there is something to say about the costs of new technologies, this concern is reduced because of the introduction of radical cost cutting proposals due to come on line in 2009. So the real question is: how far is Ferrari in making the KERS system work effectively?
Ferrari have already admitted on several occasions they are behind in developing KERS. Technical director, Aldo Costa is clear that the biggest challenge to the team is the development of the KERS (and reliability) but that they must also consider the development of the 2009 aerodynamics package.
What is also a consideration is the reported impact of the new slick tire, weight distribution and the 3 tenths of second per lap that KERS is theoretically worth. If Ferrari can not make the new slick work with the 2009 package with or without a KERS system, their problems could be compounded three fold: they can be slower because teams have better KERS; they can be slower because they are having difficulty with the tires; or both. The fact that di Montezemolo is vocalizing more complaints about KERS on top of Ferrari's already admitted problems with the system should be a real concern for Ferrari fans and their 2009 championship aspirations.
I will be curious to observe testing times and their KERS reliability when we get into 2009 pre-season testing.
In Autosprint, di Montezemolo said, "the future looks very complicated with these new regulations. We feel introducing KERS already this year was a mistake, even though we're in favour of F1 being a technological springboard. But the energy recovery system in the races will in any case be very different from the road system. It's true, however, that the costs are prohibitive, and with FOTA we've studied important proposals in order to meet Max Mosley's fair requests regarding spending cuts."
Although there is something to say about the costs of new technologies, this concern is reduced because of the introduction of radical cost cutting proposals due to come on line in 2009. So the real question is: how far is Ferrari in making the KERS system work effectively?
Ferrari have already admitted on several occasions they are behind in developing KERS. Technical director, Aldo Costa is clear that the biggest challenge to the team is the development of the KERS (and reliability) but that they must also consider the development of the 2009 aerodynamics package.
What is also a consideration is the reported impact of the new slick tire, weight distribution and the 3 tenths of second per lap that KERS is theoretically worth. If Ferrari can not make the new slick work with the 2009 package with or without a KERS system, their problems could be compounded three fold: they can be slower because teams have better KERS; they can be slower because they are having difficulty with the tires; or both. The fact that di Montezemolo is vocalizing more complaints about KERS on top of Ferrari's already admitted problems with the system should be a real concern for Ferrari fans and their 2009 championship aspirations.
I will be curious to observe testing times and their KERS reliability when we get into 2009 pre-season testing.
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