Most liked posts in thread: F1 - 2009

Nathan · Jul 16, 2009

Jean Todt has confirmed his candidacy for the FIA presidency in a letter to the member clubs.

Candidates have to name a “cabinet” with whom they will work, and Todt has put forward Nick Craw of ACCUS for the role of president of the FIA Senate.

In his letter the Frenchman says, “It is my intention to offer continuity, but also to encourage change to meet the new challenges facing the sport and motoring in the years ahead.”

Todt will face his former Peugeot colleague Ari Vatanen in October's election, and other candidates may yet emerge.

Intriguingly, Todt's letter was released to the press from “jeantodtteam2009.com,” via the FIA press office.

Steve · Jul 16, 2009

From Motorsport.com, Mosley letter stuns F1 teams into silence:

Formula one teams reacted with silence to the news that Max Mosley really will step down as FIA president later this year.

The last time the 69-year-old Briton mentioned stepping down, after the Paris faux peace deal last month, the reaction angered Mosley and he indicated he might actually stay.

But quite apart from the latest looming prospect of peace, there could be another reason the teams were quiet, according to Britain's Guardian newspaper.

"The Formula One teams' lack of enthusiasm for Max Mosley's choice of successor as FIA president was made clear by the sound of silence," the newspaper said.

"As Mosley was lauding Jean Todt, the former Ferrari chief executive officer, as the best man for the job, the teams responded by keeping their own counsel.

"That wall of silence confirmed a deep-rooted suspicion that Todt is the favoured successor largely because he thinks like Mosley and, perhaps more worryingly for the teams, may act like him too," the Guardian added.

McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh hinted last weekend that the teams would rather see the independent presidential candidate, Ari Vatanen, take the top job.

The Telegraph sees October's election as a "straight fight between (the) former rally driver ... and Mosley's protege (Todt).

"It represents a choice between change and continuity," the newspaper added.

Vatanen echoed that view in an interview with the Associated Press. "You need a new star, you need an independent person who represents change," the 57-year-old Finn said.
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Steve · Jul 24, 2009

Hints about the new cost regulating plan are just starting to spread. I was worried we'd start seeing increased bits and pieces homologation and sure enough there it is re front and rear wings. Plenty more to come of course but here's a teaser from Motorsport.com:

Teams give details of 'cost regulation document'

Roughly half of the article:

Toro Rosso's Franz Tost told reporters at the Hungaroring that, quite apart from this year's frenetic rate of development, only three changes to fundamental aerodynamic parts next year will be allowed.

"For example, front wings, rear wings. They are homologated," he said.

"You can bring out three new modifications, the floor as well, the monocoque, also only one crash structure. That means that FOTA has worked out quite a good programme where we are convinced that we can reduce costs," Tost added.

Christian Horner and Stefano Domenicali, meanwhile, of the Red Bull and Ferrari teams respectively, revealed that the number of personnel per team attending races is to be capped.

Domenicali said similar staff number restrictions will not apply to factories.

"All that I can say is that we are working on a situation in order to reduce the number of people at races.

"All the other things are related to something that we will exploit internally because everyone has their own organisation, so we cannot say that everyone is doing the same thing as the others," he explained.
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Here's hoping the restrictions they create will still allow innovation and disparity.....though homologation and disparity aren't exactly mutually supportive are they?

Steve · Jul 25, 2009

Holy crap, quali was interesting this morning! A bizarre accident for Massa in Q2 and then chaos at the end when timing and scoring went away just as everyone was pushing their hottest laps through.

Massa is now confirmed as out for the rest of the race weekend. A suspension spring came off the back of Barrichello's car and bounced along and up just where and when it needed to be for Massa to drive right into it, helmet first! He was dazed and drove straight on into a tire barrier. They pulled him out of the car and airlifted him to hospital. The replays showing the spring dropping off the back of Rubens' car and its approach from Massa's onboard camera were excellent.

Timing and scoring disappeared before the fastest laps were recorded in Q3 so the announcers couldn't tell who landed where. Then all nine drivers (minus Massa) wandered around at the end asking each other who had what time based on their cars' telemetry. Took a few minutes for things to get straightened out with Alonso on the pole! He must be running light.

If you didn't see it, you might want to check your listings for a repeat.

goaljnky · Jul 25, 2009

Scary the amount of damage Massa suffered. Good thing there is a 3 week break before Valencia. Even though I have come to grip with the force formula long time ago, it still amazes me what kind of havoc a small object can cause at speed.

goaljnky · Jul 25, 2009

So who is driving Massa's ride?

Steve · Jul 25, 2009

I've been trying to figure that out too. Can't find any word about it and every provisional grid list still shows everyone who qualified 11-20 moved up to 10-19 and that's it (like so).

Steve · Jul 25, 2009

I just read an article on Speedtv.com wondering whether one M. Schumacher will take the seat.....and possibly keep it warm, but they're only talking about from Valencia on. No one is talking about replacing Massa in Hungary. Maybe it's not an option?

Could Michael Schumacher prove to be the ideal candidate to stand in for Felipe Massa at the European GP and beyond, should the need arise?

While it is way too early for the team to make any comment, and we are just throwing this into the mix, the prospect of Michael returning to the cockpit for a race or two is not an impossible one.

Felipeâ€™s injury appears to be more serious than was apparent in the immediate aftermath of the crash, and while he has a month to recuperate before the next race in Valencia, that will still be too early for a return to the track. Indeed some sources suggest that he could be out until at least the end of the European season.

Michael remains connected to the team and has attended several races this year, and while he has not tested recently, he remains in good shape. He is reportedly also having some turmoil in his private life, and while that may encourage him to stay away from the media, he could also be in search of a fresh challenge. He could also be the ideal man to give the teama timely morale boost while keeping Massaâ€™s seat warm.

Schumacher had not raced at Valencia, but it is not a tricky track, while Spa and Monza â€“ two of his favourite hunting grounds â€“ follow on from there. The chance of sampling slicks and KERS may prove extremely tempting to a man who always enjoyed a technical challenge.

Ferrariâ€™s alternative prospects are Marc Gene and Luca Badoer, neither of whom have done much driving lately. Although it would make sense to have the Spaniard in Valencia, from a PR standpoint Michael would seem to have rather more value. And Michael may well have watch Lance Armstrongâ€™s more than respectable return to the Tour de France with some interest.

Watch this space... And remember you read it here first!
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Steve · Jul 25, 2009

goaljnky said: ↑

Scary the amount of damage Massa suffered. Good thing there is a 3 week break before Valencia. Even though I have come to grip with the force formula long time ago, it still amazes me what kind of havoc a small object can cause at speed.
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Brawn say the spring was 800 grams. Plenty of mass to ruin your day when closing at what I'm guessing was well over 150mph.

Nathan · Jul 25, 2009

Telemetry images show a speed around 175.

800 grams is about 1.75 pounds. Yeah, thats gonna leave a mark at those speeds.

Steve · Jul 25, 2009

Where did you find those? He couldn't have slowed much from that speed before he hit the barrier because even though he got on the brakes the on screen data showed full throttle from the moment of the strike until he hit the conveyor belt.

Nathan · Jul 25, 2009

Images are in this article. Caution, they show Massa with damaged helmet on with contusions.

The moment F1 driver Felipe Massa was knocked unconscious by flying debris during Grand Prix qualifier | Mail Online

BLUCOOPR · Jul 26, 2009

I have tried to put a deposit down on the F1 Mini but the dealership doesn't know if and when they will be getting them. I don't like British Racing Green but the non metalic Green on the F1 looks kool. Would have to paint the mirrors and roof to match. May end up with a Diesel, but just want something different. Probably retire the BLUCOOPR from Car Shows next year and want another project to keep me busy. Has anyone heard anything about the F1 Mini

Steve · Jul 26, 2009

BLUCOOPR said: ↑

Has anyone heard anything about the F1 Mini?
Click to expand...

Almost nada. I've seen a few pics though and I like it but I don't expect to see any here in the US. I also don't understand the the "F1" connection....what's that about?

goaljnky · Jul 26, 2009

Steve said: ↑

Almost nada. I've seen a few pics though and I like it but I don't expect to see any here in the US. I also don't understand the the "F1" connection....what's that about?
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A little wiki info:

[ame=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cooper_Car_Company]Cooper Car Company - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

Notice the white stripes. I believe the common R50/52/53/56 etc factory stripes are meant to be an homage to those.

Nathan · Jul 27, 2009

M Schumacher, Alonso top Ferrari's list to replace Massa

With Felipe Massa--injured in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday--likely to be sidelined for the rest of the 2009 Formula One season, Ferrari must find a replacement driver in time for the next race in Valencia, Spain on Aug. 23, and former world champions Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso are tops on the list of potential candidates.

A source close to the team confirmed that Alonso is not an impossible choice. Getting him into the car half a season ahead of schedule--he is believed to already have a deal to move to Ferrari in 2010--will be a big task. But Renault team boss Flavio Briatore may well be tempted by a huge influx of cash.

However, Briatore and Renault have commercial arrangements with sponsors that are linked to the Spanish driver. In addition, Renault is believed to be on the verge of replacing Nelson Piquet Jr. with test driver Roman Grosjean, and changing both drivers--when there is no obvious replacement for Alonso available--makes little sense. On the other hand, running Piquet and Grosjean alongside each other could at least mean that Briatore avoids a legal tussle with the Piquet family.

Meanwhile, Schumacher is available and has retained his ties with Ferrari. F1 commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone will be keen to see him back behind the wheel, if only for half a season, as it would do wonders for TV ratings and provide a massive boost for the promoters of the last seven races. Schumacher would also be a big morale booster for the team and obviously provide valuable feedback.

So what's in it for him after two and a half years in retirement? His motorcycle racing exploits show that he still hankers after some excitement, and he is believed to be going through some turmoil in his private life and may like the idea of concentrating once again on work.

The prospect of playing with Ferrari's kinetic energy recovery system and slick tires may appeal, not to mention the fact that he will have the chance to race at old favorites Spa-Francorchamps, Monza, Suzuka and Interlagos, as well as sample Valencia, Singapore and Abu Dhabi, three tracks that are new to him and will provide an interesting challenge.

He will also probably feel that he can match Kimi Raikkonen, with whom he does not have a particularly close friendship. Indeed, watching Raikkonen finish second in the Hungarian GP, he may well have figured that he could have won the race in the same car.

The only other obvious candidates are Ferrari test driver Marc Gene (his fellow test driver Luca Badoer is not being considered), and possibly Sebastien Bourdais. Although in theory Ferrari would not be interested in a driver rejected by Scuderia Toro Rosso, the Frenchman shares his manager, Nicolas Todt, with Massa. With testing banned, he is the only available driver who has raced this year and thus has extensive knowledge of slicks. He also used a Ferrari engine this year and is familiar with its systems.

Whoever fills the seat, one thing is certain: The team wants a quick driver to keep Raikkonen on his toes.

Steve · Jul 27, 2009

While it would be entertaining to see how Schumacher would do, I don't think it's likely. Read somewhere he doesn't have a Superlicense anymore....wonder what it would take to fix that. I think the biggest barrier is he wouldn't want to look foolish, as in the big multiple world champion comes back amid great expectation and then doesn't do well, regardless whether it's the car or his abilities or some of each.

The Alonso idea seems completely screwy until you realize Renault are (at least for the moment) suspended from running at Valencia. Well, it's still a screwy idea regardless of the circumstances, but at least it seems possible, even if it's just for one race. The FIA and Bernie would love it because it would get Alonso back for Valencia which should quiet the race organizers who are trying to get Renault reinstated for the sake of their ticket sales, etc. Plus if Ferrari really are considering hiring Fred soon I'm sure they'd love to give him a "test."

Bourdais? Really?! On the other hand, if they decide to coast through the rest of this season to focus on 2010 because they figure they're out of title contention, they might be happy with a Gene or Bourdais as a cheap solution who's unlikely to overshadow Raikkonen.

I'd say everyone is nutz for suggesting outlandish ideas and I'd bet on Gene, but Ferrari have a history of hiring outside their test/reserve pool in situations like this and they're definitely the sort of team who like to attract attention with bold moves.....

Meh, who knows? Fun to speculate though. :yesnod:

Nathan · Jul 27, 2009

Appendix L of the International Sporting Code deals with licenses.

The Super License section.

Qualifi cation for the Super licence
5.1 The Super licence is issued by the Formula One Commission,
on its sole decision, following a specific request and
recommendation from the driverâ€™s ASN, accompanied by his/her
record of results, and on the following conditions:
i) the driver is party to an agreement with a team entered in the FIA
Formula One World Championship to race a Formula One car in
the Championship in the year of application as first, second or
reserve driver,
ii) the driver is the holder of a Grade A licence,
iii) the driver:
either a): has been classifi ed in the fi rst 4 of the fi nal classifi cation of
the GP2 Series within the previous 2 years,
or b): has been classifi ed in the fi rst 3 in at least 5 races, or in the
fi rst 6 in at least 10 races, of the GP2 Series, within the previous
2 years,
or c): has been classifi ed in the fi rst 3 of the fi nal classifi cation of the
Japanese F/Nippon Championship within the previous 2 years,
or d): has been classifi ed in the fi rst 6 of the fi nal classifi cation of
the Indy Racing League (IRL) series or of the Champ Car World
Series in the United States within the previous 2 years,
or e): is the current champion of the Euroseries 3000, the World
Series F/Renault V6 or the International F3000 Masters (the title
is considered valid for 12 months from the last race of his or her
championship season),
or f): is the current champion of the Formula 3 Euro Series or of
the principal National F3 Championship of one of the following
countries: Great Britain, Italy, Japan, (the title is considered valid
for 12 months from the last race of his or her championship
season),
or g): has started in at least 5 races counting for the FIA Formula One
World Championship for Drivers the previous year,
or h): (exceptionally), has a record of results which is judged
suffi cient, unanimously, by the Bureau of the Formula One
Commission and has driven at least 300 km in a current Formula
One car at racing speeds, over a maximum period of 2 days,
certifi ed by the ASN of the country in which the test took place.
Only results obtained with single-seater formula cars will be taken
into consideration. Should the members of the Bureau not agree
unanimously, the Commission in its entirety will be consulted.
In this case, the complete application must be received by the FIA
at least 14 days before scrutineering for the fi rst FIA Formula One
World Championship event in which the candidate is to compete.
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Looks like all they do is ask...

Steve · Jul 29, 2009

Apparently Massa is doing much better and is leaving intensive care today. Still has to stay in the hospital for a bit, partly due to abdominal soft tissue damage caused by his seat belts when he hit the barrier.

Assuming he'll be out for at least one race, if not the season, speculation is rife re a replacement. 13 drivers linked with injured Massa's seat (from motorsport.com):

After a confusing day of speculation on Tuesday, Ferrari once again admitted it is in fact possible Michael Schumacher could be drafted in to replace the injured Felipe Massa.

Earlier, Schumacher's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm and his manager Willi Weber made conflicting comments about whether the 40-year-old German is set to come out of retirement to substitute for his friend and former teammate.

But Ferrari's head of media Luca Colajanni insists the team's five-time championship winning driver could return after talks with Schumacher are staged.

"We have said before that it is possible that Michael Schumacher could return to help us out," Colajanni said.

It is suggested that the silence from Schumacher himself is because he does not want to make any declarations until Massa personally indicates a preference about his substitute.

It emerges that the comments carried by the German weekly Bunte on Tuesday, quoting Schumacher as saying his "decision (to retire in 2006) stands", actually date back two weeks.

Schumacher aside, the drivers so far speculatively linked with the temporarily vacant Ferrari seat could almost fill a bus.

Names already mentioned have been Ferrari testers Marc Gene and Luca Badoer, as well as Fernando Alonso, Sebastien Bourdais, Nelson Piquet, Nico Hulkenberg and Jacques Villeneuve.

Force India's entire 2009 lineup comprising Giancarlo Fisichella, Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi are also rumoured, and given BMW's expected withdrawal from F1, so too is the Pole Robert Kubica.

Italy's La Stampa newspaper insists David Coulthard cannot be ruled out.

Former German F1 driver Hans-Joachim Stuck thinks ousted Toro Rosso driver Bourdais might be a worthy option, given the lack of in-season testing in 2009.

"Bourdais is completely up to date, and by the way just like Massa he is managed by Nicolas Todt. After his nearly two years with Toro Rosso he knows the Ferrari engine and I personally think he is much better than what he could show at Toro Rosso," he said.

Toro Rosso's team boss Franz Tost, however, told Germany's Sport Bild that he thinks Alonso is the best choice. "The possibility was already being discussed in the paddock on Sunday evening," he said.

"Apart from the problems with existing contracts and sponsors it is surely the logical choice," Tost added.

A fascinating rumour is that Alonso's Renault contract may in fact be no obstacle, if the document (almost certainly) contains an exit clause mentioning team incompetence.

In the stewards' ruling last Sunday, it was stated specifically that Renault, banned from the forthcoming Valencia race, "failed to inform the driver of (the wheel) problem or to advise him to take appropriate action given the circumstances, even though the driver contacted the team by radio believing he had a puncture".
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You know someone, somewhere is taking bets, and I'm sure there will be more names added to the list until Ferrari make up their minds.

Steve · Jul 29, 2009

Schumacher to make F1 return in Spain

By Jonathan Noble (autosport.com) -- Wednesday, July 29th 2009, 16:51 GMT

Michael Schumacher, the seven-times world champion, plans to come out of retirement as Felipe Massa's replacement at Ferrari from the European Grand Prix.

Following days of speculation about who would slot in alongside Kimi Raikkonen following Massa's Hungarian GP crash, Ferrari issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon confirming that Schumacher was being prepared for the role.

The statement said that Schumacher was 'ready' to make his F1 return, and would undertake a training programme over the next few days to ensure he was up to full fitness for an F1 race.

The German, who quit F1 at the end of 2006, injured himself in a motorbike accident earlier this year and the team want to make sure there are no hidden problems before confirming his position.

Schumacher has previously baulked at the idea of returning to F1 full-time, but with Massa looking likely to return when he is back to full fitness, and Ferrari in need of a top-line driver, the opportunity is one that has attracted him.

"The most important thing first: thank God, all news concerning Felipe is positive. I wish him all the best again," said Schumacher.

"I was meeting this afternoon with Stefano Domenicali and Luca di Montezemolo, and together we decided that I will prepare myself to take the place of Felipe.

"Though it is true that the chapter of Formula 1 has been completely closed for me for a long time, it is also true that for loyalty reasons to the team I cannot ignore that unfortunate situation. But as the competitor I am, I also very much look forward to facing this challenge."

Once Schumacher gets the green light, it will be the first time he has raced alongside Kimi Raikkonen, as the pair bid to secure Ferrari third place in the constructors' championship.

It also comes at a time when Ferrari's F60 appears to have made good progress on the track, and its KERS could prove to be an advantage in the forthcoming races at Valencia, Spa, Monza and Singapore.

Schumacher has not tested the current F60, and has not driven since April 2008 when he ran an F2008 at Barcelona.

The announcement of Schumacher's plans comes 24 hours after his manager Willi Weber totally ruled out the possibility of the German racing in Valencia.

"Whoever sits in the car at the next race in Valencia, it will not be Michael Schumacher. I am not 100 per cent sure; I am 200 per cent sure," Weber was quoted as saying by The Daily Mail.

"The pressure on him would be huge. He would be expected to win, but he has not driven this car. When Michael was racing he would get as close to perfection as possible. In this case, it would not be perfection; it would be a gamble - and that's not Michael's style."
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