Most liked posts in thread: F1 - 2012

Steve · Jan 27, 2012

No big revelations in this one. If I wasn't a big Mario Andretti fan I probably wouldn't even post it but he is a smart guy with a lot of experience and it shows.

GPUpdate pre-season feelings: Mario Andretti (GPUpdate.net)

27 January 2012

In a special series of articles running up to the new season, GPUpdate.net has assembled an exclusive panel of guests. We hear the good, the bad, the expectations and predictions ahead of the sportâ€™s most eagerly-anticipated year. Let us begin with Mario Andretti: Indy 500 winner, Daytona 500 winner and F1 World Champion of 1978.

Mario, 2012 promises to be fantastic! Just how thoroughly will you be watching and do you expect more dramas than in 2011?

I follow Formula 1 very closely and look forward to every event, for sure. It is always going to be the height of my interests in motorsport and I thought it was another very interesting season last year, no question. Like everyone else, I think when it is dominated by one driver it seems to be a little bit too predictable, but there were some revelations. For instance, I assessed that Jenson Button would probably have a tough time with Lewis Hamilton and it turned out to be the other way round this time. The way I put it was that it was going to be tough for number twos such as Mark Webber, which it was, but I also picked Jenson and that was totally wrong! But I like the surprises, itâ€™s good for the sport.

From a British point of view, Lewis Hamiltonâ€™s 2011 was up and down both on and off the track. Did you ever have such problems in your own career?

Well, when you are doing something so demanding, emotions play. I feel that one of the assets in my career was a very stable family life; my wife was rock solid, she took care of that end well and was always supportive. I didnâ€™t have to bring a trophy home to get the same welcome â€“ I got exactly the same kiss and everything, whether I had a trophy in my hands or not. To me, that was key to keeping my head where it needed to be without being distracted. Personal relationships can be devastating sometimes and it is bound to affect your performance. I think it is tough enough even if you are able to concentrate on your job 100 percent, but if you are only doing it at 85 or 90 percent then you are missing something. When results donâ€™t come, frustration sets in and then of course that is when mistakes are obviously made because you are forcing things. So it is kind of a snowballing effect.

Whatâ€™s your opinion on driver aids like KERS and DRS?

Well, it is somewhat artificial - especially the way that it is regulated. With the way it is allowed to be used, it seems like the driver you are trying to overtake is naked (laughs)! You know, he cannot really defend himself because if you block you get penalised. So it is a bit artificial. I like the KERS better than DRS in that sense. But, you know, nobody has the real answer for how to create more overtaking, so you cannot fault any suggestions for trying these sorts of things. So you can take it or leave it. Some people would probably prefer not to see that but you still have to put yourself in a proper position to even take advantage of KERS, so the driver still has to do it correctly. All in all, I would like to think that they should keep these systems in place.

You drove for some legendary teams, notably Lotus when you won the title. How do you feel when names such as Williams are struggling nowadays?

I would love to see Williams pick up somewhat, it was sad to see their incredible drop in performance, vis a vis the second and third tier teams. Itâ€™s an emotional thing, to see that; I know that Patrick Head is bowing out but old Frank (Williams) is still soldiering on, which is great to see. Itâ€™s a tough one, it really is (laughs)! What snowballs are the negatives. When you donâ€™t have the performance to show for, then not too many people are too keen to spend a lot of money and sponsor you, so it takes its toll. But what drives every train is a headline driver. And I mean a real headliner. Barrichello was very solid and experienced and everything else, but they just need a superstar. So itâ€™s a cart and horse type of thing. But you never knowâ€¦there could always be a surprise there.

For Williamsâ€™ sake, itâ€™s a shame they didnâ€™t sign Kimi RÃ¤ikkÃ¶nenâ€¦

Yes, that is true. I think that would have really sparked some incredible interest which is what they needed - something like that which would really jolt everyone. I agree with you, I think that could have made a big difference there.

On a lighter noteâ€¦we are returning to the USA this year! But why has Formula 1 never really caught on in America?

I canâ€™t say it never caught on because I think it was quite popular and stable at Watkins Glen, for several years. It is just that, once they left that venue, it became a temporary thing. I think it was really quite good for a couple of years at Long Beach because it was something new - at a time when street events were disappearing in Europe, all of a sudden it started here and was extremely successful. But it became too expensive and just didnâ€™t work out economically, so it just disappeared and so happened to the rest of themâ€¦Detroit, Phoenix and every other one that was a temporary event. Itâ€™s a shame. Having said that, I think if this thing in Texas happens â€“ if they construct the facility and ultimately achieve what they want to achieve â€“ then at least you would have a world-standard facility in place which I think could hopefully make a difference in stability. With Austin and New York on the schedule I just hope that it all comes to fruition, I really do. As a real fan of Formula 1, I love to see it successful in this country and I think it would be good for the US but also good for Formula 1. The United States needs to have Formula 1 and I think F1 needs the US.

Is it a good idea to re-introduce F1 with a brand-new, purpose-built facility? Would a street race be better?

Thatâ€™s a tough one. It dependsâ€¦I looked at the layout at New York (for 2013) and my first take on that was, â€˜Actually, this is really good!â€™ 3.2 miles in length and, looking at the features of the track, itâ€™s really, really good. I have no doubt they will pull that one off, quite honestly; knowing the people involved there I feel very, very confident â€“ I really do â€“ that that one is going to come off. I know that Bernie Ecclestone has been really, really wanting to be in the proximity of New York City. Well, he got it and I think that could really develop into something very, very interesting and I hope it does for many reasons. Itâ€™s even close to my home, I can drive there (laughs)! Thatâ€™s a good reason for me!

Sorry to put you on the spot, but we have to ask:
Who will win the 2012 world titles?

(Laughs) Well, you would go for the obvious! But I just donâ€™t like to venture into some of those predictions, Iâ€™ve been burned before. Specifically, I donâ€™t have just one individual or one team. I like to see the top teams all get their share and, like all the other fans, I obviously like to see a bit of a mix. Iâ€™d like to see a resurgence of Ferrari, that is always good and always very strong for motor racing and Formula 1 â€“ and I think youâ€™re going to see that.

Mario Andretti was speaking exclusively to GPUpdate.net in Pennsylvania

Next time: John Watson, former Grand Prix winner and championship runner-up
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Steve · Jan 27, 2012

This is how Williams makes the press these days.

Williams job is the pits for Johnson as Olympic legend helps out mechanics (dailymail.co.uk)

By Simon Cass | Last updated at 10:00 PM on 26th January 2012

Dressed in a shirt bearing the logos of his sports training company and Williams, you could easily be forgiven Michael Johnson's tie up with the Formula One team is just another corporate branding exercise.

But the Olympic legend and his team of sports boffins have devised a training programme for a bunch of mechanics designed to shave valuable hundredths of a second off pit-stop times.

When asked how long this arrangement will run Johnson is forceful.

'We'll be going until it gets done,' he says. 'Until it gets done.'

Enough to strike fear into the toughest mechanic, as Ben Howard, who has spent three years removing the front left wheel of a Williams as fast as he is able, explains.
'Everybody was excited, but a little bit apprehensive as well. Michael trains top-level sportspeople but we're not professional athletes so there was some nervousness as to what he might make us do!'

Johnson and his team have identified three areas where they feel they help Williams move them up from seventh in the pit-stop rankings, 1.1 seconds down on the average time set by 2011 table toppers Red Bull.

Programmes to improve overall fitness and sensory ability will be implemented, but it is the area of biomechanics, the physics of sport, where Johnson feels the biggest gains can be made.

'There is a lot of movement going on by all three people (changing each wheel),' says Johnson. 'So what we do is try and make that movement more efficient and quicker.'
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minimark · Jan 27, 2012

....yawn, Sprint Cups been doing this for years.

Steve · Jan 27, 2012

Not really where Williams ought to be focusing time or effort right now.

minimark · Jan 27, 2012

That might be said but you might also consider how many stops during a race there is... What is 5 seconds at speed on the track and how much would you pay for those 5 seconds at every race. A championship team leaves no stone unturned, I was just surprised that they already weren't doing it.

Minidave · Jan 28, 2012

I know how Vettel's team does it so fast, they drink Red Bull!

"gives you wings", right"? :biggrin5:

Steve · Jan 29, 2012

Jenson Button getting back in shape for the '12 season. Gotta work on those all-important neck muscles.

Nathan · Jan 29, 2012

VW official to propose F1 foray

Global Motorsport Media press release

Jan.29 (GMM) Volkswagen is contemplating a formula one foray, according to German reports.

The carmaker giant's motor sport representative Wolfgang Durheimer told leading business magazine Wirtschaftswoche he has devised a preliminary plan for the future that includes F1.

"Later this year I will put forward proposals to the executive group for (involvement in) not only the racing series that we do already," he said.

"It is true -- in America, Asia and the Middle East, we are not sufficiently represented in motor sport," added Durheimer.

The magazine cited sources in saying the first step for VW, already linked commercially with the Red Bull rookie team Toro Rosso, would be to become an engine supplier.
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minimark · Jan 29, 2012

...a bit more racing pedigree might do wonders for V-Dub's image.

Steve · Jan 30, 2012

Rubens Barrichello makes IndyCar test debut at Sebring (AUTOSPORT.com)

By Jonathan Noble | Monday, January 30th 2012, 16:09 GMT

Rubens Barrichello got his first taste of an Indycar at Sebring on Monday as the Brazilian began his two-day test programme with KV Racing.

The F1 veteran, whose last hope of racing in Formula 1 this year was dashed when Williams opted to sign Bruno Senna instead, took up the invite to try out an Indycar after conversations with close friend Tony Kanaan.

Barrichello has no commitments beyond this week's outing, but told a Brazilian newspaper over the weekend that a switch to the category could be a possibility.

"I've always wanted to test an Indycar. I love speed so it's natural to want to try this," Barrichello was quoted as saying by O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper. "As I have no contract with anyone there's nothing to stop me from testing it.

"I'm going into this test with my mind wide open. If I leave with the passion I have always had as a driver then why not? I love racing."

The Sebring test, which is held on the 1.7-mile short course configuration, will feature a number of IndyCar teams as they continue getting to grips with the new Dallara DW12 chassis.
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Steve · Jan 30, 2012

So this is what Eau Rouge looks like this time of year, eh? Maybe they should run F1 at Spa in January...might need to add another tire option though...

goaljnky · Jan 30, 2012

Snowmobiles at Spa!

Alan · Jan 30, 2012

Nathan said: ↑

Global Motorsport Media press release
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Nice! Another manufacturer would be great. But would they run under the VW, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti, SEAT, or Skoda brand? Audi has sports cars and DTM. Lamborghini, Bentley, or Bugatti would push their premium brands. SEAT and Skoda are out as far as US is concerned.

Seems a little weird to me to push their mass market brand in F1.

Steve · Jan 30, 2012

If history is any guide, none of the above.

It's becoming sort of a tradition of mine to watch for the annual announcement that VW is considering F1. The last couple years speculation usually pointed toward engine supply rather than full participation, same this year apparently (see the last line in that article). Then, a few weeks on, someone else announces VW isn't interested in F1...yet.

It might make more sense to them soon though given the coming 2.4L 6-cylinder turbo engine formula. In fact I imagine it made even more sense to them when the original intent was to make it 1.6L 4-cyl turbos.

Alan · Jan 30, 2012

Bentley would be cool:

Will VW Group look to enter Formula 1? > F1 News > Grandprix.com

Steve · Jan 30, 2012

The other VW perspective:

VW Linked with F1 again

Steve · Jan 30, 2012

This just in from the wild-assed speculation dept:

'Ferrari to assist Kubica's comeback' (PlanetF1.com)

Monday 30th January 2012

Rumours of Robert Kubica's potential move to Ferrari - should he return to F1 - refuse to die down with the latest reports claiming Ferrari will aid his comeback.

Kubica has been sidelined since his a rally accident last February when he suffered broken bones on the right side of his body and an almost severed right hand.

And despite a minor setback, the result of a slip and fall on ice earlier this month, the Pole's recovery is reportedly progressing well.

According to Italian publication Omnicorse, Kubica is back driving using a Renault Megane with an automatic transmission.

He has a good range of movement is his right arm - 'flexing and extending of the right arm are already back to normal' - but there are still problems with rotation movements.

But, with his 'five hours a day' in physiotherapy, the 27-year-old is on the road to recovery and aiming to climb into a simulator in the not-too-distant future.

After that, the goal is a Formula One car, which is where Ferrari are believed to be entering the picture.

The Pole, who has reportedly signed a letter of intent with the Italian stable for the 2013 season, will, according to Omnicorse, get behind the wheel of a Ferrari F10 in June if everything goes according to plan.

The car, which will be fitted with the new turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 engine that will be introduced in 2014, will be outside the test ban regulations, allowing Kubica to put in the miles.

This will give the Pole the opportunity to evaluate his progress without too much pressure. And it could pave the way towards a comeback with Ferrari.
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Steve · Jan 31, 2012

Steve said: ↑

If history is any guide, none of the above.

It's becoming sort of a tradition of mine to watch for the annual announcement that VW is considering F1. The last couple years speculation usually pointed toward engine supply rather than full participation, same this year apparently (see the last line in that article). Then, a few weeks on, someone else announces VW isn't interested in F1...yet.

It might make more sense to them soon though given the coming 2.4L 6-cylinder turbo engine formula. In fact I imagine it made even more sense to them when the original intent was to make it 1.6L 4-cyl turbos.
Click to expand...

Hmmm, I must have been tired when I wrote that. The new formula is 1.6L 6-cylinder turbos. It was originally supposed to be 4-cyl and I'm pretty sure the same 1.6L displacement but was changed when Ferrari complained that 4-cyl engines were irrelevant to their road car programs and would therefore make 4-cyl F1 engine development a waste of their time.

Steve · Jan 31, 2012

Torque sensors to increase pit-stop safety (GPUpdate.net)

30 January 2012

F1 teams are set to introduce a new pit-stop safety feature for the 2012 season. Torque sensors, recently permitted by governing body the FIA, will allow a set of bright lights to inform pit crews when wheels are not properly attached.

Such safety mechanisms are being introduced following a number of pit lane incidents in recent years; not least for Toro Rosso at the 2011 Chinese and Japanese Grands Prix as well as Jenson Button at his home event of Silverstone. In Budapest two seasons ago, Nico Rosberg was released before his wheel dangerously bounced down the Hungaroring pit lane and into the path of fellow teams’ mechanics.

The system and its LED lights have been enhanced by Italian company Paoli, which provides wheel guns to all Formula 1 teams; all are expected to use torque sensors in 2012, although the system is not yet compulsory.

“The system works with a magnetised non-contact sensor mounted on the wheel gun,” Federico Galloni, Managing Director of Paoli, explained to F1WEB.it. “The operator can set the desired torque to be applied to the nut.”

Previously, the amount of torque going through a wheel gun was recorded but only viewable through a computer on the pit wall. With the latest technology, software recording the torque values can send messages back to the wheel gun. This means, in the event of a wheel not being correctly fastened, the pit crew will be automatically warned and this should prevent cars from leaving the pits with loose wheels.
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ScottinBend · Jan 31, 2012

LOL.......most of the previous incidents with wheels coming off had more to do with being let go early than it did with the wheel not torqued down properly.

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