F1 - 2012

Alan · Oct 4, 2011

Is that the Caterham BRG/Y as opposed to the Lotus BRG/Y?

Or maybe the Caterham Orange as opposed to the Lotus Orange? :crazy:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruTxbjUbRhs]Lotus Exige S vs. Caterham CSR Super 7 Test - YouTube[/ame]

minimark · Oct 4, 2011

Dang I did not need to see that... They just opened up a Lotus dealership here and there is a brand spanking new red exige there that make me heart boil....now if they had the Caterham too? Me most likely would become Miniless forth with.....

Steve · Oct 6, 2011

The way he talks about Button seems to imply a contrast of some sort...or maybe I'm just reading too much into it?

Button 'crucial' to future McLaren cars (Autosport)

Wed, 05 Oct | 12:56:00 2011

Jenson Button's new multi-year contract with McLaren is key to the development of future Formula 1 cars from the team, according to McLaren's technical director Paddy Lowe.

The British driver has signed a new, long-term deal with the team he joined at the start of the 2010 season.

Lowe said that retaining Button is a boost for the team.

"The answer is, crucial," said Lowe when asked how important was Button for the development of future cars.

"Having a good driver with good feedback is essential still in Formula 1 even though these days we have far more experience with offline tools, more simulations, etc.

"We are still very reliant on the driver's feedback and his responses to the changes we make, and indeed his suggestions to changes made.

"Having Jenson on board for years to come is now a great step for us because it gives us a very solid base in terms of a driver that we can rely on for feedback, through that phase that you described.

"Jenson is obviously very experienced for many years before he even came to McLaren. So that all contributes."

Lowe also praised Button's driving during the 2011 season, the Briton having impressed with his performances to move up to second place in the standings.

"I think what's been really nice to see with Jenson is that in the last season he has been driving in a way that has surprised in terms of the style as well," he said.

"Because he is sort of... his classic driving approach has been to be very smooth and solid and scoring the points without great show let's say.

"Whereas what he's actually done is deliver some fantastic races, some of the most exciting overtaking manoeuvres that we have seen all season have come from Jenson and that has been great to see. I think he has really enjoyed doing it."
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Minidave · Oct 6, 2011

He reminds me of Damon Hill, not exciting to watch but presses on and gets the job done. Eh?

Did you all see where Aldo Costa has joined Mercedes? Along with Michael and Ross, he was part of the triumvirate that made Ferrari into a winner....

Steve · Oct 18, 2011

Mercedes Invents Front Wing F-Duct For 2012 (formula-one.speedtv.com)

Mercedes has reinvented a F-duct style innovation and intends to debut it in 2012, Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports. The magazine on Tuesday published diagrams of the innovation, which was apparently tested for the first time during free practice at Suzuka recently. The new F-duct is confined to the front wing, not the rear wing as per the systems that were banned at the end of last season. Air enters through the oval-shaped vent at the very tip of the 2012 Mercedes nose, is redirected via and inside the front wing supports and exits at the rear of the wing. Unlike the 2010-style F-ducts, the system is not manually triggered by the drivers, making it legal. Mercedes' new idea is to redirect more undisturbed air through the floor of the car. Auto Motor und Sport said McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh is aware of the innovation and the head-start now enjoyed by Mercedes. "If you make a start now, it's already too late," he said, predicting that other teams will nonetheless also experiment with the idea.
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Nathan · Oct 20, 2011

Lotus vs Lotus name issue settled.

After two battles in U.K. courts this year, Formula One entrants Group Lotus and Team Lotus have come to an arrangement that appears to suit both sides.

Team Lotus boss Tony Fernandes has indicated that he is willing to give up the name and has applied to the FIA to change his team's name to Caterham, while Group Lotus-sponsored Renault wants to use only the Lotus name beginning in 2012.

However, the changes have to be approved formally, something that will be addressed on Nov. 3 at a meeting of the Formula One Commission--a grouping of teams and other interested parties--in Geneva.

Most of the F1 teams support the name-change applications in principle, but Ferrari and Sauber were keen for the process to go through the F1 Commission to establish formal ground rules to prevent name changes getting out of hand.

While recognizing that having two Lotus teams helps no one, some rivals have also suggested that Caterham is not a worthy enough brand to be represented in F1
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Source - Formula One: Lotus team-name battle appears to be settled - Autoweek

Steve · Oct 20, 2011

"... some rivals have also suggested that Caterham is not a worthy enough brand to be represented in F1."

Brand? Team names have to include brand names now? And they have to be "worthy enough" brands at that? If so, when will Ferrari be required to add the "Marlboro" back into their team name? Sheesh...:crazy:

Angib · Oct 20, 2011

Steve said: ↑

"... Caterham is not a worthy enough brand to be represented in F1."
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I guess what they're saying is that Caterham's production cars aren't quite the image F1 is looking for. I'm guessing you don't get them in the US so this is their current base model:

It's not 'cutting edge technology', is it (even if it is more hard core than any other production car)?

The new track/road car in conjunction with Lola does look more the part:

Steve · Oct 20, 2011

Steve said: ↑

"... some rivals have also suggested that Caterham is not a worthy enough brand to be represented in F1."

Brand? Team names have to include brand names now? And they have to be "worthy enough" brands at that? If so, when will Ferrari be required to add the "Marlboro" back into their team name? Sheesh...:crazy:
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Strike that, I guess "Ferrari" probably counts as a brand name, eh?

Steve · Oct 20, 2011

I personally think the Caterham brand name is plenty worthy. I question any requirement for a brand name in the first place, never mind worthiness. What about HRT, Toro Rosso, Force India and Sauber? Are these brand names I just don't recognize?

Nathan · Oct 20, 2011

We have Caterham in the US. They are located in Denver CO.

The new model with the Lola chassis is not going to be distributed by them but by Dyson Racing since Dyson has extensive experience with Lola bits.

minimark · Oct 20, 2011

So the dealer doesn't have experience with the bits?

Nathan · Oct 20, 2011

minimark said: ↑

So the dealer doesn't have experience with the bits?
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The press release...

ALMS CHAMPION TEAM NAMED US DISTRIBUTOR FOR CATERHAM SP/300.R

Leading American sportscar team, Dyson Racing, will act as US distributor for the new Caterham-Lola SP/300.R sports prototype when the first of the brand new race and trackday cars lands in the States early next year.

Caterham Cars appointed the newly-crowned American Le Mans Series (ALMS) LMP1 champion team as its official US distributor. The two companies share a mutual partnership with Lola Cars. Dyson Racing's relationship with Lola Cars dates back over two decades.

Dyson Racing is one of the most successful and longest-running privateer race teams in America, having competed in IMSA GTO and GTP, SCCA Trans-Am, GRAND-AM, CART and Indy Lights championships since its inception in 1974.

Dyson, which sealed the 2011 ALMS LMP1 Drivers and Team championships on September 17, will receive its demonstration car early in 2012, with customer cars being delivered Stateside from Spring onwards.

Team Vice President and Sporting Director, Chris Dyson, said: "Dyson Racing is pleased to partner with Caterham as the exclusive importer of the SP/300.R for the United States. Trackday driving is a rapidly-growing phenomenon in America and this car will be ideal for the many enthusiasts who enjoy this aspect of the sport.

"There's no car company more dedicated to producing cars that are pure fun to drive than Caterham and we expect that owners of high-end road cars who have been running them on the track will find they have more fun driving the SP/300.R while spending less money."

For the U.S. market, the SP/300.R represents a three-way partnership between Caterham Cars, Lola Cars and Dyson Racing. Principal design and manufacturing of the car is done by Caterham with engineering input from Lola. U.S. cars will be manufactured to specifications appropriate to that market, with final assembly taking place at Dyson Racing's facility in Poughkeepsie, NY, north of New York City.

"Dyson Racing's relationship with Lola goes back more than 25 years," Dyson noted. "While our partnership with Caterham is a new one, we are confident that this triumvirate will provide our clients in America with a great car and unparalleled service."

Caterham Cars' International Business Development Manager, David Ridley, said: "We are delighted to be working with a partner as established and successful in the global motorsport arena as Dyson Racing. Their expertise in the US market is exactly what we need to make the SP/300.R as much of a success in America as it has been in Europe so far."

The 300bhp supercharged Caterham-Lola SP/300.R was launched at the Autosport International show at Birmingham's NEC in January this year and customer orders to date have been strong.

Dyson continued: "The SP/300.R is an amazing car. It mirrors the technology and the appearance of the Lola Le Mans prototypes that our team campaigns in the American Le Mans Series, but has been carefully designed to be affordable.

"Over the past four decades, we've mastered the ins and outs of importing cars and spares from overseas; perfected the process of making certain a car is ready for the track before it leaves our facility; and learned how efficiently to support a car trackside. We understand that our clients will need differing levels of support and Dyson Racing is well-prepared to provide whatever they require."

For more information about the Caterham SP/300.R please visit The SP/300.R from Caterham and LOLA. US-based customers should contact Dyson Racing â€“ visit Dyson Racing Home or contact Steve Potter on [email protected].
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Steve · Oct 25, 2011

Raikkonen talk gathers strength (grandprix.com)

October 25, 2011
The word on the street is that Kimi Raikkonen is now favourite to join Pastor Maldonado at Williams next year.

The 2007 world champion and his advisors are known to have had talks with Williams some time ago but the Finn's return is believed to hinge on a sponsorship deal that will bring income to the team and pay Raikkonen a decent salary.

It has emerged that the team's attempts to pull off the Raikkonen coup are linked to backing from the Qatar National Bank as a major sponsor.

The Brazilian media, with Rubens Barrichello's interests close at heart, are monitoring the situation carefully and revealed at the weekend that Frank Williams has recently spent time personally in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Williams, of course, already has business interests in Qatar but many will remember that it was backing from that part of the world that launched the team on its route to the top more than 30 years ago.
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minimark · Oct 25, 2011

.....well that confirms Williams doesn't have their sights set on a Championship anytime soon.

Steve · Oct 28, 2011

Looks like Kimi's happier where he is...for now...

Kimi charmed by WRC media (MaxRally.com)

28th October 2011 | By Anthony Peacock

The media often get a bad press (which is ironic if you think about it) but Kimi Raikkonen reckons that the way the World Rally Championship is covered is one of the best things about it.

In Formula One, it’s fair to say that Kimi and the media weren’t always the best of friends. Because of that, he’s always been somewhat wary of people twisting his words.

In the WRC though, that’s starting to change. “I got the feeling last year from the start that the people who are involved in the rally media are more interested just in the sport and what is happening on the stages, rather than creating bull____ stories with big headlines outside of it,” said the Iceman. “The F1 journalists write more about other things than the sport sometimes. There’s less of that in rallying, it’s a different way of thinking.”

Whether or not the unparalleled charm of the international WRC press corps is going to be enough to keep Kimi in the world championship remains to be seen, but the former grand prix champion admits that it’s been a lot easier this year compared to 2010.

“It definitely comes more naturally,” he said. “Once you get onto the level where it feels normal and you don’t have to think about it you can push harder and you can improve a lot. Now I don’t have to think about the notes. Compared to last year, it’s completely different.”
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Nathan · Nov 2, 2011

Virgin Racing seeking name change for 2012

Formula One team Virgin Racing is now the third Grand Prix outfit--following Lotus Renault GP and Team Lotus--to inform the FIA that it wants to change its name in time for the 2012 F1 season. Virgin wants to change its name to Marussia, after the Russian sports-car maker that sponsors the team. In order to complete a name change, 18 of 26 voters on the Formula One Commission must approve the application.

Virgin appears set to remain a team sponsor. One rumor making the rounds says that when Virgin's billionaire boss, Richard Branson, invested in the team prior to its debut during the 2010 season, part of the deal involved the naming rights. According to the rumor, Branson insisted the team be named Virgin, and also insisted the team (known originally as Manor Motorsports) pay Virgin $8 million for the naming rights. It agreed to do so--but did not have the money to do the deal. Branson allegedly then loaned the team the money--plus interest, of course--to do the deal.

As for Lotus-Renault GP and Team Lotus, the former wants to change its name to simply Lotus, while the latter wants to be known as Caterham beginning next season.
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Source - Formula One: Virgin becomes the third team to seek a name change for 2012 - Autoweek

Steve · Nov 3, 2011

The name changes were approved by the F1 Council -- Team Lotus => Caterham, Renault => Lotus and Virgin Racing => Marussia -- still need rubber stamp from the FIA World Motor Sport Council.

Steve · Nov 5, 2011

Wolff Confirms Raikkonen, Bianchi Among 2012 Options (formula-one.speedtv.com)

SPEED Staff / GMM | Posted November 05, 2011 | GMM Newswire

Williams shareholder Toto Wolff has confirmed that "serious" negotiations with Kimi Raikkonen about a 2012 race seat are taking place.

Until now, the rumors linking the 2007 World Champion and a return to Formula One with the beleaguered British team have been taken with a pinch of salt.

"Yes, it's true!" Wolff, a minority shareholder of the Oxfordshire-based team, told Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung.

"The Kimi Raikkonen file is on the table," he confirmed.

"The story is not for show; we are negotiating seriously, but it is only one of several options. There will be a strategic decision," revealed Wolff.

It has been reported that Adrian Sutil is another candidate to replace Pastor Maldonado's experienced teammate Rubens Barrichello next season.

"But there is another aggressive option with the boy Jules Bianchi, and Valtteri Bottas is worthy of consideration at least for Friday's practice," added Wolff.
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Steve · Nov 9, 2011

Lola Wants To (Again) Field A Team In F1 (motorauthority.com)

By Kurt Ernst | November 9, 2011

Race-car builder Lolaâ€™s last entry into the world of Formula 1 almost brought about the demise of the company. Backed by MasterCard, Lola was forced to launch its F1 program in 1997, fully a year before the team was ready.

The results were disastrous. The T97/30 chassis had zero hours of testing in a wind tunnel, and it was powered by an uncompetitive Ford Zetec V-8 engine. Itâ€™s first track test came at the 1997 Australian Grand Prix, where the car was no faster than Lolaâ€™s Formula 3000 cars.

MasterCard, who forced Lola onto the Grand Prix grid long before the team was ready, pulled its sponsorship, forcing the firm into bankruptcy.

Despite these lessons of the past, Lola is ready to give it another go, and is actively seeking to become the 13th team on the Formula 1 grid. Lola originally tried to get in in 2009 and again after the demise of the US F1 team in 2010, but was unsuccessful and didnâ€™t renew its bid for the 2011 season.

As Lolaâ€™s managing director, Robin Brundle, explained to Autoweek, â€œWeâ€™re ready and waiting... if the FIA brings back the 13th license, we can bid for it.â€

The timing may be right, since the Lola of today is a much different company than the Lola of 1997. While racing is still a key component of Lolaâ€™s business, itâ€™s no longer the only segment Lola is active in.

Two-thirds of the companyâ€™s business now comes from industries such as defense and aviation, which gives Lola a much more stable footing than itâ€™s enjoyed in the past. Formula 1 is now seen as a way to grow the companyâ€™s business, not just a way to spend its earnings.

Brundle says that Lola will hit a turnover of $40 million this year, with growth to $77 million within five years. A Formula 1 effort, on the other hand, could boost that by â€œtens of millions,â€ if Brundleâ€™s projections are correct.

Even under a â€œbest caseâ€ scenario, donâ€™t expect to see a Lola team on the grid before 2014, when the FIA implements new engine regulations for F1 teams.
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