F1 Most liked posts in thread: F1 - 2013

Steve · Dec 10, 2012

A sign of (good) things to come? If Newey thinks he's already bumping the ceiling maybe the others will get even closer?

Adrian Newey admits it is harder to find gains for 2013 car (AutoSport.com)

By Edd Straw | Monday, December 10th 2012, 09:56 GMT

Adrian Newey has admitted that it is becoming more challenging to find performance gains with the 2013 Red Bull.

The maturity of the regulations, which were introduced in 2009, and the lack of rules tweaks for next season mean that teams are chasing ever-shrinking improvements with their cars.

The Red Bull has been the dominant force under this rules set, winning the drivers' and constructors' championship double three times in four years.

"It is increasingly difficult because there are no real regulations changes compared to this year and it will be the fifth season since the 2009 rule changes," Newey told AUTOSPORT.

"The field is converging and you can see how competitive it is in the fact that we had eight different winners this year."

Newey believes that the number of winners in 2012, which is the largest since 2003 when eight drivers also tasted victory, shows how tiny the margins are in F1 currently.

Six different teams won races, with Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Lotus, Mercedes and Williams all tasting success.

"It is a demonstration of how critical it is now," said Newey.

"Each race, you have so many variables that can cause swings between the cars.

"The tyres have been talked about a lot and they are important ans each car will work its tyres slightly differently compared to its competitors.

"Sometimes, a particular track layout and temperature might suit a particular car more than its immediate rivals.

"Whether it's a predominantly high-speed corner circuit like Silverstone or a slow-speed corner circuit like Abu Dhabi, for instance.

"Those factors mean that it has been difficult for one team to dominate."

Newey added that next year's Red Bull RB9 would be an evolutionary step from this year's machine.

"There will be no surprises, next year's car will be very much an evolution of this year's," said Newey.

"The great thing about motorsport and F1 in particular is that we know what we are intending to achieve over the winter but we have no idea of what everyone else will manage."

Red Bull's dominance 2009-2012

Drivers' championships: 3 (75%)
Constructors' championships: 3 (75%)
Wins: 34 (45.3%)
Poles: 46 (61.3%)
Click to expand...

Steve · Dec 11, 2012

Kubica: No chance of me coming back soon (GPUpdate.net)

11 December 2012

Robert Kubica has ruled out an imminent return to Formula 1, explaining that he is still struggling with the rotation of his right elbow and wrist. The Pole, who suffered life-threatening injuries in a rally crash in early 2011, has been back on the motorsport scene recently, picking up a popular Rallye du Var victory last month.

The 28-year-old says he misses the feeling of lining up on the Formula 1 grid, but at the same time is pleased with how he has recovered from such a serious accident.

"Let's just say I miss racing," Kubica told AutoWeek. "This is my biggest problem. When I'm busy rallying or testing, I'm not thinking about it. But when I'm at home on a Sunday after a Formula 1 race, I think I'm living a boring and monotonous life.

"On the other hand, you cannot get everything you desire out of life. I'm happy about where I am today. I need to keep working, keep fighting. I'm getting better, but you need a lot of time to fully recover from something like this."

When pushed about a potential return to Formula 1 in the future, Kubica admitted that his arm will be the deciding factor.

"If I can move my arm again, there is a chance that I will return," he added. "But until that happens, we'll have to see. There's no chance of me coming back to F1 soon."

Kubica is currently negotiating with WRC teams over a possible drive in 2014, but has made it clear that he wants to sign a long-term deal to fully develop his skills.
Click to expand...

minimark · Dec 11, 2012

Steve said: ↑

A sign of (good) things to come? If Newey thinks he's already bumping the ceiling maybe the others will get even closer?

Adrian Newey admits it is harder to find gains for 2013 car (AutoSport.com)
Click to expand...

Exactly why having major rule changes every year or two does nothing to help the racing itself, it rewards the major teams whilst leaving the lessor teams precious little time to polish their turds into competitiveness...

goaljnky · Dec 11, 2012

I have to be honest. I wish they would re-introduce in-race refueling. It made for a better watching experience with more strategy divergence from teams.

minimark · Dec 11, 2012

Very relative and very expensive to make an F1 turd a frontrunner, that last 2 seconds can equal a small country's economy...LOL

ScottinBend · Dec 11, 2012

I agree with jinky....bring back SLOW refueling. Not the high pressure get it done fast stuff, but the slower fill that would really create some interesting strategies. Make it slow enough that the teams can get all of the other work needed done and still have to sit for a bit.

Steve · Dec 12, 2012

Sooooo.....stops a little longer than this one then, eh?

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HQw-on3JZ8]Jenson Button world record pitstop 2.31 seconds Formula 1 Germany 2012 - YouTube[/ame]

Zapski · Dec 12, 2012

If they can do 2.3~2.4 seconds with all 4 tires and a refuel, I'm in

ScottinBend · Dec 12, 2012

Even add taking away the tire warmers.

Steve · Dec 12, 2012

Barrichello set to continue career on home soil (GPUpdate.net)

12 December 2012

Rubens Barrichello is set to continue his motor racing career on home soil in 2013, with the ex-F1 driver expected to race in the Brazilian Stock Car Championship.

The 40-year-old was hoping to extend his stay in the American IndyCar Series, but he could not raise the necessary funds for a seat. Barrichello made his debut in the category this year after being dropped by the Williams F1 Team at the end of 2011. Signed by KV Racing, he contested the season alongside friend Tony Kanaan.

After a promising campaign, he signed off the year by competing in the final race of Brazil's Stock Car series. Barrichello has received a range of offers from teams after his performance and his plans are expected to be announced in the next few days.
Click to expand...

goaljnky · Dec 12, 2012

How long until next race, anyway?

Nathan · Dec 12, 2012

goaljnky said: ↑

How long until next race, anyway?
Click to expand...

95 Days from today

mrntd · Dec 12, 2012

At least I got to meet Rubens while he was here.

Steve · Dec 12, 2012

goaljnky said: ↑

How long until next race, anyway?
Click to expand...

Nathan said: ↑

95 Days from today
Click to expand...

Less than 60 days to the first pre-season test. I know, :sleep:

So, 95 days.....

Steve · Dec 12, 2012

The folks at Sauber are ahead of schedule, I guess they can start their winter holiday early. :wink:

Sauber reveals 2013 F1 car has passed all mandatory crash tests (AutoSport.com)

By Pablo Elizalde | Wednesday, December 12th 2012, 09:43 GMT

Sauber has become the first Formula 1 team to reveal it has passed all the mandatory crash tests for its 2013 car.

The Swiss squad said on Wednesday morning that the C32, the chassis the team will use during the 2013 season, was now fully homologated to begin testing next year.

Cars must pass all crash tests before they can take to the track in testing. The rule was introduced at the start of 2012.

"The C32 chassis and safety structures have passed their FIA safety tests. So, fully homologated and ready for winter testing," said Sauber on Twitter.

Winter testing kicks off at the Jerez circuit on February 5.
Click to expand...

Steve · Dec 12, 2012

What do we think, wishful thinking?

Sergio Perez aiming to win F1 world championship in 2013 (AutoSport.com)

By Edd Straw and Pablo Elizalde | Wednesday, December 12th 2012, 16:08 GMT

Sergio Perez says he is aiming to win the world championship next year when he switches to the McLaren team.

"My target is to win the championship already next year with [McLaren]," Perez said.

"That takes a lot of work during the season, so it's very important to start my preparation really well with them and try to reach their targets."

The Mexican made his grand prix debut at the start of the 2011 season with Sauber and put in some stellar performances during 2012 to secure a deal with the Woking team, where he replaces the departing Lewis Hamilton.

Despite his relative lack of experience in F1, Perez believes fighting for the title next year is a realistic goal.

"Definitely, because you are going to the best team and the best team normally wins," he added. "This year, they had many reliability issues and if they solve that they will be ready to fight for the title.

"I think what I am saying is realistic because the team is capable of putting out a very strong car. The targets have to be high. McLaren wants to win every single race.

"As a driver you are looking for every challenge and I think it's a very good challenge. It's the best team in F1, the best team in the world so definitely a very big challenge."

Perez, whose best results in F1 is second places in Malaysia and Monza this year, is confident McLaren will have a strong car in 2013 and he acknowledges he will have to be quick right from the start too.

"It's going to be very challenging but we have everything to do it," he said. "The car will be quite competitive, myself must be very competitive from the first race.

"So I'm really looking forward to being in Melbourne and to be testing and working with the team, which we will start as soon as possible and I'm sure that we will be fighting for the championship next year."

The Mexican driver failed to score a point in the final six races of the season, a streak that began when his McLaren contract was announced.

Perez insisted the point-less run had nothing to do with his new deal.

"People in F1 love to make stories about everything," Perez said.

"They always link that to my contract, but it has nothing to do with that because I'm a very professional driver and a very loyal person as well.

"So I am so grateful to this team and so motivated as well that since I signed by contract, I'm giving my very best as I did in the 15 races before."
Click to expand...

Crashton · Dec 12, 2012

Nice to see he is aiming high. I wish him well, but pigs will fly first.

Steve · Dec 12, 2012

There's a good article over on MotorSportMagazine.com -- Formula 1′s scheduling woes -- here's a snip.

To set the stage, the Bahrain GP was cancelled in 2011 and the New Jersey GP is cancelled for 2013...was scheduled to run right after Montreal...

Having lost a race last year, the money men clearly have no intention of enduring a similar hardship in 2013, and this time it’s the European portion of the season that is to be disrupted. In idle moments I’ve been picturing the discussions that may have gone on…

‘What have we got in the middle of the year, right after Montreal?’

‘Well, there’s Silverstone on June 30, NÃ¼rburgring/Hockenheim on July 14, Budapest on July 28 – then the summer break until Spa on August 25…’

‘What about July 7? Anything happening that weekend?’

‘Well, yes, quite a lot actually. For a start, there’s the Goodwood Festival of Speed…’

‘Who cares?’

‘Well, Lord March, probably – to say nothing of the 170,000 who buy tickets… Plus, they always have modern F1 cars there, and quite a few of the drivers…’

‘Yeah, well, if they want them there next year, they’ll have to change their bloody date, won’t they?’

‘Well, it’s not that easy for them – there are so many Grands Prix around that time, plus Le Mans…’

‘What?’

‘Le Mans – it’s a big sports car race in France, and a huge number of Brits go over for it…’

‘Do they? Do we get a cut?’

‘Well, er, no – it’s not Formula 1, you see. Anyway, of course Goodwood don’t want to clash with Le Mans, either…’

‘All right, so they’ll have to work out another weekend, won’t they? Can’t waste time on their problems. We’ll give July 7 to the German Grand Prix, then. Anything else on that weekend?’

‘Er, yes, ‘fraid so – the MotoGP race at Saschenring. In Germany…’

‘What! Thought that was supposed to be July 14…’

‘Well, yes, it was originally – but they changed the date to July 7, so it wouldn’t clash with our F1 race…’

‘Can’t help that – they’ll have to change it back again…’

‘Well, it might be difficult for them to do that – on July 21 they’re supposed to be at Laguna Seca. That’s in California…’

‘Too bad. They’ll have to cope – it’s only a matter of logistics…’

‘Thing is, though, if they won’t change their date, the two German Grands Prix – for cars and bikes – will be run the same day. Could be bad news for the crowds – and the TV figures…’

‘Yeah, well, it’s not the end of the world – won’t affect the race fee. Nothing else scheduled for July 7, is there?’

‘Er, well, now you mention it, there’s a DTM race that day…’

‘What?’

‘DTM – it’s a touring car championship: hugely popular, gets great crowds. Mercedes, Audi and BMW do it – and that weekend is their signature event of the year, at the Norisring. In Germany…’

‘Don’t know what you’re talking about. Anyway, apart from Goodwood and MotoGP and this DTM thing, there’s nothing else happening on July 7?’

‘No…’

‘Right, then, July 7 it is for the German Grand Prix. Now all we have to do is work out where the bloody race is going to be…’
Click to expand...

ScottinBend · Dec 13, 2012

:lol:

Steve · Dec 13, 2012

Norbert Haug following Shumacher:

Haug to leave Mercedes role at end of 2012 (GPUpdate.net)

13 December 2012

Following a 22-year career as the Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, Norbert Haug will leave his role with the famous German marque at the end of 2012. By 'mutual agreement' with the board, his contract is set to expire later this month.

Haug has been in charge of Mercedes-Benz's motorsport division since 1990, with the company and its partners claiming six Formula 1 world titles and 87 wins under his leadership. The 60-year-old has also guided Mercedes to many DTM successes, a series in which the brand has won more than 50 percent of the races since 1992.

Haug paid tribute to 'the best car company in the world' when his retirement was announced on Thursday afternoon, but admitted to feeling disappointed that Mercedes has failed to meet its overall Formula 1 goals since returning in 2010.

"I would like to thank the best car company in the world for more than 22 years, which never had a single moment without passion," said Haug. "I particularly wish to thank the board for the trust and freedom they have always given me with all my activities. Since 1991, we had tremendous achievements and wins, for which I want to thank all of my colleagues.

"Unfortunately, with one victory since founding our own Formula 1 works team in 2010, we couldn't fulfil our own expectations. However, we have taken the right steps to be successful in the future. Our team and drivers will do everything to achieve these goals."

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton form the Mercedes Formula 1 line-up for 2013.
Click to expand...

Forums

F1 Most liked posts in thread: F1 - 2013

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

minimark Well-Known Member

goaljnky New Member

minimark Well-Known Member

ScottinBend Space Cowboy
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Zapski Well-Known Member

ScottinBend Space Cowboy
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

goaljnky New Member

Nathan Founder

mrntd Well-Known Member
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Crashton Club Coordinator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

ScottinBend Space Cowboy
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Useful Searches

F1 Most liked posts in thread: F1 - 2013

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

minimark Well-Known Member

goaljnky New Member

minimark Well-Known Member

ScottinBend Space Cowboy Supporting Member

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

Zapski Well-Known Member

ScottinBend Space Cowboy Supporting Member

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

goaljnky New Member

Nathan Founder

mrntd Well-Known Member Supporting Member

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

Crashton Club Coordinator

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

ScottinBend Space Cowboy Supporting Member

Steve Administrator Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

ScottinBend Space Cowboy
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

ScottinBend Space Cowboy
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

mrntd Well-Known Member
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator

ScottinBend Space Cowboy
Supporting Member

Steve Administrator
Staff Member Articles Moderator