Bench Racing: 2009 Formula One Thread

BMW PressClub provided this press release of FOTAÔÇÖs roadmap along with more detail and comments from others.

FOTA'S roadmap for the future of Formula One
03/05/2009

Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) reveals initial plans and framework for the future of Formula One at landmark press conference
GENEVA, 5 MARCH 2009: The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) today outlined its roadmap for Formula One at a press conference at which senior management figures from all 10 current Formula One teams shared the stage together.

Setting out its proposed agenda for the evolution of the sport, FOTA unveiled a dynamic package of unanimously agreed proposals which, pending the approval of the FIA, will take effect in 2009 and/or 2010.

These proposals are aimed at increasing the stability, sustainability, substance and show of Formula One, and have all been developed as a result of rigorous interrogation of a FOTA global audience survey carried out in 17 countries earlier this year. The study canvassed views of existing fans but also, for the first time, drew on insights from a cross-section of general and infrequent followers of the sport, in line with FOTA's stated ambition to broaden as well as to deepen the appeal of Formula One.

The proposals can be classified under three headings - technical, sporting and commercial - in line with the three working groups inaugurated when FOTA was formed in September 2008. These proposals will ensure the retention of Formula One's unique and essential sporting "DNA", improve the show for all audiences, reduce costs, and increase the value proposition to the major stakeholders.

Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of FOTA, said: "This is an unprecedented moment in Formula One history. Above all else, for the first time the teams are unified and steadfast - with a clear, collective vision. Thanks to this unity, all the teams have already managed to make a significant reduction to their costs for 2009. And, while we will continue to compete vigorously on track, we all share one common goal: to work together to improve Formula One by ensuring its stability, sustainability, substance and show for the benefit of our most important stakeholder, namely the consumer. It is with this mindset that we now intend to work hard, with our partners at the FIA and FOM, our shared goal being to optimise the future of Formula One."

KEY PROPOSALS

Technical
2009:
▪ More than 100% increase in mileage per engine (eight engines per driver per season)
▪ Reduction in wind tunnel and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) usage
▪ Engine available at Eur8 million per team per season

2010:
▪ Engine available at Eur5 million per team per season
▪ Gearbox available at Eur1.5 million per team per season
▪ Standardised KERS (put out to tender, with a target price of Eur1-2 million per team per season)
▪ Target a further 50% reduction of the 2009 aerodynamic development spend
▪ Specified number of chassis, bodywork and aerodynamic development iterations (homologations) during the season
▪ Prohibition of a wide range of exotic, metallic and composite materials
▪ Standardised telemetry and radio systems

Sporting
2009:
▪ Testing reduction (50%)
▪ New points-scoring system (12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1), to give greater differentiation/reward to grand prix winners
▪ Race starting fuel loads, tire specifications and refuelling data to be made public

2010:
▪ Commitment to recommend new qualifying format
▪ Radical new points-scoring opportunities (eg, one constructors' championship point to be awarded for the fastest race pit stop)
▪ Further testing reductions (four four-day single-car pre-season tests plus one single-car pre-season shakedown)
▪ Reduction of grand prix duration (250km or a maximum of one hour 40 minutes) pending the approval of the commercial rights holder

Commercial
2009:
▪ Increased data provision for media
▪ Explore means by which the presentation of Formula One action can be more informatively and dynamically presented, common to other sports such as tennis and cricket, to dramatically improve engagement with the public
▪ Nominated senior team spokesman available for TV during grand prix
▪ Commitment to enhance consumer experience via team and FOTA websites
▪ Mandatory driver autograph sessions during grand prix weekends

2010:
▪ Commitment to enhance consumer experience via TV coverage

KEY DEMOGRAPHICS OF GLOBAL AUDIENCE SURVEY
▪ 17 countries surveyed
▪ First ever poll of Formula One devotees alongside non-Formula One devotees (ie, marginal and/or low interest fans)
▪ Responses were weighted according to the size of viewing market in each country (to avoid small markets skewing the results)
▪ Results were segmented by interest level in Formula One, demographic profiles (age and gender), country and region
▪ Total audience is comprised of:
- Regular fans (25% by volume, predominantly male, cross section of ages)
- Moderate fans (44% by volume, female and male, cross section of ages)
- Infrequent fans (31% by volume, unlikely to watch grands prix, predominantly female, cross section of ages)

KEY FINDINGS OF GLOBAL AUDIENCE SURVEY
1. F1 isn't broken, so beware "over-fixing" it
The current race format is not viewed as fundamentally broken (across all levels of Formula One interest) and therefore doesn't require radical alteration. There is a strong desire for Formula One to remain meritocratic, while consumer interest is driven most by appreciation of driver skill, overtaking and technology.

Implication: there is no evidence to suggest that grand prix formats need "tricking up" via, for example, handicapping, sprint races, reversed grids or one-on-one pursuit races. Formula One audiences appreciate the traditional gladiatorial, high-tech nature of the sport and would not respond favourably to a perceived "dumbing down" of the current format.

2. F1 needs to be more consumer-friendly
An individual's view or understanding of Formula One is framed almost entirely by their local broadcaster. Unlike most global sports, the vast majority of "consumption" of Formula One is via race-day TV coverage, supplemented in part by traditional, non-specialist newspaper coverage. Formula One fans are also mature consumers of new media channels (eg, on-line, mobile) and other touch points (eg, gaming, merchandise).

The global nature of Formula One, although an attractive characteristic in itself, impedes the uniformity of race schedules, and often results in consumption of a race being limited to locally broadcast TV highlights programmes. Only devotees (25% of the total potential viewing audience) are likely to watch a race live if it occurs outside peak viewing times.

Implication: significant opportunities exist to build audience via other channels such as internet and mobile.

3. Major changes to qualifying format are not urgent
When asked to consider alternative qualifying formats, all fan types expressed a modest preference for a meritocratically determined starting grid. There was some degree of interest in allowing luck to play a part in shaping the starting order, but the general sentiment was that the fastest driver should always start from pole.

Implication: there may be justification for minor modifications to the current qualifying format, following further trials; however, a major change to the format will not result in a significant increase in audience.

4. Revisions to the points-scoring system
As with qualifying, all audiences want a meritocratic points-scoring system. This means that they want winning grands prix to count for more than it does currently. There is an indication that all audiences would like to see a greater points reward for winning grands prix.

Implication: a minor adjustment to the existing points system is justified

5. Evolution of pit stops and refuelling
All audiences view pit stops as integral to their enjoyment of grand prix coverage; however, they rank the most important and compelling aspect of pit stops as tyre changing rather than refuelling. Race strategies were not highly ranked as a determinant of interest in Formula One.

Implication: audiences are unlikely to diminish if refuelling is discontinued. Tire changing is an important driver of audience interest (in pit stops) and should not be further automated.

TEAM PRINCIPAL QUOTES

Sir Frank Williams (Team Principal, AT&T WilliamsF1)
"The new FOTA group has the best of intentions in representing the teamsÔÇÖ best interests, both technically and commercially. FOTA wishes to enjoy an open and productive relationship with both the FIA and FOM."

Dr Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director and Team Principal, BMW Sauber F1 Team)
"The FIA and FOTA are pursuing the same aims - to increase the sporting value of Formula One and to cut the expenditure required to do so. Reducing costs is definitely the way to go. The members of FOTA have made great efforts to this end over recent months and have set out a whole series of measures which will already allow substantial cost savings in 2009. Further savings for the coming years will follow in due course."

Dr Vijay Mallya (Chairman and Team Principal, Force India Formula One Team)
"Formula One is undoubtedly about competition and striving to beat one's opposition. While this is very much the essence of the on-track action, unity and collaboration off-track is crucial. The open spirit of discussion and co-operation to increase both the spectacle and financial viability of Formula One are entirely positive for the sport and its investors - ie, the teams, the sponsors and of course the fans. I fully support the initiatives and hope that between FOTA, the FIA and FOM we can find a balance to safeguard the wonderful sport we have before us now."

Flavio Briatore (Team Principal, ING Renault F1 Team)
"Through FOTA we have found unity among the teams as we strive to provide a sustainable future for Formula One. From a commercial standpoint, we recognise that while our sport enjoys a remarkable global reach, there is still room to improve its appeal as an investment opportunity.
It is clear that we need to strengthen Formula One as a show and through our global audience survey we have given a voice to the consumers of Formula One. The results confirm that we must exploit the potential of new media, while continuing to enhance the TV experience, which remains the most important interface with the public. It is therefore essential to provide our audience with more information and to make the teams and drivers more accessible to ensure that we deliver a product that is always exciting, unpredictable and compelling both on and off the track. I am confident that, working together, and in a constructive spirit with both governing bodies FIA and FOM, FOTA can help build a solid future for the sport in the years ahead."

Tadashi Yamashina (Team Principal, Panasonic Toyota F1)
"FOTA has already achieved a great deal and we can be very satisfied with the progress we have made, but there is a lot of work still ahead of us. It is vitally important not to neglect the soul of grand prix racing. Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport and our challenge is to retain the DNA of the sport as a technological as well as a human contest, while also delivering value for money for all stakeholders, and this includes the fans. We all embrace the need to cut costs, and the significant savings achieved by FOTA and the FIA at the end of last year are a promising start. FOTA's strength lies in the unity of the teams. This unprecedented joint initiative, which we hope will work in combination with the FIA and FOM, can inspire Formula One to conquer the challenges facing it and the wider world."

Christian Horner (Team Principal, Red Bull Racing)
"Since FOTA was established in the summer of 2008, the organisation has already made strides, in conjunction with the FIA, towards achieving significant cost savings for the 2009 season. Through FOTA's working groups, the teams are acting as a unit for the first time to ensure Formula One improves its appeal to all generations of fans, while continuing to control costs. Red Bull fully supports the work of FOTA."

Stefano Domenicali (Team Principal, Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro)
"United in our intentions and with a common vision for the future of Formula One, while remaining rivals on track: these are the key strengths of FOTA. It is thanks to its creation that we have already achieved significant results in just a few months. Racing is part of Ferrari's DNA and will always be so, which is why we are working very hard, along with all the other teams. We must continue on this track to make our sport more exciting for the fans and more attractive for our current partners and also potential ones, while maintaining close links with the production of road cars."

Franz Tost (Team Principal, Scuderia Toro Rosso)
"FOTA has already achieved a great deal in a short space of time, thanks to unprecedented unanimity amongst the teams. The motto ÔÇÿunited we stand, divided we fallÔÇÖ has been around for many years, but Formula One team owners took a while to take it on board! FOTA should not rest on its laurels, but continue to collaborate as closely as possible with the FIA and FOM to ensure the continued success of Formula One as a sport, as entertainment and as a business."

Martin Whitmarsh (Team Principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes)
"FOTA has already achieved more than any other assembly of Formula One teams in the history of our sport, and those achievements are both a result of and a testament to the strength of FOTA's unity. On track, Formula One teams remain as competitive as ever; but, off track, in collaboration with the FIA and FOM, motivated by our shared ambition to steer grand prix racing to ever-greater successes, we're now devoting a great deal of time, resource and radical thought to making a concerted effort to enhance the benefits of all Formula One stakeholders - the teams, the manufacturers, the sponsors, the media and above all the fans."

Ross Brawn
"FOTA represents a hugely important initiative, all of the Formula One teams working together to combine their strengths to the benefit of all aspects of our sport, Formula One. Never before have I experienced the level of unity and commitment of the teams that has been demonstrated within FOTA under the leadership of Luca di Montezemolo. This is a complementary process to the work of the FIA and FOM and enables the teams to present unified views on how we can take both our sport and the motorsport industry forward. As an ex-rugby player, I was taught to apply the principles of competition on the field and a spirit of co-operation and unity off the field. That is the principle of FOTA."

________________________________________


Here is a timeline/history of FOTAÔÇÖs main actions.

29 July 2008, Maranello
- The F1 teams unanimously agree to establish the Formula One Teams Association " FOTA " to work with the FIA and FOM on regulations and commercial conditions to provide a framework for a strong and dynamic sport

11 September 2008, Monza
- Signature of the Articles of Association. FOTA becomes fully operational
- Luca di Montezemolo (Ferrari) and John Howett (Toyota) are elected Chairman and Vice Chairman
- Martin Whitmarsh chairs the Sporting Working Group
- Ross Brawn chairs the Technical Working Group
- Flavio Briatore chairs the Commercial Development Working Group
- All team principals are represented in the Executive Committee
- Decisions are taken with a 70% majority rule

4 October 2008, Shanghai
- The teams agree a first package of measures to be introduced in 2009; it is the first time ever that unanimous agreement is reached among all the Formula One teams
- In 2009, a critical year for the difficult economic environment, the teams define a set of measures tailored to addressing immediate concerns

4 November & 4 December 2008, London
- The teams agree to further measures, implementing substantial cost-cutting for 2009 and 2010, and additional initiatives to improve the show

10 December 2008, Monaco
- The proposals are presented to the FIA and agreed with immediate implementation thanks to the unanimity of the teams

8 January & 3 February 2009, London
- The teams further refine their proposals
- A longer-term strategy is agreed to introduce stable regulations, addressing the need to reduce costs and increase revenues.

5 March 2009, Geneva
- FOTA's Formula One roadmap is unveiled

FOTA EXECUTIVES

▪ Chairman - Luca di Montezemolo
▪ Vice Chairman - John Howett
▪ Chairman, Sporting Working Group - Martin Whitmarsh
▪ Chairman, Technical Working Group - Ross Brawn
▪ Chairman, Commercial Development Working Group - Flavio Briatore
▪ Secretary General - Simone Perillo Bottom of Form

F1 News

Brawn GP ÔÇô formerly Honda Racing F1

Press release: Future of former Honda team secured

Ross Brawn represented his team at the FOTA meeting tipping the announcement was immanent.

Engine: Mercedes-Benz
Drivers: Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello
Sponsorship: No information on who is sponsoring this effort.


paddocktalk.com: Who is backing Honda buyoutSpyker???

reuters.com: Montezemolo says carmakers prepared to commit to F1

Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

This is the FIM information on the Australian GP. Sectors and sector times is useful information, particularly if you watch qualifying. These correspond to the ones Speed and others use to provide coverage. The suggested times are a base line only to give some idea of what parts of the track are fast or slow.

Sector times will be more important to watch for two reasons.
1. KERS ÔÇô The estimated 80HP can be tapped for a just less than seven seconds per lap. The teams and drivers employing it will be mapping out the track to see where it can be best used to improve times.
2. Aerodynamics ÔÇô Drivers are allowed two adjustments per lap altering the front wing over a six-degree range. Drivers like Heidfeld seem to be able to set their car up for all but one or two sectors of the track. The wing adjustment option may help them bend the car to their will all the way around.

formula1.com: The Official website has some interesting features that augment the FIM site. Click through the site and you will find a variety of information.

A must have for your GP watching pleasure is Live Timing from the Formula1.com. The registration is free and provides a tone of information.
Guide to Live Timing:
Formula1.com's exclusive Live Timing system streams real-time data directly from Formula One Management's Technical Facility at the race track. It displays information supplied to the teams from every session of the Grand Prix weekend:
1. Main timing screen - driver number, name, position, lap times, sector times, number of laps, plus full text commentary during qualifying and the race
2. Weather & Speed screen - ambient and track temperatures, humidity, air pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction, speed-trap data
3. Lap chart screen - a graphic representation of how each driver is faring over the course of the race
If you are a junkie and have live timing and watch SpeedTV keep in mind the TV is behind the live web feed allowing the announcers to prepare their song and dance of color commentary. In past seasons, frankly, the writer for the feed has done a better job than Speed and in some cases they lift comments straight from the feed.

The other thing is the Live Timing allows you to track fights within the race. This brings the back markers alive as racers instead of objects to be passed. Pick a driver and watch his time splits for the car in front of him and the one behind. Were is you guy fast, slow and who is he fending off.

Formula 1 Team News

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1

AT&T Williams
Ferrari

Force India F1

ING Renault

formula1.com: Jerez day four ÔÇô Alonso back on top

McLaren

bbc.co.uk: McLaren face hard work - Hamilton

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1


USGPE The team formally know as USF1

A rose by any other name would have run into a trademark battle between God and Mother Nature.
grandprix.com: USF1 becomes USGPE

Funny thing is Honda was always referred to by Formula 1 as Honda Racing F1. For all the hoopla wanting to bring in more teams, apparently they have not be taught the secret handshake yet.

Everyone who was surprised that Ross Brawn ended up at the helm of the ex-Honda team, please say "Aye!"


< crickets >


I'm glad RB is still in F1, but I'd rather see the other RB just retire already.

At least he didn't sign DC as a driver.

F1 News

f1network.net: Key data of the F1 global survey

f1-live.com: BMW keen to be F1ÔÇÖs KERS supplier

reuters.com: Montezemolo says carmakers prepared to commit to F1

reuters.com: Formula One line-ups for 2009

bbc.co.uk: Testing times ahead

telegraph.co.uk: Bernie Ecclestone sold ?ú57m house after his wife refused to move in


Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1

independent.co.uk: Heidfeld insists BMW are F1 contenders

BMW Sauber F1 Team - Interview with Nick Heidfeld
03-06-2009 Press Release
Questions to BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld.


Munich/Hinwil, 6th March 2009. BMW Sauber F1 Team driver, Nick Heidfeld, can look back on a busy winter. He undertook an intensive period of fitness training which has left him feeling stronger than ever, got engaged to the mother of his children and has taken on with great enthusiasm the challenges presented by the new generation of Formula One cars. Nick already has seven days of testing with the BMW Sauber F1.09 under his belt ÔÇô in Valencia, Sakhir and Jerez ÔÇô and will complete another two in Barcelona on 9th and 10th March. After that, his next outing will be at the opening race of the 2009 season: the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 27th-29th March.


Nick Heidfeld, are you happy with the teamÔÇÖs preparations for the season so far?

BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld: ÔÇ£This year our preparations have been like a journey of discovery. There are so many new things about the car which all of us have had to get to grips with, and thatÔÇÖs a lot of fun. As far as IÔÇÖm concerned, the testing weÔÇÖve conducted so far has been very positive. The F1.09 is already driving pretty well for a completely newly developed car and it reacts well to changes in set-up. We can still improve on reliability but at no time have we been confronted by unsolvable problems and we have racked up more miles than several of our rivals. However, the restrictions on testing mean that every lost mile on the track tends to hurt. WeÔÇÖve been able to make consistent improvements and still have a lot more ideas which we can develop. Unfortunately, I canÔÇÖt say where this puts us in comparison with our rivals ÔÇô everybody keeps their cards close to their chests in testing. You never know exactly what kind of programme the other teams are running, let alone how much fuel they have on board. IÔÇÖll be happy when all the guessing games come to an end in Melbourne.ÔÇØ

Which of the changes to the car do you like most?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£Firstly, I think the idea underpinning all the changes is the right one; after all, the aim was to make overtaking easier. I also think that the interplay of the various factors will have an effect here, if only to a certain degree ÔÇô Formula One is not about to suddenly become like touring car racing. IÔÇÖm pleased to see the return of slick tyres. I never liked the fact that, in Formula One of all competitions, we didnÔÇÖt have slicks for such a long time. The effects of the noticeably reduced downforce on the carsÔÇÖ aerodynamics require an adjustment in driving style.ÔÇØ

Can you explain to us when and how you gain by adjusting the front wing from your steering wheel, as the regulations now allow.

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£It can enhance the carÔÇÖs balance in various types of corner. However, we are only allowed to use this system twice per lap ÔÇô i.e. we can make one adjustment to the wing and then return it to its original setting. I doubt whether it really helps in terms of making overtaking easier, but thatÔÇÖs something weÔÇÖll see in the races.ÔÇØ

And how are you getting on with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS)?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£This is good fun as well. ItÔÇÖs great when you press the Boost button on the steering wheel and feel the extra shove of 80 horsepower. In testing I also got my first experience of how it feels when another driver presses the button and you donÔÇÖt ÔÇô youÔÇÖre just left standing. You have to plan really well how you use this additional power, and thatÔÇÖs the job of the driver during the race. We are allowed to press the button for 6.5 seconds per lap. The systemÔÇÖs main advantage is for overtaking when youÔÇÖre up close behind someone, for example in the opening stages of a race. As soon as we have reached 100 km/h ÔÇô and that takes less than three seconds ÔÇô the electronics release the Boost button. You just need to have charged up the energy storage unit first, of course.ÔÇØ

ArenÔÇÖt all these functions confusing for you as a driver?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£You get used to them. Although IÔÇÖd have to say that my steering wheel was clearer when we still had our own BMW electronics, before the introduction of the standard F1 electronics. Back then we had some clever sub-levels for various functions.ÔÇØ

What is your personal aim for the season?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs been the same for years. My goal is to get everything possible out of the car and the situation on each lap and each race weekend. What is actually possible is determined to a large degree by our technical performance. The aim of the team is to be involved in the title battle in 2009. In the past few years we have always met our intermediate targets and I hope we manage to do that again in 2009.ÔÇØ

Which would mean youd have a good chance of recording your maiden grand prix victory

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£Yes, in order to do that you have to have a car underneath you that is capable of winning. ThatÔÇÖs what IÔÇÖm hoping for, of course, and thatÔÇÖs what we are working to achieve.ÔÇØ

What is your contribution here?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£I provide as much input as I can in the development of the car. I explain to our engineers exactly how the car feels and where IÔÇÖd like things improved. IÔÇÖm not a development engineer, but I think that my experience enables me to offer feedback which can bring the team forwards. Another aspect is my physical fitness. IÔÇÖve done more fitness training this winter than ever before, and it has helped that weÔÇÖve had more time available due to the testing restrictions. I feel extremely fit now.ÔÇØ

Have you also been on a starvation diet? There has been much written about a slimming mania in Formula One.

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£No, I havenÔÇÖt been on a starvation diet, and that would also be the wrong way to go. There is a connection between weight and performance. Hardcore dieting only weakens you. But I have been paying a lot of attention to what I eat and have gradually lost two-and-a-half kilos despite the extra muscle IÔÇÖve built up in training.ÔÇØ

Given the restrictions on testing, will you also need to step up your training programme during the season?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£For sure. The best fitness training for a Formula One driver is driving a Formula One car. WeÔÇÖll need to make up for spending less time in the car.ÔÇØ

Will you still have time to get married? Youre engaged now, of course

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£We havenÔÇÖt set a date yet, but that wonÔÇÖt create a problem. The ban on testing should make it possible.ÔÇØ


WhatÔÇÖs your view on the cost-cutting approach adopted by Formula One?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£I think itÔÇÖs very important, and some of the ideas are already bearing fruit. Each driver now only has eight engines for the whole season, for example, and we wonÔÇÖt be doing any more testing from the middle of March. This is the first time that the teams involved in the World Championship have agreed on such major changes. And that is something that should be warmly welcomed in the current economic climate.ÔÇØ

Even if you are hit in the pocket as a result?

Heidfeld: ÔÇ£Nobody is happy about salary cuts. The driver is clearly an important factor in the team. BMW draws up an objective cost-benefit analysis for every area of the teamÔÇÖs budget and has never paid ÔÇ£fantasyÔÇØ salaries. As in the past, itÔÇÖs just about reaching an agreement.ÔÇØ


AT&T Williams

Brawn GP

Honda.com: HondaÔÇÖs announcement of the sale to Brawn GP

formula1.com: Button shakes down new Brawn car at Silverstone
Ferrari

Force India F1

ING Renault

formula1.com: Jerez day four ÔÇô Alonso back on top

McLaren

bbc.co.uk: McLaren face hard work - Hamilton

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1


USGPE The team formally know as USF1

A rose by any other name would have turned into a trademark battle between God and Mother Nature.
grandprix.com: USF1 becomes USGPE

Funny thing is Honda was always referred to by Formula 1 as Honda Racing F1. For all the hoopla wanting to bring in more teams, apparently they have not be taught the secret handshake yet.

F1 News

autosport.com: Teams urged to act to get US GP back

f1complete.com: France on track for F1 return

timesonline.com: How McLaren could save themselves ?ú10m a year.
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Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News - Check the individual team sites for Barcelona test results. Brawn GP's performance is the big news this week.

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories
BMW Sauber F1 Team - Test in Barcelona - Day four
03-12-2009 Press Release
Test in Barcelona.

March 9th ÔÇô 12th 2009

Day four ÔÇô Thursday

Weather conditions: Heavy fog early morning, sunny for the rest of the day.

Temperature: Air: 8 ÔÇô 19 ??C, Track: 10 ÔÇô 26 ??C

Number of drivers participating: 11 from 10 teams

Fastest lap overall: Rubens Barrichello (Brawn GP) 1:18.926 min

Circuit length: 4.655 km


Robert Kubica
Chassis / engine: BMW Sauber F1.09-04 / BMW 86/9
Test kilometres today: 624 (134 laps)
Fastest lap: 1:20.740 min


Programme:
The last day of the BMW Sauber F1 TeamÔÇÖs pre-season testing started with a delay of more than an hour due to heavy fog. When the sun had finally burnt through Robert Kubica did a race simulation that included start procedures and pit stops. After the lunch break Kubica continued to evaluate different solutions for the BMW Sauber F1.09ÔÇÖs set-up in advance of the Australian Grand Prix. Today he covered 134 laps, bringing the carÔÇÖs total mileage for the four Barcelona test days to 2,162 kms.

Willy Rampf, BMW Sauber F1 Team Technical Coordinator, said: ÔÇ£Our final pre-season test was very productive. We worked on the mechanical set-up of the car as well as the aero configuration. In addition, we also improved our KERS. Our second goal was to prepare for the seasonÔÇÖs first Grand Prix in two weeks in Melbourne. We simulated a proper race day on Tuesday with Nick Heidfeld and today with Robert Kubica, each covering a complete race distance without any technical problems. That tells us a lot about the reliability of the BMW Sauber F1.09.ÔÇØ


What comes next:
The fourth day on the Circuit de Catalunya concluded the BMW Sauber F1 TeamÔÇÖs pre-season testing. The team will continue its preparation at the home base before heading to Melbourne for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday, March 29th.


BMW Sauber F1 Team - Interview with Robert Kubica
03-13-2009 Press Release
Munich/Hinwil, 13th March 2009. The final day of testing of the BMW Sauber F1 Team for the 2009 season has now passed. After taking the F1.09 for its maiden outing in Valencia on 20th January, Robert Kubica tested the car in Bahrain, Jerez and Barcelona. Those who know the Pole would not expect him to be happy with every aspect of preparations for the forthcoming season; for Robert this would be tantamount to lethargy. After all, why only be good when you can be better? In addition to fitness training and F1 preparation work he also used the winter to launch a new venture: Robert Kubica Kart.


Robert Kubica, how has testing gone with the F1.09?

BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Robert Kubica: ÔÇ£Winter testing is always important. This year it is even more important because of the drastic changes in the regulations. It is hard to say if the direction is right because every team starts with a completely new package from zero. So there is a lot to do in testing. For example, on the last day of the final pre-season test in Barcelona I covered more than twice the distance of a Grand Prix. That is pretty demanding on the car and on the driver. Neither the BMW Sauber F1.09 nor my body had a problem with that. That shows my fitness training during the winter was as perfect as the work on the reliability of the car. In addition to the race simulation, we evaluated a lot of different solutions for the mechanical set-up and the aero configuration of the car. We were able to make up some of the time we lost the week before in Jerez due to the unfortunate weather. So overall it was a very productive test.ÔÇØ


Will you miss having opportunities to test during the season?

Kubica: ÔÇ£This is something I have mixed feelings about. On the one hand, IÔÇÖm pleased that there will be a bit less travelling and IÔÇÖll maybe have more time for myself. Having said that, over previous seasons testing has played a very important role in pushing forward the development of the car and setting it up for the next races. I canÔÇÖt be sure yet whether we will be able to be as effective during the testing permitted on Fridays of each race weekend.ÔÇØ


How do you see the various technical modifications for 2009?

Kubica: ÔÇ£All in all, the F1.09 is totally different to drive compared with our 2008 car. The reduced aerodynamics make the cars have less downforce. This will be counteracted partly by the slick tyres, which build up much more grip ÔÇô particularly at the front axle ÔÇô than the grooved tyres weÔÇÖve been using in the past few seasons. This imbalance between the front and rear axle means the cars oversteer more. Personally, I think this is quite fun, although I would prefer to have greater aerodynamic downforce.
IÔÇÖve got used to the larger front wing now. The tricky thing about it is that you canÔÇÖt see its outer edges from the cockpit because they are hidden by the front wheels. IÔÇÖm looking forward to seeing what happens in the first corner at the Australian Grand Prix. I can imagine that we will see a lot more damaged front wings than in the past when things get tight. Regarding KERS, I have mixed feelings. As I am a tall and relatively heavy person I have disadvantages regarding the weight and consequently the weight distribution of the car. But on the other hand KERS could be a big advantage because of the boost.ÔÇØ


Will the new variables make the car more complicated to use for the driver?

Kubica: ÔÇ£Not really. Using KERS and the adjustable front wing is not particularly difficult. Once youÔÇÖve worked out where to use KERS to optimum effect at each track and in which places you adjust the front wing, it happens pretty much automatically.ÔÇØ


Do you think it will be easier to overtake this season?

Kubica: ÔÇ£KERS definitely helps on a straight when you want to overtake somebody who doesnÔÇÖt have the system. I think the picture will not change dramatically. But I really hope there will be more opportunities to overtake, because fans and drivers miss overtaking in Formula One.ÔÇØ


Will the teams be more closely matched?

Kubica: ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs difficult to say. There was very little between the top teams in testing. Whether that will also be the case in qualifying will doubtless depend very much on how well the teams are able to prepare for each race track ÔÇô and thatÔÇÖs become harder with the restrictions on testing. When it comes to the races, a major factor will be how effectively the car and driver work with the tyres. There is some uncertainty here as well; the new tyres mean we can only use data from the past to a limited degree.ÔÇØ


What is your aim for the 2009 season?

Kubica: ÔÇ£To get 100 percent out of myself and the F1.09 in every race. Only then we can have the chance to beat the other top teams and still be battling for the title in the final race of the season.ÔÇØ


How do you think the BMW Sauber F1 Team is shaping up compared to its rivals?

Kubica: ÔÇ£As always testing can only give you ideas on where you are. And it can also mislead you. Our goal is to be best prepared for Australia. And I think we are on a good path. But we have to wait until Melbourne to really see where we are. The Qualifying will give all the teams a first impression about the balance of power.ÔÇØ


How did you spend the winter?

Kubica: ÔÇ£The winter was, as always, very relaxing after a long and exciting season. As usual I prepared for the coming season, worked a lot on fitness and strength for another very demanding season.ÔÇØ


How did you focus your winter training?

Kubica: ÔÇ£My overall fitness level was good so I concentrated on keeping this level for the new season. A lot of drivers focused on losing weight because of KERS. From my experience in 2008 I know where my limits are in this respect.ÔÇØ


What was your goal in setting up Robert Kubica Kart?

Kubica: ÔÇ£I have been karting for many years and really enjoying it. Karting was my world. Now being in Formula One I am just karting for fun as often as I can. So my basic idea was to set up a karting team and develop my own brand. Once it has started properly I am sure it will give me some satisfaction and also good results.ÔÇØ


Are you happy with the development of RK Kart?

Kubica: ÔÇ£Yes, but we are still at a very early stage. We worked a lot before we managed to get the homologation for our first self-developed racing kart. And we need to keep working to improve. I am pretty confident it will be a good project.ÔÇØ
BMW Sauber F1

AT&T Williams

ÔÇØThis could be our most important season for a decadeÔÇØ Frank Williams

[url=http://www.brawngp.com/ ]Brawn GP

formula1.com: Barcelona day four ÔÇô dazzling Barrichello ends test on a high

timesonline.co.uk: Brawn GP supremacy a thriller for Button

Ferrari

formula1.com: Felipe Massa Q&A: Brawn threat is genuine

Force India F1

ING Renault

independent.co.uk: Briatore claims F1 teams exploiting rules

pitpass.com: Alonso ÔÇô Ferrari, BMW and Brawn out of reach

McLaren

bbc.co.uk: We are not competative

20 ways Formula 1 is changing our world

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1

USGPE.

Mika said:

<snip>

USGPE.

Click to expand...

Coming soon...

Click to expand...

Yeah, right ... we'll see.

I just post them, don't always believe everything in what I post.

F1 News

telegraph.co.uk: Formula One WAGS

autosport.com: FIZ to vote on revised points system

f1-live.com: BMW seeks rule changes

paddocktalk.com: Mercedes engine much better than the Honda one?

bbc.co.uk: F1 tech races into ordinary life

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Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1

Interview with BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen
BMW Sauber have covered 9,445 kilometres in testing with the F1.09 in Valencia, Sakhir, Jerez and Barcelona in preparation for the team's fourth season of Formula One racing. Working out the relative performance levels of the teams has probably never been trickier, since basic rule changes have produced fundamentally different cars. BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen looks ahead to the '09 campaign

Q: Is the BMW Sauber F1 Team well prepared for the new season?
Mario Theissen: Yes, things are looking good after all the testing. The drivers and the engineers have given positive feedback. We are heading in the right direction with the BMW Sauber F1.09.

Q: What have been the biggest technical challenges?
MT: The engineers have had to adjust to fundamental changes in four different areas. There are new developments to be considered in terms of aerodynamics, tyres and KERS technology. Plus, the engines have to cover twice the mileage this year compared to 2008. Never before in Formula One have they had to last so long. The changes to the cars' aerodynamics are so fundamental that the engineers really did have to start again with a blank sheet. The introduction of KERS brake energy regeneration technology into Formula One also represented new territory. This has been a huge challenge, one which we have taken on with great drive and determination. When I look back at how far we have come in such a short space of time, it really is very impressive. Here, Formula One has taken on the role of technology accelerator for series production cars of the future.

Q: Will you be using the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) in Melbourne?
MT: We've got our KERS to the stage where it is race-ready, which means we can use it in Melbourne. Now it's just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. On the positive side, the drivers would have an extra 82 hp at their disposal for 6.6 seconds per lap. However, the system adds weight to the car and this has an impact on the car's weight distribution and tyre wear. We will make a decision on a driver-by-driver, circuit-by-circuit basis.

Q: Does KERS place heavier drivers at a disadvantage?
MT: The minimum weight of 605 kilograms stipulated for the cars in the regulations includes the driver. The difference between the actual weight and minimum weight is levelled out by positioning ballast around the car to optimum effect. Traditionally, this means that a heavier driver has been at a disadvantage, as he has had less ballast to balance out the car. Using the KERS will further reduce - by the weight of the system - the amount of ballast available. In order to prevent Formula One from becoming a jockeys competition, we are pushing for an increase of the minimum weight in the future.

Q: What kinds of cost-saving measures have the BMW Sauber team taken?
MT: We have supported cost-saving measures for a number of years and have always pursued a policy of moderation. From its formation, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has focused on efficiency and reduced its expenditure each year. Today, BMW is spending 40 percent less on its involvement in Formula One than in 2005. Back then we were an engine supplier, but now have our own team, of course. Significant savings have been achieved through increases in the mileage required of each engine. When BMW returned to Formula One in 2000, we were using one engine for free practice, replacing it for qualifying and then fitting another new one for the race. This outlay has since been gradually reigned in and today each driver has to make do with eight engines for the full duration of the season. The heavily reduced testing schedule has brought further substantial budget savings. Testing on race circuits is banned outside of race weekends until 31st December 2009. The only exception will be tests for junior drivers with no GP experience after the season has finished. So we have put together a whole package of measures to reduce costs.

Q: How do you see the future of Formula One?
MT: We have the opportunity - in the critical phase in which we now find ourselves - to exert a positive influence over the future of Formula One. And I am in no doubt that Formula One will emerge stronger from the current situation. Once the cost-cutting measures have taken full effect, I expect further independent teams to come into Formula One and be able to compete on a sound financial footing. Added to which, the technical regulations are now geared towards the F1 machines playing an important role in the development of series production cars. This allows Formula One to serve as a pioneer with regard to future technologies.

Q: Is the investment in the Formula One project justifiable for BMW in the current economic climate?
MT: Most definitely. Alongside the savings I've already mentioned, which will be backed up by further economising in the future, we have started to enjoy success on the track. And so it's not only our marketing experts who are saying that Formula One is a valuable tool for BMW. F1 remains the core of our motor sport programme. Nowhere else will you find such charisma exuded on a global level on such a frequent basis. And nothing else offers a technical challenge so fruitful that it benefits the research activities of an entire company. From a cost-benefit point of view, Formula One is very positive for us.

Q: What is your aim for the season?
MT: We are following a long-term timetable. In our first year we set out to finish regularly in the points, in year two we wanted to record podium finishes and in our third year we were aiming to notch up our first victory. We achieved all of these ambitious aims. In 2009 we are looking to take the next and most difficult step yet: we want to be fighting for the World Championship title. The F1.09 gives us a good platform to fulfil this aim; now we have to see what happens in the season's 17 races. What we know for certain is that you can plan your level of performance, but not your results.
planet-e f1.com: BMW committed to Formula One
- But the heartbeat of the company, I thought that was -

AT&T Williams

Brawn GP

Ferrari

Force India F1

ING Renault

formula1.com: Alonso and Renault end Brawn domination
Related article from
reuters.com: Motor racing-Alonso knocks Brawn off the top in testing

McLaren

20 ways Formula 1 is changing our world

independent.co.uk: Hamilton car to slow for new season

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1

reuters.com: Toyota slashed F1 budget after Honda pullout

paddocktalk.com: Toyota preparing for layoffs?

USGPE.

Mika said:

I just post them, don't always believe everything in what I post.

Click to expand...

Well, there's one think we can always count on from USGPE: message consistency.

Just think, 13 days and 2-3 hours from now, we'll be huddled up watching the race!

F1 News

The blogs were full of discussion on the winner takes all changes.

bbc.co.uk: GP wins will decide title
bbc.co.uk: The problem with winner takes all

reuters.com: Analysis – Motoracing – F1 winners and losers under new system

telegraph.co.uk: How much influence will race stewards have on F1 title race?

timesonline.co.uk: Bernie Ecclestone launches staunch defense of Formula One budget limits

The Independent.co.uk: 2009 F1 -
Driver preview
Teams
Circuits

Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1

BMW F1 is the heart of the BMW Company according to Mario Theissen. Obviously he has not talked to anyone on the Airhead forum but that is another story.

If F1 is the heart of the company then the heart of the race car in F1 is the steering wheel. Here are comparisons between the hearts of Robert and Nicks rides.






#20 explains a bunch of things.


AT&T Williams

Brawn GP

Ferrari

What does this mean for Ferrari?
Jean Todt leaves Ferrari
Former Ferrari team principal Jean Todt has resigned from the Ferrari board of directors and from the various positions he still held with the Italian firm. Todt was a key figure in Ferrari’s recent Formula One success, winning championships with Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen.

Announcing the news on Tuesday, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo paid tribute to the contribution made by Frenchman Todt since he joined the company in 1993.

"Jean Todt has been one of the leading protagonists of the Ferrari story of the last 15 years," declared Montezemolo. "Skill and passion have always characterised his work and have won him my persona respect and affection, the one of the Company as a whole and of the Prancing Horse enthusiasts everywhere.

“I would like to wish him the very best for the future which I hope will prove extremely satisfying both personally and professionally. All of these years we've spent together - victories and tough times included - have forged a link between Jean Todt and Ferrari that will never be broken."


Force India F1

ING Renault

bbc.co.uk: Renault commit to KERS system

McLaren

20 ways Formula 1 is changing our world

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1

USGPE.
Just breathing hard

The pre-2009 point system was revised to give someone other than Michael Schumacher a chance at the title. This move appears to be going the wrong way. I'm a firm believer in the points system, and would even go so far as to return to the point for pole and the point for fastest lap. Basing the championship on wins alone is ... dumb.

When I marry Tamara Ecclestone, I intend to have a word with Ol' Dad about this.

Also, I'm sort of surprised that there are any differences between the controls for the two drivers. I would have thought they'd be exactly the same. Hmm...

F1 News

crash.net: Minardi could still be in F1 under ’09 outlook

formula1.com: Jerez day five – Williams and McLaren impress

The following series of stories are an unfold tale as the teams react to the rules changes. The date line is all the same the time stamp changes.
Formula 1.com: The 2009 Season Preview – Part One – All Change Please

Maybe not –
correredellosport.it: Formula 1, FOTA says no to the FIA

Reuters.com
FIA prepared to defer Formula 1 changes
Motor racing – FIA acted outside the rules on points change – teams

telegraph.co.uk: Formula One’s new scoring system deferred as FIA perform dramatic u-turn until 2010

FIA Press Releases
FIA Formula One World Championship [response]

Next Race


FIA.com: Australian GP Preview
BMW Sauber F1 Team - Australian GP – Preview
03-20-2009 Press Release
27th – 29th March 2009
1st of 17 World Championship races


Preview.

Munich/Hinwil, 20th March 2009. It’s all change in Formula One as the new season gets underway amid great intrigue and excitement. A raft of rule changes mean the cars will be sporting a totally different look and be fitted with slick tyres. The F1 engines now have to last twice as long as before and those who want (or are able) to will put their faith in a Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The pre-season testing – which the new rules stipulate will be the last of the year – threw up more questions than it answered. Favourites were riddled with worries, despair turned to encouragement for others whose survival in the sport had been in doubt. Preparations may have gone smoothly for the BMW Sauber F1 Team, but putting a finger on its progress remains a tricky business. The crystal-ball gazing will come to an end, however, on Saturday 28th March 2009. At 17.00 hrs local time (07:00 hrs in Central Europe) qualifying will finally get underway for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.


Robert Kubica:
“I’m really looking forward to the Australian Grand Prix. I’m happy that the race season will finally get started and all the speculation of the pre-season testing will stop. It will be very interesting to see how competitive the teams really are.

“I like street circuits in general, so Albert Park is one of my favourite race tracks. You have to be very precise. That applies to the whole circuit; you need to stay on the clean line. But this year precision will be especially important for the first corner after the start, when we will have our very first fight for position with the bigger 2009 front wings. I’m pretty sure it will be an interesting race. In addition, Melbourne is a very nice city and the people create a truly special atmosphere for all of us in Formula One.”


Nick Heidfeld:
“I’m looking forward immensely to the start of the season in Australia. This time around I’m particularly keen to see how the teams and drivers stack up against each other. It’s time for the speculation to stop; from now on it’s only facts that matter. A whole number of things have changed since last year and that means there are a lot of unanswered questions: What effect will the KERS and adjustable front wings have in the races? What will happen at the start when we are side-by-side with the larger front wings for the first time? Will overtaking really be easier, as our experiences in testing have led us to believe?

“Last year winter testing did not go as well as it might have done for us, and we surprised everybody with our strong performance in Australia. This winter all of our testing went pretty well, and I hope this impression is confirmed in Melbourne. We had to contend with some difficult weather conditions in testing, and I’m also curious to see what happens in Albert Park in this respect, as it can get very autumnal in my favourite travel destination in March.”


Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“The start of a Formula One season with perhaps the most sweeping rule changes we’ve ever seen is now in sight. We are pleased that Australia is again the first GP of the year in 2009. There is always a very special atmosphere in Melbourne. The Australians certainly love their sport and they’ve been well and truly bitten by the Formula One bug.

“Last year Nick took second for us in the first race of the season, and we’re hoping that we get off to a good start in Albert Park once again this year. We are heading in the right direction with the BMW Sauber F1.09; both the drivers and the engineers came back with positive feedback during testing. Plus, Nick and Robert carried out full race simulations without suffering any technical problems.

“As far as KERS is concerned, our system will be race-ready in Melbourne. We sent the cars out regularly with KERS during testing and the results were very good. Now it’s just a matter of weighing up the pros and cons. On the positive side, the drivers would have an extra 82 hp at their disposal for 6.6 seconds per lap. However, the system adds weight to the car and this has an impact on the car’s weight distribution and tyre wear. We will make a decision on a driver-by-driver, circuit-by-circuit basis.”


Willy Rampf, Head of Engineering:
“There’s always a lot of anticipation ahead of the first race of the season, but this time it’s even more exciting than usual. Winter testing gave us some initial indications of where we stand in relation to our rivals, but there are still a lot of question marks. The reason for the uncertainty is the radical changes made to the technical regulations. Totally new aerodynamics with significantly lower downforce compared to last year, the introduction of KERS, the return of slicks and the double mileage requirement for the engines mean we’re starting from a totally different basis. Using the potential of the tyres to optimum effect will be particularly important.

“Melbourne is a stop-start kind of circuit, which places heavy loads on the brakes and, at the same time, demands good traction. Grip levels are very low, especially at the start of the weekend, but you cannot let that deflect you from getting the car set-up right.”


Drivers at events organised by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation:

Tuesday, 24th March:
From 16.10 hrs Christian Klien will spend around 30 minutes at a welcome event in Federation Square, Melbourne. A BMW Sauber F1 Team car will be on display and its engine will be fired up to entertain the fans with its sound.

Wednesday, 25th March:
From 17.50 to 18.20 hrs Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld will give interviews on a stage near the paddock in Albert Park.

Thursday, 26th March:
From 12.00 to 12.25 hrs the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers will take part in an autograph-signing session in Albert Park.


History and background:

2009 will see Melbourne host its 14th Australian Grand Prix. The race was held in Adelaide from 1985 to 1995.

Melbourne has many faces and is extremely multicultural, its 21st-century profile shaped by immigrants and students from all over the world, as well as a fascinating architectural mix. The city also boasts lush green sports grounds and public parks. The Formula One circuit runs through Albert Park, in the St. Kilda district of Melbourne.

With a population of around 3.5 million, Melbourne is the capital of the State of Victoria, which was hit by devastating bush fires at the start of the year. The fires in the south of Australia claimed over 200 lives and many more were injured. Thousands of people were left homeless.

The city itself – Australia’s second-largest after Sydney – was not affected. Melbourne lies at the eastern end of the continent’s south coast, where the Yarra River empties into Port Phillip Bay. The city’s origins can be traced back to 1835 and it acquired its current name in 1837. Gold was discovered in Victoria in the 1850s and Melbourne went on to thrive as a railway interchange, industrial hub and port city. It even served as the seat of the federal government for a time. The city has a history of hosting major sporting events and was the venue for the summer Olympic Games of 1956.


Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News – Check the team websites for updates from the final tests at Jerez

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1

AT&T Williams

Brawn GP

Ferrari

Force India F1

ING Renault

McLaren

20 ways Formula 1 is changing our world

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

formula1.com: Interview – Sebastien Buemi

Toyota F1

USGPE.

Three press releases define the coverage of this to this point. The first is the ruling from the World Motor Sport Council, the judicial body within the FIM. The second is todayÔÇÖs response from FOTA and the last is the Formula One response to both.

Press Release
World Motor Sport Council - Decisions
17/03/2009
The World Motor Sport Council met in Paris on 17 March 2009. The following decisions were taken:


FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

A number of measures were agreed to help reduce costs and increase interest in the FIA Formula One World Championship.

2009 Formula One Regulations

Points

The WMSC accepted the proposal from Formula One Management to award the driversÔÇÖ championship to the driver who has won the most races during the season. If two or more drivers finish the season with the same number of wins, the title will be awarded to the driver with the most points, the allocation of points being based on the current 10, 8, 6 etc. system.

The rest of the standings, from second to last place, will be decided by the current points system. There is no provision to award medals for first, second or third place. The ConstructorsÔÇÖ Championship is unaffected.

The WMSC rejected the alternative proposal from the Formula One TeamsÔÇÖ Association to change the points awarded to drivers finishing in first, second and third place to 12, 9 and 7 points respectively.

Testing

Teams will be allowed to carry out three one day young driver training tests between the end of the last event of the Championship and 31 December of the same year. Drivers are eligible only if they have not competed in more than two F1 World Championship Events in the preceding 24 months or tested a Formula One car on more than four days in the same 24 month period.

Teams can also conduct eight one day aerodynamic tests carried out on FIA approved straight line or constant radius sites between 1 January 2009 and the end of the last Event of the 2009 Championship.

Media

The FIA will publish the weights of all cars after qualifying at each Event.

For greater clarity for spectators and media, wet tyres have been renamed ÔÇ£intermediateÔÇØ and extreme-weather tyres renamed ÔÇ£wetÔÇØ.

On the first day of practice all drivers must be available for autograph signing in their designated team space in the pit lane.

All drivers eliminated in qualifying must make themselves available for media interviews immediately after the end of each session.

Any driver retiring before the end of the race must make himself available for media interviews after his return to the paddock.

All drivers who finish the race outside the top three must make themselves available immediately after the end of the race for media interviews.

During the race every team must make at least one senior spokesperson available for interviews by officially accredited TV crews.

A number of further amendments were adopted for the 2009 Technical Regulations. Full details will be available shortly on www.fia.com.

2010 Formula One Regulations

Budgets

As an alternative to running under the existing rules, which are to remain stable until 2012, all teams will have the option to compete with cars built and operated within a stringent cost cap.

The cost cap is ?ú30m (currently approximately Ôé¼33 or $42m). This figure will cover all expenditure of any kind. Anything subsidised or supplied free will be deemed to have cost its full commercial value and rigorous auditing procedures will apply.

To enable these cars to compete with those from teams which are not subject to cost constraints, the cost-capped cars will be allowed greater technical freedom.

The principal technical freedoms allowed are as follows:

1. A more aerodynamically efficient (but standard) under body.
2. Movable wings.
3. An engine which is not subject to a rev limit or a development freeze.

The FIA has the right to adjust elements of these freedoms to ensure that the cost-capped cars have neither an advantage nor a disadvantage when compared to cars running to the existing rules.

Click here for a Q&A document regarding the 2010 cost cap.

The Honda Racing F1 Team requested to change its name to the Brawn GP Formula One Team. The WMSC accepted this request on the basis that the team is, in effect, a new entry in the FIA Formula One World Championship. The contract the team had with the FIA was to run as ÔÇÿHondaÔÇÖ, which they are no longer in a position to do. However, the standard fee required for a new entry has been waived.


FOTA Statement
Date:
20 March, 2009
Statement on 2009 driversÔÇÖ championship award
20 March 2009
Following the decision of the World Motorsport Council of the 17 March 2009 to change the way the driversÔÇÖ championship is awarded, the Teams gathered and unanimously agreed to question the validity of this decision.
FOTA had made a proposal that was carefully based on the results of a Global Audience Survey, which allowed listening to preferences of the public, and all the Teams firmly believe that these indications should be properly taken into account.
The amendment to the sporting regulations proposed by the World Motorsport Council was not performed in accordance with the procedure provided for by Appendix 5 of the Sporting Regulations and, as per the provisions of the article 199 of the FIA International Sporting Code, it is too late for FIA to impose a change for the 2009 season that has not obtained the unanimous agreement of all the competitors properly entered into the 2009 Formula 1 Championship.
Since the change to the scoring system unanimously agreed by the Teams and proposed to FIA did not receive approval of the WMSC, no change can occur in 2009, and the Teams wish to reaffirm their willingness to collaborate with the FIA in order to jointly define a new point system for the 2010 season within a comprehensive set of measures aimed at further stimulating the attractiveness of the F1 Sport.



FIA willing to defer new points system
March 20, 2009
Formula One racingÔÇÖs governing body, the FIA, has said it is willing to postpone the planned introduction of a new points system until 2010 if the teams are unhappy with making the change for the 2009 season.

The new system, which would see the driver with the most wins (rather than points) crowned champion, was announced on Tuesday by the FIAÔÇÖs World Motor Sport Council, after it rejected an alternative proposal for a revised points structure from the teams.

The teams have since expressed their belief that the rules could not be changed so soon prior to the start of the season without their unanimous agreement and on Friday the FIA offered to defer the plan.

The full statement from the FIA:
ÔÇ£On 17 March, the FIA World Motor Sport Council unanimously rejected FOTAÔÇÖs proposed amendment to the points system for the Formula One DriversÔÇÖ Championship. The ÔÇÿwinner takes allÔÇÖ proposal made by the commercial rights holder (who had been told that the teams were in favour) was then approved.

ÔÇ£If, for any reason, the Formula One teams do not now agree with the new system, its implementation will be deferred until 2010.ÔÇØ




The good thing is all of this goes to the background when racing begins.

Mika said:

<snip>
Media

The FIA will publish the weights of all cars after qualifying at each Event.

For greater clarity for spectators and media, wet tyres have been renamed ÔÇ£intermediateÔÇØ and extreme-weather tyres renamed ÔÇ£wetÔÇØ.

On the first day of practice all drivers must be available for autograph signing in their designated team space in the pit lane.

All drivers eliminated in qualifying must make themselves available for media interviews immediately after the end of each session.

Any driver retiring before the end of the race must make himself available for media interviews after his return to the paddock.

All drivers who finish the race outside the top three must make themselves available immediately after the end of the race for media interviews.

During the race every team must make at least one senior spokesperson available for interviews by officially accredited TV crews.

<snip>

Click to expand...

I like these changes. Peter Windsor is going to be VERY busy during the races!

F1 News

f1-live.com: Ecclestone unlikely to save Hockenheim
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f1-live.com: Chance of ÔÇÿone-offÔÇÖ Rome GP revs up

autosport.com: Mosley ÔÇô FOTA response [to budget caps] was ÔÇÿwealÔÇÖ

reuters.com: Diffuser row could overshadow F1 season-opener

telegraph.co.uk: Max Mosley comes out all guns blazing after a tumultuous year

pitpass.com: di Montezemolo hits out

F1 2009 Game (F1RL), rfactorcentral.com
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Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1-f1[/url]: BMW undecided on KERS for Australia

crash.net: Percision the key for Kubica

planet

[url=http://www.williamsf1.com/ ]AT&T Williams

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Brawn GP

Ferrari

Force India F1

f1network.net: Predictions contest returns

ING Renault

McLaren

20 ways Formula 1 is changing our world

Do yah really think so Bernie?
telegraph.co.uk: Bernie Ecclestone senses Lewis Hamilton and McLaren sandbagging for F1 season opener

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1

USGPE.

BMW F1 car catches fire after demo in Australia

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Thanks for squaring me away, M1ka! By the way, this video DEMANDS that you turn your speakers up to 11!!!

F1 News

Thursday is PROTEST DAY!
Red Bull Racing and at least one other team are expected to lodge formal complaints against Williams, Toyota and Brawn GP claiming their diffusers do not comply with the rules.

f1complet.com
Mar.24 (GMM) Renault drivers Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet have agreed to reduce their salaries in reaction to the global recession.

bbc.co.uk: F1 set to cut supe-license fee

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mo...-Lewis-Hamiltons-victory-says-Timo-Glock.html

Do we really want to know:?
telegraph.co.uk: Sebastion Vettel gets close to his car

telegraph.co.uk: F1 divers licenses to be cheaper in 2010

bbc.co.uk
BMW driver poised for a strong F1 season in 2009

formula1.com
Toyota believe they are on the brink of achieving a maiden win; Toro Rosso have already done it; Red Bull's is arguably the most radical car on the grid; Williams' flywheel KERS could prove a secret weapon; a McLaren partnership should boost Force India; and Brawn GP's pace has already got the likes of Ferrari worried. Dramatic rule changes for the 2009 season mean midfield teams really could upset the order at the head of the grid. We consider their chances

formula1.com
Ferrari, McLaren, BMW Sauber and Renault all won races in 2008 and at least three of them are confident of winning more in 2009. But they are also aware that this season has all the ingredients for serious surprises - major rule changes, no in-season testing, and some worryingly different interpretations of the technical regs by supposedly 'junior' rivals. So do the big guns head to Melbourne with the firepower to stay ahead of the chasing pack? We consider their chances

formula1.com
Welcome to the opening race of the 2009 FIA Formula One World Championship, the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne's Albert Park. There was some rain here earlier in the week, but the weather for race weekend looks fairly settled. There will be an ambient temperature high of 21 degrees Celsius on Thursday...

Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1-f1[/url]:

bbc.co.uk: Kubica in pole position for title tilt

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bmwf1blog/~3/DK8koEhLfWA/
Who is the longest serving F1 driver without a grand prix win? Nick Heidfeld. Is it possible that quick Nick could win a grand prix this season? I think so. Nick Heidfeld has started 150 grand prix in his carreer that started with Prost Grand Prix and coming in as the reigning [...]

AT&T Williams

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Brawn GP

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Ferrari

f1network.com
Ferrari has stated its cars will be equipped with the Kinetic Energy Recovery System for this weekend's race in Melbourne, Australia. If the systems works as intended, the F60 should gain up to a half a second per lap advantage, according to Felipe Massa.

Force India F1

ING Renault

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1

USGPE.

Re: Brawn. The Honda car was always sort of fast, and with the proven-to-be-mighty Mercedes mill, it should continue to be so. The problem with the team in the past was reliability, stemming from a disconnect between the "design" and "race" engineers. If anyone can remedy that, it's Ross Brawn. However, there's been so much disarray in the team that I can't see them being a factor until after Monaco, at the earliest. I wish no team ill, but on the other hand, I've been watching and reading about F1 long enough to know that pre-season testing successes from underdog teams rarely play out on the track.

Frankly, I think that Ferrari's got the drop on the field.

F1 News

fia.com: Thursday driver press conference

bbc.co.uk: F! teams given Melbourne go ahead

formula1.com: MelbourneÔÇÖs Albert Park - an F1 set-up guide

independent.co.uk: Sebastian Vettel ÔÇô The new hot Schu

RUMORS paddoctalk.com: Three new teams for 2010

The 2009 F1 season has not held its first race and yet the driverÔÇÖs silly season is off and running.
telegraph.co.uk: Lewis Hamilton plays down talk of mover from McLaren ahead of Australian GP

Next Race

Grand Prix of Australia
Round 01, 29 March, 2009, Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia.
Lap Distance: 5.303km/3.295 miles Race: 58 laps - 307.574km/191.110 miles

Formula 1 Team News Team feeds will be busy this weekend

Links to the official team sites and team specific stories

BMW Sauber F1-f1[/url]:

f1network.net: Theissen re-confrims KERS only for Heidfeld in Australia

autosport.com: Q&A with Nick Heidfeld

AT&T Williams

Brawn GP

reurters.com: Brawn GP drivers change numbers yet again

f1netork.net: Brawn GP car is ÔÇÿabsurdly superiorÔÇÖ

Ferrari

Force India F1

ING Renault

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McLaren

Red Bull Racing

Toro Rosso

Toyota F1

USGPE.

grandprix.com: Factory revealed!

formula1.com: Q&A with Red BullÔÇÖs Mark Webber

telegraph.co.uk: A lapp of Albert Park with Nico Rosberg
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autosport.com: FOTA clarifies Ecclestone meeting row

f1complet.com: Brawn set to shed 275 jobs

Formula 1 ÔÇô A-Z list of topics to prepare you for the new season.
Formula 1: Rules and Regulations reference site