Formula1

[Cuky]

Nothing is confirmed, but there are rumors that they have agreed terms with Martini which will be their title sponsor, and that they will be driving this season in Martini colors, something like this:

But as I said, those are only rumors.


anyways...

# of laps for each car on Day 3 so far

1. Mercedes AMG Petronas: 45 Laps
2. McLaren Mercedes: 40 Laps
3. Scuderia Ferrari: 32 Laps
4. Sauber: 28 Laps
5. Williams: 24 Laps
6. Toro Rosso: 22 Laps
7. Caterham: 8 Laps
8. Red Bull: 3 Laps
9. Recovery truck: 2 Laps

And a good one from twitter:

Adam Cooper ‏@adamcooperf1 21m
This year when we see Vettel waving his finger it might refer to the number of laps his car has completed

 

[Jamezinho]

Nothing is confirmed, but there are rumors that they have agreed terms with Martini which will be their title sponsor, and that they will be driving this season in Martini colors

Could be the best looking car on the grid if true.

 

[Cuky]

Marussia MR-03

 

[Cuky]

Day 3 is over:

In 2 hours Marussia did more laps than Red Bull in whole day

And Hulkenberg today has done more laps than Red Bull did in total through 3 days (RB 14 in total, Hulk today 17)

 

[Jamezinho]

Marussia looks decent.

 

[S-NipE]

Marussia would looks great without that stupid nose thing. But they hid it nicely like Red Bull by painting it black.

If I may ask in return: does any open wheel (formula) car look like a normal race car? For me, GT/Touring/WRC cars are the only ones that look like normal cars. LMP and all formula cars are not quite normal.

Yes, there is a reason, why those cars (speaking of the higher Formula and LMP cars) are the crown of motorsport. They are the fastest around due to their aggressive and minimalistic design.

Now to answer your question: this years Ferrari reminds me of F2001 with this low steep nose.

Well, that one looked nice, but in contrast to these days the nose wasn't divided into a steeper part and another "not-so-steep"-part.

But I'll admit, F14-T looks strange on some pictures. But, at least for me, it look fantastic on this one:

This is just because of the angle that the picture was taken and even here it looks bad. I posted that other pic in the big post and it looks like a boxer with a broken nose to me. I mean I have no scientific argument to prove my thesis, but such a nose shouldn't have better aerodynamic values than the nose of the Red Bull or the Sauber for example.

 

[Cuky]

Here is a pictore of F14-T with flow-viz paint applied to the nose section of a car. It is kinda oily thing that they apply on the part of the car they want to examine closer (sometimes teams cover whole side of a car from nose to the rear light in it) and than it shapes up in the way airstream is passing close to the car. From this picture it is visible that they made their nose in that way to push airstream to the side and than under the car, while others used that finger extension so that nose could be made higher and have airstream go directly under the car.

PS. Ignore those arrows. They are pointing to the infrared cameras that are used to monitor tire temperature.

What I wanted to say is: if you look at the nose itself it might not be the best solution. But James Allison (Technical Director at Ferrari) has said that they have considered about dozen of different nose designs and that of all of them this is the solution that has worked best with their whole car.

 

[Cuky]

Race calendar for 2014 for those who might not know

Bahrain and Singapore are night races, Abu Dhabi starts in daylight and finishes at night

 

[Jamezinho]

A shame the season ends in Abu Dhabi rather than at a more interesting circuit.

 

[Ipswich69]

Race calendar for 2014 for those who might not know

Bahrain and Singapore are night races, Abu Dhabi starts in daylight and finishes at night

Bah, not a fan of the night races myself. Looking forward to the Austrian and Russian GPs. Shanghai needs to be nixed.

 

[Kanouté]

liked the exclusion of india-korea and inclusions of austria and russia. maybe it's too short but I love a1-ring (dunno why).

 

[Jamezinho]

Bah, not a fan of the night races myself. Looking forward to the Austrian and Russian GPs. Shanghai needs to be nixed.

liked the exclusion of india-korea and inclusions of austria and russia. maybe it's too short but I love a1-ring (dunno why).

The Austrian GP is the one I'm most looking forward to. The Red Bull Ring is a great circuit and I've loved watching the past few DTM races there. It's nice short track with incline changes set in stunning Alpine scenery.

More importantly it's good to see Grand Prix returning to Europe. Hosting races in places like China, India and Korea are money-spinners for the FIA but the people there aren't particularly interested in F1 and the circuits are dull.

Hopefully Austria and Russia become long-term fixtures. I really want to see F1 return to France. I think it's a travesty that a nation that has contributed so much to F1 hasn't had a GP for many years now. Get F1 down to Paul Ricard.

 

[Kanouté]

amen to that. I would love to see french gp back to f1 too (french gp in f1 is an absolute no brainer) but I think the return would more likely happen with the magny-cours circuit rather than the good old paul ricard.

 

[Cuky]

Well, Paul Ricard is not really in a shape to host a GP race. Yes, there are other series racing there, but for GP race it is a bit short on everything: hospital, race direction, stands, pits...

But if they choose to go there I don't think that it would take long to make necessary modifications.


4th and final day of testing at Jerez was done in wet and is now concluded:

1 Massa (Williams) 1m28.229s, 86 laps
2 Alonso (Ferrari) 1m29.145s, 115 laps
3 Juncadella (Force India) 1m29.457s, 81 laps
4 Magnussen (McLaren) 1m30.806s, 110 laps
5 Hamilton (Mercedes) 1m30.822s, 41 laps
6 Bianchi (Marussia) 1m32.222s, 25 laps
7 Sutil (Sauber) 1m36.571s, 69 laps
8 Rosberg (Mercedes) 1m36.951s 91 laps
9 Kobayashi (Caterham) 1m43.193s, 54 laps
10 Kvyat (Toro Rosso) 1m44.016s, 9 laps
11 Ricciardo (Red Bull) 1m45.374s, 7 laps


What amazes me is that Marussia did more laps in 1,5 days than reigning champions did in 4 days.

 

[S-NipE]

liked the exclusion of india-korea and inclusions of austria and russia. maybe it's too short but I love a1-ring (dunno why).

Like the exclusions, too, but I don't like the inclusion of the RB-Ring. Scenery and tradition, yes, but I never found it interesting in terms of track design. Same with Magny-Cours, glad not to see that track in near future. What I'm really missing is Imola and (only this season as their always switching) the Ring.

@final race: Even if I like Abu Dhabi very much, the last race for me has to be Interlagos, that is the course where so many finals were fought with such drama and tension, Abu Dhabi can't stand to that imho. Same goes for the beginning, a season has to start in Melbourne, getting up so early to watch the first race of the season is obligatory to me.

@test times: Not really comparable, as Massa was nearly 20 secs faster than Ricciardo plus the Toro Rosso and the Red Bull seem to struggle heavily with the new technique, I'll wait for Melbourne and everything before that doesn't count anyway.

 

[Kanouté]

abu dhabi owners must have paid fia some good cash for that. is there anything fia can't do to make more money...

as for a1-ring, as you guys said, it's the scenery that makes me like it I guess (and f1 challenge 99-02).

 

[Cuky]

A1-Ring (now called Red Bull Ring) is short, simple but far from easy to get it right. 2nd and 3rd sectors are full of medium to high speed corners which are not so easy for drivers to get them right every lap.

But the best thing about track is that from one stand you can see almost the whole track.

There were also some talks that track might be expanded a bit by using a part of old, longer version of the track called Osterreichring. Track would turn left just before current T2 and than through 2 right turns connect to the old track using that straight and long flat-out right turn, before coming back at the current T2. Plans were made back in 2005. but it is still unknown if and when those plans will be accomplished

 

[S-NipE]

But the old Österrichring (German equivalent to Austria-Ring) wasn't completely renovated to be able to hold F1 races if I'm not mistaken. And it would eliminate the tracks most spectacular corner and the drive there, T2.

Edit: To get a clear comparison of what was planned here a pic showing the old Österreichring from '95 and the one used from '96 onwards (from '97 on known as A1-Ring until 2003).

Edit: Funny thing about the RB-Ring is that the track was already demolished in parts after Red Bull bought it and then was built up again in the same fashion as it was before that. Also it was one of the best sponsorships ever for A1 as they only had the naming rights for six years, but everybody still calls it "A1-Ring".

 

[Cuky]

Demolished were pit building, main grandstand and some parts of the road, but it was before RB bought it because it was planned to build new larger grandstand and new pit building.

It looked like this when RB bought it (start-finish straight):

This is the track few months ago, but I don't doubt that it will look much different (better) when F1 comes
YouTube - Red Bull Ring 26.10.2013

 

[S-NipE]

Demolished were pit building, main grandstand and some parts of the road, but it was before RB bought it because it was planned to build new larger grandstand and new pit building.

German Wikipedia says it was after the RB takeover, but that's not the point here. Let's see, what the next weeks will bring us and then we can finally head towards Melbourne!

 

[Jamezinho]

amen to that. I would love to see french gp back to f1 too (french gp in f1 is an absolute no brainer) but I think the return would more likely happen with the magny-cours circuit rather than the good old paul ricard.

I'm not so sure. Magny Cours had a reputation for boring races and I believe there was also an issue regarding local infrastructure, hotel rooms, facilites and so forth. But there is no doubt that the circuit itself is 100% ready for F1 racing.

Well, Paul Ricard is not really in a shape to host a GP race. Yes, there are other series racing there, but for GP race it is a bit short on everything: hospital, race direction, stands, pits...

But if they choose to go there I don't think that it would take long to make necessary modifications.

True, it does require some modifications (mainly stands) but the track itself would be well suited to modern F1. Smooth, wide, safe (run-off isn't a problem!)

I don't believe there is an issue with the pits and paddock area. The Blancpain Endurance series and FIA GT have been recent visitors (with the massive grids of cars they bring).

Circuit Paul Ricard has location in its favour. Being near Toulon and Marseille it has plenty of transport links and facilities nearby, plus the Mediterranean climate is a plus factor.

Let's face it, if Monaco can host F1 then theoretically anywhere can. F1 has outgrown Monaco but it's the historic glamour venue that will never lose its place. The spectacle aside, I find the racing there incredibly dull.

Like the exclusions, too, but I don't like the inclusion of the RB-Ring. Scenery and tradition, yes, but I never found it interesting in terms of track design. Same with Magny-Cours, glad not to see that track in near future. What I'm really missing is Imola and (only this season as their always switching) the Ring.

Spielberg is a simple layout but that's what I like about it. Not every track has to be a Tilke designed nightmare with 25 corners and no soul. RBR has something about it. I've driven it 'virtually' and it's so much fun.

Agree on Imola. Perhaps the circuit has a stigma associated with it though? A Monza/Imola share deal would be good but I don't think anyone would have the balls to suggest Monza loses its permanent spot.

Nurburgring GP is brilliant but I love Hockenheim too. I guess the share deal works well as a compromise. I'd happily have both on the calendar rather than some of the crap modern circuits.

 

[Cuky]

Spielberg is a simple layout but that's what I like about it. Not every track has to be a Tilke designed nightmare with 25 corners and no soul. RBR has something about it. I've driven it 'virtually' and it's so much fun.

Interestingly, this current layout at Spielberg is Tilke's 1st work on F1 track. He was the architect behind modernizing old Osterreichring into A1-Ring.

From wikipedia:

Tilke is one of four designers recognised by the FIA but has predominantly been the only one to be commissioned to design Formula One tracks. One of his first minor tasks was to design and build a short access road at the Nürburgring, earned due to contacts made by his racing efforts there. His first major job was the transformation of the fast Österreichring to the much shorter A1-Ring in Austria, in the 1990s.

 

[S-NipE]

Exactly. But the main difference is, that he was one of four designers, while he was the only designer on the other new tracks.

 

[Jamezinho]

Yep, I'm aware of Tilke's involvement with the RBR. It's one of his better projects and as said above, he wasn't the sole influence.

To be clear I think Tilke has done plenty of good work. The Hockenheim reconfiguration and going way back, his work at Suzuka. I really like Sepang, one of his better creations.

 

[Cuky]

I have read an interview with him and one of architects he is working with in their company (if I manage to find where I have read it I will post a link). They were asked to say what they think about criticism of their new tracks and they have said that tracks are made like that (flat surface, oversized run-off areas etc.) because of budget they are allowed to spend and because organizers want their tracks to be able to host more than one racing series...so there are compromises because for example F1 wants to have asphalt run-off areas, while MotoGP and SBK want to have gravel run-offs so to stop riders before they slide to the barriers. Also, they cited budget constraints as the main reason why there are no many elevation changes. They are almost always presented with flat land and organizers can't afford to bring soil from somewhere else to create elevations. It is not that strange that of last few tracks Buddh International Circuit in India and Circuit of The Americas in Austin are considered as their better works, just because in India organizers could afford to make artificial elevations (uphill into T3 hairpin being one example) while in Austin they had already been given a terrain with lots of elevation changes.

 

[Jamezinho]

I have read an interview with him and one of architects he is working with in their company (if I manage to find where I have read it I will post a link). They were asked to say what they think about criticism of their new tracks and they have said that tracks are made like that (flat surface, oversized run-off areas etc.) because of budget they are allowed to spend and because organizers want their tracks to be able to host more than one racing series...so there are compromises because for example F1 wants to have asphalt run-off areas, while MotoGP and SBK want to have gravel run-offs so to stop riders before they slide to the barriers. Also, they cited budget constraints as the main reason why there are no many elevation changes. They are almost always presented with flat land and organizers can't afford to bring soil from somewhere else to create elevations. It is not that strange that of last few tracks Buddh International Circuit in India and Circuit of The Americas in Austin are considered as their better works, just because in India organizers could afford to make artificial elevations (uphill into T3 hairpin being one example) while in Austin they had already been given a terrain with lots of elevation changes.

That's fair enough. The cost of landscaping a site to create elevations is huge. In my opinion flat circuits can be great too. Silverstone is flat (being built on a WWII airfield) but it has always been an iconic venue. Same with Hockenheim.

The thing I hate the most with the modern circuits is the huge tarmac run-off areas. It kills the risk/reward of being a fast and consistent driver. I know the FIA wants as many drivers to cross the finish line as possible, but old fashioned gravel traps would sort out the best from the rest.

These circuits also look massively sterile as a result of these run off areas. The tracks are too wide, clean and clinical with no character. Just like big tarmac car parks.

I love venues like Spa, Nurburgring GP, Hungaroring, Interlagos, Suzuka and Montreal. Proper race tracks, narrow in parts, with plenty of character.

By far the best modern circuit (imo) is Portimao. It's got everything I like in a race track. Shame it will never see anything more than F1 testing. No money in Portugal for Bernie and his cronies.

 

[S-NipE]

I love venues like Spa, Nurburgring GP, Hungaroring, Interlagos, Suzuka and Montreal. Proper race tracks, narrow in parts, with plenty of character.

By far the best modern circuit (imo) is Portimao. It's got everything I like in a race track. Shame it will never see anything more than F1 testing. No money in Portugal for Bernie and his cronies.

Agree on everything in this part except for the Hungaroring, never liked it, don't know why. The other five F1 tracks and Portimao are all fantastic tracks and you hear a lot of professional drivers saying the same. These tracks have that great mix of fast parts and slow corners that actually allow overtaking without the use of too much technology when driving properly.

 

[Jamezinho]

Agree on everything in this part except for the Hungaroring, never liked it, don't know why. The other five F1 tracks and Portimao are all fantastic tracks and you hear a lot of professional drivers saying the same. These tracks have that great mix of fast parts and slow corners that actually allow overtaking without the use of too much technology when driving properly.

Hamilton really likes Hungaroring. Not saying I like the place because of that, but it definitely has the qualities of a driver's circuit.

I can see why it may be disliked. It's often compared to a street circuit but without the walls. Narrow and very difficult to overtake. Regardless, I really enjoy the racing there. F1 and WTCC have been good in recent years. DTM is going there this year. Good luck with the DRS on that track!

On another note, what do you make of this?

http://www.planetf1.com/news/3213/9144962/Disappointed-Ecclestone-I-Told-You-So

 

[Jamezinho]

Haha.....and I've just seen this!

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227/9145100/FIA-question-nose-safety

 

[S-NipE]

Haha.....and I've just seen this!

http://www.planetf1.com/driver/18227/9145100/FIA-question-nose-safety

Who didn't see that coming? Honestly FIA, if users of a football-videogame-editing-forum saw these safety concerns, why couldn't you?

@Bernie/changing the power units: Can only repeat myself: Wait for the first race(s). Afterwards it is time for a first conclusion.