Official 2009 Formula 1 Season Discussion
11-03-2009, 07:08 PM
#1676
'Toyota set to end Formula 1 project'
Toyota is about to pull out of Formula 1, Japanese newspaper Mainichi reports. According to the paper, the Japanese manufacturer will host a press conference on November 8th, where the decision will be made public.
Toyota is set to have an important meeting in which the future of the Formula 1 project will be discussed, and the prospects aren't good. Toyota hasn't had that craved first victory this year, although the team has made a big step forward after last season. With the manufacturer suffering badly from the current economic crisis, the millions spent in the Formula 1 project could very well be used for other issues.
If Toyota indeed pulls out, it would be bad news for rookie Kamui Kobayashi, who made a very good impression in the two races in which he replaced the injured Timo Glock. After a sixth place in Abu Dhabi, he looked set for a drive in 2010. It could also mean good news for the former BMW team, who are looking to get a spot on the grid for next year, which they could take over from Toyota.
http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2009/...ula-1-project/
Looks like there will be room for Lotus after all.
Toyota is about to pull out of Formula 1, Japanese newspaper Mainichi reports. According to the paper, the Japanese manufacturer will host a press conference on November 8th, where the decision will be made public.
Toyota is set to have an important meeting in which the future of the Formula 1 project will be discussed, and the prospects aren't good. Toyota hasn't had that craved first victory this year, although the team has made a big step forward after last season. With the manufacturer suffering badly from the current economic crisis, the millions spent in the Formula 1 project could very well be used for other issues.
If Toyota indeed pulls out, it would be bad news for rookie Kamui Kobayashi, who made a very good impression in the two races in which he replaced the injured Timo Glock. After a sixth place in Abu Dhabi, he looked set for a drive in 2010. It could also mean good news for the former BMW team, who are looking to get a spot on the grid for next year, which they could take over from Toyota.
http://f1.gpupdate.net/en/news/2009/...ula-1-project/
Looks like there will be room for Lotus after all.
11-04-2009, 01:55 AM
#1677
Search begins for F1's 2011 tyre supplier
Michelin and Goodyear, the most recent tyre brands in Formula One, have played down suggestions they might take over from Bridgestone as F1's exclusive supplier in 2011 and beyond.
A spokeswoman for Michelin's North American headquarters said the French company is not interested in returning to Formula One, after it pulled out at the end of the 'tyre war' era three years ago and then rowed with the governing FIA.
The American brand Goodyear left F1 at the end of 1998, following an ultra-successful three decades on the grid.
"We have no plans to re-enter F1," spokesman Ed Markey told the Akron Beacon Journal, which like Goodyear is based in Akron, Ohio.
"However, we continually evaluate a wide range of opportunities to determine the best fit for our strategic direction and make decisions based on the best interests of the company," he added.
Other reports said the Italian tyre maker Pirelli, having shown interest in obtaining the 2008-2010 tender, is also not likely to be interested in returning to F1.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=351278:F1
This could be a sticky problem for 2010.
Michelin and Goodyear, the most recent tyre brands in Formula One, have played down suggestions they might take over from Bridgestone as F1's exclusive supplier in 2011 and beyond.
A spokeswoman for Michelin's North American headquarters said the French company is not interested in returning to Formula One, after it pulled out at the end of the 'tyre war' era three years ago and then rowed with the governing FIA.
The American brand Goodyear left F1 at the end of 1998, following an ultra-successful three decades on the grid.
"We have no plans to re-enter F1," spokesman Ed Markey told the Akron Beacon Journal, which like Goodyear is based in Akron, Ohio.
"However, we continually evaluate a wide range of opportunities to determine the best fit for our strategic direction and make decisions based on the best interests of the company," he added.
Other reports said the Italian tyre maker Pirelli, having shown interest in obtaining the 2008-2010 tender, is also not likely to be interested in returning to F1.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=351278:F1
This could be a sticky problem for 2010.
11-04-2009, 01:56 AM
#1678
Lotus/Force India in new F1 spy scandal
A new Formula One espionage scandal is threatening to erupt.
Switzerland's Motorsport Aktuell reports that Force India is concerned that the wind tunnel model of Lotus' 2010 car strongly resembles the Silverstone based team's current VJM-02.
The common denominator is Mike Gascoyne, Lotus' technical boss but formerly with Force India.
It is believed that Force India has outstanding debts with the Italian company Aerolab, which is used by Gascoyne for its wind tunnel facilities.
When Force India stopped working at the Fondtech facility, a scale wind tunnel model was left behind. Gascoyne is now working with Aerolab/Fondtech on the Lotus F1 project.
"If at all, that is a legal problem between Fondtech and Force India," Gascoyne is quoted as saying.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=351279:F1
Copying Force India, is that really a problem?
A new Formula One espionage scandal is threatening to erupt.
Switzerland's Motorsport Aktuell reports that Force India is concerned that the wind tunnel model of Lotus' 2010 car strongly resembles the Silverstone based team's current VJM-02.
The common denominator is Mike Gascoyne, Lotus' technical boss but formerly with Force India.
It is believed that Force India has outstanding debts with the Italian company Aerolab, which is used by Gascoyne for its wind tunnel facilities.
When Force India stopped working at the Fondtech facility, a scale wind tunnel model was left behind. Gascoyne is now working with Aerolab/Fondtech on the Lotus F1 project.
"If at all, that is a legal problem between Fondtech and Force India," Gascoyne is quoted as saying.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=351279:F1
Copying Force India, is that really a problem?
11-04-2009, 02:04 AM
#1679
Search begins for F1's 2011 tyre supplier
Michelin and Goodyear, the most recent tyre brands in Formula One, have played down suggestions they might take over from Bridgestone as F1's exclusive supplier in 2011 and beyond.
A spokeswoman for Michelin's North American headquarters said the French company is not interested in returning to Formula One, after it pulled out at the end of the 'tyre war' era three years ago and then rowed with the governing FIA.
The American brand Goodyear left F1 at the end of 1998, following an ultra-successful three decades on the grid.
"We have no plans to re-enter F1," spokesman Ed Markey told the Akron Beacon Journal, which like Goodyear is based in Akron, Ohio.
"However, we continually evaluate a wide range of opportunities to determine the best fit for our strategic direction and make decisions based on the best interests of the company," he added.
Other reports said the Italian tyre maker Pirelli, having shown interest in obtaining the 2008-2010 tender, is also not likely to be interested in returning to F1.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=351278:F1
This could be a sticky problem for 2010.
Michelin and Goodyear, the most recent tyre brands in Formula One, have played down suggestions they might take over from Bridgestone as F1's exclusive supplier in 2011 and beyond.
A spokeswoman for Michelin's North American headquarters said the French company is not interested in returning to Formula One, after it pulled out at the end of the 'tyre war' era three years ago and then rowed with the governing FIA.
The American brand Goodyear left F1 at the end of 1998, following an ultra-successful three decades on the grid.
"We have no plans to re-enter F1," spokesman Ed Markey told the Akron Beacon Journal, which like Goodyear is based in Akron, Ohio.
"However, we continually evaluate a wide range of opportunities to determine the best fit for our strategic direction and make decisions based on the best interests of the company," he added.
Other reports said the Italian tyre maker Pirelli, having shown interest in obtaining the 2008-2010 tender, is also not likely to be interested in returning to F1.
http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=351278:F1
This could be a sticky problem for 2010.
When you run your business like if you were on crack all of the time you'll face this kind of problem. The other crack heads that benefit from your business (some teams etc) will stay but what about the "ancillaries"?
Bridgestone is seeing just a return in terms of image since f1 tyres are so expensive and are upgraded often, if you put mines all over the field what do you expect?
Perhaps these coming years are the last of bernie's tyranny, we're then going to see jean todt there...
11-04-2009, 04:54 AM
#1680
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Have any of you found a way to watch race of champions online. Download or otherwise? I missed the live stream since it was during work hours here in Sweden. Dammit, had to work.
Apparently Vettel and Schumi did pretty good in the nations cup. So if any of you have found it, please tell. I would like to watch it.
It is always a pleasure to watch Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana drive too. They are competing for USA.
Apparently Vettel and Schumi did pretty good in the nations cup. So if any of you have found it, please tell. I would like to watch it.
It is always a pleasure to watch Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana drive too. They are competing for USA.
11-04-2009, 07:14 AM
#1681
Speed is all you FN NEED
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Could Jenson Button have won the championship with Honda power? We all know just how good the Honda chassis was in the first half of the season that essentially sealed one, if not, both championships. Do you guys think the outcome would have been the same had Honda not pulled out of F1? Do you think Honda's engines wouldn't have been almost as powerful or just as reliable as the Mercedes powerplant?
let alone hotel and travel to get there!!! Sorry, had a crappy morning and my dog peed on my work clothes
11-04-2009, 07:42 AM
#1682
Speed is all you FN NEED
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SWEET....my rant was for not, looks like Toyota is out:
Toyota withdraws from Formula 1
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=47372
Toyota withdraws from Formula 1
http://www.itv-f1.com/News_Article.aspx?id=47372
11-04-2009, 07:50 AM
#1683
Speed is all you FN NEED
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Tires...whos left: Bridgeston, Micheline, Pierrelli, Goodyear all said no, so could it be..
Hoosier
Khumo
OH, who makes the GP2 tires???
Continental
Hoosier
Khumo
OH, who makes the GP2 tires???
Continental
11-04-2009, 10:00 AM
#1684
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Could Jenson Button have won the championship with Honda power? We all know just how good the Honda chassis was in the first half of the season that essentially sealed one, if not, both championships. Do you guys think the outcome would have been the same had Honda not pulled out of F1? Do you think Honda's engines wouldn't have been almost as powerful or just as reliable as the Mercedes powerplant?
Last edited by alfy28; 11-04-2009 at 10:15 AM.
11-04-2009, 10:21 AM
#1685
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Agreed too. It would be high up there, but I think Red Bull would have taken the constructors if Brawn was pure Honda.
Vettel would have won the championship too.
The reason Button could glide to 6 easy victories in the start was because the car was perfect and superior all the others. Take a suckier engine and the car would not be as superior any more. It might still have been the best car in the start, but if he had been hard pressed in all those races mistakes would have happened.
Well we can only congratulate Brawn and Button. They had awesome material, but they did an awesome job too. I was actually considering to stop watching since it was so predictable who would win.
I was sitting and hoping for Button to have an engine failure or at least something would mess up, just to put the excitement back in the season. Apparently Button thought the same and faked a "slump" throughout the season only to kick *** at the end.
Vettel would have won the championship too.
The reason Button could glide to 6 easy victories in the start was because the car was perfect and superior all the others. Take a suckier engine and the car would not be as superior any more. It might still have been the best car in the start, but if he had been hard pressed in all those races mistakes would have happened.
Well we can only congratulate Brawn and Button. They had awesome material, but they did an awesome job too. I was actually considering to stop watching since it was so predictable who would win.
I was sitting and hoping for Button to have an engine failure or at least something would mess up, just to put the excitement back in the season. Apparently Button thought the same and faked a "slump" throughout the season only to kick *** at the end.
11-04-2009, 11:30 AM
#1686
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I know a lot of ppl think that I am a Button hater, but I like him. But for this season, I think he was just overrated. My reason are, once mid season hit, Ferrari, mclaren finally started to get their cars straight. Ruben started to outshine button on many races. I feel ruben was the most consistent driver on the team. I also feel that team orders were involved at the beginning of the season.
but ill save that for a rainy day.
but ill save that for a rainy day.
11-04-2009, 11:33 AM
#1687
Have any of you found a way to watch race of champions online. Download or otherwise? I missed the live stream since it was during work hours here in Sweden. Dammit, had to work.
Apparently Vettel and Schumi did pretty good in the nations cup. So if any of you have found it, please tell. I would like to watch it.
It is always a pleasure to watch Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana drive too. They are competing for USA.
Apparently Vettel and Schumi did pretty good in the nations cup. So if any of you have found it, please tell. I would like to watch it.
It is always a pleasure to watch Tanner Foust and Travis Pastrana drive too. They are competing for USA.
11-04-2009, 02:21 PM
#1688
Registered
sucks that koboyashi was not able to make his debut. but i would love to see him in Super GT under toyota , since i am a toyota fanboy when it comes to Gt500. would be cool to see him under team Zent.
11-04-2009, 03:12 PM
#1689
Registered
http://www.worldcarfans.com/10911042...-mclaren-talks
Which makes me wonder, if he was only contracted for 4 races, then i would think Team orders were involved. since i would think, button most likely had a contract for the whole season.
Rubens Barrichello this week made his first visit to Williams.
The Brazilian veteran has been signed by the British team for 2010, and he headed straight from Abu Dhabi to Grove to tour the factory and even look around Williams' famous F1 car museum, according to O Globo newspaper.
Barrichello, 37, revealed that he also had talks with McLaren a few weeks ago in Brazil "but my contract with Williams was already signed".
"I am going to realise a dream, because ever since I saw F1 on TV for the first time, I have dreamed of driving for them," said the holder of the record for the most career grands prix.
Barrichello, whose mentor Ayrton Senna died at the wheel of a Williams in 1994, also revealed that his Brawn contract this year was initially for only the first four races with "the rest depending on my results and my work".
Which makes me wonder, if he was only contracted for 4 races, then i would think Team orders were involved. since i would think, button most likely had a contract for the whole season.
Rubens Barrichello this week made his first visit to Williams.
The Brazilian veteran has been signed by the British team for 2010, and he headed straight from Abu Dhabi to Grove to tour the factory and even look around Williams' famous F1 car museum, according to O Globo newspaper.
Barrichello, 37, revealed that he also had talks with McLaren a few weeks ago in Brazil "but my contract with Williams was already signed".
"I am going to realise a dream, because ever since I saw F1 on TV for the first time, I have dreamed of driving for them," said the holder of the record for the most career grands prix.
Barrichello, whose mentor Ayrton Senna died at the wheel of a Williams in 1994, also revealed that his Brawn contract this year was initially for only the first four races with "the rest depending on my results and my work".
Last edited by alfy28; 11-04-2009 at 03:15 PM.
11-04-2009, 03:16 PM
#1691
Registered
11-04-2009, 03:20 PM
#1693
Registered
So guys, what are your thoughts. would you rather have the 17 races that we had this year, or 20 races 2011 and beyond.
personally i like the numbers now. i wouldnt mind 20, but i feel i would get wore out later in the season. but then again, it would mean more months of bashing on Polo and BSE50, which is well worth it. . So bernie bring on the 20,
http://www.worldcarfans.com/10911042...n-f1-calendars
Bernie Ecclestone has braced the formula one world for an even longer race calendar in future.
There were 17 grands prix this year, and with the addition of Korea next year and the return of Canada, the schedule is set to expand to 19.
But with the likes of India pushing for a 2011 race, F1 chief executive Ecclestone is eyeing an ideal schedule of 20 races.
"Yes, I always said that it (20 races) is possible and obviously now there are more and more people falling for that idea," he said in an interview with his sport's official website.
The Briton said longer calendars are possible now that the amount of testing has been dramatically reduced.
"Nobody needs testing," he said. "It was always, in my opinion, that testing costs money while racing brings money."
personally i like the numbers now. i wouldnt mind 20, but i feel i would get wore out later in the season. but then again, it would mean more months of bashing on Polo and BSE50, which is well worth it. . So bernie bring on the 20,
http://www.worldcarfans.com/10911042...n-f1-calendars
Bernie Ecclestone has braced the formula one world for an even longer race calendar in future.
There were 17 grands prix this year, and with the addition of Korea next year and the return of Canada, the schedule is set to expand to 19.
But with the likes of India pushing for a 2011 race, F1 chief executive Ecclestone is eyeing an ideal schedule of 20 races.
"Yes, I always said that it (20 races) is possible and obviously now there are more and more people falling for that idea," he said in an interview with his sport's official website.
The Briton said longer calendars are possible now that the amount of testing has been dramatically reduced.
"Nobody needs testing," he said. "It was always, in my opinion, that testing costs money while racing brings money."
Last edited by alfy28; 11-04-2009 at 03:23 PM.
11-04-2009, 03:21 PM
#1694
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11-05-2009, 01:10 AM
#1695
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I sat and watched the 3.5 hours nations cup last night. It was very exciting and very fun. Too bad team Scandinavia didn't make it to the finals. Normally we are very strong in race of champions. Mattias Ekström is awesome on the RoC track.
He was actually congratulated by Travis Pastrana for managing to break the suspension in one car by jumping. It was such a tremendous jump that even Pastrana (who dominates the X-games) was really impressed. The car survived though and Ekström could limp the car in over the finish line on three wheels.
Can't wait till tonight and watch how the individual cup goes. It will be exciting
11-05-2009, 03:07 AM
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I know a lot of ppl think that I am a Button hater, but I like him. But for this season, I think he was just overrated. My reason are, once mid season hit, Ferrari, mclaren finally started to get their cars straight. Ruben started to outshine button on many races. I feel ruben was the most consistent driver on the team. I also feel that team orders were involved at the beginning of the season.
but ill save that for a rainy day.
but ill save that for a rainy day.
If I remember correctly, Button was dominant in Monaco and Barichello could not keep up there so that rules that one out too. That leaves Spain as the one possible chance for a team order.
Sorry Alfy, I just don't buy it.
Why do I bring this up? Because it is raining outside
11-05-2009, 07:31 AM
#1697
Registered
Maybe there was team order, and if so it can only have been 2 of the races (Spain and Monaco). In the first 4 victories for Button, Barichello is not even close. Granted Barichello got second in Australia, but that is only after Vettel and Kubica crash out.
If I remember correctly, Button was dominant in Monaco and Barichello could not keep up there so that rules that one out too. That leaves Spain as the one possible chance for a team order.
Sorry Alfy, I just don't buy it.
Why do I bring this up? Because it is raining outside
If I remember correctly, Button was dominant in Monaco and Barichello could not keep up there so that rules that one out too. That leaves Spain as the one possible chance for a team order.
Sorry Alfy, I just don't buy it.
Why do I bring this up? Because it is raining outside
11-05-2009, 08:22 AM
#1698
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Who fault is it, they live next to a freaking race track. that is like me, filing a complaint with some airport, because of planes taking off 24/7. even though i decided to live close to one.
I mean really, a road sign saying Spa in the nxt blah blah miles should of turned a light bulb on.
its not really hard, if i dont like looking at boats, i wont move to a harbor.
If i dont like train noises, i wont move any where near train tracks.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/10911042...save-spa-track
At the time of writing, nearly 30,000 people had signed an online petition vowing to defend the popular Belgian GP venue Spa-Francorchamps.
A local court recently revoked the historic track's operating license until 2026, following the complaints of local residents about noise.
The petition, which can be found at www.defendonsfrancorchamps.be, is run by "people who live near the track".
"We want to confirm that we are not disturbed by the permanent work of the circuit," they said.
I mean really, a road sign saying Spa in the nxt blah blah miles should of turned a light bulb on.
its not really hard, if i dont like looking at boats, i wont move to a harbor.
If i dont like train noises, i wont move any where near train tracks.
http://www.worldcarfans.com/10911042...save-spa-track
At the time of writing, nearly 30,000 people had signed an online petition vowing to defend the popular Belgian GP venue Spa-Francorchamps.
A local court recently revoked the historic track's operating license until 2026, following the complaints of local residents about noise.
The petition, which can be found at www.defendonsfrancorchamps.be, is run by "people who live near the track".
"We want to confirm that we are not disturbed by the permanent work of the circuit," they said.
Last edited by alfy28; 11-05-2009 at 08:26 AM.
11-05-2009, 09:12 AM
#1699
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I couldn't AGREE more with you SIR!
I don't know where Alfy was when this was announced... Maybe "praying" to his "god-Hamilton" ? ? From now, we ALL have to be careful when he makes any comments as these could be completely crazy...like "Ferrari is not the best team ever in History!" and "Alonso sucks"... Now I get it...
Carlos
ps. BTW I just watched the race last night and I do admit Hamilton was doing a good job...and now Vettel better shuts up about his Reanult engine "problems"
11-05-2009, 09:24 AM
#1700
Registered
I couldn't AGREE more with you SIR! I don't know where Alfy was when this was announced... Maybe "praying" to his "god-Hamilton" ? ?
From now, we ALL have to be careful when he makes any comments as these could be completely crazy...like "Ferrari is not the best team ever in History!" and "Alonso sucks"... Now I get it...
Carlos
ps. BTW I just watched the race last night and I do admit Hamilton was doing a good job...and now Vettel better shuts up about his Reanult engine "problems"
I don't know where Alfy was when this was announced... Maybe "praying" to his "god-Hamilton" ? ? From now, we ALL have to be careful when he makes any comments as these could be completely crazy...like "Ferrari is not the best team ever in History!" and "Alonso sucks"... Now I get it...
Carlos
ps. BTW I just watched the race last night and I do admit Hamilton was doing a good job...and now Vettel better shuts up about his Reanult engine "problems"