FORMULA 1

[MIKA27]

BELL: WE HAVE TO ACCEPT NOTHING LESS THAN PERFECTION

Renault Sport Formula One Team chief technical officer Bob Bell has worked in a technical or managerial role that has helped secure nine Constructors’ Championships and 10 Drivers’ Championships and believes that perfection is required to challenge for the Formula 1 World Championship.

Bell graduated from Queen’s University Belfast with an Honours Degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1979, completing a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering in 1982.

From 1982-1988 Bob worked with McLaren International, with positions including Head of Aerodynamics, Head of Research and Development and Project Director Unlimited Land Speed Record Attempt.

His first spell at Enstone was throughout 1998-1999 as Benetton Formula Senior Aerodynamicist, before moving to Jordan Grand Prix for 1999-2001 as Head of Vehicle Technology.

In 2001 Bob returned to Enstone as Deputy Technical Director then Technical Director (2003-2009), He stepped up to be Acting Team Principal (2009) and Managing Director (2010) before joining Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd as Technical Director from 2011 to 2014.

Bob joined Renault Sport Racing in 2016 as Chief Technical Officer, overseeing the outputs of both the Viry and Enstone sites to provide a strategic approach to their endeavours.

The team released the following preseason Q&A with their technical chief:

What are the challenges for Renault Sport Formula One Team in 2018?
Bob Bell: Our greatest challenge is improving performance with the target of building on our Championship finishing position. In 2017 we set the aggressive target of fifth. Ultimately, we finished in sixth position, which was still a strong result. Our strength and development in the second part of the year showcased just how much we progressed. For 2018 we need to continue our upward trajectory. Whilst we’re aware that the closer we get to our goal, the tougher the competition will be.

What needs to be done to achieve this goal?
BB: We need a strong reliability record. That’s something we need to focus on, and we have worked hard on it over the winter. We need the car as reliable as we can make it. That’s a huge challenge, even more so than performance development, and it’s the toughest task we face. To improve reliability, we have to accept nothing less than perfection. Anything that ends up on the car needs to be designed and built to the highest standard; checked and rechecked as fit for purpose. All the issues which blighted us last year need to be eradicated by a fresh approach. It’s not something however that you can flick on like a switch, you need well established processes in place.

How much progression has been seen at Enstone over the past two years?
BB: It’s a very different place with many new facilities still in build. Working methodologies have moved on a lot, but we have retained the core Enstone spirit; that desire to be successful, not giving up and never accepting second best. Physically there have been large changes to the facilities, new staff and new functionalities within the buildings. That’s been added on top of a very good race team spirit and approach.

What are the resources of note heading into 2018?
BB: There are many areas where we have increased capability. We have a new state of the art CFD supercomputer and our wind tunnel received a sizable update last year. The new gearbox dyno will be online before the start of the season. These three elements give us enormous capability. The entire organisation is growing; there are more people to increase the rate of development. Enstone has moved on a long, long way since the Renault acquisition and is perfectly following a trajectory that stretches out for several years.

Over the past two seasons, how has the Enstone / Viry relationship evolved?
BB: It’s steadily getting stronger and stronger. We have been together a long time and it’s a well-established relationship. It’s still developing and more and more work is being done in harmony across the sites. It isn’t just about installing the engine in the car, but basic techniques in terms of engineering, methodologies and managing the supply chain between both sites. Most importantly, we work a lot closer with Viry in terms of looking ahead and agreeing together what is important for future cars.

What are the targets for testing?
BB: Laps and mileage. We want a trouble-free winter test programme so we can validate the performance of the car and move forward. To do this we need a reliable car and that’s one of the key goals for the Renault R.S.18.

[MIKA27]

ABITEBOUL: WE HAVE EVERYTHING TO BE POSITIVE ABOUT

Renault Sport Racing managing director Cyril Abiteboul is upbeat about his team’s upward trajectory in Formula 1 and insists that their priority is their works team effort, but at the same time stresses the importance of the partnerships the engine supplier have with Red Bull and now McLaren.

Abiteboul ensures all aspects of his team are structured, resourced and working to their optimum to deliver on their performance potential. He also sets the commercial, marketing and communication targets to ensure Groupe Renault takes full advantage of its Formula 1 activities.

Abiteboul gave his views in a wide-ranging interview released by the team on the day of the Renault RS18 was unveiled to the world.

How would you evaluate the 2017 season for Renault Sport Formula One Team?
Cyril Abiteboul: Last year was successful in many ways. It was the second year in our rebuilding and a further step towards our long-term plans and aims. 2016 was all about recruiting, investing, bringing in new sponsors, new talents and building our brand. Over the past year I’ve seen progression in many areas: ninth to sixth in the standings – in many races we were often the fourth fastest team on the grid. This is a testament to our drive, commitment and adherence to a very ambitious plan. It was a quantified progression towards what we want to become and challenging the top teams.

We saw a lot of development away from the track too. What were the key updates?
CA: We have two facilities with distinct purposes and histories. In Enstone, it’s about modernising and going forward. Amongst several projects, we have acquired new machine tools, the composite department has moved forward a great deal, a paint shop area was created, CFD facilities came on line and we have built new working environments to accommodate our burgeoning workforce. We have recruited over 100 people in the past year, with some very respected names joining the ranks. More will join us over the coming months. The stability of Viry gives us a platform on which we can build and go forward. We have a streamlined team with effective practices and management that allow us to produce power units that are capable of challenging for wins. The best endorsement for the quality of the engine is that Red Bull Racing and McLaren have chosen Renault. I am also pleased to see that the two sides are working better and better together. The best example came in Abu Dhabi at the last race of the season; we knew we had a hard task to finish in sixth, but Viry and Enstone functioned as one, mobilised exceptionally well, and got the job done.

How do you rate the driver line-up for 2018?
CA: We have everything to be positive about this year. We have two very talented and ambitious drivers. Last year Nico gave us exactly what we needed with his experience, knowledge and ability to lead both on and off track. Carlos joined us at the end of the season and we thought long and hard about it. A driver change mid-season is difficult from a human side as well as a technical side, but I think it came at the right time and it was well executed. He brought something fresh at the end of the year, and he scored points to help us in the Constructors’ battle. Without that we wouldn’t have finished where we finished. They have become incredible team members who have built up strong relationships within Renault Sport Formula One Team. Their feedback has been invaluable in honing the Renault R.S.18 and their skill shines every time they exit the garage. They are as committed as we are to getting every last tenth out of the car.

What influenced the appointment of Jack Aitken as Third and Reserve Driver?
CA: Jack has been nurtured in the Renault Sport Academy so we’ve seen his development over the past couple of years. It is clear he’s a talented young driver and he is ready for this opportunity. He has a full season ahead of him with racing in Formula 2 and fulfilling his Formula 1 commitments. He has the perfect environment to reach his targets and we are keen on seeing him in action.

You have a burgeoning sponsor portfolio as well. Is this a sign of the growing strength of Renault Sport Formula One Team?
CA: Last year we had some big names joining us and we’re pleased to say that what they have experienced with us last season has convinced them to make long term commitments to our team and strengthen their involvement. BP Castrol, Infiniti, RCI Bank, MAPFRE, Microsoft, Estrella Galicia, EURODATACAR and Bell & Ross are all valued partners supporting us in this journey, and we are glad to see them all staying on with us; it shows the merit and credibility of our project and the ambitions we have. We are also glad to welcome new partners such as Tmall and le coq sportif to bring innovative marketing experience to our team. We hope to reward our partners well. There’s a lot of promise for the years ahead.

The Renault Sport power unit will be seen in action with two other teams: McLaren and Red Bull Racing. How important is engine supply to Renault?
CA: Our strategy in Formula 1 is very clear. We are in Formula 1 as a full works team. The marketing value is associated to the works team and that’s clear. However, power unit technology is at the heart of what we do and what we offer. Renault has an amazing track record of supplying engines to the best teams and best drivers, securing many successful results with Formula 1 teams, from Williams to Red Bull. It’s natural to continue that history and stay true to that legacy. It’s an honour to supply to teams as big as Red Bull and McLaren and is a recognition of the quality of our product and work that they have chosen Renault. Of course, they are very strong competitors and that’s an extra challenge and motivation. They will clearly be our benchmarks for performance this season.

What’s the plan, the target, the desire for 2018?
CA: Our headline target is to show continued progression through results. We want to be able to showcase our progression in every regard; power unit, chassis, operations, drivers. Everything must improve and we must continue to grow. We want to demonstrate this in many different ways, from the teams we will be directly racing against, to the gap to the leaders, including also our fan base and the respect that our team will inspire in our way we behave on and off track.

How important is the return of the French Grand Prix?
CA: The French Grand Prix is the cherry on the cake of our programme. We are a global brand with a strong French heritage. We are registered as a French entrant to the championship. If one day we win, it will be the French national anthem we hear. We are not quite there yet, but the French Grand Prix will be an amazing moment for us. For the French Grand Prix, Renault is a partner and we’re working hard with the organisers and Formula 1 to create more opportunities for engagement with the fans. That connection with the fans will be strong and give extra energy to the team. We also have other special races over the course of the season: Silverstone is just down the road from Enstone, then there are Carlos’ and Nico’s home races too. No matter what the sentiment at any race, the goal is always the same: maximum performance.

[MIKA27]

ALFA ROMEO SAUBER REVEAL THEIR 2018 F1 CAR

The Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team has launched its new challenger, the C37, ahead of the 2018 Formula 1 championship.

The C37 looks different to last year’s C36 – on one hand, this is due to the new technical regulations, and on the other hand, because of the team’s new technical approach.

As the 2018 season is about to kick off, Frédéric Vasseur, Team Principal, says: “I am very much looking forward to the 2018 season, and to seeing Marcus (Ericsson) and Charles (Leclerc) on track. We have put lots of effort and hard work into the C37 over the last few months, and it is fantastic to be launching the new car today.”

“I am convinced that Marcus and Charles form the perfect driver line-up, with one being an experienced driver and one a promising rookie. Marcus is going into his fourth season with us. He is a valuable part of the team, and we benefit from his experience and precise technical feedback. As for Charles, he has proven his talent in prior categories and deserves to be on the Formula 1 grid this season.”

“Our target ahead of 2018 is clear: We have to catch up with the field and continue improving our performance during the course of the season. We have put lots of energy and commitment into the development of the C37. I want to thank our partners and fans for their continuous support. The return of Alfa Romeo to Formula 1 sets another milestone in the team’s history, and I am proud that such a historical brand has chosen us for their return to the sport. We are eager to start the 2018 season as the Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team,” Vasseur continues.

Alfa Romeo’s comeback restores one of the great names that have gone down in the history of motorsport’s premium championship, Formula 1, and marks the return of the “Quadrifoglio”, the legendary badge that has appeared on Alfa Romeo’s top performance cars since 1923, to the circuits.

Featured on the engine cover of the new C37, the famous good-luck charm has a fascinating history, deeply rooted in the racing world. The first Alfa Romeo car to carry the Quadrifoglio was the “RL” driven by Ugo Sivocci which won the 15th edition of the Targa Florio in 1923.

The same good-luck emblem also appeared on Brilli Peri’s “P2” when he triumphed in the first “Motor Racing World Championship” in Monza in 1925, gaining the first of Alfa Romeo’s five World Titles, and it was present again in 1950 and 1951, when Giuseppe “Nino” Farina and Juan Manuel Fangio drove the Alfa Romeo 158 and 159 cars, the famous “Alfettas”, to success in the first two Formula 1 World Championships.

Today, the legendary symbol returns to the highest level of motor racing to show the whole world the continuing strength and success of the Alfa Romeo philosophy, a constant search for excellence applied to racing, then transferred in its entirety to the brand’s production cars. The legend continues.

Jörg Zander, Technical Director, explains: “It is great to finally reveal the C37 today. The 2018 challenger is the result of the hard work that everyone in the factory has put in over the last few months. Speaking about the C37, the car philosophy is much different to that of the C36. The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has several new features in comparison to its predecessor.”

“We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to make improvements during the course of the season. The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of our performance. We hope that we will make progress with the C37 and that we are more competitive compared to 2017.”

[MIKA27]

SAUBER C37 HERALDS NEW ERA FOR THE TEAM

Sauber presented the first Formula 1 car of their new Alfa Romeo partnership on Tuesday, with a flurry of preceding sponsor announcements pointing also to a sounder future after a dismal 2017 season and heralding a new era for the team.

The Swiss-based outfit finished that campaign last overall, with Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson failing to score any points, after using a 2016 Ferrari engine rather than the latest specification.

Ericsson’s previous Mercedes-backed team mate Pascal Wehrlein has since departed, back to the German Touring Car (DTM) series, with Ferrari protege and Formula Two champion Charles Leclerc taking his place.

The Monegasque is seen as a future Ferrari prospect and his arrival, along with the steadying hand of team principal Frederic Vasseur who was appointed in July, has revived confidence.

The new C37 car, with prominent Alfa branding on a red and white livery replacing the previous blue and white, was presented on the team’s website (www.sauberf1team.com) and across social media.

“The aerodynamic concept has changed significantly, and the C37 has several new features in comparison to its predecessor,” said technical director Joerg Zander.

“We are positive that the new concept offers us more opportunities and will help us to make improvements during the course of the season. The 2018 Ferrari engine will also give us a boost in terms of our performance.”

Vasseur said the target for the season starting in Australia on March 25 was clear: ”We have to catch up with the field and continue improving our performance during the course of the season.

“The return of Alfa Romeo to Formula One sets another milestone in the team’s history, and I am proud that such a historical brand has chosen us for their return to the sport.”

Alfa Romeo, a brand in the Fiat Chrysler (FCA) stable which is also run by Ferrari president Sergio Marchionne, have a long history in the sport dating back to the pre-war years and the birth of the world championship in 1950.

The first two world championships in 1950 and 1951 were won by Italian Giuseppe ‘Nino’ Farina and Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in Alfa cars, but the Italian marque has been absent for more than 30 years.

Vasseur, who was previously at Renault, said Ericsson would provide experience and accurate technical feedback while Monegasque newcomer Leclerc had shown his talent during a dominant F2 campaign.

[MIKA27]

MCLAREN AGREE LONG-TERM DEAL WITH PETROBRAS

Former Formula 1 world champions McLaren have agreed a long-term partnership with Brazilian state oil company Petrobras, the Woking based outfit announced on Tuesday, ironically in a year where no Brazilian drivers is on the grid for the first time since the early seventies.

Petrobras most recently sponsored the Williams team, leaving at the end of 2016. McLaren were the team that provided the late Brazilian Ayrton Senna with his three world championships in 1988, 1990 and 1991.

Brazilian double world champion Emerson Fittipaldi also won the 1974 title with McLaren, who used fuels and lubricants supplied by BP and its Castrol brand last year.

McLaren are starting a new partnership with Renault this season after three difficult years with Honda, with whom they had been successful during the Senna era.

The team currently have Spaniard Fernando Alonso, a double world champion, and Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne as their line-up.

There are no Brazilian drivers currently in Formula One following the retirement of Felipe Massa at the end of 2017.

McLaren are the second-most successful team in Formula One history but have not won the constructors’ title since 1998. They last won a race in 2012.

[skalls]

I dig the renault livery.  The alfa/sauber just didn't do it for me.  

Still really curious what the rest looks like and how they do on the track.

[Martin_F]

Most people aren't too impressed by the Sauber livery. I actually like it pretty good. But I've also loved the recent Williams livery, which is really similar.

I wish Renault would have kept more yellow in there.

Red Bull made a splash yesterday, but before it's over with, they will be back to their standard colors. Now with the Aston Martin logo on the rear wing...

[LordAnubis]

Am I the only one who likes the look of the halo? I think they all look quite nicely integrated into the cars. I wonder if they’ll use the halos to lift the cars up off the track.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Colt45]

8 minutes ago, LordAnubis said:

Am I the only one who likes the look of the halo?

I think Indycar's aeroscreen is a simpler, more "elegant" solution.

[MIKA27]

57 minutes ago, LordAnubis said:

Am I the only one who likes the look of the halo? I think they all look quite nicely integrated into the cars. I wonder if they’ll use the halos to lift the cars up off the track.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm not a fan of the Halo but agree that the teams have been integrating them quite nicely with their liveries.

Considering now F1 have Halos and Indycar have aeroscreens, why not completely close F1 cockpits?

[MIKA27]

1 hour ago, Martin_F said:

Most people aren't too impressed by the Sauber livery. I actually like it pretty good. But I've also loved the recent Williams livery, which is really similar.

I wish Renault would have kept more yellow in there.

Red Bull made a splash yesterday, but before it's over with, they will be back to their standard colors. Now with the Aston Martin logo on the rear wing...

I like the Sauber livery BUT wish it had a little bit more red/crimson toward the front nose. Otherwise, its actually pretty good change.

[MIKA27]

Aitken promoted to Renault F1 reserve role

Renault has appointed Jack Aitken to the role of third and reserve driver for the 2018 Formula 1 campaign.
Aitken, a member of the Renault Sport Academy, completed his second year in GP3 last season, finishing second overall behind ART Grand Prix teammate and Mercedes protege George Russell.

The pair will also race together in ART's F2 outfit in 2018.

By graduating to F2 for 2018, Aitken, who drove a 2012 Lotus-built Renault F1 car last September as a reward for his 2017 GP3 campaign, is the highest-placed RSA member.

"Jack has been nurtured in the Renault Sport Academy so we've seen his development over the past couple of years," said Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul.

"It is clear he's a talented young driver and he is ready for this opportunity. He has a full season ahead of him with racing in Formula 2 and fulfilling his Formula 1 commitments.

"He has the perfect environment to reach his targets and we are keen on seeing him in action."

Last year's F2 runner-up Artem Markelov, who continues in the series this year racing for Russian Time, has been named Renault F1 test and development driver.

The Russian will combine his fifth campaign at F2/GP2 level with simulator duties in Renault's Enstone factory.

[MIKA27]

F1 2018 could be battle of the bargeboards, says Lowe

Williams technical chief Paddy Lowe reckons the bargeboard area of Formula 1 cars will offer the biggest area of opportunity for teams to make car gains in 2018.
As teams begin revealing their 2018 designs, the increased complexity of the and sidepod area of cars has stood out, with very aggressive concepts ahead of the new season.

For Lowe, whose FW41 design was revealed in computer images last week, the potential for downforce gains in this area of the car is immense, especially as other areas where performance was coming from have become increasingly limited.

"As we know in the 2017 regulations, there was new volume and new freedom in the bargeboard area," he said.

"We saw through 2017 an explosion of new devices in that space, and that process has continued yet further.

"When you see our car close up, you will see that we have developed the car in that area even more.

"I will be expecting to see the same on our competition – because it is the biggest area of opportunity still not fully exploited with these regulations that came in last year."

The importance of downforce-generating devices in front of the sidepods is being further ramped up this year, because aero benefits of the T-wing, and potential for exhaust blowing of the monkey seat, have now gone.

"Last year the we had controversy of the T-wings and engine fins and everybody being unhappy with how ugly they were, so they came and went," added Lowe.

"The result is what you see, that is on the limit of the current regulations for 2018. It is a fin, but sort of cut back.

"The T-wing is illegal, you can't fit that, but we still have the gearbox wing. We were the first to fit that last year on our car, so it's like a lower T-wing.

"We will carry on with that and I imagine many of the other cars will feature such a wing in this space.

"In a similar area, we've lost what is called the monkey seat wing, the little wing that sat behind the tail pipe. That was made illegal interestingly because there was a degree of exhaust blowing.

"You remember the era of exhaust blowing we had in 2011 to 2013. That was an exciting period I felt but was supposedly put behind us.

"Interestingly it did emerge in 2017 as a new much lower powered capability, so the monkey seat wing has been banned in order to reduce that effect once again." 

 

[avaldes]

17 hours ago, LordAnubis said:

Am I the only one who likes the look of the halo?
 

Yes....yes you are.

I hate the things. Absolute abomination on formula one car. Total afterthought and knee jerk reaction.

[BrightonCorgi]

1 hour ago, avaldes said:

Yes....yes you are.

I hate the things. Absolute abomination on formula one car. Total afterthought and knee jerk reaction.

They're more comfy for the grid kids to sit on.

[MIKA27]

SAUBER FIRST OF FERRARI POWERED TEAMS TO HIT THE TRACK

On Wednesday Sauber became the first of the three Ferrari powered teams to get their 2018 car out on track as the team assembled for the promotional filming day at Circuit de Catalunya, venue for the preseason tests that begin on Monday in Barcelona.

The Swiss team have forged a closer association with engine supplier Ferrari and as a result, have secured Alfa Romeo title sponsorship for their team. Part of the deal ensures that Ferrari protege Charles Leclerq partners Marcus Ericsson in the team hs season.

The team released a short clip on Twitter showing Marcus Ericsson leaving the pit lane in the new C37 while teammate Leclerq films the action with his smartphone.

During the course of the day the team also released a photo of both drivers and the Sauber crew in the Barcelona circuit in the pit lane in front of their garage.

[MIKA27]

TORO ROSSO STR13 IMAGE ‘LEAKED’ BY THE TEAM

Toro Rosso have revealed the first image of the Honda-powered STR13 which the team will campaign in the 2018 Formula 1 world championship with testing set to get underway in Barcelona on Monday.

The team are set to formally unveil their new car on the first day of testing starting on Monday but gave F1 fans a sneak preview of their 2018 challenger making it’s track debut at a wet Misano circuit with Brendon Hartley in the cockpit.

Shortly after the images of the car were leaked online, Toro Rosso ‘leaked’ the first official photo of the Honda-powered STR13 on Twitter on Wednesday.

The car, sporting a similar livery to last year, was fitted with the mandatory halo, which in this instance had a winglet attached to the top of the safety device. Sauber’s new car featured a similar winglet.

Hartley and Pierre Gasly will race for the team, in what is also the start of the new era for the Red Bull-owned outfit.

[OZCUBAN]

On 21/02/2018 at 9:10 AM, LordAnubis said:

Am I the only one who likes the look of the halo? I think they all look quite nicely integrated into the cars. I wonder if they’ll use the halos to lift the cars up off the track.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

At least that’s a practical use for them ?

[BrightonCorgi]

I am excited for Sauber.  Great sponsor and and assured future ahead of them.  Williams and Force India will have their match.  

[MIKA27]

1 hour ago, BrightonCorgi said:

I am excited for Sauber.  Great sponsor and and assured future ahead of them.  Williams and Force India will have their match.  

I think Force India are brilliant operators for their budget and I love that team for the way they perform each season.

Still a Force to be reckoned with IMO

[MIKA27]

Fernando Alonso unveils 2018 Formula 1 helmet design

McLaren driver Fernando Alonso has revealed his helmet design for the 2018 Formula 1 season.

The Spaniard has retained a similar colour scheme as his traditional helmet – which features the turquoise of the Asturias region and the red and yellow of the national Spanish flag – but with a new layout primarily featuring shades of blue.

The helmet includes Kimoa branding, which is a clothing and accessory company co-founded by the two-time F1 champion, plus Petrobras sponsorship, which was confirmed as a new McLaren supplier on Tuesday.

[MIKA27]

Force India [or whatever it will be called soon]

Nothing is impossible, but some things seem pretty unlikely, at least on the face of it. It is reported, clearly based on a leak, that a small British energy drink company called Rich Energy is in talks with Force India to buy the team from Vijay Mallya and his partners for a supposed $280 million.

It all sounds highly unlikely. But it all depends on a consortium which is said to be behind the bid, and where the money will be coming from. It may also be largely fictitious and designed to get someone else to pay a higher price for the team, because it doesn’t make a lot of sense to put these things into the public domain before a deal is done. However for a start-up drinks company with very little money showing in its published accounts, it is useful publicity.

According to the reports former soccer player Rob Lee is a shareholder. This is not reflected in Companies House records but does not need to be declared if one owns less than 25 percent of the shares. The person who controls the company is William Storey, a computer consultant who has dabbled in sports marketing with boxer Frank Buglioni.

Generally-speaking in successful F1 deals, the source of the money is relatively easy to trace and in cases where it is not easy to see where the finance is coming from, the deals don’t often come to fruition. If there is a wildly wealthy group behind the idea then all well and good, but none of Storey’s shareholdings suggest such an entity, at least not in the UK.

Force India is fairly precarious at the moment with Vijay Mallya still facing extradition to India and work going on all the time in India to deconstruct his empire to pay the money he owes. The next hearing is in mid-March. His partner Subrata Roy is having similar trouble in India with the authorities trying to recoup money he owes by selling parts of his Sahara empire.

[MIKA27]

Sauber wheelbase tweak hints at Ferrari change

Sauber has confirmed it has lengthened the wheelbase of its 2018 Formula 1 car, in a move that offers clues as to what partner team Ferrari may have done with its new challenger.
The Hinwil-based outfit revealed its aggressive new C37 on Tuesday, featuring Alfa Romeo branding on the back of a closer collaboration with Ferrari.

The new car has adopted a different aero and mechanical concept, including following the lead set by Mercedes and Toro Rosso last year of having high front wishbones to help clear up airflow underneath the chassis.

Intriguingly, the car's wheelbase has been lengthened for aerodynamic reasons, with increasing suggestions that Ferrari has also elected to go longer with its car compared to last year.

Sauber technical director Jorg Zander said: "The C37 is an all new race machine. It is based on a much more innovative and radical aerodynamic concept. You will note that the nose and front wing concept has changed.

"The wheelbase has been changed which means the front axle is moved further forwards. This is in order to provide more space for turning elements in order to enhance aerodynamic performance.

"We also changed the wishbone height to a larger height in order to enhance aerodynamic performance and as well we changed the inboard suspension elements to a much more compact and lighter design. Further back to the car you will see the bodywork is much more slender.

"The packaging around the new cooling system is very tight. The design office has put a lot of effort into this.

"At the back of the car we have the new 2018 Ferrari engine which will power us of course to very good positions. We also have the gearbox of the Ferrari together with the Ferrari rear suspension – which meant we had to move the rear suspension by 40mm further backwards."

Zander hopes that the C37 platform is one that delivers a stable car for drivers Marcus Ericsson and Charles Leclerc.

Major updates on the car, which had its shakedown on Wednesday at Barcelona, are also set for the early phases of the season.

"There is a development plan in place for 2018 and we are going to introduce major upgrades on the aerodynamic package," added Zander.

"There will be new floors and a new front wing, and perhaps also new bodywork elements being introduced.

"We split those in the beginning or first half of the season to some particular races. Later, in the second part of the season there will be some key upgrades presented."

[MIKA27]

Kubica was 'almost convinced' he'd take part in F1 Australian GP

Robert Kubica says he was "almost convinced" he would be on the Formula 1 grid at next month's season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

The Pole had pushed for a race seat at Williams alongside Lance Stroll but lost out to rookie Sergey Sirotkin after the two drove in last year's Abu Dhabi Pirelli tyre test.

Kubica decided to accept a role as reserve and development driver, which will involve driving in Barcelona pre-season testing, in-season tests and three first practice sessions in 2018.

He remains convinced a return to F1 in the future is possible but admitted he had at one point thought that would come as early as next month.

"The next seven, eight, nine months of the season can bring me closer to this [return]," Kubica told Polish newspaper Przegląd Sportowy.

"I don't really know how close I was at that moment, but now it's not important anymore.

"As a rule, I keep expectations low and I have a habit of believing in things only when they happen, but at some point I was almost convinced that I will be taking part in Australia."


Kubica will attend a large number of grands prix this season and admitted he is apprehensive about the prospect given he will not be one of the race drivers.

"I was thinking about it and to be honest, I don't think it will be a nice moment for me," he said.

"Going to races to see other drivers are racing will not be nice, but it's worth trying in order to come back.

"It may as well just be a part of the long journey I've completed so far and I'm glad I found myself at this point.

"I also think that there will be great moments when I'll feel satisfaction with this role, even though I won't compete and fight on track.

"I will do everything to have a chance again. I'm aiming to take back what life took away from me to some extent. I hope it wasn't taken away forever."

Kubica said his primary focus is to use his racing experience to help the team and the race drivers in every way he can but he can benefit from the opportunity.

"In a sense, I will also be a translator," he said. "Often engineers sit at the same table with drivers, but speak different language.

"They look at the same things in a different way. They don't understand what drivers' priorities are, and drivers don't quite understand engineers.

"It is because we know this sport from completely different sides.

"I have a great challenge ahead of me, I will gain access to new information and therefore I'll be able to become a better driver.

"Not so much faster, but a more complete person in motorsport."

[BrightonCorgi]

8 hours ago, MIKA27 said:

I think Force India are brilliant operators for their budget and I love that team for the way they perform each season.

Still a Force to be reckoned with IMO

Totally.  Force India is a very impressive operation.