FORMULA 1 - 2010

[OZCUBAN]

You can't get worse than HRt and Virgin racing my friend.

Yes, JV's last F1 win was in 1997, I doubt he'll be any more competative, BUT, why not give it a shot. F1 has evolved over the years, provided JV's team have backing, they could end up being big in future with JV stepping aside and managing the team and not driving for them.

Besides...You're a JV fan aren't you mate?

Who me

[MIKA27]

Who me

"Not that there's anything wrong with that!"

[MIKA27]

Pirelli set to begin F1 testing

Pirelli, who will supply F1 with their tyres for next year's Championship, will reportedly begin testing at Mugello next week.

According to reports in Spanish daily newspaper Diario AS, Pirelli will kick off a three-day test at the Italian circuit starting on Monday.

Pirelli will reportedly use a 2009 Toyota F1 chassis for the test while Mercedes GP test driver Nick Heidfeld will be behind the wheel.

Although it has not yet been confirmed, the test is expected to signal the end of Heidfeld's time with Mercedes GP.

Further Pirelli tests are expected to take place at Jerez and Monza.

[MIKA27]

Liuzzi: F1 would be tough for girls

Not to be sexist in any way, Force India driver Tonio Liuzzi reckons Formula One is just not for girls.

Last week, F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone again stated that he would like to see a female driver in Formula One, naming America's Danica Patrick as his ideal choice ,as she would a "perfect advert" for the sport.

However, Liuzzi believes the fairer sex would struggle to make the grade in F1.

"I think it would be quite tough for the girls," the Italian told ESPNF1.

"I think Danica could be big for publicity like she is in America but Formula One has a different objective and is a tougher challenge both physically and psychologically.

"To be at the top in Formula One is not as easy as people expect. I doubt it would work but Bernie has all these great ideas to showcase the business and he is the boss so you never know!"

As to whether a female would succeed in the sport, it has been almost two decades since one last attempted.

In 1992, Giovanni Amati tried her hand at F1 but failed to qualify in any of her three attempts.

MIKA: I partly agree with Tonio but in saying that, I think his rule of thumb applies to Danika only. I believe there are women out there who could succeed in Formula 1 but I don't think she would cut the F1 mustard IMO.

Someone like Sabine Schmitz "Queen of the Nürburgring" would have made it well IMO, she had talent as well as speed. I think DP is a novelty, not an overall great driver.

[MIKA27]

Do You Remember This Moment...

Two drivers, one team, a moment that many believed defined both drivers' Formula One careers...

The drivers are David Coulthard and Mika Hakkinen. The race is the 1998 Australian GP in Melbourne.

Racing for the dominant McLaren team, Coulthard and Hakkinen made a gentlemen's agreement that whoever was leading into the first corner would be the winner. That driver was Hakkinen.

However, the Finn dropped behind Coulthard when he was allegedly called into the pits by an outsider who had broken into the McLaren radio communications, ordering Hakkinen to pit.

The bogus stop allowed Coulthard into the lead after which the team informed the drivers that "a mistake has occurred... it's up to you to decide."

That decision, though, had already been made ahead of the race and Coulthard, ever the gentleman, moved aside, allowing Hakkinen to take the victory.

It defined both drivers' careers because Hakkinen went to win that year's World title, following it up with a second crown in 1999. And Coulthard was forever a number two.

MIKA: Ahhh.... memories. I loved the Mika and DC era of Formula 1. Mika is a legend and having both DC and MH at McLaren was an amazing team to watch.

[MIKA27]

Richards: New teams have damaged the sport

David Richards, the boss of Prodrive, has condemned the new teams for ruining the chances of any new entrant raising the funds to enter the sport.

He himself successfully secured a slot on the grid in 2008, however a challenge by the Williams team and the use of customer chassis's led to him pulling out.

He later applied for the current 2010 season but was beaten of by Lotus, Virgin, Hispania and the failed USF1 outfit. It's thought his plans to use Mercedes engines instead of Cosworth was the deciding factor in the FIA's selection process, despite having secured £40+ million in backing.

In an interview with MotorSport magazine, the 58-year-old says raising such funds is nigh on impossible thanks to the performance of the three newcomers.

"What [the new teams] have done is disillusion anyone of the idea that you could at all be competitive and it has also prejudiced raising funds," he said.

"The performance of the new teams has harmed that ability, everyone had a dream, and I am sure Richard Branson had a dream a year ago, that starting a new team would somehow challenge the establishment well, we never believed that."

Up until now, few people have questioned the pace of the new teams. Luca di Montezemolo and Bernie Ecclestone being the only major sporting figures to do so.

Richards though has added his voice. He believes the close title battle has drawn attention away from the back-markers poor pace.

"Had [the close title battle] not been the case, we might have by mid-year started to see the recriminations and people starting to question what is going on at the back of the grid."

[MIKA27]

Renault to upgrade F1 wind tunnel

Enstone based Renault is set to increase the scale size of its formula one wind tunnel.

The team's wind tunnel and rolling road currently operates with 50 per cent scale models, but the regulations allow for up to 60 per cent testing.

"We will get our wind tunnel at the 60 per cent level during the off season," team boss Eric Boullier told Auto Plus.

Renault is currently fifth in the 2010 constructors' world championship.

[OZCUBAN]

MIKA: Ahhh.... memories. I loved the Mika and DC era of Formula 1. Mika is a legend and having both DC and MH at McLaren was an amazing team to watch.

well said Mika,its good to see that some people HONOUR their agreements when it would be so easy not to ,it speaks volumes of their integrity

OZ

[OZCUBAN]

Richards: New teams have damaged the sport

David Richards, the boss of Prodrive, has condemned the new teams for ruining the chances of any new entrant raising the funds to enter the sport.

He himself successfully secured a slot on the grid in 2008, however a challenge by the Williams team and the use of customer chassis's led to him pulling out.

He later applied for the current 2010 season but was beaten of by Lotus, Virgin, Hispania and the failed USF1 outfit. It's thought his plans to use Mercedes engines instead of Cosworth was the deciding factor in the FIA's selection process, despite having secured £40+ million in backing.

In an interview with MotorSport magazine, the 58-year-old says raising such funds is nigh on impossible thanks to the performance of the three newcomers.

"What [the new teams] have done is disillusion anyone of the idea that you could at all be competitive and it has also prejudiced raising funds," he said.

"The performance of the new teams has harmed that ability, everyone had a dream, and I am sure Richard Branson had a dream a year ago, that starting a new team would somehow challenge the establishment well, we never believed that."

Up until now, few people have questioned the pace of the new teams. Luca di Montezemolo and Bernie Ecclestone being the only major sporting figures to do so.

Richards though has added his voice. He believes the close title battle has drawn attention away from the back-markers poor pace.

"Had [the close title battle] not been the case, we might have by mid-year started to see the recriminations and people starting to question what is going on at the back of the grid."

OZ DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THIS ISSUE

[MIKA27]

Rosberg completes his first Triathlon

Nico Rosberg was a rather tired but happy athlete after competing his first triathlon in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

The Mercedes GP driver took part in the triathlon, which included a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride and finally a 10km run, taking 2hrs 07m 23s to complete the event.

And according to Bild, it was an impressive time as he finished 44th overall and 13th in his Under 29 class.

"I'm really happy with my first time although in the crowd at the start I was pushed under water," said the German F1 driver. "And I totally suffered at the end during the run."

But, he added: "Triathlon is my new passion."

MIKA: Is that a picture of Nico's "Good side!?"

[MIKA27]

Berger: Bulls are in a class of their own

Gerhard Berger believes Red Bull are the favourites to win this year's World title despite losing points due to their own mistakes.

Red Bull have been by far the faster team this season, securing 11 pole positions in the 12 races that have taken place.

But the team has failed to match that level of competitiveness during grands prix, bagging just six victories - although still the most of any of the teams.

Let down by reliability issues, team-mate crashes and the occasional mistake, Red Bull moved back into the lead of both Championships with Mark Webber's victory in Hungary.

However, the Aussie holds only a four-point lead over Lewis Hamilton while Red Bull are just eight points in front of McLaren.

Berger, though, believes Red Bull can afford to make a few mistakes, such is the competitiveness of their RB6.

"The car is that good. They can make mistakes and still be ahead. Actually, they should be leading the World Championship much more clearly," the former F1 driver told Auto, Moto und Sport.

"There are still many hidden mistakes.

"The fact that Red Bull, with all their giving away of points, still is ahead in the Championship standings, clearly shows: This car is in a class of its own."

One of Red Bull's biggest mistakes was perhaps in Turkey when Webber and his team-mate Sebastian Vettel crashed into each other while battling for the lead.

The decision to allow their drivers to race was criticised by some in the immediate aftermath. Berger believes it was the right call.

"If I was the team boss of Red Bull I wouldn't do any differently because it suits the brand."

But, having said that, he also understands why Ferrari are willing to exclusively back Fernando Alonso as they demonstrated by their use of team orders in Germany.

"Let's not kid ourselves. Alonso is clearly the better man at the team. They can win the World title but only with Alonso."

As for McLaren, Berger reckons they have the "best starting position. Button is not a troublemaker. He is happy with his World title. McLaren have two drivers who they do not have to pay much attention to, to keep under control."

[MIKA27]

Schumacher: We'll fight for the title in 2011

Michael Schumacher is confident he, and the Mercedes team will be competitive next season.

The seven-time world champion made his comeback at the start of the 2010 season, with many F1 pundits predicting he'd be fighting for the title or at worst, beating his team-mate.

However, he has managed neither. Fellow German driver and team-mate, Nico Rosberg, has accrued 94 points to Schumacher's 38, a massive 56 point gap, whilst Mercedes remain fourth in the constructors' hunt, 180 points behind Red Bull.

Schumacher though is confident the problems experienced this season won't transfer through to the next.

"The fact is that I feel comfortable in the situation and I believe that we are moving in the right direction to ensure that next year we will be real contenders," he said at a sponsor event for DVAG.

"The team is now working harder than ever so we will be able to fight for the championship in 2011."

[MIKA27]

Bahrain to revert to old track layout for 2011

The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix will revert back to the original track layout used between 2004 and 2009, the organisers have revealed.

It was changed to include a slower section in 2010, called the 'endurance track' but was criticised by drivers and fans as boring.

Therefore the length will decrease from 6.299km to 5.412km.

Shaikh Salman Bin Isa Al Khalifa, acting Chief Executive Officer of the Bahrain International Circuit, said about the step backwards: "As the inaugural round of the F1 World Championship’s 60th anniversary season, it was important for us to celebrate this momentous occasion by doing something very unique and different.

"One of the major tasks we undertook to mark this milestone was implementing changes to our FIA approved track layout, giving the participating teams of the 2010 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix a completely new challenge.

"It was an enormous task given the time frame we had to implement it, but one that demonstrated Bahrain’s characteristics as a race promoter prepared to continually make changes designed to heighten the awareness and increase the levels of presentation associated with the sport of Formula One.

"Both the Grand Prix and the 60th Anniversary celebrations, with 18 of the surviving 20 Formula One World Champions along with the cars that took them to their titles, will be remembered for a long time as a result."

[MIKA27]

Windsor: I'd try again with the right people

Peter Windsor, one half of the founding members behind the failed USF1 outfit, says he's come out the other side of the saga a better man, a man who'd try again if he found the correct group of people.

The Englishman joined forces with Ken Anderson to bring an all American team to the Formula One grid in 2010. The bid was successful and they were set to join Lotus, Virgin and Hispania on the grid in Bahrain.

However, after stringing along several drivers and sponsors, including the founder of YouTube, the team folded without ever putting a wheel on the track.

Windsor though, says he was oblivious to the fact it wasn't ever going to succeed, despite the fans and the media questioning the entry.

"There was never a moment I didn't think it was going to happen until it didn't happen," he told GPWeek.

"You learn in life constantly to push and to fight. Within your control, you'll always do all you can to make it happen. Most of the people I know in motor racing are like that – they never give up until it's over."

The 58-year-old believes he's now a stronger person having learnt a lot of lessons from the failure.

"Obviously I was very, very sad. Equally, I've learned a lot – and, hopefully, I'm a better person for it."

When asked whether he would attempt to launch another F1 team, Windsor replied: "If it was the right package – by which I mean the right group of people and the right situation – yes, certainly."

[MIKA27]

Schumacher blames car for comeback struggle

Michael Schumacher insists that his struggle to get up to speed in his formula one comeback season is due to Mercedes' 2010 car.

The seven time world champion is just ninth in the drivers' championship after 12 races, 56 points behind his teammate Nico Rosberg and yet to stand on the podium.

"Looking at the points table then of course we cannot be satisfied," German Schumacher, 41, told his sponsor DVAG in an interview.

"But there are reasons why the deficit is so great," he explained.

Brackley based Mercedes GP was purchased by the German marque from 2009 drivers' and constructors' champions Brawn, and according to Schumacher it is for this reason that the W01 is not performing well.

Jenson Button said recently that the car, with a tendency to understeer rather than provide Schumacher with the 'pointy' front that he desires, was designed for him before he decided to switch to McLaren.

Schumacher confirmed: "This is the car that was put into our hands.

"It is a remnant of what was created last year," he explained. "As a result there are many compromises that the driver has to deal with.

"The car is not at all in harmony with the tyres, or also with us as the drivers," said the record winner of 91 grands prix.

Mercedes has now effectively turned its development attention to the 2011 car.

"We have to ensure that the (new) car blends correctly with the drivers, and we are on the right track to be competitive in 2011," Schumacher continued.

"We are working harder than ever so that we can go for the titles."

[OZCUBAN]

Berger: Bulls are in a class of their own

Gerhard Berger believes Red Bull are the favourites to win this year's World title despite losing points due to their own mistakes.

Red Bull have been by far the faster team this season, securing 11 pole positions in the 12 races that have taken place.

But the team has failed to match that level of competitiveness during grands prix, bagging just six victories - although still the most of any of the teams.

Let down by reliability issues, team-mate crashes and the occasional mistake, Red Bull moved back into the lead of both Championships with Mark Webber's victory in Hungary.

However, the Aussie holds only a four-point lead over Lewis Hamilton while Red Bull are just eight points in front of McLaren.

Berger, though, believes Red Bull can afford to make a few mistakes, such is the competitiveness of their RB6.

"The car is that good. They can make mistakes and still be ahead. Actually, they should be leading the World Championship much more clearly," the former F1 driver told Auto, Moto und Sport.

"There are still many hidden mistakes.

"The fact that Red Bull, with all their giving away of points, still is ahead in the Championship standings, clearly shows: This car is in a class of its own."

One of Red Bull's biggest mistakes was perhaps in Turkey when Webber and his team-mate Sebastian Vettel crashed into each other while battling for the lead.

The decision to allow their drivers to race was criticised by some in the immediate aftermath. Berger believes it was the right call.

"If I was the team boss of Red Bull I wouldn't do any differently because it suits the brand."

But, having said that, he also understands why Ferrari are willing to exclusively back Fernando Alonso as they demonstrated by their use of team orders in Germany.

"Let's not kid ourselves. Alonso is clearly the better man at the team. They can win the World title but only with Alonso."

As for McLaren, Berger reckons they have the "best starting position. Button is not a troublemaker. He is happy with his World title. McLaren have two drivers who they do not have to pay much attention to, to keep under control."

Well said Gerhard

My money is also on Red Bull

Only one more thing to say GO MARK

[OZCUBAN]

MIKA: Is that a picture of Nico's "Good side!?"

It has to be with those ears

[OZCUBAN]

Schumacher: We'll fight for the title in 2011

Michael Schumacher is confident he, and the Mercedes team will be competitive next season.

The seven-time world champion made his comeback at the start of the 2010 season, with many F1 pundits predicting he'd be fighting for the title or at worst, beating his team-mate.

However, he has managed neither. Fellow German driver and team-mate, Nico Rosberg, has accrued 94 points to Schumacher's 38, a massive 56 point gap, whilst Mercedes remain fourth in the constructors' hunt, 180 points behind Red Bull.

Schumacher though is confident the problems experienced this season won't transfer through to the next.

"The fact is that I feel comfortable in the situation and I believe that we are moving in the right direction to ensure that next year we will be real contenders," he said at a sponsor event for DVAG.

"The team is now working harder than ever so we will be able to fight for the championship in 2011."

All track owners the FIA take note this is what we want FAST exciting tracks end of story ,the best example is next week in Spa-Francorchamps brilliant track

cheers OZ

[MIKA27]

All track owners the FIA take note this is what we want FAST exciting tracks end of story ,the best example is next week in Spa-Francorchamps brilliant track

cheers OZ

I concur with you there Steve. BRILLIANT track my friend.

[MIKA27]

Horner: Spa will be tough

Red Bull boss Christian Horner admits his team may struggle at the upcoming races at Spa and Monza, with their car not suiting the faster tracks.

The Milton Keynes-based team have dominated proceedings at most circuits thus far, especially on the tight tracks at which high levels of downforce are required.

However, both Spa-Francorchamps and Monza feature more long straights with engine power crucial, an area in which the Renault-powered Red Bulls may not have the edge on their competitors.

Current Championship leader Mark Webber has already conceded that his team "don't have the most powerful engine", and speaking to Auto Motor und Sport, Horner has outlined the areas in which the team need to focus on if they are to do well at Spa.

"In the windy sector two we must make up time," explained the Briton.

"On the hill down to Eau Rouge and the long straight to the finish we will lose time again."

According to the German magazine it is Ferrari who will perform the best at Spa, with their car well-suited to the Belgian track.

[MIKA27]

Mercedes release Heidfeld

Nick Heidfeld has been released from his contract as Mercedes GP's test and reserve driver.

It was confirmed on Monday that Heidfeld would be the man to get Pirelli's tyre testing underway at Mugello on Tuesday, and thereafter reports began servicing that the move would mark the end to Heidfeld's association with Merc GP.

As expected, Ross Brawn on Tuesday announced that the German had been released from his contract in order to take up the role of Pirelli's official tester.

"We can confirm that the team is pleased to allow Nick Heidfeld the opportunity to join Pirelli and contribute to their development work for the company's imminent return to Formula One," Brawn said in a statement.

"Nick is an extremely experienced driver and we are confident that his racing knowledge and technical feedback will prove extremely useful to Pirelli and therefore of benefit to the sport as a whole.

"Nick has been a real asset to Mercedes GP Petronas since joining our team this year and we are pleased to see his career progressing."

For his part Heidfeld thanked the team for the opportunity, despite never having actually got into the 2010 model, and expressed his appreciation for being able to take up the new chance he had been presented with.

"First of all I would like to thank Ross Brawn, Norbert Haug and Nick Fry for allowing me the opportunity to become Pirelli's official test driver," said Heidfeld.

"The team has always said that they would not stand in my way if such a chance arose and they have kindly allowed me to take up this exciting new role.

"I would like to thank everyone at Mercedes GP Petronas for the great cooperation that we have had this year. I have greatly enjoyed supporting the team in my position as Reserve Driver and have felt welcome right from the outset.

"It was impressive to have the opportunity to work with the current World Champions and I wish the team all the best for the remainder of the season and beyond," he added.

MIKA: I'm glad to see Heidfeld moving on to get a drive somewhere, even if it is testing new rubber. This could be good for Mercedes as they may have Heidfeld directing Pirelli to better suit their team?

NH is a very good and consistant driver, I hope to see him on the grid soon in another team after testing rubber etc.

[MIKA27]

Pirelli testing gets underway

Pirelli have got their maiden F1 development test underway on the same day that Nick Heidfeld was confirmed as their full-time tester.

The Italian tyre giants have been out of the sport for 20 years, but will return in 2011 as sole suppliers to F1, having signed a three-year deal with the FIA.

Testing will get underway at Mugello on Tuesday, with veteran driver Nick Heidfeld leading proceedings. The German was granted a release from his contract as Mercedes GP reserve and test driver in order to take up the position with Pirelli, and the company is delighted to have him on board.

"We're delighted to welcome Nick into the Pirelli family, and we're confident that he'll do a great job for us," Pirelli's motorsport director Paul Hembery enthused.

"The role of test driver is a crucial one, so we were looking for a driver who had plenty of recent Formula One experience, the speed to push our new tyres as hard as possible, and the consistency to provide reliable simulations, as well as the analytical skills to relay information accurately to our engineers. Nick fits the bill in every respect and we're very pleased to have secured his services and obviously thankful to Mercedes GP Petronas for agreeing to release Nick from his contract."

With 169 races under his belt, Heidfeld is confident that he'll be able to deliver useful data during his testing stints.

"Through the experience I have built up over the years, I'm confident that I will be able to provide Pirelli with some important feedback regarding the development of next year's tyres," he said.

"I've got a lot to give but I haven't been driving so much this year, so it is good to get started! Together, I'm sure that we can create a dynamic range of tyres that will make Formula One an even more exciting sport in the future."

Heidfeld will be behind the wheel of the Toyota TF109, the car the Japanese manufacturer used in 2009 - their last season in the sport - which provides a perfect model for the testing.

"We have a policy of complete impartiality, so we did not want to favour any existing team," explained Hembery.

"The Toyota was the perfect solution, as it is a contemporary racing machine with proven speed and reliability but without links to any of the manufacturers currently competing in Formula One. I'm confident that we have an extremely good package that will give us every opportunity to maximise the potential of our tyres prior to the start of next season," he added.

[MIKA27]

DO YOU REMEMBER THIS?

It was probably the most entertaining race of that season, although some argued that it should never have even started...

The two drivers in the picture are Juan Pablo Montoya (Williams) and Antonio Pizzonia (Jaguar). The race is the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit.

With the rain bucketing down at the start, the race began behind the Safety Car. However, as the race progressed the track began to dry out a bit, at least everywhere except Turn 3.

Drivers literally went shooting off the track at the soon-to-be-infamous corner, including the two drivers in the picture, defending Champ Michael Schumacher and Jenson Button.

And although originally scheduled for 71 laps, the Brazilian GP was cut short when Mark Webber crashed and Fernando Alonso, not paying attention to the yellow flags, slammed into the Aussie's debris on lap 55.

The race was red-flagged and Kimi Raikkonen was awarded the victory as he was leading after 53 laps. Giancarlo Fisichella, who believed he had won the grand prix as he was in front of the pack when the flags were waved, was declared runner-up with Alonso third.

However, several days later and after much debate on the subject, Fisichella was handed the victory as timing finally proved that he was on lap 56 when the red flags were waved, meaning by a countback of two laps, the Jordan driver, who was leading at the end of lap 54, was the winner.

[MIKA27]

Berger: Rosberg is an even match for Vettel

Gerhard Berger believes that Nico Rosberg is an even match for Sebastian Vettel, and if they were in the same team, he wouldn't know which German to put his money on.

"For me, Nico is on a par with Vettel," he told Auto und Motorsport. "He can win with the right car.

"Nico has shown this year that he makes very few mistakes and he usually places before Michael Schumacher. If Rosberg and Vettel were to sit in the same car, I would not know whom I should put my money."

The 50-year old then moved into Adrian Sutil, ranking him as the surprise of the season along with Rosberg, despite admitting he laughed at the Force India driver prior to 2010.

"Last year I was laughing at him," he said of Sutil. "I would have never believed that he had so much potential. He has tremendous speed, and he has reduced his errors dramatically. For me, he is with Rosberg the surprise of the season."

Berger then concluded that rookie German, Nico Hulkenberg, could be a match for team-mate Rubens Barrichello, if he starts making fewer mistakes.

"He's currently learning. He makes many more mistakes than Vettel and Rosberg at the start of their careers. [but] I think the mistakes that undermined Hülkenberg are normal for a first year.

"If everything fits, then he goes almost to the level of Barrichello. And that's a compliment.

"Barrichello is certainly the best man in the second league."

MIKA: Whats up with Gerhard of late? So many opinions etc?

[MIKA27]

Vettel underestimated Webber says Berger

Mark Webber was underestimated by Sebastian Vettel, that's the view of Gerhard Berger who's been a busy man of late, sharing his views on several topics within Formula One.

The Austrian, who has a close relationship with Vettel from his past ownership days at Toro Rosso, believes the young German's biggest problem is the unexpected resurgence of form from the Australian, which has come as a surprise to many.

"He is incredibly mature. It is true that he makes mistakes, but I still put him in the 'lack of experience' category," Berger told Auto und Motosport.

"His biggest problem is perhaps that he underestimated Webber. This is a problem he shares with many people who did not believe Webber could rise again," said Berger.

Despite the 23-year-old trailing his team-mate by two wins and ten points, the former Ferrari and McLaren driver is backing the 'stronger' Vettel.

"Mark is a very, very good man, but on balance I think Vettel is stronger."