FORMULA 1 - 2010

[MIKA27]

Feature: What to expect in Yeongam

The addition of a brand new circuit to the F1 calendar is always exciting prospect and this weekend’s inaugural Korean Grand Prix in Yeongam certainly has all the ingredients for an entertaining race. It’s an anti-clockwise circuit with a diverse mix of corners, long straights, and genuine overtaking opportunities. But what are the challenges faced by the team when getting to grips with a new circuit and how does the team prepare for the unknown?

“Our initial preparations began many months ago when the FIA provided all the teams with a detailed circuit map,” explains Chief Race Engineer Alan Permane. “From this we were able to create a digital representation of the track and then asked our drivers to add what they believe to be the correct racing line.”

With a virtual lap in place, the team has spent the last month running virtual simulations to get a head start on the set-up required for Yeongam. “The simulations allow us to assess the best aero levels, suspension settings, ride heights and even sensitivity to fuel load,” confirms Alan. “There are lots of unknowns, such as the grip level of the tarmac, surface bumps, or the camber of the road, but we still have a fairly good idea of the set-up we will need before we arrive at the track.”

So what have the simulations revealed so far? Well, the projected lap time is 1min 44 seconds and the cars will be on full throttle for 55% of the lap and on the brakes for 20%. The average speed will be 195 km/h, with a top speed of 315 km/h on the 1.15 km straight between turns two and three. As for the corners, turn eight is probably the quickest of the lap with an apex speed of 235 km/h, while turn three is the slowest corner, expected to be taken at just 65 km/h.

This level of preparation means that the engineering approach to Friday practice won’t need to change massively from the norm, although the drivers may run more laps in FP1 to learn the track. For the engineers, one of the main priorities will be determining the gear ratios, especially for second, third and fourth gears. Although the ratios for FP1 have already been selected, it will make for a busy lunch hour in the garage if changes are needed for FP2.

In terms of the aero set-up, it won’t be far off the settings used at Suzuka: “The downforce needed will be on the high side and we plan to run with the same wing package we used in Suzuka,” confirms Alan. “There are a couple of high-speed corners, such as turns seven and eight, which remind me of turns five and six at Sepang. They involve a quick change of direction and we expect turn seven will be flat, while turn eight will be almost flat. It will also be important to maximise the f-duct for the long straights because there are a couple of good overtaking opportunities into turns one and three.”

Another significant characteristic of the lap is the number of low-speed, technical corners, such as the sequence from turns four to six or turns 15 and 16 towards the end of the lap. Getting the right balance through these corners will be critical for a quick lap.

“For these corners you need a nimble car with a good turn-in and good traction,” says Alan. “It’s important the car works well in these sorts of corner because it’s where the most significant lap time gains can be found.”

[MIKA27]

SEASON 2010 F1 THREAD REACHES 100 PAGES!!

Well guys and gals, we have reached 100 pages this season, possibly FOHs' first thread to reach this pinnacle.

I'd like to personally thank all the readers and posters for your contributions, this is a sport I love and I know you do also and that is what keeps me posting.

Thank you to all, enjoy the rest of 2010 season and be assured this will continue for 2011 also.

Regards,

Michael.

[Baldy]

SEASON 2010 F1 THREAD REACHES 100 PAGES!!

Well guys and gals, we have reached 100 pages this season, possibly FOHs' first thread to reach this pinnacle.

I'd like to personally thank all the readers and posters for your contributions, this is a sport I love and I know you do also and that is what keeps me posting.

Thank you to all, enjoy the rest of 2010 season and be assured this will continue for 2011 also.

Regards,

Michael.

It's not the size bro, it's how you us it.

Agree with your comments regarding rookie drivers. Seems to me the trend is towards paid drivers, especially for the new teams who struggle to exist financially.

[MIKA27]

Liuzzi eyeing the finish line

Have failed to finish in Singapore and Japan and with just three points in last ten races, Tonio Liuzzi heads to Korea hopeful that his luck will change.

Liuzzi has struggled to come to grips with the VMJ03 this season, and has been thoroughly out raced by his team-mate Adrian Sutil at most races. While much of Liuzzi's woe has been self-inflicted, last time out in Japan he was a helpless bystander to the crash that ended his race.

"After two very short races in Singapore and in Japan I now can't wait to get out there in Korea to get a proper race," the Italian explained.

"There was nothing I could do about the outcome of my Japanese Grand Prix.

"I had had a really good start and I was already past five or six cars as I went into the first corner, but then suddenly I saw Massa coming across the circuit at me like a rocket. I was just a passenger and didn't stand a chance.

"The real shame is that at that point I was in a brilliant position for the race and we could have scored some very good points."

With the Korean International Circuit a largely unknown quantity, Liuzzi is unsure of what exactly to expect but reveals that his initial feelings are that it will be a good track.

"My first impression of the track is that it will be a pretty nice one to drive. It has a lot of different types of corners, from slow to high and it won't be easy to find a set up that will suit every type of corner you have there," he said.

"I think the first sector with the long, long straights and tight corner into another straight will really suit our car; the second sector not as much but we will see when we get there - so much will depend on the grip levels and the track surface."

Force India are currently involved in a battle with Williams for sixth spot on the Constructors' table, and any points Liuzzi can score will be of great importance to the cause.

[MIKA27]

Sutil concerned by Williams' rise

Adrian Sutil admits he is uncertain as to whether or not Force India can hold on to their sixth spot in the Constructors' standings.

Williams and Force India are involved in a tight tussle for the position, with Force India currently sitting on 60 points, with Williams only two points behind. Sutil believes that Williams are the best placed of the two teams to come out on top.

"I have to look back and Rubens [barrichello] is getting dangerous and the Williams is currently a lot better than our car," Sutil told Auto Motor und Sport.

"We've got to do better in qualifying this race and then of course finish - it was a disappointment not to get to the end as the car has been very reliable this year, but it just makes me more determined to get points this time out, both for myself and for the team," the German explained in his Korean GP preview.

Looking ahead to next season, the 27-year-old is unsure of what team he will be racing for.

"I have not decided yet. It's harder than I thought," admitted Sutil.

"You cannot just think about next year, one must also look further ahead.

"I want to improve myself, of course, but I also have no problem with Force India," he added.

MIKA: IMO, Adrian Sutil should stick with Force India. That team is getting better by the season and are just as good if not better than Williams. FI have played amongst 'The big boys' and often come on top of them. The Mercedes engine they have is reliable and their aero package combined make it a formidable team.

[OZCUBAN]

SEASON 2010 F1 THREAD REACHES 100 PAGES!!

Well guys and gals, we have reached 100 pages this season, possibly FOHs' first thread to reach this pinnacle.

I'd like to personally thank all the readers and posters for your contributions, this is a sport I love and I know you do also and that is what keeps me posting.

Thank you to all, enjoy the rest of 2010 season and be assured this will continue for 2011 also.

Regards,

Michael.

Well done Mika

Wow a 100 pages,that is a big achievement for a thread that is not even cigar related.

Love to read and post on this thread,it has been a good season so far ,and lets just hope Webber can get over the line

Like i have said in the past this is the "ONE STOP" formula info site

Heres to the next 100

Cheers OZ

P.S It's a shame there isn't a prize for best thread of the year on this forum you'd win hands down

[MIKA27]

Massa wants to have his say

Felipe Massa is confident that he can play a role in ensuring Fernando Alonso claims the 2010 World Championship crown.

The Brazilian has struggled to match his team-mate this season and is no longer in contention to win the title. However, Massa believes that he still has a lot of work to do, with Ferrari in contention in both the Drivers' and Constructors' race.

The 29-year-old is hoping that after a period of rest he will be able to contribute not only to his own cause but also to that of the team.

"I was at home in Brazil for about one week and I made good use of my time, getting as well prepared as possible for the final trio of races, which is going to be very important for me on a personal level to fight back after the disappointing outcome of the last two races in Japan and before that Singapore," the 29-year-old wrote on Ferrari's official website.

"However, more importantly, I will be trying to bring home a significant number of points to help the Scuderia in its fight for both championships."

"As for my aims this weekend, firstly we need to qualify well on Saturday and after that, in the race, I want to be in the middle of the battle for the drivers' championship, fighting with those five drivers who are chasing the title, which is the best thing I can do to help Ferrari's and Fernando's aspirations as we head for the end of the championships," he added.

Massa believes the team are well prepared heading into the final stretch of the season as the pressure constantly builds.

"I know that everyone in the team, at the track and the factory is completely pumped up for the challenge of these last three races and I am equally keen to give them my best shot," he said.

Massa currently sits in sixth spot on the Drivers' standings, while Alonso finds himself in second, 14 points adrift of World Championship leader Mark Webber. Ferrari are third in the Constructors' race, 92 points behind Red Bull.

[MIKA27]

Green set to replace Smith at Force India

Andy Green will replace Mark Smith as Force India technical director when Smith departs the team to join Lotus.

The team have decided to promote from within, with Green stepping up from his current position as engineering director to take the technical reins.

"When Mark leaves, which will probably be towards the end of this year/early next year, we have Andrew Green, who is going to take his place," said Force India CEO Otmar Szafnauer.

"We've made some internal restructuring as well to take up the gap that James [Key] left, and all that will happen at the start of next year. We've got a good plan to overcome the fact that we had two of the key people leave."

While Green may not be familiar to many or have the experience of his predecessor or former Force India chief James Key, Szafnauer is confident he has what it takes to perform.

"Although he is not a big name, he has been around a long time, knows the team well and is a good competent designer/engineer - so the ideal man to lead the team in the right direction," said the Romanian.

[MIKA27]

Mateschitz: The momentum is with Vettel

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz believes the title momentum is currently with Sebastian Vettel, but admitted Mark Webber's slim lead could be enough to see him take the crown.

The Austrian billionaire also assured fans and the media that the team wouldn't interfere with team orders, but cautioned the drivers that if they are to secure either title, they need to work together.

"There are no team orders from our side. The winner should and will be the one who makes fewer mistakes and is the fastest," he told AMuS.

"Sebastian seems to have the speed at the moment. Whether Mark's lead will be enough for the championship, it's still to be seen.

"It is important that they both know that they need each other to become world champions and that they are ultimately important for the team, and thus take the constructors' championship."

In response to whether Ferrari's Fernando Alonso could sneakily take the title, Mateschitz said such a scenario couldn't be ruled out.

"This can always happen, of course. Technical problems or involuntary accidents can never be predicted. In this sense we must have no bad luck."

[MIKA27]

Hamilton fifth most powerful celeb in UK

Lewis Hamilton has been crowned the fifth most powerful celebrity in the United Kingdom, according to Millward Brown’s quarterly celebrity and brand (Cebra) research report.

The Formula One driver jumped from 14th position last year thanks to his better performing car and the high level of media attention the McLaren driver receives in the country, making him a household name.

It was another sportsman who topped the list though. David Beckham moved from third in 2009 to the top spot in 2010, knocking Kylie Minogue into third behind Ant & Dec.

The research interviews 2,000 UK consumers about 100 celebrities and 100 brands. The study is used by marketers to identify the best marketing partnerships between celebs and brands.

[MIKA27]

Turkey could be casualty of growing calendar

Bernie Ecclestone has hinted that Turkey could be a casualty of the growing Formula One calendar and the 20-race limit.

With India joining next season, the calendar will, for the first time, feature 20 races. However, Texas and Russia are set to join in 2012 and 2014 respectively, meaning some races will need to be axed to meet the self-imposed limit.

In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, the 79-year-old hinted that Turkey could opt to take a break as the public interest in the event is the lowest of any race - something that confuses the F1 mogul.

"I think we'll find a way to keep it to 20 somehow," he said. "Maybe someone will decide they need a rest because it's not working for them commercially.

"A good example is probably Turkey. They've built an incredible circuit and it might even be the best – but there's not much enthusiasm from the public. I don't know why," he admitted.

Ecclestone then went on to hint that the popular Belgium event might be scrapped if the government backing it currently receives is dropped.

"If it [spa] wasn't supported by the government over there it probably would go because they wouldn't be able to afford it."

[MIKA27]

South Korea gears up for maiden GP

After three years of work, a 275 million dollar investment and frantic last-minute building work, Formula One comes to South Korea this weekend on what is touted as Asia's best circuit.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has predicted the world will watch a "great race", on a 5.6-kilometre (3.5-mile) track featuring a mix of corners, long straights and good overtaking opportunities.

But ticket sales have been slow and big business groups have shunned the opportunity to sponsor the event, even though South Korea is the world's fifth largest automaker.

Organisers remain upbeat, saying they are looking to long-term returns after spending an estimated 340 billion won (275 million dollars) building the circuit on reclaimed land in Yeongam county, in South Jeolla province, 320 kilometres (200 miles) south of Seoul.

A floral tower with an F1 logo greets visitors to the track, which passed an inspection by world governing body the FIA just last week.

It will be the country's biggest sports facility capable of accommodating more than 120,000 spectators at a time.

But ticket sales have been slow and as of Monday organisers said only 60,000-70,000 had been sold.

Some attribute the sluggish sales and delayed construction to regional rivalries, which despite South Korea's relatively small size remain a potent force.

"I bet this event will boost regional development and our national image, but many people in other regions appear to be indifferent," complained Kim Song-Moon, a 51-year-old taxi driver.

"The track should have been built months ago," said Lee Phil-Soon, 45, a restaurant owner in the nearby city of Mokpo.

"We believe there has been no full government support because the race is being held in this region. If it were held in other regions such as Busan, the situation would have been different."

South Jeolla is a stronghold of the party currently in opposition and the province shouldered over half of the construction costs, plus enormous sums for approach roads and other infrastructure.

"Look at the track. Construction is still under way with only days to go before the race," Lee said.

"It's shameful, as foreigners think we are not prepared well."

The province has set aside some 38,000 hotel and motel rooms near the circuit, in a bid to attract 120,000 spectators including 25,000 foreigners.

Some 32,000 rooms have been booked, said Yoon Keun-Sang, director of the organising committee's public relations team, attributing the situation to poor domestic ticket sales and a lack of publicity.

"Frankly, we have not been prepared well for our F1 debut," he said.

Compared to the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the 2002 football World Cup, Yoon said the F1 circuit has larged failed to win public recognition.

"We can hardly expect to be perfect from the outset. The circuit has great potential in terms of revenue and will become a money-spinner in the long term," Yoon said.

Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO), a joint venture between the provincial government and a private company which is organising the three-day event, has so far failed to find a major sponsor, said its spokesman Kim Jae-Ho.

He said financial problems would be inevitable for at least a few years.

Among local firms, only electronics giant LG is a sponsor of F1 -- backing the Red Bull team and not KAVO itself.

"Everything has not been so good but we're not too worried. If we host this year's event successfully, the situation will be far different next year," spokesman Kim said.

Provincial officials are also optimistic.

"We don't expect early returns as this project needs long-term investment to turn this area into a regional leisure and tourism hub," said Kang Hyo-Seok, director of the province's F1 support headquarters.

The race is forecast to bring some 1.8 trillion won in "visible and invisible" economic benefits over seven years, he said.

The Korean Grand Prix, which starts on Friday, will be the 17th event of this year's 19-race season, to be followed by races in Brazil and Abu Dhabi. KAVO will host the race for seven years with an option to extend for five more.

KAVO hopes to host several international events a year and up to 20 domestic events in an effort to increase revenue.

[MIKA27]

Prost: Schumacher lacked humility

Alain Prost believes that Michael Schumacher's comments prior to his comeback stating that he was looking to win his eighth World title have made the season harder for him.

The German superstar returned to the sport this season after a number of years on the periphery, and immediately asserted that he was out to win yet another World Championship. However, he has struggled throughout, consistently out-performed by his comparatively inexperienced team-mate, Nico Rosberg.

Prost is of the opinion that by building expectations Schumacher opened himself up to the stinging criticism that he has received from many quarters.

"He should have said he was coming back to help Rosberg, or Mercedes in its first year, or his friend Ross Brawn. It would have been easier for him," Prost told L'Equipe.

"It may have been a lack of humility, but I think he saw himself as more powerful than that."

While Schumacher and those closest to him have defended his showing this year, pointing to rustiness, a car not designed for him and tyres that don't suit his style. But Prost believes that there is a very simple reason for why the 41-year-old has struggled.

"For me, it's just a question of age," explained Prost.

"I think the tyres are just an excuse, because Schumacher always adapted to any sort of car. It's just not possible to return to the top after being away for three years at that age. It's a matter of physiology," he added.

[MIKA27]

Ecclestone backs global expansion

Bernie Ecclestone has defended Formula One's expansion into new territories ahead of the inaugural South Korean Grand Prix.

But Ecclestone admitted that there will probably be a cap on 20 races per season which means dropping events.

F1 has expanded mainly in Asia in recent years, with South Korea getting on the map with an inaugural race on Sunday and an Indian Grand Prix set for 2011. In addition, the sport is set to return to the US in 2012 and Russia to get a first race in 2014.

"We're a World Championship and so, by definition, we need to be in different parts of the world. In the end common sense has prevailed and we've expanded. It's just having the courage to do it," Ecclestone told The Guardian.

The 2010 calendar will see a record 20 races with the inclusion of India, and while Ecclestone says "there's no magic number - it's what is commercially viable" he also does not believe in a further growing number of season races.

"I think we'll find a way to keep it to 20 somehow," the long-time commercial rights boss said.

This should mean that other races which are struggling may have to fall by the wayside, with Ecclestone mentioning the Turkish GP because it lacks big crowds.

"Maybe someone will decide they need a rest because it's not working for them commercially. A good example is probably Turkey. They've built an incredible circuit and it might even be the best - but there's not much enthusiasm from the public. I don't know why."

"Nothing is cast in stone," Ecclestone said, given that the British GP in Silverstone and the Belgian race in Spa have also been briefly dropped in the past.

The 79-year-old admits that the future of the both races still remain in the balance.

"Absolutely. If it wasn't supported by the government over there it probably would go because they wouldn't be able to afford it," the 79-year-old explained.

"It's the same with the British Grand Prix. The worst thing is that the government here have wasted a fortune on the Olympics which will come and go, and be forgotten in a few weeks, when they could have supported Silverstone and made sure the British Grand Prix is there forever," he added.

[MIKA27]

Tilke backs Korean GP to excite

Hermann Tilke, the man responsible for the design of the Korean International Circuit, is confident the track will deliver an exciting grand prix.

The construction of the circuit has suffered through a plethora of problems and delays, resulting in question marks being raised over whether or not the Korean Grand Prix would take place. Indeed, only last week the race hung in the balance, and Tilke admits the project has been the toughest of his career.

"Yes, it was hard for everybody in the end," Tilke told Autosport.

"Not only for us [Tilke] but also the construction project here, for the organisers - for everybody. It was a hard time in the last few days."

The German explains that the delays in construction were caused by a number of factors, some beyond the organiser's control.

"The delays started at the very beginning, because it is swampy land here and we had to drain it before. It needed a long time for the water to come out - something in excess of one year. Then the land had to be compacted, so it needed more and more time.

"And, of course, the monsoon season was longer than expected. There were lots of things like that."

Discussing the characteristics of the track, Tilke said:

"Here parts of the track are to be like a city track - but without a city at the moment. That means it is narrow, and everything is close to the circuit. Other parts of it are permanent with fast corners, and I think it will be interesting to drive.

"The first section will be good for overtaking and will be more of a spectacle- especially the long straight and the braking at the end of it. In terms of driving and the challenge of that, the permanent part will be more interesting.

With the race given the green light, Tilke is confident that the track will provide a challenge to the world's racing elite and excitement for F1 fans.

"I think on Friday the track surface will be very, very slippery because it is brand new. That means you will probably see some spinning.

"And, it will not be easy to find the set-up for Saturday and Sunday because the track will change a lot. That means some drivers will make the wrong set-up choice, because you are going to have to second guess what is the right way to go.

"After some practice the track will improve a lot, because they lay down their rubber, and that will produce some grip. But off the ideal line it will be very slippery - a big challenge for drivers."

TIlke does concede that all aspects of the circuit may not be complete by the race weekend, but that all the primary elements will be ready.

"The main systems will work fine, but maybe here and there, there might be some small things that are not working. And because the track is not tested, as it got ready very late, there will probably be a few surprises as well. But all the main things will be okay," he added.

[MIKA27]

Jones added to Korean GP panel

Alan Jones will serve on the race stewards' panel during the Korean Grand Prix this weekend.

Jones is a former F1 World Champion, having driven Williams to their first Drivers' title in 1980. The Australian also has 12 race wins and 24 podium finishes to his name.

The 63-year-old briefly retired two years after winning the Championship before returning first with Arrows and then later with Team Haas

Jones is the fourth World Champion to serve on the panel this season, following in the footsteps of Damon Hill, Nigel Mansell and Emerson Fittipaldi.

[MIKA27]

Virgin looking to finish strongly

Virgin Racing team principal John Booth has vowed his team "will be pulling out all the stops" in their bid to secure the crucial 10th place in the Formula One Constructors' Championship.

To do so would see Virgin take a pivotal step towards securing all-important funding for their future as only the top 10 teams of the 12 competing this season are eligible for the prize money on offer.

However, such are the complex rules surrounding the issue of the funds, it is understood any new team has to finish in the top 10 twice in three years before they are financially rewarded.

At present, another of the newcomers in Lotus Racing occupies 10th place ahead of Hispania and Virgin, despite none of the three teams having yet scored a point.

On countback, Heikki Kovalainen's 12th-place finish in the last race in Japan so far gives them the edge, although there is time for Virgin and Hispania to overhaul their rival.

That is the main aim for Booth ahead of the final three races of the season, starting with Sunday's inaugural Korean Grand Prix.

"It is difficult to believe we have only three races of our debut season remaining," said Booth on a campaign that has slowly but steadily improved following a difficult start.

"But we will be pulling out all the stops to try to end the year on a high."

At least for the first time this season all 12 teams will be on a level playing field this weekend as the Korea International Circuit is untried and untested, with the exception of simulation work.

It could throw up a degree of unpredictability that may yet play into the hands of the three new teams.

"For a time many of us thought this race may not happen, so it is testament to all the hard work carried out by the organisers that the circuit is now ready for racing," added Booth.

"Much has been said about the track and the venue, but we are excited at the prospect of discovering it for ourselves in the days ahead.

"Timo (Glock) and Lucas (di Grassi) have done countless 'virtual' race distances of the circuit already.

"But of course there is no substitute for turning a wheel for the first time when free practice gets under way on Friday in order to properly gauge what the track has in store for us.

"The biggest unknown quantity will be the asphalt, which was only laid a few weeks ago and will therefore be very 'green'.

"With the weather conditions also expected to be similar to Suzuka, although perhaps not quite as extreme as Saturday (when a downpour led to qualifying being postponed) I think we've a very interesting weekend ahead."

[MIKA27]

Rosberg: 2010 has been a mixed bag

Nico Rosberg admits that his maiden season at Mercedes GP has been one of mixed fortunes.

The German arrived at Merc GP from Williams ready for the challenge of stepping up into a World Championship-winning car with a World Champion as his team-mate. As fate would have it, Rosberg has raced beside a title winner- just not the one he had expected.

With Michael Schumacher joining the team and Jenson Button heading to McLaren, Rosberg was suddenly faced with being compared with a legend of the sport. The 25-year-old has out-raced Schumacher for most of the season, and admits while this has been pleasing he has not been entirely happy with how the team has performed.

"It's a two-faced season. On one side there is the comparison with my team-mate, and under this aspect I am very happy," Rosberg explained to Autosprint magazine.

"However, if we look at the absolute results, I must say that I had hoped for something more."

"When I signed I had thought my team-mate would be Button, and that was fine by me.

"When I learned that Jenson was leaving the team I had hoped that a strong, experienced driver would join the team.

"So, after learning of Schumacher's arrival, I was happy under this point of view. However, I didn't know what to expect from other points of view. First of all I didn't know Michael in person, and then I knew about his long friendship with Ross Brawn, and I didn't know whether this would have had an impact on my situation. Instead, everything has gone for the best."

[MIKA27]

Brawn: Last season's win has cost us

Ross Brawn believes that the effort required to win the 2009 Championship has contributed to the team failing to match that performance this year.

The team's staff numbers were severely reduced in early 2009 following the departure of Honda, and while they were able to sustain an incredible performance the following year, that effort meant they did not have the resources to begin developing their 2010 challenger until the off-season.

"At the beginning of 2009 we had to reduce staff, and this obviously had an impact on many sectors," Brawn Gazzetta dello Sport.

"When the time came to design the 2010 car, our design office wasn't well organised. What came out of it is a scarcely ambitious car, in fact too conservative.

"But we couldn't do otherwise, because resources were not sufficient.

"With the restrictions we had, in late 2009 we couldn't chase the title and build a competitive car for this year at the same time."

However, Brawn is confident that Merc GP have the men to create a car capable of mixing it up at the front of the grid next season. "For 2011 we have a group of young engineers who want to show their worth, so we are ambitious again," he said.

[MIKA27]

McLaren confident Korea updates will work

McLaren are confident that they can get the most out of their updates in Korea, after their Suzuka running was curtailed due to an accident in FP1 from Lewis Hamilton and a rain soaked FP3.

The team's principal race engineer, Phil Prew, made the assessment during a Vodafone McLaren-Mercedes phone-in.

He also noted that the Woking based team's expectations are to finish on the podium at minimum, but finishing ahead of title leader Mark Webber is vital.

"I think our target this weekend is very much to get on the podium - and in fact we need to be in front of [Mark] Webber," said Prew.

"So we need two cars at the front, competing for the front row of the grid in qualifying, and then delivering a race result on the podium. That's the target."

In regards to the updates briefly seen in Japan, Prew confirmed they will be used during Friday practice in the hope the team can gain the confidence and then run them during the race.

"We will certainly be running it on Friday, we have that rear wing back here. We also have a modified front wing, so they're the two big updates that will be visible on the car.

"In addition to that we have some smaller mechanical updates which will be on the car as well and aiming to add to performance.

"Certainly our understanding and knowledge of how it all works with the car and interacts with the rest of the car, we gained some knowledge there. But really we ran out of time at Suzuka to gain the confidence that it was a robust solution to take racing.

"A good clear session on Friday here will give us a lot more track time and we're optimistic that we can work through a programme to give us that confidence. Obviously our desire and hope is that we can race that with confidence and get the performance out of it that we think is available."

[MIKA27]

SEASON 2010 F1 THREAD REACHES 100 PAGES!!

Well guys and gals, we have reached 100 pages this season, possibly FOHs' first thread to reach this pinnacle.

I'd like to personally thank all the readers and posters for your contributions, this is a sport I love and I know you do also and that is what keeps me posting.

Thank you to all, enjoy the rest of 2010 season and be assured this will continue for 2011 also.

Regards,

Michael.

Additional to the above, F1 2010 thread has now also reached 2000 posts!!! I think another first for the FOH forum!

Thanks to all for reading!

[Bartolomeo]

Great thread!

[MIKA27]

Heidfeld: Lacking of backing a problem

Nick Heidfeld has revealed that a lack of financial backing is causing havoc on his chances of securing a 2011 race-seat.

Although he returned to the grid for the final five races of this year's Championship with Sauber, Heidfeld will not be retained next season after the team opted instead to sign Mexican driver Sergio Perez.

Heidfeld, though, is determined to find a place on next year's grid with another team, although he admits his lack of financial backing is proving to be a problem.

"There is progress, but still nothing to say," he told ITV-F1. "It could be (resolved) quickly or it could take a while, I don't know.

"I think it will happen but you cannot be 100 percent sure.

"Unfortunately, at the moment in the Formula 1, it's not solely about how you drive the car and what you can bring in terms of talent, speed and engineering skills.

"There are other factors playing a role as well, and some of these things I cannot deliver! I don't have backing like some others.

"It would also be a lot easier once you have signed to say, 'Okay, I have some sponsors who would like to do something'.

"We're obviously speaking to sponsors who are interested but first they want to see where you're going to drive before they jump on board."

MIKA: IMO, Heidfeld is one of the most consistant drivers ever to grace F1. He is a solid and quiet achiever which is why I feel he unfortunately does not have much backing. This fault lies mainly with his manager who should be the one pitching in his favour to sponsors. I sure hope he gets a drive next season.

[MIKA27]

McLaren extend Vodafone deal

McLaren have renewed their title sponsorship deal with mobile communications giant Vodafone, which will now run until the end of 2013.

McLaren, who first teamed up with Vodafone back in 2007, confirmed the extended deal on Thursday which will see Vodafone remain as their official title sponsor while also becoming McLaren's total communications partner.

"Vodafone is without doubt the best title partner that we at McLaren have ever had," said McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh.

"Why do I say that? Well, the word 'partner' says it all. Vodafone is our partner in a very genuine sense of that word - a very real contributor to an ever-evolving series of high-tech innovations on our cars and within our operating systems."

"That's why I know I speak on behalf of all at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes when I say how delighted I am that our two companies have agreed not only to renew our partnership but also to relaunch it.

"As a result, we'll tirelessly develop our technological collaborations, at the same time as engaging Vodafone's customers in some truly innovative ways.

"I like to think that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the most inclusive team in the world's most exclusive sport - and, with that ethos in mind, we'll be unveiling some very exciting Vodafone McLaren Mercedes marketing initiatives in the near future."

[MIKA27]

Alonso: My best F1 season ever

Fernando Alonso has hailed his season to date with Ferrari as the best of his career.

The revelation comes as a major surprise when you consider Alonso's title-winning exploits with Renault in 2005 and 2006.

But his remarks clearly underline his depth of feeling with Ferrari after joining the Scuderia at the start of the year.

"For me personally it's been a great 2010 Championship driving for a new team," said the 29-year-old Spaniard.

"From day one there has been great integration with Ferrari. I've felt very comfortable.

"It has been the best year of my career so far, a great experience and I'm very happy."

The crowning glory for Alonso would be to become Champion for a third time, but he concedes even if that failed to happen it would not take the gloss off his year.

"In terms of happiness, motivation, driving, the team itself, it's my best season," said Alonso, ahead of Sunday's Korean Grand Prix in which he trails leader Mark Webber by 14 points.

"It would be nice to become Champion this year, but if we cannot do it, I will still have great memories of 2010.

"But with three races remaining we will do our best to arrive to a position in (the final race in) Abu Dhabi still in the fight.

"We've made some good steps forward in the last five to six races, so it should be an exciting last few races, hopefully making the most of every weekend."