FORMULA 1 - 2010

[MIKA27]

Spot on Mika , you did tell us ,oh what are my Lotto numbers this week

3, 18,21,26,27,31 Supps 12 and 24 (If you win, I get a 'cut btw)

[Bartolomeo]

Spot on Mika , you did tell us ,oh what are my Lotto numbers this week

We all know Americans cannot build cars

P.S only kidding

Good one..........

Looks like Peter might need his old gig back @ Speed?

Bart

[MIKA27]

Mateschitz wants a Red Bull title victory

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz insists his F1 team is one of the top three contenders and will be fighting for this year's Championship.

In 2009, Red Bull Racing finished second in a stellar season that also saw Sebastian Vettel claim the runner-up position in the Drivers' Championship.

This year the Austrian businessman wants to see his team go one better.

"We have realistic expectations that of course progressed each year," Mateschitz told Autosport. "Last year we wanted to finish among the top three teams, which we achieved.

"This year we have to fight for the Championship because we belong to the three fastest teams. The rest is not dependent on us but on FIA decisions, driver errors, reliability, safety car periods and so on."

Mateschitz is confident Red Bull has the driver line-up needed to achieve the title in Vettel and his team-mate Mark Webber.

"Two drivers of equal strength are no problem but a huge advantage because they push their respective limits," he said.

"Sebastian had more wins and poles last year than Mark but on fastest laps they were equal. Vettel of course is an exceptional personality that might come out maybe in some decades.

"By his pressure Mark could push his limits remarkably. The fact that Vettel is a product of our young driver scheme is an additional satisfaction for us."

As for why Red Bull weren't able to clinch the title last season, Mateschitz reckons it was because of the Formula One regulations, especially the controversial double-decker diffuser.

"At the start of last season, we were the only team without a double diffuser that could match Brawn's pace," he said.

"If you consider we had to rebuild the car, Vettel had to accept the penalty after Melbourne, he could have been Champion already last year.

"Now we have to continue where we finished last year. There is no guarantee for the Championship, but it is a target."

[MIKA27]

Hakkinen and Brundle in frame to be Hamilton's manager?

Mika Hakkinen and Martin Brundle have been touted as the leading contenders to replace Anthony Hamilton as his son's new manager.

The Hamiltons announced earlier this week that their employer-employee relationship is to cease with immediate effect.

While Hamilton junior has confirmed that the appointment of his father's replacement is not imminent, the Daily Mail has speculated that both Brundle and Hakkinen are in the frame to take on the role.

'Brundle was non-committal when contacted, though he is firmly in the Hamiltons' thoughts. He has experience of managing David Coulthard, a long-serving McLaren man, and is on good terms with the family. However, it is doubtful whether the BBC would allow Brundle to continue as their expert summariser while acting for one of the sport's stars,' the newspaper reports.

As a result of the split, Hamilton senior will not be present at the opening races of the 2010 season and McLaren are expected to represent their driver until a full-time appointment is made.

There is some puzzlement regarding the timing of the split so close to the start of the new campaign. However, because of its proximity, there are no deals currently in need of either negotiation or completion, thus offering Hamilton junior plenty of time in which to make his selection.

[MIKA27]

Webber slams 'Mickey Mouse' F1

Mark Webber has blasted the current state of Formula One, stating that it's 'embarrassing' that teams who haven't yet tried out their cars may race in the season-opening Grand Prix.

Four new teams were granted entry into Formula One for the 2010 season, but of the four only two teams have engaged in pre-season testing, one is reportedly out of business and the other looks set to undergo a name change.

Considered the pinnacle of motorsport, Webber believes that the sport is now being made to look amateurish.

"It's embarrassing," Webber said of the situation.

"It's incredible that people who haven't yet turned a wheel take part in grands prix.

"It's the sort of stuff from Mickey Mouse or Tom and Jerry," he added.

While Virgin Racing and Lotus look set to make it to the first race in Bahrain, USF1 are in a financial quagmire and will reportedly ask the FIA to defer their entry to the 2011 season.

Campos Meta seem to have weathered the financial storm that looked set to derail their attempts this year, and according to reports in the Spanish media, the team will now be known as Hispania Racing after securing new sponsors. Whether new sponsors will be enough to get the team on the grid remains to be seen.

MIKA: I think MW has a good point here although he must keep in mind that a couple manufacturers have now pulled out and as such, it is the 'smaller' teams that are keeping F1 as a sport, to some extent afloat. Having said this, I believe it should be a rule that 'all' teams approved by the FIA to be on the grid, MUST attend all practice/test sessions to ensure their vehicles are safe and compliant.

[MIKA27]

Report: New manager for Schumi

According to reports in the German press Michael Schumacher has parted ways with long time manager Willi Weber.

Weber has partnered Schumacher throughout his career but now looks set to take a more active role in the merchandising side of the German's affairs.

Weber has reportedly been replaced by Sabine Kehm who previously served as the seven-time World Champion's media manager and spokeswoman.

MIKA: Perhaps he could have hired Anthony Hamilton!

[MIKA27]

Campos confirm name change

Campos Meta will race under the name of Hispania Racing F1 Team following Jose Ramon Carabante's purchase of the team.

Carabante acquired the fledgling team from fellow Spaniard Adrian Campos after the outfit had run into serious financial difficulty. Despite the change in ownership, Campos is expected to remain on as executive vice-president.

Hispania, named after one of Carabante's companies, will continue to work out of Campos' factory Alzira for the immediate future.

Colin Kolles who is no stranger to F1, having worked with Jordan, Midland, Spyker and Force India, will fulfil the role of HRT team principal.

"The new team name signifies a new birth for our Formula 1 ambitions and highlights the incredible effort that is going on behind the scenes to ensure we make a successful debut in Bahrain on 14 March," Kolles said on Wednesday.

"While we are a new team in the paddock, we will be very proud to stand alongside such legendary names as Ferrari, McLaren, Williams and Lotus, as we hope to build our own reputation in the coming years."

The team will be presented in Murcia, Spain on Thursday when it is expected that Bruno Senna and Karun Chandhok will be confirmed as their drivers for the upcoming season.

[MIKA27]

Silverstone a near sell-out

This year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone looks set to be packed to the rafters following the news that general admission race-day tickets are already sold out.

Despite the fact that the race occurs on the same day as the soccer World Cup final on July 11, fans have snapped up the majority of tickets available.

"British Grand Prix tickets have been selling well over the last few months, but we still have a long way to go to sell-out in all areas," said Richard Phillips, Silverstone's managing director.

"Fans have made the most of our early booking offers and the 'General Admission' tickets are always among the first to sell-out. Whilst they don't offer access to grandstands, fans enjoy being able to watch the action from different locations, on raised banks around the circuit.

"These tickets are extremely popular, and have sold out even faster than in previous years."

Three-day grandstand and individual day tickets for Saturday's practice and qualifying are still available.

The Northamptonshire-based circuit is currently undergoing structural changes in preparation for the event, with three new grandstands and an added section to the track in the works.

[MIKA27]

Realistic Branson hoping for some fun

Richard Branson is looking forward to having more 'fun' in Formula One with his new Virgin Racing this season.

The Virgin boss was bitten by the F1 bug in 2009 when he stepped in at the last minute to support Brawn GP, who went on to enjoy a memorable season that brought them a constructors' and a drivers' championship.

Rather than back an established team in 2010, Branson opted to start from scratch and pledge his financial support to Sheffield-based Manor Motorsport, who acquired the entry.

And he believes the team will fly the Virgin flag with success, holding the values that the billionaire entrepreneur holds dear.

"What I discovered last year was that there are a billion people who watch Formula One, and the majority are fanatical," remarked Branson.

"The Virgin brand is maybe one of the top 20 in the world, so for us to be involved is good for the brand, and Formula One is a sexy beast.

"We're going to try and make it look a bit sexier, but it's also fun, exciting, and those are attributes that apply to the Virgin brand.

"We also love supporting an underdog, and we like that underdog to have some pretty good qualities. Last year it was Brawn, this year it is us.

"We've found it a lot more exciting and fun to support a new team coming in than writing out a very large cheque for an already-established team."

However, the 59-year-old is realistic about his chances this season, and in the years ahead.

"We've been used to struggling in building businesses before," he added. "We like to be a winner in the end, although we're certainly not expecting to get as lucky as we did last year.

"But we have every chance of doing respectably well, and it will be the start of building something over the coming years.

"We're not expecting to win races this season so there isn't any massive pressure. The team will do the best job they can.

"Hopefully, race by race, they can claw their way up and maybe by the second season be in the top half rather than the bottom half, and then maybe top five in the third season."

Meanwhile, team boss John Booth is under no illusions about the difficulty of the team's task in getting Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi towards the front of the grid.

"When we first talked about it, it was a million to one chance, maybe two million to one," said the 56-year-old Yorkshireman.

"The more I thought about it the more terrified I became because the last thing you want to do is go out there and make a fool of yourself.

"But the calibre of people that came together, I started to realise it was achievable.

"Now we're here, although we're under no illusions as to how tough it's going to be."

MIKA: Unlike an established team 'BRAWN GP' the previous year, this season will not be as marvelous for the 'Fun loving Branson'. He stated that the majority of F1 fans are fanatics but I dont believe Branson is one of them. Its obvious he's in this sport to market his brand only. What will happen next year, will he pull out of F1? If he left a team like BRAWN who won last years championship, what does he expect to get out of Manor/Virgin?

All in all however, I think its good for F1 to have some fun in it as the other teams are way too serious these days and F1 needs some of that fun/flair about as it once had years ago.

[MIKA27]

Teams pleased with Cosworth reliability

Cosworth's general manager of F1 operations, Mark Gallagher has been pleased with the progress Cosworth has made over the past few tests, branding the Barcelona test "a satisfactory conclusion [to] Cosworth's pre-season testing activities."

The CA2010 engine has proven it's reliability after being run by Williams in the opening test, before being joined by Virgin in the second, and then Lotus for the last two tests.

The engine will also be used in the Dallara built Hispania Racing Team car, which is yet to take to the track.

"Our overall targets having been met with a particular emphasis on proving the durability of the CA2010 and developing solid working relationships with each of our customer teams.

"These were pivotal weeks for us, and it is of great credit to our design, development, manufacturing, build, test and track support staff that our return to the F1 circuit has started positively."

Gallagher knows that this is just the start, and 19 races lay ahead meaning there is still much work to be done.

"There is much work to come, of course, and busy days ahead of us as we prepare with our teams for the Bahrain Grand Prix."

Williams technical director Sam Michael added: "We're satisfied with their development rate and the work they've done on the integration of the engine with the chassis. They've done a particularly good job with reliability as well."

Lotus technical director Mike Gascoyne also praised the reliability of the CA2010.

"Having returned from Barcelona we have now covered over 2,800kms in testing, and achieved the initial goal we had set for the tests which was to focus on the reliability of our car and our engine package.

"This would not have been possible without a close partnership with Cosworth, and now we're looking forward to the season ahead, and the relationship between Lotus Racing and Cosworth developing even further."

[Ozz1113]

What a surprise, another US company stiffs it's employees...lol

Poor USF1; literally.

I don't know about you guys but I just want this season to start already.

[MIKA27]

What a surprise, another US company stiffs it's employees...lol

Poor USF1; literally.

I don't know about you guys but I just want this season to start already.

Ozz - I completely agree.

Whilst I enjoy posting news on F1, I'd much rather skip the rumor mill/paddock talk and get into the season and discuss individual performances of drivers and teams alike.

What are your thoughts on this season?

Who do you think will perform well? (This question to all).

[Bartolomeo]

Ozz - I completely agree.

Whilst I enjoy posting news on F1, I'd much rather skip the rumor mill/paddock talk and get into the season and discuss individual performances of drivers and teams alike.

What are your thoughts on this season?

Who do you think will perform well? (This question to all).

To be honest, this off-season has seen the most changes I can remember in a long while and I still havent cought up with all of them yet. I look forward to next week's race and letting the folks @ Speed Channel explain everything to me.

2010 should bring an exciting year

-Looking forward to see what Schumi does, how the Ferrari boys do and see how competitive Brawn does to repeat their success from last year.

Bart

[MIKA27]

I believe Ferrari will be up there to its usual pre 2009 best along with Red Bull racing, McLaren and Mercedes.

I think Renault will not be near as competative as it used to be and I think Williams will be mid-fielders.

I must admit that Michael Schumacher returning is quite amazing and here's hoping he makes the most from his racer at Mercedes. Will they have a new 'Super-dooper' triple diffuser as rumoured, I don't know?

[MIKA27]

Force India to nurture di Resta potential

Force India says it wants to nurture Paul di Resta's potential as a Formula 1 driver by giving him track time during Fridays ahead of races this season.

The Scot has been signed as Force India's reserve, and he will replace racing drivers Tonio Liuzzi and Adrian Sutil in the opening practice sessions at selected grands prix.

With in-season testing banned, Force India's CEO Otmar Szafnauer believes replacing the racing drivers is the only way to allow di Resta to grow.

But Szafnauer is convinced it will not cause any problems with the racing drivers.

"The presence of di Resta is mainly because we see potential in Paul for the future," Szafnauer told AUTOSPORT. "He is still a young man and it's difficult to nurture that potential without in-season testing, so how do you do it? And one way to do it is to run him on Fridays.

"It could have the unintended consequence of pushing the race drivers a bit. Fine, nothing wrong with that. Back when most teams had third drivers, it didn't cause any difficulties to the racing drivers in the teams. Zero whatsoever.

"But it did give the racing drivers something to look at and say "Oh look how quick he was" and talk to him and ask 'how did you do it, blah, blah blah". Often he was quickest because he had new tyres and low fuel, but there are times when they can learn from that too.

"So I don't think it will cause any discontent, but it is another input, and mainly is to give Paul some seat time. And how else could you do it?"

Szafnauer admitted the plan to run di Resta on Fridays could change depending on circumstances, and the American said the Scot was unlikely to drive at new circuits like Korea.

"That's changeable with the circumstances," he said. "Say you are in a battle for whatever place in the championship, and both racing drivers say 'Look, we need all the time in the car', and that's what you do.

"The plan, as it stands today, is he will do one of the Friday sessions and then we swap, so Tonio loses one on a Friday and then Adrian loses one on another."

The Force India CEO also acknowledged that both Liuzzi and Sutil will need to raise their game this season, but Szafnauer is convinced they are capable of doing it.

"I think they both need to improve over last year," Szafnauer said. "I think they'll recognise that too, and I think they are capable of it. Tonio needs more seat time. He's had towards the end of last year and now in testing, and I think he's done a great job in testing. I think the indicators are that that will happen.

"And Adrian, with years and experience he will understand when to take opportunities, when to shut the door so that his finishing record becomes a bit higher. I think those are the two areas for the drivers, but they are at the point of their career when I think that will happen It's not far fetched, for both things.

"Tonio should do it given more seat time and Adrian is now in his fourth or fifth year, so it's time. They are both capable."

[ucla695]

I can't wait for the season to kick off later this month!! I'm also excited that now I get to watch it in HD!!!

[MIKA27]

This morning on my way to work I drove past Albert Park and already they have set up about 80% of the track fencing.

This long weekend I might have a walk/drive around and take afew snaps.

I have my ticket for the Melbourne GP.

[MIKA27]

McLaren not fazed by rear wing controversy

McLaren are confident that their rear wing is within the rules despite suggestions that the FIA have been asked to clarify its legality.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been quoted by various British newspapers as saying that his team, together with Ferrari, have asked the FIA for a ruling on the MP24's rear wing, with the teams reportedly unhappy with the manner in which McLaren were using their airbox and engine cover to reduce drag.

However, McLaren have released a statement insisting that they are not aware of any investigation by the FIA and are in no way worried about any questions that may be asked about the car.

"We're very confident that our car is entirely legal - and we're not aware of any protest. In fact, we've spoken to Ferrari this morning and they're not aware of any protest either."

Ferrari themselves are yet to comment on the issue.

MIKA: Ferrari are 'ALWAYS' sticking their noses in others business, it's no surprise.

On another note...this is my 1,000 th post!

[MIKA27]

Stewart: British pair are fearful of Schumacher

Sir Jackie Stewart reckons Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are living in fear of being "beaten up" by Michael Schumacher in this season's Formula One world championship.

Seven-time champion Schumacher will be the centre of attention on his return to the sport at next weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix at the age of 41.

The German's decision to end his three-year retirement means four world champions will be on the grid this season.

Stewart, Britain's most successful F1 driver with three titles, said: "It's fantastic for motor racing that he's come back because he is now the biggest focus of interest. Fernando Alonso driving a Ferrari is going to be tough to beat.

"You've got Jenson in there as world champion; you've got Lewis, who wants the world championship back.

"To see that occurring with Schumacher back, that's the extra edge - in my opinion - for them.

"Do they really want to be beaten up by a guy of 41 years, who's already been out of the sport?

"He's going to come back and say, 'I know how to do this, and I certainly know how to thread the needle'."

Stewart believes Schumacher's Mercedes team are already playing catch-up to their rivals, with the German manufacturers not taking over Brawn until after this season's car had been in development.

"Maybe it'll take him another year to get the car up to speed," Stewart said.

"It may not be as good a car as Ferrari and McLaren are producing this year.

"Schumacher's so experienced and he's so good at co-ordinating people that I think you'll see the performance improving for him.

"I could see him not being up at the front row to begin with, but you certainly couldn't count him out."

Meanwhile, Stewart hopes Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button can avoid the kind of bitter feuding Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost carried onto the track when the British stars team up for McLaren this season.

Button's move to the Woking-based marque means two world champions will be driving for the same team in 2010.

Senna and Prost's rivalry was too much for McLaren to handle two decades ago and Stewart admitted there was no telling how Hamilton and Button would get on.

"Jim Clark and Graham Hill got on well together driving for Lotus," said Stewart, who believes much will depend on Button getting equal treatment to McLaren golden boy Hamilton.

"It is a challenge and there is competition within a team.

"At the end of the day, you've got to finish the race, you've got to keep your head together and not get intoxicated by all the nonsense that goes on.

"And you've got to have the team behind you.

"Sometimes that's more important than anything else; the motivation of other people who are supporting you."

MIKA: I don't know if Jensen and Hamilton fear Schumacher?

What I do believe is that Jensen is nieve but deep down knows he will suck and Lewis Hamilton has on several occasions welcomed Michael Schumacher back to F1. In fact Lewis has stated that he idolised MS during his earlier days. I think thats more respect than fear from Lewis but Jensen 'is' probably s**tting his pants.

[MIKA27]

Hamilton: Sauber and Force India look competitive

Although Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari are the team to beat, the McLaren racer has given a glowing endorsement to Sauber and Force India saying they're looking rather competitive.

With pre-season testing now a thing of the past, Formula One is trying to figure out what - if anything - the timesheets told us.

Quickest in the last two tests at Jerez and Barcelona, McLaren are without a doubt looking strong while although Ferrari failed to lead the way, the Scuderia are believed to have the better long distance pace.

There were, however, some surprises on the timesheets as both Force India and Sauber mixed it up at the front of the pack.

And although the initial reaction was that both teams were running on fumes, Hamilton reckons that may not be the true story.

"I think team-wise we've got us, Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, Sauber and Force India. For me, these look like the most competitive teams," he said during a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes phone-in.

"In terms of the drivers, you've Felipe (Massa) and Fernando (Alonso), you've got me and Jenson (Button), probably (Sebastian) Vettel and Mark Webber - they've got a quick car - and Michael (Schumacher) and Nico (Rosberg).

"So it's really difficult to say who is the most competitive one out of all of them, but at the moment the Ferrari looks the fastest I think."

Hamilton, though, isn't the only McLaren driver who believes this year's Championship could see a few new teams entering the fight for race wins and podiums.

"I think there are more than four teams at the front," Jenson Button told Reuters Television.

"You've got us, Ferrari, Mercedes and Red Bull, but you've also got Sauber, Force India are not far behind, and the Williams. So it's very, very competitive, which is good to see."

[MIKA27]

First images of the new HRT (Compos) F1 car

The first images of the new Hispania Racing Team (HRT) F1 car have been released by the drivers of the team on Twitter, with Bruno Senna (@BSenna) uploading the following image.

The car is mainly a deep brown/black colour with red/orange/white highlights. It features very little sponsorship, other than that of Embratel, the mobile network bought to the team by Senna.

The car has been designed by Dallara, and is likely to run for the first time in Bahrain Friday practice.

MIKA: These images have taken me back to the Minardi days.... Who painted the racer and what did they use? 'Dulux weather shield!?

[MIKA27]

Ralf Schumacher set to stay in DTM

Ralf Schumacher is close to agreeing a deal to remain in the DTM with Mercedes, according to the manufacturer's motorsport boss Norbert Haug.

The six-time grand prix winner has raced in the German series for the past two years, beginning in a one-year-old car with Mucke Motorsport before graduating to the front-line HWA squad for 2009.

While Schumacher has struggled for results so far in his DTM career, with a fifth place at Dijon last year his best finish to date, Haug is optimistic that the 34-year-old will return for a third season.

"Ralf would like to continue his DTM career and we also think that the chances of continuing our co-operation look promising," Haug told the DTM website.

"I think that we have come close to making a decision. It will be announced as soon as it has been made. Currently, however, the deal is not yet home and dry."

Haug added that talks were still taking place with David Coulthard following his two tests with Mercedes in recent weeks.

"David did a good job and also had a lot of fun, so now we are talking about possibilities to make a solution," he said.

"Maybe there will be a positive surprise but at this point in time I can't make any promises."

MIKA: Its a shame Ralf didnt return to Formula 1.

[MIKA27]

You're joking, right?

No, RS wasn't a bad driver. He is a consistant driver scoring points. Toyota really screwed up his career and reputation with a s**t racer and empty promises.

RS has under his belt: 6 wins, 27 podiums and 329 career points. I'd have to say he is a great deal better than some of the drivers on the grid today (Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, Nick Heidfeld, Jensen button - Look up Wikipedia and compare these guys to RS )

[MIKA27]

'McLaren have invited FIA to inspect their wing'

Charlie Whiting, the head of the FIA's technical department, has been invited to McLaren to inspect their controversial rear wing.

Earlier this week, reports emerged claiming that two of McLaren's main rivals, Ferrari and Red Bull, had asked the FIA for clarification regarding the design of their rear wing.

"There's a bit of a fuss over McLaren's rear wing. They have a slot on it (that affects the air flow) and they can pick up a lot of straight-line speed," said Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.

"I think it will get resolved before the first race. We've asked the FIA for clarification although I think Ferrari are probably more excited than we are to be honest."

McLaren, though, were quick to defend their design, saying "we're very confident that our car is entirely legal" while team boss Martin Whitmarsh revealed that the team had already discuss the issue with Whiting.

"The wing is different and innovative, yes," he said. "But we have been in contact with Charlieover a period of several months to check that it complies with regulations. We have been assured that it does."

But in order to ensure that the situation doesn't lead to protests and arguments when they head to Bahrain for next weekend's season-opener, McLaren have asked Whiting to inspect their rear wing design.

"We have no concerns with it," an FIA spokesman told the Daily Telegraph, "but we have been invited by the team to view the car so Charlie is going down to have a look."

[MIKA27]

Hulkenberg aiming to be quick out of the blocks

Nico Hulkenberg admits he needs a flying start to his Formula One career as Williams haven't signed him to just tour the track.

The 22-year-old German is one of six rookies, if one includes Kamui Kobayashi and his two GP starts, set to make his Formula One debut at next weekend's season-opener in Bahrain.

But, unlike a fair share of his rookie rivals, a great deal is expected of Hulkenberg as the German enters F1 with an impressive track-record.

With German Formula BMW, A1GP, Euro F3 and GP2 titles to his name, expectations surrounding the Williams driver are high.

"There is nobody who says you have five races to get up to speed and to deliver. You have to be good straightaway," said Hulkenberg.

"Williams expect me to do a good job, to drive quickly and do well for them.

"They would not have appointed me as a driver if they didn't expect something from me.

"They have not said what that is in terms of numbers or results, but expectations are always there."

There is nobody who says you have five races to get up to speed and to deliver. You have to be good straightaway Hulkenberg.There is nobody who says you have five races to get up to speed and to deliver. You have to be good straightaway Hulkenberg.

MIKA: With so many rookies on track this season, I cant help but feel a little afraid for some of the veterans and drivers who are already 'grounded' in F1. Each rookie will have something to prove to themselves and their teams and I can see a little bumping and grinding going about with nerves etc so don't be surprised if there are some early DNF's etc.