Formula 1
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Top five reasons any one of these can topple the balance of power if a team where to get one wrong....but five areas to screw up....wow.
By Jonathan Noble1. UNPREDICTABILITY
The change in rules is so great from 2013 to this year, with all areas of the car new, that it is impossible to be sure who is going to come out on top.
There is talk of some major teams struggling to match the performance of last year's cars, or having major reliability concerns in areas like the gearbox.
After Sebastian Vettel's total dominance at the end of last year, such unpredictability heading into the season is refreshing.
2. A MORE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
Last year, Red Bull proved masters in the final season of the old regulations, with its RB9 dominant once Pirelli's tyres had changed.
For 2014 there are so many elements of the package that can influence performance that there is every chance the battle for wins will be much more closely fought.
3. AERO NO LONGER KING Adrian Newey and his design team's genius at blown floor aerodynamics meant Red Bull was streets ahead of their rivals because that area of the car had such a big influence in performance.
For 2014, that will no longer be the case, with engine performance and fuel economy now just as important as aero. That should serve to mix up the competitive order more because different teams have varied strengths.
4. CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY F1's V8 engine freeze has meant much of the technology development in the sport has been hidden beneath the surface of the car.
For 2014 the new turbo engines and energy recovery systems will bring the technical battleground to the forefront - good news as this is an area that has always excited F1 fans.
5. DRIVERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE The need to manage fuel in 2014, allied to best use of ERS, means top-line drivers will need to think more this year if they are going to win races. They also need to understand how best to get performance from a car in qualifying that must be driven very differently to the races. That should help spice up the action and bring variety to the show.
FEARS
1. TOO RANDOM While the potential return of regular reliability woes could make races more exciting, there is a danger that it could go too far.
While the odd shock winner from the back of the grid would be exciting, it could damage the image of the sport if random victors become too regular and races turned into farces where back markers are taking the chequered flag first simply because they are the only ones left standing.
2. COMPLICATED RACING The challenge of managing fuel economy as well as working out the most effective use of ERS is immense - and it means grands prix may turn into complicated strategy games. If it goes down that route too much, then it could be a turn off for fans who could get lost in all the tactical implications that 2014's rules have delivered.
3. DULL SOUNDING CARS We will not have a true idea of how F1's new cars sound until the Jerez test, but the doom-mongers are already worried the new V6 turbos will not sound good. F1 cars have always been about blowing away the senses. If the new engines do not do that, it could be another turn off for fans.
4. SUNDAY ECONOMY DRIVES The end of refuelling in F1 brought a halt to the flat out sprint racing of the past, with teams having carefully managed fuel loads in recent years. It goes a step further this year, with drivers having just 100kg to play with in the races.
That limit could prove tough for some venues - like Melbourne - and may force drivers to wind down the power and cruise around in grands prix, rather than race hard, just to make it to the finish. It is not what fans want to see.
5. SINGLE TEAM DOMINATION The F1 gossip machine is already hinting that Mercedes will be the team to beat, with the paddock grapevine suggesting it is pretty upbeat about its 2014 design performance compared to rival outfits.
If that is the case, and some of the other front runners are having trouble, then F1 could end up with single team domination again - something few fans want to see after the less than thrilling end to 2013.
The change in rules is so great from 2013 to this year, with all areas of the car new, that it is impossible to be sure who is going to come out on top.
There is talk of some major teams struggling to match the performance of last year's cars, or having major reliability concerns in areas like the gearbox.
After Sebastian Vettel's total dominance at the end of last year, such unpredictability heading into the season is refreshing.
2. A MORE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD
Last year, Red Bull proved masters in the final season of the old regulations, with its RB9 dominant once Pirelli's tyres had changed.
For 2014 there are so many elements of the package that can influence performance that there is every chance the battle for wins will be much more closely fought.
3. AERO NO LONGER KING Adrian Newey and his design team's genius at blown floor aerodynamics meant Red Bull was streets ahead of their rivals because that area of the car had such a big influence in performance.
For 2014, that will no longer be the case, with engine performance and fuel economy now just as important as aero. That should serve to mix up the competitive order more because different teams have varied strengths.
4. CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY F1's V8 engine freeze has meant much of the technology development in the sport has been hidden beneath the surface of the car.
For 2014 the new turbo engines and energy recovery systems will bring the technical battleground to the forefront - good news as this is an area that has always excited F1 fans.
5. DRIVERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE The need to manage fuel in 2014, allied to best use of ERS, means top-line drivers will need to think more this year if they are going to win races. They also need to understand how best to get performance from a car in qualifying that must be driven very differently to the races. That should help spice up the action and bring variety to the show.
FEARS
1. TOO RANDOM While the potential return of regular reliability woes could make races more exciting, there is a danger that it could go too far.
While the odd shock winner from the back of the grid would be exciting, it could damage the image of the sport if random victors become too regular and races turned into farces where back markers are taking the chequered flag first simply because they are the only ones left standing.
2. COMPLICATED RACING The challenge of managing fuel economy as well as working out the most effective use of ERS is immense - and it means grands prix may turn into complicated strategy games. If it goes down that route too much, then it could be a turn off for fans who could get lost in all the tactical implications that 2014's rules have delivered.
3. DULL SOUNDING CARS We will not have a true idea of how F1's new cars sound until the Jerez test, but the doom-mongers are already worried the new V6 turbos will not sound good. F1 cars have always been about blowing away the senses. If the new engines do not do that, it could be another turn off for fans.
4. SUNDAY ECONOMY DRIVES The end of refuelling in F1 brought a halt to the flat out sprint racing of the past, with teams having carefully managed fuel loads in recent years. It goes a step further this year, with drivers having just 100kg to play with in the races.
That limit could prove tough for some venues - like Melbourne - and may force drivers to wind down the power and cruise around in grands prix, rather than race hard, just to make it to the finish. It is not what fans want to see.
5. SINGLE TEAM DOMINATION The F1 gossip machine is already hinting that Mercedes will be the team to beat, with the paddock grapevine suggesting it is pretty upbeat about its 2014 design performance compared to rival outfits.
If that is the case, and some of the other front runners are having trouble, then F1 could end up with single team domination again - something few fans want to see after the less than thrilling end to 2013.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Booneville, Missouri
Restrictions Suck in F1.
In my view, when you put your name on the contract you have risked your life right then and there.
Not in order but in the 90's there was no more refueling, no active suspension, traction control, more tires for each team per weekend, one engine per race.
Not to mention no more "T" car. Then came the grooved tires to slow the cars but this may been in the 2000's. I would put Senna's car of 87-88 against Red Bull any day.
Vettel is certainly a good driver, not great regardless of his statistics. The same with Schumacher as Ferrari dominated.
I saw Senna on many occasions and most drivers stated, "With Senna if you are entering a corner with Senna you had two choices; let him by or end up in the sandpit.
There is so much more but I will leave this for you guys.
Take care Tim!
Boon
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
I hate the no refuelling. There needs to be a lot of btu's available for really great racing.
I know there is the fire hazard when refuelling but I don't like that the cars are heavily loaded starting the race. With the fuel limit we are not seeing what the car/driver can do.
We have always loved the *****/to/the/wall drivers, (like Senna,) and if they have to "save fuel" they cannot throw themselves into it the way they would like.
The other thing that gives me a pain is that limit on engine RPM! I am amazed that they can make an engine live at 20K+ rpm but they have proved it time after time. And now I'm told the limit is DOWN again to 15K rpm. That is totally going backwards.
They talk about slowing the cars down, which is crap. They have to stay on the track so the speed of the cars has a natural limit just trying to so that.
I miss CART racing!
I know there is the fire hazard when refuelling but I don't like that the cars are heavily loaded starting the race. With the fuel limit we are not seeing what the car/driver can do.
We have always loved the *****/to/the/wall drivers, (like Senna,) and if they have to "save fuel" they cannot throw themselves into it the way they would like.
The other thing that gives me a pain is that limit on engine RPM! I am amazed that they can make an engine live at 20K+ rpm but they have proved it time after time. And now I'm told the limit is DOWN again to 15K rpm. That is totally going backwards.
They talk about slowing the cars down, which is crap. They have to stay on the track so the speed of the cars has a natural limit just trying to so that.
I miss CART racing!
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Booneville, Missouri
Formula 1
I hate the no refuelling. There needs to be a lot of btu's available for really great racing.
I know there is the fire hazard when refuelling but I don't like that the cars are heavily loaded starting the race. With the fuel limit we are not seeing what the car/driver can do.
We have always loved the *****/to/the/wall drivers, (like Senna,) and if they have to "save fuel" they cannot throw themselves into it the way they would like.
The other thing that gives me a pain is that limit on engine RPM! I am amazed that they can make an engine live at 20K+ rpm but they have proved it time after time. And now I'm told the limit is DOWN again to 15K rpm. That is totally going backwards.
They talk about slowing the cars down, which is crap. They have to stay on the track so the speed of the cars has a natural limit just trying to so that.
I miss CART racing!
I know there is the fire hazard when refuelling but I don't like that the cars are heavily loaded starting the race. With the fuel limit we are not seeing what the car/driver can do.
We have always loved the *****/to/the/wall drivers, (like Senna,) and if they have to "save fuel" they cannot throw themselves into it the way they would like.
The other thing that gives me a pain is that limit on engine RPM! I am amazed that they can make an engine live at 20K+ rpm but they have proved it time after time. And now I'm told the limit is DOWN again to 15K rpm. That is totally going backwards.
They talk about slowing the cars down, which is crap. They have to stay on the track so the speed of the cars has a natural limit just trying to so that.
I miss CART racing!
X2 on every word. So, the FIA is allowing turbos but limiting the RPM to 15,000? What happened to pure RACING?
I began attending F1 races in 1976 at the Long Beach Grand Prix until they were replaced by CART in 1983/1984. It was fun and exciting to watch a race without all of the pressure of the FIA as it is today. There was no doubt when a 12 cylinder Ferrari came down Shoreline Drive with that unique sound.
Or the first turbos by Renault with Prost and Arnoux when turbo lag was an issue.
I stopped going to F1 races in 1991 and it is doubtful if I ever go again because of all of the restrictions. Moreover, I stopped watching, for the most part, NASCAR when they put the restrictor plates on slowing them down substantially.
We could go on and on regarding racing so perhaps we have a story or two to share.
Take care and Godspeed!
Boon
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
HOLY crap on a cracker
WOW WOW WOW
Ecclestone steps down from Formula 1's management board
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 16th 2014, 14:11 GMT
Bernie Ecclestone will step down as a director of Formula 1's management board, but he will continue running the sport.
German prosecutors announced on Thursday that Ecclestone will face a court hearing in Munich at the end of April to answer claims that he bribed German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky over the sale of F1 in 2006.
Although Formula 1's owners CVC are allowing Ecclestone to continue his day-to-day running of grand prix racing, a statement issued by Delta Topco Ltd stated that it has agreed in a board meeting on Thursday that he will step off the board.
"After discussions with the board, Mr Ecclestone has proposed and the board agreed that until the case has been concluded, he will step down as a director with immediate effect, thereby relinquishing his board duties and responsibilities until the case has been resolved," said the statement.
"The board believes that it is in the best interests of both the F1 business and the sport that Mr Ecclestone should continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis, but subject to increased monitoring and control by the board. Mr Ecclestone has agreed to these arrangements."
Ecclestone has routinely denied any wrongdoing over a payment he made to Gribkowsky, and reiterated his claims of innocence to the board in Thursday's meeting.
The statement added: "Mr Ecclestone has reassured the board that he is innocent of the charges and intends to vigorously defend the case which will commence in late April 2014."
Ecclestone's stepping down from the board means other senior management figures will now take a more direct role in the future direction of F1.
The statement added: "The approval and signing of significant contracts and other material business arrangements shall now be the responsibility of the Chairman, Mr Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, and Deputy Chairman, Mr Donald Mackenzie."
Ecclestone steps down from Formula 1's management board
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 16th 2014, 14:11 GMT
Bernie Ecclestone will step down as a director of Formula 1's management board, but he will continue running the sport.
German prosecutors announced on Thursday that Ecclestone will face a court hearing in Munich at the end of April to answer claims that he bribed German banker Gerhard Gribkowsky over the sale of F1 in 2006.
Although Formula 1's owners CVC are allowing Ecclestone to continue his day-to-day running of grand prix racing, a statement issued by Delta Topco Ltd stated that it has agreed in a board meeting on Thursday that he will step off the board.
"After discussions with the board, Mr Ecclestone has proposed and the board agreed that until the case has been concluded, he will step down as a director with immediate effect, thereby relinquishing his board duties and responsibilities until the case has been resolved," said the statement.
"The board believes that it is in the best interests of both the F1 business and the sport that Mr Ecclestone should continue to run the business on a day-to-day basis, but subject to increased monitoring and control by the board. Mr Ecclestone has agreed to these arrangements."
Ecclestone has routinely denied any wrongdoing over a payment he made to Gribkowsky, and reiterated his claims of innocence to the board in Thursday's meeting.
The statement added: "Mr Ecclestone has reassured the board that he is innocent of the charges and intends to vigorously defend the case which will commence in late April 2014."
Ecclestone's stepping down from the board means other senior management figures will now take a more direct role in the future direction of F1.
The statement added: "The approval and signing of significant contracts and other material business arrangements shall now be the responsibility of the Chairman, Mr Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, and Deputy Chairman, Mr Donald Mackenzie."
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Booneville, Missouri
Formula 1
Hello and good afternoon.
Well, they finally caught "Billionaire Bernie" with his hand in the cookie jar. It does not surprise me as he is ACTUALLY the Formula 1 boss even if there is a FIA and Max Mosley who are supposed to be in charge.
This incident will be a most interesting trial to watch; if we had access to it.
Any news yet on the horsepower of the new Turbos?
Now for a F1 story. I was in Montreal for the race and during the race a car left the pits with a pneumatic tool and about 20-30 feet of air hose attached. He comes back into the pits and they remove the tool but not the hose so he continues to race a couple of laps until the Stewards black flag him.
At least he was determined! Ha ha
Take care and Godspeed!
Boon
Well, they finally caught "Billionaire Bernie" with his hand in the cookie jar. It does not surprise me as he is ACTUALLY the Formula 1 boss even if there is a FIA and Max Mosley who are supposed to be in charge.
This incident will be a most interesting trial to watch; if we had access to it.
Any news yet on the horsepower of the new Turbos?
Now for a F1 story. I was in Montreal for the race and during the race a car left the pits with a pneumatic tool and about 20-30 feet of air hose attached. He comes back into the pits and they remove the tool but not the hose so he continues to race a couple of laps until the Stewards black flag him.
At least he was determined! Ha ha
Take care and Godspeed!
Boon
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Could this be the time red bull Ferrari and Mercedes will make a play to own or get control of f1
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
more breaking news
WOW what a day for F1
Dennis to make changes at McLaren after being appointed Group CEO
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 16th 2014, 18:14 GMT
McLaren looks set for a major management overhaul ahead of the 2014 Formula 1 season, AUTOSPORT has learned, after former team boss Ron Dennis was appointed as Group CEO.
After the announcement, Dennis has vowed to bring change to McLaren to get it back to the front of the Formula 1 grid following a disappointing 2013 season.
AUTOSPORT understands that Dennis addressed factory staff in Woking on Thursday afternoon to outline his increased responsibilities to the F1 team.
He also made it clear that a new structure was likely to be put in place, and a change of team principal cannot be ruled out.
"There will be changes," he told the staff during the address that lasted for 20 minutes. "We will win again."
Current team boss Martin Whitmarsh, who was not present for the address, remains in charge for now and sources insist that no decision has been taken yet on whether or not he will be replaced.
A final call on the matter will however be made in February, when Dennis will outline whether Whitmarsh stays or if another figure will be appointed to run the F1 team.
Dennis, who was team principal from 1982 to 2009, has replaced Whitmarsh as the Group CEO with immediate effect.
In statement issued by the team, Dennis outlined that he had been appointed to the role with the mandate of doing whatever is necessary to get McLaren back on track.
"My fellow shareholders have mandated me to write an exciting new chapter in the story of McLaren, beginning by improving our on-track and off-track performance," he said.
"Over the coming weeks I intend to undertake a thorough and objective review of each of our businesses with the intention of optimising every aspect of our existing operations, whilst identifying new areas of growth that capitalise on our technologies, and where appropriate further investing in them."
By Jonathan Noble Thursday, January 16th 2014, 18:14 GMT
McLaren looks set for a major management overhaul ahead of the 2014 Formula 1 season, AUTOSPORT has learned, after former team boss Ron Dennis was appointed as Group CEO.
After the announcement, Dennis has vowed to bring change to McLaren to get it back to the front of the Formula 1 grid following a disappointing 2013 season.
AUTOSPORT understands that Dennis addressed factory staff in Woking on Thursday afternoon to outline his increased responsibilities to the F1 team.
He also made it clear that a new structure was likely to be put in place, and a change of team principal cannot be ruled out.
"There will be changes," he told the staff during the address that lasted for 20 minutes. "We will win again."
Current team boss Martin Whitmarsh, who was not present for the address, remains in charge for now and sources insist that no decision has been taken yet on whether or not he will be replaced.
A final call on the matter will however be made in February, when Dennis will outline whether Whitmarsh stays or if another figure will be appointed to run the F1 team.
Dennis, who was team principal from 1982 to 2009, has replaced Whitmarsh as the Group CEO with immediate effect.
In statement issued by the team, Dennis outlined that he had been appointed to the role with the mandate of doing whatever is necessary to get McLaren back on track.
"My fellow shareholders have mandated me to write an exciting new chapter in the story of McLaren, beginning by improving our on-track and off-track performance," he said.
"Over the coming weeks I intend to undertake a thorough and objective review of each of our businesses with the intention of optimising every aspect of our existing operations, whilst identifying new areas of growth that capitalise on our technologies, and where appropriate further investing in them."
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Booneville, Missouri
Ron Dennis
Hello again Tim.
Perhaps this is just what McLaren needs. I met Ron in Mexico at the racetrack after a "cake fight" involving Senna and several mechanics as it was Senna's 30th birthday. Ron was pissed but what could he do. I just said "Hi Ron" and got a look of displeasure so I suppose that I did not really meet him personally.
Tim, you told me once there is a good story regarding the paint scheme on your race car. Perhaps you will share it with us?
Take care.
Boon
Perhaps this is just what McLaren needs. I met Ron in Mexico at the racetrack after a "cake fight" involving Senna and several mechanics as it was Senna's 30th birthday. Ron was pissed but what could he do. I just said "Hi Ron" and got a look of displeasure so I suppose that I did not really meet him personally.
Tim, you told me once there is a good story regarding the paint scheme on your race car. Perhaps you will share it with us?
Take care.
Boon
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Boon...I will do that this weekend
Hello again Tim.
Perhaps this is just what McLaren needs. I met Ron in Mexico at the racetrack after a "cake fight" involving Senna and several mechanics as it was Senna's 30th birthday. Ron was pissed but what could he do. I just said "Hi Ron" and got a look of displeasure so I suppose that I did not really meet him personally.
Tim, you told me once there is a good story regarding the paint scheme on your race car. Perhaps you will share it with us?
Take care.
Boon
Perhaps this is just what McLaren needs. I met Ron in Mexico at the racetrack after a "cake fight" involving Senna and several mechanics as it was Senna's 30th birthday. Ron was pissed but what could he do. I just said "Hi Ron" and got a look of displeasure so I suppose that I did not really meet him personally.
Tim, you told me once there is a good story regarding the paint scheme on your race car. Perhaps you will share it with us?
Take care.
Boon
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 712
Likes: 0
From: Booneville, Missouri
Paint Scheme
Hello and good morning Tim!
Thanks; that would be great.
How about a Formula 1 story from everybody subscribed; they are all good so do not feel that it is not important and perhaps fun!
Take care and Godspeed!
Boon
Thanks; that would be great.
How about a Formula 1 story from everybody subscribed; they are all good so do not feel that it is not important and perhaps fun!
Take care and Godspeed!
Boon
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Could the U.S. field a F1 team......with NASCAR roots
F1 - Kolles, Stefan also bidding for F1 in 2015
"The most interesting candidate is definitely Gene Haas"
17 January 2014 - 14h07, by GMM Two more potential teams are bidding to join the formula one pitlane.
Bernie Ecclestone revealed on Thursday that he is in talks with two new outfits, and the first reared its head in the form of Nascar co-owner Gene Haas.
But Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that there is not one more potential bidder for the eleventh and final pitlane garage in 2015, but two.
One is Colin Kolles, the former Jordan, Midland, Spyker, Force India and HRT team boss, who for years has also run his own single seater and sports car teams.
And the other is Stefan GP, headed by Serbian businessman Zoran Stefanovich, who some years ago set up office in Cologne and tried to enter F1 with departed Toyota’s 2010 car.
Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt said the FIA intends to decide by the end of February whether one of the three will be given the eleventh team slot.
"The most interesting candidate is definitely Gene Haas," said Schmidt, who said the 62-year-old Californian would have a three-digit million budget, and also heads one of the best wind tunnels in the world in North Carolina.
"The cars would be designed in-house, but initially built by Dallara," he added.
"The engine and transmission partner would be Ferrari. Haas prefers to be in the background, so the team leader would be the former Red Bull team manager Gunther Steiner."
"The most interesting candidate is definitely Gene Haas"
17 January 2014 - 14h07, by GMM Two more potential teams are bidding to join the formula one pitlane.
Bernie Ecclestone revealed on Thursday that he is in talks with two new outfits, and the first reared its head in the form of Nascar co-owner Gene Haas.
But Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport reports that there is not one more potential bidder for the eleventh and final pitlane garage in 2015, but two.
One is Colin Kolles, the former Jordan, Midland, Spyker, Force India and HRT team boss, who for years has also run his own single seater and sports car teams.
And the other is Stefan GP, headed by Serbian businessman Zoran Stefanovich, who some years ago set up office in Cologne and tried to enter F1 with departed Toyota’s 2010 car.
Auto Motor und Sport correspondent Michael Schmidt said the FIA intends to decide by the end of February whether one of the three will be given the eleventh team slot.
"The most interesting candidate is definitely Gene Haas," said Schmidt, who said the 62-year-old Californian would have a three-digit million budget, and also heads one of the best wind tunnels in the world in North Carolina.
"The cars would be designed in-house, but initially built by Dallara," he added.
"The engine and transmission partner would be Ferrari. Haas prefers to be in the background, so the team leader would be the former Red Bull team manager Gunther Steiner."