Official F1/Motorsport thread

[Roddie]

Fingers crossed that it actually turns out to be true, but I can't see them being at-all competitive considering the winter "testing" season they've had. Of course, the biggest question now is: what will the team be called? Bry? Frawn?

[Richard.John]

The Williams looks nice. Such simple colour contrasts.

[Alastair]

In case anyone cares about the Force India:





Like the wing mirror mount detail myself.

[Richard.John]

Nothing to see here.......move on.....

I am sure they will have a good scrap at the back of the grid with Team Fried Prawns F1, now that Fry and Brawn have seemingly bought the entity formerly known as Honda.

[Alastair]

I'm thinking that too but I'm not 100% sure. They are very well tied up with McLaren now so really should be improving. The problem is, so is everyone else so unless they've come on massively then they'll still be at the back.

Seems Red Bull are the team to beat at the mo going over a second faster than anyone else at Jerez, maybe they we're running on fumes though and everyone else was on full tanks, who knows.

[sharky_ob]

I'm thinking that too but I'm not 100% sure. They are very well tied up with McLaren now so really should be improving. The problem is, so is everyone else so unless they've come on massively then they'll still be at the back.

Seems Red Bull are the team to beat at the mo going over a second faster than anyone else at Jerez, maybe they we're running on fumes though and everyone else was on full tanks, who knows.

There'll be the typical pre-season sandbagging going on at the moment. I fully expect to see Ferrari and McLaren at the front in Oz, but I hope Red Bull and BMW can seriously challenge this year.

[Shez]

Yeah, however Mclaren are off the pace at the moment by quite some margin.

[Shez]

The newly formed FOTA had their meeting this week and have put forward some proposals - The points one might even happen this season.

Technical

2009:
- More than 100% increase in mileage per engine (eight engines per driver per season)
- Reduction in wind tunnel and CFD (computational fluid dynamics) usage
- Engine available at ?8 million per team per season

2010:
- Engine available at ?5 million per team per season
- Gearbox available at ?1.5 million per team per season
- Standardised KERS (put out to tender, with a target price of ?1-2 million per team per season)
- Target a further 50% reduction of the 2009 aerodynamic development spend
- Specified number of chassis, bodywork and aerodynamic development iterations homologations) during the season
- Prohibition of a wide range of exotic, metallic and composite materials
- Standardised telemetry and radio systems


Sporting

2009:
- Testing reduction (50%)
- New points-scoring system (12-9-7-5-4-3-2-1), to give greater differentiation/reward to grand prix winners
- Race starting fuel loads, tyre specifications and refuelling data to be made public

2010:
- Commitment to recommend new qualifying format
- Radical new points-scoring opportunities (eg, one constructors' championship point to be awarded for the fastest race pit stop)
- Further testing reductions (four four-day single-car pre-season tests plus one single-car pre-season shakedown)
- Reduction of grand prix duration (250km or a maximum of one hour 40 minutes) pending the approval of the commercial rights holder


Commercial

2009:
- Increased data provision for media
- Explore means by which the presentation of Formula One action can be more informatively and dynamically presented, common to other sports such as tennis and cricket, to dramatically improve engagement with the public
- Nominated senior team spokesman available for TV during grand prix
- Commitment to enhance consumer experience via team and FOTA websites
- Mandatory driver autograph sessions during grand prix weekends

2010:
- Commitment to enhance consumer experience via TV coverage

[Alastair]

I hope the BBC coverage is better than the new trailer they've made

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/sporteditors/2009/03/a_new_look_for_f1.html

[Bort]

ew, ^

Not sure how old this is but a 'best of 30 years video collage' on the beeb site. Got me excited.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7925005.stm

[dotoko]

I hope the BBC coverage is better than the new trailer they've made

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/sportedit...ok_for_f1.html

Looks like a Netto ad...

[VR46]

So Honda is now Brawn GP eh, good luck to him and his team, not going to be easy for them

https://www.brawngp.com

would have liked to see Senna in F1, looks like we'll have to wait until next year.

[Richard.John]

So he must have the majority equity stake in the team then. Obviously all those years at Ferrari paid handsomely.

[Alastair]

60 pence of the 1 pound asking price!!!!

The name will probably just be because his is much more marketable than Fry's. It's all good though, have signed up to their site to see what updates they add on, can't wait to see the car.

[VR46]

I wouldn't be too pleased if I was his missus and this was how he was "investing" their retirement money etc. Hope they do well but without major funding and sponsorship etc it's going to be mega tough, be interesting to see how the car looks and who they can sign up sponsorship wise after Honda's stance on promoting only the "green side" of things.