Official F1/Motorsport thread

[Darwock]

I kind of agree, coming back after retirement will most likely just damage the legacy.. in this case he's coming back to a completely different environment and as an old man, Ross Brawn is the enemy now instead of his ally etc etc.

But god I hope he shows them who's boss!

[Orgun]

Saw this over on NeoGaf and thought you chaps might find it interesting.

Teams want qualifying changes

Quote:
In the wake of BMW's decision to leave Formula One, the sport's remaining car manufacturers insist efforts are afoot to spice up the spectacle.

Not long after the Munich carmaker announced its decision to withdraw, Formula One Teams' Association secretary general Simone Perillo said work has begun to increase "the involvement of the fans" and to improve "the F1 show".

Mentioned on Wednesday was the possible introduction of a third car per team, but also rumoured is a FOTA-sponsored shake-up to the current knockout qualifying format.

It is believed FOTA's desired change would see five cars on track at a time, with the two fastest progressing to take on the next group of competitors.

The team alliance has no power to introduce rules however and FOTA proposals have traditionally fallen on deaf ears at the FIA.


Source


Lauda: Michael will be brilliant

Quote:
Niki Lauda has welcomed the announcement that Michael Schumacher will see out the remainder of the 2009 Formula 1 season with Ferrari, saying his return is exactly what the ailing sport needs.

Schumacher defied expectations, including those from his own manager Wili Weber, to be confirmed as the shock replacement for the injured Felipe Massa, the seven-time world champion coming out of retirement to rejoin Ferrari almost three years after hanging up his helmet.

His comeback has been met with universal approval from the F1 world, with many hailing it to be a timely promotional boost for a sport that has been beset by negative press for much of the season.

Among those behind Schumacher's return to competition is Lauda, who himself came out of retirement in 1982 to go on and win a third world title just two years later with McLaren.

"The return of Michael Schumacher is such a massive sensation that Bernie Ecclestone should pay him half his wages,” he told BBC Sport. “Has there ever been anything more exciting in motor racing?

"I am not saying that Michael will win because that depends on the speed of the car but I have absolutely no doubts about his ability to perform as well as ever. I was 33 when I came out of retirement and he is 40 - but you are what age you want to be. I have no concerns about his reflexes. He will be brilliant.

"The most interesting thing will be to see him up against Kimi Raikkonen in the other Ferrari - who will be faster? Put it this way: Kimi has to get his act together or be shown up. After all the politics, the return of Michael Schumacher is the best thing for him, Ferrari and Formula One. Watch him get in and go."

Schumacher's arrival is also set to bring Kimi Raikkonen's indifferent form with the team into focus, with Eddie Jordan mirroring Lauda's suggestions that this will be the impetus he and the team needs to 'rejuvenate a lacklustre season'.

"Well done to Ferrari for making this happen but especially well done to Michael because he has nothing to gain out of this and a lot to lose.

"I've been massively critical of Kimi Raikkonen and I think this is going to be the big wake-up call for him. You will see a new Raikkonen because he will not want to be disgraced by Michael.

"In fact, it could rejuvenate the whole of the Ferrari team, which has been a bit lacklustre this year."


Source


Kubica on the market

Quote:
Robert Kubica's manager says the Polish driver is now officially on the market following the announcement of BMW's exit from Formula 1.

The German company said on Wednesday it will leave the sport at the end of the 2009 season, a shock decision that caught Formula 1 by surprise.

BMW said it is yet to decide on what it will do with the team and its staff.

Kubica, who has been with the team since the 2006 season, had a contract with BMW until the end of 2010, but the team's exit has left the Pole's future in an uncertain position.

However, his manager Daniele Morelli made it clear that Kubica is now open to offers.

"There was no sign inside the team that something like this could happen. We take note of it," Morelli told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Robert was under contract until the end of 2010, but now he's officially on the market."


Source

[talizker]

Messages of encouragement for Felipe from the Formula 1 drivers.

[Orgun]

Good god, can Raikonen EVER not sound like a robot? He has no emotion....unless a magnum is involved.

Otherwise it was a very nice video, Buemi did make me laugh 'cos he Looked like a little child

[Richard.John]

I say again, KR is a tit of the highest order. It's his teammate for gawds sake so you think he might say a little more.......but no.

[VR46]

I'd of liked to see Ferrari splash some cash and get Rossi in

Won't happen this year, no way Yamaha would allow it and if Rossi ever goes to four wheels it will probably be WRC. Shame but it's a mega-slim chance of seeing him in F1, even in a couple of years time. Surtees record is safe for our generation at least I'm sure.

[Orgun]

FOTA Teams Allow Schu To Test F60
The FOTA teams have made an unprecedented decision to allow Ferrari to break the testing agreement and let Michael Schumacher have a day’s running in a current F60.

Schumacher is already in action today at Mugello in an obsolete 2007 car, which pictures show is on slick rather than grooved tires. In theory they should be special Bridgestone ‘demo’ tires rather than pukka 2009 racing slicks.

However as we exclusively revealed earlier Ferrari wrote to the other teams requesting permission for Michael to have a one-day test in the new car. That would allow him to get a feel for slick tires and learn all about KERS and movable front wings before he goes to Valencia, thus giving him a much better chance of making an impact on his first weekend back.

To further complicate matters in addition to the test ban teams have either started or will about to start their mandatory two-week factory shutdowns, and clearly giving Schumacher a test could eat into that time – unless it happens in the next couple of days at Mugello. There is also the possibility of the team using the
time to try new parts on the car.

However the FOTA teams have agreed to let the run go ahead.

FOTA Vice-Chairman and Toyota F1 boss John Howett told SPEEDtv.com: ‘I believe all FOTA teams have agreed to accept their request. The situation for Felipe is very unfortunate, and this is a sporting gesture which we are confident Ferrari will respect.’

It’s not known whether Williams and Force India, the two teams currently standing outside FOTA, have also agreed. Unanimity is required if it is to go ahead.

The curious thing is that Ferrari’s letter said that the proposed test was ‘in order to properly evaluate the possibility for his comeback.’

A cynical view might be that his test in the F2007 today would have been more than adequate to judge his fitness and any potential neck problems arising from his February motorbike crash, and that a run in the F60 was therefore not essential.

Source

[NW2013]

Anyone watch the BTCC? Some good races today at Snetterton. I can't believe the Chevrolet Lacetti is one of the best cars, strange days. Then again I suppose it's not that closely related to the road car except the shape.

Also been enjoying Evgeny Novikov's antics in the WRC. Seems he doesn't want to actually go around the corners...

[TheForce]

Loved watching the Rally of Finland, it's about the most amazing rally to watch. Excellent perfomance from Hirvonen, with 3 rally's to go it could be really exciting to the end. Nothing against Loeb, but I hope Hirvonen can take the championship, would be good for the sport to see someone else then Loeb take the crown, would also be good for Ford since they we're nearly there so many times the last few years.
Raikonen crashed out on the 2nd day, but till that point he was doing quite good as well, he looked also much more relaxed as in F1, he smiled and gave good interview on TV, I never saw him like that before. It would really surprise me when he doesn't go to WRC next year.

[Malc]

First interview with Massa after the accident:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77532

[Kieran76]

Williams block Schumacher's attempt to have an extra days test drive in the new Ferrari.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8178345.stm

Seems a bit mean to me, it's not as if Michael is replacing a sacked driver.

[Alastair]

I think it's fair enough, knowing Ferrari they would use it to test development parts anyway

[Malc]

I think testing on a 1-2 year old car is enough. After all, he is one of the best F1 drivers of all time.

[Alastair]

Piquet officially out.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77538

I always believed that having a manager was being a part of a team and having a partner. A manager is supposed to encourage you, support you, and provide you with opportunities. In my case it was the opposite. Flavio Briatore was my executioner.

[cutmymilk]

He wan't great, no, but deserves more of a chance.

It's dog eat dog in F1, and they have to learn fast but if its the end of his F1 career at a young age thats disappointing for him and I understand his bitterness.