Force India confirmed today, Tuesday that the DTM star, Paul di Resta will be the team’s test pilot, as well as reserve pilot for the 2010 season.  This was announced in the press conference held in Force India, Whyte & Mackay main sponsors’ headquarters in Glasgow.

“¡I’m very excited with the opportunity to finally pass to the F1!”, said the 23 year old pilot.  “I’m glad to be able to begin my career in the F1 with Force India, a team with great potential. “

“I think this a perfect way to prepare completely and be ready to go, provided that I have the possibility of getting a race position.  I hope this is the beginning of a long-term future with Force India.  With the support from the team, including Whyte & Mackay, I’m sure we’re going to grow together. “

“I would like to thank Paul and JR Hildebrand, for their commitment at the Jerez test,” said Vijay Mallya, President and CEO of the Force India team.  “They both worked very hard and were impressive during the test.  We’re proud to have someone of Paul’s caliber in the team.  His potential was evident during the test and he has the correct attitude to make it to the F1.”

“The program we have designed will allow him to become familiar with the car, the team …,” declared the owner of the Malayan scuderia.

Di Resta, who finished third in the general with a victory in the 2009 DTM Championship, has plans to combine his pilot role in the Formula One with the German Tourism Championship.

There are rumors that Kazuki Nakajima, Formula One ex-pilot with Williams, could make a comeback to F1 by the hand of the Serbian team, Stefan GP.  The team that aspires to be part of the 2010 World Championship’s grid (provided that someone withdraws), has just announced that he will perform some tests in the Portimao Circuit, in Portugal, at the end of this month.

“The first Stefan GP test will take place at the Portimao Circuit, between the 25^th and 28^th of February.  The identity of the pilots will be announced when the time comes, even though the first pilot has two years of experience in the Formula One,″ it’s indicated in his website.

According to rumors in the paddock, the Japanese already has an agreement for technical advise, and if the Serbian scuderia finally runs, Kazuki Nakajima could take the seat of a single-seater.

Subsequent to the first two testing days where the single-seaters were seen, there are aerodynamic solutions for all tastes.  During these days, it has been surprising how the engineers have hurried to cover the diffusers when the single-seaters enter the boxes.  Funny, because some moments later they’re back in the racetrack and it would be difficult to run after the car to cover the diffuser, wouldn’t it?

Leaving the “funny” note aside, let’s take a look at how the aerodynamics of the seven scuderias that have been presented in these official tests at the Valencian circuit have evolved.  I must say that it’s not an analysis of the aerodynamics, but of some visible changes.

FERRARI

The engineers of the Italian ‘scuderia’ chose to change the nose and wing in a significant way.

The nose seems to be lower than last year’s increasing its descending curve, with a softened V form (below, in the photo gallery you can enlarge the picture to see in more detail.)

For 2010, Ferrari has initially chosen to include a sharp fin, similar to the one that became fashionable with Red Bull, last year.

MERCEDES

No doubt, one of the cars with more changes, if we take the Brawn GP as reference.  The nose is even lower than Ferrari’s, with less tip and more rounded.  Very similar to last year’s well-known Red Bull design.

Contrary to the rest of the scuderias, they have selected a short tail behind the air inlet over the pilot (engine’s lid).

RENAULT

Renault does not contribute with any extraordinary changes in its front, following its aerodynamic philosophy of a robust appearance, “rough” nose. It has a descending angle, but lacks the famous V shape that can be seen in other single-seaters.

Just as it finished last season, Renault uses a great sharp fin as engine lid.

MCLAREN

The MP-4 follows an evolution from its previous model, without the V shape used by Ferrari or Mercedes.  Its nose is rounded and seems higher than others,’ even though, the front double wing is wider and have joined the “sharp fin” fashion.

Peculiar interpretation of the sharp fin, since it almost finishes in the rear aileron.  However, we’re still investigating the camera options on the single-seaters.  Note that Ferrari, McLaren and Williams “have an integrated periscope.”

WILLIAMS

Aside from the periscope, its possible the single-seater with less changes of all that we have seen (a priori).  The characteristics that stand out the most are a very flat and high nose, together with a front double aileron.

Hopefully, tomorrow we’ll go to another place where we can see the rear of the car, because we’ve heard that’s the part of the single-seater with more changes.

BMW SAUBER

As you can appreciate in this photograph, aerodynamically it seems like a completely new single-seater.  A nose with little drop, and a long but mostly high “sharp fin.”

When I say ‘high’, I mean that it does not fall as other scuderias’, but it’s rather a great extension of the air intake.

TORO ROSSO

The new Toro Rosso’s nose follows the trend of its previous model with only some slight touches.  However, the rear section is the one that has had the most evolution in 2010.

The sharp fin is an innovation joining with the rear aileron of the racing car.  The idea is to transfer the most quantity of air possible to the rear aileron.  Is that a solution to get extra grip?

Awaiting to see “the revolutionary USF1″ that according to the North Americans breaks with anything ever seen, this year the scuderias have changed a great deal the exterior of the racing cars.  Enjoy the gallery.

The prestigious Swiss watch company, Certina official sponsor of BMW Sauber F1 team since 2005, has announced today through a press release that it renews its contribution to the scuderia for the 2010 season.

Sauber’s untainted single-seater (untainted because it’s still getting sponsors) will carry Certina’s logotype in the Formula One’s team single-seaters’ rear mirrors, in the helmets, gloves and overalls’ cuffs of the scuderia’s pilots, Pedro de la Rosa and Kamui Kobayashi.

“For many years, the Certina trademark has been closely linked to sports and, specially to the motor sport.  Just as BMW-Sauber F1 Team, Certina’s philosophy is precision, innovation and dynamism,” assured Adrian Bosshard, president of Certina.

Peter Sauber is very proud of the trust that Certina has placed in his scuderia.  “The collaboration we’ve been feeding these years has been beneficial and we’re very happy that it has extended.  Certina and BMW Sauber F1 Team share many values.  Our alliance is natural and we believe it’s a satisfactory cooperation,” declared BMW Sauber F1 principal.

The afternoon session began with comments in the paddock regarding the possibility of seeing Fernando Alonso testing the Ferrari F10.  With a warmer weather and more grip on the tracks the single-seaters started to leave the boxes heading to the Valencian Ricardo Tormo Circuit’s racetrack in Cheste.

With a lost Austrian –we say ‘lost” because we didn’t see him through all the morning (strange thing)-, Lewis Hamilton started by lowering his morning times, 1:12.256, but still far from Felipe Massa’s chronometer and his F10.  That’s how the afternoon started.

At 3:30 the pilot from Austria was seen around the box, and rumors spread with regards to his possible participation in today’s tests.

Massa carried out many tyre tests –we assumed he was testing their performance-, explaining why the Brazilian entered the box continuously.  The same as Ferrari, the rest of the ‘scuderias’ tested their performance, thus the morning times were not improved.

The Renault improved only a bit.  The Polish, Robert Kubica, wearing a completely black helmet, continued to average very high times ( 1:14 ).  The R30 seems to have very little performance evolution compared to its predecessor, last year’s R29.

Today was a hard working day for Nico Rosberg who commanding his Mercedes GP made all kinds of tests.  Yesterday, his single-seater was very fast, but today it was slower marking 1:14. high times and running 25 lap periods to try the tyres out.

The Ferrari engine Sabuer of Kobayashi, after completing a period of 30 laps started to lower its times, becoming one of the fastest of the afternoon ( 1:12.667 ).  The Sauber is giving a good impression in these first tests.

The first impressions of Barichello on his Williams FW32’s Cosworth engine, indicate less speed (point) than the rest.  Specifically, around 8-12km/h (Mercedes and Ferrari).

In a bit more than an hour the session will end.   We’re walking towards the paddock to pick up some feelings.

Today, the Valencian circuit has had around 7.000 spectators, according to the organization.  A good number of people has gotten together to see the tests, so if climate conditions permit it, a higher number is expected for tomorrow with the attendance of Fernando Alonso in the racetrack.

Best times of the day.

1º Massa (1:11.722)

2º Kobayashi (1:12.056)

3º Hamilton (1:12.056)

4º Rosberg (1:12. 899)

5º Barrichello (1:13.377)

The second day of official tests in the Valencia Ricardo Tormo Circuit have started.  Today’s surprise was the attendance of ex-champion, Lewis Hamilton.  Climate conditions are better than Monday’s.   Massa and Kobayashi are leading the time table since early this morning, confirming yesterday’s good impression of the two single-seaters (Ferrari y Sauber).

The morning session started as yesterday’s, Massa runs through the racetrack and in a little while stops the chronometer at 1:12.393, near the best time he got yesterday (1:12.547).  After him, came Hamilton with 1:13.366.

After this first period, Massa starts to ‘exploit’ his Ferrari, stopping the time at 1:11.722, and pulverizing yesterday’s times.  The Brazilian pilot seems has adapted quite well to the F10.  However, a little bit later, Kobayashi goes up to the second place in the time table with 1:12: 384, with a scarce difference of 662 from Massa.  Yesterday’s story seems to repeat itself with the battle between Ferrari and Sauber.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) was the third fastest of the morning with a better lap of 1:12.508, even though, one who also improved yesterday’s time was Nico Rosberg with the Mercedes GP.  The German managed a better lap of 1:12.899, almost a second faster than the one he got on the first day.  Rubens Barrichello’s Williams (1:13.377), Kubica’s Renault (1:13.659) and the Swiss, Sebastien Buemi’s Toro Rosso (1:14. 826) were behind.  The latter was the only one who improved yesterday’s times.

Better conditions

The improvement of, both weather and the asphalt atmosphere conditions, as well as the quantity of rubber in the racetrack helped to lower the times.  All the ‘Scuderias’ tested the components and as yesterday, ran with different fuel amounts.

1. Massa (56 laps)
2. Kobayashi (29 laps)
3. Hamilton (48)
4. Rosberg (41)
5. Barichello (45)
6. Kubica (59)
7. Buemi (41)

Finally, the FIA accepted the proposals made by FOTA and approved the changes to the Formula One World Championship scoring system.

According to FIA’s press release, and subsequent to the meeting that the Formula One Commission held on Monday, the winner of the Grand Prix will be awarded with 25 points, while the second and third places will receive 18 and 15 points, respectively.

The remaining points for the GPs will be allocated up to the tenth pilot that classifies, the following way: 12-10-8-6-4-2-1.  This is a modification to the model proposed by the organization last December with 25-20-15-10-8-6-5-3-2-1.  Now, the FIA pretends to encourage the ‘run to win’ mentality.

Additionally, but for 2011, the FIA announces changes to the regulation regarding the diffusers.  The height of the main diffuser was reduced from  175mm to 125 mm, while the “magic” double diffusers –key element at the beginning of 2009, in the Brawn GP title-, will be finally excluded..

In addition to the change to the scoring system, each single-seater will only have 11 sets of dry weather tires available, instead of 14, and to encourage the teams to run through the practice sessions, ” a set must be returned before the start of Friday’s second practice session, and two sets before the start of the third practice session.  FOTA’s last proposal has also been accepted: cars having participated in Q3 must start the race on the same set of tyres with which their grid time was set.

Things being like this, all these proposals have to be submitted before the World Motor Sport Council that has to finally give its approval, even though its just a step because this is already a fact.

The Ferrari pilot, Felipe Massa said a few words after the conclusion of the first day of official debuts of the new Formula One season at the Cheste Circuit(Valencia), as he described the good sensations that the ‘Cavallino Rampante‘ single-seater made.

“Today’s balance is quite positive.  The car is easier to drive than last year’s, where it was always difficult to find the adequate rhythm and direction,” Massa explained, feeling “very happy” with the single-seater’s performance, the new F10.

Still, the Brazilian pilot prefers to keep his feet on the ground and underlined the relevance of improving the performance permanently to be ready for the World Championship beginning. “In spite of today, there’s still a lot to do; a lot of work to improve the car as the first race approaches and which is what really matters,” he assessed.

In the Ferrari’s pitbox, he made some comments about his ex-teammate –currently in the Mercedes ‘Scuderia’-, Michael Schumacher’s helmet.

“It’s a bit strange to see a silver colored car with a pilot in red,” the Brazilian teased, and added that passing the German pilot was “fun”.  “We had a great moment when we had the cars side by side and then I passed him,” Massa declared.

And with this, the first debut day closes and will see what tomorrow brings.  Many people from the media were looking for the “pilot from Asturias,” Fernando Alonso, who has his debut day-after-tomorrow.

The first Formula One pre-season tests are being challenged, since Monday in the Ricardo Tormo de Cheste Circuit in Valencia.

The Brazilian pilot, Felipe Massa started leading the time table at the wheel of the Ferrari ‘F10′ and in the middle of the morning marked a best time of 1:13.088, in a stint of 32 laps at the Valencian racetrack.

Massa, was the only one who lowered the times as he rolled through the Valencian Circuit to less than 1:14, giving evidence of good results with the new F10.  These were surprising times if we take into account the huge fuel tank that the car has installed in it.

In the last moments of the morning session, the Spaniard, Pedro Martinez de la Rosa (BMW Sauber) with a best lap of 1:13.247 -in spite of being the second pilot who ran less during the morning, with a total of 27-, placed himself in the second chrono time position.

Finally, Nico Rosberg with the Mercedes GP was third fastest in Cheste with 1:13.543, followed by the McLaren test pilot, Gary Paffet who stopped the chronometer in 1:14.018.

Rubens Barrichello (Williams) made it fifth with 1:14.449, while the two last places of the morning were for Kubica (Renault) with 1:15.298 and Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso) with a better time of 1:19.279, and who only ran 10 laps in the Valencian Circuit.

The first day of tests in Valencia has just concluded.  First contact of seven of fourteen ‘Scuderias’ that will compete in the 2010 Formula One World Championship.

Felipe Massa, continued boasting about a solid single-seater in a race with great rhythm completing 102 laps in total.  The Brazilian established the best time with 1:12.574, closely followed by the surprise of the day, the Spaniard, Pedro Martinez de la Rosa who in his comeback stopped the clock at 1:12.784. Behind them, Schumacher completed the trio with 1:12.  No other pilot managed to lower his reference times.

The best

Worth of high lightening is the most veterans’ comeback to the racetracks.  The seven-champion German who managed to climb to third position of the table with only 40 laps at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, while De la Rosa made the second best time.

There was joy with the performance of the BMW Sauber during the first day of official tests.  No doubt that the season’s start up begins with high hopes.

The worst

The Renault, now in the hands of Robert Kubica looked slow and heavy.  It seems to be dragging last year’s deficiencies.  However, there’s still time left for tests and adjustments.  Let’s hope the Polish can take the most advantage possible from the R30.

This is the time table at the end of this first day:

1. Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 1:12.574 (102 laps)
2 .Pedro Martinez De la Rosa (Sauber) 1:12.784 (74)
3. Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) 1:12.947 (40)
4. Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 1:13.543 (39)
5. Gary Paffett (McLaren) 1:13.846 (86)
6. Rubens Barrichello (Williams) 1:14.449 (75)
7. Sebastien Buemi (Toro Rosso) 1:14.762 (18)
8. Robert Kubica (Renault) 1:15.000 (69)

The Toro Rosso’s pilot, Jaime Alguersuari is already at the Ricardo Tormo, where he assured he has not yet talked with the team about the season’s objectives.  Anyhow, , “it’s all the same to me whomever has to make demands on me, because I’m concentrated on my own business and know where I have to be at,” he explained.

The Catalan is optimistic.  “This year I’m running because I have the tools to do it,” he pointed out with relation to the poor experience prior to his debut in the race.  “As the season advances, I’ll have more tools,” he added..

Alguersuari established as his main “personal” goal to be ahead of Buemi” his Toro Rosso’s team-mate.  “One has to be realistic and know where he is at, but I’m in no hurry to be ahead;”, he assured.  Regarding him being ahead of Buemi, he stated that the Swiss “is racing with advantage until the first half of the championship,” because he didn’t make it last year.

However, he did not venture any clear results. “When the tests are over, I’ll say the position we’re in.  It will not be easier than last year.  As a matter of fact, I think it will be quite complicated,” he announced in advance.

In spite of the difficulties he assured he’s “ready.”  “It’s complicated to win because we don’t have the economic resources that others do –Ferrari or McLaren–, but we’re trying to do our best.”  The pilot recognized he thinks that it will be possible to “get pole positions” and even win a race.  Why not?”, he inquired.

Alguersuari thinks that in the Valencia’s tests it will be possible to see “who goes fast and who doesn’t.”  “The target is that the car does not have any problems, that it’s reliable and that it does not break down, allowing it to finish the race.  Once that is achieved, we’ll expect it to go fast,” he declared.

“IT’S A POSITIVE THING THAT THERE ARE SO MANY SPANIARDS.”

The pilot described as “positive” that there are “so many Spanish pilots in the F1 grid: himself, Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) and De la Rosa (BMW Sauber).  “The rivalry will be among all the pilots and not only between the Spaniards.”  The pilot indicated that he’s glad that Pedro Martinez de la Rosa “has a wheel, because its something he wanted for a long time,” he recalled.

Alguersuari analyzed the fact that next season it will not be possible to refuel the cars during the race.  “This way we’ll see a different type of Formula One.  From the fans’ point of view, it’ll be more fun,” he predicted.  The pilot believes there will be “more surprises” and that there will not be strategic games.”  “There will be a real  ‘pole’ in the ranking and not a fictitious one, because the quantity of fuel is the same for everyone.”

The pilot thinks the new single-seater ‘STR5′ is a “longer and higher car in its front, but the base is similar to last year’s.”  “A good base is the safest thing for everybody,” he added.  The idea of the team is to do 500 kilometers by day so to arrive to Bahrain with a good base.”

The Spaniard was asked about Michael Schumacher’s comeback to the competition.  “His presence is important at technical level and as a professional athlete,” he answered.  In addition, he’s a man with “passion for this sport and very few pilots like this can be found.”