F1 Fantasy Racings » Osorio M

Golf Club adopts F1 technology through Williams

Osorio M — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:57:36 +0000

Even though it may “sound crazy,” it’s a commercial agreement that Williams F1 has announced today after the signature of a license agreement exclusively with a US Golf equipment company, Golf Club. The aim is that with this union “Williams” succeeds in the golf business.
The combination of engineering capability of Williams F1 with the design established by Golf Club and the Sports Williams team production expertise, is going to create a partnership that will upgrade golf clubs’ design to a new level in 2010 and beyond.
The purpose of this partnership is the injection of Formula One Williams’ technology for the design and manufacture of golfing equipment. The initial areas will the aerodynamic profiling of golf club shafts and the application of composites and alloys materials science in club design.
With current limitations on modern golf club design, aerodynamics and materials are now the most important aspect of research and development.
Aerodynamics and carbon fiber compound technology are fundamental in Formula One. Aerodynamics is Formula One’s performance key differentiation factor. In addition to the traditional experimental disciplines, as the wind tunnel tests, the sport brings together predictive capacity based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
The sport has also pioneered the application and use of low weight, high strength carbon fiber since the 1980s, developing race cars that withstand ten annual penetration, static and dynamic crash tests to ensure driver safety while not compromising performance. Together with carbon fiber, several other materials that are critical for racing car performance will be presented in Sport Williams product line. The clubs will feature tungsten inserts that will be used for fine tuning of weight distribution, which is a process used in Formula One. High nickel content super alloy, used in the manufacture of the lightweight racing car exhausts, will be the featured material in the Qualifier Series of Williams Sports irons.
Frank Williams, Williams F1 Team Principal, said: “We are at the start of a fascinating period of business development. [..].I have great hopes for its potential to revolutionize design in golf equipment.”

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Heidfeld without pre-season

Osorio M — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:17:47 +0000

It is probable that Nick Heidfeld, Mercedes GP test driver, will not be able to test the MGP W01 at Jerez racetrack.
Heidfeld, will travel to the Grand Prix this year as a possible substitute of the official pilots; Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Nonetheless, with only 12 test days left, the Mercedes Director, the German, Norbert Haug said they would not be in conditions to offer Heidfeld racetrack time with the new MGP W01.
“It is expected that, before the beginning of the season, Michael and Nico will have as many test kilometers as possible,” said Haug. “In the improbable case that he [Heidfeld] has to subtitute one of our leading pilots, Nick is well prepared to immediatly do a good job.”
Mercedes will resume its tests this Wednesday in the Andalucian racetrack of Jerez, together with nine of his rivals for the next season. Ross Brawn, boss of the team, has made it very clear that he has the intention of reducing the time gap with the Ferraris performing a series of modifications to the single-seater.

Klien and Soucek continue negotiations with Campos and USF1

Osorio M — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:03:44 +0000

The F1 ex-pilot, Christian Klien and the F2 champion, the Spaniard Andy Soucek are still battling for the two remaining positions of the Formula One grid for this season.
USF1 and Campos have not confirmed yet their second pilots, and both Klien and Soucek assure to be in negotiations with the teams before the opening of the season in Bahrain, on March 14th.
“The possibilities are still good,” declared Klien. “Until there is an actual possibility I’m going fight to participate in the F1. Another year as reserve driver would not be a catastrophe.”
On the other hand, Soucek, has announced that his negotiations with the Spanish team are in an “advanced” stage, while his conversations with USF1 are more casual.
“Right now it is not signed, but during the negotiations new options have come up,” said Soucek and added that he does not discard participating as test driver, but naturally, without paying seat.
They are both competing with champion Adrián Vallés, who many consider one of the favorites for the USF1 seat. The Spaniard was already very near in 2007; maybe this is his chance.
“I’m sorry. I cannot talk. I only hope things don’t go wrong.“ declared Valles, last week.
We are still waiting for Campos to comment on the solution of his financial problems and centers in the vacant seat, as well as submit his plans as the beginning of the season is approaching

Bernie Ecclestone does not think Campos and USF1 are ready for Bahrain

Osorio M — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:40:35 +0000

Bernie Ecclestone added more fuel to the fire when he made statements regarding the possibility that USF1 and Campos Meta 1 get a place in the grid of the first race at Bahrain. The F1 boss went even further by suggesting the both teams will miss the three first races of the season.
Ecclestone himself revealed there is a clause in the Concord Agreement which allows the teams to be absent at three races during the season. Even though most of the teams will not make use of it –due to the sponsorship contracts-, this could offer an extra period to Campos and USF1 to prepare for their debut in the Formula One.
“I think we won’t be seeing Campos nor the Americans, who are going to request to be absent to three races,” declared Ecclestone to Express. “According to the Concord Agreement the teams are authorized to be absent from three races.”
Both teams have insisted several times that they will run the first race of the season, even though Campos has admitted he is still looking for investors to pay the debts he has with the Dallara chassis manufacturer. On the other hand, the USF1 is ready for his final crash tests, and a number of reports suggest that the chassis is in a very advanced phase.
However, the Serbian, Stefan, who is developing the Toyota’s team F1 2010, is ready to intervene if necessary, suggested Ecclestone, saying that Stefan GP has gotten enough funds to be in conditions to participate in the races. “They have the Serbian government money. I have talked with the Prime Minister.” declared Ecclestone.
Formula One ex-pilots, Schumacher, Kazuki Nakajima and Jacques Villeneuve have been associated with the new team, that will make tests at the Algarve Portimao Race Circuit in Portugal, at the end of the month.

Willy Rampf minimizes scoring in Valencia

Osorio M — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:05:19 +0000

The Technical Director of Sauber, Willy Rampf has played down the relevance of the good times that the team got at the tests in Valencia.
Sauber was the second fastest team during the three days, with its pilots Kamui Kobayashi and Pedro de la Rosa who established lapping times very similar to the Ferraris’. However, for Rampf, it’s still too soon to know if the car is as competitive as times suggest.
“That is even harder to evaluate this year than in the previous ones,” he said. “All I can say is that our car is giving the expected performance based on our simulations and measurements in the wind tunnel. The tremendously different fuel load makes it impossible to make an absolute comparison with the other teams’ cars.”
He added that the relationship between the new drivers and the team is going extremely well.
“The two pilots are new in the team and we are about to meet the rest, but, the work relationship between drivers and team has had a good beginning. It’s clear that Pedro has great experience which gives him an wonderful base of technical knowledge that is very valuable for all who are involved. Kamui rapidly receives his impressions through him, which means he can give the engineers the necessary information to perform the necessary changes. Together, pilots and engineers are already working productively.”
Rampf explained they will do small modifications to the car’s engine to cover this week’s tests at Jerez, mostly at exhaust level. Sauber will be one of the teams doing tests as of next Wednesday with Red Bull, Force India and Virgin, all of them making their 2010 debut in the group test.

Ferrari preparing for second pre-season tests

Osorio M — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:01:44 +0000

Ferrari ‘scuderia’ is preparing for this season’s second session of tests scheduled for the 10th to the 13th of February at the Spanish circuit of Jerez de la Frontera. Tomorrow morning, the main part of the team will leave Maranello, including the mechanics and the men who work in logistics, telemetry and electronics, while the engineers will get to Spain Tuesday evening.
Four days of tests: Fernando Alonso will begin the shakedowns in the racetrack the first two days, followed by Felipe Massa who will sit behind the steering wheel as of Friday 12th. The F10 has arrived to Jerez subsequent to the examination realized last Wednesday evening in Valencia. The car’s configuration will be substantially the same, compared to its debut: there will only be some minor mechanical changes.
Meanwhile, in Maranello, the works to mount the chassis to the second F10 are well on their way. This single-seater will be used during the third test session, held again at Jerez, from February 17th to the 20th.

Virgin Racing excited with Jerez tests

Osorio M — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:22:35 +0000

The Virgin Racing scuderia, are excited with the scarce sensations they have regarding their single-seater, the ‘VR-01′, after a “successful” shakedown at the British circuit of Silverstone.
The new team will make its pre-season official debut during the tests this week at Jerez de la Frontera. “Last week’s shakedown was a success for the ‘scuderia’ and since it was the first test as teams it simplified our first opportunity of working together, and could not go better. The way the team has worked to achieve such a successful shakedown has been commendable. I’m proud of what we achieved and looking forward to be with the other ‘scuderias’ at the ‘pit lane,’ this week”, said Virgin Racing, Director, John Booth, to ‘formula1.com’.
Even though at Silverstone, Timo Glock only did 42 laps with the ‘VR-01′ and his team-mate the Brazilian, Lucas Di Grassi, lapped 36 times in the British racetrack, for this pilot: “the first impressions a very positive. It’s amazing what the team has accomplished in such a short time. I think we have a great ‘scuderia’ and a strong car to start working in Jerez”, added Di Grassi.
Meanwhile, Virgin Racing Technical Director, Nick Wirth, was also “pleased” with the good sensations of the tests that were performed . “To be able to roll 100 kilometers is a great achievement. We have acquired good data to continue forward in the design of the new parts that we’ll test this week;” he stated.

Montezemolo with his feet on the ground

Osorio M — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:03:56 +0000

The President of Ferrari, Luca di Montezemolo, does not want surprises or disappointments following the euphoria that seems to invade the ‘Il Cavallino’ scuderia. The Italian does not want to get carried away with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa’s good times behind the F10 during the first pre-season tests at the circuit in Valencia.
“I’m happy that our car seems to be born well,” he declared to the ‘Gazzetta dello Sport’ magazine. “But the pre-season tests are similar to football in August. I think the only positive aspect we should highlight is the sensation that the car has resulted as good as this;” he added.
The leading man of the scuderia, is cautious and assures that it’s still too early to give definite opinions on the Ferraris’ performance, previous to the start of the season. He prefers to share the cautiousness of Stefano Domenicalli, Sport Director of the team, who a few days ago said that “nothing can be guaranteed.”
There is one thing the two men agree on, that the Mercedes GP will be the rival to beat: “We still have many problems to take care of and we have to keep our feet on the ground. We still don’t know how good the others are;” underlining that “Alonso and Massa’s results are a first encouraging sign, but it’s too soon to judge.”
The thing being that subsequent to the terrible previous season, the Italian is risking a lot with regards to his image and prestige. Ferrari is not the only single-seater in the racetrack: “I think that Mercedes GP -ex Brawn-, is the rival to beat.” Naturally, not forgetting the energetic single-seater. “I’m sure that the Red Bull will also be very competitive, if we take into account the advantage with which it finished last season. And McLaren, too,” the Italian concluded.

Christian Horner thinks that F1 could lose engine suppliers

Osorio M — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:01:28 +0000

Red Bull boss, Christian Horner, has advised that F1 could lose its engine suppliers if the engine freeze rule is maintained.
Last year, Mercedes was considered the most powerful engine of the grid. The main teams urged the FIA to allow them to update their engines during a given period of time, consenting on minor relevance enhancements and readjustments. As a result, “the ‘touches to the engine’ are quite limited.”
Even though, in the Regulation there isn’t a stipulation for engine equality, the fall of Honda, Toyota and BMW means that there are only four engine manufacturers left: Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Cosworth. On this regard, Horner seems worried because, if the engine freeze rule hinders the manufacturers to enhance the engines they sale, everybody will choose the most powerful to this date, and this would force the others out. In other words, there’s the possibility that there would only be two brands left.
“FIA has all the information at hand to decide upon an adjustment to the engines,” Horner said from Germany to the Auto Bild Motorsport magazine. “It would be a disaster to lose another engine manufacturer at the end of the year, because they cannot compete with the others. The chassis development rules are so strict that the engine plays an ever more important role everyday.”
This year’s refueling ban means that fuel consumption will become a critical factor in the races. Renault, which supplies its engines to Red Bull, as well as the factory team, believe they have more efficient engines regarding fuel consumption, even though they have slightly less horse power.
An engine with better consumption will allow the team to refill less fuel at the beginning of the race, which is a factor that will have a value of tenths of lapping time during the first laps of a Grand Prix. Fuel levels will no longer have an incidence on the scoring times, because the first ten will not have to perform the Q3, with enough fuel to start the race.
For this reason, the single-seaters with Renault engine, could get a worse scoring in the Q3 but make significant progress during the first laps, thanks to their weight/load ratio.

Andy Soucek does not throw in the towel

Osorio M — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:49:03 +0000

In spite of learning that the opportunity for participating in the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship with Renault has vanished with the confirmation of the Russian, Vitaly Petrov, the Spanish pilot, Andy Soucek is far from giving up. “For the time being, there’s nothing closed. Negotiations have taken place and we have opened new options. The two vacant seats are USF1 and Campos, but there are other alternatives that are also tempting me quite a lot, and all in Formula 1″, said Soucek.

“To be the first-team pilot is something that attracts all pilots –regardless of the team-, because what we want is to be in the grid. But to be a reserve pilot is more important than being a test driver, because if something happens to the first-team pilot you take his place. So this is something I have in mind if it would be a large team. It would help me a lot and give me time to prepare for 2011, with one more year of experience in Formula 1. It’s a role one should not rule out;” declared the Spanish pilot.

“I think I deserve the position of third pilot and I don’t think I have to pay for it. That’s what interests me. As a first-team pilot you have to have a big sponsor behind you, but as third pilot you can have a small sponsor or not even that, because they’re counting on you since you’re going to contribute with something to the team,” assured the Spaniard-Austrian pilot.

The thing being that more doors are closing every time, and more so with the possible arrival of Adrián Vallés to the USF1 team, which has a vacant seat. Soucek said: “I don’t know if he has signed; I understand he hasn’t. But, Adrián has always been ahead; he has raced very fast in all the championships he has participated. He has been my team-mate and cannot say anything bad about him. He’s very fast and he deserves it. We haven’t talked and I cannot give more information.”

This way, it is confirmed that there is contact with USF1. “Yes, there have been conversations, but this is like everything else: at the end, everybody talks with everybody else, and much more in a moment like this, when the teams are desperate for a pilot, as well as the pilots for a team.”

“I’m not going to allow desperation to get to me, and if I sign I want it to be something that helps me in my sport career; not that jeopardizes it. So, whatever step I take is going to be well thought out, and I’ll see that the team with whom I sign gives me a guarantee of playing a decent role within the Formula One,” the pilot pointed out.

And what about Campos Meta 1 which has only confirmed the Brazilian, Bruno Senna? “For a month I’ve been in very advanced negotiations with Campos. As has been announced in all media, Adrian is going through a very difficult moment. I thing the same indecision and uncertainty we all have is what he’s experimenting, too,” Soucek reflected.

Based on Adrián Campos statements, today we have confirmed, that before next Monday, he will take care of the financial problems. “Right now, he doesn’t know what’s going to happen. He’s wishing that his team succeeds. We all do. It’s a Spanish team and it would be very important for motoring, but unfortunately there’s an economic problem with all the new teams, and besides, maybe the media is taking it out on him a bit too much. Let’s hope he can solve the problem and then, it will be known who his second pilot will be,” he explained.

Jose María ‘Pechito’ López has begun his activities as USF1 pilot

Osorio M — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 17:19:54 +0000

The USF1 official pilot, the Argentinean, José María “pechito” López yesterday flew from the Córdoba Airport to Charlotte, Carolina del Norte, to visit for second time the USF1 headquarters.

As has been reported from Argentina, José María López will stay a few hours with the team and later will fly to Austria. This is the pilot’s second visit to the United States of America, even though it will be the first as member of the US ‘scuderia,’ and will allow a dialogue with his team-mates, as well as to learn the details regarding the construction and assembly of the Type1.

“Pechito” will hang out with the new team for several hours this Saturday and later, in the evening, travel again, this time to Austria to continue his physical training in Erwin Gollner High Performance Center.

The work plan will begin February 7^th to the 14^th, returning to the USA on Monday 15^th and then, wait until the works on his single-seater end, so to tackle the first test, yet to be confirmed.

“Days are passing by and the possibility to be behind the steering wheel of the F-1 car is getting closer. I’m flying to Charlotte to visit the people from the team, talk with them, and see how advanced is the construction of the car. Later, I’ll fly to Austria, to continue my physical training beside;” the pilot from Cordoba, Argentina stated.

“These days in Cordoba with my family and friends were great for me. To be a bit more relaxed and knowing the everything was closed.” “2009 was very intense. I almost didn’t have any time to rest, but now I’m 100 percent available for the team to start with the work,” he expressed.

Adrían Campos admits to financial problems

Osorio M — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:39:46 +0000

Adrian Campos, Campos Meta Director has admitted to having problems that have affected the team and that they should be solved before Monday.

The permanent rumors of these last days have had a negative effect. Speculation on different media about financial problems and the alleged inability to pay the Italian manufacturer, Dallara (for the single-seater production). Nevertheless, Minardi’s ex-pilot is confident that the team can still be in Bahrain starting grid.

“We’re trying to solve everything for Monday, but people are saying a lot of crap,” he said to BBC Sport. “Some are true, but some aren’t. We’re working very hard to be in Bahrain.“

The most probable rescuer of the team is the entrepreneur, Tony Teixeira, who backed-up the now extinct A1GP Series. Nonetheless, Campos wouldn’t confirm the rescue plan and who in the partial sale of the team.

“The problem is we have confidentiality clauses for all the actions we’re taking,” he explained.

However, the Spanish Director recognized that the payments to the Dallara have not always been on time. “Sometimes we delay a part of the payments to Dallara and, at times, we don’t have the money available. We’re trying to solve the problem,” he declared.

Adrian Campos also denied that Dallara has gotten tired of waiting for the money and consequently, sold the 2010 car to Stefan GP.

“No, they (Dallara) cannot do that. We have an agreement with them,” informed Adrían Campos

Vijay Mallya assures Force India will not dissolve

Osorio M — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:44:50 +0000

The owner of Force India team, Director and Co-Owner, Vijay Mallya played down reports that Force India will disappear in 2010.

In an article presented by the Daily Telegraph newspaper, it was mentioned that the team based in Silverstone is facing the dissolution of the Great Britain companies, the reason being that it has not delivered their accounts since 2008.

“It is not unknown for companies to file their annual returns late, the reasons for which are varied,” Indian billionaire Mallya, declared.

It has been confirmed that the Companies House has granted an extension until February 25^th, to file the delayed paperwork.

“We’re taking all the necessary measures to guarantee the submission of the documents prior to that date. Hence, participation of Force India in the championship is not and will not be in jeopardy; “ Mallya stated.

Meanwhile, a spokesman from the team clarified that the 2010 Force India single-seater, the Mercedes-VJM03 made its debut at Silverstone, on Wednesday of this week, not Thursday as was previously informed.

Cosworth satisfied with its engines

Osorio M — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:44:57 +0000

Cosworth engine supplier since 2006, has enjoyed his first action in the Formula One racetrack. This week two of his clients have tested its engines.

The AT & T Williams team carried out the three day test in the Valencia Circuit in Spain, placing the Cosworth V8 CA to seriously give its first steps for the first time in a racetrack.

The new Virgin Racing team unveiled its digitally designed racing car known as the VR-01, with Cosworth engine on Wednesday before the initial sampler session in Silverstone.

This way, Cosworth F1 executives have expressed their first impressions

In an interview with Mark Gallagher, Director General of Cosworth F1 (Business Unit) he was asked about “what relevance have this week’s activities had regarding the World Championship:”
“We are excited to have begun this week the pre-season tests in Valencia with Williams, because it was our first opportunity to see the CA in the rear end of a racing car with all the consequences that has. The development and test of an engine in our installations in Northampton is one thing, but to see it in the racetrack takes us to a new phase in our program, “ explained Mark Gallagher.

It’s evident that they are thrilled with the debut in the F1, giving credit to their work with Williams, the Director stated; “Our work with Williams has been very important to collect data, driver’s response and to measure the initial results of the combination of the CA engine to the FW32 chassis. Our first performance measure will always be the durability, and the fact that Rubens and Nico have completed more than 1.200 kms between both, showed that the engine’s reliability has been up to our expectations. We also paid attention to the global success of the overall installation; see how the engine works together with the Williams gear selection and prove all the associated systems, pressures, cooling system, temperatures.. [...] Now, we’re waiting for next week’s test in Jerez where we can take our technical program with the team to the next level. “

However, the Director looked particularly excited with the Cosworth VR-01 combination. “It was very gratifying to see the Virgin-Cosworth VR-01 this week and to welcome the first of our new teams in the Formula One. We have developed a solid work relationship with Virgin Racing during the last months, and I would like to congratulate Nick Wirth and his design team for the results of their efforts. We’re doing all that is possible to support them since the beginning of their activities in F1 and when they join with Williams in Jerez, next week we’ll have two teams in the racetrack which will increase our pre-season activities very much.“

What are you specifically involved with? “We were at Silverstone with Virgin Racing for a shakedown session, as a base before the test in Jerez. Even though the weather conditions were good today, the car worked as expected and it has been a good opportunity to start to understand the new chassis-engine. This will help to insure that we’re capable of doing most of next week’s important test in Spain.“

They were not enough for Barberá

Osorio M — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:17:28 +0000

On his debut on the MotoGP belonging to Aspar Team, Héctor Barberá with Ducati, recognized that the testing days at the Sepang Circuit in Malaysia “were not enough” for him, but he finished “happy due to his new team’s improvement margin.”

The Valencian looked “excited” because he will ride his bike “soon” to continue testing. Barberá pulled off a best time of 2:03.032.

“I rode in similar times than yesterday’s and am satisfied because we have progressed in getting the Ducati ready,” he added.

Barberá thought it was a shame that the debuts had to finish in advance due to the rain, the thing being that the Spanish rider doesn’t seem to want to get off the bike. “Precisely when they had put new tyres and I was going to try to improve my time,” he stated.

In spite of everything he looked satisfied. “Moreover, I believe that with the combination of the bike and the technicians from Ducati we’re going through the right course;“ Barberá assured.

Pedrosa satisfied with improvements

Osorio M — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:39:38 +0000

Dani Pedrosa has improved dramatically the Honda’s performance and looked “satisfied” with the important progress they had during the second testing day in Sepang. Today, the Catalan has been trying out the new suspensions.

“Today, we have overcome more tests and I can say that we have progressed in a significant way, which is important when you have to choose a course to follow,” Pedrosa commented to RTVE.

The Spanish pilot made clear that today they mainly worked with the “rear suspension”, and were able to collect a “much data” to continue improving for the return to the Malayan racetrack “in two weeks.” “We have also tried out different trailings and at the end of the day, have noticed progress, so I’m happy because of that,” he added.

Pedrosa recognized that yesterday, Thursday it took him longer “to find the rhythm on the bike because it was the first day of return to the command,” but that today, “everything was better.”

“It suits us quite well to have the second test here in only two weeks. I have not requested new parts because, both the team and I believe it’s better to analyze first what we have found here and concentrate on that. I’m going home very satisfied,“ stated the Spaniard.

Rossi continues unstoppable in Sepang

Osorio M — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:11:14 +0000

The current MotoGP champion, the Italian, Valentino Rossi, motorcycle world’s nine-time champion, again made clear that the new Yamaha M1 gives him good sensations, as he leaded the second pre-season testing day in the Sepang racetrack.

‘Il Dottore’, who already was the fastest yesterday, today rolled with good times, his best being 2.00.925.

The rider from Urbine was the only one capable of riding below 2.01, while his direct World Championship rivals did as follows: Stoner, his closest opponent, made it second at only 395 thousandths. Lorenzo and Pedrosa also rolled at less than a second from the Italian rider.

However, the great surprise of the day was in charge of the US rider, Ben Spies (Yamaha), Superbike world champion, pulling off the fifth best time, showing great adaptation to the M1, in spite of his lack of experience with it.

Regarding the rest of the Spaniards, the results were: Aleix Espargaró (Ducati) ninth, improving yesterday’s times, while Héctor Barberá (Ducati) and Álvaro Bautista (Suzuki) are still adapting to the ‘queen’ category and were twelfth and fourteenth, respectively.

On the other hand, the fright of the day was experienced with the Italian, Marco Simoncelli (Honda), who suffered a fall due to a ‘lash’ of the RC21V, but escaped unharmed and could return to the track a while later.

–RESULTADS OF THE DAY:

1. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 2:00.925.

2. Casey Stoner (AUS/Ducati) 0.395.

3. JORGE LORENZO (ESP/Yamaha) 0.360.

4. DANI PEDROSA (ESP/Honda) 0.142.

5. Ben Spies (USA/Yamaha) 0.444.

6. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Honda) 0.006.

7. Colin Edwards (USA/Yamaha) 0.207.

8. Nicky Hayden (USA/Ducati) 0.014.

9. ALEIX ESPARGARÓ (Ducati) 0.154.

10. Loris Capirossi (ITA/Suzuki) 0.116.

…/…

12. HÉCTOR BARBERÁ (ESP/Ducati) 0.222.

16. ÁLVARO BAUTISTA (ESP/Suzuki) 0.029.

The Virgin Racing VR-01 rolled in Silverstone

Osorio M — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:48:17 +0000

Virgin Racing, one of the new four cars of this season, this Thursday completed its first tests at the British Silverstone circuit, with the German pilot, Timo Glock at the wheel of the VR-01.

“To see the VR-01 in action was a wonderful moment for me and for all the team. It’s great to be back in the racetracks,” said the pilot at the end of the testing session.
On the other hand, Nick Wirth, Technical Director pointed out that the 10 month effort of the team paid off. “Today were the first steps, but the program will really be in action tomorrow, with a full day of evaluation in Timo and Lucas di Grassi’s racetrack.”

Analysis of the new Virgin VR-01

Leaving aside the beginning of his campaign in the media, Virgin made clear at all times that Wirth was going to design the car totally with CDF technologies. The team believes it’s the most profitable solution.

With scarce time for tests, the VR-01 has already passed the FIA-required crash tests and has rolled its first laps in the British circuit of Silverstone.

Aside from its very attractive line, the VR-01 has quite simple front wing endplates. And we say simple because it currently does not incorporate a system for the driver to modify the angle of attack of the upper element. Yet, we will surely see more developments in before it runs in Bahrain.

The nose follows the trend to copy the Red Bull V nose concept (as well as the rounded underside), and it also has a sharp tip, almost as low as on the Mercedes GP (but longer). The front wheel suspension is mounted like a unique keel system. Seems as though the chassis has a small keel under its nose for the lower wishbone.

Rather unusual for new cars are the front brake ducts. Even though most of the teams have opted for the highest possible position for the ducts, the VR-01 has them pointing downward, attempting to catch the air from under the front wing. It’s important to consider that in this area, the air can flow faster and be a bit less dense.

The front part of the sidepods is clearly inspired in Brawn’s BGP001 and it’s also quite similar to the 2010 McLaren 2010. Small and high combined air inlets must prevent an efficient flow of air around the sidepods, providing more potential downforce in the rear end.

This configuration of the sidepod panels will surely help to achieve this goal. The racing car seems to be quite developed in the middle zone, though the way the mirrors are mounted and their place came as a surprise.

Just like the new Ferrari, the sidepods are rather lean and without sharp curves. In both cases, the designers opted for a long car capable of placing all the components near the center line. This Virgin, as well as the Ferrari could be around 5.5 meters long, 70 cm longer than the Mercedes. While this may prove beneficial in the fast circuits, in twisty road tracks they may become a challenge. We’ll see…

The back end of the car seems to have some influence from last year’s Red Bull, as for instance, the aggressive slope. While this puts the upper wishbone mounts completely in view, the suspension system is still a push rod design.

Ferrari F10 Analysis

Osorio M — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:38:16 +0000

After the first tests we have been able to see the F10 with more detail, the new Ferrari is a longer car. Comparisons with the Renault R30 show that the Italian single-seater must be a little more than 5 meters long. Is length this Ferrari’s secret?

A car like this has several advantages, including the possibility to have a soft air flow around the single-seater. Naturally, together with a great distance between axles. This is peculiar because McLaren found that the more distance between axles was inefficient for it in 2009.

If we try to guess the reason for this length, maybe it was motivated by the need to include a larger fuel tank … Is it possible that the fuel tank size forced this decision?

The nose’s cone is sharp and it marks a great difference from all the Ferraris of the last 10 years. The tip extends at the forefront of the front wing, being bigger than the F60’s. The top part, as was expected, is a copy of the Red Bull RB5’s V shape, with the outer sides of the nose higher than the middle part.

Around and behind the pilot’s position, all parts have had an evolution (if not to say they’re totally new.) The sidepods’ cooling openings haven’t had almost any modifications nor the airbox or rear part of the car. The engine’s exhaust contrary to Renault’s has been transferred farther to the front.

Specifications

Chassis: Molded carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb composite monocoque.
Gearbox: Ferrari longitudinal gearbox, semi-automatic, electronically controlled sequential – fast gear change
Differential: Limited slide differential
Number of gears: 7 + backward gear
Brakes: Brembo
Suspension: independent suspension, activated push-rod with torsion bar and front and rear damper units
Weight: with water, oil and pilot: 620 kg
Wheels: BBS tyres (front and rear): 13 inches

Engine

Type: Ferrari 056
Number of cylinder: V8 a 90 °
Cylinder block: aluminum
Number of valves: 32
Overall cylinder: 2398 cm3
Piston bore: 98 mm
Weight: at least 95 kg (FIA regulation)
Injection: electronic fuel injection
Fuel: Shell V-Power

Oil: Shell Helix Ultra

The first MotoGP tests began in Sepang

Osorio M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:54:03 +0000

The first official tests of MotoGP started together with the presentation of the motorcycles for the 2010 World Championship. The Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Ducati test pilots have started the first session of the pre-season testing without official times.

The stars were the Japanese, Norihiko Fujiwara and Wataru Yoshikawa (Yamaha Factory), Kosuke Akiyoshi (Repsol Honda Team), Nobuatsu Aoki (Rizla Suzuki MotoGP) and Vittoriano Guareschi (Ducati Marlboro Team). Their activity in the tracks was followed with much attention by many official riders who already where in ‘boxes’, among them: Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, Loris Capirossi, Nicky Hayden, as well as the debutants, Héctor Barberá, Álvaro Bautista and Hiroshi Aoyama.

During this first day, no official times have been announced. Some said that in the Yamaha ‘box’ they assured their two pilots marked a better time of 2:07.34.

The Honda test rider, Kosuke Akiyoshi, rode both, Andrea Dovizioso’s motorcycle and Dani Pedrosa’s to be sure of the good operation of the basic standards and that the new evolutions that the official riders will try out tomorrow are also ready.

Ducati was the team with less attendance in the track. Vittoriano Guareschi, Sport Director of the official team, but also test rider of the Italian motorcycle, only rolled half of the day. In the afternoon, he met with the people who are responsible for the satellite ‘scuderias.

Rossi takes over the first day in Sepang

Osorio M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:31:50 +0000

Valentino Rossi with his new Yamaha M1 2010 took over the first pre-season testing day at the Malayan Sepang circuit.

‘Il Dottore’ rode the new M1 for the first time and which was presented at first hours in the morning, and made a best time stopping the chronometer in 2.01.411, a time almost a second from his ‘pole position’ last year (2:00.518).

Behind the Italian, the Australian, Casey Stoner (Ducati) in 491 thousandths of the best time after 42 laps in the circuit.

In third time position, Colin Edwards with the new M1 of Monster Yamaha Tech 3, also rolled under 2.02, at only 30 thousandths from Stoner.

The veteran, Loris Capirossi (Suzuki), who was the first in the racetrack, closed the first session with fourth best time, with 0.170s. from the world champion. While Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) was the best Spaniard with his fifth position, but stayed at 0.754s. from making the best time.

The Repsol Honda, started its work with its pilots’ tests: Dani Pedrosa and Andrea Dovizioso with their RC212V. The Italian made it sixth and the Spaniard eighth, separated by only 236 thousandths. Between them sneaked in Nicky Hayden, from the US.

Left behind in the time tables were the queen category Spanish rookies, Héctor Barberá (Ducati) in tenth place, ahead of Aleix Espargaró’s Ducati del Pramac d’Antin, while the also debutant, Álvaro Bautista (Suzuki) could only get a fourteenth place.

It was a shame that the session had to end due to the rain that poured in the Sepang circuit at 5 PM (local time). Tomorrow, the second and final testing day will take place.

The Virgin Racing VR-01 passed FIA controls

Osorio M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:28:02 +0000

This morning the first single-seater of the Formula One Virgin Racing ‘scuderia’ passed FIA’s mandatory final safety test. The Cosworth VR-01 was presented yesterday, before Timo Glock tested it in the racetrack.

The team is proud to present this F1 “all digital”, developed by CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), without the use of the wind tunnel. Tuesday night, the single-seater designed by Nick Wirth, successfully passed the rear shock structure test.

“We’re delighted of having passed the FIA-required structural integrity controls,” commented Wirth, the Technical Director.

“We’re ready for our first shakedown session, before going to Jerez to start the tests. Everybody is looking forward to finally see the VR-01 running through the asphalt.”

Mercedes GP confirms Nick Heidfeld in its web site

Osorio M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:23:43 +0000

Nick Heidfeld is officially confirmed as test and reserve pilot of the new Mercedes GP Petronas ‘scuderia’ for the 2010 Formula One World Championship.

After his time in BMW-Sauber, the F1 “German selection” is completed with Heidfeld.

“I’m thrilled to sign for Mercedes. It’s the most appealing team of this season, not only because Schumacher is there, but also because this year is the comeback of the ‘silver arrows,’ under the solitary work of the Mercedes-Benz team, for the first time in the last years,” declared Heidfeld in the the web site of the German ‘scuderia’.

He admits to be “very proud” of being part of Mercedes and assured that he’ll “do everything in his hand” to help Schumacher and Rosberg. On his part, the ‘scuderia’ boss, Ross Brawn, considered “a great pleasure” to be able to have “a pilot of the quality and experience of Heidfeld.” “He has 10 years of experience and I’m convinced that his help in the development of the MGP W01 will be priceless,” he stated in the web site.

Pedrosa assures he is in good condition

Osorio M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 23:16:04 +0000

The Catalan pilot, Dani Pedrosa (Honda) assured he had “good sensations” in his left wrist, after the screw was removed last December.

“The sensations I’ve had in my left wrist have been good and that’s something positive. Overall, today I have taken everything easy, because we have plenty of time to continue with the enhancements, starting from tomorrow,” he declared after the first tests in Sepang.

Pedrosa, lapped 51 times and marked eight best in the day. He pointed out that due to the time he has not ridden a motorcycle, it has been difficult for him to “adapt to the speed and find his rhythm,” thing he considered “normal”.

“We were not aiming to get great times per lap nor obtain great performance. We have spent part of the day working in the ‘Ohlins’ suspensions, because they’re an important change from last season,” Pedrosa added.

Difficult for Lorenzo to find the rhythm

Osorio M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:27:53 +0000

At the end of the first day of 2010 MotoGP’s official tests, the Spanish pilot Jorge Lorenzo (Yamaha) recognized it has been “quite” difficult for him to find the rhythm, in the first contact at the Malayan Sepang International Circuit.

“After such a long pause, today it has been quite difficult for me to find my rhythm. At the beginning of the day it has been difficult, but little by little I have started to feel more comfortable and to improve. In the afternoon, I have improved even more and have come close to the pilot ahead of me. So at the end, I have felt satisfied with our work,” Lorenzo explained, after getting the fifth best time of the day.

Referring to the Yamaha M1, the pilot from Mallorca declared that “it’s not completely different to the last campaign,” but that “the small details make it easier to drive.” The later is a determining factor for a MotoGP pilot.

The Spaniard seems to have good rapport with his new sport principal, Wilco Zeelenberg, assuring he has felt “well” with him. “He’s an ex-pilot and hence, we’ve been able to share a lot of information and he has given me good advice,” he pointed out.

Review of first tests in Valencia

Osorio M — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:06:11 +0000

The first three official test days for the 2010 Formula One World Championship have concluded, and if we had to choose a short sentence to define them it would be, “Ferrari is a step above the rest.”

Even though, they’re just doing tests, the teams need to check-out and take the most advantage possible of the cars so to confirm the actual performance of the single-seaters and carry out the improvements and adjustments that are needed. That’s what it’s all about. It’s worth noting that since the first day, the Brazilian, Felipe Massa at the wheel of the Ferrari F10 evidenced the supremacy of the red racing car in the Valencia racetrack (right in these moment), during the second official tests. We’ll see what happens.

Talking about single-seaters, several options have been seen. Some quite innovative, as is the case of the Mercedes GP with its “double airbox”; the Toro Rosso’s union of the sharp fin with the rear wing, etc. Different solutions to the problems that were brought forward to the engineers regarding the cars’ design.

Having said that, Ferrari returns to the leading positions forecasted by the experts. The F10 looked solid with great rhythm in the long portions, with an exceptional performance of the red racing car driven by the Spaniard, Fernando Alonso, who made his debut today with Ferrari. Alonso only needed one training session in the Comunidad Valenciana Ricardo Tormo Circuit to show that he was the fastest of all the pilots who have participated in these three days of collective tests.

The pilot from Asturias started out with the intention of making clear that he’s not just a Ferrari passer by, stopping the chronometer in 1:11.470, better time than his team-mate Felipe Massa, who marked the rhythm during the first two testing sessions.

Alonso won seven times Massa’s best time, and he made most of the more than one hundred racetrack’s laps in 1:12, a devastating rhythm.

However, the surprise of these tests has been in charge of the BMW-Sauber, in the hands of his pilots Pedro Martinez de la Rosa and the Japanese, Kamui Kaobayashi. They have shown options to be on top. The clear evolution of the BMW 2009 together with Ferrari engine’s performance has resulted in a machine with ambitions.

Both pilots have concluded in second position during the three testing days. They have followed Ferrari’s wake in sessions that have helped Pedro to recover the feeling of a team’s official pilot.

As De la Rosa, the German, Michael Schumacher has recovered the control of an F1, the Mercedes GP, showing to be a step behind the Ferrari and the BMW-Sauber, during the first contact of the season.

The new and remodeled Toro Rosso has improved from last year, as well as the Spaniard, Jaime Alguersuari who complied with in his debut. He has only driven one day in Cheste, but it has been helpful enough to show him he can finish among the best. He got the best fourth time of the session, better than the time of his team-mate, Sebastien Buemi, and try to learn all that he can to continue progressing in the Formula 1.

The most noticeable note in a negative sense was given by the current world champion, Jenson Button who with his McLaren had to be pleased with the fifth best time, far from the Ferrari. Together with Button, the Renault R30 still does not convince us. In spite of the innovations and changes, the single-seater has not been able to find the solution. Let’s hope Kubica can contribute with his experience to improve the car.

More fuel in the afternoon

Osorio M — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:42:59 +0000

The afternoon session has been calmer than the morning. At the beginning of the session, Alonso and Schumacher lapped 1:15 high, with a lot of fuel in the tank.

The fuel weights and single-seaters’ performance marked the start of this session. In his initial laps, Jaime Alguersuari had a slip that caused him to leave the track, but after returning to the boxes he reintegrated without great consequences.

With the single-seaters in the racetrack, De la Rosa, Petrov, Button and Alguersuari, the Spanish pilot of the BMW Sauber began to get good times, without decreasing his record.

With a 1:12 rhythm, De la Rosa began the afternoon as the fastest at the Ricardo Tormo, while Petrov improved the R30 performance notably with 1:13:666. Nonetheless, the one who didn’t seem to be comfortable in the racetrack was the current champion, Jeson Button who was running over 1:13, far away from the “Kaiser’s” times.

Alonso with 180 liters of fuel, has to modify his style and form of driving the F10. The pilot from Asturias, today could not stop lapping, therefore taking the most advantage of these official tests.

As time went by and the bi-champion’s single-seater used its fuel, he started to reduce his times, again. After his stop at the boxes at 16:01, he began to run in 1:13, possibly with medium fuel charge.

When the session ended, , the Ferrari finished rolling in 1:12 lows, after 127 laps to the Valencian circuit. In this moment, Vitaly Petrov marked his best time, 1:13.097.

1º. Fernando Alonso 1:11.470 in 127 laps
2º. Pedro de la Rosa 1:12.094 in 79 laps
3º. Michael Schumacher 1:12.438 in 82 laps
4º. Jaime Alguersuari 1:12.576 in 96 laps
5º. Jinson Button 1:12.951 in 82 laps
6º. Nico Hulkinberg 1:13.669 in 126 laps
7º. Vitaly Petrov 1:13.097 in 76 laps

Review of third day of debuts’ morning session

Osorio M — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:30:25 +0000

The third day began with the “variable” of watching Fernando Alonso drive the F10 for the first time. This morning, the Valencian Community Ricardo Tormo Circuit was at a complete standstill. A crowd of fans who gathered to see Alonso made long lines of cars in the A-3 freeway, a long distance the exit that leads to the Circuit.

While regularly it takes around 3-4 minutes to access the Circuit, today it almost took 20 minutes. The expectation aroused by the pilot from Asturias was unbelievable. If yesterday we spoke of 7000 people who attended the Circuit, today the amount was estimated in more than 20.000 people present.

Today has been a complete day. It was possible to watch the three Formula One Spanish pilots in the racetrack: Fernando Alonso , Pedro Martinez de la Rosa and Jaime Alguersuari. In addition, to the current champion, Jeson Button and Michael Schumacher who also rolled out.

The debuting racing cars start at 10 AM on the dot. The single-seaters start to roll out and we see Fernando Alonso passing by with his new blue helmet (Asturias flag); he is ahead. Nonetheless, the “first fright“ came with De la Rosa when unexplainably he stopped on his tracks, just when he was marking the best time. The marshals showed a red flag. Up to that moment, Fernando had just made one reconnaissance lap.

The march starts again and the pilots start to roll their cars. Fernando Alonso makes the best time, stopping the chronometer at 1:12.160. After that, he reduced his time on five consecutive laps. Just as well it’s the first time he rolls with this car. How many hours would he have made in the simulator?

Behind the pilot from Asturias, Schumacher marks his best score; he’s fourth in the time table and goes to boxes. The difference between Alonso and Schumacher is of 1.007. There was a morbid fascination in the racetrack.

Subsequent to his stop, Schumacher starts to lower his times. De la Rosa still has the second best time; the BMW C29 is performing well. It looks solid in the track.

In this moment, the current champion, Jeson Button appears. He makes his official debut with McLaren. During his first laps his times were far away from the best (1:18.420), six seconds behind the Spaniard. The British is still in adaptation period with his new single-seater.

A great surprise comes when the pilot from Asturias improves the time achieved by Felipe Massa, yesterday. The Brazilian made 1:11.722 and Alonso pulled off 1:11.709, in that same lap. Schumacher also lowers his time, remaining at 7 tenths of the Spaniard, and Pedro marks a best lap, too Aren’t this petty quarrels?

At any rate, the show was in the racetrack. The F10 seems to please the pilot from Asturias, who in his first contact had the satisfaction of making a debut record, but subsequent to his return to the boxes he lowered again his best time. When a little more of two hours of testing had elapsed, he stopped the chronometer at 1:11.599.

The third Spaniard in the racetrack, Jaime Alguersuari, rolled with consistent times all morning long. He was ahead of Button, specifically, fourth place in the time table. However, the most significant aspect is that his times are better than those of his team-mate, Sebastian Buemi.

The last stage of the morning session starts to stabilize. Alonso starts to advance in 1:12 lows, a great rhythm. While “Schumi” and De la Rosa follow him at half a second. Everything seemed to indicate that the session would end in that monotony, but the pilot from Asturias returns with all his might; he wants to see the F10 potential and stopped the chronometer at 1:11.600. We were all surprised, but a bit later, 3 minutes later, he makes 1:11.470; he lowers his time again. Wasn’t it supposed to be his contact with the F10?

At 2 o’clock the time came to stop and have lunch.

Morning times:
1º. Fernando Alonso 1:11.470
2º. Pedro de la Rosa 1:12.094
3º. Michael Schumacher 1:12.438
4º. Jaime Alguersuari 1:12.576
5º. Jenson Button 1:13.783
6º. Nico Hulkenberg 1:14.410
7º. Vitaly Petrov 1:14.707

Virgin Racing presents the VR-01 online

Osorio M — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:48:02 +0000

Virgin Racing, is the first team -of the four that participate this year-, that reveals details of its first single-seater, the ‘VR-01′ that will be presented tomorrow in the racetrack driven by the German, Timo Glock and the Brazilian, Lucas di Grassi.

The ‘scuderia’ that had problems with the presentation of its car ‘online,’ but that shows details of it, tomorrow will test the single-seater in the British circuit of Silverstone.

The Technical Director of Virgin Racing, Nick Wirth, underlined that to join an F1 team, mount an engineering group and design a new car from scratch is “an epic pursuit after having such a short time.”

The new single-seater’s design has been entirely done with assisted systems (CFD), instead of a wind tunnel, and for Wirth “it is not surprising to see the skepticism created by the system we have used.”.

“We’re competing in sport that is experimenting a significant change to be able to face today’s tough economic reality. I have absolute faith in the digital design’s process and in the opportunity to test a total CFD design at the highest level. It means to show that this could well be the path for the Formula One future. That’s very, very exciting,” he expressed.

“We have come up with a car that has a first class design and that will benefit from a high degree of aerodynamic efficiency and stability. Reliability has been an important element in its design and together with all the key areas to comply with FIA’s safety rules and the crash test requirements,” assured Wirth.

Virgin’s Team Principal, John Booth, commented on all the difficulties involved in the process, being a “a counter clock race to design and develop a racing car, and simultaneously, putting together a new team of people and the installations.”

“I’ve always had absolute trust in Nick’s ability to design a good car, and I’m hopeful that the team will make a good job when they roll it out. After working closely with technical team during the last 10 months, I know that the VR-01 is the result of a very intense and deep design, and I feel excited to think of its debut in the racetrack,” he added.

Tomorrow, it will be possible to see the VR-01 in the British Silverstone racetrack, even though there will be no other references of other single-seaters running through the British circuit.

Force India will be presented through the Internet

Osorio M — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:56:18 +0000

The Malayan ‘scuderia’, Force India has announced that the presentation of its new single-seater for the 2010 Formula One World Championship will take place next Tuesday through the Internet. A day before the second period of collective testing at the Jerez de la Frontera circuit.

The new single-seater called ‘VJM03′ will be launched at 10.00 AM. It seems that this year’s trend is to make presentations online; Virgin Racing will also launch its single-seater through Internet.

The car for the 2010 season has been created by a team led by the technical director, James Key and the design director, Mark Smith, and it will be the first one that is presented with Otmar Szafnauer as new operations chief.

Yesterday, Force India introduced its new test pilot, the DTM star, Paul di Resta, also assuming the position of reserve pilot for the 2010 season.

Mercedes W01 Analysis

Osorio M — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:30:24 +0000

In its striking silver and black, the new nose of the single-seater does remind us of Brawn’s BGP01, but if we look closely it’s very different. The middle part of the nose is much higher, reaching above the front wing, together with the typical V shape of the Red Bull RB5 V. The car has its nose edge higher at both sides right up to the cockpit opening. (look at the detailed picture below.)

The underside of the nose is rounded off, also as the RB5, but with less height in the front suspension mounts which are joined to the chassis by a small keel.

Around the driver, the sidepod entries have changed less, maintaining the air inlets that are now bulky in comparison to what McLaren and Ferrari have presented in 2010. The wing mirrors have been kept very simple.

Front detail of the Mercedes W01

This racing car may be one of the most innovative, not having anything to do with the adjustments made for his official presentation in Germany. The airbox, apart from being an air inlet, its main objective is to be a roll hoop for the pilot in case of a crash. Due to this, the teams usually reinforce the airbox walls with carbon fiber so that it matches the required strength. Up to here there’s nothing we don’t know, but Mercedes has gone a little farther applying a completely different concept.

W01 Airbox

Here, the team has chosen to build the roll hoop as a vertical column providing a thick support on the centerline of the car. So an air inlet must also be provided. If you watch closely, the airbox is divided in two, with an air opening much larger than we are used to.

A little more to the back, there is a small opening on each side of the airbox, providing cooling air for some components that sit more rearward in the car. It is understood that Mercedes and several other teams have chosen to move some components to sit in the low rear to make place for the larger fuel tank.

Despite the fairly bulky shape of the sidepods with a remarkable lack of undercut, the rear end of the car is extremely mince, leaving most of the suspension components open to free airflow. The team have made the bodywork so narrow that many of the components protrude.

Specifications

Chassis: Construction Molded carbon fiber and honeycomb composite structure
Suspension: Wishbone
Dampers: Sachs
Wheels: BBS forged magnesium
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza
Brakes: Brembo calipers, discs/pads Carbon/Carbon
Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion
Electronics: FIA standard ECU and FIA homologated electronic and electrical system
Gearbox: Seven speed unit with carbon composite maincase
Gear selection: Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activation
Clutch: carbon plate

Dimensions

Overall length: 4800mm
Overall height: 950mm
Overall width: 1800 mm

Motor

Type: Mercedes-Benz FO108X
Capacity: 2,4 liters
Cylinders: 8
Maximum rpm: 18.000 (maximum FIA regulation)
Bank angle: 90 °
Piston bore: 98 mm (maximum FIA regulation)
No. of valves: 32
Weight: 95kg (minimum FIA regulation weight)

Renault R30 analysis

Osorio M — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:20:32 +0000

There were high hopes of a remarkable racing car on January 31^st when the Renault R30 was unveiled, with a front wing that resembles very much the 2009 version, even though Alonso had pinpointed that that was precisely one of the main problems of the 2009 car.

Nevertheless, next day the car that made its debut in the racetrack and the characteristics of the front wing of three stacked elements was totally different. Specifically, it’s very similar to the one that McLaren has.

The changes made on the R30 are very deep and one has to pay much attention. The rear wing is also new, with a drop in the middle where the sharp fin gives it the aerodynamic support.

The nose’s cone is absolutely different from the rest of the scuderias, contrary to the 2010 trend which is V shaped. Even though it is still a bit bulky, it lacks the extra protuberance underneath, with the purpose of gaining more resistance.

The wings are a clear evolution and contrary to the other three cars previously launched by Renault, the R30 has huge sidepod air inlets that extend down to the vehicle’s floor. Instead of rectangular air inlets (more conventional) they are bigger in the high part than in the low one.

There’s no doubt that the team is quite interested in the temperature, because over the engine’s cover are connected heat stickers. The engine’s exhaust have been moved towards the back and more to the middle of the car.

Specifications

Chassis: Molded carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb composite monocoque, manufactured by the Renault F1 Team and designed for maximum strength with minimum weight. RS27-2010 V8 engine installed as a fully-stressed member.
Front suspension: Carbon fiber top and bottom wishbones operate an inboard rocker via a pushrod system. This is connected to a torsion bar and damper units which are mounted inside the front of the monocoque. Aluminum uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.
Rear suspension: Carbon fiber top and bottom wishbones with pushrod operated torsion bars and transverse-mounted damper units mounted in the top of the gearbox casing. Aluminum uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.
Transmission: Seven-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox with reverse gear. “Quickshift” system in operation to maximize speed of gearshifts.
Fuel system: Kevlar-reinforced rubber fuel cell by ATL.
Cooling system: Separate oil and water radiators located in the car’s sidepods and cooled using airflow from the car’s forward motion.
Electrical: MES-Microsoft Standard Electronic Control Unit.
Braking system: Carbon discs and pads (Hitco); calipers and master cylinders by AP Racing.
Cockpit: Removable driver’s seat made of anatomically formed carbon composite, with six-point harness seat belt by OMP Racing. Steering wheel integrates gear change and clutch paddles, front flap adjuster.

Car dimensions and weight

Front track: 1450 mm
Rear track: 1.400 mm
Overall length: 5050 mm (250 mm more than R29)
Overall height: 950 mm
Overall width: 1800 mm
Overall weight: 620 kg, with driver and cameras

Engine

Designation: Renault RS27-2010
Capacity: 2400 cc
Architecture: 90° V8
Weight: 95 kg
Max rpm: 18.000 rpm
ECU: McLaren Electronics Standard ECU
Fuel: TOTAL
Battery: Renault F1 Team

BMW Sauber C29 Analysis

Osorio M — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:35:01 +0000

Although BMW decided to interrupt the development of its single-seater in the middle of the season, the C29 is the result of the permanent evolution of the BMW Sauber F1.09. In its first test in Valencia in February 1^st, one could see its front aileron clearly influenced by the 2009 Brawn GP design.

The nose’s cone drops a little further down, after an update similar to the one already carried out last year. The top part of the nose is now almost flat, from the pilot’s cockpit to the tip of the racing car. The front aileron is carefully sculpted to improve the nose’s air flow condition.

The front suspension has been modified and has an independent steering arm to help the front aileron work more efficiently.

Also, following Brawn’s example, the sides have smaller air inlets and big pontoons, the mirrors mounted over them. We have seen that the rear part has a more pronounced drop to provide with better air flow towards the rear aileron. As a result, most of the rear suspension arms are open for air flow. Once again, the racing car’s sculpture has been optimized to improve the new double diffuser.

Specifications

Chassis: Carbon-fiber monocoque.
Suspension: Upper and lower wishbones (front and rear), inboard springs and dampers, actuated by pushrods (Sachs Race Engineering).
Brakes: Six-piston brake callipers (Brembo), carbon pads and discs (Brembo, Carbon Industries).
Transmission: Ferrari Seven-speed quick shift gearbox, carbon, longitudinally mounted, carbon-fiber clutch.
Chassis electronics: MES
Steering wheel: BMW Sauber F1 Team
Tyres: Bridgestone Potenza
Tyres: OZ

Dimensions

Length: 4.940 mm
Width: 1.800 mm
Height: 1.000 mm
Track width, front: 1.495 mm
Track width, rear: 1.410 mm
Weight: 620 kg (including driver, tank empty)

Engine

Brand: Ferrari, 056 engine
Type: V8 natural aspirated engine, 90 degree cylinder angle
Cylinder block: sand cast aluminum
Valves / type: 32 / tyres
Cylinder: 2.398 cc
Diameter: 98 mm
Weight: kg> 95
Injection: electronic injection

Force India confirms Paul di Resta as test pilot

Osorio M — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:56:10 +0000

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.

Nakajima could come back to F1 with Stefan GP

Osorio M — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:28:13 +0000

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.