Even the formula one teams do not trust end-of-day testing timesheets as a guide to the sport’s likely pecking order.
That is the claim of HRT’s chief engineer Toni Cuquerella, in the context of Force India and Sauber setting Wednesday’s pace at Barcelona, and the grandee Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes runners spread further down the order.

So while a full-tanks race simulation versus a qualifying run could make an obvious 4 or 5 second per lap difference, the games being played in pre-season testing are more complex, he explained.

“In Jerez or Montmelo, let’s say, all you need is to pop 30 kilos more fuel in and your times are increased by a second on average,” the Spaniard is quoted by El Pais newspaper.

“In that case, all you have to do (as a team) is refer to your time and add the second. The problem is that only they know that they are doing it,” said Cuquerella.

“That’s why no one trusts anyone,” he added.

HRT is not running at this week’s Barcelona test.

The snow-capped mountains of Madonna di Campiglio are more used to hosting alpine skiing champions on their slopes for World Cup downhill races, but today they provided the backdrop to a most unusual parallel slalom race.

The two Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa went head to head through the gates at the wheel of two FFs, the revolutionary four seater, four wheel drive Prancing Horse car. In their hands, the latest Ferrari proved to be very entertaining on demanding hills both up and down, as well as in endless changes of direction laid out on the downhill slalom course – see gallery below.

Fernando and Felipe were helped out in handling the 660 horsepower V12 in this very low grip environment in total safety thanks to the integral 4WD traction system, that deals with the constantly changing and variable amount of torque on each wheel independently, with fully integrated electronic control systems.

The FF upholds the marque’s tradition, providing a sporty and dynamic driving experience, aided by its transaxle layout – front-mid mounted engine, rear mounted gearbox – and its weight distribution, with 53% to the rear. One should not forget the skill of the two drivers who enjoyed themselves testing the FF in a scenario far removed from its more usual home on the streets.

The race ended in a perfect dead heat and Alonso could not hide his enthusiasm: “It’s incredible how easy it is to drive the FF even on a such a demanding surface and at the same time, how high a performance level you can reach in it.”

Massa was of a similar opinion: “the most incredible thing about the car is the fact there is no need to compromise maximum performance and useability, whatever the driving environment,” reckoned the Brazilian. “And on top of that, it’s perfect for everyday use with the whole family in the car.”

When the race ended, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, with Scuderia Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali and Maurizio Arrivabene of Philip Morris International had lunch with the drivers at the Chalet Fiat.

Jean Todt does not sound confident about formula one’s return to America.
A ten-year contract for a race at a purpose-built circuit in Austin, Texas, was signed recently with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

But some experts are sceptical the organisers can succeed where the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the last US GP venue, failed.

Ecclestone said last week the promoter risks penalties if the debut race is not delivered in 2012, and he is now being quoted as revealing he is in talks about a separate event in New York.

And while a guest of NASCAR at Daytona last weekend, FIA president Todt sounded less than optimistic about F1′s chances in America.

When specifically asked about Austin, the Frenchman told a Fox Sports reporter: “At the moment, it’s just a project. I don’t think something will happen next year.”

Todt said part of the reason for his US visit was to learn about NASCAR’s success in the US versus formula one.

“Of course, there are reasons why NASCAR is so big in America and why formula one has never really been able so far to do something out here while doing a lot in other countries around the world,” he added.

Michael Schumacher on Saturday insisted it is not fair to suggest he is once again struggling to keep up with his teammate.

After a better weekend versus Nico Rosberg in Spain a week ago, the seven time world champion has once again qualified behind the 24-year-old on the streets of Monaco — where Schumacher won no less than five times in his former career.

But the 41-year-old said it is too simplistic to say the reversion to the older short-wheelbase car is the reason for the half-tenth gap to Rosberg.

“We are five hundredths apart.  That is less than a blink of an eye.  I think everyone can say where he could have found that,” Schumacher said after qualifying.

He also insisted that he is not bothered that, once again, Rosberg has the upper hand.

“For me it is more about the general situation than whether I am a little in front of or behind Nico.  And when you are talking about half a tenth …

“Instead, we have to look at what is our goal, which is to fight for the championship.  We have to win races, but in our situation that is not yet possible.

“That is more of what is important,” said the German, who qualified seventh, one place behind Rosberg and eight tenths off Mark Webber’s pole.

(GMM)