isaidno Posted 3 November 2007 Posted 3 November 2007 They say in the papers today that their is a possible clause in Alonso's contract that doesn't allow him to go to a championship rival, hence Red Bull being a likely move instead of Renault.
Raikkonen Posted 4 November 2007 Posted 4 November 2007 They say in the papers today that their is a possible clause in Alonso's contract that doesn't allow him to go to a championship rival, hence Red Bull being a likely move instead of Renault. I heard he has been already offered to move move back to renault. and there just waiting for an answer
isaidno Posted 7 November 2007 Posted 7 November 2007 Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima have been confirmed as the Williams race drivers for 2008.The announcement aims to put an end to speculations that Rosberg would be transferred to McLaren next season. For the young German, son of 1982 world champion Keke Rosberg, this will be the third season with Williams. For the 22-year-old Japanese, this will be the first full season in Formula One, having been the official test and reserve driver for Williams in 2007. "I am delighted to confirm that Nico will be racing for the team for his third consecutive year after demonstrating impressive and widely applauded form in 2007," team owner Frank Williams commented. "Nico will be ably partnered by Kazuki, who has impressed the team over the past year. He has pace and the right aptitude to develop into a competitive Formula One racer and over the course of the next season, we will provide him with all the necessary support and assistance to hone his talents." Nakajima, son of former F1 driver Satoru Nakajima and a member of the Toyota young drivers' programme, vowed to seize the opportunity handed to him and live up to the expectations. "This is the crowning of a great year for me," the Japanese driver, who was Rookie of the Year in the GP2 season, said. "It was an amazing experience to drive out of the garage (in Friday practice) as a Formula One driver at Albert Park last March, and now to be confirmed as a race driver for Williams is a dream come true. "I am very grateful to Toyota for the support I have had through the programme and to Williams for the team's faith in me. "There is plenty of work to be done before next season starts, but I am resolved to do whatever is necessary and to show Williams and Toyota that they have made a good investment."
Brainy Posted 7 November 2007 Posted 7 November 2007 It's harsh saying this after seeing him race only once, but I think he'll be a flop.
isaidno Posted 14 November 2007 Posted 14 November 2007 Michael Schumacher proved he had lost none of the speed that made him a seven-times world champion as he topped the times on the first day of testing at Barcelona.The Ferrari legend, back in to help the team as it adapts to the ban on traction control, was the only man to set a time in the 1m21s range as F1 kicked off its winter testing season. Despite a year in retirement, the 38-year-old German looked far from ring-rusty as he set a time of 1m21.922s, completing 64 laps of the Spanish Grand Prix venue. Second quickest was Ferrari's regular test driver Luca Badoer, who was 0.2s slower in the sister car. McLaren's test driver Pedro de la Rosa was third fastest but the Spaniard was more than 0.7s slower than Schumacher as the Woking team began its own programme to adapt to the new standard ECU, driver-aid free F1. British DTM ace and F1 hopeful Gary Paffett was sixth fastest in the second McLaren having spent several hours in the team simulator working on new developments for the '08 car over the past months. Renault's sole representative was Heikki Kovalainen, who has still not been publicly confirmed with the team for 2008. The Finn, who admitted to revelling in his TC-free R27, was fourth fastest. Just 0.021s behind Kovy was Robert Kubica as BMW got serious about 2008 and brought both its race drivers to the test for the full three days. Nick Heidfeld, one of the few drivers on the grid with any experience of F1 without traction control, was tenth fastest. New Williams signing Kazuki Nakajima, who said last week that he hoped his lack of experience with TC would help him, was seventh fastest, out-pacing team-mate Nico Rosberg (11th). David Coulthard's Red Bull was eighth. RBR also gave Indian hopeful Karun Chandhok a run. The GP2 race winner had an eventful day on his way to 18th. Neither Toyota driver had a trouble-free day. Jarno Trulli (9th), suffering from a fever, was scheduled to run a programme of 2008 developments but an engine problem curtailed his running early while test driver Franck Montagny had to wait while the teams chased gremlins in a car that was fitted with the new standard ECU. “It was nice to be back behind the wheel apart from the fact I was a bit sick today with a fever, so it wasn’t the best way to get back in the car," said Trulli. "But we managed to go through all of my programme and we looked at developments for the 2008 car, working without traction control and looking at other test items." Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Bourdais were virtually inseperable in the Toro Rossos, while Andreas Zuber was an impressive 14th in the first of the Hondas. James Rossiter, 17th, gave the new Honda hybrid a proper shakedown and Anthony Davidson shook down the Super Aguri SA07-05B – effectively a Honda RA107B. Davidson spent the morning evaluating the new MES control system and completed a programme of electronic analysis before moving on to development in the afternoon. The repainted and rebranded Force India cars, driven by test drivers Giedo van der Garde and Roldan Rodriguez brought up the rear. Barcelona testing times (November 13) 1. M.SCHUMACHER Ferrari 1m21.922s 2. BADOER Ferrari 1m22.129s 3. DE LA ROSA McLaren 1m22.687s 4. KOVALAINEN Renault 1m22.802s 5. KUBICA BMW 1m22.883s 6. PAFFETT McLaren 1m23.008s 7. NAKAJIMA Williams 1m23.187s 8. COULTHARD Red Bull 1m23.332s 9. TRULLI Toyota 1m23.624s 10. HEIDFELD BMW 1m23.671s 11. ROSBERG Williams 1m23.847s 12. MONTAGNY Toyota 1m23.861s 13. VETTEL Toro Rosso 1m24.048s 14. ZUBER Super Aguri 1m24.065s 15. BOURDAIS Toro Rosso 1m24.193s 16. DAVIDSON Super Aguri 1m24.246s 17. ROSSITER Honda 1m24.480s 18. CHANDHOK Red Bull 1m24.896s 19. VAN DER GARDE Force India 1m25.317s 20. RODRIGUEZ Force India 1m26.973s
Floating Fox Posted 14 November 2007 Posted 14 November 2007 Intresting to see Paffet in the Mclaren.
isaidno Posted 15 November 2007 Posted 15 November 2007 Bernie Ecclestone has confirmed that he has struck a deal to bring Formula 1 to India from 2010.Indian company JP Associates has won a ten-year contract to host the race at a purpose-built facility near Greater Noida airport, 50km outside New Delhi, from 2010. “India has always been known for its love of cricket, but F1 has been growing hugely in popularity in recent years as the viewing figures would suggest," Ecclestone said in a statement on F1's official website. "Now with Vijay Mallya’s team, Force India, and the news that Karun Chandhok could soon be driving in F1, the announcement of the future Grand Prix in India will spark an explosion of further interest to rival that of the traditional sport.†JP Associates MD Manoj Gaur confirmed to the Hindustan Times on Thursday that he had signed an agreement with F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Local authorities have already granted planning permission for work to begin at the site while famed F1 track designer Hermann Tilke recently visited Delhi to consider possible lay-outs. The decision to base the track in Greater Noida was taken after a detailed study of Delhi's infrastucture, given the city will also host the Commonwealth Games in 2010. F1's popularity in India is rising fast. Billionaire businessman Vijay Mallya became the first Indian F1 team owner in the autumn when he bought out Spyker and renamed in Force India, with a vision to promote the sport and national racing talent in his home country.
isaidno Posted 16 November 2007 Posted 16 November 2007 Williams BMW fuel error confirmed Following a thorough investigation, we can today reveal the result of the Williams and BMW fuel scandal. Malmesbury Motors have confirmed that Mrs Helen Williams, a housewife from Swindon, recently filled her BMW with diesel instead of unleaded, landing her with a huge repair bill. Said garage owner, Craig Stinchcombe, “This happens a lot, people are forever putting the wrong type of fuel into a car and it’s left to us to help them outâ€. The result of the inquiry is not expected to affect the result of the F1 World Championship, though Mr Williams is said to be rather unhappy.
isaidno Posted 19 November 2007 Posted 19 November 2007 Toyota have confirmed that GP2 champion Timo Glock will race for them in 2008.The German had been linked with the Toyota drive for several months, and last week the Contract Recognition Board ruled that Glock was free to leave his previous role as BMW Sauber's reserve driver and join the Japanese manufacturer. "It's a great feeling to be a Formula One race driver again and I am really looking forward to this new challenge," said Glock, who contested four Grands Prix for Jordan in 2004. "I have worked hard over the past few years to get this opportunity and I must say I am grateful to Panasonic Toyota Racing for having faith in me. "From what I have seen of the team at the track I am confident we will be able to work well together to move forward. "Even though I have not raced in Formula One since 2004, I have tested quite regularly so I expect it will take very little time for me to get back in the groove." After his Jordan stint, Glock moved to the Champ Car World Series in 2005 before returning to Europe to contest the GP2 Series, winning this year's title. "I have been lucky enough to race and succeed in several different championships in my career but my goal has always been to become a full-time Formula One race driver. I believe this experience has made me stronger as a driver and as a person," he said. "Of course, to return to Formula One racing as GP2 Series champion is a real honour and we've all seen how well Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton have performed as champions so that is very encouraging. I hope I can also make a strong impression next season. "Now I have achieved my goal of returning to Formula One, my next target is to work towards making 2008 a successful season for myself and Panasonic Toyota Racing." Toyota team principal Tadashi Yamashina is confident that Glock will impress in his F1 return. "It is with great pleasure that we confirm Timo Glock will race for Panasonic Toyota Racing in 2008," he said. "I am convinced Timo has the potential to help this team move forward and achieve its aims. "Timo has great experience of motorsport in several different categories and he reinforced his reputation by winning the highly competitive GP2 Series, which we have already seen is fantastic preparation for Formula One. "He has demonstrated a fighting spirit and good race craft in GP2 so we believe he is the right man for the job." Glock replaces countryman Ralf Schumacher in the Toyota line-up.
Floating Fox Posted 27 November 2007 Posted 27 November 2007 Looks like Prodrive won't be entering Link
Wycombe Fox Posted 28 November 2007 Posted 28 November 2007 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1NRaqCUQrU History of Formula 1, 60 minutes long in six parts. Link to part 1 above then click on the contributor's name to get to the other parts. Some brilliant footage especially the Tyrrell six-wheeler in Part 2.
Brainy Posted 1 December 2007 Posted 1 December 2007 Nov.29 (GMM) Fernando Alonso spent an entire day at Honda's Brackley factory this week and even had a seat fitting, reports from Germany on Thursday said.Sport Bild claims that the double world champion, who is still yet to commit to a team for 2008 after splitting with McLaren, is 'nearing an agreement' with the Japanese outfit that recently tabbed Ross Brawn as its new team boss. It is reported that the first approach to Alonso about possibly joining Honda was made by F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone, after the previously Nick Fry-led team embarrassingly netted a mere six points with its RA107 'earth car' this year. Sport Bild said Alonso would take the place of Rubens Barrichello; the Brazilian veteran who would move to Honda's satellite team Super Aguri in 2008 as Takuma Sato's new teammate. Alonso's manager Luis Garcia Abad on Thursday was not contactable. Sport Bild observed: "With Brawn and Alonso, the fate of the Honda team would be secured". ............................................................... Nov.30 (GMM) A spokeswoman for the Honda formula one team has denied reports linking Fernando Alonso with a switch in 2008.It was claimed on Thursday that the Spaniard this week spent an entire day at the Japanese team's Brackley (UK) headquarters and even had a seat fitting. Reports also indicated that Alonso, 26, was given a personal tour by Ross Brawn, while the new team boss also apparently accompanied Rubens Barrichello to Honda-powered Super Aguri's Leafield base to clear a seat for next year. The Honda spokeswoman said: "Fernando has not visited our factory, and Honda Racing confirmed their drivers for the 2008 season back in July." It is also believed that, while Brawn did call in on Super Aguri with another person in tow, Barrichello was not part of the visiting party.
isaidno Posted 10 December 2007 Posted 10 December 2007 Fernando Alonso has rejoined Renault and will partner Nelson Piquet Jr at the team in 2008, it has been confirmed. The 26-year-old double world champion rejoins the team he raced for between 2003-2006, winning 15 races and two world titles. Renault was thought to be the most likely destination for Alonso to resurface after he ended his McLaren contract two years early last month after a turbulent single season at Woking. Alonso himself confirmed his return to Enstone on his personal website before Renault issued an official statement on Monday afternoon announcing its new pairing. "Fernando and Nelsinho will form one of the most exciting driver line up of 2008," said team boss Flavio Briatore. "We are delighted to be welcoming Fernando back home to the team where he enjoyed his greatest success. "His abilities as a driver and a team leader are well known, and we look forward to forging another strong partnership. "What's more, he knows the team well and how we operate; he will feel comfortable straight away in this environment." Piquet Jr's promotion from test driver to a race seat means he will be following in his three-time world champion father Nelson Sr's footsteps. Briatore says the 22-year-old, runner-up to Lewis Hamilton in the GP2 Series in 2006, is now ready to make the step up to a race role after a year of testing duties. "Nelsinho is one of the most promising young talents in motorsport," he said. "After his success in GP2, he has spent a year learning the ropes as our test driver and getting to know the team ; he is now ready to step up to the next level." After successive double title triumphs, Renault scored just a single podium finish in 2007 and ended the year a distant third in the constructors' championship. But its president Bernard Rey is confident the team, aided by its new line-up, can bounce back to the front in 2008. "The entire team has been working flat out over the past months to return to the front of the field, and a top-line driver line-up is essential to achieving our targets.," he said. "Our recent technology investments, the return of Fernando Alonso to the team, and the promotion of Nelsinho Piquet, all signal our intent to return to winning ways next year." Renault has also announced that 2007 F3 Euroseries champion Romain Grosjean will be take over from Piquet as chief test driver. The announcement ends both Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen's relationship with the team, with both now on the lookout for a seat for 2008. That's hard on Kovalainen. Could be left without a drive now. It looks like Mclaren are going with De La Rosa
Brainy Posted 10 December 2007 Posted 10 December 2007 Why do you think de la Rosa will partner McLaren? Hamilton even I've scanned the text but didn't see anything about him...
isaidno Posted 10 December 2007 Posted 10 December 2007 It's in autosport this week, in a lot of papers aswell. Not confirmed though. Santander want Mclaren to have a Spanish Driver
Floating Fox Posted 10 December 2007 Posted 10 December 2007 Intresting, still think Heikki will end up at Mclaren though.
potter3 Posted 13 December 2007 Posted 13 December 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/7139910.stm
isaidno Posted 14 December 2007 Posted 14 December 2007 Heikki Kovalainen will race for McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton next year, the team has announced.The 26-year-old Finn joins the Woking outfit after a strong rookie season with Renault – completing a seat swap with double world champion Fernando Alonso, who last Monday confirmed his return to the French manufacturer after a turbulent year at McLaren. Kovalainen was widely seen as the logical choice for the McLaren drive after Renault opted to pair Alonso with its test driver Nelson Piquet Jr and Nico Rosberg committed to two more years with Williams. McLaren confirmed that Pedro de la Rosa will remain its third driver and Gary Paffett will continue in a testing role. “We had a number of options open to us and as always we want to make sure that we have the most competitive driver line-up and I think that Lewis and Heikki will be a formidable combination,†said the team’s F1 CEO Martin Whitmarsh. “Both enjoyed great rookie seasons in 2007 and share a genuine passion for winning and being the best. “Heikki made a strong impression and Lewis' performance so far has been outstanding and speaks for itself. “I am confident that they will push each other on track and work well together off track. “In addition with Pedro remaining our primary test driver alongside Gary, we really have a strong package and look forward to 2008.†Kovalainen, who has signed what the team called a “long-term contractâ€, is thrilled by his new appointment – especially given McLaren’s successful history with Finnish drivers Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen. “I am so excited to join a team like Vodafone McLaren Mercedes,†he said. “So far I have been blown away by the dedication and commitment to winning, which is clear through the entire organisation, and I am really excited about our joint future. “As a Finn it’s an honour for me to follow in Mika and Kimi’s footsteps. “I haven’t really spent a lot of time with Lewis so far but from what I know I think we will work well together and do our best for the team.†Hamilton welcomed Kovalainen to the team, having had a tense rivalry with Alonso last year. “I am really looking forward to 2008 and working with Heikki as my team-mate,†said the Briton. “Together with the team we will do everything we can to ensure that our championship challenge is as strong and focused as possible. “My first year in Formula 1 was incredible and I was so fortunate to spend it with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and I hope that Heikki will enjoy his first year with the team as much as I did mine.†Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug said Kovalainen had proved himself a well-rounded performer during his debut campaign. “Heikki is a talented driver who showed his skills during his debut season in Formula 1 this year,†he said. “Heikki’s most impressive performance was at the Japanese Grand Prix at Fuji, where he finished second behind Lewis in extremely treacherous wet conditions. “He is not only a quick driver but also one of the most consistent having finished in every grand prix except the last, which puts him in the top five together with our drivers who covered most laps in 2007.†Haug also held out the prospect of a more harmonious atmosphere within the team. “Everybody in the team is looking forward to a very fruitful cooperation,†he said. “Lewis and Heikki will form one of the youngest driver line-ups, and I am convinced that both will be very strong and at the same time cooperative competitors.†I was wrong !
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