F1 2008

[David Morton]

Thanks Gentlemen. Appreciated.

[Pete.]

Good on you David, congratulations, I look forward to the "good oil" from an insider.

[Pete.]

Hamilton wins Laureus Breakthrough prize

McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton has picked up the ‘Breakthrough of the Year’ prize at the prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards in recognition of his spectacular Formula One debut.

Hamilton, who won four Grands Prix last year to finish just one point shy of world champion Kimi Raikkonen, collected his trophy on Monday evening at the annual ceremony in St Petersburg, Russia.

Raikkonen, meanwhile, lost out to tennis ace Roger Federer for the sportsman of the year title, while his employers, Ferrari, were beaten to the team crown by the South African rugby squad.

The winners of the Laureus Awards are selected by a special jury comprising 43 of the world's greatest sportsmen and women.

[Richard O'Clery]

The rumours are true - I just saw an ad for F1 2008 on the Australian Channel 10 HD channel! I'll be watching on my 120" screen.

[Fred/Belgium]

Sorry to disturb but we have one Belgian Queen Lady we are proud of , Justine Henin,Tennis N°1, who made it like Hamilton! she is really amazing and would like to see another Belgian pilot make this too..

My message is also toward a Belgian real icon 'gentlemens driver' in motor racing history who left us this week after a 91 years amazing live dedicated to motor sports: Paul Frere wich I met personally often. Winner 24H Le Mans,GP winner and he appreciated very well our beloved GT40.

I sincerely believe he was one of these fellows who was passionate of what we are reincarnating.

God bless his soul and h will always remain the example of our passion in Belgium.

Un grand monsieur !

My wife really adored him for his integrity and his gentleman behaviour...a real appreciated challenger.

We should learn and translate more from these guys ...

Fred

[Pete.]

From F1.com.


McLaren retained their grip on the Barcelona timesheets on Tuesday as Lewis Hamilton again set the pace at this week’s multi-team test at Spain's Circuit de Catalunya. Hamilton’s best time, a 1m 21.234s, put him two-tenths of a second clear of Heikki Kovalainen in the second MP4-23.

With dry conditions throughout the day, Hamilton and Kovalainen covered over 140 laps as they continued to evaluate the latest modifications on the British team’s 2008 challenger ahead of next month's Australian Grand Prix.

Third fastest was Kimi Raikkonen for Ferrari. Raikkonen was joined on the Spanish track by team mate Felipe Massa, who finished in fifth. Both drivers worked on the development of the F2008 and on preparations for the start of the season, with Massa also completing a race simulation.

Splitting the two Ferraris in fourth was Nico Rosberg for Williams. Rosberg and team mate Kazuki Nakajima, 11th, were both charged with continuing the squad’s development of the FW30. They covered 175 laps in total and will carry on testing on Wednesday.

Force India’s new VJM01 continued to impress with Giancarlo Fisichella ending the day in sixth and team tester Vitantonio Liuzzi finishing tenth-quickest. Fisichella and Liuzzi both enjoyed encouraging days, completing set-up work in the morning and race and qualifying simulations in the afternoon.

“It was a good day,” said Fisichella. “I was struggling with the front locking at first, but then we understood what the problem was and made a change so the car was back to normal and at the end I was comfortable and confident and able to improve my lap times. I am happy with the new package, it is better with more downforce and has more stability, but we have still got something more for the first race so it looks quite encouraging.”

Toro Rosso driver Sebastian Vettel, who was drafted in to fill David Coulthard’s cockpit at Red Bull, clocked the seventh quickest time in the RB4. Vettel was accompanied by Coulthard’s team mate Mark Webber, who finished in 17th as he evaluated some new development parts.

“Unfortunately David suffered a trapped nerve in his neck, so we took the precautionary measure of giving him a day to recover ahead of the final day of testing and this near to the start of the season,” explained team principal Christian Horner.

“It was logical to use Sebastian Vettel to continue testing, evaluating various important pre-Melbourne developments. We’re grateful to Toro Rosso for making him available to us today. All being well, David will be back in the car tomorrow morning.”

Robert Kubica was the fastest BMW Sauber driver in eighth, with team mate Nick Heidfeld finishing in 15th. Kubica and Heidfeld worked on the mechanical and aerodynamic set-up of the F1.08, as well as gaining more experience with the standard ECU. The duo covered over 150 laps and will continue to test on Wednesday.

Renault’s Fernando Alonso finished in 13th while team mate Nelson Piquet Jr ended the day in 18th. After working on race procedures on Monday, the team switched its attentions to the R28’s performance, with Alonso carrying out aero testing and Piquet focusing on set-up work.

“It was a good day, especially as it was dry for the whole day,” said Alonso. “We continued testing the latest parts and updates before Melbourne and it was a good time to check that everything is working well. We still need to find some performance in the car, and some pace, but we have the potential and we just need to discover it. There is only one day of testing left, and we need to fully attack tomorrow to make the most of it.”

Jenson Button was the ninth-fastest runner for Honda, while Brazilian team mate Rubens Barrichello finished in 14th. With the start of the season in Australia just over two weeks away, Button and Barrichello focused on qualifying and race distance simulations. Unfortunately, neither driver were able to complete their programmes after two different issues caused both their RA108s to stop out on track.

With Sebastien Bourdais finishing 16th for Toro Rosso, it was left to Toyota team mates Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock to complete the day’s line-up in 12th and 19th respectively. Glock and Trulli both carried out aero testing alongside work on brakes and set-up.

“Finally we had a full dry day during which we could work quite a lot and move forwards in our preparations for Melbourne,” said Pascal Vasselon, senior general manager chassis. “Now we have all the information to decide the aero configuration for race one. The new aerodynamics package we brought here is a clear step forward.”

Testing continues at the Circuit de Catalunya on Wednesday.

Unofficial Tuesday times from Barcelona:
1. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:21.234
2. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:21.434
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:21.722
4. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:22.309
5. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:22.513
6. Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India, 1:22.516
7. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:22.558
8. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:22.625
9. Jenson Button, Honda, 1:22.659
10. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 1:22.942
11. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:22.977
12. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 1:23.023
13. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 1:23.112
14. Rubens Barrichello, Honda, 1:23.169
15. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:23.284
16. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:23.323
17. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:23.458
18. Nelson Piquet Jr, Renault, 1:23.467
19. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:23.561

[David Morton]

Italians collect evidence in McLaren raids : -

Italian police have contradicted reports that no useful evidence was collected in the raids on the British homes and office of senior McLaren chiefs earlier this week.

A statement issued by the authorities said the searches, believed to have involved the cooperation of up to fifty Surrey police officers, resulted in evidence from which "clearly emerges the responsibilities of the management and some technicians at a high level in McLaren".

It also emerges that the Italians took copies of a number of storage devices relating to the senior McLaren personnel, including Ron Dennis and Martin Whitmarsh, and copied computer directories and email mailboxes.

[David Morton]

From F1sa this morning - but nothing really new.....

Dennis

Formula 1 boss not sacked, embattled Dennis may 'step away' : -

Ron Dennis and his deputy Martin Whitmarsh have denied reports that the McLaren team boss is being forced out, but speculation persists that Dennis' nearly three-decade reign at the helm of the Woking based outfit is close to an end.

Dennis, who will turn 61 later this year, gave several private briefings to allies in the British media on Thursday, rejecting rumours that 40 per cent team owner Mercedes-Benz wants him sacked.

He reportedly told the Daily Telegraph that, as Group CEO and chairman and a shareholder, there is "no mechanism" for removing him as boss, and also "no will to do so" among the team's other stakeholders.

But the newspaper said Dennis will nevertheless make a "decision about his future ... forthwith".

The Times insists that, contrary to speculation, Dennis intends to travel to the Australian grand prix next month, although he may arrive in Melbourne late.

Team CEO Whitmarsh, meanwhile, who would inherit Dennis' job, told the Press Association that "it is for Ron to decide when and if he should step down, step away, step back, or whatever".

If Dennis does step back, "Whitmarsh might find himself promoted to the position of team principal and could be on the pit wall overseeing the Australian grand prix in just over a fortnight's time", the Guardian observed.

With Mr Whippy at the helm, it will be last one out, switch the lights off.

[David Morton]

Flav has been telling everyone that Gonzo's assessment of 30% chance to win the crown back from the Ice Man is over optimistic.
Flav, newly married in 2007 and obviously enjoying too much home cooking, has toned it down and said the chance is only 25%. How does he come up with a 5% difference?

[Keith Hardy]

Originally Posted by David Morton

Flav has been telling everyone that Gonzo's assessment of 30% chance to win the crown back from the Ice Man is over optimistic.
Flav, newly married in 2007 and obviously enjoying too much home cooking, has toned it down and said the chance is only 25%. How does he come up with a 5% difference?

We've got the Iceman, now it seems we have found the Pieman..

[David Morton]

It's getting shitty in Woking.

Formula One team McLaren record extreme displeasure at wording of statement : -

McLaren Racing wishes to record its extreme displeasure with the wording of a statement that the Italian Police are reported to have made yesterday. If those reports accurately reflect the police statement, the statement is grossly inaccurate and misleading.

The reports incorrectly claim that the searches produced material which clearly shows the responsibility of certain people at McLaren Racing. In fact, the Italian police have not yet even been given access to any of the material taken, nor have they even started to review that material. We would be extremely surprised if the review of the documentation reveals anything which has not already been disclosed as a result of the extensive investigations already carried out.

McLaren Racing believes that due process needs to be respected and that the conduct of an investigation process should not be construed adversely or used for publicity purposes. It should be noted that none of the extensive searches or investigations completed to date have produced any evidence that the Ferrari documents which Mr Nigel Stepney handed over to Mr Michael Coughlan were ever passed to anyone else at McLaren Racing or used on the McLaren Formula 1 car.

McLaren Racing will continue to co-operate with Surrey Police regarding any further searches and enquiries they are required to undertake. McLaren Racing wishes to thank Surrey Police for the helpful and courteous manner in which they have undertaken the process.

I can see Big Norbet having a strop over all of this. What have Mercedes let themselves in for ??? I can see divorce papers being prepared in Stuttgart by Merc as well as in Woking by big Rons wife. I bet Ron thought it could not get any worse last year when he had to apologise for the cheating and lying in the team. His team !!! It's a head in the oven scenario for him and Mr Whippy. And there are plenty who would put money in the gas meter as well. It's a case of being nice on the way up...........

[David Morton]

It's obviously got too much for him and he's calling it a day - Big Ron is relinquishing command this week. Reported as saying this is to achieve more harmony in his personal life and to balance things up for his other interests in the McLaren group.
I imagine Big Norbet may be doing some manouevering behind the scenes, which may then become apparent in a few months time but with their investment in the race team, Mercedes cannot ignore this opportunity to take over the team completely.

Whitmarsh may make some announcements later this week or early next week ahead of Melbourne.

My thoughts: Ron will be in Melbourne no matter what.

[Pat Buckley]

I would think you are right - if for no other reason than continuity?

[David S.]

You know David you have enough material here that you could hook up with Granada and produce a TV series. I bet it would run as long as "The Street".
Dave in Canada

[David Morton]

from FISA's site:

Mexicali Joe, aka Joe Ramirez has gone on record as saying McLaren F1 is doomed. However his judgement can be a bit flawed at times - when he saw the cows standing up in a field in Milton Keynes he reckoned rain was coming. The cows were made of concrete.

Tuesday, 04 March 2008

Ramirez

Formula One team McLaren doomed without Dennis - Ramirez : -

Retired long time McLaren employee Jo Ramirez has questioned the wisdom of Ron Dennis' expected stepping down as team boss.

The 66-year-old Mexican, who for 17 years until he retired in 2001 was McLaren's team coordinator, goes as far as to suggest that the Mercedes-powered team could go into decline without Dennis, who has manned the controls of the ultra-successful Woking outfit for nearly three decades.

"Without Ron Dennis McLaren will be doomed," Ramirez is quoted as dramatically telling the Austrian motor racing magazine Rally and More.

Dennis' long standing deputy Martin Whitmarsh, who is set to inherit the reins of the British team, told the Guardian newspaper on Monday that there is no pressure on his current boss to step down.

"I've been at McLaren for 19 years and am incredibly patient. Nor do I intend to be the Judas who knifed Ron in the back," he added.

Ramirez does rate Whitmarsh, but thinks Dennis is not replaceable by the 49-year-old Englishman, who left the aerospace industry in 1989 to join McLaren as head of operations.

"Martin Whitmarsh is a good man -- but a hundred Martin Whitmarshes could not replace Ron. If he does go, it will be very bad for the team," he warned.

Ramirez is still close to Dennis and he reports that the espionage scandal and the politics of 2007 left his former boss in a bad way.

"Ron is really, really down," he said. "What happened last year has really hurt him.

"I think Max Mosley wants to destroy him, but I cannot understand it, Ron does not deserve that," Ramirez added.

[David Morton]

Written by the BRDC yesterday:Vision for the future of the Formula One circuit Silverstone unveiled : -

The British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) has today released the first computer generated images of the proposals to redevelop the Pit and Paddock complex at Silverstone.

Computer graphic generated image of the new Pit & Paddock facility at Silverstone The complex is the vital first stage in reconfirming Silverstone’s position at the pinnacle of the motorsport industry and as the home of motor racing. Under current proposals the Pit and Paddock complex would be moved from its current location between Woodcote and Copse to a new location between Club and Abbey. Included in the complex are new garages, a race control building, media centre, hospitality and VIP spectator zones and a primary paddock. The proposals also involve creating a new pit straight, with reorganised entry and exit points, a reconfiguration of Club Corner and a new Abbey section.

Designed by award winning sport architects HOK, the new complex will ensure that teams and sponsors are provided with world-class facilities to reinstate Silverstone’s position as a premier racing destination. This pioneering development will act as a catalyst for further investment across the site and set a high architectural standard for any future developments. It also provides the first stage in making Silverstone more sustainable, with facilities provided in the new building to enable it to plug into a combined heat and power system that is currently being considered for the whole site.

The Pit and Paddock complex is the first proposal in a 10-year programme that will see a new manufacturer test centre, business park, extreme sport and leisure complex, two hotels, a new university campus, a ‘Welcome Centre’ and some new homes near the circuit. Taken together, the redevelopment will deliver a world-class venue for motorsport, education and high technology development that will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the motorsport industry and maintains its position as a major regional and national employer.

Damon Hill, President of the BRDC said: “Silverstone is a great track with a great history. These images are the vision of the future for Silverstone, and one we fervently hope will be realised, in order to provide a venue where all forms of motor sport can be celebrated in style, for the benefit of the competitor and spectator alike.

This new facility, and the redevelopment at large, will help attract more business to Northamptonshire and create more jobs for local communities. The British Grand Prix alone contributes over £30 million a year to the local area and it is vital that we do everything we can to maintain this income as well as the UK’s world class expertise in high tech engineering and R&D. Also, it should go without saying by now, that in order to retain the British Grand Prix we need a venue of this kind of stature, and the Grand Prix is a key element in the whole project.”

Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited said: “The Pit and Paddock is the first stage in delivering a new mix of facilities at the track that will bring it into the 21st Century. Our intention is to transform Silverstone into a world leading centre for education, business, leisure and technology. This will ensure Silverstone becomes a showcase for British motorsport, rivalling other great sporting venues like Wembley, Wimbledon and Twickenham.

“It is vital that we continue to diversify as a business to make sure that the UK remains at the forefront of the motorsport industry. As the iconic building on the circuit, the new Pit and Paddock complex will confirm our status as a global leader and will be something that everyone in the UK can be proud of.”

The release of the images follows a decision by the South Northamptonshire’s Economic and Environmental Review and Development Committee to refer the Joint Silverstone Development Brief to a full Council meeting in March. The Development Brief sets out the “Vision for the Circuit” and the principles of sustainable development, which will maximise the social and economic benefits for the local and regional area. It also sets out the land use and infrastructure requirements against which any future planning application has to be assessed. The brief has already been approved by the Council’s Cabinet on the 4th February. Spencer Canning, Dev