Nico Rosberg has rubbished talk that the upgrades made to his Mercedes GP at the Spanish Grand Prix mean it no longer suits him as well as Michael Schumacher.
The German struggled for pace at Barcelona last weekend with the longer wheelbase W01, with Schumacher seemingly more comfortable with the improved car.
But despite that state of affairs prompting wild suggestions that Mercedes GP had worked only to help Schumacher, Rosberg says the similarity of his and his team-mate's style make such a state of affairs impossible to achieve.
"We drive exactly the same way me and Michael, so it is not that you can build something that suits him better than me," said Rosberg in Monaco.
"The only fact is that I really struggle with understeer, which we have in the car at the moment. But we are looking into that to try to improve it because for sure it is not a good thing for Michael either. It is a bad thing for both of us, and that could be the only thing where I might struggle a bit more in the end."
Rosberg said he had worked hard with his engineers since Spain to try and understand why he had such a difficult time compared to Schumacher.
"We put a lot of analysis in, and my engineers and I seem to understand a few things about why it was difficult in general," he said. "In the end, one thing is for sure, we had a lot of understeer in the car - which we've had all year.
"But in Barcelona, with all the long corners, it was particularly difficult. And also with these tyres, there is a big risk of overloading them when you go into a corner, so you need to be very, very careful with all that and it took me a bit of time.
"Then eventually I was one tenth away from Michael in qualifying. He drove well and I think I can live with that. In the race it didn't go my way. I had an incident at the start, picked up a lot of mud on the bottom which destroyed my aero, and then it just went from there and was a disaster, so you can't really look at the race."
Mercedes GP has reverted to its shorter wheelbase car for this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, because the suspension dynamics will be better suited to the tight street circuit.
And although Schumacher enjoyed a confidence boost from the longer wheelbase version, he understands why the team has reverted to the shorter suspension.
"The long wheelbase gives me a better range of set-up solutions," he said. "But if a long wheelbase with better set-up solutions is slower than a short wheelbase with no set-up solutions, then I guess I will take the short wheelbase. And that's what we most likely will have to face here."
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Showing posts with label Mercedes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mercedes. Show all posts
Friday, 14 May 2010
Monday, 26 April 2010
Mercedes to increase W01 wheelbase
Mercedes hopes the longer wheelbase car it plans to introduce at the Spanish Grand Prix will help it get a grip on the weight distribution issues that it has encountered so far this season.
The Brackley-based outfit is set to introduce a major aerodynamic upgrade to its W01 for next month's race at Barcelona, and will also lengthen the wheelbase of the car.
Team principal Ross Brawn has revealed that the motivation for making the major wheelbase change has been prompted by the fact the team miscalculated the weight distribution needs for the 2010 tyres.
"The problem is not actually the wheelbase per se, it is the weight distribution," Brawn said about the motivation for the change. "We got the weight distribution wrong.
"When we got to test these tyres we realised we didn't have the correct weight distribution and we went to the limit with what we could achieve with this car. It is not the wheelbase as such, it is the weight distribution that is not what we wanted it.
"The tyres changed quite a bit... and we didn't have the opportunity to test these tyres, and we didn't have as good a guess of what was required as some of the other teams. So we will have a modification to the car at Barcelona which will give us a better range for the weight distribution that we can achieve."
As well as helping with the overall handling of the car, the weight distribution changes may well help iron out some of the understeer tendencies that have left Michael Schumacher struggling on his F1 return.
Brawn also said that Mercedes will likely introduce a fully working version of an F-duct in the next few events, having begun experimenting with a blown rear-wing in China last weekend.
"McLaren's system, which is driver operated, is quite complicated to get to work properly," said Brawn. "McLaren conceived that car to accommodate the system, and it is not so easy to put it onto [other] cars.
"What we had in China was a simple, passive system. It is not driver operated, so it is not as effective as the McLaren system.
"We are still working on a proper system that we will have at Barcelona or Istanbul. It is complicated to get to work properly, but our aerodynamicists are working on it."
The Brackley-based outfit is set to introduce a major aerodynamic upgrade to its W01 for next month's race at Barcelona, and will also lengthen the wheelbase of the car.
Team principal Ross Brawn has revealed that the motivation for making the major wheelbase change has been prompted by the fact the team miscalculated the weight distribution needs for the 2010 tyres.
"The problem is not actually the wheelbase per se, it is the weight distribution," Brawn said about the motivation for the change. "We got the weight distribution wrong.
"When we got to test these tyres we realised we didn't have the correct weight distribution and we went to the limit with what we could achieve with this car. It is not the wheelbase as such, it is the weight distribution that is not what we wanted it.
"The tyres changed quite a bit... and we didn't have the opportunity to test these tyres, and we didn't have as good a guess of what was required as some of the other teams. So we will have a modification to the car at Barcelona which will give us a better range for the weight distribution that we can achieve."
As well as helping with the overall handling of the car, the weight distribution changes may well help iron out some of the understeer tendencies that have left Michael Schumacher struggling on his F1 return.
Brawn also said that Mercedes will likely introduce a fully working version of an F-duct in the next few events, having begun experimenting with a blown rear-wing in China last weekend.
"McLaren's system, which is driver operated, is quite complicated to get to work properly," said Brawn. "McLaren conceived that car to accommodate the system, and it is not so easy to put it onto [other] cars.
"What we had in China was a simple, passive system. It is not driver operated, so it is not as effective as the McLaren system.
"We are still working on a proper system that we will have at Barcelona or Istanbul. It is complicated to get to work properly, but our aerodynamicists are working on it."
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Mercedes confident of big step forward
Mercedes GP believes it is still on course to deliver the step forward in performance it needs to get Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher fighting for the world title later in the year.
The team admitted in the build-up to the season that it would not start the year battling at the front of the field - but was optimistic its development push would allow it to join the world championship battle later in the year.
And although the team has failed to finish on the podium in the first two races, Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug says the team's ambitions for the 2010 campaign have not changed at all.
When asked if he felt the team was on course with its pre-season target, he said: "Yes. But why should I sit here and say no, we shall not fight for the title?
"That is our aim, that is our target. Hopefully we can make a big step, and the team is composed and working professionally together.
"I am not the loudspeaker here saying we are going to win the world title but of course, we want as many race wins, as many podiums and as many points as possible. Then hopefully we are in the hunt.
"Ask our competitors about it. I would be surprised if lots of them would say forget them [Mercedes GP], they are not good enough, they are not coming. They pay respect, like I do with the competitors."
The team admitted in the build-up to the season that it would not start the year battling at the front of the field - but was optimistic its development push would allow it to join the world championship battle later in the year.
And although the team has failed to finish on the podium in the first two races, Mercedes-Benz motorsport boss Norbert Haug says the team's ambitions for the 2010 campaign have not changed at all.
When asked if he felt the team was on course with its pre-season target, he said: "Yes. But why should I sit here and say no, we shall not fight for the title?
"That is our aim, that is our target. Hopefully we can make a big step, and the team is composed and working professionally together.
"I am not the loudspeaker here saying we are going to win the world title but of course, we want as many race wins, as many podiums and as many points as possible. Then hopefully we are in the hunt.
"Ask our competitors about it. I would be surprised if lots of them would say forget them [Mercedes GP], they are not good enough, they are not coming. They pay respect, like I do with the competitors."
Monday, 29 March 2010
Mercedes have mixed fortunes in Australian Grand Prix
An eventful race at Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix saw Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher bring their MGP W01 cars home in the points for a second successive race with Nico in fifth position and Michael in 10th place.
Rain immediately before the start meant all cars began on intermediate tyres. Michael was hit by Fernando Alonso in the first corner and was forced to pit for a new nose, resuming the race at the back of the field. Nico was running in fifth place at the end of lap one.
With the track drying, both drivers pitted on lap eight to switch to slicks. With the soft option tyres suffering from degradation, Michael pitted for a fresh set on lap 29 with Nico following on lap 33, rejoining in 12th and 7th positions respectively.
An exciting end to the race saw Nico catch up to the closely-bunched group from Robert Kubica in second place to Mark Webber in sixth place. He was therefore in position to take advantage when Webber and Lewis Hamilton collided and move up to fifth place. Michael had a late surge to overtake Jaime Alguersuari and Pedro De La Rosa, collecting the final point for 10th place.
Mercedes GP Petronas are currently in third position in the Constructors’ Championship after two races.
Nico Rosberg
“Fifth place is a good result after a mixed-up race today. I had a bad start in the wet and after that we lacked pace and I struggled with the option tyre. The rear degradation was pretty bad so we decided to go for a second stop and get some fresh tyres to try to attack the group ahead. Even with the tyre advantage, it would have been difficult to pass once we caught up and therefore it was good to make up a couple of places when Mark and Lewis had an incident, so I’m pleased with that. We need to keep on taking the points whilst we improve the car so overall it was a decent weekend.”
Michael Schumacher
“I could have had a good race today so it was a pity that I was hit right after the start. That incident decided my race obviously. But things like that happen and you have to just say ‘that’s racing’. I had to take the remainder of the race from last position but I have to say that I was still having fun as our pace today was promising and for part of the race, we were going quicker than the top group. It was nice to pick up a point and we can take that good feeling into the next race where we will look forward to another challenge.”
Ross Brawn
“Nico did a very good job today and pushed hard to get fifth place. He was in a reasonable position halfway through but we began to get concerned about his tyres. He had lost a position to Lewis and it looked like Mark would get past so we took the decision to bring him in. As expected with fresh tyres, he caught up with the pack towards the end and was able to take advantage of the ensuing incident with the cars ahead. Whether we gained from bringing him in or whether his original tyres could have held out is difficult to know. Michael had the first lap incident which made his race very difficult thereafter and he did a very good job to keep at it and score a point. Overall I’m pleased with how the team performed this weekend. We got the most out of the car but clearly need to find some more performance. It’s not out of reach and we have a lot to look forward to over the next few races. Congratulations to Jenson on a great performance and victory today.”
Norbert Haug
"A very entertaining race and indeed probably one of the best ever. The rain and the various tyre strategies mixed up the field and our drivers showed competitive speed. Better than fifth and tenth positions was possible but Michael was a victim of Button and Alonso coming together in the first corner which required a stop and nose change. Michael stopped three times in total so finishing in tenth position and in the points was the maximum that he could achieve after an excellent drive. Nico did a great job, finishing just over two seconds behind a podium position and in the same league with the fastest. Great job, Nico! We have scored points in all four starts and our speed in Melbourne was much better than in Bahrain. Congratulations to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and to Jenson Button. Their early tyre change was followed by a great and measured drive from Jenson. This was the 69th victory for Mercedes-Benz since Melbourne 1997 and I hope soon we will have a jubilee. Looking to the next race in Malaysia, everybody in the team is very dedicated to catching up and I am sure this will be achieved soon.”
Rain immediately before the start meant all cars began on intermediate tyres. Michael was hit by Fernando Alonso in the first corner and was forced to pit for a new nose, resuming the race at the back of the field. Nico was running in fifth place at the end of lap one.
With the track drying, both drivers pitted on lap eight to switch to slicks. With the soft option tyres suffering from degradation, Michael pitted for a fresh set on lap 29 with Nico following on lap 33, rejoining in 12th and 7th positions respectively.
An exciting end to the race saw Nico catch up to the closely-bunched group from Robert Kubica in second place to Mark Webber in sixth place. He was therefore in position to take advantage when Webber and Lewis Hamilton collided and move up to fifth place. Michael had a late surge to overtake Jaime Alguersuari and Pedro De La Rosa, collecting the final point for 10th place.
Mercedes GP Petronas are currently in third position in the Constructors’ Championship after two races.
Nico Rosberg
“Fifth place is a good result after a mixed-up race today. I had a bad start in the wet and after that we lacked pace and I struggled with the option tyre. The rear degradation was pretty bad so we decided to go for a second stop and get some fresh tyres to try to attack the group ahead. Even with the tyre advantage, it would have been difficult to pass once we caught up and therefore it was good to make up a couple of places when Mark and Lewis had an incident, so I’m pleased with that. We need to keep on taking the points whilst we improve the car so overall it was a decent weekend.”
Michael Schumacher
“I could have had a good race today so it was a pity that I was hit right after the start. That incident decided my race obviously. But things like that happen and you have to just say ‘that’s racing’. I had to take the remainder of the race from last position but I have to say that I was still having fun as our pace today was promising and for part of the race, we were going quicker than the top group. It was nice to pick up a point and we can take that good feeling into the next race where we will look forward to another challenge.”
Ross Brawn
“Nico did a very good job today and pushed hard to get fifth place. He was in a reasonable position halfway through but we began to get concerned about his tyres. He had lost a position to Lewis and it looked like Mark would get past so we took the decision to bring him in. As expected with fresh tyres, he caught up with the pack towards the end and was able to take advantage of the ensuing incident with the cars ahead. Whether we gained from bringing him in or whether his original tyres could have held out is difficult to know. Michael had the first lap incident which made his race very difficult thereafter and he did a very good job to keep at it and score a point. Overall I’m pleased with how the team performed this weekend. We got the most out of the car but clearly need to find some more performance. It’s not out of reach and we have a lot to look forward to over the next few races. Congratulations to Jenson on a great performance and victory today.”
Norbert Haug
"A very entertaining race and indeed probably one of the best ever. The rain and the various tyre strategies mixed up the field and our drivers showed competitive speed. Better than fifth and tenth positions was possible but Michael was a victim of Button and Alonso coming together in the first corner which required a stop and nose change. Michael stopped three times in total so finishing in tenth position and in the points was the maximum that he could achieve after an excellent drive. Nico did a great job, finishing just over two seconds behind a podium position and in the same league with the fastest. Great job, Nico! We have scored points in all four starts and our speed in Melbourne was much better than in Bahrain. Congratulations to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and to Jenson Button. Their early tyre change was followed by a great and measured drive from Jenson. This was the 69th victory for Mercedes-Benz since Melbourne 1997 and I hope soon we will have a jubilee. Looking to the next race in Malaysia, everybody in the team is very dedicated to catching up and I am sure this will be achieved soon.”
Thursday, 18 March 2010
McLaren buys back Mercedes stake
McLaren has bought back the majority of Mercedes-Benz's stake in its Formula 1 team.
The German manufacturer owned 40 per cent of McLaren's F1 operation prior to taking over Brawn GP.
Mercedes denied at the time that the deal would mean the end of its relationship with McLaren, but admitted that the partnership, which is currently agreed until the end of 2011, would change.
McLaren said back in November that it planned to buy back the shares from Mercedes and team boss Martin Whitmarsh said today that the McLaren Group has regained a significant portion of the stake.
"I think it is about 11 per cent that is still owned by Mercedes, but it's not an important or significant number," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.
McLaren Automotive chairman and former team boss Ron Dennis owns 15 per cent of the team, as does Saudi businessman Mansour Ojjeh, with a further 30 per cent belonging to Bahrain company Mumtalakat.
Whitmarsh was speaking today at the launch of McLaren's MP4-12C sportscar, which he hopes can compete against Ferraris in the GT racing world. He has spoken to Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo about future competition between the two in sportscars.
"Our message there was: 'We want to race with you [Ferrari]. Where are you going to go? Why don't we go together?'"
The German manufacturer owned 40 per cent of McLaren's F1 operation prior to taking over Brawn GP.
Mercedes denied at the time that the deal would mean the end of its relationship with McLaren, but admitted that the partnership, which is currently agreed until the end of 2011, would change.
McLaren said back in November that it planned to buy back the shares from Mercedes and team boss Martin Whitmarsh said today that the McLaren Group has regained a significant portion of the stake.
"I think it is about 11 per cent that is still owned by Mercedes, but it's not an important or significant number," he was quoted as saying by Reuters.
McLaren Automotive chairman and former team boss Ron Dennis owns 15 per cent of the team, as does Saudi businessman Mansour Ojjeh, with a further 30 per cent belonging to Bahrain company Mumtalakat.
Whitmarsh was speaking today at the launch of McLaren's MP4-12C sportscar, which he hopes can compete against Ferraris in the GT racing world. He has spoken to Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo about future competition between the two in sportscars.
"Our message there was: 'We want to race with you [Ferrari]. Where are you going to go? Why don't we go together?'"
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Mercedes in the points at Bahrain 2010
Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher brought their MERCEDES GP PETRONAS cars home in fifth and sixth positions respectively at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix today.
Mercedes at Bahrain 2010Starting on the option tyres from fifth on the grid, Nico had a great start to overtake Lewis Hamilton into turn six to move up to fourth. Michael, starting from seventh on the grid, was running in sixth and also using the softer rubber.
The pair made only one stop during the race, Michael on lap 15 and Nico on lap 16, to switch to the prime tyres. Nico lost a position to Hamilton at the stops and they remained in fifth and sixth positions for the remainder of the 49-lap race. Nico chased down Sebastian Vettel at the end of the race but was unable to pass in the turbulent air.
Today’s result puts MERCEDES GP PETRONAS in third position in the Constructors’ Championship with 18 points.
NICO ROSBERG
“I had a great start today and was happy to be running in fourth position by the end of the first lap. However I lacked pace on the option tyres in the first stint and struggled for pace. Lewis beat me on strategy in the pit stop which we need to analyse later and see what happened. I couldn’t quite get Sebastian at the end as I lost grip in the dirty air when I got close. However fifth place is a good start for us and I am confident that we can develop well from here.”
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
“After three years away, I’m happy to say that I had fun out there today, especially at the beginning with the good start that I had. I can live very well with sixth position and it gives both me and the team a good base to make progress. I have every confidence that we will improve the car. Working with the team for our first race together was very positive and the guys did a great job so I would like to thank them for their support in my comeback race. We all know that we have some way to go but we will get there. The season is long.”
ROSS BRAWN
“Nico and Michael did a great job this weekend to finish in fifth and sixth positions and now we need to give them the car to improve on those placings. We were not quick enough today and our race pace was not there to finish further up the field and challenge for a podium position. We have some hard work ahead but I am confident that we can progress the car strongly in the next few races. The team performed extremely well this weekend and for our first race with our two new drivers, we achieved two strong points-scoring finishes.”
NORBERT HAUG
“It was a difficult race weekend for our team with these extremely hot conditions in Manama. We looked better in the practice sessions than during the race and it appears that we could not handle the tyres as well as the teams ahead of us. Fifth position for Nico and sixth place for Michael was the best possible result today. We have some work to do and we are confident that we will catch up soon.”
Mercedes at Bahrain 2010Starting on the option tyres from fifth on the grid, Nico had a great start to overtake Lewis Hamilton into turn six to move up to fourth. Michael, starting from seventh on the grid, was running in sixth and also using the softer rubber.
The pair made only one stop during the race, Michael on lap 15 and Nico on lap 16, to switch to the prime tyres. Nico lost a position to Hamilton at the stops and they remained in fifth and sixth positions for the remainder of the 49-lap race. Nico chased down Sebastian Vettel at the end of the race but was unable to pass in the turbulent air.
Today’s result puts MERCEDES GP PETRONAS in third position in the Constructors’ Championship with 18 points.
NICO ROSBERG
“I had a great start today and was happy to be running in fourth position by the end of the first lap. However I lacked pace on the option tyres in the first stint and struggled for pace. Lewis beat me on strategy in the pit stop which we need to analyse later and see what happened. I couldn’t quite get Sebastian at the end as I lost grip in the dirty air when I got close. However fifth place is a good start for us and I am confident that we can develop well from here.”
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
“After three years away, I’m happy to say that I had fun out there today, especially at the beginning with the good start that I had. I can live very well with sixth position and it gives both me and the team a good base to make progress. I have every confidence that we will improve the car. Working with the team for our first race together was very positive and the guys did a great job so I would like to thank them for their support in my comeback race. We all know that we have some way to go but we will get there. The season is long.”
ROSS BRAWN
“Nico and Michael did a great job this weekend to finish in fifth and sixth positions and now we need to give them the car to improve on those placings. We were not quick enough today and our race pace was not there to finish further up the field and challenge for a podium position. We have some hard work ahead but I am confident that we can progress the car strongly in the next few races. The team performed extremely well this weekend and for our first race with our two new drivers, we achieved two strong points-scoring finishes.”
NORBERT HAUG
“It was a difficult race weekend for our team with these extremely hot conditions in Manama. We looked better in the practice sessions than during the race and it appears that we could not handle the tyres as well as the teams ahead of us. Fifth position for Nico and sixth place for Michael was the best possible result today. We have some work to do and we are confident that we will catch up soon.”
Mercedes at Bahrain
Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher brought their MERCEDES GP PETRONAS cars home in fifth and sixth positions respectively at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix today.
Starting on the option tyres from fifth on the grid, Nico had a great start to overtake Lewis Hamilton into turn six to move up to fourth. Michael, starting from seventh on the grid, was running in sixth and also using the softer rubber.
The pair made only one stop during the race, Michael on lap 15 and Nico on lap 16, to switch to the prime tyres. Nico lost a position to Hamilton at the stops and they remained in fifth and sixth positions for the remainder of the 49-lap race. Nico chased down Sebastian Vettel at the end of the race but was unable to pass in the turbulent air.
Today’s result puts MERCEDES GP PETRONAS in third position in the Constructors’ Championship with 18 points.
NICO ROSBERG
“I had a great start today and was happy to be running in fourth position by the end of the first lap. However I lacked pace on the option tyres in the first stint and struggled for pace. Lewis beat me on strategy in the pit stop which we need to analyse later and see what happened. I couldn’t quite get Sebastian at the end as I lost grip in the dirty air when I got close. However fifth place is a good start for us and I am confident that we can develop well from here.”
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
“After three years away, I’m happy to say that I had fun out there today, especially at the beginning with the good start that I had. I can live very well with sixth position and it gives both me and the team a good base to make progress. I have every confidence that we will improve the car. Working with the team for our first race together was very positive and the guys did a great job so I would like to thank them for their support in my comeback race. We all know that we have some way to go but we will get there. The season is long.”
ROSS BRAWN
“Nico and Michael did a great job this weekend to finish in fifth and sixth positions and now we need to give them the car to improve on those placings. We were not quick enough today and our race pace was not there to finish further up the field and challenge for a podium position. We have some hard work ahead but I am confident that we can progress the car strongly in the next few races. The team performed extremely well this weekend and for our first race with our two new drivers, we achieved two strong points-scoring finishes.”
NORBERT HAUG
“It was a difficult race weekend for our team with these extremely hot conditions in Manama. We looked better in the practice sessions than during the race and it appears that we could not handle the tyres as well as the teams ahead of us. Fifth position for Nico and sixth place for Michael was the best possible result today. We have some work to do and we are confident that we will catch up soon.”
Starting on the option tyres from fifth on the grid, Nico had a great start to overtake Lewis Hamilton into turn six to move up to fourth. Michael, starting from seventh on the grid, was running in sixth and also using the softer rubber.
The pair made only one stop during the race, Michael on lap 15 and Nico on lap 16, to switch to the prime tyres. Nico lost a position to Hamilton at the stops and they remained in fifth and sixth positions for the remainder of the 49-lap race. Nico chased down Sebastian Vettel at the end of the race but was unable to pass in the turbulent air.
Today’s result puts MERCEDES GP PETRONAS in third position in the Constructors’ Championship with 18 points.
NICO ROSBERG
“I had a great start today and was happy to be running in fourth position by the end of the first lap. However I lacked pace on the option tyres in the first stint and struggled for pace. Lewis beat me on strategy in the pit stop which we need to analyse later and see what happened. I couldn’t quite get Sebastian at the end as I lost grip in the dirty air when I got close. However fifth place is a good start for us and I am confident that we can develop well from here.”
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
“After three years away, I’m happy to say that I had fun out there today, especially at the beginning with the good start that I had. I can live very well with sixth position and it gives both me and the team a good base to make progress. I have every confidence that we will improve the car. Working with the team for our first race together was very positive and the guys did a great job so I would like to thank them for their support in my comeback race. We all know that we have some way to go but we will get there. The season is long.”
ROSS BRAWN
“Nico and Michael did a great job this weekend to finish in fifth and sixth positions and now we need to give them the car to improve on those placings. We were not quick enough today and our race pace was not there to finish further up the field and challenge for a podium position. We have some hard work ahead but I am confident that we can progress the car strongly in the next few races. The team performed extremely well this weekend and for our first race with our two new drivers, we achieved two strong points-scoring finishes.”
NORBERT HAUG
“It was a difficult race weekend for our team with these extremely hot conditions in Manama. We looked better in the practice sessions than during the race and it appears that we could not handle the tyres as well as the teams ahead of us. Fifth position for Nico and sixth place for Michael was the best possible result today. We have some work to do and we are confident that we will catch up soon.”
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
2010 Mercedes, Lotus and Force India looking forward to Bahrain.
The 2010 Formula One Season gets underway in Bahrain next week and marks the return the Mercedes-Benz works team to the sport for the first time in 55 years. The Mercedes Formula One Team goes into the season with the prestige of being the current Constructors’ World Champions, led by Team Principal Ross Brawn, and with one of the most exciting driver line-ups on the grid as seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher returns to the sport to partner the talented Nico Rosberg.
Michael Schumacher
“Finally the season will start! I feel like a child looking forward to Christmas. The decision to make my comeback feels like a long time ago now and I can hardly wait for the season to get underway in Bahrain. It’s funny to think that I will be competing in Formula One again when just a few months ago, I would have declined the opportunity categorically. But sometimes things change and the right circumstances come together. I feel fresher than I have for many years. I am perfectly prepared physically and most importantly, my energy is back completely. When I retired from racing in 2006, my batteries were simply empty. Now they are totally recharged and I am ready for the challenge. It is the competition at the highest level that only Formula One offers which has provided the temptation for me. It is always difficult to predict the form in pre-season testing, this year more than ever, but the final test in Barcelona proved to us that we should be competitive. We know that we will have more new parts in Bahrain which should bring extra performance to the car. It’s important to be in the leading group from the start of the season and I am confident that we will be there.”
Nico Rosberg
“The build-up to a new Formula One season is always an exciting time, particularly when you have a new team to settle into and a brand new car to get used to. It has been a really nice process integrating into the Mercedes. Everyone has been very welcoming and I feel very much at home here already. Our pre-season testing programme has gone pretty well in February. We did have some concerns that we were not able to find the right direction to extract the maximum potential from the car but by working hard, we were able to find our way and ended testing on a high. We also have a good upgrade coming for Bahrain which should develop the car further and so I am quite optimistic that we will do well. Bahrain is a track which I really enjoy so it should be a good start to the season all in all.”
Ross Brawn
“Everyone at Mercedes is proud to be representing the rich motorsport pedigree of Mercedes-Benz as we start the season as the first Mercedes works team for over half a century. In addition, knowing that we go into the new season as the reigning World Champions gives the team confidence and a fierce pride to defend our position. However this is a new season and a new challenge. We had a strong pre-season testing programme with the MGP W01 but we are not quite reached the level of preparation that we would have liked prior to Bahrain. The car shows promise and we have a strong development programme planned for the season but there is a lot of hard work ahead to ensure that we will be in the fight for the title. I am very pleased with how our new drivers Michael and Nico have settled into the team and developed a close working relationship. They have really pushed the development of the car throughout testing and they will push each other to achieve better results on the race track. This season should be a fantastic one for the fans with so many talented drivers competing and what is likely to be a very close fight for the title between the top teams and that can only be good for our sport.”
Norbert Haug
“The Bahrain Grand Prix as the first race of the 2010 Formula One season marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz. 55 years after the last race of the Silver Arrows works team, Mercedes will start to continue this tradition. In preparation for our first season, we have covered over 6300 kilometres during 15 test days from 1 to 28 February. Judging our competitiveness for the first couple of races, my impression is that we are not quite where we want to be and I would not see our team in the role of favourites. Having said that, I am fully convinced that the whole team and our drivers Nico and Michael are fully prepared to get on top of our job and fulfil our targets which are winning races and fighting for world championships.”
Force India pic Sutton Images
Bahrain Grand Prix - Force India 2001 - Sutton Images2010 marks the third year of competition in the FIA Formula One World Championship for the Force India F1 Team. After a positive finish to 2009, the team is hoping this season will be the one that firmly establishes it as a strong, competitive outfit regularly challenging for points and podiums whenever possible.
Consistency has been the key this year: Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi are retained as drivers and the team's technical package is an evolution of last year's increasingly competitive car. Paul di Resta, from Scotland, strengthens the driver line-up as test and reserve driver. Paul will participate in some free practice sessions this year, although not Bahrain as the race drivers will need to learn the new track configuration.
Over winter testing the team fared well, completing 12 days of testing and more than 4,000km and is now looking forward to the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Team Q&A
Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal
What are your thoughts ahead of what could be a crucial season for Force India?
We finished 2009 on a real high note - our first-ever points, a podium and one place up in the constructors' championship. That is enough in itself to set the bar much higher this season, but we're really determined to take it to the next level. Regular points and the odd podium have got to be the aim and we know it is possible. I have a lot of faith in the drivers and the technical staff, I think we've got into a very good rhythm together now.
Have you been encouraged by the performance over the winter?
I have been very encouraged by the entire performance, both at the track and at the factory. The testing times gave very positive headlines, but it is very difficult to know where we are until we get to Bahrain. Certainly however the initial reports from the drivers are encouraging and when that happens it's worth another three to four tenths - if they feel happy and confident in the car then that they can really attack.
What is it that has made the difference this year for Force India?
The key point was that last year we had a good baseline car and we improved throughout the year in a very structured manner. In the second part of the season we were very successful - at times we even had a potential winning car - and with that in mind we went into the winter and developed this foundation as much as possible. That stability is crucial and we have been able to focus 100% on emphasising the strong points while addressing the weaker areas. I think Mark [Smith] and his team have done an excellent job.
Driver Q&A
Adrian Sutil (car 14, VJM03/03)
Adrian, you've now finished the VJM03's winter testing programme - how did this go?
The baseline car we have now after 12 days of testing looks very good and promising. The changes we have made during the winter have all had a positive effect. Testing went well and although there was a lot of rain over the period, the last two days in Barcelona were OK. We did our long runs and a lot of work with the tyres so we are fully prepared. We are pretty confident that our car is good enough to be in the top ten in Bahrain.
From the testing, it is possible to see how the competition is faring?
You can see a little bit, but you can't be 100% sure as you never know what the other teams are doing with their programme. That said, you can tell that some of the big teams like McLaren and Ferrari look very strong on both the long runs and qualifying runs and are always on the top of the timesheets. I am expecting them to be on the top again in the race weekend but we are not far away and that's a really good sign.
One new addition to the team is a new team-mate for you in the form of Paul di Resta. You've raced against him before?
Yes, it was a long time ago, but in F3 in 2005 we raced against each other. I think he is a very good driver and it's great to have him on board in the team as he can help develop the car with us. He will do some Friday sessions too so will get some experience, it's a good opportunity for everyone.
Looking forward to Bahrain, what would be a good result for you?
Hopefully in the top ten and I think that should be possible. I would hope we could score a few points. For everything else, it is very difficult to say what else will happen, but I am fine with any position within the top 10 - that's my goal for the moment.
Tonio Liuzzi (car 15, VJM03/01)
You covered a lot of kilometres in pre-season testing. How did that go for you?
I had five and a half days in the car and I learnt a lot of things about the car over this time. We had several test items to get to the optimum level for the start of the season and generally every item we tested had a positive effect. The car responds very well to any change, it's definitely going in the right direction. For sure the weather didn't help, but fortunately the car showed formidable reliability and performance, so in my mind there is a really strong preparation for Bahrain and the rest of the season.
How would you judge this car compared to the other cars you have driven in your career?
In my five years of F1 this is definitely the best car I've driven, It's the most balanced, and knowing that has made me feel so much stronger and confident. Of course you can never know exactly where you are compared to the others but we can go to Bahrain feeling optimistic and positive.
And Bahrain has a new track lay-out. Have you had a chance to look at this?
I've had a look on Google earth and on the simulator. I think they have just made it much longer and slower and I'm not a big fan of this type of track as I love high speed corners and circuits. I don't think there will be any more overtaking opportunities as the track goes through too tight an area. But it's the same for everybody and we need to get used it. We'll see when we walk the track on Thursday.
What are your aims for this race?
For the first race we want to show that our winter work has paid off. Points are our target for the time being and getting into the top ten, as high as possible. Being realistic, a few points should be feasible and hopefully everything goes as well as in testing with good reliability for the first race.
Paul di Resta, test and reserve driver
Paul, it must have been a bit of a whirlwind since February when you were announced as the test and reserve driver. What have you been doing since then?
It's certainly been busy! I've been in Spain during all the F1 tests and it's been quite a hectic schedule with three tests in three weeks. I've also spent some time at the factory, getting to know the team and the engineers and generally settling in. I had two half days in the car in quite difficult rainy conditions, which was not ideal, but I did at least learn about what to expect when it does rain and how to find that level when you need to change tyres: hopefully it's something I will have to deal with later in my career. But it's nice to get a feeling for the car going into the season, the strong points and how we deal with weaker spots. Any experience for me at the moment is valuable.
You've also been testing the DTM cars as well, sometimes switching literally overnight. How has that been going - has it given you a taster of how things will go this year when you are swapping F1 for DTM?
F1 and DTM are quite different to each other but so far I have done a switch from F1 to DTM and then one back again. The last time I didn't even notice it had happened, so already I am learning how to deal with it. Both cars require a different mindset but I am sure I will be able to do it with more experience without really having to think about it.
What are your feelings heading into Bahrain?
For sure I am very excited. It's a great thrill to be going there as part of an F1 team. Although I'm not going to be driving during free practice, Bahrain is a great track, I've raced there before in F3, and I can't wait to get on the plane and head off for the first weekend. I'm realistic there are lots of challenges ahead of us and only in Bahrain will we really know where car is on the field, but everyone is very excited to see this. I can't wait.
Lotus Racing Set For Bahrain
Lotus heading to Bahrain 2010 - pic Lotus RacingBy 3am on Saturday morning Lotus Racing had finally finished packing up the six airfreight boxes needed for the journey to Bahrain and the beginning of the 2010 Formula One TM season. Two cars and a 60-strong team have now made their way to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bahrain International Circuit for the first race of much anticipated 2010 season.
On 12th September 2009 Lotus Racing gained entry onto the grid. As the team gears up for the first Grand Prix, the whole team, including the drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen, remain upbeat and honest about their expectations for the first few races. Trulli commented, "It would be nice to score a point, but it is not going to be easy. We have to be realistic."
Chief Technical Officer, Mike Gascoyne said, "Our test season was extremely productive - in general we've had very good reliability, and the team is in very good shape going to the first race."
Lotus Racing remain confident of their continuing progress. Team Principle Tony Fernandes commented, "We are all looking forward to Bahrain; to have Lotus Racing on the grid will be a momentous occasion for all involved and, indeed, for our fans, whose support has been absolutely fantastic since we launched just under six months ago. Yes we are a little slower than the major leading teams, however we will get there, with passion, hard work and a clear vision - our aim for this first Grand Prix will be to finish and steadily but surely improve, race by race."
Lotus Racing will spend the week preparing in Bahrain and look forward to hitting the track in anger for the first practice session on Friday, exactly six months to the day after gaining their entry place into 2010 Formula One World Championship.
Michael Schumacher
“Finally the season will start! I feel like a child looking forward to Christmas. The decision to make my comeback feels like a long time ago now and I can hardly wait for the season to get underway in Bahrain. It’s funny to think that I will be competing in Formula One again when just a few months ago, I would have declined the opportunity categorically. But sometimes things change and the right circumstances come together. I feel fresher than I have for many years. I am perfectly prepared physically and most importantly, my energy is back completely. When I retired from racing in 2006, my batteries were simply empty. Now they are totally recharged and I am ready for the challenge. It is the competition at the highest level that only Formula One offers which has provided the temptation for me. It is always difficult to predict the form in pre-season testing, this year more than ever, but the final test in Barcelona proved to us that we should be competitive. We know that we will have more new parts in Bahrain which should bring extra performance to the car. It’s important to be in the leading group from the start of the season and I am confident that we will be there.”
Nico Rosberg
“The build-up to a new Formula One season is always an exciting time, particularly when you have a new team to settle into and a brand new car to get used to. It has been a really nice process integrating into the Mercedes. Everyone has been very welcoming and I feel very much at home here already. Our pre-season testing programme has gone pretty well in February. We did have some concerns that we were not able to find the right direction to extract the maximum potential from the car but by working hard, we were able to find our way and ended testing on a high. We also have a good upgrade coming for Bahrain which should develop the car further and so I am quite optimistic that we will do well. Bahrain is a track which I really enjoy so it should be a good start to the season all in all.”
Ross Brawn
“Everyone at Mercedes is proud to be representing the rich motorsport pedigree of Mercedes-Benz as we start the season as the first Mercedes works team for over half a century. In addition, knowing that we go into the new season as the reigning World Champions gives the team confidence and a fierce pride to defend our position. However this is a new season and a new challenge. We had a strong pre-season testing programme with the MGP W01 but we are not quite reached the level of preparation that we would have liked prior to Bahrain. The car shows promise and we have a strong development programme planned for the season but there is a lot of hard work ahead to ensure that we will be in the fight for the title. I am very pleased with how our new drivers Michael and Nico have settled into the team and developed a close working relationship. They have really pushed the development of the car throughout testing and they will push each other to achieve better results on the race track. This season should be a fantastic one for the fans with so many talented drivers competing and what is likely to be a very close fight for the title between the top teams and that can only be good for our sport.”
Norbert Haug
“The Bahrain Grand Prix as the first race of the 2010 Formula One season marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz. 55 years after the last race of the Silver Arrows works team, Mercedes will start to continue this tradition. In preparation for our first season, we have covered over 6300 kilometres during 15 test days from 1 to 28 February. Judging our competitiveness for the first couple of races, my impression is that we are not quite where we want to be and I would not see our team in the role of favourites. Having said that, I am fully convinced that the whole team and our drivers Nico and Michael are fully prepared to get on top of our job and fulfil our targets which are winning races and fighting for world championships.”
Force India pic Sutton Images
Bahrain Grand Prix - Force India 2001 - Sutton Images2010 marks the third year of competition in the FIA Formula One World Championship for the Force India F1 Team. After a positive finish to 2009, the team is hoping this season will be the one that firmly establishes it as a strong, competitive outfit regularly challenging for points and podiums whenever possible.
Consistency has been the key this year: Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi are retained as drivers and the team's technical package is an evolution of last year's increasingly competitive car. Paul di Resta, from Scotland, strengthens the driver line-up as test and reserve driver. Paul will participate in some free practice sessions this year, although not Bahrain as the race drivers will need to learn the new track configuration.
Over winter testing the team fared well, completing 12 days of testing and more than 4,000km and is now looking forward to the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Team Q&A
Dr Vijay Mallya, chairman and team principal
What are your thoughts ahead of what could be a crucial season for Force India?
We finished 2009 on a real high note - our first-ever points, a podium and one place up in the constructors' championship. That is enough in itself to set the bar much higher this season, but we're really determined to take it to the next level. Regular points and the odd podium have got to be the aim and we know it is possible. I have a lot of faith in the drivers and the technical staff, I think we've got into a very good rhythm together now.
Have you been encouraged by the performance over the winter?
I have been very encouraged by the entire performance, both at the track and at the factory. The testing times gave very positive headlines, but it is very difficult to know where we are until we get to Bahrain. Certainly however the initial reports from the drivers are encouraging and when that happens it's worth another three to four tenths - if they feel happy and confident in the car then that they can really attack.
What is it that has made the difference this year for Force India?
The key point was that last year we had a good baseline car and we improved throughout the year in a very structured manner. In the second part of the season we were very successful - at times we even had a potential winning car - and with that in mind we went into the winter and developed this foundation as much as possible. That stability is crucial and we have been able to focus 100% on emphasising the strong points while addressing the weaker areas. I think Mark [Smith] and his team have done an excellent job.
Driver Q&A
Adrian Sutil (car 14, VJM03/03)
Adrian, you've now finished the VJM03's winter testing programme - how did this go?
The baseline car we have now after 12 days of testing looks very good and promising. The changes we have made during the winter have all had a positive effect. Testing went well and although there was a lot of rain over the period, the last two days in Barcelona were OK. We did our long runs and a lot of work with the tyres so we are fully prepared. We are pretty confident that our car is good enough to be in the top ten in Bahrain.
From the testing, it is possible to see how the competition is faring?
You can see a little bit, but you can't be 100% sure as you never know what the other teams are doing with their programme. That said, you can tell that some of the big teams like McLaren and Ferrari look very strong on both the long runs and qualifying runs and are always on the top of the timesheets. I am expecting them to be on the top again in the race weekend but we are not far away and that's a really good sign.
One new addition to the team is a new team-mate for you in the form of Paul di Resta. You've raced against him before?
Yes, it was a long time ago, but in F3 in 2005 we raced against each other. I think he is a very good driver and it's great to have him on board in the team as he can help develop the car with us. He will do some Friday sessions too so will get some experience, it's a good opportunity for everyone.
Looking forward to Bahrain, what would be a good result for you?
Hopefully in the top ten and I think that should be possible. I would hope we could score a few points. For everything else, it is very difficult to say what else will happen, but I am fine with any position within the top 10 - that's my goal for the moment.
Tonio Liuzzi (car 15, VJM03/01)
You covered a lot of kilometres in pre-season testing. How did that go for you?
I had five and a half days in the car and I learnt a lot of things about the car over this time. We had several test items to get to the optimum level for the start of the season and generally every item we tested had a positive effect. The car responds very well to any change, it's definitely going in the right direction. For sure the weather didn't help, but fortunately the car showed formidable reliability and performance, so in my mind there is a really strong preparation for Bahrain and the rest of the season.
How would you judge this car compared to the other cars you have driven in your career?
In my five years of F1 this is definitely the best car I've driven, It's the most balanced, and knowing that has made me feel so much stronger and confident. Of course you can never know exactly where you are compared to the others but we can go to Bahrain feeling optimistic and positive.
And Bahrain has a new track lay-out. Have you had a chance to look at this?
I've had a look on Google earth and on the simulator. I think they have just made it much longer and slower and I'm not a big fan of this type of track as I love high speed corners and circuits. I don't think there will be any more overtaking opportunities as the track goes through too tight an area. But it's the same for everybody and we need to get used it. We'll see when we walk the track on Thursday.
What are your aims for this race?
For the first race we want to show that our winter work has paid off. Points are our target for the time being and getting into the top ten, as high as possible. Being realistic, a few points should be feasible and hopefully everything goes as well as in testing with good reliability for the first race.
Paul di Resta, test and reserve driver
Paul, it must have been a bit of a whirlwind since February when you were announced as the test and reserve driver. What have you been doing since then?
It's certainly been busy! I've been in Spain during all the F1 tests and it's been quite a hectic schedule with three tests in three weeks. I've also spent some time at the factory, getting to know the team and the engineers and generally settling in. I had two half days in the car in quite difficult rainy conditions, which was not ideal, but I did at least learn about what to expect when it does rain and how to find that level when you need to change tyres: hopefully it's something I will have to deal with later in my career. But it's nice to get a feeling for the car going into the season, the strong points and how we deal with weaker spots. Any experience for me at the moment is valuable.
You've also been testing the DTM cars as well, sometimes switching literally overnight. How has that been going - has it given you a taster of how things will go this year when you are swapping F1 for DTM?
F1 and DTM are quite different to each other but so far I have done a switch from F1 to DTM and then one back again. The last time I didn't even notice it had happened, so already I am learning how to deal with it. Both cars require a different mindset but I am sure I will be able to do it with more experience without really having to think about it.
What are your feelings heading into Bahrain?
For sure I am very excited. It's a great thrill to be going there as part of an F1 team. Although I'm not going to be driving during free practice, Bahrain is a great track, I've raced there before in F3, and I can't wait to get on the plane and head off for the first weekend. I'm realistic there are lots of challenges ahead of us and only in Bahrain will we really know where car is on the field, but everyone is very excited to see this. I can't wait.
Lotus Racing Set For Bahrain
Lotus heading to Bahrain 2010 - pic Lotus RacingBy 3am on Saturday morning Lotus Racing had finally finished packing up the six airfreight boxes needed for the journey to Bahrain and the beginning of the 2010 Formula One TM season. Two cars and a 60-strong team have now made their way to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Bahrain International Circuit for the first race of much anticipated 2010 season.
On 12th September 2009 Lotus Racing gained entry onto the grid. As the team gears up for the first Grand Prix, the whole team, including the drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen, remain upbeat and honest about their expectations for the first few races. Trulli commented, "It would be nice to score a point, but it is not going to be easy. We have to be realistic."
Chief Technical Officer, Mike Gascoyne said, "Our test season was extremely productive - in general we've had very good reliability, and the team is in very good shape going to the first race."
Lotus Racing remain confident of their continuing progress. Team Principle Tony Fernandes commented, "We are all looking forward to Bahrain; to have Lotus Racing on the grid will be a momentous occasion for all involved and, indeed, for our fans, whose support has been absolutely fantastic since we launched just under six months ago. Yes we are a little slower than the major leading teams, however we will get there, with passion, hard work and a clear vision - our aim for this first Grand Prix will be to finish and steadily but surely improve, race by race."
Lotus Racing will spend the week preparing in Bahrain and look forward to hitting the track in anger for the first practice session on Friday, exactly six months to the day after gaining their entry place into 2010 Formula One World Championship.
The New Mercedes F1 safety car
When the new Formula One season gets underway in Bahrain next week, it will mark the debut of the most spectacular and powerful Official Formula One Safety Car of all time. The job of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which will be launched on 27 March 2010, is to ensure maximum safety in Formula One. The "gullwing" model replaces the SL63 AMG, which was used as the Official F1 Safety Car in 2008 and 2009. As in the last two years, the C63 AMG Estate will be used as the Official F1 Medical Car for the new season.
"Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the Official F1 Safety Car. I’m sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team at the F1 circuits," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
From March 2010, the Official F1 Safety Car will be deployed whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing. The SLS AMG piloted by Bernd Mayländer (38, from Germany), will be on stand-by in the pit lane throughout the entire race. When radioed by Race Control, the former DTM driver and his co-driver, FIA man Pete Tibbetts (44, from the UK), will take to the track at the head of the field in order to guide the Formula One race cars safely around the circuit.
The Official F1 Safety Car features the same engine, power-transmission set-up, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG. The exceptional technology package for the super sports car ensures perfect driving dynamics and means that no further technical modifications or lightweight-design measures are necessary, with the sole exception of an all-new rear silencer, which allows the high-revving AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine to breathe more easily and offers Formula One fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience.
Aerodynamically optimised light bar incorporating LED technology
Compared to the standard-production SLS, the Official F1 Safety Car is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fibre exterior mirrors and the characteristic roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fibre hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h and, together with the rear diffuser, provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions for the first time in the new, aerodynamically styled roof light bar. Their advantages over the previously used bulbs lie in their extremely fast response time and low power consumption.
The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimised light bar are illuminated when the Official F1 Safety Car joins the field and first has to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the SLS AMG has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the Formula One drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash during deployment of the safety car. A special number plate at the rear, displaying the words "Safety Car" and equipped with 700 LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A reversing camera is integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Official F1™ Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula One cars behind via monitors
"Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the Official F1 Safety Car. I’m sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team at the F1 circuits," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
From March 2010, the Official F1 Safety Car will be deployed whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing. The SLS AMG piloted by Bernd Mayländer (38, from Germany), will be on stand-by in the pit lane throughout the entire race. When radioed by Race Control, the former DTM driver and his co-driver, FIA man Pete Tibbetts (44, from the UK), will take to the track at the head of the field in order to guide the Formula One race cars safely around the circuit.
The Official F1 Safety Car features the same engine, power-transmission set-up, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG. The exceptional technology package for the super sports car ensures perfect driving dynamics and means that no further technical modifications or lightweight-design measures are necessary, with the sole exception of an all-new rear silencer, which allows the high-revving AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine to breathe more easily and offers Formula One fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience.
Aerodynamically optimised light bar incorporating LED technology
Compared to the standard-production SLS, the Official F1 Safety Car is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fibre exterior mirrors and the characteristic roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fibre hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h and, together with the rear diffuser, provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions for the first time in the new, aerodynamically styled roof light bar. Their advantages over the previously used bulbs lie in their extremely fast response time and low power consumption.
The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimised light bar are illuminated when the Official F1 Safety Car joins the field and first has to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the SLS AMG has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the Formula One drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash during deployment of the safety car. A special number plate at the rear, displaying the words "Safety Car" and equipped with 700 LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A reversing camera is integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Official F1™ Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula One cars behind via monitors
Friday, 5 March 2010
The New Mercedes F1 safety car
The New Mercedes F1 safety car
3rd March 2010
Mercedes 2010 F1 safety car. Getty ImagesWhen the new Formula One season gets underway in Bahrain next week, it will mark the debut of the most spectacular and powerful Official Formula One Safety Car of all time. The job of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which will be launched on 27 March 2010, is to ensure maximum safety in Formula One. The "gullwing" model replaces the SL63 AMG, which was used as the Official F1 Safety Car in 2008 and 2009. As in the last two years, the C63 AMG Estate will be used as the Official F1 Medical Car for the new season.
"Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the Official F1 Safety Car. I’m sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team at the F1 circuits," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
From March 2010, the Official F1 Safety Car will be deployed whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing. The SLS AMG piloted by Bernd Mayländer (38, from Germany), will be on stand-by in the pit lane throughout the entire race. When radioed by Race Control, the former DTM driver and his co-driver, FIA man Pete Tibbetts (44, from the UK), will take to the track at the head of the field in order to guide the Formula One race cars safely around the circuit.
The Official F1 Safety Car features the same engine, power-transmission set-up, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG. The exceptional technology package for the super sports car ensures perfect driving dynamics and means that no further technical modifications or lightweight-design measures are necessary, with the sole exception of an all-new rear silencer, which allows the high-revving AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine to breathe more easily and offers Formula One fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience.
Aerodynamically optimised light bar incorporating LED technology
Compared to the standard-production SLS, the Official F1 Safety Car is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fibre exterior mirrors and the characteristic roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fibre hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h and, together with the rear diffuser, provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions for the first time in the new, aerodynamically styled roof light bar. Their advantages over the previously used bulbs lie in their extremely fast response time and low power consumption.
The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimised light bar are illuminated when the Official F1 Safety Car joins the field and first has to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the SLS AMG has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the Formula One drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash during deployment of the safety car. A special number plate at the rear, displaying the words "Safety Car" and equipped with 700 LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A reversing camera is integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Official F1™ Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula One cars behind via monitors
3rd March 2010
Mercedes 2010 F1 safety car. Getty ImagesWhen the new Formula One season gets underway in Bahrain next week, it will mark the debut of the most spectacular and powerful Official Formula One Safety Car of all time. The job of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which will be launched on 27 March 2010, is to ensure maximum safety in Formula One. The "gullwing" model replaces the SL63 AMG, which was used as the Official F1 Safety Car in 2008 and 2009. As in the last two years, the C63 AMG Estate will be used as the Official F1 Medical Car for the new season.
"Together with the entire AMG Team, I am very proud that the new SLS AMG is the Official F1 Safety Car. I’m sure all Mercedes and AMG fans will be excited to see the gullwing model together with the new MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team at the F1 circuits," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
From March 2010, the Official F1 Safety Car will be deployed whenever hazardous situations such as accidents or bad weather endanger normal racing. The SLS AMG piloted by Bernd Mayländer (38, from Germany), will be on stand-by in the pit lane throughout the entire race. When radioed by Race Control, the former DTM driver and his co-driver, FIA man Pete Tibbetts (44, from the UK), will take to the track at the head of the field in order to guide the Formula One race cars safely around the circuit.
The Official F1 Safety Car features the same engine, power-transmission set-up, suspension and brake system as the standard-production SLS AMG. The exceptional technology package for the super sports car ensures perfect driving dynamics and means that no further technical modifications or lightweight-design measures are necessary, with the sole exception of an all-new rear silencer, which allows the high-revving AMG V8 naturally aspirated engine to breathe more easily and offers Formula One fans an even more emotionally charged sound experience.
Aerodynamically optimised light bar incorporating LED technology
Compared to the standard-production SLS, the Official F1 Safety Car is distinguishable on the outside by its prominent F1 logos, carbon-fibre exterior mirrors and the characteristic roof light bar with integrated TV camera. It sits on an all-new carbon-fibre hood whose shape has been tested in the wind tunnel to ensure optimum airflow at the rear aerofoil. The aerofoil pops up when the car reaches 120 km/h and, together with the rear diffuser, provides the necessary rear downforce. LEDs are used for all light functions for the first time in the new, aerodynamically styled roof light bar. Their advantages over the previously used bulbs lie in their extremely fast response time and low power consumption.
The two centrally positioned green lights in the aerodynamically optimised light bar are illuminated when the Official F1 Safety Car joins the field and first has to overtake all the racing cars in front of it. Once the SLS AMG has assumed the leading position, the outer orange flashing lights are switched on to signal to the Formula One drivers that no overtaking whatsoever is allowed. The white stroboscopic lights in the headlamps and tail lights perform a general signalling function in that they always flash during deployment of the safety car. A special number plate at the rear, displaying the words "Safety Car" and equipped with 700 LEDs, provides additional safety in darkness or wet weather. A reversing camera is integrated to the left of the number plate, allowing those in the cockpit of the Official F1™ Safety Car to keep an eye on the Formula One cars behind via monitors
2010 Mercedes looking forward to Bahrain.
2010 Mercedes looking forward to Bahrain.
5th March 2010
Mercedes looking to Bahrain 2010 - Pic Mercedes F1The 2010 Formula One Season gets underway in Bahrain next week and marks the return the Mercedes-Benz works team to the sport for the first time in 55 years. The Mercedes Formula One Team goes into the season with the prestige of being the current Constructors’ World Champions, led by Team Principal Ross Brawn, and with one of the most exciting driver line-ups on the grid as seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher returns to the sport to partner the talented Nico Rosberg.
Michael Shumacher
“Finally the season will start! I feel like a child looking forward to Christmas. The decision to make my comeback feels like a long time ago now and I can hardly wait for the season to get underway in Bahrain. It’s funny to think that I will be competing in Formula One again when just a few months ago, I would have declined the opportunity categorically. But sometimes things change and the right circumstances come together. I feel fresher than I have for many years. I am perfectly prepared physically and most importantly, my energy is back completely. When I retired from racing in 2006, my batteries were simply empty. Now they are totally recharged and I am ready for the challenge. It is the competition at the highest level that only Formula One offers which has provided the temptation for me. It is always difficult to predict the form in pre-season testing, this year more than ever, but the final test in Barcelona proved to us that we should be competitive. We know that we will have more new parts in Bahrain which should bring extra performance to the car. It’s important to be in the leading group from the start of the season and I am confident that we will be there.”
Nico Rosberg
“The build-up to a new Formula One season is always an exciting time, particularly when you have a new team to settle into and a brand new car to get used to. It has been a really nice process integrating into the Mercedes. Everyone has been very welcoming and I feel very much at home here already. Our pre-season testing programme has gone pretty well in February. We did have some concerns that we were not able to find the right direction to extract the maximum potential from the car but by working hard, we were able to find our way and ended testing on a high. We also have a good upgrade coming for Bahrain which should develop the car further and so I am quite optimistic that we will do well. Bahrain is a track which I really enjoy so it should be a good start to the season all in all.”
Ross Brawn
“Everyone at Mercedes is proud to be representing the rich motorsport pedigree of Mercedes-Benz as we start the season as the first Mercedes works team for over half a century. In addition, knowing that we go into the new season as the reigning World Champions gives the team confidence and a fierce pride to defend our position. However this is a new season and a new challenge. We had a strong pre-season testing programme with the MGP W01 but we are not quite reached the level of preparation that we would have liked prior to Bahrain. The car shows promise and we have a strong development programme planned for the season but there is a lot of hard work ahead to ensure that we will be in the fight for the title. I am very pleased with how our new drivers Michael and Nico have settled into the team and developed a close working relationship. They have really pushed the development of the car throughout testing and they will push each other to achieve better results on the race track. This season should be a fantastic one for the fans with so many talented drivers competing and what is likely to be a very close fight for the title between the top teams and that can only be good for our sport.”
Norbert Haug
“The Bahrain Grand Prix as the first race of the 2010 Formula One season marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz. 55 years after the last race of the Silver Arrows works team, Mercedes will start to continue this tradition. In preparation for our first season, we have covered over 6300 kilometres during 15 test days from 1 to 28 February. Judging our competitiveness for the first couple of races, my impression is that we are not quite where we want to be and I would not see our team in the role of favourites. Having said that, I am fully convinced that the whole team and our drivers Nico and Michael are fully prepared to get on top of our job and fulfil our targets which are winning races and fighting for world championships.”
5th March 2010
Mercedes looking to Bahrain 2010 - Pic Mercedes F1The 2010 Formula One Season gets underway in Bahrain next week and marks the return the Mercedes-Benz works team to the sport for the first time in 55 years. The Mercedes Formula One Team goes into the season with the prestige of being the current Constructors’ World Champions, led by Team Principal Ross Brawn, and with one of the most exciting driver line-ups on the grid as seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher returns to the sport to partner the talented Nico Rosberg.
Michael Shumacher
“Finally the season will start! I feel like a child looking forward to Christmas. The decision to make my comeback feels like a long time ago now and I can hardly wait for the season to get underway in Bahrain. It’s funny to think that I will be competing in Formula One again when just a few months ago, I would have declined the opportunity categorically. But sometimes things change and the right circumstances come together. I feel fresher than I have for many years. I am perfectly prepared physically and most importantly, my energy is back completely. When I retired from racing in 2006, my batteries were simply empty. Now they are totally recharged and I am ready for the challenge. It is the competition at the highest level that only Formula One offers which has provided the temptation for me. It is always difficult to predict the form in pre-season testing, this year more than ever, but the final test in Barcelona proved to us that we should be competitive. We know that we will have more new parts in Bahrain which should bring extra performance to the car. It’s important to be in the leading group from the start of the season and I am confident that we will be there.”
Nico Rosberg
“The build-up to a new Formula One season is always an exciting time, particularly when you have a new team to settle into and a brand new car to get used to. It has been a really nice process integrating into the Mercedes. Everyone has been very welcoming and I feel very much at home here already. Our pre-season testing programme has gone pretty well in February. We did have some concerns that we were not able to find the right direction to extract the maximum potential from the car but by working hard, we were able to find our way and ended testing on a high. We also have a good upgrade coming for Bahrain which should develop the car further and so I am quite optimistic that we will do well. Bahrain is a track which I really enjoy so it should be a good start to the season all in all.”
Ross Brawn
“Everyone at Mercedes is proud to be representing the rich motorsport pedigree of Mercedes-Benz as we start the season as the first Mercedes works team for over half a century. In addition, knowing that we go into the new season as the reigning World Champions gives the team confidence and a fierce pride to defend our position. However this is a new season and a new challenge. We had a strong pre-season testing programme with the MGP W01 but we are not quite reached the level of preparation that we would have liked prior to Bahrain. The car shows promise and we have a strong development programme planned for the season but there is a lot of hard work ahead to ensure that we will be in the fight for the title. I am very pleased with how our new drivers Michael and Nico have settled into the team and developed a close working relationship. They have really pushed the development of the car throughout testing and they will push each other to achieve better results on the race track. This season should be a fantastic one for the fans with so many talented drivers competing and what is likely to be a very close fight for the title between the top teams and that can only be good for our sport.”
Norbert Haug
“The Bahrain Grand Prix as the first race of the 2010 Formula One season marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz. 55 years after the last race of the Silver Arrows works team, Mercedes will start to continue this tradition. In preparation for our first season, we have covered over 6300 kilometres during 15 test days from 1 to 28 February. Judging our competitiveness for the first couple of races, my impression is that we are not quite where we want to be and I would not see our team in the role of favourites. Having said that, I am fully convinced that the whole team and our drivers Nico and Michael are fully prepared to get on top of our job and fulfil our targets which are winning races and fighting for world championships.”
2010 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX PREVIEW
The much-anticipated 2010 Formula One Season gets underway in Bahrain next week and marks the return of a Mercedes-Benz works team to the sport for the first time in 55 years. The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team go into the season with the prestige of being the current Constructors’ World Champions, led by Team Principal Ross Brawn, and with one of the most exciting driver line-ups on the grid as seven-times World Champion Michael Schumacher returns to the sport to partner the talented Nico Rosberg.
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
“Finally the season will start! I feel like a child looking forward to Christmas. The decision to make my comeback feels like a long time ago now and I can hardly wait for the season to get underway in Bahrain. It’s funny to think that I will be competing in Formula One again when just a few months ago, I would have declined the opportunity categorically. But sometimes things change and the right circumstances come together. I feel fresher than I have for many years. I am perfectly prepared physically and most importantly, my energy is back completely. When I retired from racing in 2006, my batteries were simply empty. Now they are totally recharged and I am ready for the challenge. It is the competition at the highest level that only Formula One offers which has provided the temptation for me. It is always difficult to predict the form in pre-season testing, this year more than ever, but the final test in Barcelona proved to us that we should be competitive. We know that we will have more new parts in Bahrain which should bring extra performance to the car. It’s important to be in the leading group from the start of the season and I am confident that we will be there.”
NICO ROSBERG
“The build-up to a new Formula One season is always an exciting time, particularly when you have a new team to settle into and a brand new car to get used to. It has been a really nice process integrating into MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. Everyone has been very welcoming and I feel very much at home here already. Our pre-season testing programme has gone pretty well in February. We did have some concerns that we were not able to find the right direction to extract the maximum potential from the car but by working hard, we were able to find our way and ended testing on a high. We also have a good upgrade coming for Bahrain which should develop the car further and so I am quite optimistic that we will do well. Bahrain is a track which I really enjoy so it should be a good start to the season all in all.”
ROSS BRAWN
“Everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is proud to be representing the rich motorsport pedigree of Mercedes-Benz as we start the season as the first Mercedes works team for over half a century. In addition, knowing that we go into the new season as the reigning World Champions gives the team confidence and a fierce pride to defend our position. However this is a new season and a new challenge. We had a strong pre-season testing programme with the MGP W01 but we are not quite reached the level of preparation that we would have liked prior to Bahrain. The car shows promise and we have a strong development programme planned for the season but there is a lot of hard work ahead to ensure that we will be in the fight for the title. I am very pleased with how our new drivers Michael and Nico have settled into the team and developed a close working relationship. They have really pushed the development of the car throughout testing and they will push each other to achieve better results on the race track. This season should be a fantastic one for the fans with so many talented drivers competing and what is likely to be a very close fight for the title between the top teams and that can only be good for our sport.”
NORBERT HAUG
“The Bahrain Grand Prix as the first race of the 2010 Formula One season marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz. 55 years after the last race of the Silver Arrows works team, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS will start to continue this tradition. In preparation for our first season, we have covered over 6300 kilometres during 15 test days from 1 to 28 February. Judging our competitiveness for the first couple of races, my impression is that we are not quite where we want to be and I would not see our team in the role of favourites. Having said that, I am fully convinced that the whole team and our drivers Nico and Michael are fully prepared to get on top of our job and fulfill our targets which are winning races and fighting for world championships.”
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
“Finally the season will start! I feel like a child looking forward to Christmas. The decision to make my comeback feels like a long time ago now and I can hardly wait for the season to get underway in Bahrain. It’s funny to think that I will be competing in Formula One again when just a few months ago, I would have declined the opportunity categorically. But sometimes things change and the right circumstances come together. I feel fresher than I have for many years. I am perfectly prepared physically and most importantly, my energy is back completely. When I retired from racing in 2006, my batteries were simply empty. Now they are totally recharged and I am ready for the challenge. It is the competition at the highest level that only Formula One offers which has provided the temptation for me. It is always difficult to predict the form in pre-season testing, this year more than ever, but the final test in Barcelona proved to us that we should be competitive. We know that we will have more new parts in Bahrain which should bring extra performance to the car. It’s important to be in the leading group from the start of the season and I am confident that we will be there.”
NICO ROSBERG
“The build-up to a new Formula One season is always an exciting time, particularly when you have a new team to settle into and a brand new car to get used to. It has been a really nice process integrating into MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. Everyone has been very welcoming and I feel very much at home here already. Our pre-season testing programme has gone pretty well in February. We did have some concerns that we were not able to find the right direction to extract the maximum potential from the car but by working hard, we were able to find our way and ended testing on a high. We also have a good upgrade coming for Bahrain which should develop the car further and so I am quite optimistic that we will do well. Bahrain is a track which I really enjoy so it should be a good start to the season all in all.”
ROSS BRAWN
“Everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is proud to be representing the rich motorsport pedigree of Mercedes-Benz as we start the season as the first Mercedes works team for over half a century. In addition, knowing that we go into the new season as the reigning World Champions gives the team confidence and a fierce pride to defend our position. However this is a new season and a new challenge. We had a strong pre-season testing programme with the MGP W01 but we are not quite reached the level of preparation that we would have liked prior to Bahrain. The car shows promise and we have a strong development programme planned for the season but there is a lot of hard work ahead to ensure that we will be in the fight for the title. I am very pleased with how our new drivers Michael and Nico have settled into the team and developed a close working relationship. They have really pushed the development of the car throughout testing and they will push each other to achieve better results on the race track. This season should be a fantastic one for the fans with so many talented drivers competing and what is likely to be a very close fight for the title between the top teams and that can only be good for our sport.”
NORBERT HAUG
“The Bahrain Grand Prix as the first race of the 2010 Formula One season marks the beginning of a new era for Mercedes-Benz. 55 years after the last race of the Silver Arrows works team, MERCEDES GP PETRONAS will start to continue this tradition. In preparation for our first season, we have covered over 6300 kilometres during 15 test days from 1 to 28 February. Judging our competitiveness for the first couple of races, my impression is that we are not quite where we want to be and I would not see our team in the role of favourites. Having said that, I am fully convinced that the whole team and our drivers Nico and Michael are fully prepared to get on top of our job and fulfill our targets which are winning races and fighting for world championships.”
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Barca Day Three: No stopping Rosberg
Nico Rosberg was the man to beat on the penultimate day of pre-season testing as the Merc GP's driver qualy style lap times put him 0.7s up on his closest rival.
With the threat of rain looming over the circuit, the drivers were quickly into action with Nico Rosberg taking the lead.
The Mercedes GP driver put in four short qualifying style runs, which consisted of an out-lap, two flying laps, and an in-lap, to post a 1:21.193. He then lowered that to a 1:20.891, a 1:20.824 and finally a 1:20.686, which was just 0.072s shy of the week's best time, which was set by Nico Hulkenberg on Friday.
Others, though, did not have as much luck - or track time - during the opening hour and a half as Jenson Button brought out the day's first red flag when his MP4-25 stopped at Turn 11 on his very first lap out of the pits.
And with the rain coming down midway through the morning, many of the drivers initially retreated to the pits before venturing out to conduct race simulations.
One drivers putting in a race sim in the wet was Rubens Barrichello. However, his run ended with his Williams beached in the gravel at Turn 5.
The hour-long lunch break gave the track some time to dry and Button, who had been slowest of all after missing the dry period in the morning, soon started working his way up the leaderboard.
The dry track also prompted Red Bull Racing to finally release Sebastian Vettel, who like Button was also quick to make his mark on the timesheets, slotting in behind the Brit in seventh place.
Felipe Massa moved up to third place in his Ferrari F10 while Vitaly Petrov took fourth place for Renault ahead of Adrian Sutil. Force India said of their driver: "Seems quite happy, says the car feels 'consistent."
Meanwhile, many of the teams turned their attention to long distance runs, which saw Button producing high 1:25s to Massa's early-1:26s. Toro Rosso's Sebastien Buemi was in the late 1:26s during his race sim while Kamui Kobayashi was in the early 1:27s.
However, once Massa had pitted for new tyres before continuing his run, the Ferrari driver dropped to the 1:22s, a similar pace to Rosberg's after he too stopped for fresh rubber.
With an hour left on the clock, Timo Glock finally completed a lap, posting a 1:31.976, which he soon whittled down to a 1:30.814. The German's lack of running on Saturday was due firstly to the weather and the team's decision to focus on pit stops in the morning and then a "leaking fuel o-ring."
Glock's first outing, though, came to an end when Rosberg came to a halt out on track. No sooner had the action resumed than Buemi stopped at the final corner.
The session restarted with 18 minutes on the clock and flurry of activity. Barrichello improved to third place while Button took fourth and then third.
And then came the day's fifth red flag, another belonging to Barrichello, which brought testing to a close for the day.
Unofficial Times
1. N. Rosberg Mercedes GP W01 1:20.686 128 laps
2. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:21.413 +0.727 106 laps
3. J. Button McLaren MP4-25 1:21.450 +0.764 105 laps
4. R. Barrichello Williams FW32 1:21.975 +1.289 100 laps
5. F. Massa Ferrari F10 1:22.344 +1.658 115 laps
6. V. Petrov Renault R30 1:22.523 +1.837 68 laps
7. A. Sutil Force India VJM-03 1:22.606 +1.920 61 laps
8. S. Vettel Red Bull Racing RB6 1:23.123 +2.437 51 laps
9. J. Trulli Lotus F1 T127 1:25.059 +4.373 102 laps
10. K. Kobayashi Sauber C29 1:26.216 +5.530 105 laps
11. T. Glock Virgin Racing VR-01 1:26.305 +5.619 31 laps
With the threat of rain looming over the circuit, the drivers were quickly into action with Nico Rosberg taking the lead.
The Mercedes GP driver put in four short qualifying style runs, which consisted of an out-lap, two flying laps, and an in-lap, to post a 1:21.193. He then lowered that to a 1:20.891, a 1:20.824 and finally a 1:20.686, which was just 0.072s shy of the week's best time, which was set by Nico Hulkenberg on Friday.
Others, though, did not have as much luck - or track time - during the opening hour and a half as Jenson Button brought out the day's first red flag when his MP4-25 stopped at Turn 11 on his very first lap out of the pits.
And with the rain coming down midway through the morning, many of the drivers initially retreated to the pits before venturing out to conduct race simulations.
One drivers putting in a race sim in the wet was Rubens Barrichello. However, his run ended with his Williams beached in the gravel at Turn 5.
The hour-long lunch break gave the track some time to dry and Button, who had been slowest of all after missing the dry period in the morning, soon started working his way up the leaderboard.
The dry track also prompted Red Bull Racing to finally release Sebastian Vettel, who like Button was also quick to make his mark on the timesheets, slotting in behind the Brit in seventh place.
Felipe Massa moved up to third place in his Ferrari F10 while Vitaly Petrov took fourth place for Renault ahead of Adrian Sutil. Force India said of their driver: "Seems quite happy, says the car feels 'consistent."
Meanwhile, many of the teams turned their attention to long distance runs, which saw Button producing high 1:25s to Massa's early-1:26s. Toro Rosso's Sebastien Buemi was in the late 1:26s during his race sim while Kamui Kobayashi was in the early 1:27s.
However, once Massa had pitted for new tyres before continuing his run, the Ferrari driver dropped to the 1:22s, a similar pace to Rosberg's after he too stopped for fresh rubber.
With an hour left on the clock, Timo Glock finally completed a lap, posting a 1:31.976, which he soon whittled down to a 1:30.814. The German's lack of running on Saturday was due firstly to the weather and the team's decision to focus on pit stops in the morning and then a "leaking fuel o-ring."
Glock's first outing, though, came to an end when Rosberg came to a halt out on track. No sooner had the action resumed than Buemi stopped at the final corner.
The session restarted with 18 minutes on the clock and flurry of activity. Barrichello improved to third place while Button took fourth and then third.
And then came the day's fifth red flag, another belonging to Barrichello, which brought testing to a close for the day.
Unofficial Times
1. N. Rosberg Mercedes GP W01 1:20.686 128 laps
2. S. Buemi Toro Rosso STR5 1:21.413 +0.727 106 laps
3. J. Button McLaren MP4-25 1:21.450 +0.764 105 laps
4. R. Barrichello Williams FW32 1:21.975 +1.289 100 laps
5. F. Massa Ferrari F10 1:22.344 +1.658 115 laps
6. V. Petrov Renault R30 1:22.523 +1.837 68 laps
7. A. Sutil Force India VJM-03 1:22.606 +1.920 61 laps
8. S. Vettel Red Bull Racing RB6 1:23.123 +2.437 51 laps
9. J. Trulli Lotus F1 T127 1:25.059 +4.373 102 laps
10. K. Kobayashi Sauber C29 1:26.216 +5.530 105 laps
11. T. Glock Virgin Racing VR-01 1:26.305 +5.619 31 laps
Thursday, 4 February 2010
Heidfeld to be Mercedes reserve driver
Nick Heidfeld is to be the test and reserve driver for Mercedes GP this year, after failing to find a race seat on the grid for 2010.
The German, who left BMW Sauber at the end of last season, had been linked with a drive at Mercedes GP before Michael Schumacher's comeback was confirmed.
After losing out on that seat, Heidfeld was believed to have been in talks with Renault and Lotus for a seat in 2010 - but has now accepted a testing role instead.
Speaking about his move, Heidfeld said: "I am very pleased to be joining the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula 1 Team. It's the team which has attracted the most interest in the close season, not only because of the comeback of Michael Schumacher, but also because this season sees the return of the Silver Arrows cars as a Mercedes-Benz works team for the first time in over 50 years.
"While I would of course have preferred a seat as an active driver, I am really proud to be part of the new Silver Arrows team. I have seen how committed everyone at the team is and I feel the same. I will be doing my very best to support Michael and Nico this year."
Heidfeld will renew his working relationship with Mercedes-Benz, who helped support him as far back as 1997 when he was a junior driver for the German car manufacturer and won the German F3 championship.
His first experience of F1 machinery came at the wheel of a McLaren-Mercedes F1, with whom he became test driver for the 1998 and 1999 season.
Heidfeld's appointment at Mercedes GP means the team now has three German drivers on board - with Schumacher racing alongside Nico Rosberg.
The German, who left BMW Sauber at the end of last season, had been linked with a drive at Mercedes GP before Michael Schumacher's comeback was confirmed.
After losing out on that seat, Heidfeld was believed to have been in talks with Renault and Lotus for a seat in 2010 - but has now accepted a testing role instead.
Speaking about his move, Heidfeld said: "I am very pleased to be joining the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula 1 Team. It's the team which has attracted the most interest in the close season, not only because of the comeback of Michael Schumacher, but also because this season sees the return of the Silver Arrows cars as a Mercedes-Benz works team for the first time in over 50 years.
"While I would of course have preferred a seat as an active driver, I am really proud to be part of the new Silver Arrows team. I have seen how committed everyone at the team is and I feel the same. I will be doing my very best to support Michael and Nico this year."
Heidfeld will renew his working relationship with Mercedes-Benz, who helped support him as far back as 1997 when he was a junior driver for the German car manufacturer and won the German F3 championship.
His first experience of F1 machinery came at the wheel of a McLaren-Mercedes F1, with whom he became test driver for the 1998 and 1999 season.
Heidfeld's appointment at Mercedes GP means the team now has three German drivers on board - with Schumacher racing alongside Nico Rosberg.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Schumi will join Rosberg on Day One
Ross Brawn has revealed that Michael Schumacher will join Nico Rosberg for the first day of pre-season at Valencia next week.
Initial reports claimed that Rosberg would in action alone on Day One at Valencia, which is also the day when Mercedes GP unveil their 2010 challenger, the MGP W01, to the world.
However, a change of plans means the former Williams driver will now share the testing duties with Schumacher when the action gets underway on Monday.
"What we want to try and do is give both drivers a drive on the first day. The first day is about checking the car and inspecting all the pieces - and there will be several strip downs of critical parts," said team boss Brawn.
"So during that period we will swap drivers and we want both drivers to get a run in the car on the first day to give us their impressions.
"Nico will probably do the second day and Michael the third day. But it will be split on the first day."
Initial reports claimed that Rosberg would in action alone on Day One at Valencia, which is also the day when Mercedes GP unveil their 2010 challenger, the MGP W01, to the world.
However, a change of plans means the former Williams driver will now share the testing duties with Schumacher when the action gets underway on Monday.
"What we want to try and do is give both drivers a drive on the first day. The first day is about checking the car and inspecting all the pieces - and there will be several strip downs of critical parts," said team boss Brawn.
"So during that period we will swap drivers and we want both drivers to get a run in the car on the first day to give us their impressions.
"Nico will probably do the second day and Michael the third day. But it will be split on the first day."
Mercedes GP unveils car colours
The Mercedes GP Petronas team unveiled its official colour scheme for the 2010 season, in an event held at the German car maker's museum in Stuttgart.
Mercedes, who took over world champion team Brawn GP to race under its own name this year, showed off its new colours using a 2009 car, before its new challenger is unveiled at the start of next month.
The new car, which sports Mercedes' classic silver colours, will make its first public outing at the Valencia circuit on 1st February, when the first testing session of the pre-season will kick off.
The 2010 car will be called MGP W01.
"With today's presentation of our new Mercedes GP Petronas Formula 1 team, a new and certainly the most important chapter of over 100 years of Mercedes-Benz motorsport history begins," said Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug. "The new Formula 1 season will offer challenges which will be bigger than ever before in over sixty years of the sport's history.
"We look forward to the cooperation with our drivers Nico Rosberg who has enormous capabilities and perspectives, and with seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher who is no less motivated than at the time when he began his professional motor racing career with Mercedes-Benz and then made his first step into such a successful Formula One career with our support.
"Today I also cordially welcome our new title partner Petronas as well as our co-investor Aabar/IPIC together with all of our team partners. I warmly welcome all our colleagues from last year's World Championship team Brawn GP headed by Ross Brawn and Nick Fry to the Mercedes family. There are challenging tasks ahead of us and we will tackle them with power, consistency and full motivation."
The team will be led again by Ross Brawn, who will be forming a partnership with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, making a sensational return to the sport after retiring in 2006.
Schumacher will be partnered by Nico Rosberg.
Brawn could not hide his enthusiasm during the birth of the new team.
"I think for me it is several things, one is a wonderful future for our team which a year ago never had a future, such an exciting partnership and such an exciting involvement for us," said Brawn, who achieved great success with Schumacher during their stint at Ferrari.
"It is a great thing, working with Michael again is a very special treat and something I didn't think would happen again.
"It's so exciting and so motivational for me and the team to be involved. Nico is a very exciting prospect who will make a wonderful partner for Michael. Nico has been in a racing for a number of years but he will enjoy working with Michael and seeing how a seven-time champion operates.
"But also the final thing is being the part of a rebirth of a racing brand so iconic as Mercedes. It's been 55 years since Mercedes had its own racing team. I have been very privileged in my career to be involved in special things but this is very exciting to be involved in."
Rosberg said driving for Mercedes was a dream come true for him.
"For sure for me it is very, very special, a dream come true to be able to drive the first silver arrow for more than 50 years," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it, working with people like Norbert [Haug], Ross and Nick [Fry] and having Michael as team-mate is great. It is going to be a great season."
Schumacher admitted he has been overwhelmed by the reaction of his fans since he announced his comeback.
"We obviously saw some of it in the summer time and I was surprised to see the reaction, now with the announcement being part of the silver arrows team," Schumacher said.
"It is a great emotion and it is a great feeling that I am getting from the outside, so a big compliment to all fans that see it like this. It gives me a greater feel and a greater push."
Mercedes, who took over world champion team Brawn GP to race under its own name this year, showed off its new colours using a 2009 car, before its new challenger is unveiled at the start of next month.
The new car, which sports Mercedes' classic silver colours, will make its first public outing at the Valencia circuit on 1st February, when the first testing session of the pre-season will kick off.
The 2010 car will be called MGP W01.
"With today's presentation of our new Mercedes GP Petronas Formula 1 team, a new and certainly the most important chapter of over 100 years of Mercedes-Benz motorsport history begins," said Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug. "The new Formula 1 season will offer challenges which will be bigger than ever before in over sixty years of the sport's history.
"We look forward to the cooperation with our drivers Nico Rosberg who has enormous capabilities and perspectives, and with seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher who is no less motivated than at the time when he began his professional motor racing career with Mercedes-Benz and then made his first step into such a successful Formula One career with our support.
"Today I also cordially welcome our new title partner Petronas as well as our co-investor Aabar/IPIC together with all of our team partners. I warmly welcome all our colleagues from last year's World Championship team Brawn GP headed by Ross Brawn and Nick Fry to the Mercedes family. There are challenging tasks ahead of us and we will tackle them with power, consistency and full motivation."
The team will be led again by Ross Brawn, who will be forming a partnership with seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, making a sensational return to the sport after retiring in 2006.
Schumacher will be partnered by Nico Rosberg.
Brawn could not hide his enthusiasm during the birth of the new team.
"I think for me it is several things, one is a wonderful future for our team which a year ago never had a future, such an exciting partnership and such an exciting involvement for us," said Brawn, who achieved great success with Schumacher during their stint at Ferrari.
"It is a great thing, working with Michael again is a very special treat and something I didn't think would happen again.
"It's so exciting and so motivational for me and the team to be involved. Nico is a very exciting prospect who will make a wonderful partner for Michael. Nico has been in a racing for a number of years but he will enjoy working with Michael and seeing how a seven-time champion operates.
"But also the final thing is being the part of a rebirth of a racing brand so iconic as Mercedes. It's been 55 years since Mercedes had its own racing team. I have been very privileged in my career to be involved in special things but this is very exciting to be involved in."
Rosberg said driving for Mercedes was a dream come true for him.
"For sure for me it is very, very special, a dream come true to be able to drive the first silver arrow for more than 50 years," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it, working with people like Norbert [Haug], Ross and Nick [Fry] and having Michael as team-mate is great. It is going to be a great season."
Schumacher admitted he has been overwhelmed by the reaction of his fans since he announced his comeback.
"We obviously saw some of it in the summer time and I was surprised to see the reaction, now with the announcement being part of the silver arrows team," Schumacher said.
"It is a great emotion and it is a great feeling that I am getting from the outside, so a big compliment to all fans that see it like this. It gives me a greater feel and a greater push."
Monday, 18 January 2010
Racing pedigree - Mercedes' Grand Prix history
After years as McLaren’s engine supplier, Mercedes will also step into the ring to fight alone this season, following their November takeover of the Brawn team. The German car giant shouldn’t be too nervous, however, as they can claim one of the longest running associations with Grand Prix racing of any automobile manufacturer.
Indeed, Mercedes claim to have taken part in the very first car race, all the way back in 1894 between Paris and Rouen in France, and their relationship with Grand Prix racing is as old as the sport itself…
Motor racing became increasingly popular after the First World War, as cars became progressively more powerful and tracks were created, normally on closed public roads. Daimler (of Daimler-Benz, makers of Mercedes) was among the first companies to develop supercharged engines for racing, the supercharger (which forces air into the engine) having proved its worth in aircraft and marine applications.
The power of these cars rapidly began to grow, and by 1928 the mighty 6.8 litre SSKL took victory at the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring with a one-two-three finish, Rudolf Caracciola taking the top step of the podium.
By the early 1930s the Nazi regime in Germany had recognised the propaganda value that racing offered, and both the Mercedes and Auto Union teams were encouraged to build the fastest and most exciting cars possible to race against each other. A new weight formula for Grand Prix racing was brought into force in 1934, intended to end the development of ever heavier and more powerful cars (which overwhelmed the ability of existing tyre technology to control their power), the so-called '750 kg' formula.
Mercedes' elegant entrant into the class, the W25, was to become one of the most famous racing cars in the world when, on the night before the first race to the new formula at the Nurburgring, the racing manager Alfred Neubauer discovered his cars were one kilogram overweight, and ordered mechanics to scrape off the white paintwork, leaving exposed shining alloy. The legend of the 'Silver Arrows' was born.
Power levels continued to increase until the cars were racing with around 500 hp, and in 1935 Caracciola took both European and German championships with victories in nine out of ten races.
It was a period of intense, dramatic and incredibly dangerous racing. The speed and performance of racing cars was completely unmatched by any safety provisions beyond the occasional straw bale. It was a highly symbolic tragedy when, on the eve of war in 1939, Mercedes' British ace driver Richard Seaman was killed in a horrible accident at Spa.
Racing was suspended during the war and in defeat, with Germany's industry devastated, it took some time for Mercedes to return to the fray. Neubauer kept his faith during the dark days and after the end of hostilities found three pre-war race cars, which were entered in the 1951 race in Argentina.
A full return was made to the new Formula One category in 1954 with the beautiful W196, adapted from the 300 SL sports car and powered by a fuel injected eight cylinder in-line engine. Drivers Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling scored a commanding one-two victory in the car's very first outing at the 1954 French Grand Prix, and Fangio went on to take the world championship.
But dominance was short-lived. In 1955 Mercedes withdrew from motorsport following a massive accident at the Le Mans 24 hour race when the Mercedes of Pierre Levegh somersaulted into a stand at over 150 mph after a collision and 79 spectators were killed. The company only returned to motorsport again in 1984, entering touring car and then sports car racing.
Ten years later the German firm was back in Formula One racing as an engine supplier for Sauber in 1994, before joining forces with McLaren the following year. Never a company to do anything by half, the Mercedes-powered McLarens gradually became the class of the field, eventually taking Mika Hakkinen to his two drivers' titles and also bringing the Woking team the 1998 constructors' championship.
Mercedes were by then so embedded within McLaren that they had bought a share in the team. In terms of results, however, the partnership seemed to struggle over the next decade. And while they came close to the title on several occasions, they never quite made it until Lewis Hamilton’s success in 2008. But even then, the constructors’ glory fell to rival team Ferrari.
The following season a new chapter in the Mercedes’ Formula One story began when they agreed to supply engines to Force India and Brawn, as well as McLaren. Almost immediately, the dominance of the Brawn package became apparent and by the finale in Abu Dhabi the team had taken eight wins and both titles.
Within a month, Mercedes had announced they would to sell back their 40 percent shareholding in McLaren, take over Brawn for the 2010 season and rebrand the team ‘Mercedes GP’ to create their first works entry since 1955. With Mercedes’ pedigree and Brawn’s own inimitable talent pool at their disposal, the team already looked strong on paper, but when they subsequently hired seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher they became formidable. This team may be ‘new’, but rivals know they underestimate them at their peril.
Indeed, Mercedes claim to have taken part in the very first car race, all the way back in 1894 between Paris and Rouen in France, and their relationship with Grand Prix racing is as old as the sport itself…
Motor racing became increasingly popular after the First World War, as cars became progressively more powerful and tracks were created, normally on closed public roads. Daimler (of Daimler-Benz, makers of Mercedes) was among the first companies to develop supercharged engines for racing, the supercharger (which forces air into the engine) having proved its worth in aircraft and marine applications.
The power of these cars rapidly began to grow, and by 1928 the mighty 6.8 litre SSKL took victory at the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring with a one-two-three finish, Rudolf Caracciola taking the top step of the podium.
By the early 1930s the Nazi regime in Germany had recognised the propaganda value that racing offered, and both the Mercedes and Auto Union teams were encouraged to build the fastest and most exciting cars possible to race against each other. A new weight formula for Grand Prix racing was brought into force in 1934, intended to end the development of ever heavier and more powerful cars (which overwhelmed the ability of existing tyre technology to control their power), the so-called '750 kg' formula.
Mercedes' elegant entrant into the class, the W25, was to become one of the most famous racing cars in the world when, on the night before the first race to the new formula at the Nurburgring, the racing manager Alfred Neubauer discovered his cars were one kilogram overweight, and ordered mechanics to scrape off the white paintwork, leaving exposed shining alloy. The legend of the 'Silver Arrows' was born.
Power levels continued to increase until the cars were racing with around 500 hp, and in 1935 Caracciola took both European and German championships with victories in nine out of ten races.
It was a period of intense, dramatic and incredibly dangerous racing. The speed and performance of racing cars was completely unmatched by any safety provisions beyond the occasional straw bale. It was a highly symbolic tragedy when, on the eve of war in 1939, Mercedes' British ace driver Richard Seaman was killed in a horrible accident at Spa.
Racing was suspended during the war and in defeat, with Germany's industry devastated, it took some time for Mercedes to return to the fray. Neubauer kept his faith during the dark days and after the end of hostilities found three pre-war race cars, which were entered in the 1951 race in Argentina.
A full return was made to the new Formula One category in 1954 with the beautiful W196, adapted from the 300 SL sports car and powered by a fuel injected eight cylinder in-line engine. Drivers Juan Manuel Fangio and Karl Kling scored a commanding one-two victory in the car's very first outing at the 1954 French Grand Prix, and Fangio went on to take the world championship.
But dominance was short-lived. In 1955 Mercedes withdrew from motorsport following a massive accident at the Le Mans 24 hour race when the Mercedes of Pierre Levegh somersaulted into a stand at over 150 mph after a collision and 79 spectators were killed. The company only returned to motorsport again in 1984, entering touring car and then sports car racing.
Ten years later the German firm was back in Formula One racing as an engine supplier for Sauber in 1994, before joining forces with McLaren the following year. Never a company to do anything by half, the Mercedes-powered McLarens gradually became the class of the field, eventually taking Mika Hakkinen to his two drivers' titles and also bringing the Woking team the 1998 constructors' championship.
Mercedes were by then so embedded within McLaren that they had bought a share in the team. In terms of results, however, the partnership seemed to struggle over the next decade. And while they came close to the title on several occasions, they never quite made it until Lewis Hamilton’s success in 2008. But even then, the constructors’ glory fell to rival team Ferrari.
The following season a new chapter in the Mercedes’ Formula One story began when they agreed to supply engines to Force India and Brawn, as well as McLaren. Almost immediately, the dominance of the Brawn package became apparent and by the finale in Abu Dhabi the team had taken eight wins and both titles.
Within a month, Mercedes had announced they would to sell back their 40 percent shareholding in McLaren, take over Brawn for the 2010 season and rebrand the team ‘Mercedes GP’ to create their first works entry since 1955. With Mercedes’ pedigree and Brawn’s own inimitable talent pool at their disposal, the team already looked strong on paper, but when they subsequently hired seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher they became formidable. This team may be ‘new’, but rivals know they underestimate them at their peril.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Brawn: No danger of post-title slump
Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn is not worried that the strain on resources of fighting for the world championship in 2009 will hold the outfit back this year.
There are fears that the team - then known as Brawn GP - might not have focused as much attention on design work for 2010 as it fought with Red Bull for both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Both McLaren and Ferrari blamed the distraction of their 2008 title battle for their disappointing form last year.
But Brawn believes that the relative stability of regulations - with the ban on refuelling and the introduction of a narrower front tyre the main 2010 changes – means that the risk of a post-title slump is significantly reduced.
"Without a dramatic rule change, there's less chance of that happening, so I'm not overly concerned," Brawn told AUTOSPORT.
"Whatever you did in 2008 was scrapped at the end of the year, whereas any developments made last year are carried over to this year, because they are predominantly aerodynamic developments that are still applicable.
"The major areas are interpreting the needs of new regulations which are no refuelling, larger fuel capacity, different tyre size and continued aero development."
Brawn refused to predict how competitive the new Mercedes will be despite being confident that the team has made a step forward with its 2010 design. He said he will reserve judgement until he sees what the competition produces.
"I know that we will have a faster car than we have had last year so it depends if someone else is going to get the jump on the rest of the field," said Brawn.
There are fears that the team - then known as Brawn GP - might not have focused as much attention on design work for 2010 as it fought with Red Bull for both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Both McLaren and Ferrari blamed the distraction of their 2008 title battle for their disappointing form last year.
But Brawn believes that the relative stability of regulations - with the ban on refuelling and the introduction of a narrower front tyre the main 2010 changes – means that the risk of a post-title slump is significantly reduced.
"Without a dramatic rule change, there's less chance of that happening, so I'm not overly concerned," Brawn told AUTOSPORT.
"Whatever you did in 2008 was scrapped at the end of the year, whereas any developments made last year are carried over to this year, because they are predominantly aerodynamic developments that are still applicable.
"The major areas are interpreting the needs of new regulations which are no refuelling, larger fuel capacity, different tyre size and continued aero development."
Brawn refused to predict how competitive the new Mercedes will be despite being confident that the team has made a step forward with its 2010 design. He said he will reserve judgement until he sees what the competition produces.
"I know that we will have a faster car than we have had last year so it depends if someone else is going to get the jump on the rest of the field," said Brawn.
Monday, 11 January 2010
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER TO TAKE PART IN GP2 SERIES DEVELOPMENT TEST IN JEREZ
In preparation for his much-awaited return to Formula One next season with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, Michael Schumacher will take part in a three-day GP2 Series test session in Jerez, Spain this week.
Following the approval of the FIA, the GP2 Series and the Formula One Testing Committee, Michael will drive the GP2 development car for three days from Tuesday 12 January to Thursday 14 January.
Michael’s desire to drive a high-performance competition vehicle as part of his preparations has found a match in the objectives of the GP2 Series to develop the 2011/2013 car. As GP2 are currently defining the technical features of the Series’ third generation car which will debut in Spring 2011, the Series organisers saw a fantastic opportunity to benefit from Michael’s experience and his legendary technical abilities.
One of the main goals of the three-day test will be to evaluate numerous suspension configurations in order to define several new set-up solutions which will provide more flexibility to GP2 drivers and engineers during the race weekends. Alongside that programme, the test will see the evaluation and validation of updated components, including a new clutch, to be introduced later this year.
GP2 Organiser Bruno Michel said: “Today’s test marks a milestone for the GP2 Series. It is an honour and a privilege for us to have seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher help us to develop our car. The goal of the GP2 Series is to prepare young drivers for Formula One. This test will prove to be very important for the future of our GP2 drivers and will be a confirmation of the high-standards and competitiveness of our Series. Michael’s input and advice will be invaluable. I am confident that his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season.”
Following the approval of the FIA, the GP2 Series and the Formula One Testing Committee, Michael will drive the GP2 development car for three days from Tuesday 12 January to Thursday 14 January.
Michael’s desire to drive a high-performance competition vehicle as part of his preparations has found a match in the objectives of the GP2 Series to develop the 2011/2013 car. As GP2 are currently defining the technical features of the Series’ third generation car which will debut in Spring 2011, the Series organisers saw a fantastic opportunity to benefit from Michael’s experience and his legendary technical abilities.
One of the main goals of the three-day test will be to evaluate numerous suspension configurations in order to define several new set-up solutions which will provide more flexibility to GP2 drivers and engineers during the race weekends. Alongside that programme, the test will see the evaluation and validation of updated components, including a new clutch, to be introduced later this year.
GP2 Organiser Bruno Michel said: “Today’s test marks a milestone for the GP2 Series. It is an honour and a privilege for us to have seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher help us to develop our car. The goal of the GP2 Series is to prepare young drivers for Formula One. This test will prove to be very important for the future of our GP2 drivers and will be a confirmation of the high-standards and competitiveness of our Series. Michael’s input and advice will be invaluable. I am confident that his knowledge and unparalleled driving skills will help us to develop a great car for next season.”
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
Mercedes to confirm Schumacher return
Michael Schumacher's return to Formula 1 is set to be confirmed later today in a press conference hosted by Mercedes-Benz.
Speculation has been mounting for days that Schumacher has agreed a deal to join Mercedes GP, with reports suggesting that he flew to Britain earlier this week to sign a contract.
Mercedes GP has now confirmed that the identity of its second driver will be announced later this morning - with the team having confirmed several weeks ago that Nico Rosberg will be racing for it in 2010.
Schumacher's F1 return comes after three years on the sidelines, having originally decided to retire from grand prix racing at the end of 2006.
However, last season he came close to a sensational mid-season comeback when he was asked to fill-in for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari.
Those plans had to be aborted, however, with Schumacher still suffering from a neck injury that he had picked up in a motorcycle crash earlier in the year.
Schumacher was deeply disappointed at the time, and it may have been the excitement he felt about returning to F1 then that helped motivate him to conclude the deal with Mercedes GP.
Speculation has been mounting for days that Schumacher has agreed a deal to join Mercedes GP, with reports suggesting that he flew to Britain earlier this week to sign a contract.
Mercedes GP has now confirmed that the identity of its second driver will be announced later this morning - with the team having confirmed several weeks ago that Nico Rosberg will be racing for it in 2010.
Schumacher's F1 return comes after three years on the sidelines, having originally decided to retire from grand prix racing at the end of 2006.
However, last season he came close to a sensational mid-season comeback when he was asked to fill-in for the injured Felipe Massa at Ferrari.
Those plans had to be aborted, however, with Schumacher still suffering from a neck injury that he had picked up in a motorcycle crash earlier in the year.
Schumacher was deeply disappointed at the time, and it may have been the excitement he felt about returning to F1 then that helped motivate him to conclude the deal with Mercedes GP.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)