The Epsilon Euskadi team is aiming to be on the Formula 1 grid in 2011 after the FIA re-opened the selection process to fill the vacancies available next year.
Epsilon applied for an entry for the 2010 season, but the Spanish squad was not granted any of the slots available at the time.
Virgin, Lotus, Campos and US F1 were the teams chosen, the latter not managing to make it to the grid.
Epsilon, led by Joan Villadelprat as well as former F1 designer Sergio Rinland, has restarted work to check the viability of the F1 project now the FIA has invited new teams to apply for an entry.
The Vitoria-based outfit is now seeking to secure the backing to compete in 2011 before submitting its entry.
The FIA said all the candidates have until 15 April to register their expression of interest, and that a decision on the entrant would be announced by July.
News from Formula One in the Formation Lap.
Showing posts with label F1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label F1. Show all posts
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
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
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Rule changes fof the 2010 season
2010 marks the second consecutive season where major rule changes have affected car design in the F1 championship, you can only have pity for the designers of the four new teams entering this year, and all the engineers who have the job of setting up cars that will behave very differently on the first and last lap.
Continuity is always a prerequisite for a successful campaign, so although there are brave words coming out of the various headquarters of the teams, a number of them will be hoping that they will not add a layer of management that slows down development of the new cars. This was part of the death knell of teams like Toyota, Honda (pre-Brawn) and to a lesser extent BMW, not being able to react quickly to bring cars up to speed.
The package of technical changes for the new season is not as significant as last year; Grand Prix racing will have a new and exciting look in 2010 thanks to the ban on refuelling during races. This divides petrol-heads into two camps, refuelling was once famously described as “as ridiculous as seeing which football team can eat their half-time oranges quickest.” Refuelling came in 1994 which brought greater strategic planning into qualifying, fuel load, tyre performance, race set-up and balance while the cars were involved in their short sprints.
There will be an element of this as cars have to use both tyre compounds, but the days of seeing a car trailing a fuel hose and ball of flame up the pit lane have gone. The rules on tyre changes could suit certain drivers such as Button – who is famously easy on them – because drivers could be getting on the “right” set after only a few laps and will need to nurse them for a long stretch with a full tank of fuel on-board. Oddly, from the initial figures supplied from the engine manufacturers, the fuel tanks vary by as much as 25 kg. This may change by the start of the season, but with space limited inside an F1 car someone could be very cross by the end of the Canadian Grand Prix when they park up with five laps to go.
Some of the other new changes include:
• Changes to how drivers are given time penalties after a race
• A reduction in the amount of one-day aerodynamic tests a team may conduct from eight to six
• Teams may now substitute aerodynamic test days for 24 hours of full-scale wind tunnel testing
• Teams which choose to bring in a driver with no prior F1 experience will be permitted an extra days’ testing on a non-calendar track
• A new clause stipulates that pit space will be allocated “on a strictly equal basis” – this space will be under pressure with the addition of new teams in 2010
• Drivers who perform multiple engine changes in a weekend will now get extra penalties.
• Although tyre warmers remain legal a new clause says the heating element may only act on the surface of the tyre
• Teams are no longer allowed to use powered devices to lift the cars in the pit lane
• Pit space – which will be at a premium next year – will now be allocated evenly between the teams.
• There are new restrictions on how teams can test tyres
• Drivers who use two additional engines during a weekend will be moved back ten places on the grid at that race and the next one
• Drivers who get away slowly on the formation lap and cannot start from their designated starting position must start the race from the pit lane.
• During safety car periods drivers must lap slower than a designated lap time displayed in their cars
Bring on Bahrain on March 14.
Continuity is always a prerequisite for a successful campaign, so although there are brave words coming out of the various headquarters of the teams, a number of them will be hoping that they will not add a layer of management that slows down development of the new cars. This was part of the death knell of teams like Toyota, Honda (pre-Brawn) and to a lesser extent BMW, not being able to react quickly to bring cars up to speed.
The package of technical changes for the new season is not as significant as last year; Grand Prix racing will have a new and exciting look in 2010 thanks to the ban on refuelling during races. This divides petrol-heads into two camps, refuelling was once famously described as “as ridiculous as seeing which football team can eat their half-time oranges quickest.” Refuelling came in 1994 which brought greater strategic planning into qualifying, fuel load, tyre performance, race set-up and balance while the cars were involved in their short sprints.
There will be an element of this as cars have to use both tyre compounds, but the days of seeing a car trailing a fuel hose and ball of flame up the pit lane have gone. The rules on tyre changes could suit certain drivers such as Button – who is famously easy on them – because drivers could be getting on the “right” set after only a few laps and will need to nurse them for a long stretch with a full tank of fuel on-board. Oddly, from the initial figures supplied from the engine manufacturers, the fuel tanks vary by as much as 25 kg. This may change by the start of the season, but with space limited inside an F1 car someone could be very cross by the end of the Canadian Grand Prix when they park up with five laps to go.
Some of the other new changes include:
• Changes to how drivers are given time penalties after a race
• A reduction in the amount of one-day aerodynamic tests a team may conduct from eight to six
• Teams may now substitute aerodynamic test days for 24 hours of full-scale wind tunnel testing
• Teams which choose to bring in a driver with no prior F1 experience will be permitted an extra days’ testing on a non-calendar track
• A new clause stipulates that pit space will be allocated “on a strictly equal basis” – this space will be under pressure with the addition of new teams in 2010
• Drivers who perform multiple engine changes in a weekend will now get extra penalties.
• Although tyre warmers remain legal a new clause says the heating element may only act on the surface of the tyre
• Teams are no longer allowed to use powered devices to lift the cars in the pit lane
• Pit space – which will be at a premium next year – will now be allocated evenly between the teams.
• There are new restrictions on how teams can test tyres
• Drivers who use two additional engines during a weekend will be moved back ten places on the grid at that race and the next one
• Drivers who get away slowly on the formation lap and cannot start from their designated starting position must start the race from the pit lane.
• During safety car periods drivers must lap slower than a designated lap time displayed in their cars
Bring on Bahrain on March 14.
2010 F1 line-up nears completion
The line-up for the 2010 Formula 1 season took another step towards completion on Tuesday with the news that Pedro de la Rosa will drive for the BMW Sauber team, the Spaniard securing one of the most coveted seats left.
With the Sauber line-up complete, all eyes will be now on Renault, which is yet to announce who will partner Robert Kubica at the team this year.
There will be no shortage of candidates for the vacant seat, with drivers like Nick Heidfeld or Romain Grosjean yet to find out if they will be on the grid again this season.
Another team yet to finalise its line-up is Campos Meta, which has only signed Brazilian Bruno Senna so far and has one of the four empty slots ahead of the start of the season in March.
US F1 remains the only team yet to confirm any drivers, with Argentinean Jose Maria Lopez linked with one of the seats for several months.
2010 driver line-up:
Mercedes GP
Michael Schumacher
Nico Rosberg
Red Bull Racing
Sebastian Vettel
Mark Webber
McLaren-Mercedes
Jenson Button
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
Fernando Alonso
Felipe Massa
BMW Sauber
Pedro de la Rosa
Kamui Kobayashi
Williams-Cosworth
Rubens Barrichello
Nico Hulkenberg
Renault
Robert Kubica
TBA
Force India-Mercedes
Adrian Sutil
Tonio Liuzzi
Toro Rosso-Ferrari
Sebastien Buemi
Jamie Alguersuari
Lotus-Cosworth
Jarno Trulli
Heikki Kovalainen
Campos-Cosworth
Bruno Senna
TBA
Virgin-Cosworth
Timo Glock
Lucas di Grassi
US F1-Cosworth
TBA
TBA
With the Sauber line-up complete, all eyes will be now on Renault, which is yet to announce who will partner Robert Kubica at the team this year.
There will be no shortage of candidates for the vacant seat, with drivers like Nick Heidfeld or Romain Grosjean yet to find out if they will be on the grid again this season.
Another team yet to finalise its line-up is Campos Meta, which has only signed Brazilian Bruno Senna so far and has one of the four empty slots ahead of the start of the season in March.
US F1 remains the only team yet to confirm any drivers, with Argentinean Jose Maria Lopez linked with one of the seats for several months.
2010 driver line-up:
Mercedes GP
Michael Schumacher
Nico Rosberg
Red Bull Racing
Sebastian Vettel
Mark Webber
McLaren-Mercedes
Jenson Button
Lewis Hamilton
Ferrari
Fernando Alonso
Felipe Massa
BMW Sauber
Pedro de la Rosa
Kamui Kobayashi
Williams-Cosworth
Rubens Barrichello
Nico Hulkenberg
Renault
Robert Kubica
TBA
Force India-Mercedes
Adrian Sutil
Tonio Liuzzi
Toro Rosso-Ferrari
Sebastien Buemi
Jamie Alguersuari
Lotus-Cosworth
Jarno Trulli
Heikki Kovalainen
Campos-Cosworth
Bruno Senna
TBA
Virgin-Cosworth
Timo Glock
Lucas di Grassi
US F1-Cosworth
TBA
TBA
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Volkswagen: F1 needs to change
Volkswagen motorsport director Kris Nissen believes that Formula 1 will need more stability and a better image before his company considers entering.
The German car manufacturer revealed at the end of last year that it was evaluating the potential benefits of moving into grand prix racing when new engine regulations are introduced from the start of 2013.
Although the situation remains completely open, Nissen says that the sport will need to make some changes before VW feels ready to commit.
"Formula 1 is facing one of the most difficult situations it has had for many years," Nissen told AUTOSPORT.
"They need to handle that, and I really believe that [FIA president] Jean Todt and the teams will do that. I think that for manufacturers to come back, or for new manufacturers to enter Formula 1, you need to have stability, you need to have a slightly different image, and you need to bring the costs down.
"But this has been said many times, people are aware of it, and now I think the right people are working on it."
Nissen also said that if VW did opt for an F1 programme, it was unlikely that the company would choose to run under the 'Volkswagen' brand name - meaning it could be as Audi, Bentley, SEAT or even Bugatti.
"There is a difference between the brand Volkswagen and the Volkswagen group," said Nissen. "The VW group has a lot of brands, ten now, with different images. If the group enters Formula 1, they would need to decide which brand, and I personally think that they would decide on another brand than Volkswagen.
"If it was to happen, it would be 'the VW group enters F1' with whatever brand. But I can promise you that there will be at least a couple more Dakars to come before this decision is taken."
The German car manufacturer revealed at the end of last year that it was evaluating the potential benefits of moving into grand prix racing when new engine regulations are introduced from the start of 2013.
Although the situation remains completely open, Nissen says that the sport will need to make some changes before VW feels ready to commit.
"Formula 1 is facing one of the most difficult situations it has had for many years," Nissen told AUTOSPORT.
"They need to handle that, and I really believe that [FIA president] Jean Todt and the teams will do that. I think that for manufacturers to come back, or for new manufacturers to enter Formula 1, you need to have stability, you need to have a slightly different image, and you need to bring the costs down.
"But this has been said many times, people are aware of it, and now I think the right people are working on it."
Nissen also said that if VW did opt for an F1 programme, it was unlikely that the company would choose to run under the 'Volkswagen' brand name - meaning it could be as Audi, Bentley, SEAT or even Bugatti.
"There is a difference between the brand Volkswagen and the Volkswagen group," said Nissen. "The VW group has a lot of brands, ten now, with different images. If the group enters Formula 1, they would need to decide which brand, and I personally think that they would decide on another brand than Volkswagen.
"If it was to happen, it would be 'the VW group enters F1' with whatever brand. But I can promise you that there will be at least a couple more Dakars to come before this decision is taken."
Friday, 1 January 2010
THe decade in sport: Formula One in the noughties
31 December 2009, 13:02:25 | Maurice Hamilton
The cars may be closer but they still can't overtake, writes Maurice Hamilton
How it changed for the better Judging by the past two years alone, Formula One has never been more competitive, with two seconds covering the entire grid, as opposed to five seconds a decade ago.
How it changed for the worse The cars may be closer, but they can't overtake. The sophisticated aerodynamics and technology - while also having positive effects - mean the cars cannot run in close company and braking distances are too short. Added to which the characterless, standard F1-commissioned circuits issued to every new track – Shanghai, Bahrain, to name two – minimise overtaking and look boring.
Decade's top five
1 Ferrari The combination of Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher and five championships in succession proved why F1 would be much poorer without the charismatic Italian team.
2 McLaren Bland but memorable for consistent excellence and the ability to overcome massive setbacks.
3 Renault Regrouped to become a powerful, colourful force capable of defeating Ferrari in the middle of the decade.
4 Williams Despite not winning a championship since 1997 or a race since 2004, remain a stalwart of stoutly British independence (or as near as you can get these days).
5 Brawn We will never see the like again, not because it was in existence for just one year but because of the remarkable achievement from bust to boom in 2009.
Race of the decade Indianapolis 2005, when only six cars started the US grand prix after 14 withdrew at the last minute. A shocking example of how to insult the paying spectator by allowing political agendas to dominate. First public proof that Max Mosley couldn't give a stuff about the core values his presidency of the FIA was supposed to take care of.
Most memorable moment Melbourne 2007 and on the first corner of the first grand prix Lewis Hamilton runs round the outside of former world champions 200 metres into his F1 debut. First exciting sign of a new megastar.
2020 vision Bernie Ecclestone will be 89 and unlikely to be in control – but you never know with this human dynamo. His absence, whenever it comes, will create a messy vacuum lasting at least a year as several people attempt to do the job of one man. A dictatorship in F1 had its advantages but the moment has passed. Ecclestone's departure will help F1 rid itself of the insular, unhelpful attitude that embraces making money at the expense of the people who really matter: the race fans.
The cars may be closer but they still can't overtake, writes Maurice Hamilton
How it changed for the better Judging by the past two years alone, Formula One has never been more competitive, with two seconds covering the entire grid, as opposed to five seconds a decade ago.
How it changed for the worse The cars may be closer, but they can't overtake. The sophisticated aerodynamics and technology - while also having positive effects - mean the cars cannot run in close company and braking distances are too short. Added to which the characterless, standard F1-commissioned circuits issued to every new track – Shanghai, Bahrain, to name two – minimise overtaking and look boring.
Decade's top five
1 Ferrari The combination of Ross Brawn and Michael Schumacher and five championships in succession proved why F1 would be much poorer without the charismatic Italian team.
2 McLaren Bland but memorable for consistent excellence and the ability to overcome massive setbacks.
3 Renault Regrouped to become a powerful, colourful force capable of defeating Ferrari in the middle of the decade.
4 Williams Despite not winning a championship since 1997 or a race since 2004, remain a stalwart of stoutly British independence (or as near as you can get these days).
5 Brawn We will never see the like again, not because it was in existence for just one year but because of the remarkable achievement from bust to boom in 2009.
Race of the decade Indianapolis 2005, when only six cars started the US grand prix after 14 withdrew at the last minute. A shocking example of how to insult the paying spectator by allowing political agendas to dominate. First public proof that Max Mosley couldn't give a stuff about the core values his presidency of the FIA was supposed to take care of.
Most memorable moment Melbourne 2007 and on the first corner of the first grand prix Lewis Hamilton runs round the outside of former world champions 200 metres into his F1 debut. First exciting sign of a new megastar.
2020 vision Bernie Ecclestone will be 89 and unlikely to be in control – but you never know with this human dynamo. His absence, whenever it comes, will create a messy vacuum lasting at least a year as several people attempt to do the job of one man. A dictatorship in F1 had its advantages but the moment has passed. Ecclestone's departure will help F1 rid itself of the insular, unhelpful attitude that embraces making money at the expense of the people who really matter: the race fans.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Ferrari: Schumacher return great for F1
Stefano Domenicali says Ferrari was very disappointed to hear the news of Michael Schumacher's move to Mercedes GP, but the team boss reckons the German's comeback is great news for Formula 1.
Schumacher, who will turn 41 next month, will make a sensational return to the sport after having retired for the first time at the end of the 2006 season.
The German will join Mercedes Grand Prix after having signed a three-year deal that will see his 14-year relationship with Ferrari come to an end.
Domenicali admitted it was not easy to accept the news.
"A marriage is not based on formal aspects," Domenicali told La Stampa newspaper in an interview. "In his head he had the desire and he wanted to tackle a new sporting challenge, and Ferrari had no openings.
"We were very disappointed, needless to deny it, but we have to move on."
The Italian, however, is convinced that Schumacher's return is a huge boost for Formula 1.
"His return is great news for Formula 1: he will increase the interest in the championship, attract new audiences and improve the show," he added.
The Ferrari boss also reckons the Italian fans will not forget everything Schumacher achieved with the Maranello team come next year's Italian Grand Prix.
"I was surprised to receive so many letter from fans who were 'disappointed', to put it mildly. The Italian Grand Prix is far away: I'm sure that Ferrari fans will be grateful. History cannot be erased," Domenicali said.
And he insisted Ferrari has been boosted by the arrival of Fernando Alonso from next year.
"He was here last time in mid-December. Since then he calls every day to find out about the car's performance in the simulations. His arrival has been a boost for the boys."
Schumacher, who will turn 41 next month, will make a sensational return to the sport after having retired for the first time at the end of the 2006 season.
The German will join Mercedes Grand Prix after having signed a three-year deal that will see his 14-year relationship with Ferrari come to an end.
Domenicali admitted it was not easy to accept the news.
"A marriage is not based on formal aspects," Domenicali told La Stampa newspaper in an interview. "In his head he had the desire and he wanted to tackle a new sporting challenge, and Ferrari had no openings.
"We were very disappointed, needless to deny it, but we have to move on."
The Italian, however, is convinced that Schumacher's return is a huge boost for Formula 1.
"His return is great news for Formula 1: he will increase the interest in the championship, attract new audiences and improve the show," he added.
The Ferrari boss also reckons the Italian fans will not forget everything Schumacher achieved with the Maranello team come next year's Italian Grand Prix.
"I was surprised to receive so many letter from fans who were 'disappointed', to put it mildly. The Italian Grand Prix is far away: I'm sure that Ferrari fans will be grateful. History cannot be erased," Domenicali said.
And he insisted Ferrari has been boosted by the arrival of Fernando Alonso from next year.
"He was here last time in mid-December. Since then he calls every day to find out about the car's performance in the simulations. His arrival has been a boost for the boys."
Sunday, 27 December 2009
How Michael Schumacher and his new Formula One rivals shape up
It's time for an early look at the strengths and weaknesses of the leading contenders for 2010's F1 world title
Maurice Hamilton www.guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 23 December 2009 22.20 GMT
Lewis Hamilton, 24
McLaren, world champion 2008
Pedigree Won title in every junior category. Firmly established after three seasons in F1.
Temperament Relentless. Thinks of nothing but winning. In the Schumacher mould.
Raw speed Arguably the fastest, even quicker than Schumacher. Will want to beat him at all costs.
Car quality The McLaren should be a winner after hard lessons and frustrating season in 2009.
Title odds 9-4
Fernando Alonso, 28
Ferrari, world champion 2005, 2006
Pedigree 139 grands prix, 21 wins and two titles add up to vast, productive experience.
Temperament Suspect if Ferrari team-mate Massa proves to be as fast. Toys left McLaren pram in 2007 when Hamilton quicker.
Raw speed Best all-rounder by a long way. Tenacious. Will relish chance to take on and beat Schumacher again.
Car quality Ferrari, like McLaren, will lick wounds after difficult year and come out fighting.
Title odds 7-2
Sebastian Vettel, 22
Red Bull, best championship finish 2nd, 2009
Pedigree One of the youngest but mature for his age and a mere 42 grands prix.
Temperament Calm, but happy-go-lucky nature cracked at times this year when team-mate Mark Webber was quicker. Webber will play on the weakness.
Raw speed Loads of natural ability, demonstrated by two of five F1 wins being in the wet.
Car quality Red Bull ran Brawn close in 2009. Ready to be a world-beater.
Title odds 11-2
Jenson Button, 29
McLaren, world champion 2009
Pedigree Been through every emotion in 10 seasons of F1. Reaching his peak.
Temperament Perfect to deal with the precocious Hamilton as team-mate.
Raw speed Fluid, easy style matches natural ability. May be ideally suited to deal with regulation change bringing heavier car through no refuelling and need to look after tyres in 2010.
Car quality As for Hamilton, but new to the team and make take longer to adapt.
Title odds 6-1
Michael Schumacher, 40
Mercedes, world champion 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Pedigree None better after 249 grands prix and 91 victories.
Temperament Cool, calm and collected. Will he stay that way if the going is rougher than ever experienced before?
Raw speed Was consistently the fastest at point of retirement. And now? Probably no change. But racing wheel-to-wheel with youngsters may be a tough test.
Car quality Good question. Mercedes (Brawn) may pay the price for effort put in to 2009 car at expense of new one.
Title odds 6-1
Felipe Massa, 28
Ferrari, best championship finish 2nd, 2008
Pedigree Least impressive of the six but has matured into a very fast and consistent driver.
Temperament Was prone to allowing heart to rule head but that has changed in recent years thanks to feeling part of Ferrari family.
Raw speed Now very fast and may surprise Alonso. Unaffected by head injury this year.
Car quality As for Alonso, but the Brazilian, like Hamilton, is comfortable in the team and knows how they and the car work.
Title odds 8-1
Maurice Hamilton www.guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 23 December 2009 22.20 GMT
Lewis Hamilton, 24
McLaren, world champion 2008
Pedigree Won title in every junior category. Firmly established after three seasons in F1.
Temperament Relentless. Thinks of nothing but winning. In the Schumacher mould.
Raw speed Arguably the fastest, even quicker than Schumacher. Will want to beat him at all costs.
Car quality The McLaren should be a winner after hard lessons and frustrating season in 2009.
Title odds 9-4
Fernando Alonso, 28
Ferrari, world champion 2005, 2006
Pedigree 139 grands prix, 21 wins and two titles add up to vast, productive experience.
Temperament Suspect if Ferrari team-mate Massa proves to be as fast. Toys left McLaren pram in 2007 when Hamilton quicker.
Raw speed Best all-rounder by a long way. Tenacious. Will relish chance to take on and beat Schumacher again.
Car quality Ferrari, like McLaren, will lick wounds after difficult year and come out fighting.
Title odds 7-2
Sebastian Vettel, 22
Red Bull, best championship finish 2nd, 2009
Pedigree One of the youngest but mature for his age and a mere 42 grands prix.
Temperament Calm, but happy-go-lucky nature cracked at times this year when team-mate Mark Webber was quicker. Webber will play on the weakness.
Raw speed Loads of natural ability, demonstrated by two of five F1 wins being in the wet.
Car quality Red Bull ran Brawn close in 2009. Ready to be a world-beater.
Title odds 11-2
Jenson Button, 29
McLaren, world champion 2009
Pedigree Been through every emotion in 10 seasons of F1. Reaching his peak.
Temperament Perfect to deal with the precocious Hamilton as team-mate.
Raw speed Fluid, easy style matches natural ability. May be ideally suited to deal with regulation change bringing heavier car through no refuelling and need to look after tyres in 2010.
Car quality As for Hamilton, but new to the team and make take longer to adapt.
Title odds 6-1
Michael Schumacher, 40
Mercedes, world champion 1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Pedigree None better after 249 grands prix and 91 victories.
Temperament Cool, calm and collected. Will he stay that way if the going is rougher than ever experienced before?
Raw speed Was consistently the fastest at point of retirement. And now? Probably no change. But racing wheel-to-wheel with youngsters may be a tough test.
Car quality Good question. Mercedes (Brawn) may pay the price for effort put in to 2009 car at expense of new one.
Title odds 6-1
Felipe Massa, 28
Ferrari, best championship finish 2nd, 2008
Pedigree Least impressive of the six but has matured into a very fast and consistent driver.
Temperament Was prone to allowing heart to rule head but that has changed in recent years thanks to feeling part of Ferrari family.
Raw speed Now very fast and may surprise Alonso. Unaffected by head injury this year.
Car quality As for Alonso, but the Brazilian, like Hamilton, is comfortable in the team and knows how they and the car work.
Title odds 8-1
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
MICHAEL SCHUMACHER JOINS MERCEDES GP PETRONAS
Wednesday 23 December 2009
Stuttgart/Brackley - The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team can confirm today that seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team.
With seven Drivers’ World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.
Michael’s return to racing with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Programme in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM, and sees Michael renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships.
Today’s announcement confirms the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver line-up for the 2010 season with Michael partnering his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.
Michael Schumacher: "MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star."
Nico Rosberg: "It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: "I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: "In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1”. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn’t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."
Stuttgart/Brackley - The MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team can confirm today that seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher will make his racing return in 2010 with the Silver Arrows team.
With seven Drivers’ World Championships, 248 Grand Prix starts, 91 victories, 154 podium finishes and 68 pole positions, the 40-year old German needs no introduction following an illustrious and record-breaking Formula One career from 1991 to 2006 at the Jordan, Benetton and Ferrari teams.
Michael’s return to racing with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS sees his return to Mercedes-Benz Motorsport where he began his racing apprenticeship as part of the Junior Programme in 1990, racing in Group C sports cars and DTM, and sees Michael renew his partnership with Ross Brawn with whom he won all seven of his World Championships.
Today’s announcement confirms the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS driver line-up for the 2010 season with Michael partnering his compatriot, 24 year old Nico Rosberg, in the Silver Arrows cars.
Michael Schumacher: "MERCEDES GP PETRONAS represents a new challenge for me both in a sporting and a personal context. It is a new chapter in my racing career and I am really looking forward to working with my old friend Ross Brawn and my companions from my days with the Mercedes Junior Programme. I am convinced that together we will be involved in the fight for the Formula 1 World Championship next year and I am already looking forward to getting back onto the race track. For me, this partnership closes the circle. Mercedes supported me for so many years when I began my Formula 1 career and now I can hopefully give something back to the brand with the star."
Nico Rosberg: "It is fantastic that Michael is returning to Formula One and will be my team-mate at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS. It’s a great challenge for me to be up against one of the best drivers of all time. I’m sure that we will form a very strong partnership as he will have lost none of his speed! It is also great news for our sport and the fans."
Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS: "I am delighted that we can confirm today that Michael will make his much-anticipated return to Formula One next year and drive for our MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team. As seven-time World Champion, Michael’s outstanding record in Formula One speaks for itself and I am looking forward to working with him again. With the completion of our driver line-up, I believe that we now have the most exciting partnership in Formula One with Michael and Nico, who provide the perfect mix of talent, experience, speed and youth. We can now turn our full attention to the preparations for the new season and everyone at MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is extremely excited about the challenge ahead. With the investment and support in our team provided by Daimler, Aabar and our new title partner Petronas, and with two such exciting drivers, we have all of the building blocks in place to have another successful season in 2010."
Norbert Haug, Vice-President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsports: "In April 1991, when I had been in charge of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for just six months, Michael was standing beside me on the balcony one evening. Without the slightest doubt, he said in a low voice: “It’s about time that I got into Formula 1”. Michael had just turned 22 years of age and four months later, he made his debut at Spa in a Jordan. Mercedes-Benz helped him to this point and the rest is history: seven World Championship titles, more than any racing driver, 91 Grand Prix wins, more than any racing driver. Michael has more of everything than every other driver. As part of the Mercedes Junior Programme, Michael had raced in Group C sports cars and competed in a few DTM races. Ross Brawn, then our opponent at Jaguar, quickly realised Michael’s talent and they went on to win all seven of his Drivers’ World Championship titles together at Benetton and Ferrari. Our sporting ambition has always been that Michael should drive again where his professional career had started and Michael knew that. We often joked about it after the races and discussed the prospect seriously several times during the last 14 years in Formula 1. It didn’t happen in 1995, it didn’t happen in 1998 and it didn’t happen in 2005. I am delighted that it will now happen in 2010. I am very much looking forward to working with Michael and everybody at Mercedes-Benz and Daimler extends a very warm welcome to our ‘apprentice’ of 19 years ago. That apprentice is now the most successful racing driver of all time."
Michael Schumacher signs up for F1 return with Mercedes
Seven-times Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher has come out of retirement after signing for Mercedes.
The German, who will be 41 on 3 January, was unveiled at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Schumacher will partner compatriot Nico Rosberg in the team that won the drivers' and constructors' titles in 2009 in its former guise as Brawn.
"After three years I have the energy back and I'm ready for some serious stuff," Schumacher said.
Schumacher retired at the end of 2006 but will now return to the sport he dominated after signing a one-year deal and it is likely he will have the option to continue beyond 2010 if his returns goes well.
The 41-year-old will reportedly earn £6.2m after signing up to reunite with Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, who masterminded all seven of his titles, the first two with Benetton in 1994-5 and the subsequent five with Ferrari from 2000-4.
606: DEBATE
I don't like Schumacher but it's a great boost for F1
KimiRaikkonen1
Schumacher was forced to call off a planned temporary comeback as a stand-in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa last season because of a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident last February.
But Schumacher recently underwent medical checks and is confident he is back to full fitness.
"It wasn't OK in the summer, but it's had the time to heal completely," Schumacher explained.
"There is no further issue with the neck - 100%."
Schumacher's former Benetton team-mate Johnny Herbert told BBC Radio 5 live: "The fitness side is very, very important, but the way Michael keeps himself in shape - he brought the physical aspects of F1 up a couple of notches - it isn't going to be an issue.
"I don't know of anyone that has gone out of F1 and come back and actually achieved something by coming back. Alain Prost wasn't the same when he came back but because of Michael's mentality it is different."
This summer Schumacher signed a revised contract as a consultant for Ferrari, but he told Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo last week that he was "very close" to concluding a deal to race for Mercedes.
Jonathan Legard on Schumacher return
Ferrari have had to release him from his contract to enable him to race for the "Silver Arrows."
The returning Mercedes team are known to want German rising star Sebastian Vettel in the long term, but the 22-year-old is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2012.
Rosberg, who signed for Mercedes shortly after the season ended, has already warned Schumacher he faces a tough task getting back up to speed with F1 but said he would welcome him as a team-mate.
"It will not be easy for him," Rosberg was quoted in German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.
"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the test sessions again. It's not simple.
"If he did join that would be an absolutely fantastic move."
Schumacher's comeback is the most high profile in F1 since Austrian Niki Lauda came out of a two-year retirement for the 1982 season to race for McLaren.
Lauda, who was 33 at the time, went on to win a third world title in 1984.
Juan Manuel Fangio is Formula 1's oldest world champion, the Argentine won a fifth world championship at the age of 46 before retiring.
Nigel Mansell won the 1994 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 41, having stepped in as a substitute for Williams for four races following the death of Ayrton Senna.
Schumacher's former Ferrari team-mate, Eddie Irvine, told the BBC last week that he expected Schumacher would win races, even though he would not be as powerful a force as before. .
He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races
Eddie Irvine
"The speed will be there, though he won't be as fast as he was seven years ago," Irvine said.
"He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races as he has such an immense talent. It's still four wheels, a steering wheel and an engine and there's never been anyone better than Michael."
Irvine said he thought Schumacher would be at a disadvantage in wheel-to-wheel racing compared to the younger generation of drivers such as 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
"Lewis isn't going to back off, but Michael will have to because he'll be 41," Irvine said.
The BBC's F1 commentator Jonathan Legard believes Schumacher can compete with the likes of Hamilton and Button if he is given a competitive enough car.
"He wouldn't do something unless he knew he could do it justice," he said. "If Mercedes are any good he'll be in the top four, maybe even pitching for the Championship."
Schumacher's decision brings his career to a neat conclusion - Mercedes, for whom he was racing in sportscars at the time, paid for his F1 debut with Jordan in 1991 but he has never raced for them in F1.
The German, who will be 41 on 3 January, was unveiled at the Mercedes factory in Brackley, Northamptonshire.
Schumacher will partner compatriot Nico Rosberg in the team that won the drivers' and constructors' titles in 2009 in its former guise as Brawn.
"After three years I have the energy back and I'm ready for some serious stuff," Schumacher said.
Schumacher retired at the end of 2006 but will now return to the sport he dominated after signing a one-year deal and it is likely he will have the option to continue beyond 2010 if his returns goes well.
The 41-year-old will reportedly earn £6.2m after signing up to reunite with Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn, who masterminded all seven of his titles, the first two with Benetton in 1994-5 and the subsequent five with Ferrari from 2000-4.
606: DEBATE
I don't like Schumacher but it's a great boost for F1
KimiRaikkonen1
Schumacher was forced to call off a planned temporary comeback as a stand-in for injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa last season because of a neck injury sustained in a motorcycle accident last February.
But Schumacher recently underwent medical checks and is confident he is back to full fitness.
"It wasn't OK in the summer, but it's had the time to heal completely," Schumacher explained.
"There is no further issue with the neck - 100%."
Schumacher's former Benetton team-mate Johnny Herbert told BBC Radio 5 live: "The fitness side is very, very important, but the way Michael keeps himself in shape - he brought the physical aspects of F1 up a couple of notches - it isn't going to be an issue.
"I don't know of anyone that has gone out of F1 and come back and actually achieved something by coming back. Alain Prost wasn't the same when he came back but because of Michael's mentality it is different."
This summer Schumacher signed a revised contract as a consultant for Ferrari, but he told Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo last week that he was "very close" to concluding a deal to race for Mercedes.
Jonathan Legard on Schumacher return
Ferrari have had to release him from his contract to enable him to race for the "Silver Arrows."
The returning Mercedes team are known to want German rising star Sebastian Vettel in the long term, but the 22-year-old is contracted to Red Bull until the end of 2012.
Rosberg, who signed for Mercedes shortly after the season ended, has already warned Schumacher he faces a tough task getting back up to speed with F1 but said he would welcome him as a team-mate.
"It will not be easy for him," Rosberg was quoted in German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung.
"When you stay away from F1 for a long time, it takes time to get used to all the test sessions again. It's not simple.
"If he did join that would be an absolutely fantastic move."
Schumacher's comeback is the most high profile in F1 since Austrian Niki Lauda came out of a two-year retirement for the 1982 season to race for McLaren.
Lauda, who was 33 at the time, went on to win a third world title in 1984.
Juan Manuel Fangio is Formula 1's oldest world champion, the Argentine won a fifth world championship at the age of 46 before retiring.
Nigel Mansell won the 1994 Australian Grand Prix at the age of 41, having stepped in as a substitute for Williams for four races following the death of Ayrton Senna.
Schumacher's former Ferrari team-mate, Eddie Irvine, told the BBC last week that he expected Schumacher would win races, even though he would not be as powerful a force as before. .
He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races
Eddie Irvine
"The speed will be there, though he won't be as fast as he was seven years ago," Irvine said.
"He's not at the peak of his game, but he's still good enough to win races as he has such an immense talent. It's still four wheels, a steering wheel and an engine and there's never been anyone better than Michael."
Irvine said he thought Schumacher would be at a disadvantage in wheel-to-wheel racing compared to the younger generation of drivers such as 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton.
"Lewis isn't going to back off, but Michael will have to because he'll be 41," Irvine said.
The BBC's F1 commentator Jonathan Legard believes Schumacher can compete with the likes of Hamilton and Button if he is given a competitive enough car.
"He wouldn't do something unless he knew he could do it justice," he said. "If Mercedes are any good he'll be in the top four, maybe even pitching for the Championship."
Schumacher's decision brings his career to a neat conclusion - Mercedes, for whom he was racing in sportscars at the time, paid for his F1 debut with Jordan in 1991 but he has never raced for them in F1.
Friday, 11 December 2009
F1 set to adopt new points system
Formula 1 is set for a radical alteration to its points system in 2010 if the World Motor Sport Council approves an F1 Commission proposal to give points to the top 10 finishers in each race.
In today's Commission meeting, chaired by Bernie Ecclestone and attended by FIA president Jean Todt, a new scoring system was put forward which will award 25 points to each race winner, 20 for second place, 15 for third and 10 for fourth, before descending 8-6-5-3-2-1 for fifth through 10th positions.
The change has been proposed to take into account the increased field for 2010, when the addition of the new entrants will take the grid up to 26 cars, its highest figure since 1995.
Assuming it is approved by the WMSC, the change would be the first revision to the points system since the number of scoring drivers per race was increased from six to eight in 2003.
The F1 Commission also agreed that its Sporting Working Group sub-committee should develop "detailed proposals to improve the show" that would take effect next year, and that "the FIA and FOM will further collaborate to enhance the communication and promotion of the championship to the media and its worldwide fanbase."
In today's Commission meeting, chaired by Bernie Ecclestone and attended by FIA president Jean Todt, a new scoring system was put forward which will award 25 points to each race winner, 20 for second place, 15 for third and 10 for fourth, before descending 8-6-5-3-2-1 for fifth through 10th positions.
The change has been proposed to take into account the increased field for 2010, when the addition of the new entrants will take the grid up to 26 cars, its highest figure since 1995.
Assuming it is approved by the WMSC, the change would be the first revision to the points system since the number of scoring drivers per race was increased from six to eight in 2003.
The F1 Commission also agreed that its Sporting Working Group sub-committee should develop "detailed proposals to improve the show" that would take effect next year, and that "the FIA and FOM will further collaborate to enhance the communication and promotion of the championship to the media and its worldwide fanbase."
F1 urged to embrace modern media
Formula 1 should be doing more to embrace the internet and new media platforms rather than trying to focus on protecting its more traditional media channels - which now includes television.
That was one of the clear messages from senior industry figures on the opening day of the Motor Sport Business Forum in Monaco on Wednesday, as discussions began about where the sport should be heading in its post-manufacturer era.
With a wave of new faces set to enter grand prix racing in 2010, on the back of the withdrawal of BMW, Toyota and perhaps Renault, it is clear that that the fresh blood believes F1 should be doing more to prepare itself better for the changing modern media.
There was an almost universal belief that F1 was not moving with the times in engaging with the fans - and should be following the example of the music industry which changed its business structures to embrace the internet and revitalise itself.
Gerard Lopez, the Luxembourg-based businessman who is looking at buying the Renault team, has long championed new media ideas – he was an initial investor in Skype – and he thinks F1 has to wake up to what is going on.
"The teams can bring the sport closer to the audience," he said. "The sport and its environment is going to be forced to change.
"Most of the broadcast contracts are based on a way of looking at things from 15, 20, 25 years ago. The fact is that in three or fours years' time, most people in a lot of countries will be watching it not on TV as we know it today, but over the internet. And that completely redefines how you negotiate contracts and how you distribute content.
"You can't control the internet audience in the same way as you can control the television audience. It's a similar process to what the music industry has gone through in terms of digitising itself. You have to figure out new ways of making money out of it, because at the end of the day that's what keeps the sport alive."
Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes, who worked in the music industry before setting up Air Asia, is equally keen for fresh ideas to move the sport forward.
"I look at the future of where F1 could go if managed correctly," he said. "It is a massive sport that is as yet untapped. We haven't touched the whole world yet, through online.
"I left the music business because it didn't want to embrace the internet, and I was at Time Warner and I said to the people there, if you do not embrace the internet then the music industry will be destroyed. They were more concerned about EBITDA – that's earnings before everything you don't like! I left, I quit that day and flew back from New York to London, saw Stelios [of Easyjet] on TV talking about a low cost carrier...
"Everyone thinks I am nuts to go into F1, but there is a massive opportunity there – working with the online properties, and reaching audiences that have never been reached before. There is an opportunity to make it a truly global sport like football. It can be done, and I think that is why we are interested in it."
Neville Wheeler, director of the Cisco Media Solutions Group, thinks that it is important F1 does not just move forward – but does not run the risk of losing out to other sports.
He believes that attempts by Formula One Management to ring fence F1 race rights, and prevent distribution through numerous channels beyond just television, could actually prove to be counter-beneficial for the long term health of the sport.
"The pace of change in social media, and the internet in general, is so fast that unless you're prepared to break away from the shackles of the old way of doing things, you're rapidly left behind," he explained. "You will very quickly find that the people who are passionate fans will seek out and access the content in one way or another.
"The smart organisations are trying to find a way of monetising those rights, rather than trying to create a walled garden to protect them as long as possible. We have to get to a point where the audience immersion, social media and associated technologies are a key component of the way motorsport – and sport in general – is delivered to the global audience."
Lopez actually thinks that the pace of change is now so fast that it will take a new influx of businessmen and media analysts to capitalise on it.
"To most people, the so-called MTV generation is the modern generation," he said. "To us it's not – it's old-fashioned. People don't buy music any more. Kids don't watch television as much as they used to. People consume media in a different way. Even some video game platforms are being forced out of the market by online gaming. Rights holders have to reach their audiences differently.
"It doesn't make sense to try to charge people for something that they will figure out how to get for free. F1 will be available on the internet and you need to be prepared for that. The challenge is not in deciding what you give away for free but in deciding what sort of value you're going to provide on top of that – elements that people are actually willing to pay for."
Peter Harris, the CEO of the iris Sponsorship agency, believes that F1's desire to hold onto its assets is hurting the ability of sponsors to get more fans engaged.
"There are whole new demographic groups out there, digital junkies, and they want to engage with us – using content, building new platforms with their customers and target audiences, but that is something that is quite hard to do with F1," he said.
"There is fantastic content and fantastic stories, but there is not a lot coming out that is accessible for a lot of the brands that are involved. It makes it harder for them to engage with the audiences. But there is a huge appetite – especially with the younger audiences."
That was one of the clear messages from senior industry figures on the opening day of the Motor Sport Business Forum in Monaco on Wednesday, as discussions began about where the sport should be heading in its post-manufacturer era.
With a wave of new faces set to enter grand prix racing in 2010, on the back of the withdrawal of BMW, Toyota and perhaps Renault, it is clear that that the fresh blood believes F1 should be doing more to prepare itself better for the changing modern media.
There was an almost universal belief that F1 was not moving with the times in engaging with the fans - and should be following the example of the music industry which changed its business structures to embrace the internet and revitalise itself.
Gerard Lopez, the Luxembourg-based businessman who is looking at buying the Renault team, has long championed new media ideas – he was an initial investor in Skype – and he thinks F1 has to wake up to what is going on.
"The teams can bring the sport closer to the audience," he said. "The sport and its environment is going to be forced to change.
"Most of the broadcast contracts are based on a way of looking at things from 15, 20, 25 years ago. The fact is that in three or fours years' time, most people in a lot of countries will be watching it not on TV as we know it today, but over the internet. And that completely redefines how you negotiate contracts and how you distribute content.
"You can't control the internet audience in the same way as you can control the television audience. It's a similar process to what the music industry has gone through in terms of digitising itself. You have to figure out new ways of making money out of it, because at the end of the day that's what keeps the sport alive."
Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes, who worked in the music industry before setting up Air Asia, is equally keen for fresh ideas to move the sport forward.
"I look at the future of where F1 could go if managed correctly," he said. "It is a massive sport that is as yet untapped. We haven't touched the whole world yet, through online.
"I left the music business because it didn't want to embrace the internet, and I was at Time Warner and I said to the people there, if you do not embrace the internet then the music industry will be destroyed. They were more concerned about EBITDA – that's earnings before everything you don't like! I left, I quit that day and flew back from New York to London, saw Stelios [of Easyjet] on TV talking about a low cost carrier...
"Everyone thinks I am nuts to go into F1, but there is a massive opportunity there – working with the online properties, and reaching audiences that have never been reached before. There is an opportunity to make it a truly global sport like football. It can be done, and I think that is why we are interested in it."
Neville Wheeler, director of the Cisco Media Solutions Group, thinks that it is important F1 does not just move forward – but does not run the risk of losing out to other sports.
He believes that attempts by Formula One Management to ring fence F1 race rights, and prevent distribution through numerous channels beyond just television, could actually prove to be counter-beneficial for the long term health of the sport.
"The pace of change in social media, and the internet in general, is so fast that unless you're prepared to break away from the shackles of the old way of doing things, you're rapidly left behind," he explained. "You will very quickly find that the people who are passionate fans will seek out and access the content in one way or another.
"The smart organisations are trying to find a way of monetising those rights, rather than trying to create a walled garden to protect them as long as possible. We have to get to a point where the audience immersion, social media and associated technologies are a key component of the way motorsport – and sport in general – is delivered to the global audience."
Lopez actually thinks that the pace of change is now so fast that it will take a new influx of businessmen and media analysts to capitalise on it.
"To most people, the so-called MTV generation is the modern generation," he said. "To us it's not – it's old-fashioned. People don't buy music any more. Kids don't watch television as much as they used to. People consume media in a different way. Even some video game platforms are being forced out of the market by online gaming. Rights holders have to reach their audiences differently.
"It doesn't make sense to try to charge people for something that they will figure out how to get for free. F1 will be available on the internet and you need to be prepared for that. The challenge is not in deciding what you give away for free but in deciding what sort of value you're going to provide on top of that – elements that people are actually willing to pay for."
Peter Harris, the CEO of the iris Sponsorship agency, believes that F1's desire to hold onto its assets is hurting the ability of sponsors to get more fans engaged.
"There are whole new demographic groups out there, digital junkies, and they want to engage with us – using content, building new platforms with their customers and target audiences, but that is something that is quite hard to do with F1," he said.
"There is fantastic content and fantastic stories, but there is not a lot coming out that is accessible for a lot of the brands that are involved. It makes it harder for them to engage with the audiences. But there is a huge appetite – especially with the younger audiences."
Thursday, 26 November 2009
Renault boss: Lots of questions about F1
There are fresh doubts over Renault's continued participation in Formula One after the manufacturer's CEO Carlos Ghosn warned that there remain "lots of questions" about the sport.
Renault's F1 future has been in uncertain ever since the Singapore race-fixing scandal when they were a handed a two-year suspended ban.
The team insisted after the FIA hearing that it would stay the course only to reveal a couple of weeks later that a decision on its participation will not be taken until the end of the year.
With the year almost out, Ghosn has now added to the speculation that the French carmaker may yet follow Honda, BMW and Toyota out of the sport.
"F1 is one of the most seen spectacles in the world," he told Forbes India magazine.
"It is facing some challenges - challenges on how fair it is and how do you marry F1 with environmental concerns? Can you bring zero emissions through technology? There are lots of questions about F1...
"I don't think it is going to be very important for anybody, if it doesn't answer some of the concerns that surround F1. I notice that in the last year, three car manufacturers have bowed out of F1 - three in one year!
"That means there are a lot of questions that we need to resolve."
Renault's F1 future has been in uncertain ever since the Singapore race-fixing scandal when they were a handed a two-year suspended ban.
The team insisted after the FIA hearing that it would stay the course only to reveal a couple of weeks later that a decision on its participation will not be taken until the end of the year.
With the year almost out, Ghosn has now added to the speculation that the French carmaker may yet follow Honda, BMW and Toyota out of the sport.
"F1 is one of the most seen spectacles in the world," he told Forbes India magazine.
"It is facing some challenges - challenges on how fair it is and how do you marry F1 with environmental concerns? Can you bring zero emissions through technology? There are lots of questions about F1...
"I don't think it is going to be very important for anybody, if it doesn't answer some of the concerns that surround F1. I notice that in the last year, three car manufacturers have bowed out of F1 - three in one year!
"That means there are a lot of questions that we need to resolve."
Monday, 2 November 2009
Bridgestone to quit F1 after 2010
Bridgestone will withdraw from Formula 1 at the end of the 2010 season.
The Japanese tyre manufacturer announced its decision not to renew its F1 contract early on Monday morning.
Bridgestone Motorsport director Hiroshi Yasukawa said in a statement: "The decision made by the board of directors comes after considerable and lengthy evaluations and has been based on the company's need to redirect its resources towards further intensive development of innovative technologies."
Bridgestone had been a tyre supplier in Formula 1 since 1997 and had been the sole supplier since the beginning of the 2007 season, following Michelin's departure, winning 156 of the 223 grands prix it entered.
"Our sincere appreciation is extended to Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One Management, the Formula 1 teams with whom it has been an honour to work alongside and the many F1 fans who have followed our activities over the past 13 years," added Yasukawa.
Bridgestone will continue in its role as partner and tyre supplier to the GP2 Series and GP2 Asia Series, and will also continue as the sole supplier in MotoGP until at least 2011.
The Japanese tyre manufacturer announced its decision not to renew its F1 contract early on Monday morning.
Bridgestone Motorsport director Hiroshi Yasukawa said in a statement: "The decision made by the board of directors comes after considerable and lengthy evaluations and has been based on the company's need to redirect its resources towards further intensive development of innovative technologies."
Bridgestone had been a tyre supplier in Formula 1 since 1997 and had been the sole supplier since the beginning of the 2007 season, following Michelin's departure, winning 156 of the 223 grands prix it entered.
"Our sincere appreciation is extended to Bernie Ecclestone and Formula One Management, the Formula 1 teams with whom it has been an honour to work alongside and the many F1 fans who have followed our activities over the past 13 years," added Yasukawa.
Bridgestone will continue in its role as partner and tyre supplier to the GP2 Series and GP2 Asia Series, and will also continue as the sole supplier in MotoGP until at least 2011.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Branson coy on Virgin F1 future
Branson joined forces with Brawn before the Australian Grand Prix
Sir Richard Branson says he will decide the future of his Virgin brand in Formula 1 after the final race of the season next month.
Virgin has this season sponsored Brawn, who won the drivers' and constructors' titles in Brazil on Sunday.
But it is widely believed within F1 that Virgin has already done a deal to become the title sponsor of the new Manor team in 2010.
Branson told 5 Live he was "absolutely delighted to get involved" with Brawn.
Brawn insiders have told BBC Sport that the team already have a title sponsorship deal for 2010 but would not reveal the identity of the company involved.
Branson joined forces with the Ross Brawn-led team just before March's season opener in Australia.
But with Brawn's Jenson Button winning the drivers' championship, the team is likely to ask for more money.
"We will make a decision after Abu Dhabi, which is the final race of the season," Branson told BBC Radio 5 live.
The Brawn team raced as Honda last season but secured their survival only at the beginning of March following Honda's decision to quit F1 because of the global financial crisis.
ANDREW BENSON ON BRAWN GP
What is not well known is that the Brawn car is, in the words of a team source, 'a botch job'
As well as the partnership with Virgin, Brawn GP also attracted sponsorship on a race-by-race basis, breaking away from the tradition of season-long deals.
Their car ran for the first time only in March but quickly emerged as the fastest in F1.
"We were absolutely delighted to get involved with them when they didn't have any money before the Melbourne race," added Branson.
"It enabled them to prove that they had a great car and great drivers and they've obviously gone on to fantastic things.
"It was the perfect relationship. Virgin loves to support an underdog but they are now one of the most expensive teams out there and certainly not underdogs any more.
"But we will make an announcement in the next month but at the moment we just want to celebrate a magnificent season with the Brawn team, Jenson and Rubens Barrichello, who did fantastically also."
Branson admitted to being totally surprised at Brawn's success this season, and recalled how he flew to Australia to put Virgin stickers on the car before the opening race of the 2009 campaign.
"I don't think in our wildest dreams we thought this would happen. I knew they had a good car, as I happened to know one of the test drivers," explained Branson.
"But when I got on a plane to Melbourne with some Virgin stickers in my bag, having just shaken hands and given them some money, the last thing I expected was a first and second in the championship race."
I think one thing people have overlooked is the fact that Honda wrote out a cheque for £120m so the team didn't go bust
Sir Richard Branson
Branson also felt that Honda should take some of the credit for Brawn's success, despite their decision to pull out of F1 at the start of the season.
"I think one thing people have overlooked is the fact that Honda wrote out a cheque for £120m so the team didn't go bust," stated Branson.
"There are many people who would have just pulled out and saved that money and they have got no credit for that.
"If you turn the clock back 12 months then it was a horror story for the car industry and really good car makers like Honda and they had to make a tough decision.
"But they developed the car and they deserve some credit but I doubt they'll get a lot despite behaving in a very gentlemanly way."
Sir Richard Branson says he will decide the future of his Virgin brand in Formula 1 after the final race of the season next month.
Virgin has this season sponsored Brawn, who won the drivers' and constructors' titles in Brazil on Sunday.
But it is widely believed within F1 that Virgin has already done a deal to become the title sponsor of the new Manor team in 2010.
Branson told 5 Live he was "absolutely delighted to get involved" with Brawn.
Brawn insiders have told BBC Sport that the team already have a title sponsorship deal for 2010 but would not reveal the identity of the company involved.
Branson joined forces with the Ross Brawn-led team just before March's season opener in Australia.
But with Brawn's Jenson Button winning the drivers' championship, the team is likely to ask for more money.
"We will make a decision after Abu Dhabi, which is the final race of the season," Branson told BBC Radio 5 live.
The Brawn team raced as Honda last season but secured their survival only at the beginning of March following Honda's decision to quit F1 because of the global financial crisis.
ANDREW BENSON ON BRAWN GP
What is not well known is that the Brawn car is, in the words of a team source, 'a botch job'
As well as the partnership with Virgin, Brawn GP also attracted sponsorship on a race-by-race basis, breaking away from the tradition of season-long deals.
Their car ran for the first time only in March but quickly emerged as the fastest in F1.
"We were absolutely delighted to get involved with them when they didn't have any money before the Melbourne race," added Branson.
"It enabled them to prove that they had a great car and great drivers and they've obviously gone on to fantastic things.
"It was the perfect relationship. Virgin loves to support an underdog but they are now one of the most expensive teams out there and certainly not underdogs any more.
"But we will make an announcement in the next month but at the moment we just want to celebrate a magnificent season with the Brawn team, Jenson and Rubens Barrichello, who did fantastically also."
Branson admitted to being totally surprised at Brawn's success this season, and recalled how he flew to Australia to put Virgin stickers on the car before the opening race of the 2009 campaign.
"I don't think in our wildest dreams we thought this would happen. I knew they had a good car, as I happened to know one of the test drivers," explained Branson.
"But when I got on a plane to Melbourne with some Virgin stickers in my bag, having just shaken hands and given them some money, the last thing I expected was a first and second in the championship race."
I think one thing people have overlooked is the fact that Honda wrote out a cheque for £120m so the team didn't go bust
Sir Richard Branson
Branson also felt that Honda should take some of the credit for Brawn's success, despite their decision to pull out of F1 at the start of the season.
"I think one thing people have overlooked is the fact that Honda wrote out a cheque for £120m so the team didn't go bust," stated Branson.
"There are many people who would have just pulled out and saved that money and they have got no credit for that.
"If you turn the clock back 12 months then it was a horror story for the car industry and really good car makers like Honda and they had to make a tough decision.
"But they developed the car and they deserve some credit but I doubt they'll get a lot despite behaving in a very gentlemanly way."
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