Wednesday, January 30, 2008

New Honda (Earth Dream) - RA108




"The RA108 car is a wholly different concept to its predecessors, in terms of its aerodynamic layout and mechanical structure. The design philosophy has been developed to allow greater scope for aerodynamic packaging and exploitation, particularly to facilitate the introduction of performance upgrades through the season.

"The focus has been on attaining a high level of aerodynamic efficiency with stability and this is reflected in the way that the chassis has been revised to interact with the different aerodynamic features and the suspension. This approach should allow more potential for further developments to take place, the first of which will be for Melbourne when we will introduce a substantially revised aerodynamic package compared with the car we have launched today.

"The Honda RA808E engine is subject to the FIA engine homologation regulations and therefore the vast majority of engine components remain unchanged. The exhaust geometry and air box have changed to suit the RA108 aerodynamic package. An additional development is the FIA requirement that the fuel mix should now contain 5.75 percent biofuel - an initiative that Honda fully supports.




More report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7305.html

Monday, January 28, 2008

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Valencia Testing - Day 1 to Day 4

Unofficial Monday times from Valencia Day 1 (Only 2 teams participated):
1. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 1:13.027
2. Nico Hulkenberg, Williams, 1:14.599


Unofficial Tuesday times from Valencia Day 2:
1. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:12.182
2. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:12.721
3. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:12.838
4. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:13.026
5. Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren, 1:13.163
6. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 1:13.315
7. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:13.473
8 Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso, 1:13.627
9. Marko Asmer, BMW Sauber, 1:13.669
10. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:13.675
11. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:13.779
12. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 1:13.820
13. David Coulthard, Red Bull, 1:13.944
14. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:14.096
15. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 1:15.096
16. Alexander Wurz, Honda, 1:15.440


Unofficial Wednesday times from Valencia Day 3:
1. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:11.000
2. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:11.662
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:11.850
4. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:12.076
5. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:12.255
6. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 1:12.360
7. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:12.493
8. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:12.594
9. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:12.976
10 Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso, 1:13.015
11. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:13.129
12. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:13.230
13. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:13.307
14. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:13.409
15. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 1:13.547
16. Rubens Barrichello, Honda, 1:14.588
17. Takashi Kogure, Honda, 1:16.954


Unofficial Thursday times from Valencia Day 4:
1. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:11.189
2. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:11.206
3. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:11.831
4. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:11.971
5. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:11.994
6. Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber, 1:12.095
7. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 1:12.350
8. Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso, 1:12.526
9. Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber, 1:12.600
10. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:12.705
11. Nelson Piquet Jr, Renault, 1:12.973
12. Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India, 1:12.976
13. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:13.060
14. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:13.133
15. Nico Hulkenberg, Williams, 1:13.306
16. Jenson Button, Honda, 1:13.689
17. Takashi Kogure, Honda, 1:15.703

Monday, January 21, 2008

Hamilton to stay with McLaren until end of 2012 season

McLaren have announced a five-year extension to their contract with star driver Lewis Hamilton. The new agreement, which starts for 2008, will run up to and including the 2012 season.

The announcement takes the length of McLaren’s relationship with Hamilton to a total of 15 years (including the earlier carting days), believed to be among the longest running associations between a sportsman and a team in motorsport history.

Detail report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7276.html

Friday, January 18, 2008

Timo Glock clocked the best time in Jerez Day 3

Unofficial Wednesday times from Jerez:
1. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:19.779
2. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, 1:20.099
3. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 1:20.363
4. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:20.407
5. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:20.500
6. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:20.535
7. Kamui Kobayashi, Toyota, 1:20.577
8. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:20.646
9. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:20.758
10. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:21.705
11. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:22.275
12. David Coulthard, Red Bull, 1:22.581
13. Nico Hulkenberg, Williams, 1:24.023

Detail report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7268.html

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Renault back on top of timesheet


Jerez Testing Day 2 - Part 1



Jerez Testing Day 2 - Part 2

Fernando Alonso made a triumphant return to the Renault team on Tuesday during the second day of testing at Jerez. Alonso clocked a lap of 1m 19.503s around the Spanish circuit, beating fellow Spaniard - and former McLaren team mate - Pedro de la Rosa by over a tenth of a second.


After Monday's mixed weather, much drier conditions greeted the teams on their arrival at the track and Alonso was able to cover 70 laps over the course of the day in the R27. It was the former world champion’s first opportunity to drive a car set up in accordance with the 2008 electronic regulations.


“The result of my first day in the car is encouraging,” he said. “I could not wait to drive again, but at the same time I was a bit tentative. I quickly settled back in to the team and everything went well.
"We made good progress throughout the day, but there is a lot still to do. I had to adapt at first to the car and get used to driving the car without traction control, but I am convinced that that soon I will be used to this and will not remember what is was like to drive with traction control.”


Unofficial Tuesday times from Jerez:

  1. Fernando Alonso, Renault, 1:19.5032
  2. Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren, 1:19.6503
  3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:19.7084
  4. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:19.7725
  5. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:19.7756
  6. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:19.7807
  7. Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso, 1:20.3058
  8. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:20.3469
  9. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:20.39210
  10. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:20.52511
  11. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:20.59812
  12. Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India, 1:20.76413
  13. Kamui Kobayashi, Toyota, 1:22.060

Detail report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7264.html

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Singapore F1 Street Circuit Layout


In graphical view


In Google Map view

Ferrari lead the time sheet in Jerez


Take a closer look on how the F1 machines skidding and sliding without traction control


Unofficial Monday times from Jerez:

  1. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, 1:19.8452
  2. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:20.1233
  3. Sebastian Vettel, Toro Rosso, 1:20.7324
  4. Pedro de la Rosa, McLaren, 1:20.8835
  5. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren, 1:20.9366
  6. Sebastien Bourdais, Toro Rosso, 1:20.9977
  7. Nico Rosberg, Williams, 1:21.1438
  8. Jarno Trulli, Toyota, 1:21.344 9
  9. Nelson Piquet Jr, Renault, 1:21.59510
  10. David Coulthard, Red Bull, 1:21.74511
  11. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Force India, 1:23.03512
  12. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams, 1:23.13413
  13. Timo Glock, Toyota, 1:24.35114
  14. James Rossiter, Super Aguri, 1:34.852

Monday, January 14, 2008

First Ever F1 Night Race - Singapore


Singapore - Marina Bay

Singapore will stage their first ever formula 1 race this year (2008) around September, and it will be the first ever night race in F1 history.

It will be on a street circuit around the Marina Bay district, and I believe the necessary ground work as already done for coming F1 race in the second half of the year.

The main reason FIA introduce night race is because of poor TV viewing rate in Europe when F1 races are held in Asian countries example Malaysia and China, due to the time zone difference.

A surge on the TV viewing rate is expected as this bold move will enable larger out reach to television audiences around the world.

But when the races are in Europe countries, do they ever consider the Asian audience? (anyway Bernie Ecclestone might think Asian has less audience, who knows?)

Anyhow, this is a one race I will not miss, really looking forward for the season to kick start!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Fisichella to drive Force India

Giancarlo Fisichella secure his seat for the 2008 season at Force India, finally. Fisichella’s signing means he will start his 13th season of Formula One racing, having been dropped by Renault at the end of last season. The Italian is no stranger to his new team, having previously driven for them back in their Jordan days and bringing them their last win at the 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix.

“I am looking forward to joining Force India for the coming season,” said the 34 year-old. “At the test in Jerez, I was very impressed with the team's professionalism and commitment to move forward and I hope that my experience will help them achieve these goals.

More report: http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7248.html
Interview: http://www.formula1.com/news/interviews/2008/1/7249.html

Updated: http://bcosurich.blogspot.com/2008/01/fia-confirmed-2008-driver-line-up.html

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

The new SECU gives McLaren advantage: Todt

McLaren are at a clear advantage in the coming season as they are the sole supplier for the electronic system which the rest of the team must now use, Ferrari CEO Jean Todt said yesterday.

The SECU (Standard Electronic Control Unit) produced by McLaren Electronic Systems is a major development for new season, which will start on March 16 in Australia, Melbourne, approximately 2 months from now.

The reason why FIA select McLaren SECU because McLaren and Microsoft put forward the most economic proposal.

"It is clear it is a situation to monitor. But it is obvious that, at least at the start, McLaren will have an advantage in the championship," Todt said, who has handed the reins of the racing team to Stefano Domenicali while he remains boss of the company.

McLaren launch MP4-23 in Stuttgart


The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23
McLaren revealed their 2008 challenger on Monday, as the wraps came off the MP4-23 in a special ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The car will be raced by Lewis Hamilton and Heikki Kovalainen this season, and both were present to witness the car’s unveiling.
The car was only completed on Sunday evening and left the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK at around 18:00 GMT, arriving at its destination at around 10:00 on Monday morning - just in time for Hamilton’s 23rd birthday."
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-23 is the coolest birthday present you can get, well it is for me anyway!” said Hamilton. “To see the car for the first time at such a great place as the Mercedes-Benz museum makes it an even more memorable day.
“I have had the past three weeks off and spent the time training and relaxing with family and friends. I know how much work has been going on in Woking, Brixworth and here in Stuttgart and it is a great looking car.”

Monday, January 7, 2008

Kimi's first run on the F2008


Kimi Raikkonen negiotiating a corner in F2008

Less than 24 hours after Ferrari F2008 official launch, Kimi Raikkonen took to the track in Ferrari’s new car on Monday. Raikkonen completed the F2008’s first shakedown laps at the team’s Fiorano circuit in Italy.The F2008 is the machine with which Raikkonen will aim to defend his drivers’ crown when the new season gets underway in Australia in March.


Speaking at the launch of Ferrari’s new challenger, the F2008, Raikkonen was upbeat about his '08 prospects, as he and team mate Felipe Massa race to protect the Italian team’s title double.


“We will definitely try to win the drivers' and constructors' championship again,” said the Finn. “It's my second year at Ferrari. I know the people I am working with and I really like the team. We want to start really well into a great season. We want to win the world titles again and we want to avoid retirements.”


More details:




Sunday, January 6, 2008

Fisichella pays to drive

Respond: “If I had 10 million bucks I'd stay home and watch F1 on TV!”


Fisichella was dropped by Renault at the end of last season and, although he tested for the Force India team in December, still has no confirmed drive for the coming season.

Now, following suggestions in the media that paying his way may be Fisichella’s only route into an ‘08 race seat, the Italian has responded in somewhat unusual fashion via his personal website.

“I do not pay to drive, I get paid to drive,” he said in a brief, three-point statement. “I do not bring sponsors to the team, the team brings sponsors to me,” he added, concluding with, “If I had 10 million bucks I'd stay home and watch F1 on TV!”

O.o

FIA confirm 2008 driver line up

Official list from http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/1/7223.html

Force India are the only team still to finalise their race line-up.

Ferrari
1 Kimi Raikkonen (FIN)
2 Felipe Massa (BR)

BMW Sauber
3 Nick Heidfeld (D)
4 Robert Kubica (PL)

Renault
5 Fernando Alonso (E)
6 Nelson Piquet (BR)

Williams Toyota
7 Nico Rosberg (D)
8 Kazuki Nakajima (J)

Red Bull Renault
9 David Coulthard (GB)
10 Mark Webber (AUS)

Toyota
11 Jarno Trulli (I)
12 Timo Glock (D)

STR Ferrari
14 Sebastien Bourdais (F)
15 Sebastian Vettel (D)

Honda
16 Jenson Button (GB)
17 Rubens Barrichello (BR)

Super Aguri Honda
18 Takuma Sato (J)
19 Anthony Davidson (GB)

Force India
20 Adrian Sutil (D)
21 Giancarlo Fisichella (I) (updated 11 Jan 2008)

McLaren Mercedes
22 Lewis Hamilton (GB)
23 Heikki Kovalainen (FIN)

View my previous prediction: http://bcosurich.blogspot.com/2007/12/2008-f1-driver-line-up-prediction.html