Why has Belgium been pushed backwards by a month?
F1 2023 Season
- Thread starter pauldyson1uk
- Start date
They want to only have one triple header in the calendar, so moving races in Europe is easier and Belgium (which was negotiating a contract extension) will form a double header with Hungary before the shutdown in the Summer.
good thing, the weather is much better in the Ardennes end of July compared to end of August
They really couldn't find something to put between rounds 3 and 4? 4 weeks between races is crazy.
Initial discussions with the Azerbaijan promoters didn't go far as they didn't want to pull the race forward due to weather. Portimao was mentioned as an alternative but they never got to a discussion with promoters about putting a race on there.
23 rounds is more than enough anyway isn’t it.
Alpine are unhappy. Alledgly ferrari have found an extra 30bhp through reliability. Mercedes 16bhp and RedBull 10bhp. Alpine? 0bhp.
Tbh, not sure how anyone could possibly know what performance gains have been made through "reliability".
https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-reportedly-suspicious-rivals-find-horsepower/
Tbh, not sure how anyone could possibly know what performance gains have been made through "reliability".
https://www.planetf1.com/news/alpine-reportedly-suspicious-rivals-find-horsepower/
Looking forward to another year of Ferrari strategy comedy.
We'll also have the in fighting as sainz will be relegated to no2 under vasseur and will have to move out of leclercs way.
"...leclerc is faster than you..." (code for no1 driver coming through, move out of the way).
About time they did this tbh. Sainz is solid but not a team leader (unless he makes a big step up)
So rumours are the new Ferrari is a second per lap faster than last years in the simulator. I'm sure the extra 30 hp plays a big part in that. If true that's massive from Ferrari.
https://www.formu1a.uno/ferrari-675-almeno-un-secondo-piu-veloce-della-f1-75-al-simulatore/
https://www.formu1a.uno/ferrari-675-almeno-un-secondo-piu-veloce-della-f1-75-al-simulatore/
Hummmm reliable and Ferrari.. Something sounds off.
You can turn the power up essentially.
If you've got an engine that is capable of 30bhp more but is only reliable at 80% power, that's not good.
https://racingnews365.com/how-f1-teams-have-found-power-increases-despite-regulation-freeze/
"...It is, in fact, what we have mentioned several times with regard to Ferrari, whose power unit 066/7 had highlighted serious reliability problems especially with the turbocharger and the MGU-H, problems which it seems were induced by an imperfect operation of the TJI (Turbulent Jet Ignition) system, implemented under the supervision of Rolf Zimmermann.
Once the causes have been ascertained, as we already wrote at the end of 2022, it seems that the increase in power, compared to the figures during the course of the last season, would be close to 30 bhp. If this leap forward seems to be a record, we can say it has not been isolated..."
"......At Brixworth, in the engine department, the interventions would have concentrated on the reduction of internal mechanical friction. This would be achieved through machining processes on the main bearings and on the crankshaft as well as on the connecting rods.
Furthermore, a new formulation of lubricants would have made it more possible to achieve the goal of reducing "friction". A new Petronas fuel, on the other hand, would be the one that would have allowed a tangible improvement in combustion efficiency. The horsepower gain would be around 16 bhp.
The road followed by Honda is interesting. In particular, without being able to modify the project, since they were already homologated, the MGU-H and the MGU-K were analysed, with modifications that were aimed only at reliability, but also, according to our sources, proved to be extremely positive in terms of reducing energy wastage.
Equally interesting is the modification of the auxiliary pumps of the internal combustion engine, where the qualitative improvements of some internal components have improved reliability. Adding up the two breakthroughs, there is around a 10 bhp increase.."
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https://the-race.com/formula-1/where-performance-gains-can-be-made-despite-f1s-engine-freeze/
"...Alpine executive director Bruno Famin, head of the engine base in Viry-Chatillon in France that produces the Renault power unit, explains, while you cannot directly improve the performance there are “very small margins” where packaging can be improved.
The nine frozen parts of the power unit and related items are the V6 engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, control electronics, exhaust system, fuel and engine oil, with the deadlines for the final specification kicking in variously in March and September last year. That means these cannot change for the remainder of the current rules cycle, which runs to the end of 2025.
“There is no real margin to be honest because, by rule, you cannot improve the performance of the engine,” said Famin when asked how much margin there is for improving the power unit.
“What we can do is try to improve the performance of the car, and the possibility we still have as per the regulation is the packaging.
“This is where we are working. We’re working of focus in the use of the energy management, but here again we are going to be very limited as we’re going to have only one software version per year now. We are pushing like that, but it’s more on the on the drivability.
“We are going through the ideas to progress, which is very small margins. It’s not pure performance, it’s more drivability and integration/aero gains.”
The regulations also allow for what are called “minimal incidental changes” to be made, but these are tightly controlled and only apply to seven areas. This is defined as “for car installation purposes”.
These apply to wirings, the exhaust system (“provided the key defining parameters remain fundamentally unchanged”, the turbo-compressor position (“within 20mm from the original position relative to the ICE”) as well as turbo clocking and turbo supports, the position of wastegates with housings and pipes, the position of the pop-off valves housing and pipes and minor details of the air inlet system.
While none of these make a massive difference, they can be used to make tiny tweaks to the packaging of the power unit for potential marginal performance gains...."
"...Alpine executive director Bruno Famin, head of the engine base in Viry-Chatillon in France that produces the Renault power unit, explains, while you cannot directly improve the performance there are “very small margins” where packaging can be improved.
The nine frozen parts of the power unit and related items are the V6 engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, MGU-K, energy store, control electronics, exhaust system, fuel and engine oil, with the deadlines for the final specification kicking in variously in March and September last year. That means these cannot change for the remainder of the current rules cycle, which runs to the end of 2025.
“There is no real margin to be honest because, by rule, you cannot improve the performance of the engine,” said Famin when asked how much margin there is for improving the power unit.
“What we can do is try to improve the performance of the car, and the possibility we still have as per the regulation is the packaging.
“This is where we are working. We’re working of focus in the use of the energy management, but here again we are going to be very limited as we’re going to have only one software version per year now. We are pushing like that, but it’s more on the on the drivability.
“We are going through the ideas to progress, which is very small margins. It’s not pure performance, it’s more drivability and integration/aero gains.”
The regulations also allow for what are called “minimal incidental changes” to be made, but these are tightly controlled and only apply to seven areas. This is defined as “for car installation purposes”.
These apply to wirings, the exhaust system (“provided the key defining parameters remain fundamentally unchanged”, the turbo-compressor position (“within 20mm from the original position relative to the ICE”) as well as turbo clocking and turbo supports, the position of wastegates with housings and pipes, the position of the pop-off valves housing and pipes and minor details of the air inlet system.
While none of these make a massive difference, they can be used to make tiny tweaks to the packaging of the power unit for potential marginal performance gains...."
I think the PU upgrades are sketchy at this point. Almost as if anything goes as long as you can link it to improved reliability.
Anyone come across any rumours as to why Sky F1 have dumped Paul DiResta and Jonny Herbert for next season onwards?
I thought Di Resta was one of the better voices on their coverage. Just delivered things straight and got his information/insight out without getting overly matey like most of the others.
I would suggest probably because they're both sh*te. The logical answer, and not my personal opinion, is that Rosberg is now allowed back in the paddock this season. So they'll probably promote him to do more races. Although a bit of a conspiracy thought from me, both Herbert & Di Resta are the worst for bias on their line up so it wouldn't surprise me if they're trying to get some balance back into their reporting of races for next season.
Apart from his agenda against Lewis and always talking shit about him
Fair enough. Can't say I've seen enough of the pre/post race stuff to know.
His input during the actual races always seemed on-point to me.
As long as they’re not replaced by Anthony Davidson, it’s a loss but recoverable
Never a fan of Herbert, not fussed he has gone.
PDR I thought was OK when his hate for Lewis was kept in check, his race analysis was always spot on for me.
The prospect of more Rosberg is disturbing
PDR I thought was OK when his hate for Lewis was kept in check, his race analysis was always spot on for me.
The prospect of more Rosberg is disturbing
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Meh, not bothered really in the slightest. I’d consider them as two pundits from the tail end of the spectrum of those on Sky.
Plenty of rumours going around that Ford will partner up with Red Bull when the car is announced this weekend in NYC.
Launch Dates, Pre Season Testing Dates
Busy month for F1.
Never thought I would ever see a Schumacher in a McLaren.
First race in a month? That's great. 
It's presentation day for Red Bull, and the championship winning outfit will reportedly unveil in New York on Friday an engine branding deal with American automotive giant Ford.
The rumors of a tie-up between Red Bull and Ford have been swirling for weeks, but according to a report from the BBC, a deal between the F1 team and the Blue Oval is signed and sealed.
Watch LIVE from 2pm, Sky Sports F1 and Red Bull YouTube channel
Red Bull set to announce F1 partnership with Ford (f1i.com)
The rumors of a tie-up between Red Bull and Ford have been swirling for weeks, but according to a report from the BBC, a deal between the F1 team and the Blue Oval is signed and sealed.
Watch LIVE from 2pm, Sky Sports F1 and Red Bull YouTube channel
Red Bull set to announce F1 partnership with Ford (f1i.com)
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All we are really seeing at these launches is livery in essence anyway. No one will reveal the best bits of their car.
Yeah it's just a sponsor hype more than anything. Still, just means we are that 1 step closer
did one team not use a previous years car for the launch last season.
It all a PR exercise, but it all brings the season closer.
Ford confirmed then as definitely being back in 2026. To see later if that’s with RB.
So why was Porsche's deals with RB collapsed before? Ford seems wrapped it up fast and its an engine deal too. Could be interesting if Andretti & GM come to materialised too.
Rumour is Porsche wanted to have a real say in the team and Ford is alright with letting Red Bull control things
Not been watching the Red Bull car launch, but its getting hammered for being boring, 45 mins and no car shown apparently.
It's like that every year
no idea why people bother tuning in. Just wait for the pictures/videos to drop.Yeah honestly don't understand why people would expect anything different. Bit naïveIt's like that every year
Honestly couldn't tell the difference between the launch car and last years' car
. Whatever aero concept they have for this season is either being kept under wraps or that aero tunnel time penalty has already hit them.