It certainly needs relaxing a whole shit load.
F1 is basically a spec series these days.
The F1 Thread 2015 Season
- Thread starter pauldyson1uk
- Start date
F1 is basically a spec series these days.
Force India will now skip the first test of 2015 entirely after deciding not to run their old car at Jerez either.
It emerged last week that the Silverstone-based outfit would start pre-season with last year’s VJM07 having decided to keep the new VJM08 on hold for a further fortnight while they continued to work on the car in their new wind tunnel.
However, the team have now confirmed via Twitter that they now won’t be travelling to southern Spain at all as “the learning opportunities would have been limited so the focus is now on Barcelona”. The 2015 challenger is set to make its debut at the first of the back-to-back tests at the Spanish GP venue on February 19.
Sky sources understand that neither of Force India's 2015 race drivers, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg, were ever down to drive at Jerez with the team instead having intended to use the test as a chance to run with test drivers who brought some financial backing.
Although it appears Force India have performed a sudden U-turn with regards to at least testing at Jerez, it is understood that they decided last week that it would be more efficient to channel all of their resources into the Barcelona tests. Force India Technical Director Andrew Green told Sky Sports F1 at the launch of the team’s 2015 livery in Mexico that the team would have had little to gain from running their new car in southern Spain.
“We’ve never really been a big fan of Jerez as a test track. It’s very unique – the asphalt is very unique – we don’t race there and Pirelli are bringing the tyre that we tested in Abu Dhabi," he said.
"We’re happy to give it a miss, to be honest, and take the development time.”
It emerged last week that the Silverstone-based outfit would start pre-season with last year’s VJM07 having decided to keep the new VJM08 on hold for a further fortnight while they continued to work on the car in their new wind tunnel.
However, the team have now confirmed via Twitter that they now won’t be travelling to southern Spain at all as “the learning opportunities would have been limited so the focus is now on Barcelona”. The 2015 challenger is set to make its debut at the first of the back-to-back tests at the Spanish GP venue on February 19.
Sky sources understand that neither of Force India's 2015 race drivers, Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg, were ever down to drive at Jerez with the team instead having intended to use the test as a chance to run with test drivers who brought some financial backing.
Although it appears Force India have performed a sudden U-turn with regards to at least testing at Jerez, it is understood that they decided last week that it would be more efficient to channel all of their resources into the Barcelona tests. Force India Technical Director Andrew Green told Sky Sports F1 at the launch of the team’s 2015 livery in Mexico that the team would have had little to gain from running their new car in southern Spain.
“We’ve never really been a big fan of Jerez as a test track. It’s very unique – the asphalt is very unique – we don’t race there and Pirelli are bringing the tyre that we tested in Abu Dhabi," he said.
"We’re happy to give it a miss, to be honest, and take the development time.”
More so than ever with the limited in season development - part of the fascination used to be how one team might develop over the season whilst another dropped back - it now seems after the first test we will be able to say who will win the championship with a decent degree of certainty.
Is Newey still designing for them? I thought he had taken a more backseat role to focus on other aspects.
Im not sure they ever properly defined his role - I thought he was still responsible for the f1 car design - just not then going round the world with the team - more he can sit in his wind tunnel all year and come up with crazy ideas rather than live out of a suitcase for 8 months at a time.
edit wiki says
On 8 June 2014, Red Bull Racing announced that Newey has extended his contract for the next few seasons giving Newey a wider responsibility including “new Red Bull Technology projects”. Allegedly, Red Bull fought off a £20m contract offer by Scuderia Ferrari.
I would read wider responsibility as he still has overall responsibility for f1 design - plus other stuff
Wiki lists him as the designer for the RB11 (ie the 2015-16 car)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Bull_RB11
I think Newey's still been heavily involved in the 2015 car, just not quite as much as in previous years. And I think it's the last car he plans to have a big influence on.
Renault's new engine. They've done quite a few changes, apparently using 32 of their tokens that they can use to change the engine for this year.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117480
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/117480
Coming soon to a Clio near you...
McLaren MP4-30
Great looking car, dissapointing livery.
Great looking car, dissapointing livery.
Was hoping for orange whilst knowing it likely wouldn't be, very surprised they've kept silver though, basically back to the old West McMerc version. Bit awkward now that Force India went and knicked that too... Still great to look at though.
Car itself looks nice, sexy nose and the rear end looks pretty small. Sponsors all seem to have buggered off. Overall, I pleased.
Car itself looks nice, sexy nose and the rear end looks pretty small. Sponsors all seem to have buggered off. Overall, I pleased.
New Mercedes:
It appears to sound better? That seems a tad louder to me anyway.
I agree it does sound louder.
New Ferrari SF15-T
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2015/1/16786.html
Sauber C34
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2015/1/16785.html
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2015/1/16786.html
Sauber C34
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2015/1/16785.html
The Ferrari look so much better than last year. But then I could have designed a nicer looking car by dropping a lump of plasticine down the stairs. I wouldn't say it's as nice as the Mercedes or McLaren, though. Doesn't look quite as aggressive.
Or you could say it is already a horrorshow, if you get me chelloveck. Really like the look of the Williams again, hopefully they can push on and get a few victories this season. Are we doing another league again @pauldyson1uk?
I have been looking for a fantasy League site , but with no luck, the one we used last year is no doing one , something to do with licences and money.
Will keep on looking and let you all know.
Will keep on looking and let you all know.
I really hope the Merc's shit this year.
its not going to beI really hope the Merc's shit this year.
its not going to be
As long as it's not totally dominant and McLaren can win the odd race I'll be content. Hopefully the Honda isn't a melter.
Yeah the season will be better with more than the 2 Merc's winning most of the time.
As long as it's not totally dominant and McLaren can win the odd race I'll be content. Hopefully the Honda isn't a melter.
I hope there are 3-4 cars in with a shout of winning but its wishful thinking, Merc's aren't going to throw away the advantage they had last year so its up to the rest to catch up. I think the pack will be closer and run them close much more often and pounce on mistakes, quali I reckon will be much more competitive but the races is where the dominance truly is.
I've put all the cars together, side and front. I swapped the picture of the Williams and Toro Rosso around so that it faces the right side.
Side View:
Front View:
Side View:
Front View:
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The Ferrari and Mclaren are amazing.
I hope the Ferrari goes as well as it looks.
World champions Mercedes have formally launched their 2015 challenger, the W06, in a low-key ceremony at Jerez after previously releasing pictures of the car during its shakedown run at Silverstone.
The understated presentation was utterly at odds with the widespread expectation their new charger will be the car to beat this season
The W06 is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary successor to the team’s 2014 car – an understandable and logical philosophy following the team’s record-breaking success in the first year of F1’s new turbo era when the W05 proved to be The Pied Piper of the field.
“The most remarkable thing really is how unremarkable this car is compared to last year’s car,” said Sky Sports F1's Ted Kravitz. “That is because Mercedes had such an advantage last year with the aerodynamics and the powertrain that they only needed to tweak it to make sure they are still ahead of the game.
“They have been able to improve the engine during the off season and gain as much as 50hp which will keep them ahead of everybody else and they have been able to tweak what was already a successful aerodynamic platform. The nose regulations have changed, but they have changed in Mercedes favour so it is pretty much the same as they had last year.”
The Mercedes W06
In total, the team claimed an unprecedented 11 one-two finishes as they secured the Constructors’ Championship by a margin of almost 300 points while Lewis Hamilton edged out Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes team-mates’ exclusive fight for the drivers’ title.
However, Toto Wolff has warned that the Silver Arrows cannot afford to rest on their laurels and must come out fighting again in 2015.
“There is a long road ahead before we reach the first race,” the Austrian said. “We must build a fast, reliable racing car to be able to compete with rivals whose ability and competitiveness can never be underestimated. At this point, every team is on zero points.
“The only thing we know for sure is that we have consistency in our driver line-up for the third year running and they know what's expected of them, just as we know what they expect from us. We're looking forward to seeing them push each other and the team forward. It will be another fascinating battle between the two but we must wait until Melbourne until we know if we have provided them with a car that allows them to fight each other for wins."
Those sentiments were echoed by Executive Director (Technical) Paddy Lowe, but the Englishman is also worried about getting development wrong.
"The key factor from our perspective is avoiding complacency,” said Lowe. "Expectations are now high and a lot of assumptions are being made about our potential this season. Internally, however, we are fully aware that you can never afford to stand still in any sport - particularly Formula 1. We are up against competitors with a great history of success and, like us, they will not be content unless they are winning. As the old motor racing adage goes, you are only as good as your last race.
“Of course, like every other team on the grid, we have been pushing harder than ever to find areas for performance gains. But at the same time, we must ensure we are moving in the correct direction. One of the risks with car development is that attempting forward steps can easily turn into rearward steps. You have to take risks to progress - but those risks must be carefully managed in order to produce a car that is better than its predecessor. This has been an underlying theme for the team over the winter.”
The Mercedes W06
The new Mercedes bears a sharp resemblance to its predecessor, although its key details are likely to be housed beneath the bodywork. The team’s innovative layout of its turbo engine was widely credited as being the crucial ingredient behind the team’s 2014 success.
Rosberg had the honour of debuting the car when he took the W06 for its maiden drive when testing began early on Sunday morning.
While paddock insiders have predicted the team’s dominance will be tempered this year, the team are expected to lead the grid at the start of 2015 with the sport’s regulations fundamentally unchanged between seasons.
The understated presentation was utterly at odds with the widespread expectation their new charger will be the car to beat this season
The W06 is an evolutionary rather than revolutionary successor to the team’s 2014 car – an understandable and logical philosophy following the team’s record-breaking success in the first year of F1’s new turbo era when the W05 proved to be The Pied Piper of the field.
“The most remarkable thing really is how unremarkable this car is compared to last year’s car,” said Sky Sports F1's Ted Kravitz. “That is because Mercedes had such an advantage last year with the aerodynamics and the powertrain that they only needed to tweak it to make sure they are still ahead of the game.
“They have been able to improve the engine during the off season and gain as much as 50hp which will keep them ahead of everybody else and they have been able to tweak what was already a successful aerodynamic platform. The nose regulations have changed, but they have changed in Mercedes favour so it is pretty much the same as they had last year.”
The Mercedes W06
In total, the team claimed an unprecedented 11 one-two finishes as they secured the Constructors’ Championship by a margin of almost 300 points while Lewis Hamilton edged out Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes team-mates’ exclusive fight for the drivers’ title.
However, Toto Wolff has warned that the Silver Arrows cannot afford to rest on their laurels and must come out fighting again in 2015.
“There is a long road ahead before we reach the first race,” the Austrian said. “We must build a fast, reliable racing car to be able to compete with rivals whose ability and competitiveness can never be underestimated. At this point, every team is on zero points.
“The only thing we know for sure is that we have consistency in our driver line-up for the third year running and they know what's expected of them, just as we know what they expect from us. We're looking forward to seeing them push each other and the team forward. It will be another fascinating battle between the two but we must wait until Melbourne until we know if we have provided them with a car that allows them to fight each other for wins."
Those sentiments were echoed by Executive Director (Technical) Paddy Lowe, but the Englishman is also worried about getting development wrong.
"The key factor from our perspective is avoiding complacency,” said Lowe. "Expectations are now high and a lot of assumptions are being made about our potential this season. Internally, however, we are fully aware that you can never afford to stand still in any sport - particularly Formula 1. We are up against competitors with a great history of success and, like us, they will not be content unless they are winning. As the old motor racing adage goes, you are only as good as your last race.
“Of course, like every other team on the grid, we have been pushing harder than ever to find areas for performance gains. But at the same time, we must ensure we are moving in the correct direction. One of the risks with car development is that attempting forward steps can easily turn into rearward steps. You have to take risks to progress - but those risks must be carefully managed in order to produce a car that is better than its predecessor. This has been an underlying theme for the team over the winter.”
The Mercedes W06
The new Mercedes bears a sharp resemblance to its predecessor, although its key details are likely to be housed beneath the bodywork. The team’s innovative layout of its turbo engine was widely credited as being the crucial ingredient behind the team’s 2014 success.
Rosberg had the honour of debuting the car when he took the W06 for its maiden drive when testing began early on Sunday morning.
While paddock insiders have predicted the team’s dominance will be tempered this year, the team are expected to lead the grid at the start of 2015 with the sport’s regulations fundamentally unchanged between seasons.
Red Bull have launched their 2015 challenger, the RB11, in a camouflaged livery.
After declining to present their new car in a formal unveiling, the RB11 instead broke cover when it rolled out on track at the start of the four-day test in Jerez early on Sunday morning.
However, there was a significant catch to the ‘launch’ with the former world champions’ new car disguised in a black and white livery to ward off any eyes from copying their design secrets.
According to the team, who described the unexpected look as 'a striking new test livery', the RB11 features 'a host of improvements in all areas.'
'The most notable shape change to this year’s car is the lower nose box and front of the chassis, which were amended in line with the latest regulations, but beyond that many of the RB11’s updates are under its all–new black and white skin,' said the Milton Keynes outfit.
In stark contrast to 12 months ago, when Red Bull's new car only briefly appeard during the final hour of Day One, Daniel Ricciardo was one of the first cars out on track on Sunday morning and the second driver to set a timed lap.
really struggling to find a Fantasy League for this season, they are either costing money or are far to complicated.
I will keep looking, or if anybody knows a good one.
I will keep looking, or if anybody knows a good one.
Red Bull should stick with that livery it looks pretty awesome.
i agree it best looking one out there.
This is the back of the merc.
This is the back of the merc.
Is it not gonna be a bit dangerous in certain conditions?
It does look good, I'm just being stupid when I think about it.
Not sure the sponsors would be big fans
Apparently Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren are aiming to get a shorter nose (like Lotus' and Merc's) through the crash tests. Shame as I prefer the look of the longer ones.
They're still on there!Not sure the sponsors would be big fans
526km for Rosberg so far today. Bottas has logged 203km. Sainz 181km. Ericsson 159km. Ricciardo 132km. Vettel 119km. And Alonso, 26km.
Only the first test. Merc already setting the speed and already covered 2 race distances.
Only the first test. Merc already setting the speed and already covered 2 race distances.
Jerez Test Day One timesheet at 3.49pm GMT
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 1:22.620, 51 laps;
2. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber, 1:22.777, 66 laps;
3. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:23.106, 150 laps;
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, 1:23.338, 35 laps;
5. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:23.906, 64 laps;
6. Carlos Sainz, Toro Rosso, 1:25.327, 46 laps;
7. Fernando Alonso, McLaren, 1:40.738, 6 laps
1. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, 1:22.620, 51 laps;
2. Marcus Ericsson, Sauber, 1:22.777, 66 laps;
3. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:23.106, 150 laps;
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, 1:23.338, 35 laps;
5. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:23.906, 64 laps;
6. Carlos Sainz, Toro Rosso, 1:25.327, 46 laps;
7. Fernando Alonso, McLaren, 1:40.738, 6 laps
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Oh McLaren, McLaren, McLaren...