OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
Thanks for the pix - interesting to see that not everyone has taken advantage of the option to get rid of the stepped nose. And WTF is with the front of that Williams?!? Can't decide if I like it or not (aesthetically) but it definitely sets it apart.
Can't wait for the season to kick off again. C'mon you Reds!
Can't wait for the season to kick off again. C'mon you Reds!
JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level
Overview - 2013 rule changes at a glance 31 December 2012
There are some small but important changes to the F1 regulations for 2013. This drawing of the 2012 Ferrari F2012 highlights the key revisions that have been made to the FIA's technical requirements for the coming season…
1) Weight - due to changes in their structure, Pirelli's 2013 tyres are around 2kg heavier per set than in 2012, hence the car's minimum weight limit has been increased by the same amount, from 640 to 642kg. As a consequence, the weight-distribution requirement has also been revised to minimum figures of 292kg:343kg front to rear, leaving teams 7kg to play with.
2) Stepped noses - to mask the step in the car's nose (thought unattractive by many), teams are now allowed to place a non-structural 'vanity panel' over this area, the shape of which is strictly controlled by the regulations.
3) Front wing tests - to prevent them flexing, front wings now face a tougher deflection test, with a 1,000N (100kg) load applied at two different points on both the longitudinal and transverse axes. The amount the wing may deflect has been reduced from 20mm to 10mm.
4) Load and crash tests - more severe load tests for the roll structure have been introduced and the crash test requirements modified.
5) Survival cell - the side load test for the survival cell is more severe too, and it must be applied to all chassis produced by a team, rather than to a single example.
6) & 7) DRS - active 'double DRS' systems - where the DRS activation mechanism is utilised for other purposes (the insets show Mercedes' renowned 2012 system) - are no longer allowed (only passive solutions are now considered legal). Also, DRS usage is now limited to the DRS zones in all sessions (previously it could be used anywhere during free practice and qualifying).
Copyright: formula1.com
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There are some small but important changes to the F1 regulations for 2013. This drawing of the 2012 Ferrari F2012 highlights the key revisions that have been made to the FIA's technical requirements for the coming season…
1) Weight - due to changes in their structure, Pirelli's 2013 tyres are around 2kg heavier per set than in 2012, hence the car's minimum weight limit has been increased by the same amount, from 640 to 642kg. As a consequence, the weight-distribution requirement has also been revised to minimum figures of 292kg:343kg front to rear, leaving teams 7kg to play with.
2) Stepped noses - to mask the step in the car's nose (thought unattractive by many), teams are now allowed to place a non-structural 'vanity panel' over this area, the shape of which is strictly controlled by the regulations.
3) Front wing tests - to prevent them flexing, front wings now face a tougher deflection test, with a 1,000N (100kg) load applied at two different points on both the longitudinal and transverse axes. The amount the wing may deflect has been reduced from 20mm to 10mm.
4) Load and crash tests - more severe load tests for the roll structure have been introduced and the crash test requirements modified.
5) Survival cell - the side load test for the survival cell is more severe too, and it must be applied to all chassis produced by a team, rather than to a single example.
6) & 7) DRS - active 'double DRS' systems - where the DRS activation mechanism is utilised for other purposes (the insets show Mercedes' renowned 2012 system) - are no longer allowed (only passive solutions are now considered legal). Also, DRS usage is now limited to the DRS zones in all sessions (previously it could be used anywhere during free practice and qualifying).
Copyright: formula1.com
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OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
So from a spectator point of view, the DRS changes are the only ones we're really likely to notice (other than the aesthetic stepped-nose ones).
Going to be very interesting to see how the DRS change affects qualifying in particular...
Going to be very interesting to see how the DRS change affects qualifying in particular...
JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level
... and do they have to be within a sec of the guy ahead to use it during qualifying?
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JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level
New Ferrari not quickest in field - Domenicali
Tuesday 26 February at 13:35 : Feb.26 (GMM)
Stefano Domenicali has admitted Ferrari will probably not field the fastest car at the 2013 season opener next month.
Indeed, based on the results of the opening two tests of the pre-season, most rivals and pundits think world champion Red Bull is still in the lead.
Veteran correspondent Roger Benoit, of the Swiss newspaper Blick, ranks Lotus second in his early 2013 pecking order, followed by McLaren and then last year's runner-up Ferrari.
"The target is to be close together with the leading cars," Maranello based Ferrari's team boss Domenicali told Reuters.
"I would be very surprised if it (the F138) was the quickest at the first race. But if we are all close together in a couple of tenths, then the season is really long and everything is possible."
Last year, Ferrari and Fernando Alonso fought back into contention after a dire start, and both the Spanish driver and Felipe Massa have said the F138 is on "a different planet" compared to what they had early in 2012.
Still, their 2013 machine will probably not be dominant, Domenicali warns.
"In Australia it is not the end of the championship, it's just the start. We need to be careful and stay cool," he added.
Copyright: http://www.onestopstrategy.com/
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Tuesday 26 February at 13:35 : Feb.26 (GMM)
Stefano Domenicali has admitted Ferrari will probably not field the fastest car at the 2013 season opener next month.
Indeed, based on the results of the opening two tests of the pre-season, most rivals and pundits think world champion Red Bull is still in the lead.
Veteran correspondent Roger Benoit, of the Swiss newspaper Blick, ranks Lotus second in his early 2013 pecking order, followed by McLaren and then last year's runner-up Ferrari.
"The target is to be close together with the leading cars," Maranello based Ferrari's team boss Domenicali told Reuters.
"I would be very surprised if it (the F138) was the quickest at the first race. But if we are all close together in a couple of tenths, then the season is really long and everything is possible."
Last year, Ferrari and Fernando Alonso fought back into contention after a dire start, and both the Spanish driver and Felipe Massa have said the F138 is on "a different planet" compared to what they had early in 2012.
Still, their 2013 machine will probably not be dominant, Domenicali warns.
"In Australia it is not the end of the championship, it's just the start. We need to be careful and stay cool," he added.
Copyright: http://www.onestopstrategy.com/
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JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level
McLaren Managing Director Jonathan Neale has blamed a "telephone number salary" for Paddy Lowe's decision to quit the team.
The former Technical Director is expected to join Mercedes in 2014, having been placed on gardening leave by the Woking-based squad.
Neale says he first learnt of the 50-year-old's intention to move to the Silver Arrows around eight weeks ago and feels Mercedes simply made Lowe an offer he could not refuse.
McLaren Managing Director Jonathan Neale has blamed a "telephone number salary" for Paddy Lowe's decision to quit the team.
The former Technical Director is expected to join Mercedes in 2014, having been placed on gardening leave by the Woking-based squad.
Neale says he first learnt of the 50-year-old's intention to move to the Silver Arrows around eight weeks ago and feels Mercedes simply made Lowe an offer he could not refuse.
Sky Sports F1 is the only place to watch every grand prix live in 2013.
Our dedicated F1 channel will broadcast every race, qualifying and practice session live, along with highlights shows, analysis and even more coverage via the Red Button.
"In the market place at the moment, if you've a team and you want to go out and buy some short-term know-how then you can pay telephone number salaries, if that's what your business model is," Neale said.
"From time to time we have all done it. It's not unique to any one particular team.
"But we will certainly miss Paddy, he has been with us a long period of time. He's been here 19 years, and I've personally worked with him for 12.
"He is a great guy and on a personal level I'm sorry to see him go and do something else."
Copyright: Skysports.com
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The former Technical Director is expected to join Mercedes in 2014, having been placed on gardening leave by the Woking-based squad.
Neale says he first learnt of the 50-year-old's intention to move to the Silver Arrows around eight weeks ago and feels Mercedes simply made Lowe an offer he could not refuse.
McLaren Managing Director Jonathan Neale has blamed a "telephone number salary" for Paddy Lowe's decision to quit the team.
The former Technical Director is expected to join Mercedes in 2014, having been placed on gardening leave by the Woking-based squad.
Neale says he first learnt of the 50-year-old's intention to move to the Silver Arrows around eight weeks ago and feels Mercedes simply made Lowe an offer he could not refuse.
Sky Sports F1 is the only place to watch every grand prix live in 2013.
Our dedicated F1 channel will broadcast every race, qualifying and practice session live, along with highlights shows, analysis and even more coverage via the Red Button.
"In the market place at the moment, if you've a team and you want to go out and buy some short-term know-how then you can pay telephone number salaries, if that's what your business model is," Neale said.
"From time to time we have all done it. It's not unique to any one particular team.
"But we will certainly miss Paddy, he has been with us a long period of time. He's been here 19 years, and I've personally worked with him for 12.
"He is a great guy and on a personal level I'm sorry to see him go and do something else."
Copyright: Skysports.com
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OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
Not necessarily surprised that Ferrari isn't the fastest - with so little change to the regs from 2012 it makes sense that the pecking order will be pretty similar.
Here's hoping Alonso can keep performing despite the car, just like last year!
Here's hoping Alonso can keep performing despite the car, just like last year!
JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level
Pre-season testing - the story so far
The new season is almost upon us. In fact, there’s just one more four-day test between now and next month’s season-opening 2013 Formula 1 Rolex Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. That test begins in Barcelona, Spain on Thursday. As the teams prepare for the final push of on-track development work, we review how they fared during last week’s four-day session at the Circuit de Catalunya - a session that saw McLaren newcomer Sergio Perez top the aggregate timesheet…
McLaren
Sergio Perez, 1st: 1:21.848, 174 laps
Jenson Button, 11th: 1:22.840, 141 laps
Sergio ‘Checo’ Perez again showed no signs of difficulty in adapting to his new team environment, as he gave McLaren the fastest overall time last week in Barcelona. Other than that it was a typically low-key but solid test from the Woking squad, with no major technical problems reported and an air of quiet confidence building around the MP4-28, even if - as Jenson Button admitted - it has been tricky to understand at times.
Ferrari
Fernando Alonso, 2nd: 1:21.875, 283 laps
Felipe Massa, 22nd: 1:27.563, 80 laps
After opting to miss the first Jerez test, Fernando Alonso got his first taste of the F138 in Barcelona, and his lap times - he was fastest on the third of his three days in the car - confirmed that Ferrari are in a far better place than this time last year, even if they admit there is still work to do, notably surrounding the exhausts. Massa’s time - set amid mixed track conditions in his single day at the wheel - was not representative.
Sauber
Nico Hulkenberg, 3rd: 1:22.160, 179 laps
Esteban Gutierrez, 18th: 1:25.124, 129 laps
Some small mechanical niggles aside, Sauber had another productive test last week and Hulkenberg’s third place in the aggregate timesheets suggested the C32, with its much-talked-about narrow sidepods, may just have the pace to match its pretty looks. Rookie Gutierrez struggled with tyre degradation on his only full day of dry running, but nonetheless notched up another 129 laps of valuable, pre-season mileage.
Lotus
Romain Grosjean, 4th: 1:22.188, 160 laps
Kimi Raikkonen, 7th: 1:22.623, 87 laps
Many are tipping Lotus to be an even greater threat to the ‘big three’ in 2013. They have experienced a few data-logging issues in testing, but other than that their reliability looks strong and they’ve been consistently quick. Grosjean also ran a trouble-free full race simulation in Barcelona. Like many other teams, Lotus plan to bring several updates to the final test which could boost pace further.
Red Bull
Sebastian Vettel, 5th: 1:22.197, 150 laps
Mark Webber, 13th: 1:23.024, 172 laps
The F1 press core has learnt from experience never to judge Red Bull based on pre-season testing form, and as usual Christian Horner’s men were giving little away last week. Some small reliability issues early on were quickly ironed out, but even then there was little sign of the team showing their true hand just yet. The only certainty? The RB9 isn’t slow.
Mercedes
Nico Rosberg, 6th: 1:22.611, 162 laps
Lewis Hamilton, 9th: 1:22.726, 173 laps
After their distinctly mixed fortunes at the opening Jerez test, Mercedes’ first Barcelona session was far more promising. Rosberg was visibly upbeat after clocking the fastest time of day one, even if new team Hamilton - the man with experience of a championship-winning car - was somewhat more circumspect after leading the way on the final day. Ross Brawn’s analysis remains that his team have taken a significant step forward since 2012.
Williams
Pastor Maldonado, 8th: 1:22.675, 178 laps
Valtteri Bottas, 10th: 1:22.826, 189 laps
Williams’ decision to buck the trend and wait until the second test to launch their 2013 machine looked to be a wise one after the FW35 proved trouble-free and fast in the hands of Pastor Maldonado and Valtteri Bottas. The team could hardly have been happier with their new car’s debut, and with reliability proven they head to the final test able to concentrate on performance.
Force India
Adrian Sutil, 12th: 1:22.877, 78 laps
Paul di Resta, 16th: 1:23.971, 144 laps
Jules Bianchi, 19th: 1:25.732, 96 laps
For the media at least, Force india’s first Barcelona session was all about the drivers rather than the car, as the team’s former racer (Sutil) went head to head with their 2012 reserve (Bianchi) in pursuit of their final 2013 race seat. Sutil showed no sign of having been out of an F1 car for almost 15 months, while Bianchi acquitted himself well in some trying and changeable weather conditions. The VJM06 looks in pretty good shape ahead of the final test, but all anyone wants to know is who will be Di Resta’s team mate this season.
Toro Rosso
Jean-Eric Vergne, 14th: 1:23.366, 186 laps
Daniel Ricciardo, 15th: 1:23.718, 143 laps
Two tests down and Toro Rosso say the STR8 is reliable and shows potential. The only thing that seems clear from the timesheets, however, is that Vergne and Ricciardo are as closely matched as ever and the team at least remain a clear step ahead of backmarkers Caterham and Marussia. As to whether they’ll be mixing it with their traditional midfield rivals or moving further up the grid, only time will tell.
Marussia
Max Chilton, 17th: 1:25.115, 241 laps
Marussia - newly equipped with KERS for 2013 - had the edge over Caterham in Barcelona. It fell to Chilton to complete all the mileage, after recently-confirmed team mate Luiz Razia was dropped from the test line-up, the team citing a need for driver consistency after the stop-start nature of their early running.
Caterham
Giedo van der Garde, 20th: 1:26.177, 133 laps
Charles Pic, 21st: 1:26.243, 151 laps
Like all the teams, Caterham insisted they weren’t chasing lap times, but there’s no doubt they would have preferred to see some slightly quicker figures staring back at them from the timing screens. On the plus side, reliability was generally good and new boy Van der Garde acquitted himself well relative to the more experienced Pic.
Unofficial aggregate test times from Barcelona:
1. Sergio Perez, McLaren, 1:21.848, 174 laps
2. Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, 1:21.875, 283 laps
3. Nico Hulkenberg, Sauber, 1:22.160, 179 laps
4. Romain Grosjean, Lotus, 1:22.188, 160 laps
5. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull, 1:22.197, 150 laps
6. Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, 1:22.611, 162 laps
7. Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus, 1:22.623, 87 laps
8. Pastor Maldonado, Williams, 1:22.675, 178 laps
9. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:22.726, 173 laps
10. Valtteri Bottas, Williams, 1:22.826, 189 laps
11. Jenson Button, McLaren, 1:22.840, 141 laps
12. Adrian Sutil, Force India, 1:22.877, 78 laps
13. Mark Webber, Red Bull, 1:23.024, 172 laps
14. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:23.366, 186 laps
15. Daniel Ricciardo, Toro Rosso, 1:23.718, 143 laps
16. Paul di Resta, Force India, 1:23.971, 144 laps
17. Max Chilton, Marussia, 1:25.115, 241 laps
18. Esteban Gutierrez, Sauber, 1:25.124, 129 laps
19. Jules Bianchi, Force India, 1:25.732, 96 laps
20. Giedo van der Garde, Caterham, 1:26.177, 133 laps
21. Charles Pic, Caterham, 1:26.243, 151 laps
22. Felipe Massa, Ferrari, 1:27.563, 80 laps
Copyright: formula1.com
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OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
First day of practice in Melbourne and... yep, Red Bull were sandbagging over winter
Personally I'm amazed by some of the comments coming out of the Pirelli camp - they're basically treating the super-soft like it's a one-lap qualifying special, even though the two-compound rule is still in effect and it has to be used for the race. The early indicators are that they're really only good for a couple of laps so what, are we going to be seeing a sudden rush for the pits come lap three of the race?!? Seems a bit silly to me...
Personally I'm amazed by some of the comments coming out of the Pirelli camp - they're basically treating the super-soft like it's a one-lap qualifying special, even though the two-compound rule is still in effect and it has to be used for the race. The early indicators are that they're really only good for a couple of laps so what, are we going to be seeing a sudden rush for the pits come lap three of the race?!? Seems a bit silly to me...
OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
Great race - something which I don't often say about my home grand prix...
Very relieved to see that Ferrari seem to have very reasonable race pace, that Massa seems to be continuing his improved form from the back half of last season, and great to see Lotus have continued improving too.
Got a great laugh out of the barely-coded warning to Kimi to mind his tongue in the post-race interviews on the podium too
Very relieved to see that Ferrari seem to have very reasonable race pace, that Massa seems to be continuing his improved form from the back half of last season, and great to see Lotus have continued improving too.
Got a great laugh out of the barely-coded warning to Kimi to mind his tongue in the post-race interviews on the podium too
OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
So...... we're going to have to go through the whole team orders hand-wringing process again now, aren't we?
Dunno about everyone else, but I thought by far the most entertaining part of yesterday's race was the stuff that happened after the drivers got out of their cars. The body language alone on the podium was fascinating.
Dunno about everyone else, but I thought by far the most entertaining part of yesterday's race was the stuff that happened after the drivers got out of their cars. The body language alone on the podium was fascinating.
JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level
One thing I've noticed is that Red Bull consistently keeps their pit stops below 3 sec. Usually in the 2.5 range. That's a big advantage.
And WTF Massa? I know, he wasn't ready for the dry's yet, but...
Let's start prancing, horse.
Overall, so far, I give the season a big ho humm.
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And WTF Massa? I know, he wasn't ready for the dry's yet, but...
Let's start prancing, horse.
Overall, so far, I give the season a big ho humm.
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OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
I actually really like the way this season is shaping up so far - and not just because it seems like Ferrari is genuinely back in the hunt
We had Lotus and Ferrari dominating in the first race, Red Bull and Mercedes in the next one, if they can keep that up there's four teams in with a genuine shot at the top. My initial reaction to the tyre situation was that it's a horrible, artificial way to generate action but after two races I'm thinking it might be worth it to wait and see how it plays out - artificial or not, it's certainly making for some interesting strategy battles.
We had Lotus and Ferrari dominating in the first race, Red Bull and Mercedes in the next one, if they can keep that up there's four teams in with a genuine shot at the top. My initial reaction to the tyre situation was that it's a horrible, artificial way to generate action but after two races I'm thinking it might be worth it to wait and see how it plays out - artificial or not, it's certainly making for some interesting strategy battles.
OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
Oh this has the potential to get really fun by season's end - Vettel is now saying he's unrepentant about his move on Webber in Malaysia, and that he'd absolutely do the same thing again:
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/moto...ers-was-an-act-of-revenge-20130412-2hp4c.html
Pretty much no way Webber stays at Red Bull beyond the end of the season now. Wonder if there's any chance he'll get Massa's seat at Ferrari next season instead...
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/moto...ers-was-an-act-of-revenge-20130412-2hp4c.html
Pretty much no way Webber stays at Red Bull beyond the end of the season now. Wonder if there's any chance he'll get Massa's seat at Ferrari next season instead...
JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level
Red Bull goes out for one lap in Q3 on WHITES.
Brilliant. They'll be in the lead in 5 laps. Whilst the others struggle through the pits with their soft tires... which already have 7:30 on em.
Tomorrow could come down to the grudge match real quick.
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Brilliant. They'll be in the lead in 5 laps. Whilst the others struggle through the pits with their soft tires... which already have 7:30 on em.
Tomorrow could come down to the grudge match real quick.
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OzExorcist
Broomcorn's uncle
Bronze Level
Yeah, that seemed like a really solid strategy before the race. Didn't really pan out for them though.
Really happy to see Alonso and Ferrari back in top form, performance of Mercedes and Lotus (even with the Lotus missing bits and pieces) bodes well for the racing for the rest of the season too. It's starting to look like McLaren have really dropped the ball though...
Really happy to see Alonso and Ferrari back in top form, performance of Mercedes and Lotus (even with the Lotus missing bits and pieces) bodes well for the racing for the rest of the season too. It's starting to look like McLaren have really dropped the ball though...
JusSumguy
Chipmonger
Silver Level