(24th-4)

I can't wait until the season starts!!

-Dan

(24th-5)

(24th-6)

Last batch :)


http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachment110934.jpg

I can't wait until the season starts!!

-Dan
Tell me about it :D :D

15 days to go!

ohh, the many dissapointed faces of Ralf!!!

BMW Sauber well prepared for Bahrain


Poor weather conditions at Imola on Friday meant BMW Sauber brought an early close to their final pre-season test. Neither Jacques Villeneuve nor third driver Robert Kubica completed a timed lap, but technical director Willy Rampf insisted he was pleased with the test and the team’s winter programme in general.
Willi Rampf (SUI) BMW Sauber Technical Director talks with Dr Mario Theissen (GER) BMW Motorsport Technical Director. BMW Sauber Roll Out, Valencia, Spain, 17 January 2006. World © Sutton "Overall we are very happy with the way the preparations are going,” said Rampf. “Since the roll-out on 17th January we have covered a total of 9,950 kilometres with the F1.06 and have had no major problems. In terms of reliability, our car has reached a high standard. We had scheduled a very ambitious test programme and were able to work through it almost completely. It ranged from the initial system checks all the way to a complete race simulation including pit stops.

“As far as performance goes, we're also making good progress, but of course the only real benchmark will be the first race in Bahrain. I'm very happy with the integration process, which is already well advanced. The cooperation between Munich and Hinwil is working out extremely well. Our successful preparations have also been helped by the fact that the three drivers haven't caused the slightest bit of damage to the car. We will be heading for Bahrain well prepared."

Like Rampf, Villeneuve has remained with the team through the transition from Sauber to BMW Sauber and the former champion believes they have taken a major step forward since being acquired by the German automaker.

“The performance is definitely a big improvement compared to last year,” he said. “How this compares to the competition is very difficult to judge, but I strongly believe that we are looking better than one year ago. The BMW Sauber F1.06 is easier to handle than last year's car and the BMW engine is very good, very smooth to drive."

Villeneuve’s 2006 team mate is German Nick Heidfeld, whom BMW lured away from Williams following their split from the British team. Kubica completes the BMW Sauber line-up and will become the first Polish driver to officially participate in a Grand Prix weekend when he runs in Friday practice in Bahrain next month.

I'm no expert, but it does not look any different to the old one, to me.:confused:

Your right, but it's the same old paint scheme that Ferrari has going on for years that make their cars look the same.

<<F2005 and F2006 side by side>>

Think the major change this year is the front wing setup. Apparently that affected the flow under the body, so its had a lot of work underneath too..

Hard to tell as theres virtually no press releases or photos from Ferrari...

Valencia seeks Grand Prix status


Valencia is hoping to be added to the Formula One calendar after unveiling plans to upgrade the track.

The Spanish circuit is already a popular testing venue and its owners plan to lengthen it and alter the lay-out to get it up to race standard.

"F1 is a dream for motorsport fans in Valencia. It's time to show all those involved that we want to host a race," said general manager Eduardo Nogues.

Champion Fernando Alonso's success has raised interest in his home country.

Barcelona has hosted the Spanish Grand Prix since 1991 and Valencia could be a possible new home for the nomadic European Grand Prix, currently staged at the Nurburgring in Germany.

While Alonso's success has lifted the profile of F1 in Spain, the Nurburgring and Germany's other circuit at Hockenheim are struggling to break even.

Valencia already hosts a round of the MotoGP motorbike championship, and will stage a stand-alone weekend for F1's feeder series GP2 in April. (BBC)

Raikkonen plays down rumours - again


Mercedes engine problems aside, Kimi Raikkonen could find his world championship bid derailed by speculation as rumours about his future direction continue to fly.

The Finn, who was in Italy this past week to support his national ice hockey team at the Winter Olympics, has been linked to a possible deal with Ferrari for 2007, but continues to deny the rumour, despite Finnish newspaper IS Veikkaaja last week claiming that he had rejected a E60million offer from McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

With Michael Schumacher reportedly close to ending his ultra-successful career - either with complete retirement or a swansong involvement with another team - Ferrari is rumoured to be considering the 'dream' pairing of Raikkonen and MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, who tested strongly with the Scuderia in Spain two weeks ago. The Finn, however, continues to play down the suggestion that he is Maranello-bound, insisting to Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper that he has more than one option for the future.

Of course, the number of options could total two, McLaren and Ferrari, but it is unlikely that any other team on the grid would baulk at the chance of signing a man who has twice come close to the world title. Toyota, the only other team rumoured to have the financial clout of the Scuderia, has already apparently made an offer, albeit without response from Raikkonen.

According to Irish broadcaster Setanta, however, Raikkonen is aware of the danger that prolonging the gossip could have on his performance.

"This indecision cannot go on for too long," the channel quoted him as saying, "At some point, everyone needs to make a decision.''

Raikkonen apparently told Setanta that rejecting the latest offer from McLaren had nothing to do with Fernando Alonso's impending arrival - ''I don't care who my team-mate is, I am not afraid of anybody," the 26-year old is alleged to have said - and, presumably, he would have little opposition to partnering Schumacher - or Rossi for that matter - at Ferrari.

A lot may rest on how he starts the coming season, with Mercedes struggling to get its V8 on song, suggesting that Raikkonen may have to play catch-up if he is to have a shot at the world title. However, Ferrari continues to run Bridgestone tyres, which come off a poor 2005 campaign, and have yet to really show a return to form in winter testing. The Scuderia, however, has frequently tested apart from its main expected rivals, and valid comparisons may not be possible until the opening grand prix of the season, in Bahrain, next weekend. (Crash.net)

Maranello, 27th February 2006

Circuit: Autodromo del Mugello (5.245 km - 2.760 km short course)
Drivers: Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa
Cars: 248 F1
Weather: air temperature 3/11 °C, track temperature 5/17 °C. Fog at first, then cloudy, with rain at the end.

First day of testing this week for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, working at the Mugello circuit.

Official drivers, Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa had a 248 F1 each at their disposal, during a session affected by fog at first and rain at the end of the day. Michael concentrated on general set-up, with the emphasis on aerodynamics, covering 47 laps, with a best time of 1'22''623. Felipe's programme targeted reliability and he did 32 laps, the quickest in 1'24''249.

The Scuderia continues testing at Mugello tomorrow, still with Schumacher and Massa at the wheel.

Sam Michael, Technical Director, WilliamsF1:

“Today, Nico and Mark started the final test for the FW28 before the Bahrain Grand Prix. The track was damp and cold this morning, but it cleared up for the afternoon. During the course of the day, Mark tested tyres for Bridgestone to finalise our choice for the initial races, while Nico spent the time working on mechanical set-up.”



Renault:

We've made it: the Renault F1 Team has begun its final week of winter testing, ahead of the eagerly-awaited first race in Bahrain.

The Renault F1 Team's programme this week is a relatively light one, as the team tests while simultaneously preparing to depart for Bahrain on Friday. So it's two days of testing with a single chassis and Heikki Kovalainen at the wheel this week.

The test got off to a difficult start, with difficult, damp track conditions early in the day, which initially delayed the team's programme. Subsequently, the R26 was stranded out on track following a mechanical failure, which cost valuable track time as they were resolved. Those incidents made it hard for the team to hit the targets for the day: covering a race distance, and continuing tyre testing. However, the car was ready again by the end of the day, and Heikki got back on track for systems checks ahead of a busy day tomorrow.

"It was a tough day for us because of the mechanical problems," explained Chief Test Engineer Christian Silk. "We fixed them, but our programme was disrupted because of it. However, the main thing for us is to be ready for Bahrain, and finding and solving these problems is very important for our preparation. Heikki had a very good day, and didn't make any mistakes in spite of difficult circuit conditions. We didn't do many laps, which makes it difficult for the driver to find his rhythm. But this means tomorrow will definitely be a very busy day!?"




McLaren:


TEST REPORT VALENCIA - DAY ONE

Date: Monday 27th February 2006
Location: Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, Spain
Drivers: Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett
Weather: Cold and sunny
Track temperature: High of 21.8 degrees Celsius
Air temperature: High of 16.1 degrees Celsius
Laps run: 218
Kilometres covered: Pedro de la Rosa approx. 580km / Gary Paffett approx. 280km
Best lap time of the day: Nico Rosberg, WilliamsF1, 1m11.021
Duration of test: Three days (27th February ? 1st March)

Pedro de la Rosa was at the wheel of an MP4-21 today, as the Team McLaren Mercedes test team continued the squad's intensive programme in the build-up to the start of the season in 12 days time in Bahrain.

The emphasis of the Spaniard's work was long runs at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo for both engine and tyre work, as he completed over 580km in the MP4-21. During the morning the track was damp, which provided the opportunity to run intermediate tyres and conduct development work with Michelin. Pedro switched to dry tyres as the circuit conditions improved and continued putting in a number of stints over the 20 lap mark. Pedro's quickest time of the day, a 1m11.229, put him in second position on the timesheets.

Fellow Team McLaren Mercedes test driver Gary Paffett was also in attendance today. Gary, who was driving an MP4-20, continued the Michelin tyre testing, which has been his main focus of the winter testing. As a result of the damp track in the morning, Gary only covered 10 laps, with the majority of his 71 laps taking place during the afternoon as his programme required a dry track. The British driver covered 280km and set a fastest time of 1m13.053

Today was Gary's only day at the test, with Kimi Raikkonen joining Pedro on track tomorrow. Kimi will continue the programme with the MP4-21, which is one of the chassis's that will go to Bahrain, with Pedro switching to the MP4-20.

Hey Scotty hows it goin, not long til the new season, found fantasy f1 on www.mclaren.co.uk and thought it would be a good idea to setup a league for mini2, so i started one under the name miniGP. Would anyone be interested in joinig up, just sign up and post your name of team here and i can add you to the league,

Good Luck.

Oh yeah my team name is mjdrogan

hey Martyn,

yup! Not long now :D :D

hmmm.. never even looked into that before - will have a read :D Thanks :)

Prodrive look set to unveil plans for an entry into Formula One for the 2008 season, with an announcement possible as early as Wednesday.


Speculation has been rife since the Autosport International show in January that Prodrive boss David Richards – previously involved with the Benetton and BAR teams – was looking to try and put together a Formula One entry of his own, with the man himself admitting to Crash.net Radio that a return to the F1 paddock was a distinct possibility.

"It is very much around how deep your pockets are and the large manufacturers will dominate in those situations; there is no getting away from that,” he said at the time. “If the rules change in 2008, as is the goal, then the circumstances could be right for a team like Prodrive to become involved again so we will watch that development very carefully.

"I suspect there would be very few organisations in the world more capable of achieving a result in that area than us."

Having had chance to sit down and look at the facts, Crash.net understands that Prodrive is set to confirm its intention to come into F1 once the new Concorde Agreement comes into force in 2008, when the $48 million bond currently required to lodge an entry into F1 – and which caused problems for the new Super Aguri outfit when it had its initial entry for 2006 refused – would no longer be in place.

Plans are also afoot to bring in further regulation changes ahead of 2008 which would lower the costs involved in Formula One, making a step into the big-time for Prodrive, who already run the Subaru WRC programme as well as the works Aston Martin Racing GT team and the FPR V8 Supercar outfit, a distinct possibility.

While Prodrive headquarters are currently located in Banbury, Prodrive F1 would be based at the companies 250 acre site near Kenilworth and the team could provide David Lapworth with a new role within Prodrive after he left his position as director of the WRC programme and was replaced by Paul Howarth.

Lapworth is set to remain with Prodrive although no announcement has been made on what his future role with the outfit will be.


(Crash.Net)

Valencia Test Update: Day 1
Wednesday 1 March 2006

Wednesday 1 March 2006
Location: Circuit Ricardo Tormo, Valencia, Spain
Drivers: Jarno Trulli, Ralf Schumacher
Track length: 4.000km


Panasonic Toyota Racing has entered today the last leg of its winter testing in Valencia ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher were at the wheel to resume final race preparations and testing of the Bridgestone tyres. Both will continue testing tomorrow to conclude the pre-season test programme. The drivers as well as the whole team are anxious to get the season underway to see how their hard work during the winter will unfold at the first races.

ELECTRONIC BLUES
Ralf Schumacher put more mileage on the new car concentrating on set-up work.

Ralf Schumacher – Chassis TF106/05
Best lap time: 1m11.121s
Total laps: 60
Total distance: 240.0km

"After really first testing the new car in Barcelona, where the weather was rather cold, it was good to have another chance to drive the new TF106 at Valencia today. We continued working on the tyres and although we had less mileage today than expected due to a minor electronic problem, the car stayed reliable and so in general we are happy with the day's programme."

PREPARING THE WAY
Panasonic Toyota Racing's Jarno Trulli had a positive day of running, putting in over 80 laps of the winding Valencia circuit.

Jarno Trulli – Chassis TF106/02
Best lap time: 1m12.163s
Total laps: 80
Total distance: 320.0km

"This has been a good day of running here at Valencia. We were able to do some set-up work and tyre comparisons. We also worked on some small test items to prepare for the new season, like different oil-level set-ups. This caused some smoke in the morning, but this is of no worry for us it was something we were purposely testing. All in all, we have gained some good mileage and look forward to pushing hard until the end of tomorrow to gain the confidence we need before the first race."

TUNED IN
Panasonic Toyota Racing made good progress over the day's work at Valencia, with both cars showing reliable progress.

Gerd Pfeiffer, Test Team Manager
"We had a productive day today and we got through a lot of work. Although both drivers carried out their own individual tyre testing programmes, Ralf focused on testing the new car and getting a feel for it, while Jarno tried simulating some race conditions in one of the older cars, as his new car is being prepared for the first grand prix. Basically we are focused on fine-tuning the car this week for the race in Bahrain. I feel that both drivers are doing a good job and the cars are running reliably."

The weather badly affects the Scuderia's work at Mugello

Maranello, 1st March 2006

Circuit: Autodromo del Mugello (5.245 km - 2.760 km short course)
Drivers: Michael Schumacher and Felipe Massa
Cars: 248 F1
Weather: air temperature 3/7 °C, track temperature 5/10 °C. Overcast with rain from mid-afternoon onwards.


Third day of testing this week for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, working again today at the Mugello circuit.

As was the case last Monday, the weather badly affected the Scuderia's work. After rain and sleet fell over night, track conditions this morning were far from ideal and the low temperatures did not improve the situation. Then, from mid-afternoon, light rain fell at the circuit, which brought the test session to an early close. Up to that point, Schumacher had covered 17 laps (best time 1'23"564) and Massa had done 31 (the quickest in 1'27"314.)

The Scuderia continues testing at Mugello tomorrow, with Michael Schumacher at the wheel of the 248 F1.

For those that were asking/unsure about the 2006 Lineup.


For a complete list of changes in 2006, including the New Teams, the New Drivers, who's Traded Places, the New Engine Rules, the Tyre Change rules and a run-down on the 2006 Qualifying setup:


Click HERE (http://www.mini2.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2286864&postcount=599)



For a complete list of prospects for the 2006 season and summary of teams and drivers:


Click HERE (http://www.mini2.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2286869&postcount=600)



And finally, for a really neat summary and quick reference table of all that, Wikipedia offers a full 2006 F1 season section:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Formula_One_season


Enjoy :)

For those that were asking/unsure about the 2006 Lineup.


For a complete list of changes in 2006, including the New Teams, the New Drivers, who's Traded Places, the New Engine Rules, the Tyre Change rules and a run-down on the 2006 Qualifying setup:


Click HERE (http://www.mini2.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2286864&postcount=599)



For a complete list of prospects for the 2006 season and summary of teams and drivers:


Click HERE (http://www.mini2.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2286869&postcount=600)



And finally, for a really neat summary and quick reference table of all that, Wikipedia offers a full 2006 F1 season section:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_Formula_One_season


Enjoy :)

Hi Scotty,

As per usual, thanks for a comprehensive update :D The Aussie forums of mini2 is now my preferred site for keeping up to date with the latest :D

I can't wait for the season to start :)

FYI, here are the latest prices from the Aussie Internet bookmakers for the championship

Kimi Raikkonen(McLaren) 3.50
Michael Schumacher(Ferrari) 3.60
Fernando Alonso(Renault) 4.00
Juan-Pablo Montoya (Renault) 10.00
Jenson Button (Honda) 13.00
Rubans Barrichello (Honda) 21.00
Felipe Massa (Ferrari) 26.00
Giaancarlo Fisichella (Renault) 26.00
Ralf Schumacher (Toyota) 41.00
Jarno Trulli (Toyota) 41.00
Mark Webber (Williams) 51.00
Nico Rosberg (Williams) 101.00
Jacques Villeneuve (BMW Sauber) 101.00
David Coulthard (Red Bull) 126.00
Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) 201.00
Christian Klien (Red Bull) 251.00
Tiago Monteiro (MF1) 501.00
Scott Speed (Toro Rosso) 1,001.00
Yuji Ide (Super Aguri) 1,001.00
Takuma Sato (Super Aguri) 1,001.00
Christjan Albers (MF1) 1,001.00
Vitantonio Liuzzi (Toro Rosso) 1,001.00


Remember, these guys are not putting up their opinion of who is going to win, they are just adjusting their prices according to who is betting.

There is an interesting spread of prices ;) Remember, these bookmakers do a huge volume of money on F1, milllions and millions of dollars :eek:

Looking at the bets, there has obviously been a lot of support for Kimi ;)

Also there must be a lot of support for Schumi, as his odds seem a lot lower than I would expect :confused:

They obviously think that both Williams and BMW/Sauber have no chance ;) $51 for Webber, its almost worth having $20 on it, which would make a win $1000 :D I didn't think Williams were that much off the pace in testing, and anything can happen in the championship, if there are a few incidents ;)

It's also worth looking at how the people who put their money on the line rate the drivers vs codrivers ;)

Cheers

Robbo

It would be pretty good to see Kimmi and Rossi with Ferrari in 2007... lets all start wishing now!!

-Dan

I wanna see Jenson at Williams :)

I wanna see Jenson at Williams :)

Nup.... he had his chance and decided he was too good for Williams.... they just need to throw all their money at one phenomonal driver.... and keep webber!!

-Dan

Juan-Pablo Montoya (Renault) 10.00

Renault? :p

What the...? :p


Looking at the bets, there has obviously been a lot of support for Kimi ;)

Also there must be a lot of support for Schumi, as his odds seem a lot lower than I would expect :confused:

As well there should be :D

I expect Schumi to be extremely hungry for wins after last year.. ;)


They obviously think that both Williams and BMW/Sauber have no chance ;) $51 for Webber, its almost worth having $20 on it, which would make a win $1000 :D I didn't think Williams were that much off the pace in testing, and anything can happen in the championship, if there are a few incidents ;)

It's also worth looking at how the people who put their money on the line rate the drivers vs codrivers ;)

Cheers

Robbo
You are right - it would be extremely tempting to put money on those two - especially Williams.

F1 Photoshoot.. :cool: :cool:

Honda and Renault - complete press pack.


(pp1)

(pp2)

(pp3)

(pp4)

(pp5)

Last couple..

Kimi Raikkonen was flying in his final day of testing before the Bahrain Grand Prix, setting a lap of 1m09.423s to beat the previous lap record he'd set at Valencia in a V8-powered car by over half a second. Raikkonen had a reliable day too - putting in over 100 laps.


McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa was second fastest, but driving the team's hybrid winter testing car fitted with a limited V10 engine. Between them, Raikkonen and de la Rosa covered over 230 laps for McLaren on the team's final day of testing.

Honda test driver Anthony Davidson was third fastest, but 0.9s behind Raikkonen's hot pace. He was the busiest driver on track again with over 140 laps to his name.

Red Bull's David Coulthard finished fourth fastest as the Ferrari-powered team joined in the test along with Toyota. Ralf Schumacher and Jarno Trulli finished fifth and sixth fastest - Schumacher suffering an engine problem.

Alex Wurz was the only other driver in action today a the wheel of the Williams Cosworth.

Testing concludes tomorrow with Honda, Red Bull and Toyota in action.

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=110677