Channel 10 coverage

Excellent news for us :D :D

TV Week is wrong! (nothing out of the ordinary there)

Channel 10's programming guide (http://www.ten.com.au/main_idx.aspx?section=programGuide)
Shows the Bahrain GP starting at 10:30pm (till 1am) :D :D :D

AND! if you're really keen, you could even watch the Qualifying on Saturday's line-up - at 2:30am - 3:30am! :p

(Channel 10 have bought broadcasting rights to Bahrain and Melbourne GPs)

Practice / Quali / Race broadcasts @ around 5:30 bright and early in the morning. I promise I won’t spoil it for anyone! :wink:

Great pic!;)
http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=111837&d=1141864660

Great pic!;)
http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=111837&d=1141864660

Those two are always hanging out in the smoking section!! If heart failure from upsetting seasons doesn't kill them, then lung cancer will! :p :D ;)

just got my corner allocation for the GP... Turn 16, i.e. the last turn onto the start/finish straight. Freakin SCORE. that is basically the primo corner to work on, no general admission, close to the action, heaps of superscreens, plenty of corporate boxes to keep us 'entertained' between races, and close to the briefing area :)
only downside is that because of its proximity to pits/race control etc, there's a fair chance Iwon't be able to take photos during any of the sessions.

Good work buddy :)

Lucky bugger Micky :D :D

Shame about not being able to take piccies tho!

Came across this quote tonight and thought it was well worth sharing :)



Jochen had now won three consecutive GP's and to stand a realistic Championship chance I had to win at Brands. He made fastest practice time on thursday which i equaled on friday morning. As the race began, Jacky Ickx's increasing effective flat-12 Ferrari took an immediate lead, from myself and Jochen. There wasn't much we could do about it untill the Ferrari's transmission failed. I slowed to avoid it, and Jochen shot alongside, to my right, and i found myself wheel-to-wheel with him, for the lead of the British GP, around the outside of Paddock Hill.

I sat him out, but at the top of the following hill, into the right handed Druids Hairpin, he had the decisive line. I then had to follow him faithfully for the next 60 laps! His car was quicker along the straight but i could hold him everywhere else. I tried to pressure him into a mistake and eventually he missed a gear leaving Bottom Bend and I outbraked him into the nect left-hander at South Bank. My manouever put us both off-line, so we both lost impetus, but i was able to out drag him down the next straight and then drew away. Jochen had had enoug. He resigned himself to finishing secound. As he put it, "The old man was going to win for sure...".

Entering the final lap i held a 13 second lead. it was a bit shattering for everybody in our team, but espically for me, when I entered Sterling's Bend, with only Clearways to go before the finishing straight, and my engine died.

We'd run out of fuel. Ever since the start id been concerned about a hesitancy on initial pick-up whenever i opened the throttle. It was symptomatic of the engine running rich and had used about a pint too much. Certainly , there should have been two gallons left. I remember it was topped up on the line.

As i went swishing along, engine dead, under the bridge, and out into the main crowd and grandstands view at Clearways, everybody just went wild. I could hear Jochen's Lotus coming, and then he went by me, his head turning from side to side, heading for the chequered flag. As i coasted past the pits, tucked up under the right side barrier, I just felt sick and empty. I crossed the line, and coasted to a halt... I spotted out of my mirrors our mechanic Ron Denis sprinting out of pit lane, along the track behind me. I suddenly thought, "I bet I know whats happened, the silly buggers left the injection set on 'Full Rich'..." the setting used to start the engine from cold... I shrugged off my belts and lept out of the cockpit, determined to be the first the metering unit setting. I got there just before Ron - and sure enough - it was on "Full Rich". I didn't say anything, just looked at him and pointed...

In 2002, Nick Goozee, another team mechanic said "Remember in '70 at Brands Hatch... that wasn't Ron it was me". So now we know, I promised I wouldn't tell...

Jochens 1970 car:
http://www.bilnorge.no/export/bb_9989.jpeg
;) :D

McLaren interested in running second F1 team


BAHRAIN, March 9 (Reuters) -

McLaren could run a second team in Formula One if the rules allowed them to use existing cars and parts, Ron Dennis said on Thursday.

"We just need to have clarity on what we can and can't do as regards to (another team) running all of, or elements of, your existing car in a following year," the team principal told reporters before the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. "If there is clarity then that will definitely encourage us to move in that direction."

The sport's rules, under the Concorde Agreement that expires at the end of 2007, say teams must design and manufacturer their own cars but the governing FIA is keen to change that.

Dennis said McLaren's old Woking factory, vacated by the Mercedes-powered team for new premises, was available immediately.

"We have completely and extensively refurbished our old factory. It is absolutely pristine, better probably than several other teams' currently competing in Formula One," he said. "The investment was made in order that an option of running a second team exists."

The question of second teams, and what they are allowed to do, is a topical one in Formula One. Red Bull now own two teams while Honda have close ties with newcomers Super Aguri.

Super Aguri are running revised versions of the 2002 Arrows for the early races of the season, until they can complete their own chassis.

Scuderia Toro Rosso, Red Bull's second team, will race an STR1 car that rivals say bears a striking resemblance to last year's Red Bull RB1.

Less is more for Michael Schumacher


MANAMA, March 9 (Reuters) -

Ferrari's Michael Schumacher expects to have more fun in Formula One this season with the switch to smaller V8 engines.

The seven times world champion said on Thursday the balance between engine power and tyre performance was now "more in harmony" than with the old V10s.

"The car is a bit sharper to drive and I prefer it," the German told a news conference before Sunday's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Schumacher won a record 84 grands prix with the old three litre engines that have been replaced by the new 2.4 litre V8s.

"Generally you lose about two to three seconds going from a V10 to a V8 engine but thanks to our engineers, who are very efficient, it has not made a big difference," said the 37-year-old.

"But then we were off the pace to some degree last year." Schumacher's only win in 2005 was the six-car U.S. Grand Prix fiasco at Indianapolis.

McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen said the new engines made no difference to him. "I haven't changed my driving at all. You just drive the car as fast as you can," said the Finn, winner of seven races last season on his way to second place behind Renault's world champion Fernando Alonso.

New Scuderia Torro Rosso livery with RBR launch


Hours from the start of this year's Formula One action getting underway in Bahrain, Red Bull hosted a spectacular Arabian Nights launch for Scuderia Toro Rosso's debut in the sport and Red Bull Racing's second year in F1.

The world's press and a galaxy of VIP guests were invited to attend the '1002nd Arabian Night' on a private island off the coast of Bahrain. Oil lamps lit the way down a kilometre of carpet to the venue where everything Arabia is famous for was on show. Dancers and musicians entertained everyone as they feasted on delicious local cuisine, prior to the action speeding up on stage. Film of the two teams in action culminated in some atmospheric footage of all four cars from both teams racing one another around the Paul Ricard Circuit in the South of France.

Then, in a moment straight out of every cliché of Arabian culture, a Red Bull Racing car and Scuderia Toro Rosso machine swept through the air on hidden wires to arrive on stage as if on a Magic Carpet. The new liveries reflect the fact that Red Bull's two teams are in competition with one another but are very much part of the same family. As the obligatory dry ice swirled around the cars, the six drivers stepped out on stage to an enthusiastic welcome from the one thousand strong crowd.

"What a fantastic venue," said David Coulthard. "I think the film played before the cars swooped onto the stage conveyed the excitement of F1. The livery looked fantastic and all six of us are keen to get a good result this weekend."

"As usual with Red Bull, everything about the venue and party is fantastic," added team-mate Christian Klien.

"I'm new here, but I've been to Red Bull parties before and this lives up to their reputation," reckoned third driver, Robert Doornbos. "The cars look great, so let's hope they go as quick as they look."

The Scuderia Toro Rosso youngsters were equally impressed. "I love a party," said the team's American rookie, Scott Speed. "After winter testing mainly in Europe, I love the warm weather." Tonio Liuzzi is an old hand at Red Bull parties so had a laid-back approach. "Hey, it's Red Bull, of course it's an awesome party! But I'm going to bed early now, as I have a job to do tomorrow." Neel Jani was enthusiastic about his first official function with Toro Rosso. "Wow, the car looks fantastic, but to be honest I'm more impressed by the beautiful women
here!"

The Bahrain event proved to be as spectacular as the Shanghai Red Bull party that brought last year's Championship to an impressive climax. But with work tomorrow, the event did not go on too long after midnight, but was given the official seal of approval, by the presence of FIA President Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone.

Ferrari's new front wing..

Practice 1: Times


1 38 Robert Kubica Sauber-BMW 1:32.170

2 35 Alexander Wurz Williams-Cosworth 1:32.184

3 3 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 1:33.388

4 5 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:33.469

5 15 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari 1:34.800

6 40 Neel Jani STR-Cosworth 1:34.831

7 4 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes 1:34.887

8 6 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:34.925

9 14 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari 1:35.017

10 20 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth 1:35.083

11 37 Robert Doornbos RBR-Ferrari 1:35.203

12 21 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth 1:35.371

13 18 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota 1:36.542

14 19 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota 1:36.930

15 39 Markus Winkelhock MF1-Toyota 1:37.918

16 22 Takuma Sato Super Aguri 1:38.190

17 23 Yuji Ide Super Aguri 1:40.782

Add a prop and you've got yourself a biplane :)

Only 2 seconds off MS's lap record of the V10's too...

Incredible really :cool:

I CANT WAIT... AAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGHHHH

WOOOOOO

-Dan

Practice 2: Times


1 36 Anthony Davidson Honda 1:31.353

2 5 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1:31.751

3 35 Alexander Wurz Williams-Cosworth 1:31.764

4 6 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:32.175

5 1 Fernando Alonso Renault 1:32.538

6 20 Vitantonio Liuzzi STR-Cosworth 1:32.703

7 37 Robert Doornbos RBR-Ferrari 1:32.926

8 2 Giancarlo Fisichella Renault 1:33.215

9 12 Jenson Button Honda 1:33.226

10 38 Robert Kubica Sauber-BMW 1:33.244

11 15 Christian Klien RBR-Ferrari 1:33.557

12 3 Kimi Räikkönen McLaren-Mercedes 1:33.577

13 4 Juan Pablo Montoya McLaren-Mercedes 1:33.726

14 16 Nick Heidfeld Sauber-BMW 1:33.848

15 40 Neel Jani STR-Cosworth 1:33.900

16 21 Scott Speed STR-Cosworth 1:34.284

17 9 Mark Webber Williams-Cosworth 1:34.333

18 11 Rubens Barrichello Honda 1:34.384

19 14 David Coulthard RBR-Ferrari 1:34.432

20 18 Tiago Monteiro MF1-Toyota 1:34.459

21 10 Nico Rosberg Williams-Cosworth 1:34.953

22 7 Ralf Schumacher Toyota 1:35.170

23 39 Markus Winkelhock MF1-Toyota 1:35.686

24 8 Jarno Trulli Toyota 1:35.898

25 17 Jacques Villeneuve Sauber-BMW 1:36.264

26 19 Christijan Albers MF1-Toyota 1:36.314

27 22 Takuma Sato Super Aguri-Honda 1:37.588

28 23 Yuji Ide Super Aguri-Honda 1:39.021

Watched the practice times on a live stream, thanks to a link in another thread by Scotty.

Are McLaren on the pace?

Kimi stopped out on track - I'm waiting for the press release on that... everyone is already shouting hydraulic failure tho.

Hard to tell - depends what they were testing, but its not looking good for them. Will have to see where they stand tomorrow in Prac 3 and Quali! oooo tough decisions for the Guessing Game :D :p

I've posted my guesses. I will be out on the town tomorrow when the last practice finishes.(20:00). I have concluded that McLaren are not in the race for a top eight fininsh. I base this on their performance today but things could be totally different tomorrow.

I still think they're going to see engine gremlins. At least for the first few races.

They're saying electrical failure on Kimi's car now.. still no press release tho!

They're saying electrical failure on Kimi's car now.. still no press release tho!

here we go again ? (perhaps).... at least it looks realy cool!!

-Dan

here we go again ? (perhaps).... at least it looks realy cool!!

-Dan
Maybe.. electrical is pretty minor - as long as those engines hold together :)

It looks absolutely sensational IMO :)

http://www.mini2.com/forum/attachment111942.jpg

Video
Get them while you can...



From Bahrain Practice 1 and 2..

See this thread:
http://formula-1.updatesport.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=2458&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=60

11 Vids:

M.Schumacher FP1 26.8Mb
K.Raikkonnen FP1 28.8Mb
A. Wurz FP2 22.1Mb
J-P. Montoya FP2 22.4Mb
F. Massa FP2 17.6Mb
J. Button FP2 21.8Mb
M. Schumacher FP2 20.0Mb
G. Fisichella FP2 20.9Mb
R. Barrichello FP2 16.8Mb
K. Raikkonnen FP2 23.0Mb
R. Kubica FP2 10.8Mb

The Merc, Ferrari and Cossy engines sound spectacular :cool:


Incredible how soft the tyre compounds they are all using are!! :eek: 15 laps and they are absolutely destroyed in some cases over practice!

FIA 2006 Formula One World Championship
Round 1: Bahrain Grand Prix, Sakhir
Friday March 10th, 2006
Practice


MICHELIN MAKES BRIGHT START IN BAHRAIN

Michelin drivers set the pace in both free practice sessions as the 57th Formula One world championship season began at the Bahrain International Circuit. Honda test driver Anthony Davidson posted the fastest lap of the day, a 1m 31.353s this afternoon, while Polish newcomer Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber) was fastest out of the blocks this morning. Defending world champion Fernando Alonso (Renault/Michelin) did not spend much time on the track – he completed only 15 laps all day – but was still fifth fastest on aggregate. In his first race for Scuderia Toro Rosso/Michelin – the renamed Minardi team – Vitantonio Liuzzi was sixth fastest overall.

BMW Sauber/Michelin test driver Robert Kubica has become the first Polish driver ever to have participated in an F1 world championship grand prix meeting. The 21-year-old won last season’s Formula Renault 3.5 World Series title.

Red Bull/Michelin reserve Robert Doornbos incurred the first fine of the F1 campaign. The Dutchman was fined $6,250 for exceeding the pit lane speed limit during the opening free practice session.

Of the seven teams entitled to run third cars on the opening day of grand prix meetings, F1 newcomer Super Aguri is the only one not to have taken up the option. The Anglo-Japanese team has signed Frenchman Franck Montagny as reserve driver but does not have a chassis available for him to use.

Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren Mercedes/Michelin) and Jarno Trulli (Toyota) both failed to complete the second free practice session after stopping on the circuit with technical problems.


Nick Shorrock, Michelin Formula One director
“At this stage, teams are still finding their way with the new regulations and some of our partners have yet to show their true hand, so I don’t believe we’ll get a clear picture of how things stand until we have worked our way through a complete race weekend."

“What I can say with certainty, however, is that we are very pleased with the way our tyres performed today. Anthony Davidson set some very good times for Honda and we were all impressed with the consistent, progressive performance of BMW Sauber test driver Robert Kubica in his first grand prix meeting – particularly as the track was very dirty, so conditions weren’t easy."

“As we anticipated, it looks as though there will be intense competition this season, but our tyres have reacted exactly as we expected and so far we are very satisfied with our tyres’ speed and durability.”

Bahraini GP - The first signs are encouraging


Manama, 10th March 2006 - "The first signs are encouraging," is how Ferrari Managing Director Jean Todt summed up the first day of practice for the Bahrain Grand Prix, the curtain raiser to the 2006 Formula 1 season.
Although the time sheets can be misleading on a Friday, with teams running different programmes and those outside the top four benefiting from the unrestricted use of a third driver, it does seem that Todt's assessment looks accurate at the moment. Michael Schumacher finished the first and second hours in fourth and second places respectively and, on his first official race weekend appearance, team-mate Felipe Massa was eighth and fourth.

Quicker than Michael was Anthony Davidson, the Englishman continuing this season as third driver for what was the BAR team, but is now rebranded as the Honda team. Another third driver is third, in the shape of Alex Wurz. He too is continuing a role he had in 2005, except that he has switched from McLaren to Williams. Behind Felipe comes the man who has taken over the "Number 1" sticker on his car that Michael Schumacher had previously made his own property for so many years: Fernando Alonso in the Renault. Completing the top six on the first active day of the season was the Scuderia Toro Rosso (formerly Minardi) car of Tonio Liuzzi.

Apart from all the rule changes both technical and sporting that apply this year, the most obvious novelty for 2006 is that there are eleven teams, with the arrival of the Super Aguri F1 team, run by former GP driver, Aguri Suzuki and using Honda engines. With seven teams therefore eligible to run a third car, no less than 28 cars were out on track today.

Another interesting piece of news to emerge here in Bahrain is that all teams have agreed to a restriction on the amount of testing they can do, in order to reduce costs. The formula for the restriction is fairly complex, but essentially the number of days during the season are limited to 36. However, each team can nominate a "home" track and one day's testing at this circuit counts only as a half day. Circuits such as Barcelona, which are popular for testing and also host a grand prix cannot be selected as a "home" track. In addition, straight line testing for aerodynamic testing, which Ferrari for example carries out at the Vairano straight, does not have to be included in these 36 days, but is limited to a total of 12 days. In addition, there is a limit to the number of kilometres that can be completed to prevent a team turning up for a test with three cars and thus covering a high and therefore expensive mileage.

Raikkonen suffers practice misery


Kimi Raikkonen endured a frustrating first practice ahead of the Formula One season-opener in Bahrain when his McLaren was hit by electrical failure. The Finn, whose title chances were ruined by failures last season, broke down on his 12th lap of the session.

Michael Schumacher set the second fastest time behind Honda test driver Anthony Davidson, with Renault's world champion Fernando Alonso fifth. Jenson Button was ninth for Honda with new team-mate Rubens Barrichello 18th.

Raikkonen's team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya also complained of problems with his car.

"We don't know what is going on but running on the same revs I am about seven kilometres per hour down on Kimi with the same aerodynamic package," the Colombian said. "Unless we want to finish about 10th or 12th then we should think about changing the engine to be honest but it is not my call. I think we will be OK in the race but on one lap we are struggling."

Schumacher said he believed Renault were favourites for victory in Sunday's race.

"I think that compared to the other teams, we are looking competitive," said the German. "What is clear, however, is that Renault seem to be very quick straight out of the box which gives them an edge."

The Honda-powered Super Aguri team, who faced a race against time to get their two cars to Bahrain, clearly struggled for pace.

Takuma Sato got the better of Yuji Ide as they battled to avoid last place, but the former BAR driver's best effort was over six seconds slower than Davidson. (BBC)