Official Formula One thread

[ferruginouz]

I think i can't enjoy the race for this season again...

It's so unfair about the points... someone who never win a race could be the next world champions... how interesting is that??

The old points is :
10
6
4
3
2
1

The new one :
10
8
6
5
4
3
2
1

Now.. i like to watch motogp a lot than F1

[Rex]

The new regulation on point system which had officialy used last year is to minimize the gap between top and 'average' drivers. It gives them more competition between outer rivals even inside (team-mate *rival*) which could assist how far the cars progress are in each race. Obviously role of drivers' ability is the main factor on it.

The most important thing to face this season is how to make reliability cars due to new regulation of 'one engine per weekend' which it gives a lot pressure to engines. Who can make it, the points will be come easy to get.

[MookyRookie]

for the smaller teams, without any title-hopes, is the point-system a good thing, even for the 8th place they will get 1 point, and every point is money, off course its more exciting for the competition, like it was last season

[Rex]

Shanghai circuit nearing completion


The Shanghai International Circuit - the first track in China to be included on the FIA Formula One World Championship calendar - is nearing completion and organisers of the inaugural Grand Prix of China say all key installations should be in place by the end of March.

The first Chinese Grand Prix, which is scheduled for September 26, 2004, will be the 16th of this season's 18 races and will mark the fulfilment of a project that began at the end of 2002, when initial preparation of the site began. Extensive underpinning commenced that September, to counter the soft local terrain, and the official groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 17. Since then, the workforce - 3,000 people per day, on average - has operated round-the-clock in rotational shifts to make sure the circuit will be ready to take its place in motorsport's history books.

The distinctive circuit, which in sheer size will overshadow every other circuit in the world championship, incorporates 14 wide-ranging corners - an equal blend of left and right-handers that combine to form a 5.45-kilometre (3.39-mile) lap. Viewed from overhead, the circuit's shape is resembles the Chinese symbol "Shang", which translates as "high" or "above". According to computer simulations, current-generation Formula One cars will lap the track in about 1m 34s at an average speed close to 205 km/h (127.4 mph). On the longest, 1175-metre straight, which links Turns 13 and 14, cars should reach a maximum speed of 327 km/h (203mph).

There will be room for 200,000 spectators - and those in the massive 29,500-seat grandstand opposite the pits will enjoy a "wide screen" view that allows them to see 80 per cent of the racetrack. This grandstand is unique in the world of Formula One in having two "wing-like" structures that link the spectator seating to the pit complex and house both a media centre and the circuit's hospitality suites.

The circuit's design and layout should provide the drivers with that crucial ingredient - overtaking opportunities - and those that have seen the circuit are convinced that the new Shanghai International Circuit will provide spectators and television viewers alike with a great spectacle and a great race.

--------------------------------

Congrats on your new circuit, Shanghai. All I know it's faster a bit than Bahrain's.

[Rex]

Jordan has finally confirmed on Friday that German driver Nick Heidfeld will partner Italian Giorgio Pantano for the team in 2004 and has been testing with the team at Jerez this week. The announcement ends the long-running speculation over who would fill the new season's last remaining seat.

I can't wait for seeing another youngstars' action on track...

[Rex]

All teams are now in gestation period to face Australian GP which is getting closer. Australian GP itself will be held in March 7..

[Rex]

News: F2004 becomes *devil* at the moment, devouring Imola track of 98 laps and shattering unofficial lap record in Day Two where he made the quickest of those was a 1m 19.664s, improving on his own lap record, set last year in an F2003-GA, by almost a second. The closest anyone else could get was a 1m 20.906, set by David Coulthard in the McLaren MP4-19. And JPM going third fastest a total of 73 laps.

Seems Schumi is now ready for the race...

[Rivaldo-11]

I think Ferrari made a mistake in not signing JPM, he is way better than Rubens and Ferrari would have a garuanteed Constructors championship if it were to happen.

Besides Shumacher wont be around forever. Mclaren will lag in 3rd this season i think.

[Rex]

Originally Posted by Rivaldo-11

I think Ferrari made a mistake in not signing JPM, he is way better than Rubens and Ferrari would have a garuanteed Constructors championship if it were to happen.

Besides Shumacher wont be around forever. Mclaren will lag in 3rd this season i think.

What mistake??I didn't see any mistakes had done by Ferrari not signing JPM.. If you think JPM's existence in Ferrari would guarantee of grabbing constructors' title, you must be joking..you know JPM, he is unplease to be second driver and his main goal certainly to take driver's title for few last years within Schumi' authority. JPM is a temper guy + self-uncontrol even his style of driving has opened public eyes that he potentially becomes world champon in years to come. If you flashback what happened during France GP, he lost his temper to Williams management, and that's why his attitude 'unforgiven' to create *calm* status within the team. And don't forget he wanted worthy wages that he couldn't get with Williams..

All I know Schumi could keen stay forever in Ferrari, though he would race along what he wants until 80 years of age...(Ferrari's President Luca di Montezemolo has stated it to media..)..but the decision certainly in the hand of Schumi when he retires...

JPM will be headed to McLaren next year duo with Finnish Kimi Raikkonen, who will become priority?What a dilemma..

[Rex]

Here are the drivers list for 2004 season :

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro
1. Michael Schumacher (car # 1)
2. Rubens Barrichello (car # 2)

Williams BMW F1 Team
3. Juan Pablo Montoya (car # 3)
4. Ralf Schumacher (car # 4)

West McLaren Mercedes
5. David Coulthard (car # 5)
6. Kimi Raikkonen (car # 6)

Mild Seven Renault F1 Team
7. Jarno Trulli (car # 7)
8. Fernando Alonso (car # 8)

Lucky Strike B.A.R Honda
9. Jenson Button (car # 9)
10. Takuma Sato (car # 10)

Sauber-Petronas
11. Giancarlo Fisichella (car # 11)
12. Felipe Massa (car # 12)

Jaguar-Cosworth
13. Mark Webber (car # 14)
14. Christian Klien (car # 15)

Panasonic Toyota Racing
15. Cristiano da Matta (car # 16)
16. Olivier Panis (car # 17)

Jordan-Ford
17. Nick Heidfeld (car # 18)
18. Giorgio Pantano (car # 19)

Minardi-Cosworth
19. Gianmaria Bruni (car # 20)
20. Zsolt Baumgartner (car # 21)

--------------------------------------------

[Barremans]

perhaps not the right topic to post this link; but is funny and a bit related to Formula 1: http://people.cornell.edu/pages/slp29/insane.html

[Rex]

NEWS:

Ferrari dominant on Day One

Schumacher unbeatable in practice

In the second of Friday's two practice sessions Michael Schumacher did 15 laps and again set the fastest time in 1m 24,718s, leaving some rivals open-mouthed.

[size=3]However, the big wobble the world champion had at the end of his fastest lap - he ran wide in the final corner and the Ferrari momentarily became completely airborne - was testament to just how hard he was trying. It was, some said, a deliberate attempt to out-psyche the opposition, but it was nonetheless impressive as team mate Rubens Barrichello backed things up with second fastest time of 1m 24.826s.

"Even if we drained all the fuel out, I'm not sure we could do those times," BAR chief David Richards said of Ferrari's performance. "But we don't know what form anyone else was running in today, so we need to wait until tomorrow."

Many teams were doing race preparation, but some may have been trying for quick laps and saving their race preparation for tomorrow.

It was another good session for Renault, with Jarno Trulli third fastest on 1m 25.757s and Fernando Alonso fifth on 1m 27.853s, both happy with the performance of the sleek R24. Between them was Jenson Button, who was showing that BAR's winter test form was no flash in the pan with 1m 25.786s. Unfortunately his BAR 006 then stopped out on the circuit, with an as-yet undiagnosed problem. Team mate Takuma Sato had some dramas with a big spin and later on another off-course moment, and was only 12th on 1m 26.967s, which was three places ahead of Anthony Davidson on 1m 27.516s.

Behind those three teams, BMW Williams and McLaren Mercedes ended up sixth and seventh (Schumacher and Montoya) and eighth and 10th (Coulthard and Raikkonen). The Williams duo's respective lap times of 1m 25.882s and 1m 26.206s were off the pace, and Montoya had a spin, but Williams habitually runs with decent fuel loads when doing such race preparation, so tomorrow will be a more valid comparison. At McLaren, Coulthard was happier with his MP4-19 than Raikkonen, lapping in 1m 26.215s to the Finn's 1m 26.579s.

Perhaps the surprise of the session was Mark Webber's ninth quickest time of 1m 26.312s. "We don't believe that we were sandbagging all winter," said delighted team boss Tony Purnell. "That's a good car, and we believe that more other teams were showboating." Christian Klien had a spin on his way to 17th fastest time of 1m 27.724s, leaving Bjorn Wirdheim 20th in the third R5 on 1m 28.781s.

Sauber Petronas drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Felipe Massa worked purely on race set-up for 11th (1m 26.601s) and 13th (1m 26.969s) respectively, the Brazilian recovering from the track time he lost in the morning session with a fuel pressure problem.

Toyota's best time was Ricardo Zonta's 1m 27.165s, the Brazilian having a point to prove as he survived a spin and lapped faster than team mates Cristiano da Matta (16th on 1m 27.710s) and Olivier Panis (1m 27.807s). Former CART champion da Matta had a spin and later came to a halt when his left rear Michelin was destroyed by a puncture.

Nick Heidfeld was Jordan's fastest man, in what Eddie Jordan described as a disappointing 19th place. The German lapped in 1m 27.826s. Team mate Giorgio Pantona didn't better 1m 30.061s and was later fined heavily for exceeding the pit lane speed limit by 2kph, while Timo Glock stopped after recording 1m 30.291s with a blown Ford engine.

Paul Stoddart's Minardis were 21st and 22nd, Gianmaria Bruni getting going with 1m 28.991s compared to Zsolt Baumgartner's 1m 29.708s. [/size] (formula1.com)

[mtfco]

oh yeah baby! it's starting soon! go ferrari!

[Rex]

Well qualifying result shown that all Ferrari front row in Melbourne. Bridgestone compound tyres gets better and Italian machines unbeatable around Albert Park. Schumi on pole position followed his teammate, Rubinho.

Here the full results :

2004 Australian GP

Pos No Driver Team Time/Retired

1 1 Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) 1:24.408

2 2 Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari) 1:24.482

3 3 Juan Pablo Montoya (Williams-BMW) 1:24.998

4 9 Jenson Button (BAR-Honda) 1:24.998

5 8 Fernando Alonso (Renault) 1:25.699

6 14 Mark Webber (Jaguar-Cosworth) 1:25.805

7 10 Takuma Sato (BAR-Honda) 1:25.851

8 4 Ralf Schumacher (Williams-BMW) 1:25.925

9 7 Jarno Trulli (Renault) 1:26.290

10 6 Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren-Mercedes) 1:26.297

11 12 Felipe Massa (Sauber-Petronas) 1:27.065

12 5 David Coulthard (McLaren-Mercedes) 1:27.294

13 16 Cristiano da Matta (Toyota) 1:27.823

14 11 Giancarlo Fisichella (Sauber-Petronas) 1:27.845

15 18 Nick Heidfeld (Jordan-Ford) 1:28.178

16 19 Giorgio Pantano (Jordan-Ford) 1:30.140

17 21 Zsolt Baumgartner (Minardi-Cosworth) 1:30.681

18 17 Olivier Panis (Toyota)

19 15 Christian Klien (Jaguar-Cosworth)

20 20 Gianmaria Bruni (Minardi-Cosworth)

(formula1.com)
------------------------------------------------

I was dumpfounded to see B.A.R Honda has done well in qualifying, the machines package is now getting better than last year and if it keeps that way, I'm sure they just will be waiting the right time to get the points.

[K-J]

ah Milan should sponsor Ferrari

Ferrari's owning again, like always

[MookyRookie]

the season starts in few minutes.... go FERRARI.... FORZA SCHUMI + RUBINHO....
in the simulator game, which both Ferrati drivers played for fun, Rubens has beaten Michael!!!
Rubens good gamer... Michael bad gamer...
GOOD LUCK & FORZA FERRARI!!!!
FORZA SATO
FORZA BAR HONDA

[Rex]

It's Ferrari's day guys, unstoppable up in Melbourne once again in Sunday race. Both Ferrari were doing good start (making no mistakes) which it displays their cars looks complete in all aspects. Combined from speedy of F2002 and reliability of F2003-GA, I would say no wonder once again both Schumi and Rubinho got fastest laps of their own (in their race career) and certainly I gave my credit points to Renault's Fernando Alonso who can make his podium in the opening start of the season. Surprisingly B.A.R Honda were improving in race...(not only good in qualifying...)

I can count on Bridgestone in following races..

Here are the results :


Pos No Driver Team Time/Retired Points

1 1 Michael Schumacher (Ferrari) Winner 10

2 2 Rubens Barrichello (Ferrari) +13.6 secs 8

3 8 Fernando Alonso (Renault) +34.6 secs 6

4 4 Ralf Schumacher (Williams-BMW) +60.4 secs 5

5 3 Juan Pablo Montoya (Williams-BMW) +68.5 secs 4

6 9 Jenson Button (BAR-Honda) +70.5 secs 3

7 7 Jarno Trulli (Renault) +1 Lap 2

8 5 David Coulthard (McLaren-Mercedes) +1 Lap 1

9 10 Takuma Sato (BAR-Honda) +1 Lap

10 11 Giancarlo Fisichella (Sauber-Petronas) +1 Lap

11 15 Christian Klien (Jaguar-Cosworth) +2 Lap

12 16 Cristiano da Matta (Toyota) +2 Lap

13 17 Olivier Panis (Toyota) +2 Lap

14 19 Giorgio Pantano (Jordan-Ford) +3 Lap

Ret 12 Felipe Massa (Sauber-Petronas) +14 Lap

Ret 18 Nick Heidfeld (Jordan-Ford) +15 Lap

Ret 20 Gianmaria Bruni (Minardi-Cosworth) +15 Lap

Ret 14 Mark Webber (Jaguar-Cosworth) +29 Laps

Ret 21 Zsolt Baumgartner (Minardi-Cosworth) +45 Laps

Ret 6 Kimi Räikkönen (McLaren-Mercedes) +49 Laps

[Boban]

damn webber done shit he good

[MookyRookie]

at the start Renault did well, Alonso had the best one, from pos. 5 till 3rd place at start, Renault always starts sensational, this time Alonso, also B.A.R. hondas improvement to last season, B.A.R. made a big step to direction podium places, Jenson Button proved that it wasnt only luck, Sato was one pos. behind the points.... Ferrari was dominating the first race of the season and Schumi is obvious on the way to his 7th championship title!!!! Ferrari will also win the next 2 races

[acmilan1988]

in Every sports, the reds are always win everything.

Ferrari, AC Milan, Man U, Arsenal. But I hate English premier league.