2006 Formula 1 season thread

[habsfan]

The new F1 season is getting closer and closer all the time, 65 days away as of this post. Anyways i just thought i would post up some info about next season that some people may not have seen just yet.

2006 Driver's Line Up(formula1.com)

Renault:
Fernando Alonso
Giancarlo Fisichella

McLaren:
Kimi Raikkonen
Juan Pablo Montoya

Ferrari:
Michael Schumacher
Felipe Massa

Toyota:
Ralf Schumacher
Jarno Trulli

Williams:
Mark Webber
Nico Rosberg

Honda:
Rubens Barrichello
Jenson Button

Red Bull:
David Coulthard
Christian Klien

BMW Sauber:
Nick Heidfeld
Jacques Villeneuve

MF1:
Tiago Monteiro
Christijan Albers

Toro Rosso:
Vitantonio Liuzzi
Scott Speed


New Car Release Dates
(http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=106476)

14 January - Toyota
16 January - BMW
23 January - Ferrari
25 January - Honda
27 January - Williams
31 January - Renault
3 February - Midland

Red Bull has run its new car already and will be testing with it, but will not officially launch until the eve of the first Grand Prix of the season in March. Squadra Toro Rosso will do the same. McLaren and Super Aguri are the only two other teams with no confirmed launch plans.


Upcoming Testing Dates
(http://www.f1racing.net/en/tests.php)

20 January Jerez
20 January Silverstone
19 January Silverstone
19 January Jerez
18 January Silverstone
18 January Jerez
17 January Silverstone
17 January Valencia
17 January Jerez
16 January Valencia
15 January Jerez
14 January Jerez
13 January Jerez
12 January Jerez
11 January Jerez
10 January Jerez

[habsfan]

Super Aguri set to enter Formula 1
(http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=106611)

It looks like we will see 22 drivers lining up during the openingrace in Bahrain on 12 March. It is expected that the FIA will give F1's new team Super Aguri green light to enter the sport.

"The FIA has received official notification that all the competing teams have approved the late entry of Super Aguri to the 2006 FIA Formula One World Championship," a spokesperson of the FIA told Reuters. "We have also been informed that the required financial guarantee will be presented to the FIA early next week. A formal announcement of the new team's entry will be made on receipt of the guarantee."

The Japanese team, based in the old Arrows factory in England, is planning to race four-year-old F1 cars. Formula 1 did not have 11 teams on the grid since the Arrrows team folded halfway the 2002 season.

[/////AMG]

2nd person to post in this thread, woohoo!!

PS. McLaren Mercedes = teh win!

[benyl]

Remember the days when you had to qualify to make the grid... Money talks I suppose. What are the rule changes this year?

[habsfan]

the biggest rule changes are obviously switching from 3.0L V10s to 2.4L V8s, new "knockout" style qualifying(http://www.formula1.com/news/3770.html), tire changes allowed again...ill try to find a link with a good summarization of the changes.

EDIT: here we go http://www.formula1.com/insight/rulesandregs/13/995.html

[BigMass]

With the constant nerfing of F1 cars (power, aero, etc), how long before a Radical or something not restricted by rules will be able to lap a track faster than an F1 car?

[R!zz0]

I hope Michael Schumacher wins. the guy is my idol man. Highest paid athlete in the world.

[habsfan]

let's hear some predictions for the upcoming season. Ferrari will be competitive this year, Mclaren as well. Renault less so, i think Honda will usurp their spot among the front runners. the dark horses of the season? Toyota is due to finally see some results and BMW Sauber could surprise us all here and there.

my prediction for drivers champ:
Kimi Raikonnen
Michael Schumacher
Jensen Button
Rubens Barrichello

all separated by minimal points, i'd say 40 or 50 points will seperate the top 5 or 6 drivers. Button and Barrichello could swap places too, that will be interesting to watch.

constructors championship:
Honda
Mclaren
Ferrari
Renault

after this will be a logjam, most likely led by Toyota, then either RBR or BMW Sauber, Williams, Toro Rosso, Midfield, and finally, Super Aguri.

i can't wait to see how far off my predictions probably are :D

[ryder_23]

w00t w00t i cant wait for it to start...

I think ferrari will be much much more competitive, especially with there v8 (which i think they'll be running right habsfan?)

I like how they brought back the tire changes, defintly "speed" things up. well maybe not speed wise, just drivers might not be driving as conservativly, and manufacturers can go with something that may wear quicker, but grip that much more :D.

Predictions:

Drivers

M. Schumacher
Kimi
Button
Barichello

Constructors

ferrari
mclaren
Honda
Renault

hehe, we have similar predictions.

[habsfan]

^yea pretty close haha

and yea Ferrari will definitely be running the V8, they would have zero excuse not to lol. the only teams that could get away with running a restricted V10 would be poor startup teams like Super Aguri, MF1, maybe STR

[iceburns288]

Originally posted by benyl
Remember the days when you had to qualify to make the grid... Money talks I suppose. What are the rule changes this year?

No, I'm absolutely positive some teams wouldn't make it.

[JAYMEZ]

I watched a few last year , I think im going to try and watch this season. Ive always liked Mclaren :thumbsup:

[rage2]

I cheered for different teams over the years. Mostly McLaren back in the Senna days, followed him and cheered for Williams for 3 races. Started cheering for Schumacher @ Benneton which introduced me to my favorite smokes, Mild Sevens lol. After 1994 and the beginning of the Schumacher Chop when he clipped Damon Hill, I started cheering for Williams, especially when Villeneuve came on board. After his departure, I've been a McLaren man. No love for Ferrari, cuz of Schuey. Not a big fan.

This year is Montoya's year!

[Team_Mclaren]

My prediction:

drivers:
- kimi
- montoya
- button

Constructor:
- Mclaren
- Honda
- Ferrari

I can dream:rofl:

[V_boy]

I hope Ferrari takes it back and for Schumacher to earn his wage.... but I would like to see kimi take it

[frostyda9]

Constructors:

1)McLaren
2)Ferrari
3)Honda
4)Toyota :D

Drivers championship:

1) M Schumacher
2) Kimi
3) Button
4) JPM

[ryder_23]

Originally posted by rage2
Started cheering for Schumacher @ Benneton which introduced me to my favorite smokes, Mild Sevens lol.

The system works :rofl:

[/////AMG]

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6757/post211368684591fx.jpg

McLAREN GO ORANGE

When McLaren hit the Jerez circuit for their first day of winter testing on Wednesday, don't expect to see the usual black-and-silver livery.

Instead the team will be running in orange.

Test drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Gary Paffett will be at the wheel of two interim MP4-20's, which will be running in an orange livery, prior to the launch of the new Team McLaren Mercedes livery in mid-February.

According to a team press release: "The orange is synonymous with the origins of McLaren, as the team ran its Formula One and CAN-AM racers in the colour for a number of years starting with the M5A in 1968."

Wednesday will be the first of 28 days of intensive on-track test days currently scheduled for the team in Valencia, Barcelona, Imola and Jerez leading up to the opening race of the 2006 World Championship, the Bahrain Grand Prix, on Sunday 12th March.

Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya will be starting their programmes during the week commencing Monday January 16.

[habsfan]

yea i saw that, cool looking cars. they should run that scheme during the season too, nice and flashy.

[Alpine Autowerks]

Originally posted by BigMass
With the constant nerfing of F1 cars (power, aero, etc), how long before a Radical or something not restricted by rules will be able to lap a track faster than an F1 car?

..in the late 70's at long beach street circuit the 250cc shifter karts were quicker than the F1 cars

[iceburns288]

w00t! Ferrari pwns today... Schumi with a 1:18 somethin and someone else with a 1:19 somethin... if you can't tell I forgot the details, but the gap was more than a second.:D

[habsfan]

ferrari has been pretty impressive so far in testing. ill be honest im a little scared lol

heres the results from jerez today, more teams on track tomorrow
1) M.Schumacher, Ferrari (B), 1:18.020, 82 laps
2) Zonta, Toyota (B), 1:19.348, 66
3) R.Schumacher, Toyota (B), 1:19.866, 59
4) Alonso, Renault (M), 1:19.929, 61
5) Badoer, Ferrari (M), 1:20.091, 63
6) Fisichella, Renault (M), 1:20.555, 39
7) Coulthard, Red Bull-Ferrari (M), 1:21.986, 31

[rage2]

Cant look too close at pre-season numbers. We've seen BAR own the test sessions in previous years ;).

[iceburns288]

I saw the exact same list with the exact same typo- Badoer on Michelins;)

[habsfan]

yea, also the fact that alonso was running the R25 with the 2005 spec V10, and clocked in that much slower than schumi with the V8. its true that testing times mean little, but its still fun to speculate :D

haha can you tell i just copied and pasted the list without really looking too closely into it?

[habsfan]

just to whet your appetites a bit
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54576.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54579.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54577.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54574.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54590.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54572.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54562.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54565.jpg

[/////AMG]

hubba hubba.

Looks like Ferrari is doing well in testing :cry:

[habsfan]

1 P. de la Rosa McLaren 01:16.509 86
2 M. Schumacher Ferrari 01:17.970 53
3 R. Zonta Toyota 01:18.541 71
4 F. Alonso Renault 01:18.607 104
5 N. Heidfeld BMW 01:18.817 56
6 G. Fisichella Renault 01:19.118 65
7 R. Schumacher Toyota 01:19.189 35
8 N. Rosberg Williams 01:19.394 50
9 A. Davidson Honda 01:19.427 112
10 L. Badoer Ferrari 01:19.774 94
11 J. Rossiter Honda 01:19.891 104
12 J. Trulli Toyota 01:19.975 18
13 G. Paffett McLaren 01:20.137 81
14 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso 01:20.211 90
15 A. Wurz Williams 01:20.749 31
16 D. Coulthard Red Bull 01:21.199 30

Jerez Day 2: De la Rosa fastest

McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa set the clear pace on the second day of testing this week at Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain. Driving an orange McLaren fitted with a limited V10 engine, the Spaniard finished almost 1.5s ahead of Ferrari's Michael Schumacher. The seven-times champion was the fastest V8 runner for the second day running.

Schumacher's day was not all smooth running, his Ferrari ground to a halt late in the day, but he still managed 54 laps. Ricardo Zonta was third fastest in the 2006 Toyota.
Reigning champion Fernando Alonso was fourth fastest in last year's Renault - running a limited V10 engine - team mate Fisichella continued testing the 2006 Renault and finished sixth fastest behind Heidfeld's white BMW. Tomorrow, Alonso will get his first taste of Renault's 2006 car.

Ralf Schumacher was seventh fastest ahead of Nico Rosberg in the Williams Cosworth V8. Williams' new test driver Alex Wurz was fifteenth fastest, 1.4s down on Rosberg's time at the end of his first test. He managed just 32 laps, running in the afternoon only.

Honda kicked off its first test of 2006 today with newly confirmed test driver Anthony Davidson finishing ninth fastest after 110 laps and James Rossiter in eleventh. Both drivers were in hybrid cars fitted with V8 engines.

It was another tough day for the new Red Bull car. David Coulthard struggled for reliability and managed just 30 laps as he was watched by Adrian Newey.

Four of the sixteen cars in action today were fitted with V10 engines - de la Rosa, Alonso, Badoer and Paffett. Testing continues tomorrow.

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=106975

[Vagabond142]

I'm so looking forward to this season :bigpimp:

My predictions:

Drivers:

Top end of the drivers champ will be close. M. Schumacher is back in a competitive car, Montoya is gnawing at the bit for a drivers championship, Button is the smoothest driver on the grid, and Barichello will finally be let loose to show us what he can really do. I expect Raikkonen to be somewhere in the mix, but I honestly think he's had his banner year and will turn into a true Finnish iceman the likes of Hakkinen (one of the greatest drivers of all time, imho), challenging the top end quietly but strongly. Alonso I think will slip some this year, based on lackluster speed and times during early testing, but will heat up before long.


Manufacturers:

Honda and BMW are now works only teams. This could either be good or bad. Ferrari is showing some testing promise, but I think that BMW will find their power to be better in the straights, meaning we could have a BMW/Ferrari rivalry again. I expect both the nimbler Renaults and the edgier Ferraris to really challenge in the corners in places like Hungary, Austria and Monaco, and the more powerful BMWs and McMercs to haul ass down the straights in places like Imola, Spa, Shanghai and Bahrain.

I'll call it either Ferrari, McMerc, or BMW for championship, but I'm not discounting Honda with their new engine tech. I'd say the top 6 will be seperated by no more than 60 points.






Then again, I could be utterly wrong, but it's fun to watch things progress :angel:

[Dave P]

Constructors

1) McLaren
2) Renault
3) Ferrari
4) BMW Sauber

Drivers

1) JV!!!!!!!!! haha
2) Kimi
3) Alonso
3) Shummy

[frostyda9]

Originally posted by habsfan

http://images.f1racing.net/large/54590.jpg


:D if his head were just a little to the side, he would have a perfect set of orange horns

[iceburns288]

Yeah the orange Macca's nuts:D

[habsfan]

so has anyone else noticed how rarely JV is testing? always seems to be Heidfeld...making me kind of annoyed. i think JV has tested twice this year, as opposed to Nicks, like, 20 haha

[habsfan]

Ferrari F2006 breaks cover at Fiorano
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54800.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54801.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54802.jpg

Apparently first test was a success, no official laptimes have been released, but it went under a minute, lap record is 55.9 seconds set in 2004, so the pace isnt bad just yet.

[Vagabond142]

Well, as much as Ferrari makes good cars, I would still rather see an "underdog" like BMW or Honda take the win this year. Renault has already had their year, it's time for others to make their mark. :thumbsup:

[FiveFreshFish]

Originally posted by habsfan
just to whet your appetites a bit
The noses look lower this year.

[habsfan]

BMW launches its 2006 challenger, the F1.06
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54852.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54861.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54840.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54837.jpg

[habsfan]

Testing at 3 different venues today, Valencia, Silverstone and Jerez.
JV finally getting some laps
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54897.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54900.jpg
check out the cool rear wing on the MF1 car, i like the color scheme too
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54918.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54924.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54894.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/54889.jpg

can anyone tell that i'm pumped for the season? :D

[habsfan]

Belgian Grand Prix is off - report

According to reports breaking this morning in the Belgian press, the Belgian Grand Prix will not take place this year. The former minister of economy, Serge Kubla is reported as saying he has received confirmation the race is off from Bernie Ecclestone's people.

The negotiations between Ecclestone and the group of Walloon organizers are still going on. Top of the demand list is improving and extending the paddock area. According to Kubla, there is not enough time to build a new paddock ahead of this summer's race and that is the main reason the Grand Prix will not be held.

Kubla thinks the government reacted too late. "They left the it until the last moment. They made things worse and started negotiations for a new contract, while that was not the main problem."

Kubla also said the government should start working now, to make sure the Belgian Grand Prix is back on the calendar in 2007.

so no Spa race for 2006, but...
Ecclestone organising Belgian race himself?

According to Belgian reports Bernie Ecclestone will be organising the Belgian Grand Prix himself starting from 2007. It more and more looks like it that we will not have a race this year at the famous and loved Spa-Francorchamps track.

The Walloon government and Ecclestone are apparently not talking about 2006 anymore, but about the period 2007-2012. Ecclestone would be organising the race himself, without interference of the Walloon government. All the government has to do is pay back a damage fee of 18 million euro and invest 15 million euro in the track.

The problems around the Belgian race started when the promoter of the race went bankrupt. After that a Belgian politician signed a deal with Ecclestone without actually being able to read the contract.

links
http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=107686
http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=107787

[/////AMG]

Acer becomes an official Ferrari sponsor

Ferrari has announced it has signed Acer as an official sponsor of the Formula One team.

The information technology company was previously an official partner of the team and Ferrari says the new deal broadens its technical and commerical collaboration with the Asian-based computer maker.

No financial details were released about the three year deal, which goes through 2008.

Founded under the name Multitech in 1976, Acer became the eighth largest PC brand in the world in the late 1980's and early 1990's. In 2003, Acer launched the Ferrari 3000, the first notebook in the world to sport the patented Ferrari-red color. In 2004, they were the number five brand for PCs and Notebooks in the world.

The Acer deal comes on the heels of Vodafone's decision to end its sponsorship of the Ferrari team in order to become primary sponsor of rival McLaren-Mercedes in 2007.

[habsfan]

Mclaren unveils MP4-21 at Barcelona
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55072.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55076.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55073.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55087.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55086.jpg

[habsfan]

Honda RA106 rolls out
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55240.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55237.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55242.jpg

[Team_Mclaren]

back comes the small nose from the mp4-19

[habsfan]

FIA: Super Aguri's entry accepted

The 2006 season will have eleven teams competing on track. Super Aguri received a positive reply on its entry in Formula One. Aguri was able to pay the deposit of $ 48 million and thus we will see 22 cars at the grid in Bahrain for the first time since Arrows went backrupt in 2002.

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=108188

[habsfan]

for anyone thats interested, BMW-Sauber has a video on their site of the rollout of the F1.06 on track. the sound quality is fantastic but it loads in bits and pieces. the V8 sounds friggin WICKED!

www.bmw-sauber-f1.com

there's a link on the main page, or if that disappears go into events on the top toolbar, and car launch. itll be in there too.

[habsfan]

Williams FW28 launch
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55436.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55412.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55426.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55402.jpg

woulda thought that the color would have been changed from bmw blue and white

[Vagabond142]

That Honda interestes me as it has lost the big honking barge boards in front of the air intakes, instead, it seems, going with a straight in design. More airflow = more power? This could be an interesting engineering design :D GOOOOO HONDAAAAAAAAAA!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[habsfan]

Midland uncovers the M16
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55699.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55700.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55694.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/55698.jpg

[Alpine Autowerks]

hope the Honda/Optimus Prime is fast cuz it is one fugly race car


no wait ... hope it is slow so it will be off camera

[habsfan]

Belgian GP is off - FIA

The Belgian Grand Prix is officially off the 2006 F1 World Championship calendar, the FIA announced on this afternoon. The race had been in doubt for some time, most recently when Belgian officials said negotiations for a deal had broken down, but official confirmation from F1's governing body came today.

The Belgian Grand Prix had been scheduled for 17 September but a statement issued by the FIA this afternoon explained, "The Belgian National Sporting Authority, the RACB, has written to notify the FIA of the withdrawal of the 2006 Belgian Grand Prix from the FIA Formula One World Championship. The withdrawal has been made in order to allow the completion of extensive improvement work to facilities at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit."

The statement added that the Belgian Grand Prix could return to the calendar in 2007.

http://www.f1racing.net/en/news.php?newsID=109147

hopefully it returns, Spa is one of my favorites on the F1 calendar :(

[iceburns288]

http://www.mclaren.com/interactive/photo-gallery/mp4-21/2006_Team_McLaren_Mercedes-Front_Three_Quarter.jpg
http://www.mclaren.com/interactive/photo-gallery/mp4-21/2006_Team_McLaren_Mercedes-Side_View.jpg

SUPER Hi-res (4000px+)
http://www.mclaren.co.uk/mediaroom/MP4-21/images/high/2006_Team_McLaren_Mercedes-Front_Three_Quarter.jpg
http://www.mclaren.co.uk/mediaroom/MP4-21/images/high/2006_Team_McLaren_Mercedes-Side_View.jpg

[/////AMG]

chrome?:confused:

[habsfan]

it looks kinda cool, but i wonder if it'll be allowed to compete like that. on sunny days that car could potentially reflect into other drivers eyes

[habsfan]

Super Aguri makes first public appearance in updated 2002 Arrows chassis

http://images.f1racing.net/large/56205.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/56206.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/56203.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/56204.jpg
http://images.f1racing.net/large/56202.jpg

it's interesting to see how drastically car design has changed in the last 4 years

[Chandler_Racing]

Toyota hard at work:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/goldstar133/toyt.jpg

[habsfan]

^lol, a season or two late, but still funny

[/////AMG]

WOW!!!!!!!

New CLK 63 AMG Grand Prix Safety Car
http://www.germancarfans.com/news/2060301.008/2060301.008.1L.jpg
AMG presents the new Formula 1 safety car

In its debut year, the brand-new CLK 63 AMG will also debut as the official FIA safety car for the 2006 Formula 1 season. With its 354 kW/481 hp AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine its modified brakes, suspension, cooling and exhaust system, and an extensive package of lightweight components, the fast-paced coupé is well prepared for its responsible role on the Formula 1 racing circuits. The first outing for the CLK 63 AMG safety car will be at the Bahrain Grand Prix (March 9 to 12, 2006); the standard version will then appear in the second quarter of 2006. Meanwhile, as in previous years, the C 55 AMG estate will be ready for action in all 18 Formula 1 races as the official medical car. Its job is to help as fast as possible at the scene of an emergency.

The CLK 63 AMG safety car will have the task of keeping the Formula 1 racecars safely out of trouble in the event of accidents or bad weather. At a signal from Race Control, the safety car piloted by former DTM driver Bernd Mayländer must move into position at the head of the field and lead the cars round the track at the fastest possible speed – since otherwise the high-engine F1 engines will overheat and the tyres will lose grip.

The high-speed AMG V8 Coupé is excellently equipped for this job. Its new, eight-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, which was developed entirely by AMG, has a displacement of 6.3 litres and develops maximum power of 354 kW/481 hp at 6800 rpm and maximum torque of 630 Newton metres at 5000 rpm. The power is managed by an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with steering-wheel shift paddles. For its Formula 1 role, the CLK 63 AMG gets a new throaty-sounding exhaust system which will go down well with motor sport fans both at the track and in front of the TV screens.

The new AMG safety car is well endowed with motor sport technology to help it brave any climate, including a high-performance radiator, two engine oil coolers fitted in the sides of the front apron and an auxiliary, larger transmission oil cooler. The rear axle differential has cooling fins and separate oil cooler.

Racing-derived suspension and brake technology

To optimise handling, further typical racing features of the safety car include an adjustable threaded suspension and 19-inch AMG forged alloy wheels with wide-base tyres, size 235/35 at the front and 265/30 at the rear. The safety car has a 70 millimetres wider track at the front and a 60 millimetres wider track at the rear than the standard car, as indicated by the wider wheel arches. The new larger-sized AMG high-performance brake system with excellent braking per-formance and fade characteristics features 390-millimetre composite discs at the front with six-piston callipers, and 330-millimetre steel brake discs with four-piston callipers at the rear. The brake discs are vented and perforated on all wheels. Since the front brakes take more load than the rear brakes, they are equipped with specially adapted cooling ducts.

150 kg lighter than the standard version due to high-tech components

In terms of performance, the AMG safety car gets an added edge from being more than 150 kilograms lighter than the road version – despite all the additional componentry such as communication equipment, lights, rear axle and brake cooling and the larger wheels and brake system. The Mercedes-AMG engineers made these substantial weight savings by using carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), a high-tech material used in Formula 1 and the DTM. The front and rear aprons, the bonnet, the front wings and the doors are all made from this light-weight material. The AMG safety car weighs in at 1600 kilograms, making it more than 150 kilograms lighter than the standard CLK 63 AMG, which weighs 1755 kg (both figures EC kerb weight).

Sophisticated signalling system and communication equipment

The main visual indicators that this is not the standard CLK 63 AMG are the FIA F1 logos and the lights on the roof. The white strobe lights in the headlamps and taillights are always on when the car is in action. They have a neutral function and simply serve to attract attention. To communicate with Race Control, the safety car is equipped with a sophisticated radio system, a TV monitor and TV cameras mounted inside and outside the vehicle. Bernd Mayländer's "workplace" is fitted with two bucket seats with 4-point belts, exclusive silver/black leather upholstery, F1 sill panels, a high-grip AMG sports steering wheel and superior-quality carbon trim, all of which emphasise the special character of the new FIA safety car from Mercedes-AMG.

Mercedes-AMG has been supplying the Formula 1 safety car continuously for the past ten years. A V8 AMG E-Class Coupé was used as a medical car as far back as 1984.

http://www.germancarfans.com/news/2060301.008/2060301.008.mini2L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/news/2060301.008/2060301.008.mini6L.jpg
http://www.germancarfans.com/news/2060301.008/2060301.008.mini3L.jpg

[rage2]

Nice, that's the DTM body version.

[Evro]

hey, anyone know the best place to get F1 tickets online?? soo many sites i 'm just not sure which one to go with, also anyone have experience with GP tickets buying for races abroad?? Thanks much

haha oh ya ... Go Ferrari - il be honest tho, schumi shoulda retired 2004 :thumbsup: , im sure we'll see a new ferrari #1 driver soon

[rage2]

This is Montoya's year!!!

[habsfan]

Prodrive Plans F1 Factory

Prodrive, the British motorsports organization that has achieved success in sports cars and rallying, among many other disciplines, is expected to tackle grand prix racing in 2008. The team’s plans moved a step closer to reality Wednesday, with announcement that the company would build a 200-acre Formula 1-spec factory in Warwickshire, England.

click for story (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/22328/)

[cloud7]

Originally posted by habsfan
Prodrive Plans F1 Factory

Prodrive, the British motorsports organization that has achieved success in sports cars and rallying, among many other disciplines, is expected to tackle grand prix racing in 2008. The team’s plans moved a step closer to reality Wednesday, with announcement that the company would build a 200-acre Formula 1-spec factory in Warwickshire, England.

click for story (http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/22328/)

I think DR is trying to prove something... after getting let go by Honda, he THINKS he has unfinished business to do... but he better wake up because he is NOT really to play with the big boys... heck, his rally team doesn't even seem to be able to keep up lately.

[Boostn]

Finally the 06 F1 season is set to begin! With all teams (except Toro Rosso) starting up with the mandated 2.4L V8 engines, not to mention new aero pkg, tire changes returning and the convoluted qualifying setup. :dunno: This may make for quite an interesting season. :D Maybe Honda will win a race this year? Toyota didn't look so hot in testing, Renault got a late start on their 06 pkg due to their championship run last year but seem to be testing well. The new team Super Aguri will have a super rough ride, who knows maybe they'll only be lapped several times per race. :rofl: Any predictions? I think Renault, McLaren and Honda will be fighting it out for podiums with Ferrari and BMW not far behind. Oh and hopefully the tire war will be much closer than last year. Previously Bridgestone dominated but in 05 Michelin really stepped it up a notch and cleaned house. Maybe this year they'll both come out strong right off the bat.

[rage2]

Tire changes are back. The advantage that Michellin had in 05 will have completely disappeared for 06 (which is why this is their last year, pissed off at FIA for constant stupid rule changes).

In 05, in order for Bridgestone to have their tires last race distance they had used a compound that took a long time to heat up, and stay hot and grippy. Michellin perfected long lasting and grippy tires (except USGP) which needed very little heatup time. Now it's back to 04 style tire changes, so all advantage is completely wiped out.

New qualifying system seems interesting. May be interesting for TV viewers.

[habsfan]

McLaren-Mercedes Considering B-Team

McLaren boss Ron Dennis has admitted that the Mercedes-backed squad could expand by adding a "B" Formula 1 team in the near future. The silver outfit has long been linked with a possible new effort funded by investment company - and McLaren sponsors - Direxiv.

The team's original factory in Woking has been thoroughly revamped and is ready to serve as base for a new F1 squad.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/formulaone/22437/

[iceburns288]

Sweet, Super Aguri joins this year and Prodrive in 2? F1 is gonna be so sick in 5 years if Bernie doesn't cancel more GPs...:banghead:

[rage2]

Stayed up all night to watch McLaren finish mid pack :(. Their press release says they were testing race trim as well as tire evaluation, with the cars sidelined at the end with electrical problems. Let's hope that's true and not PR bullshit. They were in the top 3 positions through most of practice, then everyone set some crazy laps while McLaren didn't.



P. No Driver Team - Engine Tyres Times Ave/Gaps
1. 36 DAVIDSON Honda M 1'31"353 213.274 Km/h
2. 5 M.SCHUMACHER Ferrari B 1'31"751 + 0'00"398
3. 35 WURZ Williams Cosworth B 1'31"764 + 0'00"411
4. 6 MASSA Ferrari B 1'32"175 + 0'00"822
5. 1 ALONSO Renault M 1'32"538 + 0'01"185
6. 20 LIUZZI Toro Rosso Cosw. M 1'32"703 + 0'01"350
7. 37 DOORNBOS RedBull Cosworth M 1'32"926 + 0'01"573
8. 2 FISICHELLA Renault M 1'33"215 + 0'01"862
9. 12 BUTTON Honda M 1'33"226 + 0'01"873
10. 38 KUBICA BMW Sauber M 1'33"244 + 0'01"891
11. 15 KLIEN RedBull Ferrari M 1'33"557 + 0'02"204
12. 3 RAIKKONEN McLaren Mercedes M 1'33"577 + 0'02"224
13. 4 MONTOYA McLaren Mercedes M 1'33"726 + 0'02"373
14. 16 HEIDFELD BMW Sauber M 1'33"848 + 0'02"495
15. 40 JANI Toro Rosso Cosw. M 1'33"900 + 0'02"547
16. 21 SPEED Toro Rosso Cosw. M 1'34"284 + 0'02"931
17. 9 WEBBER Williams Cosworth B 1'34"333 + 0'02"980
18. 11 BARRICHELLO Honda M 1'34"384 + 0'03"031
19. 14 COULTHARD RedBull Ferrari M 1'34"432 + 0'03"079
20. 18 MONTEIRO Midland Toyota B 1'34"459 + 0'03"106
21. 10 ROSBERG Williams Cosworth B 1'34"953 + 0'03"600
22. 7 R.SCHUMACHER Toyota B 1'35"170 + 0'03"817
23. 39 WINKELHOCK Midland Toyota B 1'35"686 + 0'04"333
24. 8 TRULLI Toyota B 1'35"898 + 0'04"545
25. 17 VILLENEUVE BMW Sauber M 1'36"264 + 0'04"911
26. 19 ALBERS Midland Toyota B 1'36"314 + 0'04"961
27. 22 SATO S. Aguri F1 Honda B 1'37"588 + 0'06"235
28. 23 IDE S. Aguri F1 Honda B 1'39"021 + 0'07"668

[habsfan]

remember, you really can't take much of anything from practice sessions. look at the difference in times between the drivers at honda, bmw, williams, redbull, etc etc. once qualifying has passed tomorrow, then i'm willing to examine the times and make my criticisms ;)

[ninjak84]

Button and Barrichello for the win, all season long :thumbsup:
Honda power!!! :poosie:

[Alpine Autowerks]

comparing times from last year practice to this years fri 2 practice fastest 1:30.7 slowest 1:36

after FIA's cost savings and speed reduction measures with an estimated $3 BILLION spent over the winter

this years friday 2 practice fastest 1:31.3 slowest 1:39 and this is with all new cars.

another good job by the ass clowns at FIA .

[Team_Mclaren]

And let the qualitfying begin.

[Team_Mclaren]

HOLY FUCK KIMI WENT OFF TRACK
Son of a bitch!!!:banghead:

[gpomp]

ferrari 1,2

wtf?

[/////AMG]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
HOLY FUCK KIMI WENT OFF TRACK
Son of a bitch!!!:banghead:

:werd: Reliability issues... again! :(

Looks like Ferrari will do well. Montoya should take the first win though.:)

[habsfan]

wow those ferrari's put on a good performance, cant wait for the race tomorrow morning.

[iceburns288]

w00t. I like this.:D :thumbsup:

[rage2]

Originally posted by gpomp
ferrari 1,2

wtf?
Goes to show how much difference the new tire rules make...

Ferrari's motto in F1: If at first you don't succeed, get Bernie to change the rules!

[/////AMG]

^^ :rofl: :rofl:

[Drew]

Originally posted by rage2

Goes to show how much difference the new tire rules make...

Ferrari's motto in F1: If at first you don't succeed, get Bernie to change the rules!


Hahaha thats good, however Ferrari will make alllll the haters bow down once again.


Originally posted by /////AMG

Montoya should take the first win though.

I doubt it, my money is obviously on Schumi first, but if he fails me I put Button before Montoya. Montoya himself said how he was surprised to have finished that high up in qualifying. I like Mclaren just as much as the next person but all their gonna have unless they get their shit together is a reflection of ferrari blowing by their blown machine.

[/////AMG]

^I never said he would. I said he should (I'm hoping). He isn’t even comfortable with the car 100% too.

:werd: About them getting their act together though

[Drew]

My bad, i'm pretty excited to see how well honda will throw down this year, and even tho its a lost cause I hope mister villeneuve does at least SOMETHING.

[habsfan]

anyone else gettin really impatient and eager for the race to come? i kinda want to go to sleep so the time passes faster :D

[Drew]

actually yes I was thinking the same thing, didn't go out because I didn't want to risk being passed out.....

[FiveFreshFish]

Less than 4 hours to go! :D

[Vagabond142]

it's 20 minutes to RACE TIME :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Vagabond142]

Barichello looks so comfortable in the Honda uniform.... GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HONDA! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[iceburns288]

w00t woke up at 6! Unfortunately I have to leave at 7, so I can only watch 30 mins... FORTUNATELY, I'M GOIN TO MEXICO!:D

[iceburns288]

Nothin really special at the start except for Alonso passing Massa. The best battles are between teammates! The Honda boys were having a bit of fun with each other, I'm sure they were making their manager nervous:D

[Vagabond142]

HUGE disaster for Ferrari... Massa's crew fucked up HUGE... broke an air hose, took 5 seconds to react, and the rear wheel guy didn't get the nut off the wheel the first two times he tried.... HUGGGGGEEEE disaster, a 50 second pit stop

[Drew]

ya what the hell was with that, Massa BARELY missed Alonso

[SLR]

My TV is messed or Id be watching shitshitshtishtisthit

[Drew]

HOLY SHIT!!!!! that pit exit was SOOOO close

[Team_Mclaren]

that was an exciting race. Kimi came all the way back from 20th to 3rd AGAIN. The pace is there, I'm not worry anymore.

Very surprise to see that the Cosworth has so much power. Probably the most powerful V8 on track.
Going to be an intersting season for sure, there are 5 teams 10 drivers that can win a race.

And wtf is with toyota? they spend more than Ferrari now but they suck balls

[Drew]

That really was a good race...wow nice to see a great start to the season. That battle was so close for first, wish shumi had made that pass on the exit but oh well. In all honesty tho kimi amazed me. Can't wait to see the three way battle develop next race. Don't really have as much faith in Button, not with him battling the guy who started last for podium. Gotta play at the front if you want to win....

[/////AMG]

Originally posted by Team_Mclaren
that was an exciting race. Kimi came all the way back from 20th to 3rd AGAIN. The pace is there, I'm not worry anymore.

Very surprise to see that the Cosworth has so much power. Probably the most powerful V8 on track.
Going to be an intersting season for sure, there are 5 teams 10 drivers that can win a race.

And wtf is with toyota? they spend more than Ferrari now but they suck balls

22nd actually. ;)
Plus the V10's are flying by car in the straights!

Very entertaining race. Great start to the season. I'm glad Alonso won rather than Michael! Too bad for Button too, he lost a few places at the start.

I'm pissed they didn't show much of the CLK safety car! :cry:

[Drew]

Originally posted by /////AMG

I'm glad Alonso won rather than Michael!


Thats it, this may cost me my soberness one fine day, but I bet you a drink a win, my driver on yours this season. End of the season, we'll go settle up.....

[habsfan]

excellent race! i'm so excited to see that renault, ferrari, mclaren and honda are all very much contenders for wins this year! dont be surprised that cosworth has built such a gem of a V8, they've been working on it for a long time, plus they have a long history of building V8s in other open wheel racing series'. JV was looking good for a points spot until his engine exploded in spectacular fashion :(. this should be one of the best seasons in recent memory.

[/////AMG]

Originally posted by Drew
Thats it, this may cost me my soberness one fine day, but I bet you a drink a win, my driver on yours this season. End of the season, we'll go settle up.....

Alonso isn't my driver, mate. It's all about Kimi. But I'll have to get used to Alonso since he'll be on our team nest year.

I don't think we should bet lol. McLaren have to sort out their reliabilty issue first haha. :devil:

[tegra]

not sure if this is the right thread to ask, but is there any place on the net where i can download the race?

[Team_Mclaren]

^^ there should be torrents up in a few days. You just have to look for them.