Before the season began the F1 teams’ association (FOTA) declared they wanted to co-operate with the FIA, as regulators of F1, and Formula One Management, as the commercial owners, to work for the good of the sport. Luca Montezemolo declared: Every sport needs a strong political authority and regulator because we are not in a … Continue reading Will the F1 teams back a candidate in the FIA president election?
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2009 F1 cars quicker than in 2008
Posted onSpeed is part of the essential attraction of Formula 1. But containing the ever-escalating cornering speeds of F1 cars has been a major goal of the FIA for safety reasons. The new rules introduced for 2009 were not just aimed at improving the spectacle of the racing in F1, they were also intended to keep … Continue reading 2009 F1 cars quicker than in 2008
Drivers object to late race starts but Abu Dhabi wants special start time for finale
Posted onThe F1 drivers have collectively voiced their unhappiness about late race start times. A GPDA representative confirmed to Autosport the Malaysian Grand Prix might have been re-started had it not been started so late: It wasn’t the rain that was the problem in Malaysia, because it can rain just as heavily at 2pm as it … Continue reading Drivers object to late race starts but Abu Dhabi wants special start time for finale
F1 links: Renault crashes in demo run
Posted onRenault Roadshow ends up in a crash "Multiple Middle Eastern Rally Champion Mohammed Ben Sulayem brought his involvement in Renault's Formula 1 roadshow in Dubai to an early end on Thursday, when he smashed up an R28 in a sizeable accident." How long until they draft him in to replace Nelson Piquet Jnr? The fallout … Continue reading F1 links: Renault crashes in demo run
F1?s overtaking problem solved?
Posted onThe first two races of 2009 are in the books, giving us our first chance to see if the radical new regulations designed to increase overtaking have had the desired effect. So far the signs are good ?ǣ but will it last?
F1 links: Brawn’s exhausts under scrutiny
Posted onBrawn GP bodywork legality questioned "A small scandal is brewing about the legality of the winning Brawn GP cars at the Australian Grand Prix. It is claimed that the cars ran throughout the weekend with its exhaust pipes protruding from the bodywork by 10cm, which could be outside the regulations. The Brawn bodywork was changed … Continue reading F1 links: Brawn’s exhausts under scrutiny
Alonso’s mega-start and Button’s killer laps (Malaysian Grand Prix analysis)
Posted onHere’s a closer look at some of the outstanding moments of the Malaysian Grand Prix: Fernando Alonso’s incredible getaway, Jenson Button’s race-winning pace, and Timo Glock’s inspired switch to intermediate tyres.
Technical review: Australia and Malaysia
Posted onF1 Fanatic guest writer John Beamer examines the technical changes and controversies over the first two races of 2009. Formula 1 never changes. We’re not even two races in and controversy continues to rage around the paddock – as it has done so every year since 1954 and will do so until we humans are … Continue reading Technical review: Australia and Malaysia
Unravelling the mayhem in Malaysia
Posted onF1 Fanatic guest writer Duncan Stephen, who writes Vee8, reflects on the chaotic ending to Malaysian Grand Prix and how it was handled. Before I write about the Malaysian Grand Prix, it is worth reflecting on the issues surrounding the curtailment of the race. I have no particular problem with a race being stopped if … Continue reading Unravelling the mayhem in Malaysia
BBC F1 TV ratings for first two races of 2009
Posted onHow is the BBC faring since taking over from ITV as Britain’s F1 broadcaster? Here’s its preliminary viewing figures for the first two races: 2009 Australian Grand Prix live: 2.1m average, 3.4m peak 2009 Australian Grand Prix repeat: 2.8m average 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix live: 4.4m average, 5.2m peak Last year ITV’s replay of the … Continue reading BBC F1 TV ratings for first two races of 2009
F1 links: Twilight fallout
Posted onEcclestone stands by late start time Bernie Ecclestone: "I don't see anything wrong with the start time, we just didn't know about the rain. If we had started at 2pm then it would have rained as well." Martin Brundle column “In theory, the race could have run beyond the specific two-hour time limit. That is … Continue reading F1 links: Twilight fallout
2009 Malaysian Grand Prix facts and stats
Posted onThe Malaysian Grand Prix will be remembered as one of the shortest F1 races ever. But Jenson Button will recall it as the first race where he started from pole position, set fastest lap and won the race. Here’s more of the stats and facts from the Sepang race.
F1 links: Button “revitalised”
Posted onBrawn hails 'revitalised' Button Brawn on Button: "I don't think last year with the equipment he had… I commented a few times, I saw some good races, I saw some races that were not great. You know him, you can see he is revelling in it and he is driving very well. He is such … Continue reading F1 links: Button “revitalised”
Malaysian GP fuel weights and strategies
Posted onHere are the starting weight of each car and their projected first stint length. At Sepang the cars use fuel at a rate of approximately 2.38kg 2.64kg per lap (figures revised below accordingly). Grid Qualifying Name Weight Fuel (kg) First stint (laps) 1 1 Jenson Button 660 55 20 2 2 Jarno Trulli 656.5 51.5 … Continue reading Malaysian GP fuel weights and strategies
Button takes second pole position of 2009 (Malaysian Grand Prix qualifying)
Posted onJenson Button made it two pole positions in a row as he beat Jarno Trulli by less than a tenth of a second in qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix. But Felipe Massa will start from 16th after he and Ferrari made a disastrous mistake early in the session.
Should F1 have ??twilight? races? (Poll)
Posted onThe Malaysian Grand Prix this weekend will, like the Australian Grand Prix last weekend, be another ??twilight? race. These two races have later start times in an effort to improve television audiences in Europe. But is it safe to start races so late, and does it make any difference to the television figures?
Malaysian Grand Prix Practice 3 Live Blog
Posted onNico Rosberg was fastest yet again in final practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix – the fifth time he’s been quickest in practice this year. Review the Malaysian Grand Prix Practice 3 Live Blog below.
F1 links: Ecclestone slams Vettel penalty
Posted onEcclestone Believes Vettel Penalty Unjust Bernie Ecclestone on Vettel's penalty: "It was wrong. The poor guy is punished for an accident. He lost third place. If the rule is that you get punished for a collision with another driver, then soon we will have no more fights. We want to see more wheel-to-wheel (duels), not … Continue reading F1 links: Ecclestone slams Vettel penalty
Malaysian GP pictures: practice
Posted onRound two of the 2009 F1 season began today with practice for the Malaysian Grand Prix. Here’s a selection of pictures of all the teams and drivers.
Two sides to the Hamilton-Trulli controversy: Another avoidable crisis
Posted onRadio conversations have shown that in the moments after Lewis Hamilton overtook Jarno Trulli in the Australian Grand Prix McLaren’s first concern was to ensure they had not broken any rules. The responsibility for the controversy that ensued lies as much with the FIA and the stewards as it does McLaren.