Bleacher Report - Articles by Ryan Wood

No Deal Reached, Ferrari Take FIA To Court

Ryan Wood — Fri, 15 May 2009 15:38:42 -0400

The meeting between the FIA and FOTA has ended with neither side backing down, nor a compromise being reached. Max Mosley said, in a very brief interview that 'friendly' discussions with the teams had resulted in no resolution.

FOTA are now meeting to discuss their response to the FIA over the £40 million budget cap. With Ferrari confirming they have lodged legal action against the FIA, through a French court to block the 2010 rules from being implemented.

"During the meeting it became apparent that Ferrari have made an application to the French courts to apply for an injunction to stop us doing what we want to do," Mosley said.

"So that is where the situation rests as far as Ferrari is concerned."

When asked about the threat of a handful of major teams leaving the sport Mosley replied: "I'd be very surprised in the end if they do," but added "when people start bringing proceedings it becomes very difficult to negotiate with them."

Mosley also stated that he and the FIA are not willing to back down over the £40 million budget cap for 2010, saying: "The regulations are as published. We have explained that we want everyone to race under the same regulations. We have explained that we would like all of the teams to come in under the cost cap and that is what they have gone off to consider.

"We have said that we cannot see why anyone wouldn't want to operate under the cost cap, and it would mean a gradual relaxation of the technical regulations—which all the engineers would want. We said in the end the choice was between intellectual freedom and financial constraint, or intellectual constraint and financial freedom—which is what they have had up until now.

"We have pointed out, and it is something the engineers have said, that current F1 consists of endless refinement at enormous expense and we want to move away from that and have invention and creativity, but we can only do that if we restrict the cost—because if we have unrestricted cost nobody would be able to afford it.

"I think some of the teams agree with that idea, and some don't, and they have gone away to discuss it."

The meeting currently taking place between FOTA members is to find a way of spending less, without having to operate under a two-tier system.

Mosley confirmed that FOTA are discussing different ideas: "The teams have gone off to see if they can come up with something better than the cost cap."

The F1Times will bring you all the news from the FOTA meeting...

No 'Winner Takes All' System For 2010

Ryan Wood — Fri, 08 May 2009 11:16:46 -0400

There was talk last week, when the regulations for 2010 were released by the FIA that the medals system had been slipped back in under the radar. A system Bernie Ecclestone supports, and wants implemented in 2010.

Ecclestone almost had his way in 2009, when the FIA passed the new system, but had to withdraw it after several complaints from FOTA, and their own rules which stated new rules could not be announced just 30 days before the start of the season.

So, 2010, it looked like Ecclestone and the FIA had managed to get the new 'winner takes-all' system into the new regulations. However, it has now been removed from the 2010 regulations.

The new regulations, which have now been re-published now say: "The Formula One World Championship driver’s title will be awarded to the driver who has scored the highest number of points, taking into consideration all the results obtained during the Events which have actually taken place."

So the system we are used to has been reinstated. This is after FOTA notified FIA race director Charlie Whiting about the new regulation, which would have seen Felipe Massa win in 2008. The FIA have admitted that this was simply a mistake made in the regulations for 2010 published after the April 29th meeting.

It has now been rectified, although it could make a return if Bernie has his way.

Ryan Wood

Q&A: Alonso, Piquet and Symonds

Ryan Wood — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:51:58 -0400

With Renault languishing in fifth place behind McLaren, Alonso and Piquet talk us through their feelings from the past few races, what they expect to achieve at Fernando's home Grand Prix. Renault's Pat Symonds explains what's to come from the R29.

Fernando Alonso: Driver

Fernando you had a physically draining race in Bahrain, but you still came away with a point.

Yes, my drink pump failed and so it was a tough race and I was a bit dehydrated when I got out of the car. It was good to score a point, but we were hoping for more after all our hard work over the last couple of weeks. I didn’t make a good start and lost ground which decided my race because all the cars around me were running similar strategies. I think it’s fair to say that we were the eighth fastest car and so finishing eighth is representative of our performance at the moment.

This weekend it’s your home Grand Prix in Barcelona. How special is it to race in front of your home crowd?

It’s always very special to race in Spain and I’m lucky to have two races at home this year in Barcelona and Valencia. Seeing the support of the fans always gives me a boost and I just hope that I can make them happy and have a strong weekend. It will be difficult to fight for the podium, but hopefully we can qualify well and score some big points in the race.

Tell us about the Barcelona circuit and how you expect the R29 to perform there?

All the teams know the track well as we do so much testing there in the winter. We tested there in February, but obviously we have developed the car a lot since then so we will need to work on the set-up during free practice. We are still missing some performance at the moment but the team has really improved the car already this season so we are certainly moving in the right direction. Hopefully we can take another step forward this weekend.

Nelson Piquet: Driver

Nelson, we’re a quarter of the way into the season. Sum up your feelings as we return to Europe for the Spanish Grand Prix…

It has been a difficult start to the year for me, but I feel I’ve learnt a lot from the first four races. The wet races in Malaysia and China were quite frustrating and we couldn’t really judge the performance of the car, but I’m feeling a lot more positive after Bahrain where I raced with the new diffuser. It would have been great to finish in the points, but all the cars are very competitive and reliable this year so to finish tenth was probably the best result that was possible on the day.

Barcelona is probably the track where you’ve driven the most. Do you enjoy racing there?

It’s the circuit that I know the best, but it’s not one of my favourites because it’s not especially challenging for the drivers. It’s all about having a good aero package and a well balanced car to cope with the high-speed corners. It’s therefore difficult to overtake, so you need to qualify well to be able to choose a sensible strategy for the race. Barcelona is also really demanding for the tyres and so we need to see how the different compounds perform during long runs on Friday.

How much has the R29 improved since the start of the year?

We’ve definitely improved the car by fitting the new diffuser and the team did a great job to react quickly and adapt the car. We also had an update to the front wing in Bahrain and the car is now much easier to drive than it was at the beginning of the year. I know the whole team is working really hard to find more performance and now that we are back in Europe it will be easier to bring new developments to the races.

To find out what Pat Symonds thinks of the R29, and the new updates coming this weekend, visit the F1 Times website.

Photo and Q&A Courtesy of RenaultF1 .com

Trulli Handed 25-sec Penalty, Lewis Is P3

Ryan Wood — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 04:43:13 -0400

Jarno Trulli is under investigation after overtaking Lewis Hamilton under safety car conditions.

McLaren have informed the FIA that LH was in P3, after overtaking Trulli as he went off-track under the SC. Trulli then reclaimed his P3, which under FIA rules is illegal.

*Update*

Trulli has been handed a 25 second penalty for overtaking during the Safety Car period, Lewis will move into P3 , and Trulli will take P12.

*Update*

Vettel handed 10-place grid penalty for crash with Kubica and $50,000 fine for continuing with a damaged car.

Two Crazy Decisions Announced Today By Bernie and FIA

Ryan Wood — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:40:32 -0400

The FIA have announced the driver who wins the most races will win the WDC, and if two drivers draw on wins, then points will be taken into account.

Why is this bad?

Consistent teams, who score consistent second and third places, and could have won under the 2008 system, now have zero chance of winning.
Driver equality within a team will be zero. If driver A wins two races to begin, then who is the team going to back? The driver with two wins or zero wins?
The season will finish much earlier. Under this system, the season could be finished in August, rather than September. The second radical change will take effect in 2010.

The FIA has proposed a €30 million budget cap. The cap is optional, however a team which signs up to the budget cap will have more freedom, more testing, no engine rev restrictions, no wind-tunnel caps, and the freedom to have more moveable parts.

If a team doesn't sign up, then they will have less freedom, more restrictions, and more FIA checks.

Why is this bad?

Almost everything is included, driver salaries, staff salaries and down to things like motor-homes. So a team like Ferrari, who spend over €30 million on Kimi and Massa's salaries alone would never be able to sign up to these changes. Thus creating an unfair, and unequal playing field. Inequality at its best.

Is this too much change in just two years of F1? No other sport in history will have undergone such changes over a period of two years: aerodynamics, ban on winglets, engine caps, budget caps, a new points systems, and even more.

What do you think?

McLaren Pioneer New Driverless F1 Car: Breaking Story

Ryan Wood — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:50:34 -0400

Finally, the truth has emerged as to why McLaren-Mercedes have been so slow in winter testing this year.

They have decided to pioneer a brand new "driverless" F1 car which has no need for anyone to be in the cockpit. This is the real reason behind the sandbagging. Due to all the extra weight from the servers and motors used to drive the car, plus the weight of Lewis or Heikki, the car has been unbalanced.

However, come Australia there will be no driver, thus less weight, and they will gain around two to three seconds per lap.

The new car will be driven from the pits using multiple screen and motors linked to the car.

"The new car will allow me to drive from the comfort of my new room in the McLaren motor-home," said Lewis Hamilton. "Not only will I be able to drink/eat/urinate whilst driving, but the fear of crashing will be nil. I won't be in the car, so the safety aspect is amazing."

Don't believe me, well watch this (until the end).

Barcelona Testing Times, Brawn GP Fly, McLaren Flop

Ryan Wood — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 09:45:53 -0400

Testing at Barcelona began today with the track a little wet from a small shower which led to teams using the intermediates for the start of the session. The rain shortly disappeared, with the track drying in less than half an hour.

Toro Rosso and Brawn GP both debuted their cars to the public today with Button setting quick lap after quick lap. This led to Button topping the time sheets at the end of the session, over half a second ahead of second placed man Jarno Trulli in the impressive Toyota.

Yet again McLaren languished in last place, with Heikki clocking a time of 1:24:289, over three seconds off Button's pace.

In fact, the top three teams from 2008 were the slowest three teams today, you could almost turn the times round to reveal the 2008 WCC results.

So, have Brawn GP finally conquered the game that is F1? Its looking positive, however with a blank car you can't overlook the fact they may be putting in some 'Glory Laps' with low fuel to attract sponsorship in these difficult times.

Have the top three teams from 2008 (Ferrari, McLaren and BMW), lost out in these new regulations? Its unlikely, Ferrari have proven their pace in past 2009 tests, BMW had problems today which saw Nick Heidfeld clock just one lap in the early morning, and minimal laps in the afternoon.

However, we come back to McLaren who have been in the bottom three throughout 2009. They chose to run the 2009 regulation wing today, which is a welcome sign. Or is it? When McLaren run the 2009 wing they are often miles of the pace, and today was no different.

Heikki couldn't match even Force India's pace which saw them clock the fourth fastest time.

Is there any course for concern? Following Billy Sexton's article, many people have different views on the problems facing McLaren. Problems? Sandbagging? They're telling the truth about their pace?

I personally, and after looking at some recent photo's feel the team are sandbagging, lets take a look at my reasons:

If you know about rear diffusers you'll see the McLaren's rear diffuser has been blocked off, and is a very simple design. This may be because they have something they don't want us and more importantly their competitors to see.

Secondly, this is from a dutch reporter at the circuit commenting on Heikki's progress:

'So far, it appears the team is mainly concentrating on the new rear wing and the behavior of the car. Thus the Finn his McLaren car has almost stopped at the beginning of the straight piece and then pulled hard way. Kovalainen also sometimes runs at half speed on the straight piece.'

So are McLaren just testing the rear wing, and therefore not pushing hard? Is Heikki only doing half speed on the straights? Is the rear diffuser really slowing them down by three seconds?

Personally, I think the answer is yes, McLaren are a top team, three seconds is huge in F1.

Testing Times from this morning:

01. J. Button Brawn GP 1:21.140
02. J. Trulli Toyota 1:21.794
03. N. Piquet Jr. Renault 1:22.008
04. A. Sutil Force India 1:22.452
05. S. Bourdais Toro Rosso 1:22.660
06. M. Webber Red Bull Racing 1:22.679
07. K. Nakajima Williams 1:22.813
08. K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:22.869
09. N. Heidfeld BMW 1:23.605
10. H. Kovalainen McLaren 1:24.289

Toro Rosso STR4: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:47:23 -0400

So, finally all the teams have unveiled their 2009 challengers. The last is Toro Rosso with the new STR4.

The car currently features the 2008 rear wing (a little like McLaren), however, this is the only 2008 part the car features.

It looks very similar to the Red Bull RB5 for obvious reasons, and the Red Bull sponsors don't help to distinguish it.

Take a look at the launch pictures below, and tell me what you think.

Side View:

Front View:

Front/Side View:

(source: Toro Rosso website)

Brawn GP, BGP 001 (Honda F1): First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:16:13 -0500

Almost all the 2009 F1 cars have been unveiled, we just have to wait for the Toro Rosso—which I presume will look very similar to the Red Bull RB5, and the newly named Brawn Racing.

Today though, I bring you the very first pictures of the new Brawn Grand Prix BGP 001 F1 car, formally the Honda F1 team.

The car currently supports a white livery, with fluorescent yellow lines running from the nose to the rear. This will obviously change when the car reaches Melbourne later this month, and will hopefully feature some sponsors.

The car is running a Mercedes engine, currently being used by Force India and of course McLaren.

Take a look at the photo's below from testing at Silverstone.

Side View:

Top View:

Front/Side View:

(source: main image - planet-f1, first, second & third image - private contact)

Force India VJM-02: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:01:21 -0500

With the car not officially launched until tomorrow, I have been able to secure these photo's of the VJM-02 (name not official, although likely).

The colour scheme has changed this year, maybe to stop the confusion with its new big brother, McLaren.

Overall, the car looks quite tidy and petite, what do you think? Spot any similarities between it and the McLaren? (very similar front suspension)

Side View:

Front/Side View:

Top View:

Front View:

Virgin F1 Team: Soon To Be a Reality?

Ryan Wood — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 05:16:48 -0500

Richard Branson has made a legitimate bid for the Honda F1 team, set to rival the management buyout fronted by Nick Fry and Ross Brawn.

The British Billionaire, owner of the Virgin Group which consists of over 100 companies, including; an Airline, Retail, Train Company, Health Company, Telecommunications, Finance, Radio and many more.

The bid has yet to be confirmed by Virgin, Richard or Honda, but reliable sources close to the Japanese manufacturer have said the bid is 'legitimate'.

Could Branson be the saviour of Honda, and Jenson Button's career? The odds look good with Virgin still turning a profit in 2007, and Sir Richard Branson being ranked 20th richest man in the UK.

How do you feel about Virgin being involved in F1?

My personal view is very supportive.

**Update**

Confirmation of Virgins bid has been announced by Honda - and is supposedly one of several. Expect a decision by March 1st on who is successful.

First Pictures: Red Bull RB5

Ryan Wood — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:12:34 -0500

The Red Bull RB5 has been launched in another low key event at the Jerez circuit.

Mark Webber was able to attend, (which is promising after his cycling accident) along with new team-mate Sebastian Vettel and former driver (now consultant) David Coulthard.

Adrian Newey has said due to the new regulations, the biggest changes since 1983, the car is completely new, which is why Christian Horner, team boss expects the RB5 to produce some wins in the '09 season.

Lets take a look at the car;

Publicity Shot:

Side View:

Front View:

Top View:

Rear Wing

Testing Photo's:

The next debut will be the Scuderia Toro Rosso, I hope you'll join me then.

Eight Funniest Moments In Formula One

Ryan Wood — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 09:02:05 -0500

Not in any particular order, these are some of the funniest moments I could recall that have happened in Formula One.

(Some video's contain strong language)

1. Montoya leaves a press conference after two Australian reporters bombard him with strange questions.

Watch the video here

2. Raikkonen is pretty blunt with his answer when Martin asks a question about coming to the grid pretty late. Martin's reaction "you'll have a nice light car then".

Watch the video here (contains strong language)

3. Montoya goes crazy after he walks into a cameraman. It broke his head, which may be why he retired from F1.

Watch the video here (contains lots of strong language)

4. We all remember this moment. The European Grand prix when a gravel trap turned into a very expensive parking lot. In total seven cars spun off into the trap, with Lewis Hamilton hitching a lift back onto the track from a friendly crane.

Watch the video here

5. Singapore, Ferrari mechanics completing the 100m sprint, whilst being cheered on my the McLaren boys.

Watch the video here

6. Schumacher storms to Coulthards garage after the pair were involved in an accident which saw them both retire.

Watch the video here

7. Man runs onto track dressed as a lepricorn at the Silverstone GP in 2003.

Watch the video here

8. Taki Inoue gets hit by the emergency car in Hungary at the 1995 GP. (suggested by James Broomhead)

Watch the video here

Whitmarsh Cannot Wait To Direct Hamilton's Title Defence (The Guardian)

Ryan Wood — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 12:38:50 -0500

I didn't write this, in fact it's a story from the Guardian, I just thought it was a nice interview, and put some things about Ron, McLaren, Martin and Lewis into perspective.

Enjoy...

Martin Whitmarsh, wearing a sober black suit against a gleaming white backdrop, looks ready to take on one of the most demanding jobs in British sport. As lean and angular in appearance as he is expansive and amiable in character, the new team principal for McLaren‑ Mercedes is responsible for supplying Lewis Hamilton with a car that must be fast and reliable enough to help him retain his formula one world championship.

In the face of ferocious competition from Ferrari, still burning with disappointment after losing the 2008 title on the very last corner of the very last race, Whitmarsh rocks coolly in his chair in McLaren's beautiful racing kingdom in Woking, Surrey. His serenity is underpinned by the knowledge that his role will begin officially on 1 March when Ron Dennis finally steps aside as team leader, and by the confidence he draws from the best driver in the world.

"Lewis Hamilton is a phenomenon," Whitmarsh says. "I've had the pleasure of watching him more closely than anyone through his junior career and I've long known he is extraordinarily gifted. And anyone who has watched a little formula one these last two seasons knows he's capable of incredible things. So can he win again this year? Of course – if we do a good job behind him. Lewis has retained his focus and so the pressure is all on us.

"If Lewis had not won the championship last year I think it would have been tougher for us as a team, rather than him. I think this building would have been a very dark place for many of us over the winter. Don't get me wrong. It would have been psychologically testing for Lewis if he hadn't won. He would've had that inevitable thought: 'Is this ever going to happen?' But he's at such an early stage of his career he would have recovered far more quickly than me or Ron."

The 50-year-old Whitmarsh smiles politely at the suggestion that, under Dennis, he has been a patient and stoical man. "I've had to be patient because I've been here a very long time. I joined the company in 1989 and my relationship with Ron has had its ups and downs. But Ron has also been extraordinarily generous to me. I don't readily admit this to myself – let alone others. But Ron has shaped and formed me over the years. I also believe, immodestly, that I can turn his mind on to things like no one else."

Whitmarsh tells a lovely story about his first few months at McLaren, which also illustrates the way his subtle influence has changed the company over the past 20 years. After he earned, in his words, "an unexceptional engineering degree" at what is now the University of Portsmouth in 1980, he made a dazzling rise up the ranks of British Aerospace to become a director while still in his twenties.

"I've been very lucky in my career," he says in his understated way, "and there was a strong element of being in the right place at the right time. I then had a few calls from head-hunters and one was from McLaren. I only came out of an interest in the actual racing cars. And my instinct as soon as I met Ron was that we'd never be able to work together. I thought it would be impossible for him to delegate and so I declined to join McLaren.

"Ron, however, is a consummate salesman. He won't let up until the deal is done. So I eventually took the job and at my first grand prix I was flabbergasted to see Ron holding the lollipop stick during pit stops. I said: 'Ron, what are you doing?' He said: 'It's an important job and if someone is going to make a mistake then it's best the buck stops with me.' I disagreed because, firstly, I didn't feel it was the best position for him to get an overall view of the race. Secondly, and more symbolically, I thought it sent out the wrong message from him as team principal. So, after a few more races, he gave it up."

Whitmarsh laughs when asked if Dennis needed much persuading. "We'd had a heated discussion not too long before that in which I'd said: 'Ron, you can't dele gate. I don't think I can stay.' Ron promised me he could delegate and, ironically, the lollipop issue was the first test of that. I'd just appointed Dave Ryan, who is still our team manager, and I insisted Ron hand his lollipop over to Davey. Rather sheepishly Ron did so – and that's the last we saw of him as a lollipop man."

Whitmarsh is candid when asked how difficult it will be for Dennis outside the pit lane – despite the old bruiser suggesting he will now work "harder than ever" in McLaren's various other businesses while remaining chairman of the overall group. "Amazingly difficult," Whitmarsh says. "I'm the person who has been closest professionally to Ron in his whole career and so I know he'll say it won't be hard – but it will be incredibly difficult. If it wasn't I'd be worried because that wouldn't be the Ron Dennis I know. He's always poured everything into winning the next race."

The most recent McLaren world championship, won almost three months ago by Hamilton, meant the most to both Dennis and Whitmarsh. "We've been fortunate to have won a few but last season was special – partly because we came out of a horrendous 2007, but mainly because of our relationship with Lewis. I was at that dinner when, as a 10-year-old, he introduced himself to Ron. I don't remember that incident myself but I soon became very aware of him.

"He always had this look in his eye and that bone-crunching handshake. He was obviously told that was the thing to do because he does it to this day. But it was quite surreal when he did it as a little boy. He'd be looking up at you while almost crushing your hand at the same time. You'd think: 'Ow! This kid has a very painful handshake!' That purposeful determination was always there with Lewis – but the strange thing is that he's gentle and sensitive as well.

"He has a depth of humanity which also means there is a vulnerability to him. He is affected by things happening around him. Some great racing drivers have an absolutely cold focus on what it takes to win. They see life purely through a visor. Sometimes you wish Lewis was like that, but in a broader sense, and in the longer term, he can also deal with issues and problems in a more philosophical way. His perspective is much deeper than most racing drivers'.

"It's interesting that my wife, Debbie, who has known him for years, always says: 'Lewis, don't change! Stay exactly as you are!' Debbie is very passionate about Lewis and she actually found him his first flat in Woking when he began racing for us. But of course Lewis has changed, as we all do, because of the immense pressure and expectation.

"That's why 2009 is going to be such an intriguing year for all of us – and perhaps Lewis most of all. He was a boy who, at the age of eight, started to dream of becoming world champion. He probably got out of bed every morning having dreamed that same dream.

"You shouldn't underestimate the change that happens when you achieve a dream at a very young age. There have been fascinating studies of world-class athletes who dream of winning an Olympic title or a world championship and when they succeed they suddenly realise it's not quite as fulfilling as they imagined. They ask themselves the question: 'Where do I go from here?' I think Lewis has already answered that question."

Whitmarsh smiles contentedly, as if he already knows the answer to an even more loaded question. Can Hamilton, who has just turned 24, eventually match Michael Schumacher's record seven world championships? "Oh yes, he clearly has the potential do that. He won't talk about it because he's too modest, and what Michael did is extraordinary. But with great champions you don't want to match it – you want to beat it. The key thing about Lewis is that he's still very young and he hasn't reached the peak of his powers as a racing driver. That must be very worrying for his competitors."

The reverse is obviously true for Whitmarsh. McLaren's new supremo carries the look of a man intent on hunting down victory both this season and over the next few years as he and Hamilton quietly pursue one of the truly great sporting records. "Lewis will rightly tell you that the only current objective is to win again this year to show that he is a worthy champion. We'll see what happens after that. But I think he can do whatever he wants because the immense pressure he was under last year has been released. We should be in for quite a journey."

The Guardian & Media, Donald McRae, 24/01/09

2009 F1 Racers

Ryan Wood — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 07:33:35 -0500

This page contains links to all the 2009 F1 launch cars, for easier comparison.

The page will be updated with new launch links as they become available.

2009 F1 Racers:

Comparison photo's

BMW Formula 1 Car for 2009: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:58:27 -0500

BMW have launched their 2009 contender in the form of the F1.09 at the Valencia track this morning. Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld were both in attendance to reveal the car.

Mario Theissen said at the launch "In 2009, we are looking to maintain our first-class reliability record, while at the same time enhancing our performance levels so that we can be at the front of the pack on a consistent basis.

"We are aware that we are aiming extremely high. This is the final step in our development, and that's generally the hardest one to take."

The F1.09 is fully fitted with KERS, which will later be tested today.

Front View:

Side View

Testing Photos:

(more photos coming)

Other 2009 launches:

Renault R29: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:00:52 -0500

The Renault R29 was launched this morning in a very low key, on track launch. This has come after Ferrari, Toyota, McLaren and Williams all launched their cars without the usual fanfare.

The R29 has a slight difference in the paint scheme, with much more red visible on the front and rear wings, due to the new sponsor of Total.

Renault are the only team so far to have opted for the shark-fin cover, which was used by several teams last year.

Rear View:

Side View:

Front View:

(Note the front nose, very bulky, may be due to the failure of the FIA Crash test?)

Testing Photo's

Click me to see, the new Williams 2009 competitor.

Other 2009 launches:

Tomorrow we will have the launch of the BMW, join me then.

Williams FW31: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 06:46:47 -0500

Williams have unveiled there 2009 car to the world today in a very low key launch.

The FW31, was launched at the Algarve circuit, where it will later be tested by Nico Hulkenburg.

The car is fully fitted with KERS, and the narrow rear wing, whilst the new livery, a deep shade of blue masks the size of the front wing quite well.

Side view:

Front View:

Testing Photo's

Renault have also launched their 2009 car today. Click me to see!

Other 2009 launches:

Ferrari F60

Toyota TF109

McLaren MP4-24

Ron Dennis Steps Down From Mclaren F1 Team

Ryan Wood — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:39:14 -0500

Ron Dennis has decided to step down as McLaren team principal before the season opener in Melbourne. The 62-year-old has said, "It's time for Martin to take over. It is 100% my decision. This is a job he will embrace and from now most race-day decisions will be his."

This news comes just hours after McLaren launched their 2009 challenger the MP4-24.

Mr. Dennis continued with, "I still have huge passion for F1 and I want to be supportive of Martin's responsibilities, but that will come purely in the form of voicing an opinion.

"Maybe they'll get my opinion when they don't want it! But I hope Martin will listen to my opinions, even if ultimately, as it will, the ultimate decision rests solely with him.

"This is the right time for this decision. But don't see this as some sort of retirement because it is the exact opposite.

"The first thing I must do is raise my own game because everybody realises this is a tough period in which to work. My decision, and it is solely, and exclusively my decision, has been made on the basis of what is best for McLaren.

"We are a very diverse organisation and we have a number of other projects ongoing, including the development of our road car, and that is going to be a real challenge.

"However, really I want to downplay this decision, because today is about the new car, where we're going forward as a team. It certainly isn't about my stepping down."

Martin Whitmarsh has been with the team for 20 years, when he took over as head of operations. "It doesn't feel like a bombshell to me. Ron has reached this point and I was keen for him to dictate a time-frame, but I certainly didn't push him.

"I've worked with Ron for 20 years and he has had an incredible career, but Formula One is changing and evolving and so is this business," added Whitmarsh.

So, will this news effect how the team operates? Does Ron secretly know the MP4-24 isn't capable of winning races, so he is bowing out with a WDC? I doubt it, but we shall see.

Your comments please...

McLaren Mercedes MP4-24: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:42:36 -0500

The McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 launched this morning at 11:00 (GMT) at the McLaren factory in Woking. Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen, Gary Parfett and Pedro De La Rosa were all in attendance.

The car on show is Lewis Hamilton's 2009 challenger sporting the number one.

The car is fitted with the new wide front wing and narrow rear wing, the car also has KERS completely installed.

The photo's currently released aren't great, and don't make it comparable to the F60 and TF109, however I shall update the photo's as McLaren release more.

Front Wing:

Rear Wing:

Side View:

Testing Photo's

Join me on Monday 19th when Williams will unveil their car.

Other 2009 launches:

Toyota TF109: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:33:09 -0500

On Monday it was the first F1 launch of the Ferrari F60, which got relatively good comments and praise on its looks. Today, it's Toyotas turn.

Here are the first pictures from the launch which took place at www.tf109-premiere.com at 11:00 (GMT) today. (actual time I could get on, due to the sheer amount of traffic, was actually (11:20)

Watch the promotional video:

Front View:

Top View:

Side View:

Testing Photo's

Other 2009 launches:

Fisi and Addy Feature in New F1 Calendar (WARNING: Cringe Rating 10/10)

Ryan Wood — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 19:13:29 -0500

I was browsing some F1 Forum earlier today (Planet-F1 if you must know) and a lovely image of this girl popped up (see above).

I thought, oh, a nice new calendar for the lads to look through. Girls and F1 cars, what more does a man need?

Well, and I apologise in advance, the calendar went from good to bad, then even worse.

As I scrolled down the page, looking for some more beauties, two images popped up, I then realised, maybe this calendar isn't for the guys.

Fisi and Addy, as they are so aptly named in the calendar, popped up...shirtless.

If you don't want to see Mr. February and Mr. April, click the little back button now!

(here they come, be careful not to be sick from the cringe factor)

Poor lads, how much must they have been paid to do this? Well, I know one thing for sure, I won't be buying the Force India calendar.

Maybe the McLaren one, unless they've gone and done the same.

Lies and Deceit, Finally an Apology To Ron Dennis

Ryan Wood — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:12:58 -0500

After a former employee of Mr Dennis launched a scathing attack on his former boss, accusing Ron Dennis of being a homophobe, the man behind the lies finally apologises and drops his case.

Mr Boland, a former steward aboard Ron's private jet was sacked because a rumour about his sexuality had reached Ron's ears. Mr Boland then went on to explain how Ron had said he must wash his hands after shaking hands with arabs all day, a claim which Mr Dennis denies.

Mr Boland has officially apologised to Mr Dennis and his family for any upset he may have caused them.

The court case started to diminish after a key witness, who works for Ron Dennis is openly homosexual, and has worked his way up into a senior position without any interference from Ron Dennis.

Mr Boland is expected to receive £10,000-20,000 after he was sacked without following the correct procedures. This is just a fraction of the £100,000 he was claiming from the McLaren Group.

Ron Dennis described the case as "hurtful, irritating and unnecessary."

(*note: this article would have been longer, but I have been having trouble with publishing all day)

Mercedes Throws Honda a Bone "For the Sake of Formular One"

Ryan Wood — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:36:58 -0500

Sorry guys, I have had to write this story as a Slideshow because it won't let me publish normal articles. (no idea why) I will try and get it written as a normal article, if and when I can. Don't worry its only the one slide, so it shouldn't be much hassle. Click below to read... With thanks to Autosport for the story.

Begin Slideshow

Ferrari F60: First Pictures

Ryan Wood — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:11:05 -0500

Ferrari are the first team to unveil the latest F1 challenger. The F60 so called because Ferrari have competed in all 60 championships.

The car sports the new regulation front and rear wings, as well as the new side-pod mounted wing mirrors for better vision, in the hope it will aid in not loosing your huge, wide, almost comically big front wing.

Felipe Massa will test the car later today.

The car is also fitted with the new KERS system which will be tested today, so the rumours that Ferrari weren't ready with KERS, were just rumours?

[Side view]

Testing Photo's

(Photo's courtesy of Ferrari)

Please Anne Doe's fantastic article for more photos of Massa in action, in the new F60.

Other 2009 launches:

F1: Where In The World Are We?

Ryan Wood — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:10:20 -0500

A quick, and quite simple test of your F1 knowledge. A picture will be displayed along with a caption, all you have to do is guess where in the world the F1 circus is. For example, look at the above image, and then read the clue and then simply guess. (Clue's may have no relevance to Formula One) Clue: World's second largest country by area. All answers, Country and Track name written below please.

Begin Slideshow

Formula One: Could We Be Seeing Aston Martin On The Grid In '09?

Ryan Wood — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:24:39 -0500

David Richards, the former team principal of both BAR and Benetton F1 teams recently purchased Aston Martin from Ford for £479 million.

Why am I telling you this? Well it has been confirmed that David Richards is one of the buyers interested in the Honda F1 team, and has shown promising interest in the outfit.

Does David Richards and Aston Martin have what it takes to compete in F1?

The millionaire, often described as the Richard Branson of Motorsport, owns a racing team named Prodrive, which competes in the World Rally Championship with the Subaru Rally Team, it also competes in the 24hr Le Mans with the above Aston Martin, in which it came second in 2008.

So Prodrive has the credentials and taste of success needed to succeed in Formula One. It also has the Ferrari type passion which is needed in F1, the soul of Aston Martin, or as they'd put it, Power.Beauty.Soul and rightly so.

Max Mosley and the FIA granted Prodrive entry into F1 for the 2008 season, but Williams scuppered the plans when they challenged the use of customer cars, which then meant Prodrive had to pull out. Richards still made out that his intentions were to enter F1 in the near future.

Prodrive and Aston Martin both have good connections with Mercedes-Benz, a current engine supplier for both. Could this mean Mercedes will supply three teams on the grid in 2009? Ferrari did it in 2008, so it seems likely.

Prodrive revealed that it is relocating to a new factory based in Wroxall, Warwickshire named the Fulcrum. The facility is an up-to-date factory and testing facility which has been rumored to be the home of the Prodrive F1 development team. The base can hold over 1,000 employees, currently the amount Mclaren have working for them.

So he has the brand, the passion, the soul, the factory, the experience, the engine supplier, the drive the intentions and past success. To me, it sounds like a perfect marriage made in heaven, and one I would thoroughly back.

Just don't expect the team to be called Aston Martin Mercedes, because it will never happen. Would you want to put the reputation of the coolest brand (as voted by the world) on the line, and see the team fail? Expect it to be named Prodrive F1 or Prodrive Mercedes F1.

In Theory, Formula One Teams Could be Run on Peanuts

Ryan Wood — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 01:17:17 -0500

The majority of articles on B/R are focusing on the impending demise of Formula One, and rightly so. With Honda pulling out of F1 due to money problems, I will take a look back at my Money, Money, Money series and see where costs could be saved, and how much, in theory a team could be run on.

Five months ago, I wrote three articles which focused on how much money was spent, where it was spent and how teams made money in F1.

Part One: Budgets.

Part Two: Making money.

Part Three: Component costs.

Lets take a quick look at how competitive each teams was in terms of how much each point cost them this season (figures are estimates based on 2007, and 2008 reports).

Price Per Point Analysis:

Force India spent £80 million in 2008, and scored Zero points, therefore they paid the most in F1 and got the least reward. This is expected, due to the nature of the team they took over.

Honda are by far the team who spent the most, but got the least reward. In 2008 Honda spent £200 million, however they scored just 14 points which meant they spent an astonishing £14.2 million per point in '08.

Now do we see why they bowed out of F1?

In third place is Red Bull, but the difference between how much they spent per point is vast compared to Honda, at just £4.6 million. Budget—£135 million, points—29.

So already we can see how far behind the other teams Honda were, and the huge gap between last (not including Force India) and second to last.

Williams spent £110 million, but were only three points behind Red Bull with 26, this gave them a PPP (Price Per Point) of £4.23 million. Could this mean Williams are the next team to bow out of F1? They may have spent less per point that Red Bull, but they have no major manufacturer backing, nor a billionaire owner.

Lets quickly take a look at the rest of the field;

Toyota spent £220 million, scored 59 points which means the PPP is £3.9 million.

Renault spent £175 million, scored 80 points which means the PPP is £2.2 million.

BMW Sauber spent £200 million, scored 135 points which means the PPP is £1.4 million.

McLaren spent £210 million, scored 151 points which means the PPP is £1.23 million.

Ferrari spent £212 million, scored 172 points which means the PPP is £1.23 million.

Last but not least, and a bit of a shock is Toro Rosso who only spent £45 million which gives them the lowest cost per point at just £1.15 million.

This quick analysis points toward Williams being the weakest team on the grid, and the likeliest to fold next.

Nonetheless, this doesn't tell us anything about how much a successful team can be run on, so lets look at where costs could be saved, by taking Ferrari as an example:

Wage decrease:

Michael Griffin proposed all drivers accept a £5 million wage. This would cut costs dramatically within a team. Ferrari currently pay Raikkonen £25 million and Massa £7 million, a total of £32 million, with the MG system, Ferrari would save £22 million.

So already we have cut Ferrari's budget from £212 million to £190 million.

Engine costs:

Most teams on the grid spent 45-50% of their budget on engine development and production. This includes teams like Toro Rosso who bought Ferrari engines for the 2007 season at a cost of £18 million, which is 40% of their budget. So Ferrari spend around £90 million on engine's and engine development.

With the proposed standardized engine proposal, engine costs would be dramatically reduced from £90 million to just £10 million. Already reducing Ferrari's budget from £190 million to £110 million, a 52% reduction.

Sponsorship:

With sponsorship opportunities dropping, teams are having to look at lowering sponsorship costs to attract new business.

With lower running costs in F1, teams could easily afford to do this.

McLaren are paid £40 million a year from Vodafone, and an extra £12 million each fromSantander, Johnnie Walker, Hugo Boss, TAG, Aigo, Mobil 1 etc. Sponsorship at McLarentotals £160 million, this is similar for Ferrari who are paid almost double for the title sponsor, but have less minor sponsors.

If top teams dropped sponsorship prices by 30%, they would still be able to turn a profit using the standard engines and lower wages.

On top of this, drivers would still get promotional deals to top up their earnings, teams would make money through merchandise and their share of the FOM profits which are under negotiation. Teams are looking for at least £33 million a year.

This article only touches the tip of the iceberg which are Formula One costs, but there is definitely room for savings, whilst still being competitive.

The Beginning of the End for Formula One

Ryan Wood — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:41:06 -0500

I would like to throw some information at you, it might be a little hard to digest, but bare with me.

AT&T, title sponsor of Williams F1 has announced it will cut 12,000 jobs in an effort to significantly reduce costs. [05/12/08]
Phillips, Williams F1 second sponsor has reported its 3rd quarter profit will drop by at least 25%. [05/12/08]
Credit Suisse, official partner to BMW F1 team has announced a further 5,300 jobs will be cut to reduce costs. [05/12/08]
Honda F1 teams has officially announced that it is pulling out of F1 due to falling profits. [05/12/08]
Sales of new cars fall by over a third, the biggest drop in 28 years. Most F1 teams are of course owned by car companies. [01/12/08]
Ford, Daimler and General Motors could all become bankrupt within the next year if emergency loans are not put into effect to prop them up in the financial crisis. Daimler of course own Mercedes-Benz who part own McLaren F1.
Kingfisher, owned by Vijay Mallya needs to raise $100 million through equity due to financial crisis.

So that's just a few news clips from this weeks papers. It seems everyday we see more and more companies going bust due to the economic crisis. The worst of course being banks and automakers, who of course are heavily involved in F1, Santander, ING, Ferrari, Mercedes, GM, BMW, Toyota, etc etc.

Sponsors pay millions to have their name on the side of a Formula One car. Companies who currently sponsor F1 teams are cutting thousands of jobs to save a few million. Is it not easier for them to stop sponsoring F1, and save huge sums of money?

Well, today we found out that Honda F1 are leaving the sport (a very sad moment i'm sure you will all agree). Many thought Honda to be the most financially stable team on the grid, however, we must have been wrong.

So were am I going with all of this?

F1 needs big companies to sponsor them. F1 needs big companies to sponsor tracks. Without these big companies investing millions in the sport, F1 will literally fall apart, I believe we have just witnessed the beginning of the end of Formula One. Honda, one of the best funded teams have left us, who is next? Only time will tell, but will we see even nine teams on the grid in 2009, its looking unlikely.

What is becoming of the sport that was once the greatest sport on earth, a sport in which companies fought fearsomely to be apart of?

What Does an F1 Driver Do in the Offseason? (Part Three)

Ryan Wood — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 00:12:58 -0500

What does an F1 driver do in the offseason?

Well, for the first time in history, this series will uncover the answer by delving into the deep dark world which is the F1 offseason.

In Part One, we brought you Lewis Hamilton, Robert Kubica, Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, and Sebastian Vettel.

Last week, in Part Two, we brought you Heikki Kovalainen, Kazuki Nakajima, Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, and Nelson Piquet.

This week, we bring you, Jarno Trulli, Rubens Barrichello, Timo Glock, Nick Heidfeld, and Adrian Sutil.

Join the Trulli train my friends, choo choo!

Jarno Trulli isn't known for his love of trains, but he is known for his skill, which is of course the Trulli train which you can usually find snaking its way around an F1 track.

The train enthusiast enjoys steaming around the Italian countryside on his 1978 steam loca-motive named Trulli express, and his many carriages, including Webber, Piquet, Rosberg, Bourdais, Button, and Sutil, they can often be seen following the main engine.

Rubens gets used to the easy life

Rubens Barrichello has decided to settle down now that he is almost guaranteed not to have a seat in 2009. The 36 year old, who has hit retirement age for an F1 driver is getting used to the easy life with a spot of golf.

The Brazilian was overheard saying "this accelerates much quicker than my Honda company car, do you think we could steal the engine for 2009?"

Glock opens doors, to let people through

Timo Glock, not very well known for anything until Sunday, 2 November, has returned to his usual job of opening doors for the general public.

The Toyota driver, who slowed on the final lap of the Brazilian Grand Prix and let Lewis Hamilton through is so used to opening doors and making space for people to pass through, that he often confuses which job he is meant to be doing.

You can sometimes find him running around the foyer of the Hilton in London, making F1 noises as he takes the racing line around the corridors - we've all done it!

P.S. A quick note to thank the man that made Lewis Hamilton's dream a reality.

Nick learns some new tricks for 09'

Where does Heidfeld learn his next tricks? You might not have guessed, but he enjoys watching Roadrunner on the Cartoon Network. This not only serves as a time passing, boredom buster, but in fact he learns his next move in F1 from the hit '50s show.

Heidfeld has all 48 episodes on VHS, and has learnt the art of acceleration, braking, cornering and the part where they run off a cliff, stay suspended for 10 seconds then fall to the ground in an almighty crash, the latter has yet to be seen in an F1 race, but Heidfeld has hinted it may be used in the upcoming season.

Trivia: Ever wondered why BMW never broadcast Heidfeld's radio, because he constantly communicates using Roadrunner language: Meep Meep.

Sutil releases an album

Adrian Sutil, a member of the American Folk song band, Hillybilly boys, although the title is set to change to Hillybilly grandads next year, has released a new album, aptly named, 'the one that got away'.

The song was written about his 2008 Monaco Grand Prix, in which sutil lied fourth in the running for five points, until the unfortunate event, when Raikkonen, who was still suffering from the 50 percent sale at his bar 'Bar-Kimi' (featured in Part One) ploughed into the back of his Force India.

Next Week

In the final edition of the series, we bring you the remaining five drivers and their secret F1 jobs in the offseason.