F1 2014 thread

[Willie Trombone]

 

[vinodh]

The 6 wheeler at the bottom and the tea tray on the top is not too bad. But that thing in the middle with the huge nostrils is vile.

I think this Auto Union from 1938 is awesome:

 

[Willie Trombone]

The 6 wheeler at the bottom and the tea tray on the top is not too bad. But that thing in the middle with the huge nostrils is vile.

I think this Auto Union from 1938 is awesome:

^One of my favourite designs...
The golden era of racing
http://www.kolumbus.fi/leif.snellman/dm.htm

Found Buller Meyer's name on that list... very cool bit of history.

So who owns a copy of this book?
http://www.amazon.com/Sun-Grid-Endurance-Racing-Africa/dp/1870519493

I saw one autographed by the author on BoB some time back for just over R1k. Kicking myself for not buying it.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Dennis back at McLaren F1
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112170

 

[Willie Trombone]

John Button dies at 70
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112113

 

[Polish]

What reeeeeally pissed me off about last year was the lack of competitive racing from most of the capable teams.

Yes so RB has/ had the advantage for a few years but for nobody to really put up a fight is disgusting.

Expecting to see a revitalized field, granted the rich boys will still be in front but lets at least all compete for the trophy.

 

[Polish]

Dennis back at McLaren F1
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112170

Very happy about this, very.

I am sure Whitmarsh is good at something but its not running a top notch F1 team.

 

[Willie Trombone]

What reeeeeally pissed me off about last year was the lack of competitive racing from most of the capable teams.

Yes so RB has/ had the advantage for a few years but for nobody to really put up a fight is disgusting.

Expecting to see a revitalized field, granted the rich boys will still be in front but lets at least all compete for the trophy.

You can be sure they'd have put up a fight if they were allowed to. Those tyres didn't allow anyone to race even half decently, I don't think we can appreciate it fully. How many times didn't we hear 'slow down, your tyres are too hot' and 'you need to save tyres' over the radio the whole season long? That's not racing, that's following pit wall orders.

 

[Polish]

I can understand the obvious safety reason for stopping the refuelling, though with it it has removed the aspect of visible strategy and viewer attraction. Using tyre strategies may work in the background but means nothing to a watching TV audience, especially those who are not stringent followers. Imo, tyres should never have become such big factors.

In all honestly, had it not been for the change in engines, etc, I would likely and sadly just be watching highlights.

 

[Willie Trombone]

I can understand the obvious safety reason for stopping the refuelling, though with it it has removed the aspect of visible strategy and viewer attraction. Using tyre strategies may work in the background but means nothing to a watching TV audience, especially those who are not stringent followers. Imo, tyres should never have become such big factors.

In all honestly, had it not been for the change in engines, etc, I would likely and sadly just be watching highlights.

Agree, another season like the last two would switch me off for good.

 

[Polish]

http://en.espnf1.com/caterham/motorsport/story/142267.html

Now that is excellent news. I have always rated this driver and am happy he has returned. Yes he will spend much time at the back, but maybe can push the Caterham to a top 10 finish or two.

 

[HapticSimian]

Force India reveals VJM07

Force India has become the first team to give fans a glimpse of its 2014 car by unexpectedly posting a sneak-peak of the VJM07 on Twitter.

The car sports a dramatic black new livery, a distinct change from previous years - though the white, saffron and green colours remain as before. New sponsors such as telecommunications brand Claro, Roshfrans and Astana are also visible on the car.

"The VJM07 looks stunning and the new livery reflects the way Sahara Force India is evolving," owner Vijay Mallya told the team's official website.

...



Read more here

Difficult to get a bearing on what the nose might look like, but that's a sexy silhouette.

 

[Polish]

Nooooooooice Force India, very styling, my fiancé will be happy, she is a FI supporter.

A string of launch dates starting with McLaren on Friday.

Happiness

 

[Willie Trombone]

Difficult to get a bearing on what the nose might look like, but that's a sexy silhouette.

That's an awesome change from the Force India team... very good looking car. Just a pity about the name.

How VJ gets around his debt / taxes and stays in F1 is a mystery.

 

[thestaggy]

Get rid of the green and that white piece below the cockpit on that Force India and we have a winner.

 

[Polish]

I like that touch of green.

I think Sauber and Williams had the fugliest cars in 2013.

I hope they change the livery.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Get rid of the green and that white piece below the cockpit on that Force India and we have a winner.

I think the green is awesome... complements the orange. Besides, it's the indian flag, they're not likely to get rid of it. That thing will have the Merc engine I imagine? That'll put them in a good position IMO.

 

[Polish]

Yupps.

Merc engine for the 6th year running. Believe it or not its their 7th year in F1.

Its like they joined yesterday. Real proof that there are no overnight miracle wonders in F1, everything is lots and lots of work.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Wow... I guess it's just hard to get in the door... though I dunno how racing for Caterham will enhance his chances for a Ferrari seat. Ferrari should have offered him a seat IMO. For free? Wow. Just Wow. How did the other teams miss that opportunity?

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/112216

Kamui Kobayashi was so eager to return to Formula 1 race action this year that he turned his back on an expanded Ferrari deal and is driving for Caterham for free.

The Japanese has secured an F1 comeback for 2014, as team-mate to rookie Marcus Ericsson.

Having failed to find a drive last year, he competed for Ferrari in the World Endurance Championship as well as taking part in F1 demonstration events.

Speaking at Caterham's Leafield headquarters on Tuesday, Kobayashi revealed that he had been offered another Ferrari contract for sportscars - as well as an expanded role on the F1 team that included simulator work.

But despite the security of such an offer, he was so keen to get back to grand prix racing that he did everything he could to persuade Caterham owner Tony Fernandes to take him when they first met in December last year.

"I am 27, I still need more to race in F1," said the former Toyota and Sauber driver. "That is why I chose to come back to F1.

"Ferrari offered me another contract, and Stefano [Domenicali] is not happy I didn't take it. But it is only my decision to be here.

"I took a risk in my life but it is important for me.

"Caterham needs some different energy and my experience is quite useful for this team. We'll see what I can do. I am quite confident."

With Caterham making no secret of the fact that it required drivers to bring financial support, Kobayashi has helped deliver a package that includes £1 million worth of funding that was raised when he asked fans to help him at the end of 2012.

Beyond that, Kobayashi also wanted to emphasise to Fernandes how eager he was by making no pay demands at all.

"I'm driving for free, it is my decision," he said. "It is just my approach. I want to do this job. This appeals to Tony, this was the message to Tony and he is happy about that.

"I want to help the team. I don't care about the money. I want to be successful in my life and I want to bring the team back successfully in my goals."

 

[Fox1]

Up next is the McLaren reveal tomorrow.