F1 2014 thread

[thestaggy]

The rumour I've seen circulating is that there's major Honda money already at play, but it'd obviously be a bit odd to have Honda branding plastered on a Merc-powered car. BMW Sauber Ferrari F1 Team of a few years ago notwithstanding, of course. McLaren is a top-tier team - one lacklustre season doesn't change that; it's unlikely that the lack of obvious sponsorship implies a pending financial crisis.

Just noted that a top-tier team is lacking a major sponsor's presence.

Also, a top-tier team wouldn't be impervious to financial difficulties in the face of poor results. Williams is the current example of how things can go sour. Williams has some strong business structures in place as well as lucrative commercial partnerships, but their F1 program now relies on pay drivers.

 

[HapticSimian]

Just noted that a top-tier team is lacking a major sponsor's presence.

Also, a top-tier team wouldn't be impervious to financial difficulties in the face of poor results. Williams is the current example of how things can go sour. Williams has some strong business structures in place as well as lucrative commercial partnerships, but their F1 program now relies on pay drivers.

I noted that you noted that with concern; you should note my response notes that others noted the same, and proposes that your concern might not be as noteworthy.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Just noted that a top-tier team is lacking a major sponsor's presence.

Also, a top-tier team wouldn't be impervious to financial difficulties in the face of poor results. Williams is the current example of how things can go sour. Williams has some strong business structures in place as well as lucrative commercial partnerships, but their F1 program now relies on pay drivers.

Personally, I would love to see another WC and a smile on Sr Frank's face before he quits. The guy's a legend along with Bruce McLaren when you consider the odds of putting together a successful F1 team.

 

[Willie Trombone]

I noted that you noted that with concern; you should note my response notes that others noted the same, and proposes that your concern might not be as noteworthy.

A note to confirm that if you notice this note, you'll notice that this notice is not worth taking note of.

 

[Polish]

A note to confirm that if you notice this note, you'll notice that this notice is not worth taking note of.

Noted.

 

[F1 Fan]

If I had 1 wish for F1, it would be to return refueling during the race. That alone, adds so much to a race strategy.

I agree. I also for some reason used to like the old qualifying structure (1 hot lap). Not sure if I liked it enough to bring it back though.

 

[Polish]

Lotus plays down Grosjean exit rumours

Lotus insists Romain Grosjean's future with the team is safe despite the departure of team boss Eric Boullier.

Grosjean enjoyed a close relationship with fellow countryman Boullier and there were claims in French media his time at Lotus could now be in doubt. But the team has been quick to play down these rumours, hinting a long-term deal could soon be on the cards.

The chief of Lotus team owner Genii Capital, Gerard Lopez, insists it is the management stable Gravity and not any individual in the team who brought Grosjean to Lotus, meaning there is no concern or doubt over the Frenchman's future.

Link http://en.espnf1.com/lotusf1/motorsport/story/142923.html#vvpa4dIOGjFCgMKW.99

Where there's smoke there's fire, though I hope he stays.

Personally I think this driver is a bit ahead of his time. There is talent but he needs to grow and mature as a WC. Push too early and you could find yourself off the grid.

 

[Polish]

I agree. I also for some reason used to like the old qualifying structure (1 hot lap). Not sure if I liked it enough to bring it back though.

The current structure is well balanced, although a bit boring. Instead of watching the whole hour you kinda only have to watch Q3.

Unless there's bad weather, that always turns things upside down a bit.

 

[HapticSimian]

I agree. I also for some reason used to like the old qualifying structure (1 hot lap). Not sure if I liked it enough to bring it back though.

Yes on the refuelling, absolutely, but nee *** on the 1 hot lap qualifying format. Qualifying should present all drivers with a reasonable opportunity to secure the best starting positions they can. Prior to the single lap circus qualifying was a 1 hour session with drivers able to use their allotted 12 laps however they chose to. The current format is fine, but there was no good reason to change it in the first place.

 

[Polish]

And the whole issue of the double points for the last race.

I have read opinions on both sides, and understand the somewhat 'unfair' connotations.

However, fact is, nothing will be safe until the last race. This is an excitement factor to me.

 

[Wall]

And the whole issue of the double points for the last race.

I have read opinions on both sides, and understand the somewhat 'unfair' connotations.

However, fact is, nothing will be safe until the last race. This is an excitement factor to me.

it's absolute BS. F1 became boring to due the increased regulation. It's no longer about producing the fastest car and having the best race strategy. As we saw last year, Hamiltion saying " I can't go slower". That for me, was the moment, I realized that the F1 I grew up with and loved was gone.

 

[HapticSimian]

And the whole issue of the double points for the last race.

I have read opinions on both sides, and understand the somewhat 'unfair' connotations.

However, fact is, nothing will be safe until the last race. This is an excitement factor to me.

It's horribly artificial, is all... just like the DRS nonsense. It's just a damn shame that the FIA constantly have to introduce measures to keep things 'exciting' when simply reworking the regulations - mandating cars less reliant on aerodynamics and more on mechanical grip - would achieve the same in a much purer fashion.

 

[DJ...]

The FIA act just like any government body - constantly trying to force themselves to be relevant...

 

[Polish]

Anyone here going to any races this year ?

I'm getting married in April and my wtb knowing how much I love the sport and having become a fan herself since she met me has offered a race weekend as a honeymoon deal.

Very nice but somewhat a huge sacrifice, though am considering (never been to a live race but have been to testing).

 

[Willie Trombone]

Rosaudio has - check last season's thread. Sent some cool pics back. Also a macca fan.

 

[Polish]

Toro Rosso launches new STR9

Toro Rosso has become the latest team to officially launch their 2014 car after taking the covers off the STR9 at the Jerez circuit.

The STR9 is the first Toro Rosso car to have a Renault engine, as the team ends a seven-year affiliation with Ferrari. There is also a change to driver personnel this year, as Daniil Kvyat replaces the outgoing Daniel Ricciardo.

Jean-Eric Vergne has been retained for a third season, and will effectively assume the mantle of team leader following Ricciardo's promotion to Red Bull. The Frenchman will also be the first to get behind the wheel of the STR9 as the team takes to the track for the first time on Tuesday.

The STR9 keeps the traditional Toro Rosso livery and and features a prominent nose which is expected to be a common feature up and down the grid in 2014. After three online launches the STR9 is the first to be unveiled in front of the media, with the team doing so in the Jerez pitlane ahead of the first day of testing.

Link http://en.espnf1.com/tororosso/motorsport/story/142967.html#dY0VfIqPy3ERoilM.99

 

[Polish]

Lotus nose needs clarification - Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso has questioned whether Lotus' 2014 nose design fits within the spirit of the regulations, saying the two-pronged solution needs clarification.

The Toro Rosso STR9 was unveiled in the Jerez pit lane on the eve of pre-season testing on Monday with a prominent low and narrow nose to meet new regulations regarding the height of the front of the chassis. Several teams have adopted different approaches to the nose, with the aim of satisfying the regulations while maintaining air flow to the underside of the car.

Lotus, which will not take part in the opening test this week but has released images of its car, has opted for two tusk-like tips to the nose, with one slightly longer than the other. The design meets the regulations in theory, while allowing for airflow between the two nose tips to the underside of the car.

"The Lotus nose needs some clarification, but it's a very clever idea," Toro Rosso technical director James Key said. "The question is really whether it is in the spirit [of the regulations], but we'll see."

Key stressed that he did not consider the Lotus nose to be illegal and said Toro Rosso investigated a similar concept.

Link http://en.espnf1.com/tororosso/motorsport/story/143015.html#3Ux8J0bYp33PrP72.99

Its terrible this sometimes. Its like my dogs. One cannot stand it when the other one has found something interesting.

 

[Polish]

Testing starts in Jerez today, yaaaaay.

I know one cannot read too much but still

 

[Polish]

And its only 44 Days, 19 hours and 5 minutes until the engines start in Melbourne.

Happiness.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Anyone know of any live feeds for the testing? Probably stretching it