F1 2011 season, car launch etc.

[Deleted member 25]

Ferrari will be the car to beat this season, i think. Their pace and reliability is just brilliant. IIRC, the F150 has already clocked about 1500km on it, if not more.

Nope sir it's RBR

 

[Bartek S.]

Ecclestone concerned about Bahrain

Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has expressed his concern that unrest in Bahrain could affect the first race of the season.

Amid warnings on Tuesday from a campaign group in Bahrain that it will target the grand prix to publicise its cause, Ecclestone has admitted that the situation needs careful monitoring.

He has vowed to speak to Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman ibn Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa to get an update on the situation, but thinks it far too early to contemplate the possibility of calling the race off.

"The danger is obvious, isn't it?" Ecclestone told The Daily Telegraph. "If these people wanted to make a fuss and get worldwide recognition it would be bloody easy, wouldn't it?

"You start making a problem on the start grid in Bahrain and it would get worldwide coverage."

When asked if there was a possibility of the race being called off if the situation worsened, Ecclestone said: "I have no idea. It's hard to establish exactly what is going on.

"As I say, I'm speaking with the Crown Prince later on. We're watching events closely. We'll rely on what they think the right thing to do is."

Autosport

 

[Bartek S.]

Heidfeld confirmed at Renault

The Renault team has confirmed that Nick Heidfeld will be Robert Kubica's replacement this season, starting from this week's test at Barcelona. Heidfeld was expected to land the drive after impressing the outfit during his test at the Jerez circuit last week.

The 33-year-old will be working as an official Renault driver starting at this week's test at Barcelona, the German driving on Saturday and Monday.

"I would have liked to come back to Formula 1 in different circumstances, but I'm proud to have been given this chance," said Heidfeld. "Everything has happened so quickly, but I've been very impressed by what I have seen so far in terms of the facilities and the dedication of the people at Enstone.
"I really enjoyed the test last week in Jerez and I've already settled in well with the guys at the track. I have a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative. I'm extremely motivated and can't wait for the season to begin."

Heidfeld will race alongside Russian Vitaly Petrov while Kubica recovers from his injuries following his accident during a rally.

"The team has been through a very difficult couple of weeks and we had to react quickly," said team boss Eric Boullier. "We gave Nick a chance in Jerez last week and he really impressed us. He's quick, experienced and is very strong technically with his feedback and understanding of the car.

"We always said the priority was to have an experienced driver in the car and we feel he is the ideal man for the job. We are pleased to welcome Nick to the team and look forward to a strong start to the season with him and Vitaly in Bahrain."

 

[Remy Zero]

Side by side comparison

And the winning car...

 

[MBFanToDeath]

Bob Bell joins MERCEDES GP PETRONAS as Technical Director

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Brackley/Stuttgart, Feb 18, 2011

MERCEDES GP PETRONAS is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob Bell in the position of Technical Director with effect from 1 April 2011, further strengthening the team’s engineering expertise.

Reporting to Team Principal Ross Brawn, Bob’s role will primarily be based at the team’s factory in Brackley with overall responsibility for the technical operations of the chassis group. Bob’s appointment will allow Ross Brawn greater freedom to oversee the full programme between the team’s chassis group in Brackley and the engine group at Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines in Brixworth.

Bob began his career in motorsport as an aerodynamicist almost 30 years ago, working at McLaren, Benetton and Jordan, before becoming Deputy Technical Director at Renault in 2001. Bob was promoted to Technical Director in 2003 and played a key role in the team’s double championship-winning successes of 2005 and 2006. Bob remained at Renault, becoming Acting Team Principal in September 2009 and Managing Director in 2010, until his departure from the team in October of last year.

Bob Bell said: “I am both delighted and honored to be joining the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS Formula One Team as Technical Director. It will be a privilege to be a part of such a strong and determined organisation, and to be able to contribute to furthering the enviable heritage of Mercedes-Benz in motorsport.”

Ross Brawn, Team Principal of MERCEDES GP PETRONAS, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Bob to the MERCEDES GP PETRONAS team in the position of Technical Director. Bob’s appointment is a key step in the strengthening of our excellent technical team and we are pleased to have recruited one of the most experienced engineers in the sport. Bob will be an important asset to our team, bringing with him a wealth of Formula One knowledge and championship-winning experience, and we look forward to welcoming him at the start of April.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport, concluded: “Mercedes-Benz is fully committed to providing our Formula One team with the personnel and resources to compete at the forefront of the sport. Bob’s track record speaks for itself and I know he will be a valuable addition to our team as Technical Director. He shares our passion for competition and our vision for establishing long-term success with MERCEDES GP PETRONAS.”

Source: Bob Bell joins MERCEDES GP PETRONAS as Technical Director « The World Of Mercedes-Benz /////AMG

 

[Sunny]

Side by side comparison

McLaren has super long wheel base compared to rest.

 

[Bartek S.]

Vettel tops opening day at Barcelona

Pos Driver Car/team Time Gap Laps
1. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m24.374s 37
2. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m25.485s + 1.111s 101
3. Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m25.638s + 1.264s 57
4. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m25.641s + 1.267s 78
5. Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m26.365s + 1.991s 77
6. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m26.575s + 2.201s 26
7. Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m26.912s + 2.538s 52
8. Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1m27.512s + 3.138s 90
9. Narain Karthikeyan HRT-Cosworth 1m28.393s + 4.019s 116
10. Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Renault 1m30.065s + 5.691s 54
11. Jerome D'Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth 1m30.950s + 6.576s 116
12. Vitaly Petrov Renault 1m35.174s + 10.800s 20
13. Nick Heidfeld Renault 1m44.324s + 19.950s 27

 

[MoSs]

R they gonna cancel Bahrain gp next month due to the protest that's been going on?

 

[jack]

in my opinion it would really be disgusting if they'd drive in bahrain just some days after the military kills innocent people, just because they have a different opinion

 

[Deleted member 1071]

It's probably safe to say that the 2011 F1 season will start in Melbourne.

 

[Centurion]

TEsting in Barcelona ends on Monday and the very same day, freights of equipment are scheduled to be shipped to Bahrain. I don't see that happening. Bernie and the FIA must cancel the GP in Bahrain. And oh, if it's cancelled then Bahrain will never be able to host a race again.

 

[Bartek S.]

Vettel still quickest in Barcelona test

Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1m23.315s 104
2. Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m23.519s + 0.204 97
3. Alonso Ferrari 1m23.978s + 0.663 90
4. Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1m24.008s + 0.693 118
5. Heidfeld Renault 1m24.242s + 0.927 41
6. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1m24.243s + 0.928 125
7. Rosberg Mercedes 1m24.730s + 1.415 131
8. Button McLaren-Mercedes 1m24.923s + 1.608 54
9. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1m25.194s + 1.879 80
10. Kovalainen Lotus-Renault 1m26.421s + 3.106 58
11. Petrov Renault 1m26.884s + 3.569 61
12. Liuzzi HRT-Coswrorth 1m27.044s + 3.729 70
13. Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m27.242s + 3.927 66
14. Teixeira Lotus-Renault 1m31.584s + 8.269 26

 

[Gullwing]

McLaren has super long wheel base compared to rest.

It also has bigger wheels/tires, rear wing, engine cover...

It was just closer when they took the picture.

 

[Bartek S.]

Bahrain withdraws opening race

Bahrain Grand Prix organisers have announced that the event will not host the opening round of the 2011 Formula 1 season, after days of uncertainty following unrest in the country.

The decision was finally confirmed by the track organisers on Monday afternoon.

The Crown Prince informed Bernie Ecclestone of the decision by telephone earlier today.

"At the present time the country's entire attention is focused on building a new national dialogue for Bahrain," Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

"Although Bernie Ecclestone had graciously made clear that a decision on the race was entirely Bahrain's to make and was not yet required, we felt it was important for the country to focus on immediate issues of national interest and leave the hosting of Bahrain's Formula 1 race to a later date.

"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to Bernie Ecclestone for his support and understanding.

"After the events of the past week, our nation's priority is on overcoming tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws this country together; reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united."

Ecclestone added: "It is sad that Bahrain has had to withdraw from the race, we wish the whole nation well as they begin to heal their country.
"The hospitality and warmth of the people of Bahrain is a hallmark of the race there, as anyone who has been at a Bahrain Grand Prix will testify. We look forward to being back in Bahrain soon."

The postponement of the race means the season will now start in Australia on 27 March, two weeks later than originally scheduled.
Renault boss Eric Boullier said his team fully supported the decision.

"The recent situation in Bahrain has been very difficult for the country. We feel the decision taken by the Crown Prince is wise and we fully support it," he said.

"The Bahrain Grand Prix has always been welcomed with enthusiasm from the Bahraini people, and we're looking forward to going back there when they have healed their country. We will now amend our logistics accordingly and will get ready for Australia."

No decision has been made on a new date for the rescheduling of the race, which was due to take place from March 11th to 13th.

 

[Bartek S.]

Rosberg tops Barcelona day three

Pos Driver Team/car Time Gap Laps
1. Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1m23.168s 92
2. Vitaly Petrov Renault 1m23.463s + 0.295s 93
3. Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m23.858s + 0.690s 93
4. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Cosworth 1m24.815s + 1.647s 60
5. Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m24.995s + 1.827s 139
6. Jarno Trulli Lotus-Renault 1m25.454s + 2.286s 48
7. Sergio Perez Sauber-Ferrari 1m25.557s + 2.389s 115
8. Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m25.720s + 2.552s 102
9. Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m26.155s + 2.987s 31
10. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1m26.508s + 3.340s 123
11. Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1m26.598s + 3.430s 97
12. Giorgio Mondini Hispania-Cosworth 1m28.178s + 5.010s 39
13. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m28.329s + 5.161s 42
14. Narain Karthikeyan Hispania-Cosworth 1m30.722s + 7.554s 32

Barcelona final test day four

Pos Driver Team Time Laps
1. Massa Ferrari 1m22.625s 121
2. Webber Red Bull-Renault 1m23.442s + 0.817 69
3. Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1m23.550s + 0.925 90
4. Heidfeld Renault 1m23.657s + 1.032 95
5. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1m24.003s + 1.378 107
6. Maldonado Williams-Cosworth 1m24.057s + 1.432 121
7. Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1m24.177s + 1.552 64
8. Perez Sauber-Ferrari 1m24.515s + 1.890 74
9. D'Ambrosio Virgin-Cosworth 1m26.501s + 3.876 50
10. Schumacher Mercedes 1m27.079s + 4.454 114
11. Trulli Lotus-Renault 1m29.992s + 7.367 18

 

[Bartek S.]

Barcelona to host final F1 test
[QUOTEThe final test of the pre-season will take place at the Barcelona circuit following the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Bahrain was scheduled to host the test from the start of next week, but with the news that the Sakhir event has been withdrawn, teams have decided to do all their winter testing in Spain.
The Barcelona test will take place on March 8-11, some two weeks before the start of the season in Australia.
"It is obviously disappointing for everyone involved in the organisation of the event, but it is clear that to race in Bahrain at this time would be inappropriate given the current circumstances," said Williams CEO Adam Parr.
][/QUOTE]

 

[Remy Zero]

We have to wait until the end of March for the opening race. Bummer.

 

[Bartek S.]

2011 FORMULA 1 CALENDAR

Rnd Date Race
1 27 Mar Australia
2 10 Apr Malaysia
3 17 Apr China
4 8 May Turkey
5 22 May Spain
6 29 May Monaco
7 12 Jun Canada
8 26 Jun Europe - Valencia Street Circuit
9 10 Jul Great Britain
10 24 Jul Gernany
11 31 Jul Hungary
12 28 Aug Belgium
13 11 Sep Italy
14 25 Sep Singapore
15 9 Oct Japan
16 16 Oct Korea
17 30 Oct India
18 13 Nov Abu Dhabi
19 27 Nov Brazil

 

[Bartek S.]

Daimler completes team takeover

The Mercedes GP Formula 1 team is now wholly owned by the car manufacturer's parent company Daimler AG and financial partner Aabar Investments PJS, after the two companies bought out the other shareholders in the Brackley-based operation.

In a move that had been widely expected ever since Mercedes-Benz took over the then Brawn GP outfit, Daimler and Aabar have purchased the remaining 24.9 per cent of the outfit that was owned by team management including Ross Brawn and Nick Fry.

The new shareholding structure of the team has resulted in Daimler owning 60 per cent, with Aabar owning the remaining 40 per cent.
Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG, said the move to take over Mercedes GP fully was a statement of intent about his company's ambitions of remaining in F1.

"The acquisition of a majority stake holding in our Silver Arrows team sends a clear signal that we intend to achieve technical and sporting success on world motorsport's biggest and most important stage - and to do so in cost-effective conditions," he said.

Brawn, who helped save the team in the wake of Honda's departure from F1 at the end of 2008, said: "Daimler and Aabar's acquisition of the remaining 24.9 per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix will be a further step in the consolidation and strengthening of our team for the future.

 

[bmer]

Apparently Daimler doesn't have a share in McLaren anymore.

So now it's:

Mercedes GP
60 % - Daimler
40 % - Aabar

McLaren
50 % - Mumtalakat
50 % - Ron Dennis & TAG/Mansour Ojjeh