Yesterday, the FIA announced that US F1 would not be participating in the 2010 Formula One World Championship. They also announced that it was too late for a replacement teams to be drafted in for the American team. This announcement came despite repeated statements from Stefan Grand Prix that they had a package ready for the first race of the season. This debacle has shown that the entry process that the FIA is using for Formula One is flawed. Continue reading
F1 2010
Formula One: Barcelona Testing Recap
The final pre-season test was the only one at a track on the 2010 F1 calendar. The Circuit de Catalunya plays host to the Spanish Grand Prix, the fifth stop of the F1 circus in 2010, and the final stop of preseason testing. Four group tests have brought us closer to a picture of how the 2010 Formula One World Championship will shape up. The conditions were mostly dry which gave teams ample opportunity to get their cars fine tuned for the first race of the season at Bahrain. So who was fastest in the final test of the year and who looks strong for the season? Times and analysis after the jump. Continue reading
Formula One: Jerez Test Week 2 Recap
After four days of nearly total wet weather running last week, eleven of this year’s F1 entrants were back at the Jerez Circuit in Spain for four more days of testing. For the second straight week, it was supposed to be a wet winter week in Spain as the teams battled the weather and each other for testing supremacy. However, everyone caught a break as the final two days dried out and the speeds picked up. This week also saw the debut of Lotus to run alongside fellow new entrant Virgin F1. The week’s testing time and analysis after the jump. Continue reading
Formula One: Jerez Testing Recap
The spiritual home of Formula One testing was the host to the second week of F1 pre-season testing. It was also host to the first wet weather running of 2010 as three of the four testing days were plagued by rain. While it’s good experience for the teams to see how their cars perform with low grip, it adds another layer of deception to the times the teams lay down. Not only are speeds affected by fuel loads but the track conditions when the time is set. So who is looking good in the biggest test of the winter so far? Times and analysis after the jump. Continue reading
Formula 1: Valencia Testing Recap
The start of February meant the end of the moratorium on testing in Formula One. Seven of the thirteen teams entered in the 2010 World Championship were at the Circuito Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain, to shakedown their cars. All of the teams there were in the 2009 Championship. There were teams looking to build on last year’s success and others looking for a complete turnaround. There were new faces in new places and some familiar faces making their return to action. So who looks best after the first three days of testing? Times and analysis after the jump. Continue reading
Formula 1: Track Changes A Plenty
While the FIA and FOTA have been working on ways to improve the show by making the cars more passing friendly, a pair of circuits are taking the initiative to improve the show on their end. The Silverstone Circuit, home of the British Grand Prix, and the Sakhir Circuit, home of the Bahrain Grand Prix, will both feature a new layout for their 2010 grand prix weekends.
Track maps and analysis after the jump. Continue reading
Formula 1: Bernie Could Become A Manufacturer
The new head of General Motors Europe recently revealed one of the groups that are considering a bid for Saab. It turns out that Formula One Supremo Bernie Ecclestone is part of a bidding group that includes Luxembourg-based venture capital group Genii Capital (also the majority owner of Renault F1). Of course, while Bernie is making big waves off track, he’s still making news in Formula One. Continue reading
Formula 1: Rules Changes Changing Cars
As we’ve mentioned before in our periodic F1 updates on the blog, Formula One has banned refuelling during the race for the 2010 season. Teams now have to carry enough fuel to run the 300+ km of race distance or otherwise suffer an embarrassing end of their grand prix on the side of the road. However, that isn’t the only rules change happening this season and teams are plotting rules changes for 2011, as well. Continue reading
Formula 1: Schumacher Returns With Mercedes
The greatest driver in Formula One history is ending his three-year retirement and returning to the company that gave him his start in high-level motorsports. Michael Schumacher has signed a contract with Mercedes Grand Prix for three years at about £20 million. Continue reading
Formula 1: New Teams Setting Lineups
Of the five new teams expected to enter Formula One next season, three have named drivers while all are progressing in their efforts to make the grid. Today, Virgin F1 (originally Manor House) was the second of the new teams to announce a complete driver lineup. At the sharp end of the grid, Mercedes GP appear to have a familiar face coming in as their lead driver. Continue reading
The Lowdown 