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Post by afx on May 19, 2015 4:23:28 GMT -8
Haas wants to 'push boundaries' in first Formula 1 season
The Haas team's first Formula 1 car must "push the boundaries" and not be conservative, according to chief designer Rob Taylor.
The all-new American outfit, owned by Gene Haas, has an engine deal and technical partnership with Ferrari, which means the Scuderia supplies Haas with all 'non-listed' parts.
Behind the scenes at America's new F1 team
Given the knowledge that the Ferrari relationship will bring along with Haas' motor racing experience in America, the team wants to hit the ground running from the first race.
"We're not being conservative," Taylor told AUTOSPORT. "It's a race team so we've got to try our best and we've got to push the boundaries.
"Obviously there's an awareness that we don't want to stumble. We need to finish races and perform well."
Taylor said the objective is to qualify mid-grid before challenging at the lower end of the points and gradually working its way up the field.
"That would be the ambition," said the former Red Bull and Jaguar designer. "Not too ambitious, but a reasonably ambitious target.
"We've got to give ourselves these targets, don't we?"
HAAS has faith in Dallara
The design and development of the car has been outsourced to Italian race car constructor Dallara, which most recently acted as a supplier to HRT (pictured below).
However, unlike the HRT arrangement, Haas has control over the project, with Taylor having overall responsibility for the car rather than Dallara.
Was HRT always doomed to fail?
And despite admitting one-make single-seater specialist Dallara has not been known for producing cutting edge F1 chassis, Taylor believes the company has the potential to do so.
"I think there is a grain of truth in it," he said of Dallara's reputation.
"They have been working on non-competitive sets of regulations for the last few years and I think they relish the challenge of being back against a competitive set of regulations.
"They're definitely up for the challenge and I think the equipment they've been given, with the Ferrari powertrain, gives us the ability to deliver a good car."
Team principal Gunther Steiner added: "They know that because they didn't do this for a long time they need expertise.
"And we, with our people, bring that expertise to the party. That is the plan behind why Rob is there.
"Rob can concentrate on leading a team which designs a car, instead of setting infrastructure up and buying computers and buying software. That's all there and their engineers are good."
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Post by afx on May 25, 2015 13:44:17 GMT -8
What was Mercedes thinking pitting Hamilton in Monaco during the safety car? These are the kind of mistakes that happen when a team is put under pressure internally (Rosberg) or externally (Ferrari).
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Post by Chris K. Hale on May 25, 2015 15:06:36 GMT -8
The idea, aside from having a full fan suction system is the long awaited Canopy!! Yeah eventually they will all have them! All it will take is one more driver to die from contact with a wheel tire assembly and they will get written into the rules... the Ferrari is a unique car I particularly like the fitment of the Helmet to the body to add aero stability and WTF it just looks cool!!! another thing about the Red Bull is they actually made one! well a mock up that Vettel was able to get in a a play the video game associated to it.. On to MONACO!! an awesome Race!! that was truly a Bonehead move on the part of the Mercedes crew but Hey it is a Team Sport right? Nico has been my man for many seasons so any time he wins..I celebrate!! Chris
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Post by afx on May 29, 2015 2:01:45 GMT -8
FIA on the search for a new F1 team
The FIA has opened up a selection process to try to attract a new Formula One team to the grid for either 2016 or 2017.
The Haas F1 team is due to join the grid next year as the 11th team, but the FIA is open to a 12th as soon as next year if a suitable candidate car be found. The governing body has invited would-be candidates to submit a formal expression of interest by June 30, with full applications due by September 1 and a possible decision on a new team as early as September 30.
The FIA said it has opened up the selection process with "due regard for the sustainability and future success of the Formula One World Championship". It insists all applicants will undergo thorough due diligence and the criteria, which will be communicated in full to those who express their interest, will include:
a) The technical ability and resources of the team b) The ability of the team to raise and maintain sufficient funding to allow participation in the championship at a competitive level c) The team's experience and human resources d) The FIA's assessment of the value that the candidate may bring to the championship as a whole
The governing body made clear, however, that it and F1's commercial rights holder - i.e. Bernie Ecclestone - may opt to select none of the applicants if they are not deemed suitable.
The last time new F1 teams made it to the grid was in 2010 with the addition of Hispania, Caterham and Virgin. Only Virgin now remains in the form of Manor, with the other two teams folding over the last five years.
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Post by afx on Jun 2, 2015 3:13:11 GMT -8
Haas F1 Team, the new American squad joining Formula 1 in 2016, is now turning its attention to drivers.
Esteban Gutierrez, who is a reserve driver for Ferrari - Haas F1 Team's technical partner - appears to be in pole position for one seat. But Californian GP2 driver Alexander Rossi might also be a contender, while team owner Gene Haas has not ruled out a spectacular switch from NASCAR for Danica Patrick.
The list of possible drivers, however, is much longer than that, Haas indicated in a recent interview with USA Today.
"I think the seriousness of the interest is picking up quite a bit," he said. "Right now there's a lot of churning in the garage there in Formula 1. Some people are doing really well and everybody else is doing really bad. Some of the teams they thought would do good, really missed it."
He might be talking about Nico Hulkenberg and Sergio Perez, who have been openly disappointed with Force India's progress in 2016.
Haas continued: "The drivers we would probably be getting are drivers who have gone to another team and aren't happy with that team's progress.
"I think drivers are very cognizant of the fact that if they choose the wrong venue, they can screw their careers. Because when there's technological issues they haven't overcome, they're wasting a whole year."
I sincerely hope they pick drivers on competency and not for publicity or funding. I'm not excited about Gutierrez and Danica would be nothing more than a publicity stunt. If they could Hulkenberg that would be a major score for Haas.
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Post by afx on Jun 18, 2015 2:21:28 GMT -8
Red Bull to switch to Ferrari?
Red Bull and sister team Toro Rosso could be powered by Ferrari from 2016, according to a report in the German press.
The two Red bull-backed outfits are currently partnered with French manufacturer Renault, but the relationship that brought four consecutive Drivers' and Constructors' Championships has fractured of late due to Renault's failure to produce and engine that's able to challenge for victories.
Red Bull have endured a highly frustrating 2015 season in which they have collected just 54 points from seven races and have failed to secure a podium finish.
As a result, there has been much speculation that Red Bull will look to leave F1 if Renault are unable to make them competitive, while a mooted partnership with Audi has been quashed.
According to German publication Sport Bild, a possible solution to the Milton Keynes-based team's struggles is a link up with Ferrari in 2016, even though their deal with Renault runs through next season.
While a Red Bull-Ferrari partnership may seem a strange one, the Italian manufacturer has already had a spell as Red Bull supplier, having powered Red Bull in 2006, while Toro Rosso switched to Ferrari the following year.
However, a competitive engine will come at a cost for Red Bull. According to the reports, Ferrari are open to joining forces with Red Bull, but the Bulls would have definite 'B' team status and would have a specification of engine 20-30 horsepower behind that of the works Ferrari team.
While this situation would not be ideal, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko believes that it's a better one to where they currently stand.
"Even a B version of the Ferrari would be better than the A version of the Renault," Marko told Sports Bild.
The reports come after Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul revealed that Renault would not rush into a decision about their F1 future, with a decision only to be made in the latter stages of the year.
"Red Bull wants the confidence we have the capacity to catch up, and on our side we need the certainty we can catch up," Abiteboul told Autosport.
"We also need to have confidence in the value of the sport and in the value of this partnership. This is something that is built over time. There is no rush."
He added: "I know this is the type of organisation that starts drawing early. I would imagine at some point later in 2015 they will want to know what is going on in 2017.
Wow!! The Red Bull Renault relationship keeps sinking further and further into the muck.
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Post by afx on Jul 28, 2015 7:12:55 GMT -8
After watching Hungary I am more convinced than ever that Rosberg will never be world champion. To throw away a rare chance to outscore Hamilton by chopping off Ricciardo was an act of desperation. Hamilton is so far in his head he will never beat him.
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Post by Chris K. Hale on Jul 28, 2015 9:39:57 GMT -8
I fear Nico has a very immature streak and under pressure this lack of maturity comes out.. Vettel had a similar problem but eventually overcame it. Just saying.. Chris
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Post by crazyed on Jul 28, 2015 10:00:37 GMT -8
And what has worked in Hamiltons favor is this Season he has become easier on his Team when things arn't going his way. I was Amazed at the Radio message complimenting the Team at the end of the Race instead of blaming them. The Kid's Growin' Up!
Ed
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Post by afx on Sept 17, 2015 10:29:19 GMT -8
Alexander Rossi hoping Manor drive will open doors for 2016
Alexander Rossi is hoping his five races with Manor at the end of this season will allow him to prove his worth as a Formula One driver.
The American signed a deal with F1's smallest team to replace Roberto Mehri at five of the remaining seven races this year, while continuing his campaign in F1's feeder series GP2. Rossi's nationality would make him a good fit with Gene Haas' new team, which will join the grid next year, but he is not getting ahead of himself at this stage.
"To be honest, I don't know," Rossi said when asked about 2016. "I'm going to try and prove that I am more than capable of racing in F1 and that I have all of the necessary boxes ticked. The best way to do that is on track and being the only American with a super licence and now a race start is some stuff I have in my corner for sure. But whether it leads anything has yet to be seen."
However, Haas is looking for experience in its driver line-up and Rossi is aware that he might have to look elsewhere.
"My goal is to race full time in Formula One and whatever situation that is and whatever situation presents itself, I'm going to jump at with open arms. What this may lead to, I don't know but I'm hopeful that doing a good job in these five races will prove to everyone that I belong and am capable of doing it just as much as anyone else.
"The big thing that I've been missing for the last three years in my F1 career is actually racing. We have been close a few times, but it's very surreal now that it is about to happen. This is a major step in really firmly putting myself on the Formula One map and the radar, so I'm just focusing on doing a good job in these next five races and showing that I am capable of being in Formula One and doing a good job."
Rossi believes having an American driver on the grid is a big boost for F1 in the United States and he is hoping fans show their support at his home race in Austin next month.
"I think it's a massive boost. I think it's going to be really special in Austin in a couple of weeks. Having Austin come back onto the calendar, we have already seen the progress that has given and having an American team come in next year is going to take that a bit further and then a driver is the final piece in the puzzle. Hopefully the American fans can get behind this next year and this can be a preview of them for the future."
No commercial link-up has been announced yet, but Rossi said to watch out for new sponsors on the car in Austin.
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Post by Patrick on Sept 17, 2015 12:22:25 GMT -8
Hell, why not just put a full body on the cars instead of all those piece parts. I hate 'um! Give me a clean simple body (like this...) and let's go racing!!! Well, what did you expect from me!!!!!!!!!! Patrick
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Post by afx on Dec 2, 2015 8:12:03 GMT -8
Force India close to finalising deal for Aston Martin's F1 return
Force India is close to finalising a deal with Aston Martin that will see the British sportscar manufacturer return to Formula 1 after a 55-year absence.
Autosport revealed at the end of October that the Aston Martin name was likely to return to F1, after a two-year run in 1959-60.
Talks have continued in recent weeks about the details, which will likely see the team renamed to Aston Martin Racing, and run with a blue and gold livery as part of a link with sponsor Johnnie Walker.
"We're close," Force India's chief operating officer Otmar Szafnauer told Autosport during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
"I think in maybe another week to 10 days we'll be able to announce something."
Assessing the potential impact of the link, Szafnauer added: "Either way we should be OK, but maybe with Aston we'll have a different look and attract some other types of sponsors and maybe get some more money in.
"If we can do that, it will help us make that next step and continue the form that we've showed in the final part of this year."
Force India claimed fifth in the constructors' championship, thanks primarily to the introduction of the B-spec for the second half of the campaign.
Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg combined had a 59 strike rate in scoring points over the upgraded car's 11 races, including finishing fifth and seventh in Abu Dhabi last weekend.
"We were the fifth quickest team. Not bad," Szafnauer said.
"It's encouraging because I think we've made good strides over the season, and hopefully the trajectory of development will continue into next year.
"I think we can carry it into next year because the regulations don't change much, so everything we have learned this year will apply to next year."
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Post by afx on Dec 3, 2015 3:25:12 GMT -8
McLaren has released its vision for the future of Formula One by designing a concept car featuring futuristic technology.
Although the design is only a marketing exercise, the MP4-X features real technologies McLaren believes could be put to use in the future. Much like the Ferrari concept car released earlier this year, it also offers a glimpse of what the Formula One's future might look like.
The MP4-X features energy recovery systems along the same lines as the ones in use today in F1, but McLaren says it would have "new approach to the internal combustion engine" and "thin batteries" that form a part of the crash structure. It would also feature solar panels built into the bodywork that would contribute to the car's power ... although not at night races.
From a safety perspective, the car features a canopy over the cockpit, an idea that has gathered momentum following the death of Justin Wilson in IndyCar earlier this year.
"I was one of many drivers who said, 'This is open-cockpit racing, it should stay as open-cockpit racing,' but I think we've had enough now," McLaren driver Jenson Button said. "We've got to get a canopy on the car of some sort, because we can't have these sorts of accidents happening as much as they have over the last few years. It's not the 1970s any more, we should know better. Canopies probably are the way to go, but obviously that takes time."
But it's not all new technology, the MP4-X has also been designed with ground-effect aerodynamics, a concept that was banned in Formula One in 1982. The smaller internal combustion engine and fuel tank would allow for huge Venturi tunnels beneath the floor to create a "powerful aerodynamic effect". In addition, McLaren claims the chassis would change shape to adapt to different aerodynamic demands -- think super-advanced DRS. The shape-shifting bodywork would also feature digital billboards that would tailor sponsors' messages to its audiences.
"Just like the webpages you view, the adverts are chosen specifically for you -- meaning that the car will look different to everyone," McLaren claims.
Put simply, the MP4-X will be able to read your mind.
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Post by afx on Dec 23, 2015 10:24:19 GMT -8
Reports claiming Michael Schumacher can walk again are 'not true'
Michael Schumacher's manager says recent reports the seven-time world champion is walking again are "not true", adding that they are "irresponsible" and give "false hope" to his fans.
Very few updates on Schumacher's condition have emerged in the past year, but this week German magazine Bunte published an article saying the ex-F1 driver was walking with the help of therapists and can raise an arm. However, his manager Sabine Kehm says the reports are not based on facts and asked the media to avoid speculation on Schumacher's condition.
"Unfortunately, we are forced by a recent press report to clarify that the assertion that Michael could move again is not true," Kehm said in a statement issued to media. "Such speculation is irresponsible, because given the seriousness of his injuries, his privacy is very important for Michael. Unfortunately they also give false hopes to many involved people."
Schumacher suffered severe head injuries following a skiing accident two years ago in France. He has been receiving rehabilitation treatment in his home since June last year, but few updates have been released in order to protect his privacy.
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