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[Wax Free Vanilla]

Anderson confirmed by the BBC:

Gary Anderson is the BBC F1 team's technical analyst. He had a 13-year career as an F1 technical director, starting with Jordan in 1991 before moving on to the Stewart and Jaguar teams, plus a second spell with Jordan.

He started his motorsport career in the 1970s, graduating to become Brabham's chief mechanic, before moving on to McLaren, and then designing cars in other areas of motorsport before joining Jordan for their debut F1 season in 1991.

Since leaving motorsport engineering, he has gained experience in broadcasting, working for Ireland's RTE, as well as F1 journalism.

Also:

Jennie Gow is BBC Radio 5 live's pit-lane reporter, a role she filled as a stand-in at the 2011 Canadian and Hungarian Grands Prix.

In 2010, she was the main presenter for the BBC's coverage of MotoGP. Prior to that, she presented motorsport programmes on several channels, including Channel 4 and Sky.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/bbc_f1_team/default.stm

 

[Lucius86]

You cannot start a new page in this thread any longer without a Webber pic.

Kubica, stop falling over and play F1 2011 with us, if you can't get in an F1 car :-(

 

[Salacious Crumb]

Holy shit, the last 50 or so posts had me in tears of laughter, and sadness.... Kubica

 

[Templar Wizard]

Gary Anderson AND EJ? har har, the row irish village idiots is complete! bbc is truely going free to air, its like Euroshopper version of F1.

AND YES, I can say that because I am Irish

 

[Edmond Dantès]

The reports claiming Kubica broke his leg are being rubbished now and people are claiming that he just twisted his ankle and that his tibia is fine.

Who to believe.

 

[Dead Man]

The reports claiming Kubica broke his leg are being rubbished now and people are claiming that he just twisted his ankle and that his tibia is fine.

Who to believe.

I hope it is all a misunderstanding and he was tap dancing on someone else broken leg.

 

[ANDY_098]

http://www.lotusrenaultgp.com/8177-Best-wishes-Robert.html

Lotus Renault GP is saddened to hear that Robert Kubica has suffered another setback in his battle to regain fitness for a return to Formula 1.

Everyone at the team would like to send our best wishes to Robert for a speedy recovery.

Team Principal Eric Boullier had this message for Robert: “Robert has shown fantastic courage and determination in his rehabilitation following the accident last year, and it is sad to hear that he has suffered this setback. On behalf of everyone at Lotus Renault GP, I would like to wish Robert a quick recovery”

Unfortunately I doubt they would send their best wishes if it was just a twisted ankle.

Chandhok has moved to JRM in the WEC

@karunchandhok: glad to confirm Ill be competing in the LMP1 class World Endurance Championship with JRM Racing! New chapter in my career

Given up on F1 by the sound of it.

 

[Dilly]

The reports claiming Kubica broke his leg are being rubbished now and people are claiming that he just twisted his ankle and that his tibia is fine.

Who to believe.

Actually, He's replacing Massa this year! If only.

I hope this is true though. I still miss him in F1.

 

[ANDY_098]

Ferrari has developed its own reactive ride-height system for 2012 F1 car
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96971

Ferrari has already developed its own version of the Lotus reactive ride-height system for its 2012 car, and is now just awaiting final approval from the FIA over its legality.

Awfully quick to have their own system already. I presume either they were already working on it before hearing about the Lotus system, or they found out about the system a long time before we did.

 

[Lucius86]

Awfully quick to have their own system already. I presume either they were already working on it before hearing about the Lotus system, or they found out about the system a long time before we did.

Most likely the latter. There's certainly a lot going on we don't even have a clue about, as with most sports.

 

[Adamm]

Wonder how many teams will have it by the start of the season.

Hopefully only a few

 

[ANDY_098]

Wonder how many teams will have it by the start of the season.

Hopefully only a few

All the big teams will probably, it isn't a massively complex system. It may only require a rework of the upright to make space for the additional hydraulic components.

 

[navanman]

May aswell confirm Kubica at Ferrari for next year with the love-in he is getting from Alonso.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96968

 

[RomanticHeroX]

When asked for his thoughts on the possibility of Kubica replacing Felipe Massa to become his team-mate in the future, Alonso said: "I am very happy with Felipe..."

Alonso may be the only one who's happy with Massa's performance.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

May aswell confirm Kubica at Ferrari for next year with the love-in he is getting from Alonso.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96968

They'd make a great team; most probably the strongest line-up in F1, that's if Kubica returns to F1 and is able to recapture his old form.

 

[ANDY_098]

This years Ferrari chassis failed its FIA crash test, they will try again this week.

http://www.f1sa.com/index.php?optio...-tests-at-first-attempt&catid=1:f1&Itemid=157

They must pass the crash tests before the car can be used at the pre-season tests.

 

[Lucius86]

I'd imagine it's quite costly to Ferrari (or any team for that matter) to fail a crash test?

 

[ANDY_098]

More costly in time wasted than money I'd imagine. They'd have to redesign, remanufacture and retest it. In the whole scheme of things that wouldn't cost that much but time spent doing this is not being used on more useful, performance oriented, tasks.

Also if the redesign is significant it could have an adverse effect on performance or packaging of other components.

Although in this case apparently all they are doing to remedy it is to put a few more sheets of carbon on to strengthen it.

 

[S. L.]

also homologation is after testing, so they can send in as many revisions as they want during testing. it's not that much of a big deal imo

 

[ANDY_098]

also homologation is after testing, so they can send in as many revisions as they want during testing. it's not that much of a big deal imo

This year the cars must pass the crash tests and be homologated before they will be allowed to take part in pre season testing.

 

[S. L.]

This year the cars must pass the crash tests and be homologated before they will be allowed to take part in pre season testing.

nah, in the years before they didn't need to do any tests to be allowed for testing. now they need to pass the crash test before testing, but the homologation can be done at any point

 

[ANDY_098]

They must be homologated before testing as well.

"I don't think there's any team that is convinced what is going to happen in February, because the rules have changed and you have to pass all crash tests and homologate it before the first test. But this is tough for all teams. So others can have the same doubts that we have."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96733
(penultimate paragraph)

 

[S. L.]

They must be homologated before testing as well.

"I don't think there's any team that is convinced what is going to happen in February, because the rules have changed and you have to pass all crash tests and homologate it before the first test. But this is tough for all teams. So others can have the same doubts that we have."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96733
(penultimate paragraph)

yeah, but you can repeat the crash&homologate process

Making this early debut more difficult for this year are the revised rules around crash testing. Typically teams have passed their final crash tests in the days before the first race, but now teams have to have passed all these tests before they can start testing. With initial crash tests being carried out now and continuing into January, any failure of a structure to pass its test first time may impact on the teams ability to attend the first test with their new car. This process of crash testing is a form of homologation, but unlike 2009, teams are free to homologate and crash test new structures at any point. So some teams may opt to accept a heavier component that will pass the tests in order to go testing and have the race-spec lighter pass ready for Melbourne.

http://scarbsf1.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/pre-season-testing-launches/

 

[Wax Free Vanilla]

BBC F1 Forum next season:

The F1 Forum will continue on the red button for about an hour of comment and analysis after the programme. It will also be available on the red button and the website after the non-live races.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/formula_one/16516805.stm

 

[ANDY_098]

yeah, but you can repeat the crash&homologate process

http://scarbsf1.wordpress.com/2011/12/16/pre-season-testing-launches/

Ah, fair enough. Didn't know they could re homologate new chassis this year.

 

[h3ro]

Goodmorning, F1-GAF!

Didn't post much last season, but watched every race! Can't wait for the new cars to be unveiled.

KIMI's back!! My favorite driver and the reason I became a tifoso. I'll have to split my loyalty next year between Lotus and Luca's team. Still can't stand Macca after all those car failures Kimi suffered. Sure some of them were of his own carelessness during races, but those damn engine failures while leading races! Wings falling off! Should have had two titles by the time he went to Ferrari.

I love when there is a technology du jour that all the teams try to copy hastily. Double diffusers, winglets, front exhausts and now, active brake triggered suspensions. Love it.

Here's to a fantastic season and I hope Kubica has a steady and full recovery with no more setbacks! Felipe will keep his seat nice and warm in the interim... :lol

 

[bobnowhere]

Ferrari has developed its own reactive ride-height system for 2012 F1 car
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96971



Awfully quick to have their own system already. I presume either they were already working on it before hearing about the Lotus system, or they found out about the system a long time before we did.

Scarbs said he knew about it about a year ago so I can't imagine Ferrari and the likes were too far behind. I suspect it's a bit like the double diffuser, most of the teams thought about it but couldn't come up with a system that both satisfied performance requirements and Charlie Whitting. It seems Lotus have and it has opened the door for the rest.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the regs but are we going to see even more extreme rake angles on the cars? There is a set wing height when the car is a rest and by applying rake the front wing can sit lower in a relative sense to the ground, but the rake angle is limited by the dip of the front under braking and I assume some minimum ride height needed at the rear to get performance out of the blown diffuser. Now the brake dip has been negated by the new device and the banning of the blown diffuser has lessened, though not removed, the effect of the diffuser the cars could look very strange indeed.

 

[ANDY_098]

I love when there is a technology du jour that all the teams try to copy hastily. Double diffusers, winglets, front exhausts and now, active brake triggered suspensions. Love it.

Not quite with this one!

Still, F1 arms races are always good, if a little controversial.

-----

Car Launches
Red Bull: 5th Feb
McLaren: 1st Feb
Ferrari: 3rd Feb
Mercedes AMG: Before 2nd test
Lotus: 6th Feb
Sauber: 6th Feb
Force India: Before 1st test
Toro Rosso:1st Feb
Williams: Before 1st test
Caterham: Late Jan
HRT: ???
Marussia: ???

-----

Scarbs said he knew about it about a year ago so I can't imagine Ferrari and the likes were too far behind. I suspect it's a bit like the double diffuser, most of the teams thought about it but couldn't come up with a system that both satisfied performance requirements and Charlie Whitting. It seems Lotus have and it has opened the door for the rest.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the regs but are we going to see even more extreme rake angles on the cars? There is a set wing height when the car is a rest and by applying rake the front wing can sit lower in a relative sense to the ground, but the rake angle is limited by the dip of the front under braking and I assume some minimum ride height needed at the rear to get performance out of the blown diffuser. Now the brake dip has been negated by the new device and the banning of the blown diffuser has lessened, though not removed, the effect of the diffuser the cars could look very strange indeed.

Potentially, although they will still be limited in the amount of rake by the front splitter. Unless they use some form of flexible one as RB were supposedly using. http://scarbsf1.wordpress.com/category/flexible-splitters/

 

[Omiee]

this thread is amazin!!

 

[SCHUEY F1]

I feel bad for Kubica

I hope he can make it back for 2013.

 

[DrM]

The reports claiming Kubica broke his leg are being rubbished now and people are claiming that he just twisted his ankle and that his tibia is fine.

Who to believe.

maybe he was abducted by aliens

*ancientaliens.jpg*

 

[Adamm]

Adrian Newey says that Red Bull did not hire Alguersuari as their reserve driver because he "did not want to join our team." #F1

Alguersuari is taking some big risks with his choices. Turned down a reserve driver place with Red Bull & a race seat with HRT.

I can understand turning down HRT, but a reserve drive for Red Bull? Surely that can only help you get a seat in 2013

Seems to me like Alguersuari & Red Bull must have split on bad terms

 

[Osiris]

Alguersuari is taking some big risks with his choices. Turned down a reserve driver place with Red Bull & a race seat with HRT.

I can understand turning down HRT, but a reserve drive for Red Bull? Surely that can only help you get a seat in 2013

Seems to me like Alguersuari & Red Bull must have split on bad terms

It's a risk for sure, but not entirely surprising given the comments made by Helmut Marko earlier this week, I guess Alguesuari felt that the reserve driver option at Red Bull would be a dead-end.

 

[Shaneus]

Not quite with this one!

Still, F1 arms races are always good, if a little controversial.

-----

Car Launches
Red Bull: 5th Feb (Mark Webber: 6th Feb)
McLaren: 1st Feb
Ferrari: 3rd Feb
Mercedes AMG: Before 2nd test
Lotus: 6th Feb
Sauber: 6th Feb
Force India: Before 1st test
Toro Rosso:1st Feb
Williams: Before 1st test
Caterham: Late Jan
HRT: ???
Marussia: ???

-----

Updated with further details.

 

[DrM]

Seems to me like Alguersuari & Red Bull must have split on bad terms

They hated his music.

 

[Psychotext]

Updated with further details.

Now now. lol

 

[Shaneus]

Now now. lol

I'm relieved that it wasn't so vague no-one got the joke.

The joke that he's a slow launcher.

 

[S. L.]

Alguersuari is taking some big risks with his choices. Turned down a reserve driver place with Red Bull & a race seat with HRT.

I can understand turning down HRT, but a reserve drive for Red Bull? Surely that can only help you get a seat in 2013

Seems to me like Alguersuari & Red Bull must have split on bad terms

That Newey said he turned down the reserve driver role with Red Bull was denied by RBR, some website pulled that story out of their ass

 

[Edmond Dantès]

http://yfrog.com/nvta3udj

This has been doing the rounds today. Is it the RB8 or the RB7 with elements of the 2012 regs implemented? You decide.

 

[navanman]

Kubica confirms he has broken his leg just above the ankle, more surgery required.

Sutil is in court next week for the china gate assault on renault's Eric Lux.

 

[brotkasten]

I'm relieved that it wasn't so vague no-one got the joke.

The joke that he's a slow launcher.

And then he edited that quote and I was like "Oh no, you didn't!". I mean, oh my god, really? What a little bitch ...

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

I really doubt Kubica will ever get back in an F1 car. A decent one, anyway.

And if he does he'll be a shadow of his former self.

F1 career is pretty much over is my bet, one way or another.

 

[fu3lfr3nzy]

I really doubt Kubica will ever get back in an F1 car. A decent one, anyway.

And if he does he'll be a shadow of his former self.

F1 career is pretty much over is my bet, one way or another.

Dont stop believing just like the Kimi fans when he left the sport

Spoiler

Yeah, Kubica's F1 future looks bleak :/

 

[ANDY_098]

http://yfrog.com/nvta3udj

This has been doing the rounds today. Is it the RB8 or the RB7 with elements of the 2012 regs implemented? You decide.

Still got an EBD by the look of it, so I'd guess its an RB7 chassis. Wings look pretty similar to last year as well.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Kimi didn't nearly die and then slip on ice.

And we don't know what his return will be like yet. I'd be shocked if he was on many, if any, podiums next year.

 

[Shaneus]

Kimi didn't nearly die and then slip on ice.

Kimi IS ice.

 

[Cereal KiIIer]

You cannot start a new page in this thread any longer without a Webber pic.

You cannot finish one either.

 

[Foliorum Viridum]

Can this be a trend we stick to?

As in, can it be a concrete rule in the OP that if ignored gets the user with the first or last post permabanned?

It would only do positive things for this thread.

 

[Osiris]

As much as I like Webber, the contrarian in me is likely to post Luca Badoer and Alex Yoong pictures on new pages just for kicks.

 

[Edmond Dantès]

It's certainly coming together now.

Rest of the photos.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.272381376158036.67677.125170184212490&type=1