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[navanman]

STR6 a big progression from the old car, squarer nose, undercut 'double floor' sidepods, highly detailed EBD
deeply undercut sidepods reminiscent of the double floor 90s Ferrari.
A new evolved front wing and endplate arrangement

 

[navanman]

Toro Rosso's technical director Giorgio Ascanelli says his team is aiming to finish in eighth place in this year's championship.

The Italian squad unveiled its new car for the 2011 season on Tuesday at Valencia, and Ascanelli admitted the team is determined to improve on its 2010 performance.

"My expectations are to do a decent year and we have to have the target to be eighth and as I said, we are good to be ninth but we have to do better. And at the end of the year we have to bring back an eighth place," said Ascanelli.

He believes the team, which built its first car last year, is now much better prepared to deliver a strong challenger.

"Last year we didn't have a wind-tunnel, the CFD was not mature in order to define the car," he added. "Therefore, we did not change very much apart from those elements linked to the change of regulation between 2009 and 2010.

"This year the tools which design the car in its performance aspect, which are again the wind tunnel and CFD, are more mature, which means that although we are still learning how to make the best of them I think we have started using them properly.

"For this year, we have to aim for eighth place, because that is our target and I didn't think that was possible if we had gone with some sort of conventional car.

"It's an ambitious way, if it doesn't work that will be my responsibility and I am going to take it, but I think it's not like me, not like Franz, not like anyone in Toro Rosso to sit here and accept what our position is. We will try to do better and we will try to fulfil our mission which is at the end of 2011, we want to have a 2012 which is better than 2011."

Team boss Franz Tost is also optimistic that Toro Rosso will enjoy a competitive season, despite the team still working to build its infrastructure.

"It's the sixth season of Toro Rosso in Formula 1 and the past five years have shown a good history for the team, as we had to build everything up almost from zero," he said. "We are quite confident that we have a good future and can have a good year in 2011. We are still building up our infrastructure.

"In a Formula 1 team, there is always movement, so you have to keep an eye on every department trying to improve performance. We brought in new people for example in the aerodynamic department in Bicester, where we are currently running two shifts in our wind tunnel.

"Here in Faenza, especially on the production side we have increased the number of employees which makes me quite confident that in 2011 we will have a successful season.

Autosport

 

[Leunam]

The next unveiling will be McLaren on Friday and Virgin on Monday. Force India and HRT are still TBA.

 

[S. L.]

so did anything come out of that Renault-Nissan/Infiniti rumor?

 

[Dibbz]

oh god the mercedes is horrible. Wtf happened to its nose??

I'm a bit behind on my F1 news but why is there a lotus renault and a lotus?

 

[S. L.]

oh god the mercedes is horrible. Wtf happened to its nose??

I'm a bit behind on my F1 news but why is there a lotus renault and a lotus?

:lol :lol

technically they are both Lotus-Renault as they both have Renault engines.

The former Renault team is now Lotus Renault GP (Renault doesn't own anything of it anymore, it's now Genii and Lotus Cars owned)

Team Lotus is the Lotus Racing team from last year. Now they also use Renault engines and the Team Lotus name of the old Lotus team from the 90's (?)

 

[DrM]

Brintey quickly killed his Silver Arrow today

Oh, and Auto, Motor und Sport is suggesting that Mclaren will also use Renault style exhausts. Brawn said today, that they are already preparing similar solution

 

[navanman]

Brintey quickly killed his Silver Arrow today

Oh, and Auto, Motor und Sport is suggesting that Mclaren will also use Renault style exhausts. Brawn said today, that they are already preparing similar solution

Interesting! Can't keep anything a secret in F1 these days.

 

[ashk]

Man, that Williams looks so tight, like they forgot to put in a gearbox or something. I'm glad that almost every team has a little something special that makes their car different and a bit unique.

Also, I hope Renault's exhaust system pays off and we can finally see Kubica fighting for the win!

 

[Leunam]

Timing for first test:

1. Sebastian Vettel - Red Bull-Renault*

1m13.769s - 93 Laps​

2. Nico Hulkenberg - Force India-Mercedes

1m13.938s - 71 Laps​

3. Gary Paffett - McLaren-Mercedes

1m14.292s - 91 Laps​

4. Paul di Resta - Force India-Mercedes

1m14.461s - 28 Laps​

5. Fernando Alonso - Ferrari*

1m14.553s - 97 Laps​

6. Kamui Kobayashi - Sauber-Ferrari*

1m15.621s - 68 Laps​

7. Jerome D'Ambrosio - Virgin-Cosworth

1m16.003s - 71 Laps​

8. Vitaly Petrov - Renault*

1m16.351s - 28 Laps​

9. Michael Schumacher - Mercedes*

1m16.450s - 15 Laps​

10. Jaime Alguersuari - Toro Rosso-Ferrari*

1m17.214s - 19 Laps​

11. Rubens Barrichello - Williams-Cosworth*

1m17.335s - 77 Laps​

12. Narain Karthikeyan - HRT-Cosworth

1m18.020s - 45 Laps​

13. Nico Rosberg - Mercedes*

1m19.930s - 9 Laps​

*2011 car

 

[ExtraKr1spy]

shit. last years data

 

[Lucius86]

All of these cars are remarkably impressive in the innovation level, at least in terms of looks, except the Ferrari, of all the teams. That Williams rear end..

 

[Dibbz]

:lol :lol

technically they are both Lotus-Renault as they both have Renault engines.

The former Renault team is now Lotus Renault GP (Renault doesn't own anything of it anymore, it's now Genii and Lotus Cars owned)

Team Lotus is the Lotus Racing team from last year. Now they also use Renault engines and the Team Lotus name of the old Lotus team from the 90's (?)

So Team Lotus isn't even owned by Lotus and Renault don't own Lotus Renault? That's a herp derp if I ever saw one.

 

[mclaren777]

It looks so fragile.

 

[S. L.]

So Team Lotus isn't even owned by Lotus and Renault don't own Lotus Renault? That's a herp derp if I ever saw one.

http://www.whatcracksmeup.com/uploads/712wat.jpg[mg][/QUOTE]
yeah, pretty much

 

[mclaren777]

The diffuser was covered up so no pics yet of what Newey has done in this area regarding the new rules.

Here's a sneak peek...

 

[TylerD]

I miss the look of those massive double diffusers from last season for the visual interest they added to the back of the cars. Hopefully the racing/overtaking will more than make up for their absence.

Any reports on teams following in each others slip stream during cornering and the performance impact if any in early testing?

RIP

 

[DrM]

Here's a sneak peek...

Nice, more ServusTV

 

[Goldrusher]

So Team Lotus isn't even owned by Lotus and Renault don't own Lotus Renault? That's a herp derp if I ever saw one.

 

[Adam Scott Aukerman]

Just to confuse things further, as far as i can remember, Lotus also don't own any of Lotus Renault GP, they're solely a sponsor (and don't have an option of shares for another two years).

 

[S. L.]

Just to confuse things further, as far as i can remember, Lotus also don't own any of Lotus Renault GP, they're solely a sponsor (and don't have an option of shares for another two years).

Hm yeah you are right, atm Lotus Renault GP is 100% Genii owned

 

[Shaneus]

So Lotus Renault is Renault, Team Lotus is Lotus. Gotcha. I think.

Who's to blame for the confusion?

 

[Leunam]

Kubicas impressions of the new tech

Q. Do you sense the exhaust layout design is working in a different way?

RK: No, maybe just a different noise and that is it.

Q. With the blown diffuser last year there were issues in ensuring you stayed on the throttle through corners so the exhaust gases kept flowing. Is that required even more this year with your new design?

RK: Yeah. We can feel a bit. Normally after a long winter you go out and you sense you have a lot of power, but actually maybe it is just a feeling which is not right. I think power wise – I think there will be some disadvantages but I don't think they will be that big.

...

Q. Nico Rosberg said that with the rear wing it is quite a strange feeling you have when you go into a corner, because you need to trust that it has reattached. Have you had like that?

RK: If it fails, it will be painful.

Q. Can you feel when it has reattached?

RK: No. When it attaches, not really. When it is going or you switch it on, then yes. It is really powerful – I would say even too powerful maybe.

But it is not that power – just that you are doing too many things and especially if you are alone you lose performance if you don't manage to activate it, but if you are racing and in a close fight if, even for a short time you look you are pressing the right button, if something happens in front with the other car it is not good. Especially in the wet – although in the wet we will not be allowed to use it. But definitely, it is something which is distracting you a bit more.

...

Q. What is more powerful – the KERS or the rear wing?

RK: The rear wing, big time. The rear wing is much more powerful than the F-duct ever was because it is stalling the wing – reducing significantly the amount of drag straight away. And the F-duct was more relevant at high speed, but here it is even out of third/fourth gear corners you use it straight away. There will be a big speed delta between qualifying and the start of the race.

...

Q. Is the tyre degradation too excessive?

RK: Yes, it's too big. At least if you want to have a five or six-stop race then it is okay, but then we will need more tyres! I am joking.

It really depends on which compound but clearly the situation improves with the harder compound, but it is not a problem of graining it is wear. Suddenly the tyres are gone. You have to really watch because in the races there is always the tendency to stay longer and we have to watch out for safety, because if a tyre explodes that is the last thing you want to see.

 

[AndyD]

Kubicas impressions of the new tech

Hmm.

So he is concerned about too much to do as well. Between button for Kers and button for wing I can see that.

Interesting about the comments on wing's usefulness in tight race formation.

 

[navanman]

Sounds like the Pirelli tyres are terrible (or good for you & I) for wear. The softs are barely lasting 3-4 laps before falling off massively.

Scarb1 says RBR have a new exhuast setup already which is supposedly on the legal edge of illegal in the way it blows over/into the diffuser.

McLaren is rumoured to have Renault exhausts matched with Toro Rosso double edged curved sidepods, floor.

Lots of drivers complaining about the complexity of operating all the technology this year.
They have regular brake bias, differential settings & now KERS and then the rear wing flap.

 

[navanman]

Here it is as explained by Criag Scarborough:
http://scarbsf1.wordpress.com/2011/02/02/red-bull-rb7-open-fronted-exhaust-blown-diffuser/

 

[Dead Man]

Yeah, I don't normally buy into driver bitching, but I can definitely see where they will be too overloaded with tasks at each corner.

 

[navanman]

Massa Ferrari curse strikes again.

Alonso gets 2 days of faultless running; Massa Ferrari engine goes pop less than 30 minutes into his days testing.

More from BBC cameraman trackside. He reports Massa stopped on track, spun on the oil & the Ferrari caught on fire!

 

[navanman]

 

[brotkasten]

Massa Ferrari curse strikes again.

Alonso gets 2 days of faultless running; Massa Ferrari engine goes pop less than 30 minutes into his days testing.

Good to see that he still got it.

 

[Psychotext]

Madness.

 

[S. L.]

tomorrow we will finally see the Mclaren

 

[mclaren777]

I wish every morning started out like this.

 

[pootle]

Does anybody know what time Pirelli's media briefing is today?

From the BBC live update feed:
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery says the Valencia test has been a good starting point. But if the teams aren't happy with the Italian company's tyres then they might have to lump it. The four tyre compounds will only have minor modifications before the final versions are delivered at the third pre-season test in Barcelona. Hembery added that in reality the four compounds - super-soft, soft, medium and hard - are locked in for the season. So the bottom line is that it is up to the teams to learn how to use the tyres because Pirelli aren't going back to the drawing board.

Haven't the tyres been going off in minutes?

 

[navanman]

tomorrow we will finally see the Mclaren

What time is the launch? I want to clear my schedule so I can ready for the awesome.

 

[AndyD]

Does anybody know what time Pirelli's media briefing is today?

From the BBC live update feed:
Pirelli motorsport director Paul Hembery says the Valencia test has been a good starting point. But if the teams aren't happy with the Italian company's tyres then they might have to lump it. The four tyre compounds will only have minor modifications before the final versions are delivered at the third pre-season test in Barcelona. Hembery added that in reality the four compounds - super-soft, soft, medium and hard - are locked in for the season. So the bottom line is that it is up to the teams to learn how to use the tyres because Pirelli aren't going back to the drawing board.

Haven't the tyres been going off in minutes?

Yep. It seems we might see 2-4 stop races on some of them. I guess its a whole new dynamic to the races.

 

[DarkJC]

Personally I'm looking forward to it if that's the case. Soft tires should be soft and wear fast, not last the majority of the race like we saw in some races last season.

 

[NHale]

Personally I'm looking forward to it if that's the case. Soft tires should be soft and wear fast, not last the majority of the race like we saw in some races last season.

Exactly. Super soft tyres shouldn't last more than half the race like it did last year, if it lasts 5 laps what's the problem? Tyres are the same for everyone, so it's up for the teams to adapt and choose the right strategy. I prefer races with 3 pit stops and uncertainty about tyres lasting the last part of the race over races where everyone pits 1 time...

 

[AndyD]

Exactly. Super soft tyres shouldn't last more than half the race like it did last year, if it lasts 5 laps what's the problem? Tyres are the same for everyone, so it's up for the teams to adapt and choose the right strategy. I prefer races with 3 pit stops and uncertainty about tyres lasting the last part of the race over races where everyone pits 1 time...

I agree. But I also thought they have a limited amount of tires. And that limit has not grown since last year when they did last long.

And since they were sometimes reusing practice and qualifying tires already, what will they do this year?

 

[pootle]

I agree. But I also thought they have a limited amount of tires. And that limit has not grown since last year when they did last long.

And since they were sometimes reusing practice and qualifying tires already, what will they do this year?

That's what I was thinking. I wondered if maybe the press conference is to talk about upping the limit?

 

[S. L.]

Personally I'm looking forward to it if that's the case. Soft tires should be soft and wear fast, not last the majority of the race like we saw in some races last season.

now all we need is refueling

 

[navanman]

That's what I was thinking. I wondered if maybe the press conference is to talk about upping the limit?

Totally OT but who is that in your avatar? It seems so familiar like from a kids TV show (in my youth) but it can't place the name.

Fake edit: Its probably pootle like your username?

Real edit: OK it is..

 

[TylerD]

It was ridiculous that teams were able to make the softer compound last for so long last year. I have no problems with the softs falling off quickly and look forward to the added drama of extra pit stops.

Bringing back refueling would also be great but I love how Q3 is done with everyone on low fuel to really get an idea of the relative performance.

 

[pootle]

Real edit: OK it is..

Yep, the one and only.

 

[pootle]

Mike Gascoyne saying the same thing we all do about the real problem with F1.

 

[DrM]

Bernie wants to scrap one of the races in Spain. Hell, he should scrap Valencia AND Barcelona. Two POS tracks.

 

[pootle]

That's the key, isn't it. They can do what they like with the cars but if the tracks are boring then it won't matter. Then again, I suppose F1 is in the same boat as the rest of us. They have to go where the money is.

You would think that if you started with a blank canvas and paid a fortune you could come up with something better for racing than they get though. They spend all that money and end up with crap, boring tracks.

 

[AndyD]

I think we approach this the wrong way.

In the Middle East its not about the average ans, its about the royalty. The track can be boring and flat as long as the facilities draw in the region's superrich. They largely pay for F1 so they have to be catered to at least somewhat.

Not saying its the right way to do it, but that's the way it is I think.

 

[mclaren777]

Bernie wants to scrap one of the races in Spain. Hell, he should scrap Valencia AND Barcelona. Two POS tracks.

Scrap them both + bring back Imola = WIN!

 

[mclaren777]

I love the small details in F1.

(click for full size)