Image (c): Sutton Images
10 February 2010
F1 2010 Pre-Season Testing at Jerez: Day 1( LIVE)
The second round of the Pre-season testing has begun at Jerez.
We will see Force India VJM-03 as well as Virgin VR-01 for the first time along with Red Bull RB-06 which was launched today.
Along with 7 cars which tested in Valencia, we will have total of 10 cars on the track. Bad weather is expected to hit the testing.
LIVE F1 Pre-Season testing at Jerez,day1:
Motor21.com(Live updates in English)
The F1( Live Timings)
F1 today (Live timings and updates in English)
F1 Direct
Autosport( Live text feed)
[If you know any other website to follow Jerez testing,kindly provide the link in the comments.]
Today’s testing line-up:
Ferrari – Fernando Alonso
McLaren – Jenson Button
Mercedes – Nico Rosberg
Red Bull – Mark Webber
Williams – Nico Hülkenberg
BMW Sauber– Kamui Kobayashi
Renault – Vitaly Petrov
Force India- Vitantonio Liuzzi
Toro Rosso STR5 – Sebastien Buemi
Virgin VR-01 – Timo Glock
Force India Schedule
Liuzzi will drive for two days before handing over the car to team mate Adrian Sutil, who’ll be in action on Friday and Saturday.
McLaren Schedule
Jenson Button will drive for two days from Wednesday, before handing the car over to team mate (and 2008 title holder) Lewis Hamilton on Friday.
Ferrari Schedule
Fernando Alonso will be in action over the opening two days followed by team mate Felipe Massa from Friday.
Help us to improve by giving feedback about the website.For feedback,kindly post comments below.
We will see Force India VJM-03 as well as Virgin VR-01 for the first time along with Red Bull RB-06 which was launched today.
Along with 7 cars which tested in Valencia, we will have total of 10 cars on the track. Bad weather is expected to hit the testing.
LIVE F1 Pre-Season testing at Jerez,day1:
Motor21.com(Live updates in English)
The F1( Live Timings)
F1 today (Live timings and updates in English)
F1 Direct
Autosport( Live text feed)
[If you know any other website to follow Jerez testing,kindly provide the link in the comments.]
Today’s testing line-up:
Ferrari – Fernando Alonso
McLaren – Jenson Button
Mercedes – Nico Rosberg
Red Bull – Mark Webber
Williams – Nico Hülkenberg
BMW Sauber– Kamui Kobayashi
Renault – Vitaly Petrov
Force India- Vitantonio Liuzzi
Toro Rosso STR5 – Sebastien Buemi
Virgin VR-01 – Timo Glock
Force India Schedule
Liuzzi will drive for two days before handing over the car to team mate Adrian Sutil, who’ll be in action on Friday and Saturday.
McLaren Schedule
Jenson Button will drive for two days from Wednesday, before handing the car over to team mate (and 2008 title holder) Lewis Hamilton on Friday.
Ferrari Schedule
Fernando Alonso will be in action over the opening two days followed by team mate Felipe Massa from Friday.
Help us to improve by giving feedback about the website.For feedback,kindly post comments below.
Red Bull F1 unveils 2010 Challenger RB6: The first Picture
Red Bull Racing has become the last of the current teams to unveil its new car.
The Adrian Newey-designed machine appears to be a logical evolution of the 2009 RB5 that proved to be Formula 1's pace-setter in the second half of the season.
More to follow
09 February 2010
The Force behind Force India F1
| Dr. Vijay Mallya - Chairman and Team Principal | ||||||||||||
 Dr Vijay Mallya is the charismatic businessman heading up one of India's largest and most significant business empires, the UB Group. With annual sales of over US $4 billion and a market capitalisation of approximately US $12 billion, the Group has diverse interests in brewing, distilling, real estate, engineering, fertilisers, biotechnology, information technology and aviation. It is also the largest Indian manufacturer of beer and spirits.In the late 80s, Dr. Mallya pursued global opportunities to transform the UB Group into India's first multinational company and in 1988, in a leveraged buyout, acquired the global Berger Paints Group with operating companies across four continents. In 1990, following the Government of India's liberalised economic policies, Dr. Mallya decided that the UB Group would only retain interests in businesses that were globally competitive. He also decided to focus on areas of core competence and transformed the vastly diversified UB conglomerate into a handful of key operating businesses including spirits, beer and Kingfisher Airlines. Kingfisher Airlines is today the market leader in India's booming aviation market. With the merger of Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines, the airline covers all segments of air travel from low fares to premium fares and offers the maximum number of flights offered by any single airline network in India. It has added international routes from Bangalore and Mumbai to London, Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong to its armoury over a two year period. In 2007, United Spirits Limited, the flagship of the UB Group, also acquired a hundred percent of premium scotch distillers Whyte & Mackay and Liquidity Inc, a United States-based maker of speciality vodkas. In addition to his Chairmanship of several other corporations, Dr. Mallya has been the Chairman of Aventis Pharma India (previously Hoechst) as well as the Chairman of Bayer Crop Science in India (previously Agrevo) for over 20 years. Dr. Mallya has received several professional awards both in India and overseas. He was conferred a Doctorate of Philosophy in Business Administration by the Southern California University, Irvine, and has also been nominated as a Global Leader for Tomorrow by the World Economic Forum. One of Dr Mallya's major passions has however always been cars and motorsport in particular. He has had a longstanding presence in motorsport dating back to the 1970s and 80s when he participated in several club races and non-championship Grands Prix, including the Madras and Calcutta Grands Prix, in Mo Nunn-owned Ensigns. When Dr. Mallya was elected by shareholders as Chairman of UB in 1983 at the age of 28 business interests began to take considerably more of his time, he took to collecting and racing historic and vintage cars in the UK. In the late 90s Dr Mallya returned to Formula 1, this time as a sponsor. Kingfisher beer logos appeared on the Benetton Formula One Team in 1996 and 1997 and in 2007, Kingfisher Airlines was a sponsor of the Panasonic Toyota Formula One Team. During this time Dr Mallya's imagination was fired again for F1 and, spotting a unique business opportunity, he formed a joint venture company with Jan and Michiel Mol to purchase the Spyker Formula One Team at the end of 2007. Force India was officially launched in January 2008 and has since gone from strength to strength. | ||||||||||||
| Michiel Mol - Co-Owner | ||||||||||||
 Michiel Mol, co-owner of the Force India Formula One Team, is one of Europe's most succesful e-businessmen of the past decade. Born in 1969 in Delft, The Netherlands, after his graduation from Leiden University with a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics, he founded his own company, Lost Boys international (LBi), that quickly became Europe's largest digital agency. It is currently listed on both the Dutch and Swedish stock exchanges.Michiel then went on to found two more companies in the digital world: Media Republic and Guerrilla Games, thus becoming involved in cross media and gaming. The games development agency, known for its efforts on the PlayStation 2 classic Killzone and PlayStation 2, PC and Xbox hit Shellshock: Nam '67, was sold to Sony in 2005. Michiel is always forward-thinking and sees opportunities for innovative projects. Currently he is a member (and largest shareholder) of the supervisory board at LBi and Media Republic and is involved in the recent start-ups Karami Games and Flogs. | ||||||||||||
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Introducing the Force India F1 car : The VJM 03
Introducing the VJM03
The Force India Formula One Team finished the 2009 season as a genuine regular contender for points and the new 2010 challenger, the VJM03, builds on the solid foundations established by its predecessor, which took pole for the Belgian GP. With driver consistency in Adrian Sutil and Tonio Liuzzi and the able support of Paul di Resta in the test and reserve driver role, this year the team is looking forward to a strong performance right from the start of the year.
'Our goal is to continue on the same path of performance improvement that we had at the end of 2009,' says chairman and team principal Dr Vijay Mallya. 'I don't think I am being over-proud when I say 2009 was an exceptional year for us. The bare statistics say it all: one podium, one pole position, one fastest lap, a further five top 10 starts and 13 points. We've learnt from our experiences and we've come out a better team: resilient, resourceful and now resurgent. I hope 2010 will see this great progress carrying forward. We've got one podium so far but I would hope that, this time next year, I'm talking about more points and more podiums. I'm confident we can get this, why not aim high?'
While the VJM03 is an evolution of last year's strong car, it incorporates the package of rules changes introduced for this year, including the requirement for a larger fuel tank as a result of the refuelling ban and a switch to narrower front tyres.
Design director Mark Smith explains, 'The VJM03 is definitely an evolution of the VJM02 in terms of the design philosophies we have developed at Force India over the last year. We are very happy with the direction, therefore we have opted to evolve the car rather than significantly revise.
'Obviously one of the major aspects we have had to contend with are regulation changes which have had a considerable impact on some aspects of the design of the car. The removal of refuelling from races increases the amount of fuel needed to be stored in the cars - almost twice the amount we ran in 2009. There is a compromise now: either make the car much longer or wider, or, as we have done, a combination of both. This of course has influenced the mechanical design solutions and also the aerodynamics, specifically with respects to the diffuser and bodywork.
'Even with the ban of double diffusers for 2011, we recognise that we still have to push as much as we possibly can in this area in 2010 as we have targets to meet and the double diffuser is a key development aspect of the car.'
Last year's VJM02 was noticeably quicker on the low downforce circuits, however Mark is confident that this year the VJM03 will be strong across the board: 'The VJM02 was a relatively low drag car that showed well on the low downforce tracks. As was demonstrated throughout 2009, that was a useful attribute but as we go into 2010 we have tried to maintain a high level of aerodynamic efficiency, but we recognise that our championship position will be enhanced by a general level of performance that is suited to all types of circuits. We have, we believe, quite an efficient car overall.'
Adrian Sutil is eagerly anticipating the start of the season, '2010 is a really important season and we are very optimistic about going well. I think this year it's important to be consistent from the first race. I'd like to be in the midfield and be competitive from Bahrain. It's the first time we have been completely on schedule so I feel this will be the first season when I can show from the beginning to the end what is possible with the car and what I can do. Of course we will have updates and performance packages from this point on but I hope we will be strong from the first practice session rather than compromising at the start.'
Meanwhile Tonio Liuzzi is also going to the season with a strong goal, 'After one and a half years in a test role, I feel really prepared, both physically and mentally for a full race season. My objective is to be as strong and consistent as possible and give good feedback to the team to help them improve. For sure scoring points as many times as I can is going to be the key and you never know, perhaps we can get something more as well if everything comes together.'
The VJM03 will make its official testing debut on 10 February at the Jerez circuit in Spain. Tonio Liuzzi will be on driving duties for the first two days before Adrian Sutil takes over on 12 February for a further two days. Paul di Resta will step into the car on 17 February in Jerez.
Technical details of Force India F1's 2010 car
VJM03 Technical Specification
| Chassis: | Carbon fibre composite monocoque with Zylon legality side anti-intrusion panels. |
| Front suspension: | Aluminium uprights with carbon fibre composite wishbones, trackrod and pushrod. Inboard chassis mounted torsion springs, dampers and anti-roll bar assembly. |
| Rear suspension: | Aluminium uprights with carbon fibre composite wishbones, trackrod and pushrod. Inboard gearbox mounted torsion springs, dampers and anti-roll bar assembly. |
| Wheel base: | 3500mm |
| Front track: | 1480mm |
| Rear track: | 1420mm |
| Overall height: | 950mm |
| Overall length: | 4900mm |
| Overall weight: | 620kg (with driver, by regulations) |
| Wheels: | BBS forged wheels to Force India specification |
| Engine supplier: | Mercedes Benz High Performance Engines V8 2.4-litre |
| Transmission: | McLaren Racing 7-speed, semi-automatic, 'e-shift' |
| Lubricants: | Mobil 1 products |
| Spark plugs: | NGK |
| Clutch: | AP Racing carbon clutch |
| Tyres: | Bridgestone Potenza |
| Brake system: | AP Racing |
| Brake material: | Carbone Industrie |
| Dampers: | Penske |
Driver Profile :Vitantonio Liuzzi( Force India F1)
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Driver Profile :Adrian Sutil( Force India F1)
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Force India F1 2010 Challenger VJMO3 Launched: The first Picture(updated)
Force India's VJMO3 livery has been revealed earlier than the official launch.The Silverstone-based squad decided to skip the Valencia test last week in order to have extra days of development before it kicks off its testing programme on Wednesday at Jerez.Last week the team confirmed Paul di Resta as their Friday driver. The car will begin its first track test on Wednesday, at the second official F1 test of the year.
TEAM QUOTES
Force India owner Vijay Mallya is hoping for more podium finishes after the surprising 2009 season.He said after the launch that:
"Our goal is to continue on the same path of performance improvement that we had at the end of 2009,I don't think I am being over-proud when I say 2009 was an exceptional year for us. The bare statistics say it all: one podium, one pole position, one fastest lap, a further five top 10 starts and 13 points.We've learnt from our experiences and we've come out a better team: resilient, resourceful and now resurgent. I hope 2010 will see this great progress carrying forward.We've got one podium so far but I would hope that, this time next year, I'm talking about more points and more podiums. I'm confident we can get this, why not aim high?'
The team's design director Mark Smith said the new car is an evolution of the machine that enjoyed a strong second half of the season last year.
"The VJM03 is definitely an evolution of the VJM02 in terms of the design philosophies we have developed at Force India over the last year," Smith said. "We are very happy with the direction, therefore we have opted to evolve the car rather than significantly revise.
"Obviously one of the major aspects we have had to contend with are regulation changes which have had a considerable impact on some aspects of the design of the car. The removal of refuelling from races increases the amount of fuel needed to be stored in the cars - almost twice the amount we ran in 2009.
"There is a compromise now: either make the car much longer or wider, or, as we have done, a combination of both. This of course has influenced the mechanical design solutions and also the aerodynamics, specifically with respects to the diffuser and bodywork.
"Even with the ban of double diffusers for 2011, we recognise that we still have to push as much as we possibly can in this area in 2010 as we have targets to meet and the double diffuser is a key development aspect of the car."
Adrian Sutil,who scored 5 points last year, is confident of strong season and said:
"I hope we will have a good season and I am pretty confident we will, "We have had a good winter and a very good development programme so expectations are high.
"The car looks great, we did a positive step with the wind tunnel simulations but let's test and see where we are. I know we need to perform well and from my side I have tried to be perfectly prepared."
"2010 is a really important season and we are very optimistic about going well. When you start a season you always want it to be better than the previous one and I think this year it's important to be consistent from the first race.
"It's the first time we have been completely on schedule so I feel this will be the first season when I can show from the beginning to the end what is possible on the car and what I can do. I'd like to be in the midfield and be competitive from Bahrain."
FORCE INDIA VJMO3 PICTURES
VIDEOS
Watch Force India VJMO3 Launch Video
Cosworth is Back!!!
Cosworth Returns to the Track
05 February 10
Cosworth has enjoyed its first Formula One track action as an engine supplier since 2006 as the company accelerated preparations for the 2010 season with two of its customer teams this week.
The AT&T Williams team carried out a three-day test session at the Valencia circuit in Spain, putting Cosworth’s CA2010 V8 engine through its paces in earnest for the first time at a race track.
Q+A with Mark Gallagher, General Manager Cosworth F1 Business Unit
How important have this week’s activities been for Cosworth’s pre-season preparations?
“We have been delighted to get started with pre-season testing in Valencia with Williams this week as it was our first opportunity to run the CA2010 in the back of a race car with all of the implications that that brings. Developing and testing an engine in our facilities in Northampton is one thing but committing it to the track takes us into an entirely new phase of our programme.”
What work was carried out with the AT&T Williams team in Valencia this week?
“Our work with Williams has been very important in order to collect data, driver feedback and to gauge the initial results from the marriage of the new CA2010 engine to the all-new FW32 chassis. Our first measure of performance was always going to be durability and the fact that Rubens and Nico completed over 1,200kms between them showed that engine reliability has been in line with our expectations. We also looked at the overall success of the installation, seeing how the engine works together with the Williams transmission and checking all associated systems, pressures, cooling, temperatures. From a human point of view, Valencia was the first time that our dedicated team of track support technicians and engineers worked as an integrated part of the Williams team, which is a key aspect of the working relationship, so in that regard it was an important milestone. We now look forward to next week’s Jerez test where we can take our technical programme with the team to the next level.”
For more information about Cosworth’s Formula 1 activities, please visit www.cosworth.com
Cosworth in F1: (1967 to 2006)
The AT&T Williams team carried out a three-day test session at the Valencia circuit in Spain, putting Cosworth’s CA2010 V8 engine through its paces in earnest for the first time at a race track.
Q+A with Mark Gallagher, General Manager Cosworth F1 Business Unit
How important have this week’s activities been for Cosworth’s pre-season preparations?
“We have been delighted to get started with pre-season testing in Valencia with Williams this week as it was our first opportunity to run the CA2010 in the back of a race car with all of the implications that that brings. Developing and testing an engine in our facilities in Northampton is one thing but committing it to the track takes us into an entirely new phase of our programme.”
What work was carried out with the AT&T Williams team in Valencia this week?
“Our work with Williams has been very important in order to collect data, driver feedback and to gauge the initial results from the marriage of the new CA2010 engine to the all-new FW32 chassis. Our first measure of performance was always going to be durability and the fact that Rubens and Nico completed over 1,200kms between them showed that engine reliability has been in line with our expectations. We also looked at the overall success of the installation, seeing how the engine works together with the Williams transmission and checking all associated systems, pressures, cooling, temperatures. From a human point of view, Valencia was the first time that our dedicated team of track support technicians and engineers worked as an integrated part of the Williams team, which is a key aspect of the working relationship, so in that regard it was an important milestone. We now look forward to next week’s Jerez test where we can take our technical programme with the team to the next level.”
For more information about Cosworth’s Formula 1 activities, please visit www.cosworth.com
Cosworth in F1: (1967 to 2006)
- In four decades of F1 competition Cosworth engines have delivered a powerful set of figures:
- 176 race wins – including every race in the 1969 and 1973 seasons, enough for triple consecutive drivers championships at the start of the 1980s, the first race victory for Michael Schumacher in 1992 and the most recent in 2003 for Giancarlo Fisichella.
- 10 Constructors’ Championships – including the legendary Lotus performances of the 1960’s and 70’s, and Williams’ first consecutive championships in 1980 and 81.
- 13 Drivers’ Championships – for great names including as Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Mario Andretti, Nelson Piquet and Michael Schumacher.
About the Cosworth Group
The Cosworth Group of companies provides high performance technologies to a diverse range of global industries including aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, motorsport and energy generation. The Cosworth Group leverages its unique combination of advanced technologies, engineering expertise and globally recognized brand to deliver performance solutions.
The Cosworth Group of companies provides high performance technologies to a diverse range of global industries including aerospace, defense, automotive, marine, motorsport and energy generation. The Cosworth Group leverages its unique combination of advanced technologies, engineering expertise and globally recognized brand to deliver performance solutions.
08 February 2010
The McLaren man: Martin Whitmarsh
He dictates terms to the reigning F1 world champ and the one who reigned before him.
Presenting the dynamic Team Principal of McLaren Mercedes :MARTIN WHITMARSH
Joined McLaren from BAE Systems in 1989 first as head of operations and latterly as managing director of McLaren Racing. Martin Whitmarsh (51) has been instrumental in assisting McLaren’s growth and diversification as a company as well as overseeing the race team’s engineering and manufacturing functions. Appointed COO in 2005, he became team principal of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team at the start of the 2009 season.
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal shares his thoughts on the launch of the new MP4-25
How confident are you that the team can sustain the momentum it gathered at the end of 2009 into the new season?
"By the end of last season, we had one of the fastest cars in the field - and that's a testament to the ceaseless belief, motivation and skill of the people within our team. And I hope we've maintained that momentum over the winter.
"Indeed, we've pushed the limits with the design of the new car, and I'm tremendously proud of everyone's achievements. We feel that the relatively stable regulatory changes will play to our strengths, and it's our aim to field a fully competitive car from the start of the season."
What prompted the decision to sign Jenson to partner Lewis?
"At Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, we've demonstrated that strength in depth is the best approach to take in Formula 1. The group of engineers, designers and strategists we've assembled demonstrates how much can be achieved by a very focused team operating at the very limit of their abilities.
"In Jenson, we saw a champion driver hungry for more; somebody who wants to achieve greater successes, and bring with him a blend of experience, speed and strength of character that will further strengthen this organisation.
"We've already seen those qualities in Lewis, too. And he's proved beyond question that he's not only a great Formula 1 driver, but also a great team player and a motivator.
"I'm convinced that we have one of the very strongest driver line-ups in Formula 1, and that both Jenson and Lewis are committed to working together to enhance the team's prospects in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season."
What is it about McLaren that has made it such an enduring force within Formula 1?
"There's a passion and commitment within this organisation that is hard to define. We saw it last year, but, in fact, we see it every year: it's an ability to pull together in order to overcome great obstacles.
"And the same goes for the team's many commercial partnerships. We have fantastic, long-standing relationships with our partners, and we're extremely proud of the strength and depth of those partnerships. They speak volumes about the levels of trust and the reputation that this team has established over many, many years.
"We're big believers in people - that belief got us where we are today, and it's our shared commitment that will take us forward in 2010."
Driver Profile: Lewis Hamilton ( Mclaren Mercedes)
LEWIS HAMILTON
Age 25
Date of Birth January 7 1985
Website www.lewishamilton.com
F1 highlights 52 GPs, 11 wins, 17 pole positions, 256 points, 2008 world champion
Q&A
What do you think of the new car?
“It looks brilliant. I’ve seen just how much effort and attention has gone into making this car what it is, we’ve been pushing like crazy to find the performance and I think you can see for yourselves that the result is something that looks very special, and very uncompromising. Of course, it’s still too early to tell exactly how we’ll fare against our rivals, but, after the pace we showed in the second half of last year, I feel very confident that we’ll be able to maintain that momentum, and that we’ll have a very competitive season.”
How do you think the new driver line-up will help the team in 2010?
“I think one of the greatest assets at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is the team’s strength in depth, and that’s something that shows throughout the whole organisation. We have a tremendous engineering team – people who have been here for many, many years and who have worked with some of the sport’s greatest champions and helped design and build some of Formula 1’s most iconic cars. They really want to deliver another fantastic car for the 2010 season.
“And both Jenson and I are world champions, and we both want to add to the team’s incredible winning legacy. I know how proud he feels to be a part of the team, and I know that we’ll work as hard as we possibly can to develop this car into a winner. I think a strong driver line-up will be very important this year as there are a lot of very competitive teams and drivers – and the stronger we can be, the better chance we’ll have of winning races. We all understand that.”
What are your aims for the season ahead?
“Obviously, I want to win the drivers’ world championship, that’s clear. But, just as important, I want to help the team to win the constructors’ championship. I also want to achieve something greater this year. I’d like us to demonstrate to the world the strength, passion, and depth of belief that exists within Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.
“I think it’s set to be a great year for Formula 1. There will be four world champions on the grid – two of them in our team – and there are at least four teams who I think will win races. I think the sport can earn a lot of new fans throughout 2010. It should be brilliant.”
Driver Profile : Jenson Button ( Mclaren Mercedes)
JENSON BUTTON
Age 30Date of Birth January 19 1980Website www.jensonbutton.comF1 highlights 170 GPs, 7 wins, 7 pole positions, 327 points, 2009 world championQ&A
This is the first time you’ve seen the car with the world champion’s number one on the nosecone, how does that make you feel?“It feels fantastic! Winning the world championship last year was such a momentous achievement for me, but the winter has gone so quickly, I’ve been so busy and so focused on the year ahead, that the 2009 season already feels such a long time ago. It all still feels slightly surreal.“But it’s an incredible feeling. I’m incredibly proud to be standing here today knowing I’ll be carrying the number one for the whole season: that’s a great responsibility but also a great honour. It’s something I’m relishing. It looks so cool too!”What’s the plan for next week’s first test in Valencia and the three following sessions?“Lewis and myself will be sharing the test days equally. It would be nice to be able to say that my first day will be about getting used to the car and the team, and making myself feel comfortable with the new environment. But Formula 1 is far too competitive for that: it’s about hitting the ground running.“From the very first day, I’ll be working with the team to learn about the car and to develop it ahead of the first race. I’ve said it before: the pace of development in those opening tests could well determine the outcome of the championship.“We’ve seen many times before that the winner of the first race of the season often goes on to take the championship, and we need to make sure we’re in a position to do just that in 2010.”What’s struck you most since joining Vodafone McLaren Mercedes?“Two things: firstly, the level of professionalism and commitment that’s always on display. Ever since I first arrived, it’s been clear to see that everybody is enormously motivated by winning and succeeding in Formula 1, and that’s a really healthy attitude, and one that fires me up enormously.“Secondly, it’s a really warm and friendly team. Perhaps it’s not something you see from the outside looking in, but there’s a real human spirit, and a sense of people helping each other out. That’s something that really struck me, too.”“I’ve got a great team around me, and I already feel very at home here. I just can’t wait to get in the car and start driving again. It really can’t come soon enough!”
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-25 : Technical Discussion on changes this year
TECHNICAL DISCUSSION
While nowhere near as radical as last year’s reinvention of the technical rulebook, 2010’s regulations feature a number of key differences from the previous season. Outlined below are the major developments, their primary effects and the ways that Vodafone McLaren Mercedes has approached them:
| CHANGE | In-race refueling banned |
| EFFECT | Cars feature significantly larger fuel-tanks; efficient packaging becomes critical; in-race fuel stops will disappear; races will become more dependent on tyre strategy; pitstops will become significantly quicker (around 4 sec or less); cars will be significantly heavier and slower at the start of races, which could have consequences on tyre wear, drivetrain and brake life |
| CHANGE | Teams unanimously agree to no longer use KERS |
| EFFECT | Overtaking opportunities available to KERS-equipped cars will disappear; teams have far greater freedom on systems packaging and weight distribution |
| CHANGE | Narrower width introduced for (dry weather) front tyres |
| EFFECT | Smaller tyre will have knock-on effect for car aerodynamics and overall car balance |
| CHANGE | Aerodynamic hubcaps banned |
| EFFECT | A FOTA cost-saving initiative. Teams will look to recover their aero properties elsewhere |
| CHANGE | Wheel rim-heaters banned |
| EFFECT | While tyre blankets are still permitted, the removal of the inner heated core that heats the rim will make tyre warm-up more critical |
| CHANGE | Minimum weight increased from 605kg to 620kg |
| EFFECT | Cars will be heavier on track; ballast positioning will become more efficient |
| CHANGE | On-track aero testing reduced from eight to four days |
| EFFECT | Requires teams to capitalise on increasingly limited track testing away from the races; windtunnel testing is provided as a substitute |
| CHANGE | Backmarkers no longer able to unlap themselves behind the Safety Car |
| EFFECT | Safety Car periods should be shorter and the restart quicker |
| CHANGE | Points system runs from 1st to 10th (POINTS ORDER TBC) |
| EFFECT | Greater rewards are now offered to the winning driver, placing more importance on pushing for victory rather than accepting a minor placing; a greater spread of points ought to reward the larger field expected in 2010 |
| CHANGE | Using a second additional engine during a race weekend carries a 10-place grid penalty for the following event |
| EFFECT | Engine life and effective usage will be even more critical, particularly towards the end of the season |
The Mclaren MP4-25 :Introduction
INTRODUCING THE MP4-25
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team today revealed its brand new MP4-25 chassis - the car in which reigning world champion Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will contest the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.
Unveiled at Vodafone UK's stunning headquarters in Newbury, the 2010 car looks noticeably different from last year's race-winning MP4-24. MP4-25 features a radical aerodynamic overhaul and a significantly larger fuel tank to take full advantage of this year's new regulations, and its design team is confident it has explored every possible avenue to maximise the car's performance.
Horsepower once again comes from our friends in Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz's FO 108X V8 subtly improves upon an engine which has become the benchmark in Formula 1, winning the last two drivers' world championships.
The team kicks off its 2010 campaign with a stunning driver pairing: 2009 world champion Jenson Button and 2008 title winner Lewis Hamilton. It is the first time since 1989 - when it ran Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna - that the team has fielded a joint-world champion driver line-up, and marks the first time in Formula 1 history that the sport's two most recent world champions have been partnered together.
However, the driver line-up represents only a fraction of the team's remarkable strength in depth. Members of the design team who contributed to the development of MP4-25 can also trace their involvement back through an incredible seven drivers' world championships, five of the team's eight constructors' world championships and 112 of the team's 164 grand prix victories.
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team begins pre-season testing with MP4-25 at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo on Monday.
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