Quick Glance at F1 Testing in Southern Spain

There is only one driver present in the F1 testing in southern Spain this week that has a confirmed place on next year’s starting roster. And, that driver is Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg.

The test is the only one allowed before the New Year. It’s geared towards giving young drivers experience that is banned throughout the rest of the season. These drivers come from seven different countries, and may not have a representative in grand prix racing the upcoming year.

Some of these youngsters are closer than others into being inducted into the world of F1. The promising few are: Lucas di Grassi, Paul di Resta and JR Hildebrand.

Source: TimesLive

American Drivers for F1

Source: ESPN.com

By: John Oreovicz

Two young American drivers are set to participate in the Formula One young drivers’ test Dec. 1-3 in Jerez, Spain.

The two youngsters are Firestone Indy Lights champion JR Hildebrand and 18-year old Alexander Rossi.

Rossi took home a prize for winning the 2008 Formula BMW Americas championship. And, although he is a few years away from being ready he had already an astonishing following.

Hildebrand, 21,  is one of the most accomplished young American drivers and he has experience in Formula Atlantic and Ai Grand Prix cars under his belt.

Kimi Räikkönen Leaves Formula One

Kimi July 25, 2009

After failing to find a car for 2010, Ferrari’s world champion has announced that he is to leave F1 for rallying. He leaves the sport after nine seasons.  He was forced to leave Ferrari in order to make room for Fernando Alonso. There were talks of Räikkönen moving to a different team, but his rumored salary is close to $50 million and is not reflective of  his last two seasons’ performances.

There are rumors of Räikkönen continue his career in rallying.

Kimi July 31, 2009

Source: www.jalopnik.com

Photo Credit: Mark Thompson/Getty Images, Massimo Bettiol/Getty Images

Silver Arrows Return to Formula 1

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it has bought a controlling stake in the recently-crowned Formula 1 champions Brawn GP and re-named it Mercedes Grand Prix.

FOTA and FIA Resolve Dispute, Mosley Out as FIA President

A deal has finally been reached between the FIA and FOTA (Formula One Teams Association), which will ensure there will be one unified Formula 1 Championship in 2010. FOTA, comprised of eight Formula 1 teams, banded together in response to the FIA’s proposal to place a budget cap of $65 million per team. After much bitter debate, FOTA announced that they would break free of Formula 1 and the FIA to form their own racing championship. After being served this ultimatum, Formula 1 Supreme Leader Bernie Ecclestone was forced to negotiate in order to save his empire.

On Wednesday it was announced that current FIA President Max Mosley has agreed not to run for re-election. This may have been mandated by either Ecclestone or FOTA as the tone of recent statements from Mosley suggested negotiation was not an option.

Source: Jalopnik

Formula 1 Steering Wheel Picture and Guide

This Formula 1 steering wheel from BMW shows how much input a Formula 1 driver deals with on race day.  The steering wheels have an amazing amount of functionality, from setting the differential, to having a drink to even confirming the tire choice at the upcoming pit stop.

Formula 1 steering wheels are hand made and cost around $30,000 each. They weigh less than three pounds and are made from carbon fiber and electrical components. Although it would be a great addition to any motorsport-loving guy or gal’s vehicle, good luck trying to find a steering wheel cover that fits it.

Source: auto123.com

‘KERS Not Relevant to Road Cars According to Mercedes Engineer

KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System

McLaren-Mercedes is the only Formula 1 team that has run KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) on both of its cars in every race this season. McLaren has developed two different KERS. One system is electric and uses batteries to store power, while the other is mechanical and uses a flywheel to store power.

A source inside the engineering department has stated that neither KERS system currently has an application for road vehicles at this time. McLaren managing director Anthony Sheriff recently said, “What’s important is that it’s pushing the envelope of battery technology to its limits and that has got to be good news.”

Source: Autoblog

Ferrari Scrambles as Questionable Diffuser Design Ruled Legal

Formula 1 Diffuser

The complaints over the double-decker rear diffuser designs have been rejected as the diffusers were ruled legal by the FIA’s International Court of Appeal. Brawn, Toyota and Williams were all using the different diffusers which are believed to give the cars at least a half second advantage per lap.

Following the recent ruling, Ferrari stated that they have no choice but to modify the Ferrari F60 in 2009 in order to be able to compete.

Ferrari have gotten off to a horrible 2009 campaign as team drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen haven’t secured even one point in the first two races.

Source: Formula1.com

BMW Tries to Lighten Load to Accommodate KERS for Kubica

KERS - Kinetic Energy Recovery System

BMW Sauber is attempting to launch a lighter version of its F1.09 in time for the Spanish Grand Prix to increase the chances of Robert Kubica being able to use KERS in his car. Kubica hasn’t been able to use KERS yet due to the extra weight it adds. The extra weight hurts the handling and increase the tire degradation.

Nick Heidfeld, Kubica’s BMW teammate has been able to use the KERS since he is weighs much less than Kubica.

Source: Autosport.com

BMW is confident that KERS provides an advantage on the track, which is why they are making such an effort to equip Kubica’s car.

Caught On Tape: FIA Official Crashes Renault R28

U.A.E. F1 representative Mohammed bin Sulayem crashed a Renault R28 Formula 1 car during the Renault Roadshow at the Dubai Autodrome. He was drag racing another car when the Renault suddenly veered to the right and crashed into the concert barrier. Bin Sulayem was not hurt in the accident.