The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
11-13-2011, 07:01 PM
#678
What is this crap?
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
oh...poon i thought meant he had a new piece of ***...but all they said was mom was there, so i was pretty confused. and/or grossed out
11-14-2011, 09:50 AM
#682
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
Rubens isn't *bad*, but he's proven he can't succeed consistently when given a top car - which he's had many times in his career - just like Coulthard and Webber.
If he does have one more race, then it would be fitting to have it at Brazil.
If he does have one more race, then it would be fitting to have it at Brazil.
11-14-2011, 03:33 PM
#684
What is this crap?
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
ah you prefer it when all the teams have it sorted out and are basically locked in position due to the limitations of their engineering resources, like they are now.
11-14-2011, 03:57 PM
#685
Honda-Tech Member
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
11-14-2011, 04:46 PM
#686
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
For a while, ppl thought Newey had lost it since Ferrari had dominated for years, followed by back-to-back wins by Renault. So really, it has been quite some time since a Newey car has been dominant.
11-14-2011, 06:33 PM
#688
Honda-Tech Member
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
11-15-2011, 08:25 AM
#689
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
There is a fascinating struggle for supremacy between Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher behind the scenes at their Mercedes team - and it burst out into the open in a very tough opening-lap battle between the two men in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
On this occasion it was Rosberg who staked his claim to the status of team number one.
Not only did Rosberg prevail in the first-lap squabble - which seemed particularly intense in the way Schumacher almost drove Rosberg off the track on the approach to Turn Eight at the end of the long straight - but he also went on to finish one place and a substantial 23 seconds ahead of the seven-time champion.
Although that margin was exaggerated by a slow puncture for Schumacher in the closing stages, the result of their intra-team battle was never in doubt.
It was an interesting about turn in their fortunes from the previous race in India, where Schumacher hounded Rosberg for most of the distance, then went ahead at the final stops.
In August, Jock Clear returned from a factory-based role to become Schumacher's performance engineer alongside race engineer Peter Bonnington, who replaced Mark Slade. Since then, the 42-year-old's form has steadily improved.
Rosberg, 26, continues to be consistently faster in qualifying but increasingly Schumacher has had stronger race pace.
Combined with his ability to consistently improve upon his grid position on the first lap, this has helped him match his younger team-mate much more closely than he did last year.
According to team insiders, the Clear-Schumacher-Bonnington partnership has become an incredibly tight unit, a team within a team, determined to beat the car on the other side of the garage.
Between them, they have found a sweet spot in the car's set-up that enables Schumacher to maintain good pace but retain tyre performance for longer than before.
It was Schumacher's gentler tyre usage that enabled him to prevail at India, allowing him to pump in fast laps on old tyres after Rosberg had been forced to pit for replacements. Their harder compounds ensured they were not as fast as Schumacher's older, softer tyres in the crucial overlap between the respective stops of the two drivers.
The reversal of positions in that final stop was also partly to do with a two-second pit-stop delay for Rosberg, which fuelled conspiracy theories.
But there is nothing about this in-team competition to suggest a Schumacher-led conspiracy rather than a healthy rivalry.
If there are things Schumacher can sometimes do better, then it is down to Rosberg to understand what they are and incorporate them into his game.
Rosberg remains the faster driver, as his continuing qualifying dominance underlines, and he has extended his deal with the team until the end of 2013.
Schumacher's contract runs out at the end of next season, when he will be nearly 44 - and he said in Abu Dhabi that he had not yet decided whether he wants to race on beyond that.
His recent threat to Rosberg in the races, despite his qualifying speed deficit, says a huge amount for the raw competitive desire that fuelled the incredible achievements of his first career.
But the speed itself is still not of the order from his initial spell in the sport.
Were the Mercedes not in competitive isolation - significantly slower than the Ferrari, but a lot faster than Force India and Renault - then the qualifying speed differences from Rosberg to Schumacher would be hurting the older man more than they are.
In Abu Dhabi, Schumacher was 0.9 seconds slower, yet that translated into only one grid place.
Schumacher's determination, experience and competitive soul mean he can never be discounted by a team-mate - and Rosberg can doubtless learn something from that, and should.
But the colossus Schumacher who bestrode F1 prior to his first retirement has not yet reappeared.
On this occasion it was Rosberg who staked his claim to the status of team number one.
Not only did Rosberg prevail in the first-lap squabble - which seemed particularly intense in the way Schumacher almost drove Rosberg off the track on the approach to Turn Eight at the end of the long straight - but he also went on to finish one place and a substantial 23 seconds ahead of the seven-time champion.
Although that margin was exaggerated by a slow puncture for Schumacher in the closing stages, the result of their intra-team battle was never in doubt.
It was an interesting about turn in their fortunes from the previous race in India, where Schumacher hounded Rosberg for most of the distance, then went ahead at the final stops.
In August, Jock Clear returned from a factory-based role to become Schumacher's performance engineer alongside race engineer Peter Bonnington, who replaced Mark Slade. Since then, the 42-year-old's form has steadily improved.
Rosberg, 26, continues to be consistently faster in qualifying but increasingly Schumacher has had stronger race pace.
Combined with his ability to consistently improve upon his grid position on the first lap, this has helped him match his younger team-mate much more closely than he did last year.
According to team insiders, the Clear-Schumacher-Bonnington partnership has become an incredibly tight unit, a team within a team, determined to beat the car on the other side of the garage.
Between them, they have found a sweet spot in the car's set-up that enables Schumacher to maintain good pace but retain tyre performance for longer than before.
It was Schumacher's gentler tyre usage that enabled him to prevail at India, allowing him to pump in fast laps on old tyres after Rosberg had been forced to pit for replacements. Their harder compounds ensured they were not as fast as Schumacher's older, softer tyres in the crucial overlap between the respective stops of the two drivers.
The reversal of positions in that final stop was also partly to do with a two-second pit-stop delay for Rosberg, which fuelled conspiracy theories.
But there is nothing about this in-team competition to suggest a Schumacher-led conspiracy rather than a healthy rivalry.
If there are things Schumacher can sometimes do better, then it is down to Rosberg to understand what they are and incorporate them into his game.
Rosberg remains the faster driver, as his continuing qualifying dominance underlines, and he has extended his deal with the team until the end of 2013.
Schumacher's contract runs out at the end of next season, when he will be nearly 44 - and he said in Abu Dhabi that he had not yet decided whether he wants to race on beyond that.
His recent threat to Rosberg in the races, despite his qualifying speed deficit, says a huge amount for the raw competitive desire that fuelled the incredible achievements of his first career.
But the speed itself is still not of the order from his initial spell in the sport.
Were the Mercedes not in competitive isolation - significantly slower than the Ferrari, but a lot faster than Force India and Renault - then the qualifying speed differences from Rosberg to Schumacher would be hurting the older man more than they are.
In Abu Dhabi, Schumacher was 0.9 seconds slower, yet that translated into only one grid place.
Schumacher's determination, experience and competitive soul mean he can never be discounted by a team-mate - and Rosberg can doubtless learn something from that, and should.
But the colossus Schumacher who bestrode F1 prior to his first retirement has not yet reappeared.
11-15-2011, 12:12 PM
#690
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Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
So construction halted in Austin...does that mean it's done? I heard this happened in Can in 09 and that race never went down.
What do you guys think?
What do you guys think?
11-15-2011, 12:32 PM
#691
What is this crap?
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
“It’s no secret that I’ve supported Texas hosting a Formula One race since 2008,” she said. “I believe a well-organized event of this magnitude can be a tremendous benefit to Texas if done right. Investors, businesses and event organizers want to come to Texas because we’ve developed an economic climate that is attractive, our state is a great location for events, and we’ve got space and potential to grow. A tool for recruiting large events to the state is the Major Events Trust Fund (METF), which was created by the Texas Legislature in 2003. In the past two years, eligible METF recipients have included the NFL Super Bowl XLV, the NBA All-Star Game and the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four tournaments. The support provided by the METF comes from sales, hotel, beverage and other tax revenue generated by out-of-state visitors who attend the event. When the United States Grand Prix was formally announced, it was the only Formula One race scheduled in the U.S. During the past 18 months, organizers have taken many steps to bring high-profile motor racing to Central Texas, including the development of the Circuit of the Americas, and the announcement of the global MotoGP and V8 Supercar race series starting in 2013. The recent announcement of an annual Formula One race in New Jersey is a concern, as additional races have the potential to reduce the number of attendees to a Texas race, thereby decreasing the economic impact. Additionally, the reports of a slowdown in construction at the Circuit of the Americas, and recently publicized disagreements between the race rights-holder and the circuit developers have prompted speculation about whether the Austin race will even occur. The ongoing controversies are a concern and we will continue to monitor them. Let me state clearly: We have not paid out any money for the Formula One event. The only dollars that can be spent on the United States Grand Prix are tax revenues attributable to the successful running of a race. The state of Texas will not be paying any funds in advance of the event. Further, as is the case with all METF events, each application will be reviewed and analyzed for its likely economic impact and only after the race occurs would any funds be disbursed. If an METF application is submitted, it will be thoroughly vetted and economic impact data scrutinized based on the actual circumstances for that event. Ultimately, I am responsible for protecting the interests of Texas taxpayers, first and foremost. I will not allow taxpayer dollars to be placed at risk. My position on that has not changed.”
This is bad. There goes your race entry fee. No money, no Bernie, no race.
Move over USF1, you got company in making the US look bad.
11-15-2011, 01:52 PM
#692
What is this crap?
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
And now construction is halted. Again. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111115/F1/111119910
11-15-2011, 04:18 PM
#695
Join Date: Jul 2000
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Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
11-15-2011, 08:06 PM
#696
shit post warrior
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
And now construction is halted. Again. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20111115/F1/111119910
"The ship has been torpedoed and is taking on water."
11-15-2011, 09:09 PM
#697
What is this crap?
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
while were waiting for the demise of the Austin track, here's the story of the first ever USGP in 1959 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1959_Un...tes_Grand_Prix
11-16-2011, 08:50 AM
#698
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
anyways, i thought i would share this article here as well. nothing new, that you haven't seen, just different light.
By John Maher
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Updated: 5:14 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
Published: 10:56 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011
Almost a year from a race premiere, Austin's $300 million project to bring international Formula One racing to the United States ground to an unexpected and perilous halt Tuesday.
Key investors in Circuit of the Americas said they are immediately and indefinitely suspending construction of the 3.4-mile racetrack just southeast of Austin, a move that idles about 300 workers.
Also, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs announced a change in plans to provide a $25 million a year in state financial incentives to the project, saying a first payment would not be made until after the initial F1 race is held as currently scheduled on Nov. 18, 2012. Previously, it was thought that the payment could be made at any point up to a year in advance of the race.
Circuit investors, including San Antonio billionaire Red McCombs and local businessman Bobby Epstein, said construction was halted because they have yet to obtain the rights for the F1 race from promoter Tavo Hellmund.
Hellmund, a local former race driver, is a longtime friend of Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone.
In September, the Statesman reported that a possible change in the track's promoter or management was raising questions about the future of the project. At the time, work at the site had noticeably slowed.
No one at the time would openly confirm that there was any disconnect between promoter and investors.
However, when asked recently about the progress of the Austin project, Ecclestone said, "There are two parties. One is building a track, the other has the contract, and they've forgotten to talk to each other."
Speaking for the investors group Tuesday, Epstein said, "I don't know why Formula One would want to kill this race. The money is in place; the project is on time. All COTA needs is for Formula One to convey the original contracts that were in place for a long time."
The discord and uncertainty comes at a ticklish time for the project, and people speaking for Circuit of the Americas would not say when construction would have to restart if Austin is to have a chance to join cities such as Monaco, Singapore and São Paulo on the 2012 F1 calendar.
However, Epstein said, "Construction has to resume in the very near future."
The track has been designed to accommodate 120,000 spectators per day. A three-day weekend of racing might attract an audience of as many as 300,000.
Projections for the economic impact of the race on the Austin area range as high as $288 million per year. That figure is a major reason the race is scheduled to receive an annual subsidy of $25 million for 10 years from the state's Major Events Trust Fund. By law, that payment could be made in a matter of days — a year out from the event.
Combs has been a big supporter of the race since 2008, when Hellmund first pitched the idea to her.
Tuesday she introduced some doubt, citing "recently publicized disagreements between the race right holders and the circuit developers," slowdowns at the Austin construction site and a potentially competitive F1 race recently awarded to New Jersey as reasons for concern.
Speaking shortly before the investors took action, Combs said, "The State of Texas will not be paying any funds in advance of the event. Further, as is the case with all (Major Events Trust Fund) events, each application will be reviewed and analyzed for its likely economic impact, and only after the race occurs would any funds be disbursed."
No state money has been spent on the F1 race project, Combs emphasized.
Although construction at the circuit had slowed in late summer, it had sped up in recent weeks. According to Circuit of the Americas officials, there were 300 workers on the site last week. The site also was busy Monday as above-ground construction on the paddock had begun. A spokesperson for the circuit said workers and contractors would be paid for work done.
"The saddest part about today for me really is the hundreds of folks and hundreds of families tonight that are going to have one very difficult conversation because hundreds of folks were put out of work today," said Austin City Council Member Mike Martinez.
Developers have maintained that they were on target with construction. Paving of the 3.4-mile track on the 1,100-acre property was scheduled to begin next year, and permits from Travis County were obtained two weeks ago for the construction of five buildings, including the main grandstand.
Bringing Formula One to Austin has been Hellmund's dream. He was the driving force behind the project until a few months ago, when his presence diminished noticeably. Hellmund, who has known Ecclestone for almost four decades, is still a founding partner of Circuit of the Americas. Exactly what he and the other partners are in disagreement about has not been revealed.
One of the few things Hellmund has said recently came in a statement this weekend, "Mr. Ecclestone has been incredibly patient with the challenges here in Austin," Hellmund said. "Full Throttle Productions has worked tirelessly to bring the Formula One United States Grand Prix to Austin. It is now the responsibility of the Circuit of the Americas to make this project happen before Mr. Ecclestone's patience runs out."
According to F1 journalist Christian Sylt of Pitpass, that could come with a matter of days. Sylt quoted Ecclestone saying, "All they need to do is sign a contract. If they don't sign, we will have to cancel at some stage in December."
One sticking point might be the amount of money the promoter would receive from the track owners for the rights to the race.
Ecclestone did not respond to an email from the Statesman on Tuesday.
Though the buzz about the track has been about F1, Tuesday's announcement also revealed that the circuit does not currently have the rights to stage another international racing event, MotoGP.
According to circuit officials, rights to run one of those motorcycle racing events, a 10-year deal beginning in 2013, are currently held by Hellmund's Full Throttle Productions and 3FourTexas MGP, of which motorcycling legend Kevin Schwantz is the manager.
Schwantz, who is the 1993 world champion, has a home in Bastrop. It has been assumed that Schwantz would move his motorcycle school from a track in Alabama to the circuit in Elroy. Schwantz, a friend of Hellmund's, has not returned calls from the Statesman in recent weeks.
Epstein said, "We have spent tremendous resources preparing for the Formula One and MotoGP Championship races, but the failure to deliver race contracts gives us great concern."
Cathy Olive, president of the Elroy Neighborhood Association, was surprised to hear the news and said, "This was rude, and the owners should be ashamed of themselves for making the neighborhood that they plunked themselves in the middle of the last to know they stopped all operations."
According to the circuit's statement, "The delivery of the Formula One Grand Prix race contract will allow construction operations to resume."
The halt of construction might be a way for investors to up the ante in negotiations with Hellmund and Ecclestone. Or it could mean that the dream of a glamorous F1 race in such an unlikely spot as Austin is over.
Martinez said in a statement, "Obviously I remain hopeful that an event will occur, but I'm very pleased that even if an event doesn't occur, we didn't use any taxpayer money on this venture in trying to get Formula One to Austin, Texas."
11-16-2011, 08:55 AM
#699
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Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
Zandy is crazy no matter what you drive in iRacing, but it is not the configuration from the 70's that the fatal F1 crash was in. Done it in Star Mazda and F1. First turn to the hard left is very techincal. Then flat out through the esses. Right hander downhill is pretty much a downshift and no brakes. Then the two right handers to the hairpin left. Up to the chicane which goes to a hairpin and then pretty much flat to the finish.
It's just so wild all the elevation changes there and blind crests. SM is sliding all over the place but the F1 is very planted.
11-16-2011, 09:00 AM
#700
What is this crap?
Re: The Official Formula 1 2011 season Thread
i dont care if they host an f1 race anymore. i just hope they lay down the pavement. that will be such an awesome venue for trackdays.
as long as they ban all FF cars.
as long as they ban all FF cars.