Formula One: 2012 Season News and Discussion Thread **GP Brazil (page 16)**
11-04-2011, 07:47 AM
#1
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Formula One: 2012 Season News and Discussion Thread **GP Brazil (page 16)**
The Formula 1 Commission is understood to have approved the F1 name-change applications that were part of the agenda at a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, today.
From 2012 therefore, Team Lotus will race under the Caterham name, Renault will become Lotus and Virgin Racing will be known as Marussia, in deference to the team's principal investor.
Brand values and their worth to F1 have been the subject of ongoing discussions within the paddock. Having cleared the F1 Commission, the name changes should be formally rubber-stamped by the FIA World Motor Sport Council on December 7.
From 2012 therefore, Team Lotus will race under the Caterham name, Renault will become Lotus and Virgin Racing will be known as Marussia, in deference to the team's principal investor.
Brand values and their worth to F1 have been the subject of ongoing discussions within the paddock. Having cleared the F1 Commission, the name changes should be formally rubber-stamped by the FIA World Motor Sport Council on December 7.
12-07-2011, 08:52 AM
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FIA releases 2012 calendar
12-09-2011, 09:58 AM
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Rule Changes
The sport's governing body, the FIA, has confirmed a number of changes to the F1 sporting and technical regulations at a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in India.
Perhaps the most significant development in terms of the actual racing is a clarification of a grey area in the so-called 'one move rule.' In future, "Drivers may no longer move back onto the racing line having moved off it to defend a position."
Some drivers will claim that was their understanding in any case but the most contentious race with regard this was the Italian GP at Monza, where Michael Schumacher's Mercedes defended staunchly against Lewis Hamilton's McLaren and repeatedly blocked moves and then returned to the racing line.
The clarification, if indeed that's what it is, should increase the feasibility of overtaking, particularly in association with KERS and DRS.
A change to the Safety Car regulations means that, in future, all cars that have been lapped will be allowed to unlap themselves and join the back of the queue before the official car returns to the pits. That means they will not impede cars fighting for position, providing for more excitement upon the restart.
Cars that were in the pit lane when a race is suspended will also now be allowed to re-join the cars on the grid in the position they were in when the race was suspended. This is in response to teams feeling that drivers were unfairly penalised when this year's Canadian GP was halted.
Also prompted by Montreal, there will now be a maximum race time of four hours to ensure that a lengthy suspension does not go on ad infinitum, causing problems for TV schedulers.
In an attempt to further bolster safety standards, cars may no longer take part in pre-season testing without having passed all crash tests. Side impact structures will now have to be subjected to a further (upward) push-off test.
Complaints about a total lack of testing opportunity have been addressed by the FIA now permitting one three-day in-season test rather than the total ban on in-season testing that currently exists.
Drivers may now be penalised if they leave the track without a justifiable reason, for instance to cut a chicane on a reconnaissance lap or 'in' lap to save time and fuel.
To facilitate extra running on a Friday, all tyres allocated to a driver may now be used on the first day of practice rather than just the three sets currently permitted.
On the technical side, the FIA has confirmed that exhaust tailpipes are now strictly regulated in order to ensure that the aerodynamic effect exhaust gases have on the car is kept to an absolute minimum. And all engine standard ECU set up and control parameters, formerly contained only within a technical directive, will now be written into the technical regulations.
Perhaps the most significant development in terms of the actual racing is a clarification of a grey area in the so-called 'one move rule.' In future, "Drivers may no longer move back onto the racing line having moved off it to defend a position."
Some drivers will claim that was their understanding in any case but the most contentious race with regard this was the Italian GP at Monza, where Michael Schumacher's Mercedes defended staunchly against Lewis Hamilton's McLaren and repeatedly blocked moves and then returned to the racing line.
The clarification, if indeed that's what it is, should increase the feasibility of overtaking, particularly in association with KERS and DRS.
A change to the Safety Car regulations means that, in future, all cars that have been lapped will be allowed to unlap themselves and join the back of the queue before the official car returns to the pits. That means they will not impede cars fighting for position, providing for more excitement upon the restart.
Cars that were in the pit lane when a race is suspended will also now be allowed to re-join the cars on the grid in the position they were in when the race was suspended. This is in response to teams feeling that drivers were unfairly penalised when this year's Canadian GP was halted.
Also prompted by Montreal, there will now be a maximum race time of four hours to ensure that a lengthy suspension does not go on ad infinitum, causing problems for TV schedulers.
In an attempt to further bolster safety standards, cars may no longer take part in pre-season testing without having passed all crash tests. Side impact structures will now have to be subjected to a further (upward) push-off test.
Complaints about a total lack of testing opportunity have been addressed by the FIA now permitting one three-day in-season test rather than the total ban on in-season testing that currently exists.
Drivers may now be penalised if they leave the track without a justifiable reason, for instance to cut a chicane on a reconnaissance lap or 'in' lap to save time and fuel.
To facilitate extra running on a Friday, all tyres allocated to a driver may now be used on the first day of practice rather than just the three sets currently permitted.
On the technical side, the FIA has confirmed that exhaust tailpipes are now strictly regulated in order to ensure that the aerodynamic effect exhaust gases have on the car is kept to an absolute minimum. And all engine standard ECU set up and control parameters, formerly contained only within a technical directive, will now be written into the technical regulations.
12-09-2011, 10:00 AM
#4
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One rule move clarification is good. One move should mean one move, not one move to block and a second move to get back on the racing line.
12-12-2011, 02:30 AM
#5
Suzuka Master
also like the new safety car rule, taking out all the slow drivers in the front.
12-12-2011, 05:49 AM
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12-12-2011, 10:57 AM
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I don't like that rule. It might be more exciting, but it's not really fair to let lapped cars get their lap back, or for the car in front to lose their buffer. Oh well.
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12-12-2011, 04:06 PM
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HRT might get a lap back but not all the laps they are down! It won't matter in practice as there's usually only 7-10 cars on the lead lap anyways.
12-12-2011, 05:44 PM
#9
Suzuka Master
say you were lapped though, chances are getting back to the lead lap won't really help you with the cars that lapped you. There's a reason why you go lapped. Unless that is one had a puncture or something. Then yes it would be unfair. For the most part it wont change anything, but i can see where it would go wrong if one of the top drivers had a problem and got lapped. This would help them greatly, and will be unfair.
12-14-2011, 03:08 PM
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Toro Rosso changes drivers
Scurderia Toro Rosso has announced an all new driver lineup of Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne for 2012.
Both drivers came through the Red Bull Junior Driver programme, and will replace the duo of Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari - leaving both without drives for next season. Toro Rosso said the decision was taken in conjunction with Red Bull.
Some see the move as giving the two young drivers a proper try-out, in order to see if either shows enough promise to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull for the 2013 season.
Both drivers came through the Red Bull Junior Driver programme, and will replace the duo of Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari - leaving both without drives for next season. Toro Rosso said the decision was taken in conjunction with Red Bull.
Some see the move as giving the two young drivers a proper try-out, in order to see if either shows enough promise to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull for the 2013 season.
12-16-2011, 02:05 AM
#11
Suzuka Master
sucks for buemi and alguesuari, hopefully they find a seat somewhere (not necessarily F1)
12-16-2011, 06:36 PM
#12
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Hulk replaces Sutil at FI
The Sahara Force India formula one team have announced that Paul di Resta will continue with the team for 2012, and test driver Nico Hulkenberg will step up to replace Adrian Sutil.
Di Resta joined the team last season. Hulkenberg, who raced for Williams in 2010, will return to the grid this season after spending 2011 as Force India's reserve driver.
Paul Di Resta said, "I'm really looking forward to my second season of Formula One and continuing to grow and develop with Sahara Force India. I've said all along that I love being part of this team: they are ambitious, hungry for success and we work well together. I'm really excited about 2012 and there is a real sense of belief that we can continue to push the top teams and take another step forward. I'd also like to thank the team for all their hard work this year and for all the support they've given me. I'll take some time out over the next few weeks to recharge my batteries and hopefully come back even stronger in 2012."
Nico Hulkenberg said, "I'm obviously delighted to be staying with Sahara Force India and to be given the chance to race next year. It wasn't easy to watch from the sidelines this season, but I did my best to help the team and show what I was capable of. I'm extremely motivated for 2012 and would like to thank everyone for believing in me and giving me this chance. I'm keen to get down to work over the winter to develop our new car and help the team build on this year's achievements. The first test in Jerez can't come soon enough."
Team principal Dr. Vijay Mallya said, "I am delighted to present our line-up for the 2012 season. In Paul and Nico we have two extremely talented drivers with tremendous potential."
"I think Paul caught the eye of everybody in the pit lane during his rookie season. His speed, maturity and racecraft confirmed that we were right to believe in him and we look forward to working with him again next year."
"As for Nico, we identified him as a rising star at the end of 2010 and chose to evaluate him during the course of this season. Despite having only limited time in the car, he convinced us that he deserved a race seat for 2012."
"Our new line-up means we say 'goodbye' to Adrian Sutil, who has been with the team since we entered the sport. He has been an integral part of our success over the past four seasons and we wish him well for the future."
Di Resta joined the team last season. Hulkenberg, who raced for Williams in 2010, will return to the grid this season after spending 2011 as Force India's reserve driver.
Paul Di Resta said, "I'm really looking forward to my second season of Formula One and continuing to grow and develop with Sahara Force India. I've said all along that I love being part of this team: they are ambitious, hungry for success and we work well together. I'm really excited about 2012 and there is a real sense of belief that we can continue to push the top teams and take another step forward. I'd also like to thank the team for all their hard work this year and for all the support they've given me. I'll take some time out over the next few weeks to recharge my batteries and hopefully come back even stronger in 2012."
Nico Hulkenberg said, "I'm obviously delighted to be staying with Sahara Force India and to be given the chance to race next year. It wasn't easy to watch from the sidelines this season, but I did my best to help the team and show what I was capable of. I'm extremely motivated for 2012 and would like to thank everyone for believing in me and giving me this chance. I'm keen to get down to work over the winter to develop our new car and help the team build on this year's achievements. The first test in Jerez can't come soon enough."
Team principal Dr. Vijay Mallya said, "I am delighted to present our line-up for the 2012 season. In Paul and Nico we have two extremely talented drivers with tremendous potential."
"I think Paul caught the eye of everybody in the pit lane during his rookie season. His speed, maturity and racecraft confirmed that we were right to believe in him and we look forward to working with him again next year."
"As for Nico, we identified him as a rising star at the end of 2010 and chose to evaluate him during the course of this season. Despite having only limited time in the car, he convinced us that he deserved a race seat for 2012."
"Our new line-up means we say 'goodbye' to Adrian Sutil, who has been with the team since we entered the sport. He has been an integral part of our success over the past four seasons and we wish him well for the future."
01-12-2012, 09:42 AM
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Lotus's rivals look set to be forced to copy its innovative reactive ride height system ahead of the 2012 season, with the FIA happy the concept is totally legal.
There has been much intrigue in recent days about the mechanism that Lotus was reported to have tried out at the Abu Dhabi young driver test last year.
The mechanical system helps maintain a standard ride height during braking - when often the front of the car would dip down.
Rivals teams are understood to have looked into the system and its legality over recent days - with a report in Gazzetta dello Sport this week suggesting it was driver adjusted by the use of a pedal in the cockpit.
However, if the drivers were changing the ride height of the cars under braking then that would be a breach of the rules.
Article 3.15 of the F1 Technical Regulations states: "With the exception of the parts necessary for the adjustment described in Article 3.18 [the DRS], any car system, device or procedure which uses driver movement as a means of altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the car is prohibited."
AUTOSPORT can reveal, however, that the adjustment to the ride height - which improves aerodynamic performance and stability on the Lotus under braking - does not come from the driver.
Instead it is reactive to brake torque and is linked directly to the suspension - so cannot be classified as a moveable aerodynamic device in the way that independent mass dampers were.
The fact that the driver is not involved, and that the system is a part of the suspension, means it complies fully with the F1 regulations.
AUTOSPORT understands that Lotus has been in liaison with the FIA throughout the development of the brake system, having first been proposed in 2010 and been given an official green light by the governing as long ago as January last year.
With the FIA happy that the brake system is legal, it means that its main rivals will now have to propose their own systems to the governing body if they want to adopt such a concept for the forthcoming season.
There has been much intrigue in recent days about the mechanism that Lotus was reported to have tried out at the Abu Dhabi young driver test last year.
The mechanical system helps maintain a standard ride height during braking - when often the front of the car would dip down.
Rivals teams are understood to have looked into the system and its legality over recent days - with a report in Gazzetta dello Sport this week suggesting it was driver adjusted by the use of a pedal in the cockpit.
However, if the drivers were changing the ride height of the cars under braking then that would be a breach of the rules.
Article 3.15 of the F1 Technical Regulations states: "With the exception of the parts necessary for the adjustment described in Article 3.18 [the DRS], any car system, device or procedure which uses driver movement as a means of altering the aerodynamic characteristics of the car is prohibited."
AUTOSPORT can reveal, however, that the adjustment to the ride height - which improves aerodynamic performance and stability on the Lotus under braking - does not come from the driver.
Instead it is reactive to brake torque and is linked directly to the suspension - so cannot be classified as a moveable aerodynamic device in the way that independent mass dampers were.
The fact that the driver is not involved, and that the system is a part of the suspension, means it complies fully with the F1 regulations.
AUTOSPORT understands that Lotus has been in liaison with the FIA throughout the development of the brake system, having first been proposed in 2010 and been given an official green light by the governing as long ago as January last year.
With the FIA happy that the brake system is legal, it means that its main rivals will now have to propose their own systems to the governing body if they want to adopt such a concept for the forthcoming season.
01-15-2012, 03:57 PM
#14
Suzuka Master
Kubica apparently slipped on ice and fractured his leg again, forgot which one it was... 
01-15-2012, 03:59 PM
#15
AZ Community Team
^ I read that last week, hope he can still recover.
Kubica has talent, just needs a decent car.
Kubica has talent, just needs a decent car.
01-16-2012, 01:16 AM
#16
2G TLX-S
^^^^^
That's the problem with F1. Too many talented drivers, but far too few decent cars.
That's the problem with F1. Too many talented drivers, but far too few decent cars.
01-16-2012, 09:12 AM
#17
AZ Community Team
^ +1 so true
01-17-2012, 06:33 AM
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01-17-2012, 07:18 AM
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^ I have a feeling Kubica's F1 career is over, comebacks are possible (Lauda in 76) but not common
01-17-2012, 07:14 PM
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Sad, but I agree that it doesn't look good for him.
01-17-2012, 10:33 PM
#21
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B. Senna confirmed for Williams! Lotus, Williams, ... does that mean he's going to McLaren in a few years? 
01-18-2012, 07:18 AM
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Bruno to Williams F1
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...2/1/12929.html
Not looking good for Rubinho as there's only one seat left on the grid at HRT.
Not looking good for Rubinho as there's only one seat left on the grid at HRT.
01-18-2012, 12:59 PM
#23
AZ Community Team
^ Looks like both seat at Williams are pay drives. Sad how Williams have fallen.
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/68114.html
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/68114.html
01-18-2012, 08:05 PM
#24
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Gotta pay the bills somehow!
01-22-2012, 01:54 AM
#26
Suzuka Master
01-22-2012, 05:29 AM
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01-22-2012, 09:40 AM
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That's basically what the linked article says.
^ Looks like both seat at Williams are pay drives. Sad how Williams have fallen.
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/68114.html
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/68114.html
01-22-2012, 12:14 PM
#29
AZ Community Team
01-24-2012, 03:00 PM
#30
Rich and Famous
What price should F1 race tickets run ??
They are building a new F1 track here in Austin
but so far its like $5K for the ticket lottery ...
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...1/4/11928.html
They are building a new F1 track here in Austin
but so far its like $5K for the ticket lottery ...
http://www.formula1.com/news/headlin...1/4/11928.html
Last edited by EL_PIC; 01-24-2012 at 03:06 PM.
01-24-2012, 10:37 PM
#31
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01-25-2012, 11:44 AM
#32
Suzuka Master
I see 
01-26-2012, 09:41 AM
#33
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02-17-2012, 11:25 AM
#34
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Vitaly Petrov will race with the Caterham team during the 2012 season, taking Jarno Trulli's place at the squad, it was confirmed on Friday.
The Russian had been linked with the outfit for several weeks despite the veteran Italian having a contract with the team he had raced for since the 2010 season.
Petrov was left without a racing drive after Renault - now Lotus - signed Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean for the 2012 season.
The 27-year-old from Vyborg, Russia, will partner Heikki Kovalainen at Caterham.
The Russian had been linked with the outfit for several weeks despite the veteran Italian having a contract with the team he had raced for since the 2010 season.
Petrov was left without a racing drive after Renault - now Lotus - signed Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean for the 2012 season.
The 27-year-old from Vyborg, Russia, will partner Heikki Kovalainen at Caterham.
02-19-2012, 09:48 AM
#35
AZ Community Team
^ money trumps talent?
02-20-2012, 03:31 AM
#36
Suzuka Master
wow we got less than a month left!!
03-08-2012, 10:04 AM
#37
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F-duct back?
A new case of F-duct fever appears to have broken out in Formula One.
The issue seemed dead at the end of 2010 as the FIA banned the driver-activated systems that stalled the rear wing to boost top speed, replacing it with DRS.
But toward the end of last year, Mercedes began testing an F-duct style innovation in the front-wing, which because it is entirely passive is legal.
The system is on the W03 car, and Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that McLaren's final Barcelona test specification of its 2012 car, the MP4-27, featured a similar system.
Now, there are rumors Mercedes, McLaren as well as Red Bull and Lotus have designed new F-duct style systems — also for the rear wing.
Asked if this would explain Red Bull's mysterious letterbox-style slit on the stepped front nose, designer Adrian Newey answered: "I can't say anything."
"Some teams have some doubts about the legality of the supposed systems," journalist Michael Schmidt said. "We have heard that one has made an official request to the FIA about what is and is not allowed in this area."
The issue seemed dead at the end of 2010 as the FIA banned the driver-activated systems that stalled the rear wing to boost top speed, replacing it with DRS.
But toward the end of last year, Mercedes began testing an F-duct style innovation in the front-wing, which because it is entirely passive is legal.
The system is on the W03 car, and Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports that McLaren's final Barcelona test specification of its 2012 car, the MP4-27, featured a similar system.
Now, there are rumors Mercedes, McLaren as well as Red Bull and Lotus have designed new F-duct style systems — also for the rear wing.
Asked if this would explain Red Bull's mysterious letterbox-style slit on the stepped front nose, designer Adrian Newey answered: "I can't say anything."
"Some teams have some doubts about the legality of the supposed systems," journalist Michael Schmidt said. "We have heard that one has made an official request to the FIA about what is and is not allowed in this area."
03-12-2012, 09:17 AM
#38
AZ Community Team
Charlie Whiting explains the new rules including the duck nose 
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/72641.html
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/72641.html
03-12-2012, 09:27 AM
#39
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Charlie Whiting explains the new rules including the duck nose
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/72641.html
http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/72641.html
03-12-2012, 11:31 AM
#40
Living the Dream
Just looked at f1.com and it appears that the US Grand Prix has been removed from the schedule.
Is the concern that the track won't be ready?
edit:
It's still on the BBC's F1 schedule...hmmm
I think it must be that f1.com is not yet updated
Is the concern that the track won't be ready?
edit:
It's still on the BBC's F1 schedule...hmmm
I think it must be that f1.com is not yet updated
Last edited by cmschmie; 03-12-2012 at 11:34 AM.
