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  • New Williams car ‘hitting targets’ early on

    New Williams car ‘hitting targets’ early on

    Williams Martini Racing are happy with the early performance of their car for the 2016 Formula One season which is currently in development.

    Williams head of vehicle performance Rob Smedley says that the target for the upcoming season is to “get back to the front,” and that the Williams F1 team are definitely hitting targets.

    “The 2016 car we have in the wind tunnel and the 2015 car are significantly different, so there’s nothing we could do from an aerodynamic point of view. Other parts of research and development and the mechanical design we are trialing all the time,” Smedley said.

    “We think that everything we are seeing at the minute is good. We’re hitting targets. We are always looking, not just at numbers, but in other areas aerodynamic development as well, other significant areas.

    Felipe Massa_Brazil 2015“It’s a process of getting us back towards the front. At the moment, we are reasonably happy with what we are seeing.

    “Of course, it’s all relative. Williams could have a stellar development and Ferrari and Red Bull could have an, even more, stellar one.

    “But everything we are seeing at the minute is good, we are hitting targets. We are always looking not just at headline numbers but in other areas of aero development, other important areas.

    Smedley described the 2015 season as “lackluster” despite finishing third in the Constructors’ Championship and said constant development had been the reason for the stronger showing in 2014.

  • F1 2015: Sauber Pursuing Aggressive 2016 Car

    F1 2015: Sauber Pursuing Aggressive 2016 Car

    To move up the field in 2016 the Sauber team is following an aggressive design concept for its new Formula 1 car.

    “The car we had this year and last year looked pretty much the same on the concept side but next year we are being a little bit more aggressive,” said Nasr, who scored three-times the number of points of team-mate Marcus Ericsson.”The concept looks very different. We know the areas we have to improve and we have to give it a try. We need to try something.”

    Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr doesn’t see this strategy as a risk. “If we keep developing the one we have, it’s little steps. That’s why we’re taking this approach for 2016.”

    Sauber scored 36 points in 2015 and finished eighth in the constructors standings.

  • Indonesian government backing Haryanto for F1 bid

    Indonesian government backing Haryanto for F1 bid

    The Indonesian government is eager to secure an F1 drive for Rio Haryanto in 2016 and is putting up 15 million Euros to back the 22 year old driver.

    Haryanto finished fourth in this year’s GP2 championship and has his eye on a seat at the Manor F1 team. The move will most likely be boosted by news of his government’s bid to back him financially.

    Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Imam Nahrawi, issued a letter following a meeting in Jakarta with Haryanto’s manager Piers Hunnisett.

    “Regarding to our discussions with Rio Haryanto and his management, we are pleased to confirm that the Ministry of Youth and Sport of The Republic of Indonesia will guarantee a payment of 15 million Euros for Rio Haryanto to compete in the 2016 Formula 1 World Championship with the Manor Formula 1 team,” it read.

    “The payments will be made via several instalments in return for the branding space on the race cars and drivers race wear plus a host of promotional activities to promote Indonesia and associated companies.”

  • F1 2015: Wehrlein And Manor F1

    F1 2015: Wehrlein And Manor F1

    Mercedes F1 reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein will have to wait until 2016 to find out his racing fate.

    The 21 year old driver is tipped to join the Manor F1 team in 2016 thanks to an engine supply deal between the team and his current Mercedes employers. However, no deal on his future will be announced this year. The German driver made history in 2015 when he became the youngest ever DTM champion.

    Mercedes boss Toto Wolff did confirm that talks are being held with Manor F1 and a potential seat for Wehrlein.

    “He definitely has the ability to be in Formula 1, to be one of the very successful ones, but it needs to be the right place for the right value,” Wolff told Autosport.

    “If we can’t make it happen for ’16, then we’ll give him lots of mileage in an F1 car, be it with us or another team in the form of a testing programme, and then we will see what opens up for 2017.”

  • Pirelli Reveals 2016 Australian Grand Prix Tyre Choices

    Pirelli Reveals 2016 Australian Grand Prix Tyre Choices

    With just 100 days to go for the 2016 Formula 1 Season, Formula 1 tyre supplier Pirelli has revealed its tyre choices for the Australian Grand Prix.

    Pirelli have selected the White Medium, Yellow Soft and Red Super Soft compound for the Australian Grand Prix race weekend.

    According to the 2016 tyre rules, Pirelli have selected the medium and soft compound tyres which will have to be used at some point in the race. Drivers must have both sets available for the race and must use at least one of the aforementioned compounds.

    For Q3 in qualifying a set of the Red Super soft tyre will be available.

    “Following on from the 2016 regulations, each driver must save one set of the softest of the three nominated compounds for Q3,” read the statement from Pirelli

    “This set will be given back to Pirelli after Q3 for those who qualify in the top 10, but the remaining drivers will keep it for the race – as is the case currently.

    “The teams are free to choose the remaining sets; making up 13 sets in total for the weekend.”

     

    Photo by courtesy Pirelli

  • Pirelli granted up to six F1 tyre tests for 2016

    Pirelli granted up to six F1 tyre tests for 2016

    F1 tyre supplier Pirelli will get a maximum of 12 days dedicated solely to tyre testing during the 2016 season following amendments to the sporting regulations.

    The Italian tyre manufacturer has been pushing for an increase in testing since securing the extension of their contract as the sole F1 tyre supplier until 2019.

    The biggest concern the company has is the planned 2017 regulation changes which are looking to increase the speed of cars by up to 5 seconds per lap. The increase will be brought about partly by the introduction of wider tyres.

    Pirelli were granted a 12 hour test after the final race of the 2015 season in Abu Dhabi and will also test in wet conditions at Paul Ricard in January.

    Pirelli F1 tyre - ultra softFurther to that, Pirelli will be granted a maximum of 12 days for testing in 2016 to help develop tyres for upcoming seasons. The 12 days can be organised in up to six two-day F1 tyre tests.

    The amendments to the 2016 Sporting Regulations state: “In consultation with the teams and the appointed tyre supplier, the FIA reserves the right to organise up to six two day tests for the sole purpose of providing the supplier with the chance to test improvements to the design of their tyres.”

    Pirelli will also be increasing their range with the introduction of the new ultra-soft tyre and new tyre regulations for next season will see drivers having some choice over which F1 tyre compound they would like to have available during a race weekend.

  • F1 2015: Mercedes To Sue Engineer

    F1 2015: Mercedes To Sue Engineer

    Mercedes is to institute legal action against an engineer who will be joining the Ferrari team in 2016.

    Benjamin Hoyle, the engineer in question, is accused of having stolen confidential data and information. He is scheduled to join the Ferrari team at the beginning of 2016. However, Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP), where Hoyle was employed in December 2012, is asking that the engineer only be allowed to join the team at the conclusion of the 2016 season.

    HPP claims that Hoyle removed hard copy documents containing confidential F1 information and also conducted a computer search for further information which he saved on a laptop. It is believed that amongst the data is files related to the compressor performance of HPP’s F1 engines and detailed reports on engine performance.

    It also being alleged that Hoyle also saved the information on his personal mobile phone, a micro SD card, a tablet, and an external hard drive. Further, Hoyle is accused of concealing his action by deleting files. HPP further claims that Hoyle’s action has given both him and Ferrari “an unlawful advantage”.

    Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains Ltd has confirmed that legal action is underway.

  • Toro Rosso Back To Ferrari Power for 2016

    Toro Rosso Back To Ferrari Power for 2016

    After the announcement that Renault will return to F1 and Red Bull have partnered with TAG Heuer with their power unit, Toro Rosso have confirmed that they will run with Ferrari Power Units in 2016.

    The move has been in the works for some months now and after the FIA approved a rule change to allow Ferrari to supply a previous year specification engine to a team, it was all but confirmed that the team would be Toro Rosso.

    Toro Rosso will use Ferrari’s 2015 power units which proved to be an enormous step forward from their 2014 unit. The 2015 Power Unit took Ferrari to 2nd in the Constructors Championship and 3rd and 4th in the drivers championship which Toro Rosso say is “a positive situation in which to start Scuderia Toro Rosso’s eleventh year in Formula 1.”

    “It’s great to be working with Ferrari again. We had a fruitful relationship in the past and I’m sure it won’t take long for us all to be working together very well again,” said the Team Boss of Toro Rosso, Franz Tost.

    “It’s true that time will be very tight for us to be ready for the first test, but we have the right team of people for this and I’m confident that together we will achieve a competitive package for next year – bring on 2016!”.

    Toro Rosso have also confirmed that they will retain their current driver line up of Carlos Sainz Jr. and Max Verstappen for 2016.

    “We can also count on Carlos and Max who, after being confirmed for the 2016 season, will be able to translate all this year’s learnings and experience into additional valuable feedback throughout the season.”

     

    Photo credit: Scuderia Toro Rosso Formula 1

  • Red Bull Confirm Tag Heuer-Renault Power Unit for 2016

    Red Bull Confirm Tag Heuer-Renault Power Unit for 2016

    The Red Bull Racing Team have confirmed that they will be powered by a TAG Heuer Renault power unit for 2016.

    The new partnership with the Swiss watch maker will see TAG Heuer branded engines supplied by Renault. The 2016 RB 12 will be christened the Red Bull Racing-TAG Heuer RB12.

    TAG Heuer will also become the Official Timekeeper, Official Watch Partner and Team Performance Partner of the Red Bull Racing team from 2016 in a multi-year partnership.

    “TAG Heuer and Red Bull are two transcendent brands which have both a passion for racing and a drive to do things differently, and this unique collaboration is further evidence of that,” said Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner.

    “TAG Heuer has been an icon in the world of Formula One for many years and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen to continue their association with the sport by teaming up with us. Our shared values of innovation and a desire to stand out from the crowd make this one of the most exciting partnerships in F1.”

    Horner revealed that Ilmor will head up the engine development and alludes to the fact that Mario Illien will be driving the development going forward.

    “We are also pleased to see Renault confirm its long-term commitment to F1 and would like to thank them for their contribution to the team since 2007. Their technical partnership with Ilmor gives us confidence, and we look forward to the 2016 season,” he added.

    Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of TAG Heuer and President of the LVMH Watch Division, added: “Formula One is deeply-rooted in TAG Heuer’s DNA, and Red Bull Racing is a young, dynamic and driven team, which perfectly fits with our marketing strategy.

    “It will give TAG Heuer great visibility and allow us to make our partnership exciting, different and innovative.

    “Our motto #DontCrackUnderPressure will be the guiding principle behind all our actions with the support of the Red Bull Racing team and its highly contagious enthusiasm.”

     

  • Renault Confirms Return to F1 in 2016 as Works Team

    Renault Confirms Return to F1 in 2016 as Works Team

    Renault Chairman and CEO Carlos Ghosn has confirmed on Thursday night that Renault will return to Formula 1 as a works team.

    This announcement follows the letter of intent by Renault to buy the Lotus F1 team from Genii Capital in September. Since then, work was being done behind the scenes in order for the deal to be confirmed. Towards the end of the 2015 season, Renault engineers were on site working at the Lotus factory in Enstone. At the 2015 Season Finale there were concerns that the take over was not going to happen. It has since emerged that the deal has been concluded.

    “Renault had two options: to come back at 100 percent or leave,” said Carlos Ghosn

    “After a detailed study, I have decided that Renault will be in Formula 1, starting 2016.

    “The final details supplied by F1’s main stakeholders gave us the confidence to accept this new challenge. Our ambition is to win – even if it will take some time.”

    He went on to say that their return on investment as an engine supplier since the new engine regulations has been low.

    The terms of the acquisition of the Lotus F1 team are yet to be finalised and they are working to have it done in “the shortest time frame possible”.

    “Renault’s decision to continue its involvement in Formula 1 is confirmation that it sees motorsport as an essential part of the brand’s identity,” read a statement from Renault.

    “Formula 1 is the ultimate symbol of the passion for automobiles

    “Passion defines Renault as expressed by its brand signature, ‘Passion for Life’. In addition to attracting many customers, Formula 1 also fuels employee motivation.

    “As the pinnacle of motor sport, Formula 1 demands technological and operational excellence. The championship serves as a showcase for the technological expertise that Renault dials into its products for the benefit of its customers.

    The statement concluded saying that Renault will provide more information about their F1 program in January.